Ethics Books

The Power of Business Ethics is a much needed reality check. I've picked up some new ideas to use in my consulting practice and questions to ask when working with others that will strategically keep me moving in the right direction. A quick and compelling read.

The Power of Business Ethics is a much needed reality check. I've picked up some new ideas to use in my consulting practice and questions to ask when working with others that will strategically keep me moving in the right direction. A quick and compelling read.

Written well in advance of last year's public crisis in business management ethics or the highly visible general lack of ethics in many well known major corporations, Louie has captured the essence of what must be embraced by business leaders everywhere. By using anecdotal examples Louie's book is easily understood and is a quick read. I used this book as the focus of a guest appearance at an MBA class at The University of Dayton's entrepreneurship program and I predict that the book will become a required read for future classes.

This is a short easy reading book that is packed with solid principles and methods for ethical executive leadership. Dedicating the book to "those looking for a way to do the right thing" the author supports his approach with fascinating personal anecdotes and a level of quantitative support not typical of works dealing the leadership and ethics.

Mr. Strike's practical yet demanding standards and methods for trust-building behavior will pay huge returns to the leaders who use them.

Read this book first with a highlighter in hand ... read it again to internalize the key points ... then read it every time you take on a new leadership role. It will increase your effectiveness AND help you do what's right.

I offer my opinion as a newcomer to the business world. Louie Strike has produced a thoughtful approach to coordinating the needs and interest of all parties in a business situation in an easy-to-read format. I would further contend that these business ethics can be introduced and reflected outside of the corporate arena. Non-for-profit, educational, and even families can benefit from Mr. Strike's guide.

Likening sex to building and managing a business makes you think of the basics we all want in life, recognition, respect, and feeling human. Good fundamentals in a quick read, a great reminder of what we should be doing to each other if we are truly in touch with ourselves.

I thoroughly enjoyed this fresh look at the corporate world, especially the examples of how successful businesses treat their employees. It all makes a lot of sense, and gave me some real insight into how management could improve employee performance.

The nature of people and business has changed so drastically in the past 25 years, even in the 15 that I've been around, that anybody who is not their own boss NEEDS THIS BOOK.
SIB puts into words my unverbalized feelings of today's working world. It opened my eyes to how people communicate, what roles each of us play, and even helped me strategize my own career paths.
We have more means of, but fewer skills for, communication in this technological age. By getting back to the basics of real, intimate communication, we get "naked" with each other, which is both frightening and empowering. In the wake of Corporate Scandals, the Next Wave Of Business will thrive on honesty, openness, and emotional leadership. Unless SIB has been brought into the curriculum, the business will do "okay." Those who care, and know how to show it, will be miles ahead of those who fear change.

There truly is something to be learned by people at any stage of the corporate game. This book was nice because it didn't speak over my head. Instead, it gave me honest-to-God INSIGHT as to how I can institute changes in my professional relationships. Don't let the metaphor throw you off!

I generally don't to gravitate to books about the world of business -- I'm one of the "disillusioned" ones. And, I don't usually buy books with the word sex in the title either! But this book.....WOW! The metaphor (intimate relationships-business relationships) is very well-developed and makes for a very understandable, easy, and humorous read! As I read it, I found myself readily applying what I was learning to both business and personal relationships! I definitely recommend this fresh, new, approach to solving some of the many problems plaguing personal and businesss relationships these days!

Thank you for sharing your story of great pain, great strength, love and unshakeable faith. This was an amazing read, and I love the way you move from past to present (which is almost a neccessity for one to breathe). This book should be on everyones 'to read' list.

I couldn't put it down.If anyone ever questions love,faith,strength,or hope this book is one way to renew all feelings.Very gripping to say the least.The best thing anyone could do after reading this book would be to pass it on, because there's something in it for everybody to be learned.

WOW!!!!! I finished chapter one. I couldn't stop reading. It is spellbinding. Everything is so well organized and well written. I am so impressed! I wish I could give you two a hug as my heart aches for what you've experienced. Alice, you're my hero! I am sobbing as I am writing this.

Incredible work. What a story! I just couldn't wait to finish to write a reivew! Thank you for sharing your life, and your inspiration!

