Spirituality Books

If you are interested in Native American history and culture, this book (like all of Arden's books) is a great place to provide insight. Wisdom is the key point in this work as well as his others. A fantastic piece and one that will grab your heart, mind, and soul.

I have had the pleasure of knowing both Harvey Arden and Steve Wall for many years now. Their books have touched the heart of many people around the world. This book is one of their best ever! The photos and stories/histories of the Wisdomkeepers within awaken your senses in a profound way. Journey with these two former National Geographic icons and learn with them, through them, and find what you've been looking for - an understanding of what it is to be human, through the journey of these amazing purveyors of hope, wisdom and truth.

She:Kon (Sago)(Hello) To all who read this and hope you are all well. I personally know some of the Wisdom Keepers, Elders whose words are in this book and know them to be of good mind and person. I am Mohawk and Odawa and I come from upstate New York near some of the Reservations and I fully recommend this book for any person who needs to come back to the reality of the living world around them and bring them back to the basic relation between humankind and all the life that is on this earth and surrounds us in the cosmos.

Very informative, Well done and a listening pleasure...Something you can listen to over again and pickup something new each time....

The book is so well done, but the talking book is far better. You enter the jounery with them. You hear the wisdom of the spirtiually elders and long with the creaking of the doors and beatiful pow-wow/drumming in the background. You get a great opportunity to hear the calling of the eagle out of the sky at wounded knee that was prayered out of the sky by Frank Fools Crow. The best part that makes me laugh is when Steve Wall and Harvey Arden go and see one of the elders. Steve doesn't have a chance to go into his spell when the elder tells them I know why you are here you lost your orginial instructations. Also when they go and see charlie Knight and he asks them each time when Ya Leavein.

The Wise Mind is a delicious and significant book.

It is divided into four parts: Brilliant Transformational Power; What Your Wise Mind Might Tell You; Finding Your Wise Mind; and Stories of the Wise Mind. Almost every page projects a sweet "indigo energy" which will touch, move and inspire readers who are open to her sweetly, almost ethereally, nurturing spirit.

As for its significance, one of the many gifts that Ms. Gordon brings to the world is to depart from jargon and to help evolve a new, clearer, vocabulary with which to empower her readers.

A classical hypnotist might speak of "the subconscious," a word which imparts little information and which some (ahem, subconsciously) might find slightly intimidating or confusing. Ms. Gordon -- who does not use the term hypnosis, although she is highly respected by the leadership of the international professional hypnotist community -- instead addresses "the wise mind." The simplicity of her formulation does not mask its profundity, breakthrough significance, or important "rightness."

Ms. Gordon lays out in detail the transformational power of the Wise Mind and explains the Wise Mind Process. She makes the power of this process abundantly credible largely by the power of the clarity of her exposition.

She defines the Wise Mind as follows; The Wise Mind is the higher faculty of advanced consciousness, wisdom, or guidance that is innate in every human being. It's the part of the Self that can stand back and see from a greater perspective. Brilliant wisdom is within every being. It's brilliant because we are a reflection of the great Universe itself. The Wise Mind is part and parcel of the Universal Source, as it exists in microcosmic form within us."

Every step is natural and intuitive. Step One: Describing Your Situation, Paying Attention; Step Two: Breathing and Breaking Up Your Issue Into Tiny Molecules; Step Three: The Wise Mind; Step Four: Imagining Yourself as You'd Like to Be and Anchoring It. And even a Bonus Step! (How very Ms. Gordon of her!)

John Gray, author of the famous Mars and Venus books, has high praise for The Wise Mind. So does Pnosis.com. It's a wise, lovely and profound work.

We expected no less from Ms. Gordon, our Glinda, the Good Witch of the North. She stands near to remind us that we always have had the powers within ourselves. Including the power simply, and easily, to go home.

In her new book The Wise Mind, Marilyn Gordon clearly demonstrates what a truly inspirational teacher & author she is. For those who believe that we should look inside to find the truth, this is an important read. Marilyn not only describes this journey in detail, but gives the reader a map for accessing this guidance from within.
I particularly loved Chapter Eight, Step Two of the Wise Mind Process: Breathing & Breaking Up Your Issue Into Tiny Molecules, where Marilyn teaches us the extraordinary power of the breath as life force to move matter & consciousness. Here she describes in understandable terms what the quantum physicists have been trying to tell us: that matter is not solid, that it is made up of particles, & that we can use our own inner power to break up our "solid" issues into tiny particles for transformation.
I also loved the Meditations section, especially the meditation on Finding & Channeling your Wise Mind, a beautiful journey.

