Christianity Books

Every question is answered with clarity and right to the point. For those who would like to learn about our present Pope and his beliefs this is the book to buy. The church and the world should feel blessed to have a man as Joseph Ratzinger . Tremendous insight into the church and his own life before he became Pope. Peter seewald is a great writer and Ratzinger really comes through in this interview. Catholics around the world should thank God that this man speaks on behalf of us.

Without a doubt, this new Pope Benedict XVI is the most brilliant man in the world!

That probably does not need to be said, does it? What is more important than being brilliant is that the "then" Cardinal Ratzinger, is seen as one who can and does communicate with the people. We are those people! Anyone can understand what Cardinal Ratzinger means when he answers Peter Seewald's questions - one would never go away saying, "What did He mean by THAT!" Brilliant!

Peter Seewald asks great questions - for a starter, "Do you pray when you and the Pope (then Pope John Paul II) meet?" "What do you wear?" Silly? Maybe, but we learn about the setting of the meeting of the Pope and the Prefect - we see the picture - we ARE there with them! You seem to take a chair here with Seewald and the "then" Cardinal Ratzinger, now Holy Father - who is also fondly called the German Shepherd and/or B16. You can take him anywhere! Later Peter Seewald's questions become deeper and more profound, but never more profound that the answers.

I swooned over the first 20 pages. I began putting green stars to mark things that were amazing - then green exclamation points to help me locate great comments - then began to underline - now I have a book that is almost totally green in ink! What a heart for God this Cardinal had in 1996 and to think that 10 years later he was our new Pope. Get out your markers!

Purchase this book and, at the same time, order God and the World: A Conversation With Peter Seewald - the next book dated 2000. At least, put these books on your Wish List for Mothers' Day or Fathers' Day. Actually begin by adding everything Pope Benedict XVI has ever written to your library.

I believe Mr. Seewald went "Home" to the One Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church shortly after this book. They were a great team!

After all the costly legal expenditures (and the lack thereof) have, in the majority of cases, been accounted for, Ratzinger now no longer feels pressured to provide us with the keys to the Kingdom of Secrecy relegated above. Is this "upper surface" really all that remains of his famous sight outside, or is it nothing more than a considerable reputation that has been established for reliable books? And how can such an author hope for so long that Ratzinger's new book, by its absence, will have cultivated anything like it? Seldom, the beginner thinks, will the work of such an author--lacking the reserve or the aesthetic control of the above-mentioned colonels--be captured immediately. Nor will it be completely convincing. But that, of course, was precisely the experiment that was forced on them after Ratzinger's consideration was ceded in 1960. The impact of this first impression shows the entire direction of the book. In the library, after which I was completely in agreement with his single new worldview, one could see signs that it would soon disperse. With the relative lack of English letters on Ratzinger, I, for one, would like to gather a summary and a consideration of Ratzinger's body of work, under one flag, as completely as possible. And on the general topic of any official meetings, if each report made a first impression as written, then what prospect does the neophyte have, when he comes for the first time to these books. The catch is that, as a unit, I can only hope that these pieces will be useful as an inspiration, mostly so that our readers will freely choose the work of an author who has spent too a long time in negligence.

Contrasted to Vittorio Messori's breakthrough interview of Cardinal Ratzinger, the famous Ratzinger Report, this book at first glance does not seem to stand up as well. Messori is Catholic, prepared, and focused. The interviewer here, Peter Seewald, is a contemporary journalist and while obviously a man of good will, comes on too often with cliched assumptions about Catholicism. The gracious Ratzinger sidesteps this as consistently as Lou Gehrig could hit singles, but the overall result can become monotonous, tedious, and diffuse.

Yet many will doubtless prefer this book as an introduction to the new pope's thinking. The reason, simply, is that for all its flaws the book is more human, intimate. It often looks just like straight transcription of a conversation about the faith between two men, who for whatever different reasons do care about the subject and the answers. There is a thus, finally, a certain glow of Christian fellowship to the whole undertaking. The Ratzinger Report, in contrast, now begins to betray something of the hand of the editor -- on both sides. Thus however stumbling and sometimes clumsy, this book is more than a "semi-official" report: it is something that might even convert somebody -- as the meetings apparently did Seewald.