I loved your book! Remember me, I was the first person to buy your book at the Vancouver Mall book signing?

The book touched my soul. I cried so many times while reading about all your struggles. I am 49 and grew up in the same time frame that you did. It was a rough time as parents used blunt force to rear their children. My father beat us regularly. I thought my childhood was bad, but have since changed my outlook some. Like you, my father has passed but I feel nothing, absolutely nothing about his absence in our lives. Your book is very moving and has given me hope. I found myself reading at times I would never read a book. I loved the way the book flashed back and revealed the past while moving forward, showing the promising future. So many times I wished I could just hug you. It was that much more special to read it because I actually met you. You are a strong woman that deserves a loving and caring husband. I'm so glad you overcame the horrific childhood you endured. I told my friend at work that is japanese, and she wants to read it. Thank you for sharing all the bad to lead us to a place where we can find peace with either God or what ever solace we can find. I feel really bad for all your mother endured too. I hope your sister is doing o.k. now, and I really liked how you ended the book.

"This memoir is heartfelt and bittersweet in its telling. The authors demonstrate the everyday cycle of abuse that most people are aware of but never experience. The storyline is brilliantly simplistic, yet kept my interest piqued at every turn. And the Garlocks' love and devotion for each other is apparent throughout, giving others hope that abuse does not have to be the final chapter. Well done!"

I read this book for an MBA class I'm taking and I was pleasantly surprised! Usually when students have to read textbooks for a class, they are boring and rarely keep your attention. This was not the case with Stand Your Ground: Building Honorable Leaders the West Point Way. My fiance used to be in the army, so I've heard a lot about the honor that is instilled in its members. However, I never fully understood that honor until I read this book. Much of the information is common sense, but you would be surprised how many people are not honorble. Dr. Offstein breaks honor down in such a way that you fully understand it and want to apply it in your own life. I would recommend this book to people who are interested in becoming a productive, successful, and most importantly, honorable leader.

Offstein's book is incredible. It really doesn't matter what you do for a living, leadership will always be critical in your life. Stand Your Ground is about understanding HONORABLE leadership. Offstein uses the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and the honorable leadership that is honed there as the blueprint for leadership and success. Like a book fables, there are hundreds of snippets from personal experience and well-known events to illustrate the importance of honor in leadership. If you want to one day be an effective leader in your own life, who is respected and admired, you have to read this book.

We highly recommend Evan's book. As the largest contingency placement firm that specializes in placing military job seekers into Corporate America, we know that companies recognize the advantages of the leadership lessons imparted at the service academies and via the military at large. The quality of this training, coupled with the high caliber of the individual, is what makes these military leaders so valuable, whether they are serving our country, or whether they are making important contributions in the private sector after their service.

Bradley-Morris, Inc. (BMI) - Delivering Military-Experienced Talent to America's Top Companies

Quite simply, Evan Offstein just nails his thesis: truly successful individuals, leaders, and their organizations are based on a deep reservoir of moral/ethical grounding that help them to make the right decisions every single day. His numerous, down-to-earth examples hammer it home from multiple angles, and you can't help but be convinced that he's on to something here. Dr. Offstein has a gift for writing prose that is personable and easy to read. It's as if he's talking straight to you through the pages of his book much the same way he might deliver a lecture at his university.

Perhaps my favorite lesson from his book is the chapter on lifelong preparations for a MOMENT (heck, multiple MOMENTS). It reminds me of what one Army General said one time: "Your integrity will be challenged in small ways every day." it has proven absolutely true over the years, and the daily struggle continues to make sure we do the right thing by our coworkers, our kids, our wives, our friends, etc. Those who can make the RIGHT ethical choices on a day-to-day basis will be slowly building the bedrock of their organizations to guard against the Enrons, Tycos, NCAA scandals, etc. of the world.

Most of the so-called "leadership" or "management" books you'll find wasting shelf-space at Barnes & Nobles or Book-a-Million wish they could lash onto some of the truths that Dr. Offstein lays out in his concise book. Highly recommended!