As a speech-language pathologist, interfaith chaplain, hypnotherapist and author, I find this book to be an indispensable resource. The Wise Mind is one of those rare books that will benefit each of us, our youth and our elders, every day of our lives. It blends so much practical real-life universal wisdom with key strategies that immediately enhance successful living. In a masterful way, Marilyn Gordon offers us the gems from her many years of accumulated knowledge and experience in empowering people to heal disappointments and illness and manifest their soul's desires. She shows how personal development is instinctual and truly offers humanity great meaning and purpose of life.

I know from experience that it is the difficult times that bring me great opportunity to let go of the old and remake myself again and again into what I am capable of becoming. The Wise Mind offers a dynamic yet simple blueprint for paying attention to everything in life and using challenges and obstacles for transforming emotions and creating breakthroughs into advanced consciousness. As the author writes, "Through your connection with advanced consciousness you have the ability to live on the highest levels of life."

At home, I can be distracted. So this weekend I took myself to the library, specifically for the purpose of reading my new treasure by Marilyn Gordon. I have long admired and appreciated her books. Each one is a gem. "The Wise Mind" is my favorite yet.

Marilyn's "wise mind" approach is -- refreshingly -- neither intrusive nor manipulative. It leaves the standard, old-fashioned, external "master hypnotist knowing what is right for incapacitated hypnotic subject" approach behind in the dust.

Each individual's wise mind knows exactly what s/he needs. The wise mind knows how to go kindly, respectfully, precisely, to the cause of the problem. This gently inquiring, superconscious, heart-centered approach can't help but leave both client and therapist feeling authentic and in integrity, confident that genuine movement has occurred.

This book is a gift to those of us who are fascinated by how the human psyche and higher wisdom come together for healing. Well thought out, clear, "The Wise Mind" coaches both self-healers and professionals. The best of all possible healers is within every one of us and it's always waiting for us to invite its help. Whenever we need to clear a pain, a fear, an anger or a sorrow, going to our wise mind is efficient, effective -- and most empowering.

"The Wise Mind" was a wonderful gift for me as a hypnotherapist. The formal training I took clashed with my heart. Now that Marilyn has put her very important work in writing, I feel confirmed -- as if a missing part of my training is finally complete. I have met a kindred spirit.

At the library, I snuggled down into a big chair with my book. I was surprised to find myself making non-library noises -- laughing in delight at the lessons, stories and quotes. Well done, Marilyn! Well done! And -- THANK YOU!

First off let me tell you that I knew I would love this book even before I started reading it. Why? Because it was written by Marilyn Gordon. I love all her books. To me, she is one of my great teachers.

As I write this I have read only the first 120 pages and have recognized that it is a great work which will help thousands (if not more) people around the world! For those of you who have read my book, The Secret Language of Feelings, you will see immediately that this book extends and reinforces what I have believed for so long, but have not necessarily always taught in such a directly spiritual manner. Marilyn is very direct, honest and informed in her spirituality. I commend her for her insight and courage.

My highest praise goes to Marilyn Gordon and her new book, The Wise Mind, and the technique that she teaches in it. The world needs more books like The Wise Mind and more teachers like Marilyn Gordon!

Charmingly illustrated by Tammy L. Keiser, A Year Of Jewish Stories: 52 Tales For Children And Their Families is the collaborative effort of Grace Ragues Maisel and Samantha Shubert. Simple yet colorful illustrations add a fanciful touch to this anthology, which includes retellings of classic Jewish stories from the Bible, Talmud, midrash, and traditional folklore, as well as seven original stories. A topical index makes stories about a given subject easy to locate. A Year Of Jewish Stories was expressly compiled for rabbis, cantors, educators, librarians, and especially for parents seeking to introduce their preschool children to the rich traditions of Jewish folklore, culture, and identity. Highly recommended.

This book is accurately and tenderly written;a winning combination. Maisel and Shubert successfully reworked some famous old folk tales while effectively adding their originals to the mix. Their humor can be enjoyed by all ages. Their stories help to perpetuate Jewish heritage, traditions and customs that might otherwise be lost with the passing of previous generations. I actually wish that there were more that 52 weeks in a year. Whether you buy this collection for yourself or as a gift, it truly is a gem!