The focus here is less on the Catholic Church as an institution, more on the burden of Christianity and belief at this precise moment of history. Seewald stands for the contemporary mind. Ratzinger's replies both exhibet a bounty of patience and a dogged persistence to be understood with as much accuracy as his questioner can glean. For once, the theologian is out of his skin, and must become catechist -- to a most unlikely candidate. As perfectly chiseled as the Ratzinger Report was, one suspects that this book, then, will for now on find the wider audience, perhaps even endure.

Simply, when the voice of the modern man is modulated, as befits an interview -- and not screaming in protest or assault -- the Cardinal's responsive voice, densely civil, jam-packed with informed response in defense of belief -- and poignant questions of its own for the modern man -- levels the field like a superhighway. Disarmingly, while Ratzinger seems to play a long hand, at the end one is no longer even listening to modern man's wailing. The man of quiet belief has known all along it was a but a feisty baby's howl for real food.

Read this book.

There are so many things that are wonderful about this book; it is hard to know where to begin. First and foremost, this is a fantastic comprehensive synthesis of Ratzinger's views regarding much of the current concerns of the Church and of the world.

Additionally, the question and answer format makes this book extremely accessible, even for those who might think they are too busy to read about the new Pope. I would even say that the topics that are discussed in this interview are of interest to everybody as they do not necessarily revolve around interior Church issues.

Like I said earlier, I suggest that you read this book. It's a great way to start learning more about what Joseph Ratzinger (Pope Benedict XVI) is like and how he thinks.

Oh, my GOD! I can not say it enough when I tell you that this book has transformed my life and relationship with God. I have read the first ten chapters twice before I even went to read the very next chapters in the book.

You will refer back to this book more than you could ever imagine. It is like a BIBLE on how to grow closer to God that you would want to keep around you at all times to reference back too.

This book is anointed and if you read it and you don't get anything out of it, then it has to be that you did not want to get anything out of it because it will absolutely have you craving and hungering to experience what Bob Sorge is talking about. The first step is overcoming your fear of never doing anything like that before. First FEAR is False Evidence Appearing Real and you need to get that out of your life. Second, grab a hold of God and be willing to apply the secrets in your own secret place and God will meet you there. Actually, He is waiting for you to join him and what a marvelous journey it will be if you will leap! I did and I am forever longing to be in the secret place all the days of my life because it transformed my life to the point that I can't live with out the secret place. It is Absolutely AWESOME! I highly recommend it. Also, if you would like to experiment with growing closer with God and you are willing to take a trip, go to Hamilton Alabama, THE RAMP, and Karen Wheaton Ministries. That will rock your world! It is life changing for the gloriousness of GOD!!!!

This book was awesome. I higly recommend this book. I have bought several copies of this book and gave them out. Every person that received a copy was blessed and learned a lot. It is a good read for your alone time with God.

I have been using this book as the study for my moms' small group for the past year. From beginning to end it has never gotten dry. Each week we are challenged and inspired to find our own secret place with God. I and the other two leaders use the study guide to help us lead the group, but the book stands very well on its own. The other great thing is that others who join the group can jump in at any point. We only have eight chapters left, and I am still ordering books for new group members. It's that good!

"Secrets of the Secret Place" is the very best book I have read on the keys to an effective prayer life that produces an intimate relationship with the Messiah. For many years I sought God about the keys to experiencing an effective prayer life and was shown a number of the truths presented in Bob Sorge's fantastic book. While reading the book, I discovered several new to me Scripturally sound udeas to enhance my prayer life as well.