I first approached this book with a bit of skepticism, as I thought its focus would be upon the "grandiose" merits of the West Point experience (which I shared elbow-to-elbow with the author, my classmate). I was greatly relieved to discover that this work is actually a testimonial to the necessity to BE a good person and leader, so important (and foreign) in a day and age where corrupt individuals realize incredible personal gains while simply paying lip service to such lofty ideals as honor. This book explains both the origin of corporate corruption and the way a leader SHOULD behave to ensure that this phenomenon does not continue to grow in scope.

I was happy to see that Dr. Evan Offstein was able to distance himself from our shared Cadet experiences and approach the book in an organized, thoughtful, and systematic fashion. He explains that good leadership begins with an honorable character and THEN extends into the leader's expertise and skill sets. I always struggled to quantify the almost intangible quality which caused me and my West Point classmates to react in horrified disbelief when we encountered corrupt individuals with an almost limitless propensity to harm and defraud employees and stakeholders. Evan has finally defined this lineament: honor, and the overwhelming need for an individual to BE a good person, rather than simply KNOW the "acceptable" or "expert" manner in which to proceed and to "DO" only what needs to be done to temporarily satisfy personal and shareholder demands.

The book is straightforward, easy to read, and informative without possessing an air of pretense or superior knowledge. I am firmly convinced that if leaders the world over would read this tome and apply its principles, corporate scandal would disappear, replaced by increased levels of profit, worker motivation, and customer/shareholder satisfaction. PLEASE READ THIS BOOK!!!!!

Adding detail to previous reviews of this book, Dr. Douma's treatment of the Ten Commandments is truly a treat.

Douma starts looking at the context in which the commandments were given: Israel was freed from slavery in order to be free to obey him. Thus always is the state of God's chosen people: and what we need to understand is that true freedom comes not from doing whatever we please, but in obeying God within the context of, and by the empowerment of, his grace.

The body of this book considers the implications of the Ten Commandments for sincere Christians in today's world, in different perspectives:
- How these apply in a society not ruled by Mosaic civil law;
- How these apply in a society with modern technology, entertainment, etc.
- How the principles of the 10 commandments are worked ont in related topics throughout scripture
The treatment of the commandments must go beyond a world of ancient olive groves and manual wine presses (though let us never defame God's blessings of olive oil and wine!) Douma considers each commandment thoughtfully, and elaborates on its implications and subtleties rather than jumping to quick and easy but inadequate answers.

As an example, on "Honour your father and your mother...", Dr. Douma spends about 45 pages to discuss:
- the role of parents
- the relationship between this and freedom
- the nature of the associated promise
- what it means to 'honour', including how that relates to choosing a spouse in western society
- limits and style of obedience
- implications for other forms of authority, within the family and of the state; including thoughts on revolution and civil disobedience.

Gratefully, Douma's consideration avoids the frequent digression into extemes of pietism (treating one's religious observance as a purely private affair) or theonomism (treating it as purely a matter of state).

My one incompleteness in reading this book is that I did not come away with an adequate handle on how the Sabbath commandment applies today, which I fear is the most misunderstood and unobeyed of the commandments (through misinterpretation of a subset of Paul's comments about it that disregards his other comments and practices). He does point out the inaccuracy of some common teaching on the topic. I appreciate Dr. Douma's insights, and plan to pursue some of his references for further reading on this topic.

This books is an excellent study of God's law that was very helpful to me for understanding the depth of God's law and my own sin. Dr. Douma's book is straightforward to read and contains highly relevant discussions of contemporary ethical issues in addition to refreshing and insightful looks at the ethical issues that are the same in every age. He covers many topics from idolatry and theft to in vitro fertilization and abortion. I found his discussions of the historical context surrounding the commandments particularly helpful, for instance, the use of images by many ancient false religions to control their deities' actions. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who would like to deepen their understanding of sin and God's law.

