Kansas Books

This book is an excellent review of the intellectual traditions that Wendell Berry draws upon in the development of his complex, controversial and elegant social, moral, and political theories. It was particularly useful to me, as a recent and avid reader (devourer) of Berry's essays and as a college student with little knowledge of agrarianism, populism or even the roots of green theory.

Prof. Smith points out the weaknesses in Berry's thought as well, which I think he would agree is the proper way to come to a more robust and implementable set of ideas. However, most of the book is dedicated to extolling and analyzing the beauty, truth, and love in the work of Wendell Berry.

I would greatly recommend this book as an intermediary text - read "What are PEOPLE For" or "The Unsettling of America" first, then read this, then go read the rest of Berry's books. It's well worth your time.

Peace.

This book contains such a wonderful account of the history
around the Allen and Neosho counties. One reason I had for
reading it is that my Grandmother was Mary Louise Dickerson
(Stewart). Her fathers name was Samuel Stewart and his
brother Watson Stewart were the guides that led the ill-
fated vegetarian colony. I have always wanted a copy of this
book,but have been unable to get one. I have the memoirs of
Watson Stewart which tells the story also. Would recommend
this book as excellent reading on American history.

This book is a great introduction to what the Church of the Nazarene is all about. It gives a brief historical overview and treatment of the denomination's beliefs. Most of the book, however, is taken up by a comparison of the Church of the Nazarene with other Christian denominations and presents a solid introduction to each without passing judgement. This is a great book for those looking for a quick introduction as well as for long-time members looking for a reminder of what the Nazarenes are all about.

Wow, the best book of sermons I have ever read. Each one a lollipop. Tracy makes Bible characters come to life. His conversational style makes it a quick and easy read. I thought I would crack up when he had Old Testament characters sipping Dr. Peppers while lolling at the Springs at Hebron. Lots to learn here, full of pathos, and humor.

I learned somethings from this book that helped me understand not only change from growing older and retiring, but the grief process of saying good byes that seems to accompany ageing. I have ordered an extra copy to give to a pastor, because it is a good reference book for a counselor.

The author of this book, Frank G. Carver, is a NT scholar with special expertise in Johannine studies. He also is a mystic who has penetrated to the heart of Jesus' Upper Room discourses in the Fourth Gospel. The reader of this study senses that Carver himself enjoys the experience of the Spirit that Jesus defines there. The volume is the culmination of years of teaching both graduate and undergraduate students. It cites the most authoritative studies of the Fourth Gospel, Catholic as well as Protestant, drawing also from the deep wells of Christian mysticism. The author writes from within the tradition of John Wesley, but often reads Wesley through the lenses of St. John of the Cross, whom he extensively quotes. The book represens a cross-fertilization of the Catholic (both Eastern and Western) and Protestant traditions. which gives the study its uniqueness and richness. Dr. Carver is also a seasoned and effective preacher; this book offers a wealth of practical, edifying sermon material for the minister who would proclaim the Johannine Christ's promise of the Spirit.

Lodahl has captured a wonderful visual point of view from the heart of Jesus; the stories show how the worst of sinners can receive His grace and eternal life. Christ meets our needs using the dust of the earth to write his message to all.

Easy read while touching the heart as Jesus looks into our eyes on our level.

There is so much I learned from this book! A lot of tools, understanding and truth is packed into an easy to read format. My husband and I poured through it and put as many of the principles we could to work right away. For me, two of the biggest principles I received, with God's help, is to detach from the difficult relationship and to look at my part and what I can change. I didn't think it was possible to feel God's peace and live my life normally during such a trying time for my family. I was able to not take everything so personally and even treat the person who was difficult with more respect and caring. I found, and it was definently a process, that I could infact feels God's peace and rest and not be so caught up in everything that I couldn't change. This book is extremely practical and truly can help anyone who's willing to change themselves. I have already referred back to it many times and know I will continue to do so. Anyone dealing with a difficult relationship and knows what it feels like to have love hurt needs to read this!

Al Truesdale has rendered a great service to the Church in the form of this little book with a lofty goal: To reach out to those Christians who have become disaffected with the usual forms and practices of worship, particularly prayer. Every local church includes a cadre of such folk, whether we pastors admit to their presence or not. Judging by the exodus of members from our own denominations, and the large chunk of present membership we deem as "inactive," many Christians certainly fall within the parameters of this book's title, and could well benefit from reading it.----------
"We assume that with proper guidance all Christians can practice successful communion with God," an assumption the author notes with disappointment. But "people who can't achieve these goals feel like lepers in the Church." For them, prayer is not merely impractical but a "major obstacle" in their quest for spiritual development and faithful service to God. Truesdale counters that God is indeed a God of hope, as the Bible attests, and that our faith has far more to do with God holding us than with our holding on to God. ------------
Drawing on case studies gleaned from his many years as a pastor and seminary professor, Truesdale correlates the inner struggles and probing questions of people caught in the crush of life who are yet searching for a satisfying spirituality, with the answers of the Christian faith, especially Scripture. This is no "How-to" manual or self-help pamphlet. Superficial, "try harder" solutions are debunked and dismissed. On the contrary fervent prayer is identified as an intense and enduring struggle in which believers remain painfully aware of the great distance separating the hope of God's coming kingdom from their own experience of the brokenness of life in the present. Ultimately, however, it is that hope which allows us to pray even in times when we feel we cannot. Christians who cannot pray can at least claim the hope of that faith which fills them and uplifts them through the power of the Holy Spirit.---------
"When You Can't Pray" would make for a wonderful adult study guide on the topic of prayer, as well as a useful evangelism tool for reaching those members who have become inactive due to experiences that shattered their naïve faith and sent them running for cover.

Smith writes on a subject many authors do not touch on - that of how to counsel a grieving group. His approach is not to ignore individual grief, but instead to move beyond it. A very easy read and good prespective for a working minister.