Spirituality Books

This is a great little book that you can carry around with you and have a read whenever you have five minutes. I try to read a paragraph or two every day. Wonderful stuff to help keep you feeling positive and happy.

If you study this book and truly believe in God, and that God is absolute health, you can heal yourself without doctors or pills. I've done it.

This book contains helpful and enlightening approaches to life. Although I was not too spiritual myself during the time I read the book, I understood the author's messages and concepts. It is a pretty short read, but very full of information and I felt satisfied in the end. I am looking forward to viewing/reading more work from this author.

Little did I realise that after reading Autobiography of a yogi my life would have taken the turn that it did.Words cannot express my gratitude and thanks to Yoganandaji. Scientific Healing Affirmations is a great book to those who want to learn and feel the power of God's love. Yoganandaji tells us that we are all made divine beings and we can reach our true potential in life by focusing within and releasing our true beauty, strength, love and power. This book used properly will take you there, I'm just beginning to realise the power of having a strong will and conviction. Thank you

Way back in the 1920's long before Shaki Gawain and other proponents of affirmations and visualisation techniques spiritual Master Yogananda told us in simple poweful language how to use affirmations effectively.
His gurus had proven to him that mind can and does influence body and that it was possible to train the mind to do so at your will.
This book is easy to read but this is knowledge to be used in daily life.
Yogananda tells us that there is spiritual power in man's word and that you can arouse the life energy to cure what ails you.
I often read and re-read this book. I am grateful to my friend and author of "Wisdom From The Heart",Radha Singh for first guiding me to this precious little book.

gives hope to us atheists and agnostics. shows that, unlike dawkins, we are not all angry and intolerant

David Cortesi writes in plain language for everyone, without condescending to anyone. He discusses how a non-religious person can get all the spiritual, emotional, social and psychological benefits of religion, without sacrificing a single neuron of intelligence, education or critical thinking.

He is completly critical of every religious tradition, but also open-mindedly sympathetic to all kinds of spirituality. He has searched for what "they" have, and how they get it. But he has not accepted an ounce of new-age hokeyness. He has kept his analytical mind active throughout.

He considers how a person can believe that the universe is purposeless and basically accidental, while still believing that one's own life has meaning. He discusses ways to create community, meditative or contemplative practices, meaningful rituals, ethics, happiness and contentment. He discusses death and self-transcendence and the bliss experience.

If you have no religion, or if you are losing your faith, read this book soon. It's full of good advice. It's consistently understated and about as brief as possible (Cortesi is a computer programmer), so you might have to consider his points carefully. It's honest and deeply thoughtful, intelligent and respectful of its audience. Highly recommended.

David Cortesi's premise is that the benefits of traditional religions are available to non-religious people if they're given the tools to reframe these benefits in secular terms. Cortesi proves capable of delivering on his generous but ambitious agenda. He's smart enough to sort through contending philosophies, honest enough to admit his biases, and grounded enough to not lose his way among the murky ambiguities of existence.

He starts by exploring religion's payoffs. First and foremost, religion provides answers to those two bedeviling questions: who am I and why am I here? You also get ritual practices that orient you in time and space, a ready-made community of like-minded people, and a pre-assembled ethical structure. Religion gives you tools for dealing with life's pitfalls and pratfalls, and ways to cope with your passage out of here. Religious believers get to feel the kind of contented bliss that's been missing since those golden days when it was just the infant you and an attentive caregiver placing a nipple between your lips. Finally, the lucky few occasionally plug in to states of ecstatic transcendence.

Sounds attractive, but there's a catch. To get the benefits, you have to buy in to the whole agenda, and most of these agendas weren't designed with you in mind. Some of them have in fact caused immense suffering and distress over many centuries. Cortesi shows us how to construct beliefs and practices that provide the same emotional and psychological support as religion without forcing us to park our common sense at the door or sally forth to smite infidels who happen to believe in a different godlike character.

His method is to research, then summarize the major issues we must deal with to construct a meaningful life. He's fair to all religious traditions and approaches each of life's big topics in an even-handed, pragmatic manner. Among other things, we learn ways of coping with the fact we're a random accident in the universe, how people actually achieve mystical bliss, and what it means to be happy. He gives practical advice on skills such as creating your own set of rituals, helping people who are grieving, and building up the psychological arsenal you'll need in order to be content. In an appendix, he lists further readings for those who want to delve deeper into any of these questions.