How many times have you heard someone mindlessly repeat "Christians are no longer under law, but under grace"? This is usually a poor excuse that means "I haven't bothered to study the law, and I want a catchphrase that will excuse my current behavior." If you want a clear exposition that gives you not only an understanding of the commandments, but their relevance for us today, look no further. Jochem Douma has produced an excellent treatment (in Dutch), and Nelson Kloosterman's translation is very readable. The prologue to the book--dealing with covenants, rules for interpretation of Scripture, etc.--is worth the price of the book. This is an ideal volume for a Sunday school class or Bible study; each chapter is moderate length, and lends itself to discussion. You really shouldn't be without this one!

A masterful exposition of the Ten Commandments from a Dutch Reformed perspective.

From the cover: "Discussions of the commandments span current issues from religious art to sorcery and witchcraft, from Sunday observance to civil disobedience, from abortioin to euthanasia and suicide."

Very practical, scholarly and well-footnoted.

This book is the latest valuable resource added to my library. As the Ten Commandments are a reflection of the character of God, any Christian who desires to conform himself or herself to the character of God would be wise to pick up this book. It is a practical resource for addressing many of the issues that Christians face as we strive to be holy just as God is holy. The book is very readable. It is not theologically burdensome or complicated, but it maintains biblical accuracy while being easily understandable and straightforward. Overall, the book is agreeable. I found that Douma's practical conclusions were good, though naturally, I do not agree with every one of them. Nevertheless, every conclusion is well researched and is presented in a graceful way. The reader is left with the burden of accepting his conclusions or proving that scripture speaks differently. Along this line, Douma is concerned with transforming the church. His focus seems to be in educating the church on the implications of the Ten Commandments, which is a noteworthy goal in light of the modern Christian popular culture that seems to overlook educating the church and shoots straight for modifying government policy. Most importantly, the grace of God through Jesus Christ is central to Douma's message; through Christ alone do we have grace and peace with God as well as the power to obey the commandments. This is neither a legalistic nor a moralistic book, but one focused on educating a thankful believer with the result being obedience to God's commandments (John 14:21).

Danna Beal explores issues close to anyone's heart who is of working age and is working! Ms. Beal, who spends much of her time traveling the country talking to professional groups as well as doing work with companies, asserts that each of us have an essence of who we are, hidden underneath the protective layer of our ego. This essence is fundamentally protected by the ego, but that which protects it actually suppresses it. We are then, ego driven, forced to play our role at work. This role requires that we are the star of the show and feel powerful by doing things like gossiping or not taking responsibility for our actions.
What's the answer? Find your role, as ego, mine is Rocky! (Always almost producing the result, looking good in the process, with a big heart, getting screwed by the man! Should have won, really!) Once you recognize your role and the part your ego plays in the production of work you can move beyond it and allow you natural talent and joy take over.
Tired of that feeling on Sunday of dread about going back to work? READ THIS BOOK.

In a world starved for heart-centered, spirit-reviving insights, Danna Beal takes center stage with her book that spotlights leadership problems and offers practical, workable solutions. Her corporate background helped to flesh out the "actors", so identifiable on our own stages of life. As a Licensed Massage Therapist for over 12 years, I see and touch the "fallout" from the workplace daily and, am delighted to point my clients in the direction of this compelling book.

I had the opportunity of reading The Tragedy In The Workplace, by Danna Beal during the Thanksgiving Holiday period. Reading it gave me another reason to be grateful. I found it to be full of truths which can be discovered in various venues by thoughtful people who are willing and able to listen to their inner voice. Although "Tragedy" is billed as a business book, I found it to be of a profoundly spiritual nature, which would help anyone with relationships of all kinds, e.i., business, family, and personal. In particular, I enjoyed the uplifting nature of the book, wherein the author took the high ground when it came to discussing sensitive issues, and no vulgarity or unseemly discussions were utilized, but at the same time anyone should have been able to relate the principles taught to their own situations, of whatever nature. In other words, Danna communicated well without resorting to the lowest common denominator, as is prevalent in much of today's writings. I was specifically impressed with the teachings of principles regarding: Synergism to achieve worthwhile goals, Focus on our spiritual cores which have unlimited potential, Accepting personal responsibility for results, How to break out of self-imposed prisons, Recognizing the spiritual nature of our fellow beings, An excellent treatment of the power of forgiveness - both for yourself and others, and The problems associated with judging. Reading Danna's book, reminded me of a phrase I have been using for years: "There are no rewards and no punishments, only consequences." Like this thoughtful book, it is apparent that its author, Danna Beal is a winner.