In approaching the chapter on meditation, I was concerned that Sorge might promote the centering or breath prayer type of meditation where you repeat a word or phrase or concentrate on your breathing until your mind goes blank. This type of prayer, which is practiced and promoted by many church leaders, including Rick Warren and Chuck Swindoll, is a Christianized form of Transendental Meditation and is estremely dangerous for when your mind is blank demons can enter in. The type of meditation Sorge recommended is where you ponder what the Scriptures are saying and discuss your ideas with God and ask for his wisdom concerning concepts you don't understand. You also use appropriate Bible tools, such as a good dictionary to look up the meaning to any words you don't understand or historical data, a concordance to cross referance any key words, etc.

Sorge also shows you how to use the Scripture in worship and as a most effective prayer tool. When praying the Scriptures you know your requests are in line with the Messiahs. Two thumbs up and five stars for this excellent book. The secrets of the secret place have been concealed for far to long and need to be learned and practiced by all believers in the Messiah.

He talks about fasting in the book, which I have done a number of times and have been blessed by the practice. You need to seek God on if, when and how long to fast and make it a time to "rest" and focus on God. It not a time to run and do business as usual.

This is a life-changing book. It should be required reading for EVERY Christian. Time alone with God is a foundational requisite in our daily walk and Mr. Sorge lays out in exacting detail everything necessary for operating in all the blessings that God has in store for us.

I am impressed by the writings of Robert Louis Wilken in this history book. He tells us that the purpose of his book is "to depict the pattern of Christian thinking as it took shape in the formative centuries of the Church's history."
His purpose leads me to believe that he understands that the Bible is the central factor that appeals to all the religious writers from the very beginning to the present time. I cannot help but to be aware that the central theme for anyone will be to understand what God has helped man to write in this great book, The Bible. Readers should come to an awareness in the introduction of this book that we need to understand the history, rituals, and the text to have the proper knowledge of Christian history in order to convey facts and thoughts to all concerned people.

This book explores Christian beliefs and practices, shown in its major Latin and Greek writers, through the first seven centuries of the church's history.

Each of the twelve chapters is devoted to a particular theme, such as worship or social ethics, but the discussion is wide ranging, and themes tend to flow into one another. "Spirit" is a good word in the title since the material isn't treated in a systematic way. At the end, the reader has less an analysis and more an aroma of early Christianity.

The book isn't a critical appraisal--it's a loving appropriation. And it's clear Wilken loves his subject matter deeply. This is a beautiful book, written with depth and style.

It is hard to believe that this book is by the same man who wrote "The Christians as the Romans Saw Them". What a difference 19 years makes.

This is one of the most inspiring books I have ever read. I must have highlighted the whole book since I found almost every sentence edifying.

I had become accustomed to reading the Church Fathers from an apologetic or polemical standpoint. This book made me realize how I had overlooked the faith and piety of the Early Fathers. Prof. Wilken shows among other things how they sought to ground their all their arguments Biblically, and how little Christian doctrine actually owes to pagan thought, other than perhaps a few philosophical terms.

If you really want to understand how Christian doctrine was shaped by faith and inspiration, and not by cerebral distillations, you simply MUST read this book.

In a previous volume called The Christians as the Romans Saw Them (1984), Robert Louis Wilkin, professor of the History of Christianity at the University of Virginia, explored the broad and deep antipathy that developed in the first five centuries toward the Christian movement, at least as that was expressed by the cultured elites. He presented the views of the pagan critics with both sympathy and understanding, devoting one chapter each to the views of Pliny the Younger, the physician Galen, Celsus, the Neoplatonic philosopher Porphyry, and the Roman emperor Julian. In a short epilogue, Wilkin acknowledged that Christians responded to their critics: "There was a genuine dialogue, not simply an outpouring of abuse. The credit goes as much to the Christians as to the pagans." In this present volume Wilkin explores the emergence of what eventually became a distinctly Christian view of God, the world, the self, and human history.

