Ethics Books

There is no doubt that this thought-provoking book capitalizes on the passions which prove to compromise the human condition. The author utilizes moral wisdom handed down for nearly two-thousand years to confront the perplexed and wounded soul. It was very nice to read about the fact that those who engage in same-sex attractions should never be hated, scorned or dealt with unjustly or even uncharitably in any way! Bravo to this author for a well balanced approach to this contemporary and often thorny issue. I found the book to be replete with sage advice for all readers. No where did I perceive any Christian propaganda, as some may think and attempt to excoriate a most beneficial commentary of this kind. As we all may see the signs of the times, this book although short,will cast some light on relationships that's for sure. A smooth read, to say the least. If you want to gain a dramatical and somewhat humorous slant on the things of the flesh and the human condition that struggles, see the product link following. The Den of Iniquity

Thomas Hopko's sensitive and inclusive look at relationships is an excellent opportunity for anyone to fine tune and explore the meaning of relationship in their lives. Highly recommended reading for anyone.

Below is a review of Fr. Hopko's book that was unfortunately received by the publisher after the book had already gone to press, and was therefore not included with the final publication. Dr. Elizabeth Stuart is a Professor of Christian Theology at the University of Winchester. She is also a lesbian and a leading UK theologian specializing in Queer Theology. I believe the review speaks eloquently to the value of this book for those on both sides of this emotionally-charged issue. Her review is as follows:

"Although I profoundly disagree with the stance taken towards homosexuality in this book I found it a delight to read. It is a careful, compassionate and comprehensive discussion of contemporary same-sex attraction from the perspective of the Orthodox tradition. It is informed by gay and lesbian theology and other alternative perspectives. I would recommend it to all who study or who are personally involved in the issues around same-sex relationships in the Christian tradition, perhaps particularly to those not part of the Orthodox tradition, for the rich theology of that tradition frames the debate in very different terms to those of other denominations. This book holds out the possibility of a debate which need not fracture the Church nor create alarming levels of animosity between Christians. For this reason alone, it is worth reading and engaging with."

The Author: Father Tom Hopko, one of America's leading Orthodox theologians, author of many books, professor emeritus at St. Vladimir's Seminary.

Writing style: Succinct, clear, to the point. The whole book is just 126 pages, about half of those being notes.

Topic: The relationship between Orthodox Christianity, love, and same-sex attraction.

You will expect the author to scripturally and traditionally explain why same-sex genital relations are incompatible with Christianity. He does a good job of this, citing not only the Bible and Patristics but many current authors who disagree.

Father Tom also does a superb job of differentiating for Enlish-only readers, that Love has four components, Agape (charity), Storge (affection), Philia (fraternal love), and Eros (sex). He points out that in our fallen world, that it will be inevitable that many of us will have sinful passions of every sort, including an interest in same-sex pornia. He clearly separates this manifestation of God's providential permission from God's Essential Love.

In so doing, he shows that platonic same-sex love- in the form of agape, philia, and storge, is quite normal but argues convincingly that same-sex genital attraction joins a pantheon of other sinful desires, from gluttony to theft, as something we may have urges towards and even natures towards, but that we must deal with, not succumb to.

He then spends that last third of his monograph suggesting ways to live a Christian life and be welcome in the church and to deal with not only same-sex eros but a host of serious vices.

Perhaps his two most telling quotes are relegated to the footnotes. He quotes Saint Anthony to point out that all asceticism and mortification is not good, and that it can be pointless at times. He also has a wonderful quote about Christian living from the late Father Alex Schmemann; "It's how you deal with what you've been dealt."

Many readers who are same-sex practitioners won't want to read that their eros is a cross to bear, not a divine love. On the more fundamentalist end of the spectrum, some might have expected more condemnation from Father Tom (because they don't understand the Orthodoxy hermenuetic of Love, perhaps?).

Yet, Father Tom does a passionate defense of civil law, the civil rights of those in same-sex unions, and passionate chastisement of those who are too judgemental.

All readers will have to admit that this work is logical, compassionate, well-organized and researched, and in synchrony with mainstream Orthodox theology.