Sincerely, Laurence H. Keim

and you can clearly get her message that runs through- out the book.What I found most helpful was she defines the ambiguous game playing and ego roles that go on in a work enviroment. You can by reading this book get a birds eye view of this -process- and build your confidence knowing these people are trapped in roles they may not even be aware of but with this book you have insight and awareness to rise above it and see your own ego at work-this book is freedom.Rather than feel slighted next time by a co-worker keep in mind this person is trying to live up to some primetime expectation-and its your job to help them live it because corporate culture is full of these hopeless gyrating pychopaths-my opinion-but on a kinder note once -u-instill this authors advise into yourself your human essence of compassion will transfer nonvebally-real confidence-to your co-worker and they will begin to relate to you from the same level.Although big ego's can be intertaining they often follow unconcious and unreal ambitions blindly-only to end up as lonely lost souls on death beds chasing desperate gods and expiring in teriffied last gasps.My advise is find a talent and to discover that you need to know who you are and that takes looking at yourself from a dynamic perspective because what you are looking for you will never see but only glimpse.Once your remove your status expectations about your primetimed self your talent will surface and lead you to prosperity. Good luck my friend.

To write her ground breaking book, Tragedy In The Workplace: The Longest Running Show In The Country, Danna Beal draws upon her more than twenty years as a professional business consultant and trainer working in all kinds of industries to create a new model for understanding how the modern workforce is besieged with envy, fear, battling egos, power competitions, office politics, cliques and power struggles, personal agendas, dishonesty, managers disempowering employees, co-workers sabotaging one another, as well as the general and pervasive atmosphere of insecurity in today's workplace. Using theatrical metaphors, Beal shows readers how they can cast others in roles to play out their own workplace dramas and by doing so, come to grips with workplace problems, issues, and personalities in order to minimize anxiety, resolve disputes, increase job satisfaction levels, and enhance productivity and the corporate bottom line. Tragedy In The Workplace is very highly and invaluable reading especially recommended to business owners, managers, personnel directors, and anyone caught up in the age old games of office politics.

This is an incredible book. The author articulates the dynamic of abuse in the most understandable language. Helpful to victims, as well as professionals.

"APPLICABLE TO BOTH JEWISH AND CHRISTIAN COMMUNITIES. The coping strategies and intervention techniques that are outlined provide guidance in pinpointing the sickness at its source and restoring felicity and order to religious leadership and the community."

Reviewd by: Adolescence

"Dr. Benyei's perspective expands the conceptualization of clergy sexual misconduct beyond the individual . . . to an occurrence within a community that is affected by a wide range of community issues and dynamics. . . . AN UNFLINCHING LOOK AT A TOPIC THAT IS CONTROVERSIAL AND PAINFUL. Highly recommended reading for both clergy and laity."

Reviewed by: Christine A. Courtois, PhD, Author, Healing the Incest Wound: Adult Survivors in Therapy and Adult Survivors of Child Sexual Abuse; Clinical Director, The CENTER Posttraumatic Disorders Program, The Psychiatric Institute of Washington, Washington, DC