Although his task requires him to consider the history of theology as it developed in the early church, and its relationship with thinkers of Judaism, Greece and Rome, Wilkin warns us not to be be overly preoccupied with intellectual ideas. The Gospel, after all, does not intend to make us smart, but to transform our hearts, minds, and our very lives. Early Christianity appealed to history, reason, ritual, experience, and most of all to the Scriptures, all with the goal of authentic faith expressing itself in true love. What we seek is not barren knowledge but the very face of God (see Psalm 105:4). In his panoramic survey Wilkin describes how we know God in worship, the sacraments and the Scriptures; the struggles to define the Trinity, the nature of Christ, and creation; the relationship of faith to reason and the church to broader society; poetry and icons; and then the nature of Christian virtue and the spiritual life. From start to finish the book is a feast of the early Christian fathers, with special emphasis on Origen, Gregory of Nyssa, Augustine, and Maximus the Confessor. These forbears are, as he says in the last sentence of the book, "still our teachers today."

This book left me feeling very torn. On the one hand, it was really a great read. On the other hand, it seemed that there was an underlying agenda that the author refused to admit (or realize). At times, it seemed a little like Bart Ehrman's book--only half the story gets told to bend the conclusion. Of course, Wilken admits that he is not telling the whole story, but he leads the reader to believe that he is being fair. Allow me a few examples. Wilken admits that Augustine is the giant of early Christian thought, and quotes him in every chapter, and on almost every subject. However, when he begins to talk about free-will, there is no talk of Augustine, and Wilken says that all the early fathers believed in free-will. While Augustine may have been in the minority, the average reader (to whom the book is written, as purported by Wilken) would have no other idea. Also, Wilken talks about the monothelite controversy. Usually, he deals with all the bishops and emporers on both sides of a debate. However, in this discussion, he fails to mention Honorius, prelate of Rome. This would be unknown to the average reader, but seems (to me) that it would be important enough to mention. There are a few other, mostly minor, examples of things like this. It all seems to be an apologetic for Roman Catholicism. While that's fine to write an apologetic for your church, telling half the story is deceitful.

That being said, the book is a good read. It flows well, and is enjoyable. Technical terms (usually Greek or Latin words) are explained and used in useful ways. The book contains a good amount of information, yet is presented in an understandable way and is made easy to remember. It isn't just another book on early church history--it traces other things like poetry, etc. Another underlying theme is that knowledge of God is not true knowledge until it is experienced. It seems simple enough, but Wilken explains it quite well. And to this end, I agree with another reviewer, that there is a devotional, not just academic, use for this book.

The negative side of this review shouldn't deter anyone from reading it. This book is a great read, but it needs to be read with discernment (of course, everything does).

There are some that believe Catholics worship the Virgin Mother. There are some they believe this book is filled with blasphemy, yet reading this book I found none. I found a book that taught that Mary helps us build a deeper and meaningful relation with Jesus. This book is about how Mary is part of God's will.

The book may be a little hard for some to read, but do not be worried. It is filled with so much rich and beautiful text, that will have you want to know anything and everything about Our Lady.

This book gave me a phrase that I will hold close to my heart:

Maria Numquam Satis " Of Mary, there is never enough!"

This is the best book written about Mary. How simple! Easy to follow and great inspiration for my life and devotion to Mary, the Mother of God. If you love her, your love will grow deeper. You most buy this book and certainly feel more attached to her. Seller is excellent. Buy at ease from them. GOOD PRICES!!!

I have spent the past four years discovering my Catholic faith after spending decades chasing professional goals of far less importance.

I have found this book to be the most important "writing of the saints" book I've read while on this four-year journey.

I highly recommend reading it slowly and prayerfully, and making the formal personal consecration. For me, this has been a life-changing discovery for which I am very grateful.

This is an important book. I am a recent convert to the Catholic Church. I grew up in a protestant denomination and Mary was someone who appeared for a couple of weeks at Christmas and then faded back into the dust of first century christianity. She was just one of many players in the drama of God. This book blows that shallow understanding to bits. Over the past year I have been getting to know my Mother. This book came to my attention only recently and I can not put it down! I will say this, one must read this book with faith. This is a very deep book, yet beautifully simple. It is a love story of devotion and courage. This book is a high calling to know Jesus in a way one may have never imagined possible.

