Christianity Books

One of the best books I have ever read, period. The dialogue was update and very thoughtful. The references used were amazing and fit in perfectly well. The coming-out, self-acceptance, and love story were also of high cailbur. Definitely worth a look.

like in previous reviews from alex sanchez's books, I have been struggling with my sexuality for quite some time now but after reading this i felt so much better. i go to a christian school and have christian friends and i am a christian (duh). After reading i felt so much better about myself and truly believed that God made me the way I am and will use me in some way. It's a great book and has unexpected turns. You also get really into the characters and are actually arguing with the book(on what you want your characters to do). Also, it talks about Bible stories from a different point of view and makes you really think about other Bible stories involving homosexuality. All in all, you should read this book; it will make you feel better about yourself and you will become sure on what you believe in and teaches you to stand up for what's right.

I just finished reading the newest book by Alex Sanchez, The God Box. I absolutely love this book. The book tells the story of a high school senior dealing with coming to terms with his sexuality, and then reconsiling that with his faith, and what his church has tought him about homosexuality.

Sanchez does an excellent job of taking many of the passages used by many religious leaders to condemn homoseuality, and find fault with the logic that is used. While it is not as indepth as the books published on the subject, he does an excelent job of telling the gist of it. He also offers the books that he used at the end of the book, so you can look into them further if youa re really interested in looking at a scholarly take on the subject.

Even though the book is written with the intent to help young teens reconslie their sexuality with Christinaty, there is very little demonizing of the religious people in the book. Even those characters, who are homophobic and anti-gay, are not portrayed as a completely evil and vile people. They are treated with dignity. While those characters are charactures of the religious fundamentalists that are seen on television, like Dr. James Dobson, they are not at all portrayed to be like the Rev. Fred Phelps.

This is an extremely well written book, and keeps in line with all of Alex Sanchez's other writing. I highly encourage anyone of any age to read not only this book, but all of his other books as well. They are all definitely well worth the time, and maybe you'll learn a little something as well.

I just finished "The God Box" and I can hardly believe what I just read. I didn't know that books about gay Christian teens existed (except possibly to condemn them or guilt them into trying to change). If I had read this book as a teen, I can't begin to imagine the ways it would have comforted me; made me feel like I wasn't alone. There is no doubt in my mind that this book will save lives and open eyes. Thank you Alex Sanchez!

As a middle school librarian, I'm always excited for the beginning of summer when I can finally get to the rest of the books I've been meaning to read all year. Sanchez's new book was one I was looking forward to (and enjoyed.) I loved the main characters, Paul (Pablo) and Manuel. Paul's character was developed more fully than the rest, but all of the characters took on strong voices. I thought Paul's self reflection and slow realization of his sexuality was beautifully written and his simultaneous excitement and fear at Manuel's interest was very real.

My disappointment arrived at the (SPOILER ALERT) gay bashing. It seems like a gay bashing is always necessary to demonstrate the dangerous conditions many gay teens face. However, as an educator who works closely with teenagers (and a lesbian who was once a teen myself), I've seen that daily harassment, comments, ignorance and invisibility can cause as much, if not more, long-lasting harm (some of which Manuel and the minor character Stephen experienced - though Stephen's character could have been more developed). However, at its heart, Sanchez's novel is a coming-of-age story and a well written one at that. His focus on the arguments against gay people made by some Christians is explained well and the counter-arguments are clear and easily understood. I think it is an important work and one that should be found in every Middle School, Junior High and High School library. Hopefully some questioning Christian teens, and perhaps their friends, will happen upon the book and find some peace in its pages.

I got this book yesterday and I will have read by tonight. I can not put this book down! Joseph knew betrayal and trials. The author explores Joseph's struggles and helps us explore ours. All I need to know is that God hasn't forgotten me in the midst of this mess and if I cling to Him He will bring me through...as gold, even. This book is biblical and that alone soothes my soul. It's an easy read. I'm not sure what Bible translation he uses, but my guess is King James. That's okay, because it just makes me dig in my NIV a little deeper. I'm telling you...if you are desperately looking for God in your current betrayal, struggle, problem...this book will lead you to Him if you're willing to be lead.

This is a good read. Each chapter came from a Sunday's sermon -- so easy to read a few pages and set aside, and easily pickup again later. I strongly recommend this book!

An absolute read for everyone
essential for anyone who has been "screwed over"

If someone or some organization has "done you dirt" then you'll live longer and happier if you read this book.

This is truly one of the best books ever written. Actually, anything by RT Kendall is a book with substance

This book is filled with scriptures and valuable information. I highly recommend it.

So many people have their own interpretations of what is happening when you go through something, but R. T. Kendall gives you biblical truths that give you concrete information of what is really going on.