For the last decade or more an item often landing in the news has been the misconduct and abusiveness of clergy. In the late eighties this often had to with scandals surrounding TV evangelists, but lately much attention has been focused on the sexual abuse scandal within the Catholic Church. However, clergy abuse and misconduct have no boundaries as far as denominations, and unfortunately there does not seem to be a denomination yet with a good track record for dealing openly and truthfully when these things occur. The web site "Pokrov" for Orthodox victims of clergy abuse and misconduct stated:
"Over the last three years we have received several copies of letters our readers have sent to their churches to tell about their abuse -- letters that never received any response from the hierarchs. Some of our readers have even met with bishops in person. Many of our readers find that their letters and pleas to authorities come to a dead end because the bishop or hierarchs ignores them or discredits them. They end up feeling even worse than they did before. These stories have prompted us to write the Pokrov guidelines which are from a victims' perspective." This web site warns victims not to go alone to their church authorities to report abuse. This is disheartening to say the least.
A significant book that addresses the issue of clergy abuse and misconduct is Understanding Clergy Misconduct in Religious Systems: Scapegoating, Family Secrets, and the Abuse of Power by Candace R. Benyei, PhD. This vital book demythologized spiritual leaders and helps the reader to see the negative effects of placing them on a pedestal. It is an incisive look at the outrage of abuse from the perspective of victim, perpetrator and counselor.
In most churches and religious systems when abuse or misconduct occurs, it is generally covered-up and kept silent. Though there may seem to be good reasons to do this, Benyei documents how this secret keeping is destructive to the victim(s) and the congregation, whether they know it or not: "The keeping of the secret produces more pain to more people than the original insult itself"(Pg 104).
"The secret may be closely held by a few main players; the secret may be vaporous and no one may know anything for sure. . . nonetheless, a great deal of energy is used in keeping the lid on Pandora's box, which includes not only the secret but the resultant rage, anger, loss, fear and shame" (Pg 106).
One of the worst results of abuse or misconduct is the fact that the victim often becomes the scapegoat. Benyei notes, "Because it is unbearable to believe that the beloved spiritual leader could commit such acts, since that would shatter the fantasy that one had at last found the ultimate caregiver, victims are often unforgivable." (Pg 95).
It would be an advance if the clergy and hierarchy and spiritual leaders of churches and religious systems would make it their responsibility to inform people about abuse and misconduct they themselves might commit, but this is highly unlikely. Therefore it is incumbent on lay people to educate themselves and others when it comes to abuse in religious systems. So often we portray the Church as a safe place to come, a sanctuary, a haven. It often is a place of healing. However, it can also be a place of deep wounding and sin. As Mother Gavrilla of blessed memory once said, "The Church is like a huge ship full of sailors, biting each other in the throat, tearing hair, punching, but the wonder is that the ship is coming into port because Christ is at the helm." This side of the Church must also be revealed if it is ever to be healed. For healing to happen, we must understand the illness. I highly recommend Benyei's book as a place to start.
* * *

Using systems theory Dr. Benyei presents a balanced and fair approach to clergy misconduct. She astutely outlines the power dynamics in a church and the difficulty a lay person will have when bringing a complaint against a minister. She challenges us to give up our idealization of ministers and see them as the flawed human beings they are. This will not only help prevent abuse and hold ministers accountable but will also free ministers to be more genuine and receive the help and support they may need. In her final chapter she presents specific proposals to reform our churches and promote safer communities. I wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone concerned with building better, healthier church communities.

I read a lot of business books, but this one made me sit up and take notice. Mr. Kahaner writes on a challenging subject with remarkable clarity and insight. He really brings the ancient wisdom to life!

Kahaner's book helped me realize the kind of employer I aspired to be. Many of the contemporary situations Kahaner writes about show the intelligence of the ancient Rabbis. Kahaner's writing style is straightforward, and this book should be required reading for all business owners. But this book isn't just about being an ethical business person, it is about living an ethical life.

Kahaner has written a number of excellent business books and has always come up with a fresh theme or outlook to add to what is often a very predictable genre. By winnowing the Talmud for business advice he has found plenty of original material with a number of surprises that will be useful to businessmen at any level of experience. In a world full of troubling news about the leaders of America's companies this book couldn't have come at a more opportune time. I hereby sentence all CEOs in America to read, and heed, these valuable words and lessons.

As a business editor, I've pretty much seen it all when it comes to advice for company managers and leaders. But this book offers something truly different: new ways to apply values that have been in practice, honed and refined, for 1,500 years. And while you'll obviously get the most from this book if you're a practicing Jew, there's a huge bonus here for gentiles like me. The stories and lessons are far more specific than anything we can discern from the vague background hum of Judeo-Christian values in business today. If you want solid spiritual guidance that you can take to work every day, this book is for you. Besides the rabbis, you'll learn a little bit from everybody, from Mark Twain to Deutsche Bank to diamond dealers. So, go for it. You'll like it.