Peace,
Keith

This is, in my opinion, the greatest single book ever written on the Blessed Virgin. It is, in reality, like a compendium of all that the Holy Catholic Church had taught on devotion to the Blessed Virgin up to that moment, although nothing has really been added since then. In 215 pages it explains everything you need to know about TRUE devotion to the Blessed Virgin - it even explains false devotions, such as hypocritical devotees etc - and the crucial importance, by the will of God, of Mary in salvation history. You can clearly get the impression when reading this magnificent book that the author was not really the one who physically wrote down the words, St Louis Marie Grignion de Montfort, but in reality the Holy Ghost himself acting through this servant of God. This book is an absolute must for anyone who wishes to better his/her spiritual life. Needless to say, I think everyone should read this book - sinners and saints alike. For sinners, as a way to escape from spiritual ruin, and for saints, as a way to reach perfection which otherwise is very difficult to reach without a deep devotion to Our Lady. This book definitely has the power to change the life of the one who reads it. As St Alphonsus de Liguori stated, "Only God knows the good that can be done on a soul by reading a good book" and this book certainly falls in this category.

This book has been a blessing to me. Andy has skillfully used the life of Nehemiah and has interwoven his own leadership experiences, while staying through to the Scriptures.

Every visionary needs to read this book. Every pastor needs to read this book. Everyone who is involved in ministry at some level needs to read this book. Buy and eat this volume, for you will find it sweet to the taste and satisfying to the stomach.

Most leadership books focus on a specific portion of leadership (i.e. competency or character, method or motive, personal or public, etc.) In so doing these books almost guarantee enthusiastic support from like minded persons and criticism from others.

VISIONEERING is more balanced than most. The book's subtitle is very accurate. "God's blueprint for developing and maintaining personal vision." This book is based on Scripture and attempts to follow God's definition of leadership. This book is extremely practical in offering advice on developing and maintaining vision. This book delves deeply into the personal character of the leader. This book offers concrete guides for a vision that yields public impact. In short, this book may not go as deeply as any one person may like, but everyone should accept it. More importantly, every Christian leader should be stretched by it.

SUGGESTION: Because of its balance and ability to stretch people this is the probably the next book I will take our entire church leadership team through. If you are looking for a book to offer to your leaders, this is a good one. I suggest that each pastor buy a copy of this book for board members and take them through it as a small group discussion guide. It will help the board members understand the pastor, support the pastor better, and will also make the board members better leaders in their own ministries.

If you have ever had a dream, a vision that God has placed in front of you and did not know what to do with it, you need this book. As I started reading, it felt that Andy Stanley was writing to me personally. God has place within my heart a vision but I was at a loss as to how to put steel and concrete on it. Andy took the story of Jeremiah and applied it so that it would fit whoever and whatever God has placed within you.
Fantastic book I refer to almost weekly.
I have to be honest and admit that I thought to myself, "What has this young preacher got to say that will help me, a veteran of 43 years of preaching?" I was blessed, he had much to say and kept it all Biblical!

In contrast to many books on leadership, even those written by Christian leaders, Andy Stanley manages to draw out over a dozen key principles from the story of Nehemiah's journey in leading the people of Israel to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. I have appreciated some of those more secular leadership books, including Stanley's "Next Generation Leader," as I have tried to development my own skills, but I found his biblical approach here to be refreshing.

I used the audiocassette version of this book, which was read by Andy Stanley and presumably significantly abridged. So, I cannot attest to the entire text of the book. However, even in bulleted form with the key points highlighted in the audio version, there was much wisdom to glean from Stanley's analysis of Nehemiah.

I highly recommend this leadership book, particularly for leaders within the church, and I look forward to listening to it again!!

Few authors have the skill of presenting biblical truth in such practical dress! Andy Stanley has hit a home run. I have read this book twice, a year apart, and have catalogued over 30 cross-referenced topics from its pages.