Cortesi is no Augustine, wrestling with great sins on the way to becoming a great saint. He has modest regrets (he wishes he'd devoted more effort to being part of a community) and isn't trying to attain every grand spirtitual aspiration (for instance, he questions whether the efforts to achieve bliss, are, practically speaking, worth the results). In the end, he delivers what he promised, showing us that it's quite possible to live a meaningful, spiritually fullfilled life without surrending yourself to a religious tradition. Cortesi has done us all a great service by writing this book, and everyone, whether secular or religious, should find something of value in its pages.

This book is a well researched and thoughtfully written guide to living a fulfilling nonreligious life. In the first chapter the author outlines some of the benefits that religion offers; existential validity, community, contemplation and tranquility, ritual, mystical ecstasy, self transcendence, ethical structure, and comfort in death. In the remaining chapters of the book he examines how these benefits can be derived in a nontheistic context.
Each chapter could easily have been a book in its own right but what really works in this book is its broad overview and concise organization. It gives the reader a great starting overview for the issues presented. The author does give many references for further reading and thought on each topic. For this reason I would especially recommend it as a starting point to someone who feels they can't embrace belief in the supernatural or reject science but is concerned that their life would be lacking without a religious component. I would also recommend it to those who have trouble believing that someone who doesn't believe in a deity or religion could be a moral and ethical person. The chapter on the development of an ethical basis and personal/family code was one of my favorites.
I did want to add something from my own experience on finding community. The author gives a lot of practical advice but refrains from mentioning specific groups in the book. I think this was the right approach since each person's path and beliefs may differ. I personally found many friends and community through an American Humanist affiliate group and the Unitarian Universalist church. I'm not specifically endorsing any particular groups for others but just wanted to point out that there are lots of opportunities out there, some others are Brights, Pantheists, Secular Coalition, Free Thinkers, Secular Humanists, another reviewer mentioned Friends of Reason, etc...So do some research and you should be able to find a community of people of like minded beliefs, you are not alone.

This small book at last addresses in a simple way the key elements of a rich life that anyone can understand. While being very practical there is enough hard evidence to show that Cortesi's views are soundly based.
I especially recommend the chapter on happiness.
Buy it. Read it.

Gary Thomas has done an outstanding job communicating truths many of us have but find difficult to express or know how to address. While reading this book I realized that many others have struggled with some of the same aspects of the spiritual walk, yet at the same time, I was challenged that I could have a greater intimacy with the Lord.

While Gary made difficult concepts easy to understand, do not be mislead that this book is a quick read that requires little thinking. On the contrary, it will cause you to stop and meditate on things most of us spend little time contemplating. Yet I could hardly put it down! Finally, I read the book through and now I am reading it again even slower and meditating even more! This book will change you by causing you to draw closer to Christ and desiring Him more, thus changing you from inside out!

This book is one of my favorite devotional books. It brings balance into your theology, while provoking you to a greater relationship with God. His chapter on death is especially excellent.

This author has gone to the early "fathers" of the church to use as a point of stimulation, but his applications are focused on the issues we face (or need to face) daily.

I would encourage anyone to buy this book if they want to be challenged to grow and experience a greater depth in their Christian walk.

This book is a spiritual feast for the famished soul. Gary Thomas delivers a thoughtful and provocative study of Christian spirituality through the eyes of the Christian mystics (Pascal, Fenelon, Teresa of Avila, John of the Cross, Francis De Sales, John Climacus, William Law, and others). It is a fresh book - not just a rehash of some other excellent books on the disciplines. Thomas offers fresh insight on basic areas of the spiritual quest - such as: spiritual goals, holiness, humility, simplicity, the remembrance of death, surrender, the seasons of the soul, and spiritual direction (mentors). The book is laced with excellent quotations from the authors listed above and many others. In fact, if someone wanted to glean the best thinking of the mystics, while avoiding the sacramentalism that crept into many of their writings, this would be a great place for it. But more than a great survey of old literature, this book presents old truths in such a way that all seekers of God will find benefit.

This book does and excellent job of exploring the spirtual journey as experienced by the classic authors of the christian faith, and relating it to your own journey. I have learned a great deal from reading this book, and have recommended it to many friends.

Seeking the Face of God is the first book I have read by author Gary L. Thomas. I don't read many books twice without some time [months or years]in between readings, but this book is an exception. I am reading it this time with the use of a highlighter. If you want to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord, then read what the ancients had to say. Gary's research of the Christian classics is evident. Read, meditate, grow.