This is not a ponderous tome; it is a fresh and modest monograph. Those interested in the topic should take time to read it.

Christian Faith And Same-Sex Attraction by Thomas Hopko (Dean Emeritus of St. Vladimir's Seminar) is an informed study presenting the visionary perspective of the church and the religious ideals towards same-sex attraction. Clearly defining theological and pastoral insights concerning the experience of same-sex-desires and acknowledgements, Christian Faith And Same-Sex Attraction analyses the nature of gender identity and sexuality through the perspective of Christian Orthodox theology and is very strongly recommended reading for members of the Orthodox Christian church seeking to understand the theological doctrines relative to the issues of same-sex attractions experienced by themselves and/or their friends.

I gave this as a gift...and she loves this book!

As one who has benefited from Richard Leider's work during my own mid-life transition, this new work takes us into new (yet old) territory and reminds us of what's been lost in our society and in ourselves through the industrial era. The best is yet to be . . . and let Leider & Shapiro be your journey partners!

To retire or refire? What does the future hold? "Claiming Your Place at the Fire" helps us ask the right questions as we try to make sense out of and find meaning in the second half of our lives. It is full of insight on how to do that in a way that makes sense for a variety of people in all sorts of situations. It was very helpful to me as I weigh the options in my life and work. Thought provoking and conversation starting.

You can grow old in the darkness of night or grow alive in the light of your sun--your choice. Richard J. Leider and David A. Shapiro take you by the hand and help you see how to let go of the things that don't bring you alive and replace them with things that do. Can it really be that simple? You decide.

CLAIMING YOUR PLACE AT THE FIRE lets you see how to believe that every second of human life is valuable. And, oh how our needy world needs the best of every single one of us. If you can answer a telephone and speak, you can volunteer for a prayer line where people call for comfort in times of turmoil and are so grateful when they get a live person.

When you are tempted to give in to your aches and pains, do remember Stephen Hawking, our modern day Einstein confined to a wheel chair, who had a body that was unable to respond to him. So, he used to the fullest what was able to respond to him, his mind, and blessed the entire universe with his wisdom.

Best of all, CLAIMING YOUR PLACE AT THE FIRE makes you feel warm and comfortable about walking your path instead of so afraid of what will happen to you.

If you've 'tripped over the human 50-yard line' ... then this book is definitely for you. I personally wish I would have been wise enough to understand it's deeper meanings 20 years ago - but that would not have happened. The words and wisdom of this book are just not for the younger years. But as the book shows, it is our - those of us who now find ourselves, by age and experience, at the edge of the fire - responsibility to pass on - as mentors - to the younger generation the most important piece of advice they can get: "You will one day be here, prepare now."

A must read for every man and woman over 50 years of age. This is a guide book for

+ WHY you should look forward to living past 50,
+ What you should have been doing before you got here
+ How to make the most of your Life Learnings
+ Where you are now and in the remaining years of your life
+ Who your focus will be on from now on: giving of your Life Learnings to the younger generation

This is what those 'hot-dog roasting fires' were meant to be! Go read the book. Then go build a fire and roast some hot-dogs, make some smoores and gather your friends to enjoy. The rest will come as the embers begin to glow. So will you.

Here's a book that challenges you to have faith in a higher power, someone other than yourself. Motivational and spiritual. My husband, Mark is reading the book. The Code teaches you how to think differently, more positively. In turn, things start happening around you that are more positive. A great book to read at the beach.

This book is full of simple wisdom! Very well organized it takes the reader step by step through the awakening of thought control to a greater experience of every day reality. No complicated process here, just natural awareness dawning. I highly recommend! Carolyn Arkison, Author, Sadie Mae Baird book series, www.SadieMaeBaird.ws.

"The Code: Use the Laws of Manifestation to Achieve Your Highest Goal" provides a new, workable solution for common daily challenges, and offers a new Code of Conduct pairing real-life stories with directions on how personal empowerment can be achieved to enhance peace and quality living. A blend of spirituality and ethics makes for a treatise that includes saying intentions out loud daily, acknowledging a greater good in the universe, and more. New age libraries will find "The Code" an intriguing addition.