From the Old Testament Book of Nehemiah, Stanley propounds 20 building blocks for discovering, articulating, and growing vision in personal life. The book has 18 projects, one following each chapter, most of which were personally helpful.

While being a Bible based book, this work has direct practical application that will fit nearly any kind of vision in any field. It moves to that rare highest category in my library: a five star must read!

I love Max Lucado. His writings inspire me to be a better person. You can't go wrong with anything he writes be it children's books or adult books.

Lucado does it again. He takes a topic that is often deeply unsettling for many- the end. When Christ comes. And he takes all our worries and uncertanties gently, understandingly and reassures each one. Things that I've been afraid to admit as a Christian such as being worried about being disappointed when Christ comes (hard to explain until you read the book, but an example would be an expectant mother being disappointed because she wants to raise her baby) ...these things we don't want to admit, Lucado understands. He affirms our feelings. However, he also has a way of turning them around and reminding us of Christ's love. Trust Him.

A fantastic read.

Max helps prepare the soul for the coming of Jesus Christ. Not deep theologically, but it is still worth the reading. Very encouraging!

Max Lucado is one of my favorite authors. As a fairly young Christian, I find his books easy to read and understand. His books are written in my language.

"When Christ Comes" is a book every Christian with questions about heaven should read. I read it with my husband as a devotional...it's that good. Somehow it seems that when we think of the end times, we always think of all the bad things that are going to happen and forget about the wonders of heaven. After reading this book, I am VERY excited for heaven...even more than I was before! The content in this book is suitable for new and mature Christians alike! I gave this book to my friend after she first accepted Christ and she LOVED it!

I highly recommend this book to anyone!

I fight monstrous spiritual battles with fear in my daily life with perpetually unanswered questions and unsatisfying answers to them. It is fear of death and the end of the world that puts my heart, mind and spirit into this tailspin. I have searched high and low in all places I dared to approach for musings and discussion about the end of the world, including the Mayan (read: pagan) calendar, controversial prophecies involving the papacy, the fictitious Bible code...you name it, I explored it, and came up with few answers to many of my worries.

Whether I stumbled upon Lucado's book or God led me to the one copy of it in my local bookstore, I don't know. All I know is that, through all that apocalyptic hype and static noise, Lucado drew me to the POINT, that Christ is returning to reclaim His church, to rescue us from the increasing entropy and chaos in this world around us. The POINT is not the pain and suffering we may go through to get there - that's not for us, His chosen ones. It's revenge. It's justice. Whether we live through it (the Tribulation) or not, is not the point. The point is what we do with the time we are given NOW, and searching through non-believers' theories and could-be, half-true prophecies is a huge WASTE of that time. We must keep our eyes on Him through the storms that are to come, and wait patiently for the calm, sweeping as many souls along with us as possible, so they can know His glory and rewards as well.

The only helpful and comforting piece of the truth (aside from the Bible itself) I've come across, and I've looked almost everywhere.

This book couldn't have come at a better time for me. It seems the Lord knew exactly what I needed when I visited my library 2 days before a mission trip, 2 days following the tragic death of our beloved pet Nadia. As I read the book, I kept my Bible close and it all made perfect sense. I received such peace from God through the teachings of Ms. Buddemeyer-Porter. I thank the Lord for this answer to my prayer.

A wonderful review not only of scripture, but also how well-known theologians down through history agree: You will see Fido in Heaven. I cannot rate this book high enough.

If you have ever lost a pet or know someone who has, then, aside from the Bible, this is the ONE book you really should read and share. Since it came to my attention on Amazon, I have gifted this book several times always with the same grateful result.

"Will I See Fido In Heaven" is an adult way of looking at the loss of a dear pet. This book is thoughtful, and somewhat comforting. Nothing would be more comforting than actually having the lost loved-one back by one's side. However, this book is as good as it gets.