This beautifully illustrated collection of stories is a must have for every Jewish home and would be highly recommended for any home with inquisitive children who wish to understand Jewish heritage.

The tales included draw from Jewish traditions and folklore while keeping today's modern child in mind. Stories borrowed from the Bible, Talmud and traditional teachings are freshened up, sprinkled with humor and kept company by a number of original writings. Virtuous tales abound as well as folklore of the holidays, Shabbat and Biblical characters. Children will delight in hearing entertaining stories and parents will be glad to be passing down traditions that might otherwise be forgotten in today's busy world.

Taking time to read even one story a week from this book will be an educating and heritage embracing experience. However, it is doubtful that children will be willing to hear just one story a week. The authors may need to publish a second collection!

The rich illustrations compliment the text with honor to the stories. The book will be hard to put down for a combination of its beauty, its messages and its very meaningful value. This well made, sturdy book will become a cherished addition to any library.

Review by Heather Froeschl of BookReview.com.

It's not easy to find a children's book that the adults can enjoy on a repeated basis. This collection kept my interest as well as that of my kids. The flowing prose evokes an "old world," Eastern European feel, which is a fitting homage to a rich heritage. The illustrations, while somewhat uneven in effectiveness, enhance the artful way in which these tales have been crafted by the talented authors. It's a wonderful addition to any library.

As a Jewish Educator, I think this book will be an invaluable tool. Filled with delightful stories that teach about Jewish Holidays and values, it offers the reader an opportunity to celebrate the cycle of a Jewish year with their children. This book gives new life to some well-know Jewish stories while providing us with some new tales sure to become classics as the years go on. Samantha Shubert and Grace Maisel should be thanked for providing families with such a wonderful book that parents and children can share together.

there has been so much discussion in recent years on what Jesus really said and did, and even whether He really existed.
Paramahansa Yoganandas commentary sampler "The Yoga Of Jesus," from Self-Realization Fellowship Publishers LA USA really clarifies a lot in these matters.
This volume serves as a handy and welcomed introduction to the Masters larger and acclaimed work "the Second Coming of Christ;Resurrection the Christ Within You" from the same publisher in 2004.

This work will most likely answer in the most direct and inspiring way all the questions you had about Jesus life and teachings. It is truly inspiring and eye opening.

For those who need deprogramming [those still attached to the status quo] this volume will be a very effective starting point to renewed understanding of one of the worlds great prophets/gurus.

It will renew and advance your faith in the real Christ!

Great book written by a great man. It has renewed my perspective on Christ (original perspective was that of a Catholic who received First Communion in a French church in Rabbat Morocco, and later attended Catechism in Southern Spain as child). The author, Yogananda, really taps into the beauty and truths that I always suspected were the things that all religions had in common.

The Yoga of Jesus from P. Yoganada is a must read book, specially for all the Christians of our time. It's a transforming reading, in which the teachings of Jesus are explained, from the message of the Gospels. I understood more the teachings of Jesus after 30 years of being Christian. I recommend this book to everyone.

As an avid reader of Gnostic teachings, I found The Yoga of Jesus to be a breath of fresh air in understanding some of the deeper meanings found in the gospels that have been all but forgotten in modern interpretations. This is book is for all those looking for information to take them beyond believing to knowing, which is the literal meaning of the word "gnosis."

Rahasya Poe, Lotus Guide magazine (lotusguide.com)

Finally a book which depicts Jesus in his true light. Yogananda reveals Jesus as an Oriental master of God conciousness and strips away Western concepts of Jesus which have been fostered since the second century.

Don't bother with this one, it isn't worth the money. I buy and read a lot of books, but i just couldn't keep myself interested in this one. The writers are uninteresting and i kept thinking I'd find the gem and it never showed up.

Worth every penny, filled with great ideas and info... buy it if you are open to discovery.

Ever since I read a book called Row, Row, Row Your Boat: A Guide For Living Life In The Divine Flow by Steven Lane Taylor, I have been intrigued by the concept of divine guidance, and how spiritual discernment can help us live more effortless and fulfilling lives. This book, "Your Soul's Compass," is a great expansion on the principles that Mr. Taylor presents. Tuning into divine wisdom is a very subtle art, and "Your Soul's Compass" presents a very thorough study of this subject by calling on the expertise of spiritual sages around the world, from Buddhists and Quakers to Jewish mystics and Sufis. I highly recommend this thoughtful work.