Many books have been published about the Laws of Manifestation like "The Secret" and "The Power of Intention." But I consider the works of Tony Burroughs, especially this book (as well as "The Intender's Handbook" and "Highest Light Teachings") the road map, the "how to" manuals to actually being able to manifest things in your life that are for the highest good. And Tony's style of writing is down to Earth, fun, and easy to read and understand. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND this book.

I am a high school teacher who regular shares the insights contained in Tony Burroughs books with my students. In fact, last May I gave a copy of Burrough's "Intender's Handbook" to many seniors as graduation gifts. I also gave that book to many family members and friends this last Christmas as Christmas gifts. I believe in the content contained in Burrough's books so much and want to excitedly share it with others!

"The Code," Mr. Burroughs latest as of March 2008, contains some of the information presented in "The Intender's Handbook" and "Highest Light Teachings" without being unnecessarily repetative. After reading "The Code", you may want to consider reading his aforementioned, non-fiction titles although they can be a bit difficult to locate--his website has inexpensive copies, though!

Get this book! Your life won't be the same. ENJOY AND TRANSFORM!

I really liked this book. It's the first thing I've read by Tony Burroughs, and it's very original. Along with others in his "Intenders Circle," he has created a Code which results in personal fulfillment while at the same time creating a better world for all of us to live in.

The code includes the following 10 "intents" which he goes on to explain in detail throughout the rest of the book:

1. Support life
2. Seek truth
3. Set your course
4. Simplify
5. Stay positive
6. Synchronize
7. Serve others
8. Shine your light
9. Share your vision
10. Synergize

Throughout the book, in addition to the text, he provides what looks like hand-written notes that contain some truly valuable information. For example, in discussing the intent to support life, he notes:

"When we realize that we are becoming exactly like those we oppose, shouldn't that be reason enough for us to stop opposing them?"

He also provides poems in each section that relate to the intent he is discussing. For instance, in discussing the third intent (set your course), he includes the following as part of a longer poem:

"Our thoughts and words are powerful. They are active and very energetic. Used unconsciously or with disrespect they bring chaos."

This is a book that will grab your intention and cause you to think about things in a new way. I would highly recommend it to anyone wishing to achieve their highest good and help the rest of the world do the same.

This book is fantastic! Anyone who is interested in the stem cell research debate from a secular point of view. There is no mention of God or religion or the bible. Just clear, rational thinking about the debate. Smith, I believe, is the pioneer of the "human exceptionalism" philosophy, which I very much admire him for.

I found this book to be extremely informative and learned quite a bit from reading it. Prior to reading this my exposure to the issues inherent in some of the biotechnological initiatives discussed here was what is presented/argued about in the mainstream media. Mr. Smith has done an admirable job in describing the details associated with cloning and stem cell research , embryonic as well as adult. His arguments regarding the scientific and ethical dilmma that these potentially powerful technologies represent are thought provoking and logically presented. There is a tremendous amount of misinformation out there regarding these issues on both sides of the argument. This book lays out the conservative viewpoint in scientific terminology and I beleve that Mr. Smith has made a valuable contibution to the debate that our society is engaged in on which direction to take with these technologies.

Wesley Smith is a leading voice in the public debate surrounding the hottest issues in bioethics and biotechnology. His latest book, "Consumer's Guide to a Brave New World," is essential reading for those who wish to better understand many of these important issues and what is at stake.

Smith makes abundantly clear the ethical dangers involved with embryonic stem cell research (ESC) and human cloning. The creation of human life in laboratories purely for the purpose of destroying it and harvesting it as raw material is a frightening prospect. And Smith makes a strong case for the banning of human cloning.

All the while, he is careful to draw a distinction between research involving ESCs and research involving adult stem cells (ASC). The latter procedure is NOT controversial and to this point has proven the most promising in terms of positive medical breakthroughs. In fact, Smith goes on at length in describing all the many wonderful benefits that we can expect and should actively seek through biotechnology.