The Jewish people have survived for over 4,000 years, in large part because they have stuck to a core set of values embodied in the Talmud. These teachings are as relevant today as they were times past, and as Larry Kahaner so ably shows, can be applied to our modern business dealings to great results. If you are seeking a way to enrich your business life and your spiritual life at the same time, this book is for you.

This is a challenging book about how so many people - including Christians - have become desensitized to sin. The "vanishing conscience" is a part of our entire culture. We make excuses for sin. We rationalize sin. Sadly, we even overlook some sin and don't even realize it is there. This book really hit home with me - because it has shocked me in the last few years how "open" sin has become even among Christian people.

Besides "theory", the book is also very practical with ideas on how to overcome sin in our lives and live a consistently holy life. There is danger in thinking we have reached a high plane in the Christian life, and won't sin. Be suspicious of your own spirituality! Maturing Christians should never become smug or satisfied with their progress. (It is precisely then that we will likely fall!) It is the paradox of true holiness: the more we put away sin, the more we notice sinful tendencies that still need to be put away. The holier we become, the more frustrated we are by the stubborn remnants of sin that still remain in our life.

MacArthur is Calvinistic, and unfortunately in one part of the book he makes some extreme Calvinistic statements which I simply can not agree with... Other than this, I recommend this book.

John MacArthur does a remarkable job of closely examining the cancer of the U.S. society losing its ability to recognize sin and to differentiate right from wrong. He examines that sin has been relagated to a problem of having too much guilt, being a victim, an attack to one's self-esteem, etc., rather than something that one is accountable to. The author also examines that due to this lack of ability of society to properly recognize sin and be accountable and responsible for one's actions, society's conscience has been weakened to the point that there is no absolute right or absolute wrong, only moral relativism. As a result, there is rampant crime, business misconduct and scandals (Enron, Arthur Anderson, MCI-WorldCom, etc.), teenage pregnancy, rising rates of STD's and premarital sexual activities among teenagers, etc. After examining this cancer in society and its rammifications from a Biblical point of view, Mr. MacArthur offers very insightful solutions to this problem by addressing the nature of sin, how to handle sin, and the redemptive power of being freed and saved from the bondage of sin by the Power of God, Jesus Christ, and The Holy Spirit. I highly recommend this book to anyone (Christian or non Christian) who is concerned about the breakdown of moral standards and the chaos in our society. This book is a must read for any Christian, regardless of denomination, who is genuinely concerned about America's declining moral standards and the chaos that has been caused by it.

John MacArthur pinpoints a terrifying tendency of American society. Today, no one is guilty. Everyone is a victim of his environment, his upbringing or his DNA. Thus, no matter what you do, there is always someone else to blame. The author demonstrates the insidious nature of this problem both for society and for the spiritual welfare of individuals. If there is no guilt, there is no need for repentance. Without repentance and faith, there is no salvation.

MacArthur gives many examples of the victim mentality. Some would be humorous if the subject were not so serious. He also thoroughly debunks the victim syndrome and shows that a sense of guilt over sin is healthy and helpful. It's like the oil light that comes on. The light isn't the problem. It's a signal that you better stop the car and fix the engine. A sense of guilt serves the same purpose as the oil light.

John Macarthur makes a very good case against the horrible turn western society has taken in the last century towards heathenism. This problem is not a laughing matter, and John obviously agrees. He takes a serious stance against sin. He shows a powerful comparison between the spiral of moralty shown in Romans 1 and the spiral of morality the United States has been rapidly taking.
He doesn't just point to the world, but he also looks at the church, who is supposed to bring light into a dark work, and exposes the many dangerous doctrines floating around concerning sin. (i.e. we should get over our guilty feelings rather than repenting of sin)
This is a good book that really exposes a bad problem. Whatever your denominational preference, this book is for you - as long as you don't have a problem with sin being called by its true name!