Debra Reinstra's book is a true accomplishment. She unwraps familar, and sometimes less familiar doctrines of Christianity and serves them up section by sweet section, in language that clarifies, refreshes, probes, and ultimately inspires. And while her scholarship and brilliance is always apparent, she never shows off; she never condescends; she is one of us laboring to live faithfully before the Lord. More (though more is hardly needed)she does not shrink from hard questions: what is worship? How do we find and create true community? How is it possible to "pray without ceasing" in our overly-busy lives? Why does God allow so much human suffering?
There is indeed "so much more" in this book that will deepen the faith, hope and belief of those who already believe. For those searching out the claims of Christ, I know of no other book more clear, relevant and beautifully written than this one.

So Much More is the kind of thoughtful, poetic, and complex response to Christianity that so many of us desire. Rather than giving answers to life's most challenging questions, Rienstra invites us, as the title suggests, to enter into the ambiguity and complexity of an authentic faith and then sit down and stay awhile. She does this with wit, beauty and grace, all of which make this book a delight to read.

Don't let the first chapter of this book fool you. Although that first chapter is highly philosophical and deep, the remaining nine chapters are a very good and practical explanation of the aspects of Christianity. The author is extremely honest and vulnerable, with a great sense of humor, which is very refreshing in this age of serious experts everywhere.
Our small group has benefitted immensely from this book even though we are all coming from varied backgrounds and levels of Christian knowledge. I would also recommend this book for extra reading after the Alpha Series Classes that many churches hold.

Debra Rienstra presents a clear and engaging introduction to the Christian faith, equally helpful to the person raised in the church, who has perhaps heard but never explored the familiar "language" of the faith, and for the new Christian, for whom the language is unfamiliar. She combines theology with experience, engaging the reader's head as well as the heart, to help give the reader both a greater understanding of the faith, and a context in which to put their experience.

Debra Rienstra's book, So Much More, left me feeling drawn to Jesus, and drawn in by Jesus. Using startlingly crisp images and subtle humor, Rienstra deftly named longings within me, for connection to the divine, for perspective on suffering, and for intimacy with others. While avoiding 'quick fixes' in the search to satisfy those longings, Rienstra gently pointed me toward the mysteries at the heart of the Christian faith: incarnation, Trinity, cross, resurrection, as truths with transformative power. I especially appreciated her clear-eyed approach to the spiritual disciplines. While acknowledging the resistances within us, she called us to persevere in the basics of prayer, Bible study, service, and fellowship, for the sake of the life God brings us as we enter into them. Read more at:
www.somuchmorethebook.com

You won't find paintings like this just anywhere! I wouldn't mind living inside some of these--such beautiful fantasy worlds! Yet are they really fantasy? Taylor's words also inspire, and encourage. If he can do this, he seems to be saying, so can we. With so much ugliness in the world, these beautiful works of art remind us that we don't need to dwell in darkness. Through our minds, we can open ourselves into higher realms of light, beauty, and truth. A wonderful gift book! Especially if you or your loved one enjoy the extraterrestrial adventure story . . .

There are so many books and so little time. However, SOULIC JOURNEYS is a rare find that immediately grabs your attention. This book first attracts you with its beautiful and mesmerizing art but then it touches your very soul as you read through its insightful messages.

There are so many books and so little time. However, SOULIC JOURNEYS is a rare find that immediately grabs your attention. This book first attracts you with its beautiful and mesmerizing art but then it touches your very soul as you read through its insightful messages.

"Being someone who has been studying metaphysical principles for many years, I like the fact that the book gets right into the teaching. The pictures I find very soothing and relaxing so that the mind clears and allows me to connect easily with my higher self or soul body."

This is not just a book with words, it is a journey through an art gallery or rather a series of dream-like landscapes. I would recommend it to people who want to try lucid dreaming or creative visualization. A word of caution though: this is first and foremost a catalogue of the artist's paintings. The accompanying text contains very little that is original, being mostly a patchwork of quotes from famous people, personal anecdotes and transcripts of talks given by the author. So if you are looking for profound, elaborate spiritual teachings you will be disappointed. Maybe the best thing to do before ordering this book is to visit the author's website (soulicjourneys.com)and see if you really like his paintings.