Biotechnology is very exciting and quite promising. Government funding for biotech is entirely appropriate and should continue. Private R&D should likewise be promoted. But, like in any industry, there must be at least SOME ethical guidelines that should be adhered to if we value the equality of all human beings. When the genetic makeup of humanity is itself altered--like through the creation of clones or human-beast chimaeras--the equality of all human beings is eroded.

What Smith warns against is scientific research completely unhinged from ANY sort of ethical bounds or considerations. He speaks out against a new eugenics that would allow human life to be treated as a resource for harvesting, as if it were a scene right out of "The Matrix."

Smith also provides insight behind the radical ideology driving many cloning advocates (scientism, elitism, transhumanism, etc.) Very important is Smith's discussion of the PR campaign waged by Big Biotech, which seeks large infusions of cash from governments by making lofty promises about the sorts of immediate medical breakthroughs that can come from cloning and ESC research. Such promises play upon those who find themselves or their loved ones in desperate situations, offering imminent miracle cures, when serious medical progress remains years or decades away.

This book is very readable, highly engaging, and strongly recommended!

(This reviewer works for the Discovery Institute, which the author has an affiliation with. Yet, I had zero input or involvement on the book and these views are my own.)

The title is tongue in cheek: This is the ordinary person's guide to how NOT to end up in the nightmare scenario of Aldous Huxley' "Brave New World." The author is a non-scientist, which actually helps, as he explains terms like "somatic cell nuclear transfer," "embryonic stem cell" and "regenerative medicine" so the generally educated reader is enlightened rather than turned off. Smith's argument is that these new biological powers have implications that are far too important to be left to the scientists, the biotechnology companies, and the tame ethicists who work for them -- they pose dangers to our very idea of human equality and human rights. The book closes with sensible recommendations for things society should oppose, and things it should support, to advance medical progress without losing our sense of humanity. A very timely must-read.

In 1932 Aldous Huxley wrote his prophetic and chilling novel, Brave New World. In it he mapped out a future in which science, instead of being a great help to mankind, becomes the undoing of human nature and personhood.

Seventy years on one has to ask where we now stand. Smith thinks the picture does not look good. While we can all be grateful for advances in science and technology which have extended life, healed diseases, and made us all much more comfortable, there is also a dark side to this progress. It is this negative side, and its potential, that this volume addresses.

Smith looks at many of the recent and controversial issues in biotechnology, chief among them, genetic engineering, human cloning and stem cell research. He does a good job of explaining where we are with these developments, and the various possible shortcomings they may raise.

But of real value in this book is the author's concern to not just focus on the biotechnologies alone, but to look at the bigger picture. Where are these developments taking us as human beings? How are these new advances impacting on our understanding of humanity and human worth? Are moral and ethical concerns being swept under the carpet as we race ahead with scientific breakthroughs?

Smith reminds us that it is all too easy for prudence and ethical interests to be sidelined in the chase for fame and fortune. Careful, objective science can easily be compromised and marginalised when so much is at stake.

Smith notes that we now see the rise of a new scientific-industrial complex, every bit as worrying as past alliances with the private sector. Both academia and the scientific community are becoming increasingly cozy with the profit-making community. While that may not be bad in itself, an unduly cozy relationship may well mean trouble ahead.

Thus the reality of Big Biotech is now a genuine concern as much as is Big Oil or Big Tobacco. As but one indication, in the past quarter century $100 billion has been poured into the biotech sector. As a result biotechnology companies today are largely research and fund-raising machines. And the old adage of `those who pay the piper call the tune' is very much a real concern.

And the money trail flows in all directions. Not only does Big Business drive much of the biotech agenda, but the latter in turn spends billions each year in public relations and political campaigns. The industry has many staff working full-time as paid-lobbyists and PR wizards, actively seeking to influence not only public opinion but the flow of tax-dollars.

Of course many of these biotech companies have ethical advisors who are meant to act as a safeguard against any untoward influences. The real fear is that this is just a case of ethics for sale. Many of these bioethicists are simply putting the company spin on things. Few are genuinely objective, neutral and independent. Most are in the pay of their masters and will happily do their masters' bidding. After all, if the main concern is to get a good return on investment to stockholders, what company will hire an ethicist to work against that concern?