Your Soul's Compass is one of those rare books that causes one to think. Unlike some many self-help books that say you can can change your life in so many steps, Joan and Gordon use an informal group of Sages across many traditions as a sounding board. The result is a solid cross cultural understanding of finding ones soul. The Sages, Joan, and Gordon, provide practical time tested ideas for finding spiritual guidance which will result in positive changes in your life. I have read many books on soul work but this is by far the most accessible in terms of language and substance. Still do not skim or try to read this book in one setting. Read and pause between chapters even paragraphs. This book has kept me thinking for a few weeks. As a former pastor I encourage anyone who is seeking to connect to God but uncomfortable with traditional expressions of religion to buy Your Soul's Compass.

Frank

The Soulcoach

This book came along just at the right time. I had came to a plateau in my growth and this book gave the boost I needed to continue with my spiritual growth and awareness.

Shana has tapped into some very important exercises, that I haven't seen in any of the other spiritual/self-help type of books. When I did the exercise to write down what you believe, for the first time I realized that I wasn't sure. After days of frustration and searching, I figured out what it was that I beleive and everything else came easier to me. I was more confident and felt like I could move forward. The book is much more than 30 days to a more spiritual life, it is an enjoyable read. I felt like I found a new friend who believed in me. Wonderful book!

I am a Christian - Shana Aborn is Jewish. You might be of some other faith, but that's the beauty of this book. Shana gives wonderful ideas to deepen your relationship with God even if the reader doesn't subscribe to any one religion. She includes unusual topics that enrich our spiritual life such as not gossiping, giving yourself a sabbath, spiritual sex (it's probably not what you're thinking!) and the power of blessings. Some of the obvious ones are included as well: forgiveness, music, journaling, talking to God and listening in return. It's unusual to hear a fundamental Christian say to keep an open mind, I know, but that is exactly how I approached this book and have been blessed by it.

At the beginning, I was a little skeptical how this might help me achieve a greater spiritual life. I was happy with the way I practiced by Christianity. To my surprise and delight, this book has helped me understanding more deeply the words and actions that I have always taken for granted. After finishing one of the tasks in the books, I am looking forward to trying other tasks to, hopefully, continue to grow in my own spritual well being.

Thank you Ms. Aborn for writing a book that helps not only to find spirituality, but also to deepen the feelings that are already there.

It's a good book. Very well written, fun to read, and I learned a lot about myself and my view of the world. I've never been much for these kinds of books, but this one is full of practical advice. I'm still working my way through the steps, but I'm already feeling better about myself and my life. I'll buy this one for friends.

I was given a copy of this book to review. My first reaction was, "EWWW" another sleeper. Boy, was I ever wrong!!! I had to just devour it more than once, too. Her book is down to earth, easy to read/understand and most of all put into action. Each week is devoted to finding your spiritual world whether it's called God, Jehovah, The Great Spirit. In her chapter, "Being a Mitzvah Maker" she tells of going outside herself to do random acts of kindness", not the holding the door, picking up something someone dropped". I put this into action today and it sure felt really good.

I saw a lot of myself in this book esp. while reading her chapter on silence. I turn on the radio, television etc to fill the silence. I did try this at work. I was completely silent during a meeting and it's amazing what people will say to fill the void. Psychologists use this method to get people to talk.

This book opened up a part of me that I have been in search of for years, but could never have it explained to me better until reading this book. I had to read it THREE times in a row and each time it gave me a better understanding of the first. An apsolute must book for anyone in search for a true, simple and satisfying meaning of Jesus Chris. Just plain Perfect!
CM in NC, USA

In her book The 31-Day Diet of Spiritual Enlightenment, Gail Gupton explains in easy to understand language the concept of the divine within. Her interpretations of the recorded words of Jesus guide the reader to an understanding that Jesus was trying to explain to those who would hear that all are children of God and that God resides within us.