This book is a typical Og Mandino book. It is a real page turner. It is very difficult to put it down. You just want to keep reading to find out what happens next.

If you have not read any Og Mandino books before, then I suggest you start with The Greatest Salesman in the World. I personally like that best of all I have read.

After you have read a few of his books, you come to expect the unusual twist that all his books contain. Even though you have a good idea of what is coming, it is still spellbinding.

The book is well written and draws you into the book. The story is great but the lessons for living wrapped within the story are even more important.

You will be moved, inspired and enlightened. You can always count on Mandino to deliver a great story with some real lessons for better living.

I have read everyone of Og Mandinos Books and all I can say is that he writes with brilliance, clarity, enthusiasm, and spirit. You can never go wrong with any of his books. He points out the path to success and motivates the spirit within to achieve all that we as human beings are capable. He helped me to tap into my innate genuis and create a life of prosperity and creativity. If you havent raed his books, start now and your journey of the spirit will begin. He was a born writer and even after his passing continues to have a great influence on many people old and young. He truly lived a purposeful and divine life. Go buy all his books and enjoy the growth and enlightenment. After that Buy my Book " Your daily Walk with the Great Minds of the Past and Present". Enjoy and rememeber you are capable of great things in your life.

I love Og Mandino and this is typical Og style. Good feel good book, predictable.

...and what a 'GIFT' it is!

I have read several motivational/inspirational books that take you on a rollercoaster ride and this is one of them.

OG is a master at weaving you like a homemade basket. He skillfully places words and moments in specific places so you feel like you are gently being carried in and out of a world that is so real. You find at the end...that it is REAL!

I am presently reading Mr. Mandino's 'The Greatest Salesman in the World'. I so-called read it many times before, but this time, i am paying attention and doing exactly what the book says. I am up to the 7th scroll and I won't be finished with the scrolls until the beginning of 2005. You have to start somewhere! I will keep you posted on my progress and pray that you are progressing as well from all books that propel the human spirit to soar.

'Spellbinder's Gift' will definitely keep you SPELLBOUND.

WHEN YOU FINSH THIS BOOK. MR DUNNE WILL BE A VERY SPECIAL FRIEND

Our study group "The Enquiring Minds" finds this book ideal for group study. Especially helpful is the wide range of diversity both in content and contributors. Each chapter provides stimulating discussion material that is varied enough to remain interesting over an extended period.

I read this as supplemental reading for "The Celebration of Discipline." It is very powerful on its own, and great for a study group, but comes so much more alive when done in combination. There is so much wisdom in these classic Christian writers. The corresponding scriptures, questions and comments from Foster are very thought provoking, and invite you to personally experience the spiritual disciplines, bringing you to a more personal relationship with God.

In the case of Richard Foster, more is a very good thing. Once again Foster gives us a glimpse of spiritual disciplines through the lenses of the greatest Christian authors of history. This time he tackles the following subjects:
. INWARD DISCIPLINES
. meditation, prayer, fasting, study
. OUTWARD DISCIPLINES
. simplicity, solitude, submission, service
. CORPORATE DISCIPLINES
. confession, worship, guidance, celebration

If you liked any of Foster's other books, you will like this one.

Foster and Griffin have put together an excellent book for group or personal use. Readings are arranged according to spiritual disciplines, such as meditations, prayer or fasting. A brief selection of text from famous writers is followed by a Bible reading, questions to be used to understand the readings, exercises, reflections and a bibliography for those who want to delve deeper the topic. It took me a year to get through Foster's first book, Devotional Classics, doing a reading a week. In other words, it's a long term resource to enhance your spiritual life. I really loved this book.

I found the essays by different authors enlightening. The style of some of the authors was a bit strange at first, but it is helpful reading how great Christian thinkers of different ages approached the Christian faith.

great for people who love to doodle and who enjoy reaching inside and having fun with your inner self

An excellent variety of simple, but quite creative activities to start you thinking about yourself. I wish there were follow ups of this kind.

This is a great book to get you started in self-expressive journaling and doodling. There is such a variety of reflections and exercises- you can pick and choose the ones you're in the mood to do. I haven't finished going through all of the exercises, but it is a fun book so far. The pages are filled with doodles and drawings by the author. They invite play and spontaneity. It is a great way to get to know yourself better and explore a new means of self-expression.

This book is a wonderful tool for someone needing to find themselves. I also use this to channel my anger. It was very well done and I think everyone should have a copy!!!