Smith documents numerous cases of such questionable ethical advice, and how financial concerns very clearly determine much of the direction of the biotech industry.

Another major concern highlighted in this book is the transformation of objective science into scientism. Scientism is the idea that science alone, unclouded by any moral and other input, can decide what is best for us. Science is seen as saviour and the sole source of truth. The humility and objectivity needed for good science are jettisoned for an ideology that eschews other considerations.

This of course is a real concern, since much of the new bioscience is dealing with issues that have profound consequences for humanity and society. With so much at stake, other influences need to be brought to bear. Philosophical, theological and ethical input is crucially needed, but is often rejected altogether. Science begins to be seen as an end in itself, instead of a means to an end.

Thus science itself is becoming tainted in this process, and any concerns about how humanity may suffer as a result are seldom discussed. But Smith certainly raises the issues. He knows that the political and financial pressures brought to bear on the biosciences are having a very real negative effect.

One clear negative effect is the return of eugenics. This can especially be seen in the rise of Transhumanism. This philosophy states that any means available could and should be used to enhance individuals and their progeny. A very well funded and organised Transhumanist movement is quite clear about its goals: the transformation of human evolution by means of bioengineering and other emerging techniques. The aim is to create a "posthuman" species, free of the defects and limitations of mere humanity.

But the pursuit of human perfection always comes at a price. We should have learned our lessons years ago. But we are ignoring those lessons and repeating those mistakes. All the warnings of Huxley and others are falling on deaf ears.

Thus this book serves as a wake-up call. There are tremendous goods and benefits to come from the new technologies, and Smith is quick to point those out, but there are very real fears as well.

The future is very much in our hands, and Smith reminds us that it is not enough to have science alone or the marketplace alone determine how we proceed. The advances of science and technology need to be counterbalanced by advances in ethical and social reflection. And this volume very nicely serves that purpose.

"Our American dream is falling apart. The road to success is not as clear-cut as we were led to believe as children growing up in American society. We were taught to better ourselves and work towards pursuing a career and finally, having a family. The ideal of the American dream is being distorted by the organizations we work for. Family values are diminishing, and two incomes are needed where thirty years ago, one wage earner was more than adequate. Work ethics and business practices put pressure on us to be more committed to our jobs and less to our lives."

So begins a philosophical journey through one segment of today's corporate landscape, as viewed by author Jessica Luke, a former IBM software application developer. The range of the book is broad; it covers the history of labor relations and a critique of current human resource management (personality types, stress, burnout, depression, time management, technology, innovation, communication, teamwork, motivation, incentives, performance evaluation, and training). She also touches briefly on executive compensation, the recent corporate accounting scandals, and the 90's practice of downsizing and outsourcing. This commentary is set against the book's thesis which seems to be that "the unscrupulous power of corporate greed" causes management to make decisions that do not value the individuality of workers.

While practically each subject covered could be a book in itself, there's no denying the sea-change in many of our working lives that has occurred in the last three or four decades (or the 20th century, for that matter). Luke's experience working in corporate America, while not discussed directly, seems to be summed up in the following line: "Business organizations shamefully continue to operate with the same uncivilized, barbarian and rigid mindset that prevailed at the beginning of the century."

Despite this indictment, her broader points seem to be: who bears the responsibility for employee satisfaction - management or the employee? How does one maintain a sense of self in our increasingly institutionalized world? Can individuals have a voice in bureaucracies?

As worldwide population continues to increase, these are questions we will struggle with over the next decade, maybe longer. And I suspect we'll hear more from Luke on this subject, too; I distinctly heard a personal story shadowing the corporate analysis. In the meantime, she seems to have begun her journey at a place anyone in this writers' association can appreciate; with pen and paper and the fire of one's own thoughts.

Jessica's smart, thoughtful, innovative look at the corporate world has it all, including those glass ceilings we need to make sure we got our underwear on for! Very well researched and a must read for anyone in the self-employed, blue collar or corporate world. Can't we all just get along? - You go girl! Great write and great resource for any office!