Amanda Robinson

Gail Gupton has profoundly found a way to explain spiritual enlightenment in a way that anyone can understand by reading "The 31-Day Diet of Spiritual Enlightenment." I have read and reread this book many times and each time come away with a deeper understanding of our "true" connection with God. God is our "Father and the great "I Am." Never before have we needed God's word more desperately written so as to easily read and reread his true mission of our being born here on Earth. Gail opens the door to the meaning of "Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father in me;" John 14:11) Jesus states that the 'I' is being at one with God and that 'Am' is present tense. God is being all things at all times in every living thing and every living cell of our body. As Gail states, " God lives His life within us, through us and as us." God speaks to us through prayer and we may feel him resounding within us through a warmth or a loving feeling that settles through our very soul. This book has touched me deeply and I carry it with me to instill my faith in God's word and Jesus' teachings. Read and reread this book so that you can glean the truth of 'His' word, and why we are here to experience God, the Father, with others through the message of Jesus. Open your heart and soul to partake of this most needed diet of every person regardless of your faith or religion. Thank you Gail for such a refreshing eye opening experience with God. Sincerely, Tamara Lesley

Gail Gupton has written a beautiful book about what God has taught her in the past 40 years. She has a personal relationship with God and feels his presence in her life. She has also experienced a miraculous healing after an auto accident.

After attending an International Book Convention, she decided to write a book filled with original spiritual interpretations and quotes from the King James Version.

Not only does it seem rare to find books that quote the King James Version, it is even more rare to find books focusing on the words of Christ. I have looked in bookstores and online and they do seem more difficult to find in the King James Version, a personal favorite.

What does it mean not to live by bread alone? This famous quote by Jesus has a much deeper meaning. Gail shows how Jesus was on earth to teach mankind about the invisible, unchanging inner being. This being has to be fed spiritual truths just as our bodies need food.

Each day has one verse and a unique explanation. At times Gail comes up with answers that make complete sense. Her After Dinner Mint: "...I am the way, the truth and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me" John 14:6. She then goes on to write a "Note From the Author" in which she explores this in more depth. She also discusses Free Will, Crime, her definition of Evil, Kingdom of heaven and Wine. A short glossary is also included.

Perfect for anyone seeking to learn more about the Teachings of Jesus.

~The Rebecca Review

In this work, author Gail Gupton takes you on a 31-day walk through what she calls a Spiritual diet of Scriptures. Each day emphasizing a certain Scripture and it's meaning as she interprets it, also giving a page for your personal notes. At the end of the book she has a Glossary with a listing of Christian terms, such as Blood of Jesus and Wine; in this Glossary she gives what she feels their meanings are, interesting.

This work is well written, and I feel the author has a deep love for God and Jesus, but I cannot agree with her interpretations of the Scriptures in her work, so that did become a hindrance to my enjoyment of the book. Although I would lke to say, I feel her commitment to what she believes is truly from her heart.
On the back cover it is written, " This may not be a diet book for the die-hard, steadfast Christian follower," and I believe I am in that category. Although I sense a a strong desire to reach out and help others through her writings; I did not feel this book was beneficial to me. However, I am sure to others, it may be just what they are looking.
Shirley Johnson

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A well-written book about self-examination, re-training ourselves out of our miseries into finding our bliss, & learning to enjoy our lives. Remember, there are no guarantees given when we are born. If you're tired of feeling empty & angry all the time, then the tools & clues offered in THE ALARM CLOCK OF YOUR LIFE IS RINGING is as good as any book out there. It reminds us that it's time to wake up, enjoy the smell of the coffee, even if you don't drink it, & learn how to transform the quality of your life, gain contentment wherein you find yourself, with the deck of cards you've been dealt.

This book is written in a language that really speaks to a broad audience. The techniques she describes are very easy to apply and have such profound effects on one's life. I read the book in its entirety during a three-hour plane flight. I couldn't put the book down. Lisa has an amazing spirit! Every chapter seemed to be full of love and compassion for humanity. I have been recommending this book to all my family and friends and will continue to do so.

I was really surprized at the amount of wonderful and full of insightful information written by Lisa Miller. This book is one of a kind and one of the best ones I have read on simular topics. GREAT BOOK!

This book was food for thought. I was able to see myself in some of the examples used,I could also recognize people I have known in some of illustrations used by the author. The book speaks to a wide variety of people.There is something to learn for everyone.