There are many believers in Christ who do not believe that we will see our pets in heaven. I must admit that before reading Mary's book, "Will I See Fido in Heaven?", I felt this same way. As an animal lover and Christian, I was willing to accept whatever God's plan was for animals eternal destination, whether it be that life would just simply end, or that their souls would dwell along side those of us in Heaven who believe in Jesus Christ. Mary uses sound scripture to back up her beliefs. God's word is true and without error. If we choose not to believe His word, then we will miss out on the blessings He intends for us to have and enjoy. If you love animals and our Lord and Savior who created them, read Mary's book. You'll be glad that you did.

How refreshing to read the beautiful stories in this book about the men on this earth who take the place of Jesus - our Roman Catholic priests! Sadly, some of our priests have fallen away from grace and although it is important that this scandal be brought to the forefront, there are also many, many wonderful, kind, compassionate priests whose stories must be told. This book does just that. It tells story after story about these wonderful holy men and how seriously they take the souls that are entrusted to them. God Bless Them and we must remember to pray for them always!

Well written and edited descriptions of encounters with priests that has helped open eyes and minds and hearts to the readers. Articles are brief and descriptive and appeal to the reader. Each little story is a book in itself and makes it hard to put the book down. You read of one story and right away want to go to the next one. Thank you, Sr. Pat Proctor, for a well done work.

i bought several copies to give as gifts to other catholics. each story is different and filled with true heart warming
acts of love and encouragement.

It's long overdue, this book of tributes to the quiet, humble and unsung heros God has called to the Catholic priesthood. God knew what He was doing when He chose these men, sometimes surprising them in the process. One hundred and one stories that affirm what most of our priests truly are, another Christ. Pick any story, and the love of the Lord for His people shines through each of these 101 priests. A book of sheer joy.

With all the scandal in the church it's easy to forget that the few priests found guilty are NOT the majority! This book reminds you that the church has so many dedicated wonderful priests that are working for the Lord and Our Lady and doing HIS will! Just a wonderful inspiring book of wonderful dedicated priests! Be not afraid! should be the secondary title as Pope John Paul II has led the way and these wonderful priests have followed...

Guyon has given the church a spiritual gem. And this gem has been mostly hidden... hidden by years of religious junk that is void of life-changing power! She writes of what many call "the deeper Christian life" when it is truthfully... the normal Christian life. Unfortunately, it is this Christian life that most believers never mature and grow up into.

Guyon calls believers to learn a new way of prayer and a new way to read Scripture. This new way will ultimately lead us to experience the depths of Jesus Christ.

Guyon recognizes that man is tripartite or trichotomous in nature. Meaning... man is composed of spirit, soul(psyche), and body. It is in the spirit of man that we meet Christ. It is through the denial of our soul-life (i.e. will, emotions, intellect) that we learn to meet with God in the spirit. The spirit then governs the soul and body as Christ intended in divine order.

It is through abandonment and pressing through the "spiritual dryness" that we shall take hold of a deeper experience with Christ. Discerning the activity of your spirit vs. your soul... will allow you to come to Christ in the way he has placed before us. It is by turning inward to Christ that we discover his life in us.

"When your soul is once turned toward God---the God who dwells within your spirit---you will find it easy to keep turning within. The longer you continue to turn within, the closer you will come to God and the more firmly you will cling to him." p.54

Many believers are led astray by external activities of the soul for years before they ever take seriously the spiritual things spoken of in this book. This is a common occurrence... but it is not normal and it never should be accepted as an inevitable delay of Christian maturity.

Guyon writes, "If a new convert were introduced to real prayer and to a true inward experience of Christ as soon as he became converted, you would see countless numbers of converts go on to become true disciples."

She goes on to say, "the present way of deaing only with external matters in the life of the new convert brings little fruit. Burdening the new Christian with countless rules and all sorts of standards does not help him grow in Christ. Here is what should be done: The new Christian should be led to God. How? By learning to turn within to Jesus Christ and by giving the Lord his whole heart." p.117

This book is about how this happens. I have not read a more practical book about Christian living. I highly recommend this book to those who have exhausted themselves by attempting to live like Christ in the soul-life.