This new book, recently published, by Jessica I. Luke comes at a very appropriate moment during these moments of hard economical times. The goal of this book is examine the relationship between companies and their employees, and to expose what is greed compared to true profitability. The book goes into: leadership, bad top management, downsizing, outsourcing, resistance to change, creativity, strategies, people's attitude, time management, communication, effective management, importance of technology, importance of innovation and conveying positive change. The book is 124 pages long. The book defines each topic clearly, succinctly and in simple terms. This is a welcome change from all those huge dreary business books. The book provides clear solutions on what is good and bad. Looking at the downsizing chapter, it reminds me of what is going on at my current employer. I am witnessing the results of the procedure in the mind of people left behind. It also define, as I always said in my current position, the importance of technology. This book is down to earth, gives simple effective guidelines and even has cartoons to make a point. In short it is a very different and recommended business book

Corporate Power Driven By Greed would be an awesome training tool in any business. This book could even be required reading before employment or advancement. One of my favorite sections of the book is "Ogre Bosses." I would probably still be at what was a great job if it weren't for the "Ogre Boss" I had to deal with. I came to dislike my job very much because of my boss. I really enjoyed telling this person to "Take this job and shove it!" The look on his face was worth it. He humiliated everyone around him and he was very abrasive and controling. I wonder if he still has his job? Hmmmmmm... I believe good management is what makes a job great, because if you do not like the people you are working for you will not be happy. Most people spend half their lives working. Think about it. If you are miserable at your place of employment, then aren't you miserable most of your life?

Corporate Power Driven By Greed by Jessica I. Luke is a sharply worded and quite articulate challenge against the commonly held idea that the bottom line is all that matters in business. Stressing that human resources are what truly matters, and that providing incentive, recognition and a good work environment is what keeps productive employees producing, as well as attracting the best possible new employees, Corporate Power Driven By Greed is a persuasive, point-by-point primer to successfully stimulating worker morale. Jessica Luke deftly emphasizes her points with wry humor and amusing black-and-white illustrations. Corporate Power Driven By Greed is highly recommended reading for anyone charged with the responsibility for ensuring the strong economic health and success of their corporate enterprise.

This book is a wonderful read. I highly recommend this to pastors, teachers, and leaders!

Dr. Jones' book is a welcome addition to the field of Christian counseling. Without proof-texting or shallow explanations, he gives a clear picture of what Christian counseling can and should look like.

Excellent book! It is academic and practical. I've used it in class as well as in personal ministry. Dr. Jone's practical applications and illustrations of Biblical truth and Psychological theory are right on target. I highly recommend this book, especially to those in ministry.

In "The Counsel of Heaven on Earth," professor Ian Jones outlines the essential features of biblical counseling. He clearly demonstrates how from cover to cover, the Bible provides Christian counselors with the blueprint for developing an effective counseling ministry.

His primary model, not surprisingly, is Jesus, the Counselor of heaven on earth. In particular, he highlight's Jesus greatest commandment(s): to love God and others. This guiding commandment of redemption builds upon an understanding of creation (the starting place for biblical counseling), and the fall (lostness and the human condition). Jones fleshes out his CFR (Creation, Fall, Redemption) model through personal illustrations, counseling narratives, and descriptions of counseling in the local church.

This is a valued addition to the field of biblical counseling that is well-balanced, practical, and theologically-sound.

Reviewer: Robert W. Kellemen, Ph.D., is the author of Soul Physicians: A Theology of Soul Care And Spiritual Direction, Spiritual Friends: A Methodology of Soul Care And Spiritual Direction, Beyond the Suffering: Embracing the Legacy of African American Soul Care and Spiritual Direction , "Biblical Psychology," and "Martin Luther's Counseling."

Dr. Jones does a wonderful job of presenting a form of counseling that is modeled after the ultimate counselor, Jesus Christ. It is a well written book with illustrations and good explanations. In a time of too many debates of the difference between biblical and Christian counseling, Dr. Jones gets it right. He presents the representation of a counselor who counsels with a Christian worldview, in accordance with the Bible and counsels in the most beneficial way for the client. The counselor is to find the client's "location" and meet them there, as Christ has met us.