"The Alarm Clock of Your Life is Ringing: Time to Wake up to Happiness and Enlightenment" is a book about achieving happiness by reconnecting to parts of your self that have been lost emotionally and/or spiritually. One of the basic premises of the book is that emotions come and go and when they rise up they are meant to flow through your body and out. However, that is not the case for most of us. For whatever reasons many emotions become stuck in us instead of flowing through. When this is the case, "It is not possible to go back and change what happened. We can only change the way we feel about it." That is where this book becomes a helpful guide to releasing those long forgotten emotions that cripple us in daily life and cause us to do things that are not in our best interest or just plain keep us from being happy.

Through a simple process the author leads the reader a specific technique of recognizing those feelings, honoring them, and then using sound as a mechanism to release those unhealthy feelings.

As a result you feel free of these constraints to your happiness, more free and spontaneous and are able to lead a more fulfilling and happy life. What's that you say? Using sound, or vocalizations to release stress, emotional stresses and the like sounds a bit strange? To many people it does sound strange, but it is well documented that music can make a tremendous difference in our attitudes towards life, stress levels, feelings of contentment, etc. So many older cultures have used vocalizations to reach places of contentment and peace whether it be the "Om" of eastern religious mediations, or the chants of Native Americans to achieve altered states. If vocalization and sound can be used successfully to achieve such altered states then it is reasonable to believe that, if used correctly, it can be used to release emotional baggage from our past allowing then to then flow freely out of our bodies so that we are free of them.

Although this is a small book it is still wonderful reading and many will find it very useful to help move them toward a happier life. So, now the alarm clock is ringing. The question is whether you hit the snooze button and continue your life as it is currently or wake up and take action to change how you perceive past harms so that you can go forward in peace. An inspirational book that just about everyone will find of some value.

This beautiful tender book reveals the voice from the hiding place. Elizabeth's life is an inspiration. I also enjoyed her website http://www.elizabethsherrill.com which gives some more glimpses into the life of this amazing woman.

...or any other from this era of writing, you will especially enjoy this book. While it is lovely and worthwhile reading on its own, stories about these Christian writers made it a double blessing for me - highly recommended!!

Such a rich, cohesive tapestry of one's inner life! Elizabeth Sherrill has had a bit of practice writing about other people - but taking hard, honest looks in the mirror and typing away ain't easy. The human trials are what make All the Way to Heaven such a deep, engrossing story. I also loved the mini-profiles of the many people in her life - especially Mea.

All The Way to Heaven by Elizabeth Sherrill is a beautiful story of growth and compassion that involves the reader in every aspect of the journey and carries the reader from a child's struggle to understand until the complex and complete answer on the very last page. Every moment of loss, indecision or struggle is only a step closer to the truth. And do we ever and always need to hear that. The entire book is an insightful and uplifting masterpiece of human endeavor. Elizabeth Sherrill is a dynamic and intelligent person with understanding of all human frailties. Yet her courage, her tenderness and her compassion is a magnificent testimony to love and faith.

Elizabeth Sherrill goes all the way to the truth and to Jesus in her autobiography. She never faulters in the truth about herself and the people who have been meaningful during her life, yet writes without rancor showing that Jesus has brought healing and reconciliation where her "dragons" are concerned. This was one of those great reads where I tried to sneak in 10 minutes here and there throughout the day so I could journey on with Sherrill. I was never disappointed; found myself underlining sentences and passages. Was sorry to see the book end.

I just received the Ancient Roots Translinear Bible and srarted reading some key chapters; and I have to say it reads very well, its very poetic. I love the Idea of striving for 100% accuracy to the original languages. I LOVE, ABSOLULTY Love that you are using Yahweh instead of LORD. I hope they use Yashua (sp) instead of Jesus in the New testament as well.

I also notice in some cases they are putting the Hebrew Names, such as Adam, and than listing the English meaning (Human) in parentheses, this is a great idea.

Now this is not done in Gen chapter 5, but if it were we might see this.
ADAM (Human) SETH (established) Enosh (Mortal) Kenan (sorrow) Mahalalel (the blessed God) Jared (coming or shall come down) Enoch (Teacher or teaching) Methuselah (his death shall bring) lamech (despairing) Noah (rest). {Human established Mortal sorrow, the blessed God, shall come down teaching, his death shall bring (the) despairing rest}. I would love to see this putting the English meaning in parentheses throughout the whole text.

I like the cover and also the text in the ARTB, I need reading glasses and I am putting off getting them, and I have to say the print hear is very clear and dark and is easy to read.