Be creative everyday. This book gets you going in answering some easy and some deep questions. Lots of fun while "getting it." Easy to do and to do some each day or quite a bit a one sitting. Enjoy!

I found this book just as the author is: inspiring, clear, open and human. That's what gives for me a real sense of getting somewhere together. Highly recommended.

In his excellent book Erik van Praag shows us a pathway to personal growth. A pathway that takes us beyond general management theories, popular tips & tricks and one-minute solutions, to the essence of true leadership. The author teaches us how we can develop our true, spiritual leadership, by creating our own reality, and by creating a deep connection with ourselves, other people, this planet and the universe.
His book contains wisdom and knowledge as well as practical exercises to guide us along the way.
It is a great book, and has been of great meaning to me personally.

Erik van Praag's Spiritual Leadership offers you a new and spiritual view on reality. In his book van Praag leads you through the wisdom of Taoism, Buddhism, Judaism and Christianity. He uses concepts of western psychology and philosophy to explore the inner self and understand more about what drives you in interaction with others. Spiritual Leadership inspires me to discover my inner self, explore my growing edges and take responsibility of my thoughts and actions. Buy it and read it! Erik van Praag is co-founder of the Edge, international school for leadership and spirituality and he works as a trainer and coach.

An inspiring book on leadership as a quality of being.
It is a balanced mix of a filosofical base, life lessons and practical tools to apply in everyday life. The different aspects of Mr. Van Praag's cv seem to be reflected in the book: the academic, the psychotherapist , the consultant and the trainer (and founder) at the Edge, international school for leadership and spirituality.

When a friend gave me this book, I thought I might read it next week, or next month: just didn't have the time to sit down and relax. But when an unexpected trip came up, I read the book from cover to cover. What a breath of fresh air: from ancient wisdoms such as Taoism and Hinduism to modern day lack of leadership. This sounds like a cliche, but this is a must read: for executives who sense something is missing; for politicians who feel they don't really connect with their voters; for (business)students looking for direction in their lives and careers; and for anyone who is interested in not just leading a life but leading and creating their own lives!

I wholeheartedly recommend this book. If you wonder why I didn't give it 5 stars? Well, because I almost had postponed reading this book.With its more than 300 pages it almost scared me a away. I'm glad I read it, but a suggestion to the author: please prepare a shortened version for the busy executive or political leader. They deserve to read it and they shouldn't have any excuse to say they were too busy to show real leadership in this world.

This is one of the best books I have ever read. Not only does Mr. Main get to the heart of what this life is about but he includes stories to demonstrate it. He has a gift at story telling. It was hard for me to put the book down. He addresses the faith of Mother Teresa whose writings were recently in the news but puts the correct spin on what she was saying. I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to increase their faith in God and wants to make a difference in those around them.

This book was really inspiring. Bruce gives wonderful examples to emphasize his points. This is the only book that I have finished since I have had children (& little time to myself)! I only hope that I can learn from this book to notice & appreciate God's work in the everyday. I look forward to his next book!

I stumbled upon Bruce Main and Urban Promise after watching the 20/20 special on the kids of Camden. Bruce Main's latest book is nothing short of phenomenal. The book is an inspiration, written with such faith, hope and love that you cannot help but cry as you read through it. This man is an inspiration and his writing confirms that. From the illustrations he uses to make his points (Mother Teresa on faith and feelings) to his humbling confessions of doubt, Bruce Main brillantly crafts the best book I've read in a very long time. Kudos to him and all his efforts with Urban Promise. God bless him for sharing his vision with the world and for enlightening us all to the plight of the kids in Camden who now see hope through his eyes.

This is certainly a great book. If anyone say the special on Camden NJ this is a great book to read. Even if not this is just a book I will hold and read again and again. Our church evangelism committee actually purchased this for there collection. I loved the book and have pre ordered his next one!!!

Of all the books I have read on Christian spirituality, including several by more well known authors, this is the one I have found to be most inspirational and most enjoyable. Rarely have I found books on spirituality that I can't put down. Bruce does and excellent job of crafting his stories in a way that enables them to fit together with the overall message. Each story is carefully selected and is fun to read. The honesty with which he speaks of his own faith and tells stories relating to his own life is wonderful and adds to the richness of the book. Bruce's honesty helps the reader to feel connected as though he is merely one of us, as opposed to many authors who give an air of superiority.