My mom gave me this book for my birthday, and I read it, and I was like, totally, amazed! It's like so good, and it teaches you how to party with Satan! Rock on everybody!

this book will give you tips on how to not let Satan get you. anyone who wants to read a feel good holy Jesus book look no further. this is one of the best little books I've ever read

Reading this book opened my eyes even more in recognizing the enemy and what he and his spirits try to do to the saints daily. This book re-affirms that God has not given us the spirit of fear. Reading this book assists in "polishing" the armor that we already possess and making us strong soldiers in the army of the Lord.

Dr. Thompson's insight into spiritual warfare is phenominal. This book is very easy to read ( I read it in one day ) with many scripture references which allows the reader to have a better understanding of God's Word. Anyone who is "going through" and wants to be delivered should read this book.

Dr. Thompson presents a message of hope and victory through life's storms and battles. Her spiritual insight, biblical knowledge and personal experiences invigorates and releases the power of the holy spirit to liberate us from Satan's chains of bondage and dispair.

Need I say more? For years I was a curmudgeon about affirmations. I thought they were absolutely ridiculous. This little book was the exact medicine for this weary traveler literally sick over worrying about finances. I have no more financial problems or worry. These affirmations--along with those from "Violet Ray to Heal Body, Mind, and Soul"--have the tools to eradicate worry and allow abundance to flow. Hurray!

A great little book to go with The Secret - affirmations is the way to go. Love - MG

There are many manifesting prosperity books out there but this is one of the top 25% of them all. Very easy and simple tasks that truely do work. The best part they are based on biblical foundations

I love the spiritual and practical guidelines outlined in this book. There are high-energy affirmations and meditations included to help you develop prosperity consciousness and truly believe you can attract prosperity into your life. There are also practical steps you can easily apply to your life, like forgiveness, visualization, and giving a tenth of your supply. This book is wonderful if you are looking for a spiritual approach to increasing your financial health!

I can't help myself: I've been reading more and more by authors Elizabeth and Mark Prophet. In this short but awe inspiring pocket volume, the Prophets help their readers come to an understanding of what it means to be truly abundant. That is: trusting that there is no other source of what we need other than what the universe provides.

This book has helped me change my perspective about what it means to attain abundance and wealth. I love this book because it is small enough to fit into my pocket, yet offers life altering insight:

"We should always begin our experiments in abundance by creating and then repeatedly visualizing a blueprint of exactly what we want to see happen in our lives. 'Visualization is important,' says Saint Germain. 'Without it nothing shall appear.'
'If you wish more vitality, you must visualize yourself already having that vitality-your muscles rippling with God's energy, your mind brimming with vital ideas, tingling with life and light and love.'"

Enough said. Read and reap.

Dr. Bert Keizer really held my attention with this book he is an anwesome writer and I really enjoyed this book from the first page. He is ruggedly honest and fair to his patients, even kind and gentle when they are dying.I enjoyed the humor, the brutal honesty, and the intellectual integrity of this beautiful and insightful book.

My only complaint is the translation from Dutch to English is less-than-perfect. It seems that the editor was in a hurry or not interested in the final outcome of this book. But overall it is very great reading!

A truly intimate bedside companion to death and dying -each and all - one by one. What a great book.
And how human we all are and how little the consolation of philosophy!

This book is great and certainly not just for medical boffins. I almost felt guilty for being so entertained - almost. Quite literally couldn't put it down. What a great writer - I want him to do more and more and more please!

Bert Keizer has written this wonderfully reflective book for those of us who may not have the privilege of spending time in intimate contact with people aware that they are near the end of their life. I found it thouroughly enjoyable and truly inspiring. If you have any interest in medicine, euthanasia, bioethics or what it is to be mortal I warmly recommend that you read it. Congratulations Dr.Keizer.

This sardonic look at death and dying and the medical establishment by a Dutch M.D. who works in a nursing home is the best book I've read all summer. Very entertaining, funny, thought provoking and poignant. He talks about his feelings in helping terminally ill patients take their own lives. This doctor majored in philosophy as an undergraduate and ponders life's big questions in this slender volume.