So far so good, great JOB, and an excellent study tool

Total satisfaction with every aspect of purchasing this very enlightening book! The entire purchasing experience was one of my best...arriving in the mail before expected and so much more than anticipated. This TRANSLINEAR BIBLE is revolutionary. An incredible treasure has been given to the world through this ANCIENT ROOTS BIBLE! A trustworthy, superb and unique translation, faithful to Hebraic language & thought patterns, you will also discover that the actual physical book is beautiful to behold and a pleasure to hold while you are either reading or studying. Clear type. Wonderful font size. It also has an appealing cover that invites the reader to explore inside to relish familiar scriptures with ancient insights and to unearth sweet riches. In my personal evaluation, after researching the biblical texts as a pastor for over forty years and owning 8,000+ books in my library I would have to say of the ANCIENT ROOTS BIBLE what A. Frances Werner herself writes concerning the Torah's essence in her characteristic elegant style and literal vocabulary, using the words of the Psalmist, that it is my honor to say that the ANCIENT ROOTS TRANSLINEAR BIBLE is "sweeter than the honey nectar of the honeycomb" Ps. 19:10b (ARTB). I have chosen to make her website [...] my Home Page on my computer so that I can quickly access the concordance and other helpful features she makes available. Hope it comes out in genuine leather some day. The words printed at the bottom of the front cover capture what I am hoping this review says in just a sentence: "Find out what you've been missing." A must have!!

I know that many may be leery when any new translation of the Bible is released. The fear is always there that perhaps the translation will put forth something contrary to what the Lord is actually saying and it could lead to some confusion in our Spiritual walk. In my opinion I have to say that this is not the case with this new translation by A. Frances Werner. This is one translation that can only enhance your Spiritual understanding of God's Word. Having been in the ministry with my husband for almost 30-years I have seen many Spiritual works come and go, but I truly believe this one is here to stay.
I love to read the Word and often cross-reference to try to get a deeper revelation of a Scripture. I would want to know, where in our world was Abraham living, exactly where does certain countries and cities appear in the Word? Our author gives us those answers and more, right in the verse we are reading, no more digging out tons of reference books to find it. Not only is this helpful but this knowledge definitely brings the Word alive in your spirit.
As I sat and read through the Psalm's I was delighted. The meaning became more clear within my Spirit than I ever thought possible. I especially loved Psalm 103:1, "Bless Yahweh, my soul, and all that is in my center, bless his holy name." I had never realized the full meaning of that, but when the word 'center,' was used, a greater understanding filled me. Think about it!
To me this translation is a God-send. One more step to knowing our Heavenly Father and His Word in a clearer way.
The book is well written, the type is crisp, clear and easy to read. If you are truly looking for a translation of the Word of God that will help you in your walk, this one is for you. I can't wait to see what the New Testament holds. Very highly recommended; a must have for all those who believe and hunger for the true Word of God.
Shirley Johnson
Senior Reviewer
MidWest Book Review

This translation of the Old Testament (aka Hebrew or shared Scripture) grows out of a well-founded desire - to bring to the English reader a specific aspect of the Hebrew text, the ability to recognize the repetition of words and word-roots. This is an important element of understanding the original text - allowing the reader to develop an ever more precise understanding of the way the term is used in Hebrew. Ideally, this would slowly build in the mind of the reader a semantic web of Biblical Hebrew.

Unfortunately, this text fails because of false assumptions about the nature of language: (1) a word in one language translates into a single word in another language. So if an Eskimo language has 32 words for snow so does English. Or if English uses a single word "rocket" to mean both a plant and a mechanical device that goes upward at great speeds, so does Hebrew. Or if one language uses inflexions, another position, a third agglutination, a fourth particles to specify time, voice and number they all require the same number of words to say something like "she might have fled." (2) the meaning of words is static over time - has "gay" always meant both an emotion and a sexual preference? (3) if words share a root, they share a meaning. This is closely related to assumption two. Consider the following English words derived from the same Indo-European root: iris, iridescent, vinegar, vicar, wicker, wattle, witch ...

In Werner's notation of added/missing words and measures of consistency, she needs to look a bit deeper and consider the words not at the grammatic level but at the semantic level to account for differences in vocabulary and grammatic structure. She needs to look a words not at the morphological level but as units of meaning to allow for multiple meanings of a word and for changes of meaning over time.