I believe one of the authors concerns in writing this book was to asess how the Church and individual Christians both view and deal with sin,and then to look at how the maintenance of a good conscience can help the Church of Christ have a greater influence in the world. The author sees one of the Church's weaknesses (not being a lack of effort and involvement in our society)but that the Church often becomes more influenced by the world's values than the reverse. The Church must not get sidetracked into thinking its purpose is to reform society. The Church should be salt and light but its purpose and commission Pastor MacArthur points out in the intoduction is to proclaim the gospel, God's message of salvation to save those who will repent and believe in the Lord Jesus Christ. How our society deals with guilt and the Biblical remedy are quite different. If we are thinking Biblically guilt exists because of sin. Our society wants to rid people of guilt but not by dealing with sin God's way,that is repentance. Our culture's way is to remove personal responsibility and accountability by promulgating a victim mentality. Another way our society deals with guilt P.23 "is by classifying every human failing as some kind of disease."This seeks to remove guilt (by getting rid of personal responsibility)by making sin to be sickness. Pastor MacArthur has so much insight as to what ails our society and how that can be remedied.
In Chapters 2 and 3,what the conscience is and how it functions is an invaluable part of the book. A weak and seared and healthy(or strong)conscience are very clearly distinguished. Chapters 5 through 10 are concerned with various aspects of sanctification(The believer being set apart for God and how to Biblically deal with sin).Some of the specific areas which are addressed are:Temptation(Chap.8), Mortification of sin(Chap.7) and keeping the mind pure(Chap.9). There is an abundance of practical help to enable Christians(by God's grace) to live a more godly life.
John MacArthur gives the best definition of the conscience that I have seen on p.37"The conscience entreats us to do what we believe is right and restrains us from doing what we believe is wrong...It is a human faculty that judges our actions and thoughts by the light of the highest standard we perceive."
The conscience is an important gift that God has given to man. The reality is that the conscience in the thinking of modern man is given very little thought or relevance.To better understand what it is and how it works is of great significance to individual believers,the Church and society at large. Having said that, there are relatively few books in our day that deal with the conscience specifically(or the devastating effects of its diminished influence,as this book does) and this elevates the importance of Pastor John MarArthur's valuable contribution on this subject.

This book is very well written. Cuocci hits a home run with his very first novel. His use of description is amazing and makes you feel as though you can see what's happening. On the subject of content, this book has everything. Humor, drama, tragedy, romance, eroticism, and life. While reading A Very Good Year, you remember your own experiences with your family, friends, lost loves, and school. I would recomend this book to anyone with a pulse. Pallet Press made a wise decision making this their first release. I few more like it and they could be really big. Read this book.

Rebeccasreads highly recommends A VERY GOOD YEAR as a very good memoir, passionately told in a mixture of fluid memories & the disjointed, unraveling of family history. Deeply intuitive, throat-clenching in the sorrow & pain of a wounded heart & a desperate soul, crying out for purpose & courage, even as his mother asks him for one final promise: that he not let her suffer longer than she can bear.

We've come a long way in family & grief counseling since Larry Cuocci was seventeen, & had to walk through the valley of his mother's death. While drama & tragedy thunder from every page like an Italian opera, & a young man's sexual yearnings & adventures tickle you into giggles, it is Larry Cuocci's lambent language that illumines his memories of administering to his tortured mom, & grasping life with both hands, & doing it his way.
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A Very Good Year is one of those books that directly connect to the essence of the human spirit. Cooch's toils and challenges reflect the troubles still facing many teenagers today. To be honest, I would have loved to read this back when I was a teenager, because being able to relate to any reader is exactly what this touching real life story does. It is a very real, human story... A rarity now at days.

If you are a reasonably cool guy, young or old, you should read "Cooch's" story of his seventeenth year

Several pages into this book, I was trapped. Mr. Cuocci drew his characters so beautifully and skillfully that he made me care about them and what was happening to them from the very beginning. Although I had things to do the day I picked up the book, I kept coming back to reading it until I finished it in the evening. There were times when my curiosity made me want to turn to the end of the book to see if he acquiesced to his mother's wish, but I knew that I would need to be part of everything that occurred during that year to help shape his decision. And what a year it was! I laughed. Mr. Cuocci's ability to paint himself and the situations of that year in a humorous light delighted me. And I cried: Observing the pain suffered by the family and watching Mr. Cuocci grow up -- often kicking and screaming as he fought the process -- touched me. This was a wonderful book. I hope the author graces us with another.