"Honesty is the best policy" is what we've been taught since childhood. But I would add "it may come with a price." When you read Mark Roberts' latest book it will challenge you in ways you may find surprising!

Perhaps it was the title that lead me to the initial idea that perhaps Dr. Mark Roberts had taken "a little time off" from the theological depth of his earlier books. "Everybody knows what truthfulness is and how to be truthful" was perhaps what I was thinking. Then, as I read I began to see that Truth is not so simple; this book was going to reach me at both the intellectual level and in my heart.

Since you're reading this review, like me you probably see yourself as a "truthful" person. Be prepared to be challenged by the bright light of truth that Mark Roberts' writing will shine on you. That's the "price." But the value is the added freedom that you will discover as you more fully commit to letting God show you truth.

And don't be afraid that you will be attacked by the author's words. This is not some "fire & brimstone" sermon. But gentle words and personal examples as used by Mark can be very powerful. They were for me.

The title is well chosen; this is a "Dare" well worth accepting!

Perhaps, like me, you have often read titles on Christian ethics and felt that the author did not really live in the real world the rest of us face each day. In "Dare to Be True" Roberts has tackled a difficult subject with a healthy balance of scriptural instruction combined with tangible illustrations from everyday life. The world needs more books on practical Christian ethics for the layman, I enjoyed this book greatly, and will recommend it to both my believing and non-believing friends.

Roberts' approach to a difficult topic - being truthfull in all that we do - is refreshing and convicting, and his examination of the components of being a true and honest person are challenging. There is much to be tackled in these pages that bares careful reflection. Roberts also shows candor in relating his own struggle with anger as a parent - insight I find wonderfully refreshing.

I would suggest this book as a fine focal point for Bible study or small groups. In a time when the Church needs to be more introspective toward its (sometimes weak) witness in a watching world, this work provides a catlyst for honest thought.

Finally, in the interest of full disclosure and being truthful, I should add that I have been a good friend of Mark Roberts for almost 20 years, and I should add that he is a faithful pastor, thoughtful theologian, dear friend, and has a great sense of humor. However, his golf game is abysmal. See, I am already doing better at being truthful!

Dare To Be True: Living In The Freedom Of Complete Honesty by Mark D. Roberts (Senior Pastor of Irvine Presbyterian Church, Irvine, California), is a spiritual self-help guide especially appropriate for Christians struggling to remain truthful in a spin-saturated world that punishes honesty and rewards well-crafted lies. Offering a plan to cultivate an honest credo in relationships (including the one shared with God, improve one's feelings of self-worth and straighten one's character), Dare To Be True draws upon the wisdom of scripture to encourage improvement in one's life and soul.

"Dare to Be True" tackles tough issues in relation to the practice of speaking the truth and living the truth. Drawing on the encouragement and insight of the Scriptures, this readable volume offers plenty of vivid illustrations and real-world examples of what commitment to truth looks like in today's world. As one of Mark's former students at Fuller, I have always appreciated his academic ability but this book offers much more. "Dare to Be True" reveals the tender heart of a pastor who is committed to living according to the example of Jesus who came to us "full of grace and truth" (John 1:14). This book will help all who hope to live in the same way.

I could hardly put this book down until I had finished it. This is a deep but accessible book containing the truth about truth. I read it hoping to gain insight about others in my life who aren't so truthful, and found more applications to my own life than I expected. Mark Roberts is an excellent, gifted writer. His tone is gentle and confessional, but he holds nothing back about the biblical imperative for truth with God, with others and with ourselves. He shares wonderful, pertinent examples from his own life and the lives of others about how God has honored their truth-telling and truth-living.

This book has made a difference in my life and has prompted me to go back and make some things right--to live a life of truth and transparency before God and in the world. It would be excellent for a Sunday school class or Bible study group as well as for individuals. The concepts Roberts presents are foundational to our freedom in Christ. I highly recommend this book to anyone wanting to experience more of that freedom.