On the positive side, Werner's noting of doubling (repeating a word), hyphenation (use indicating single'double Hebrew word, etc. and leaving certain words in the Hebrew does give added value to her text. This value would be enhanced if she specified which Hebrew and Aramaic texts she is deriving her notation from. (My usual test for the Masoretic text (Gen. 4:7-9) is inconclusive in this translation.)

With additional work focusing on the domain of meaning of a particular word and, perhaps, semantic webs, this translation has potential.

As a layman, amateur Bible scholar and consultant, I found the Ancient Roots(tm) Translinear Bible by A. Frances Werner a fresh translational approach that continuously provokes insight into the hidden nuances of the Hebrew text, breaking with the same tired phraseology, both familiar and musty. Since Genesis is my main focus of late, a couple of samples should suffice, to contrast her new approach with the seemingly endless variations on stale themes appearing on bookshelves and computer screens near you.

Whenever I read a new translation I immediately head for the "problem" areas (for Biblical scholars, that is). One is the famous "song" of Lamech, descendant of Cain. The Authorized Version reads:

And Lamech said unto his wives, Adah and Zillah,
Hear my voice; ye wives of Lamech,
hearken unto my speech: for I have slain a man
to my wounding, and a young man
to my hurt.
If Cain shall be avenged sevenfold, truly Lamech
seventy and sevenfold.

There is an apocryphal legend that Lamech (some say Nimrod) inadvertantly slew Cain while out hunting, but here Genesis knows only that apparently two were killed, some man who wounded him and some young man who hurt him, at least according to the translators of the King James Version. Lamech seems awful, threatening that if he is killed for murdering someone, his death will be avenged much more terribly than old Cain. Even worse, he is in a sense stealing God's protection of Cain to cover himself. The speculation about what the text really says is ongoing, some pointing out that only one man was slain (or wounded or both), due to the conventions of repetition in Hebrew poetry, others seek clarification in translations that attempt to show that Lamech kills a man, but wounds another, and Lamech is still a murderer no matter how you look at the passage.

However, the ARTB translation makes it clear that Lamech has probably not killed or maimed anyone (yet).

Lamech said to his wives, Adah and Zillah,
"Hear my voice, women of Lamech!
Hearken to my sayings: I will slay a man
who wounds me, and a boy
for my stripes.
Cain avenges sevenfold, but Lamech
seventy-seven!"

Lamech merely sounds tough, issuing a warning to anyone who might even think of doing him some minor offense. In this sense it can be taken as a boasting song, typical of many ancient (and modern) tribal peoples, where the vengeance of an ancestor has become legendary and the current leaders must continue to surpass the previous standard, or at least brag that they will do so. Its function, recorded for posterity in the Hebrew, is to minimize actual violence, and replace it with ritualized "displays" that establish rank and status. Talk about fresh insight!

The ARTB is much more than a print Bible. The companion Web site includes an on-demand word search tool (Word/Strong's search) and, for registered users, the ARTB concordance. Ms. Werner writes a brief weekly essay for "Word for the Week." One previous week's word was "obey," where she points out you won't find it in the ARTB, but you will find the word "hear." In Genesis 11:6-7, the ARTB reads:

Yahweh said, "One people, all with one lip, all began to do this here! Now none are protected from their plotting which they do. Descend and mingle their lips there. Grant that no man hears his neighbor.

Instead of a scene out of The Bible movie, where supernaturally everyone starts speaking a different language and can no longer communicate, let alone cooperate, the text seems to suggest that they simply refused to listen to anyone else. In essence, Yahweh provokes a breakdown of authority, through some agency that "descends" there and, as I see it, starts the people to complaining amongst themselves until the project grinds to a halt. The phrase "their plotting" suggests that this was not a sociable bunch to begin with.

It is difficult to find fault with Ms. Werner's translation, but on balance, the work's niftiest feature is often the source of its weakness, namely the replacement of Biblical names with modern equivalents, as in Gen 2:11-14: West-Arabia" for Havilah and "North-Iraq" for Assyria. Personally the biblical names I would prefer to remain in the text, with the modern equivalents in parentheses, which would have worked just as well for me. However, all the reader need do is look up the modern rendering in the Places Index in the back of the translation. Despite this minor idiosyncrasy, I must thank Fran for finally producing an invaluable study tool that allows the biblical words to speak for themselves.

May 29, 2007
Revised: July 23, 2007