For more of a thorough teaching on the tripartite nature of man... please read, "The Release of the Spirit" and "The Spiritual Man, vol.1" by Watchman Nee.

I recommend the following books:
The Release of the Spirit
The Spiritual Man (3 volume set)
The Centrality of Jesus Christ (Works of T. Austin-Sparks) Volume One
The Pursuit of God: The Human Thirst for the Divine

"Experiencing the Depths..." is one of the best books on prayer ever written. But, you need to follow her instructions to actually do chapters 1,2, & 3 before you read on. The temptation to continue reading and not doing is enormous but the result will just be confusion. Also reading her Autobiography will increase your understanding and connection with this book.

Pastor pablo alegre

This book changed my life by helping me understand just how close Christ is to us who believe and seek Him. I don't ever have to be alone again and can practice the Greatest Commandment in all my life, and have complete joy in Christ. Daily Bible reading is also a must for me to help keep me turned away from the "world" and at the same time turned inward towards Christ Jesus who abides in me and in all. Praise God and Christ for new life!!!

This book seemed very interesting, however I found that even when its contents were explained simply, it's almost too vague or confusing for me to comprehend what the author is suggesting. In its shortest form, this book teaches Christians that meditation is the key to remaining focused on God and staying in His holy presence. However, it uses vauge suggestions like, "Now bring your self into the Lord's presence and just hold yourself there in silence." Now, I take it as if I could already bring myself into the Lord's presence, then I probably wouldn't need this book! However, late on the book does offer a little more explanation. But the true value of this book is when it goes in to describing the difficulties one can expect to face when trying to draw closer to the Father. This section of the book (luckily a large portion of the entire text) is by far the most useful and practical and on it's merits alone I would recommend this book to all but the newest followers of Christ. (Newer followers might not understand the issues discussed without a little "practical experience" under their belt.)

This little book will help you get closer to God as you pray. It should be on every Christian's book shelf. It is a little hard to get in to, but don't give up - persevere - and you will be rewarded with a better prayer life.

In. My. Purse.

All. The. Time.

Seriously ---- This book is amazing. It has a permanent home in my purse... (it's not too small, not too big - just right) And I use it almost daily....or at least a few times per week. Sometimes I'm in a bad place and need a quick inspirational message, and sometimes I just feel like feeling better about something....Whatever the reason, you will LOVE THIS BOOK. I ordered 5 more after I got it to give to friends and family...that's how much I love it. I know when some open it they will think "ummm....ok..?" at first....but they end up thanking me later.

GET THIS BOOK you wont be sorry!

this book has been so helpful at valuable to me so many tough times like i'm going through now. the messages are short but powerful. this book will certainly help you restore your peace. like another poster said mine is getting worn out.

Each time my spirt is down, or I'm going through a situation, I turn to this book. I hold the book in my right hand by its spine, fan the pages with my left hand to stop at randum. The passages I've read, I have felt its deep spirtual feeling and I understand its meaning. Then I reflect on my situation and the passage fits. It helps me to understanding whats going on. It uplifts my spirit to deal with my situation. It give me insight to view my problem from a different angle. It also assures me that what I am currently going through will end. I will get through it. In my view, its a powerfull book. I have read several other books by Iyanla, even watched her talk show (sorry that went off the air), but like the bible, I keep Faith In The Valley near by.

This is my FAVORITE book by Iyanla Vanzant because of: It's size(small enough for your tiny purse), its lack of preach-i-ness and how the index is organized by subject. I feel its a synopsis of all the subjects covered in her other books. I also feel the book is applicable to women of ALL cultures. You can use it as a daily guide or you can use the index to find a subject for which you could use guidance.

I can not express how insightful and helpful this book is! It really makes you look deep into the reason(s) why you thought you needed a book of affirmations in the first place. This book is perfect for those "why me" and "I really can't take any more" moments when you feel like life, and everything in it, needs to give you a break. If you're a woman experiencing a lot of change in your life and it seems like you just can't handle another crisis (or is it a crisis afterall?), this is the book for you. I carry it in my purse!