A must read.

This well-written novel, though dated, tells the story of three young pastors coming to grips with how ministry works - and doesn't work. Highly Recommended.

During the years of its reign as the Established Church of Sweden, the Evangelical Lutheran Church grew increasingly abusive, unresponsive, liberal, and divorced from the lives of the common Swedish peasants. But, during the 18th century, the Pietism movement came to Sweden, calling people to individual piety and personal holiness. The Church of Sweden reacted vigorously against the movement, resulting in split congregations, persecution, emigration, and, finally, reform.

In this wonderful book, Swedish Lutheran Bishop and author, Bo Herald Giertz (1905-98), collects three stories (really novellas) that each tells the story of a pastor, learning to properly serve God and his fellow men. They are stories of learning God's holiness, but also His love and grace.

Overall, I found this to be a powerful and extremely moving read. The power of the stories keeps you reading, wishing you could be in the very churches that you read about. Now, the author was an unabashed advocate of the Lutheran Church, and the book contains a vigorous defense of the Lutheran Church's liturgy and theology. But, it is such a powerful look at serving God and serving man that I think it is a book that Christians of all sects should read.

This is a powerful book, one that is certainly a classic of Lutheran literature, and should be considered a classic of Christian literature for all believers. I give this book my highest recommendations!

This is an excellent book and much needed for evangelicals in our day. Although this is laden with some Lutheran thought that I theologically disagree with (being a Reformed Baptist), so that a small amount of discernment is required, from my point of view, the thrust of the book is about Christ alone as the sole foundation of our hope and the distinction between Law and Gospel. For one who generally does not read novels, this book is welcome both for these theological reasons and for the interest in the stories themselves. There is much comfort in this book for wounded souls and much to awaken the seasoned believer to about the nature of grace in comparison to our lowly condition.

This book was commended by a good friend who is also I believe one of the few remaining orthodox pastors in his church body. The treatment it provides of issues such as "simul sanctus et peccator" (at the same time saint and sinner), the long-ignored Office of the Keys ("Whatever sins you bind on earth will be bound in heaven"), Christ Only, the individual's mode of "participation" in justification, and a host of other doctrinal issues was tremendously refreshing. The Hammer is relentless, and the Gospel is sweet. The orthodox views of Christ, of Scripture, of Salvation, of Sanctification, and of Christian life are all made new as the morning. I loved it!

Bo Giertz' The Hammer of God should be read by anyone entering the pastorate. The book is divided into three novellas, each set in a different era in a particular area of Sweden. Each novella basically follows the same story: A nominally Christian pastor recently graduates from a modernist university and gets assigned, against his desires, to a country parish. He soon undergoes a kind of conversion experience as he is faced with the realities of parish life, especially with the existential questions of his parishoners, and finds that despite all his formal training, his faith is only nominal at best and he really doesn't know anything about God, until a simple parishoner witnesses the truth of the gospel to him. Newly converted and aware of his own sins, the preacher then begins to passionately preach the law of God bringing some revival to their churches, but as those revivals petter off, he is surprised to find that he is only half-converted, because he must also learn about the doctrine of justication by faith alone, which is the necessary complement to the law, and the heart of the gospel. At the same time, he discovers the richness of Lutheran orthodoxy over and against other modernist, pietistic and anabaptist movements happening around the parish.

Over all, I thought this was a really good book, and I would recommend it to anyone, even to those who are not Lutheran (I'm still a Baptist). Unfortunately, this particular edition is riddled with typos, more than I've seen in any book by a major publisher. So I can only give it 4 stars, rather than 5.

I have purchased and gifted this book over 20 times; mostly to young adult leaders. The central theme is that each and every one of us has leadership potential. Our job as adult leaders who work with youth is to make sure young adults are given the opportunity to grow as positive, productive citizens. The Jesuit model Lowney presents in this book was the perfect model 450 years ago and is just as relevant, if not more so, today. The examples of Jesuits and their accomplishments are very compelling. A wonderful read for anyone who thinks one person can't make a difference. This will change their mind.

I first read this book about a year ago when participating in a class on understanding the Jesuit heritage of my place of work. I re-read it on the plane a couple of days ago returning from an overseas location where we recently established a program. The first time around I thought it was wonderful; re-reading it, I found it both wonderful and also profoundly relevant to our new enterprise.

Lowney takes as his thesis the idea that the same precepts that have animated the success of the Jesuit order can likewise inspire personal and business accomplishment. I have to say he has me convinced. He boils down concepts - like Cura Personalis, Magis, and Ad majorem dei gloriam - that will be familiar to those who attended Jesuit schools to what he describes as the four integrated "pillars" of leadership: Self-awareness, Ingenuity, Love and Heroism. He then uses the history of the Jesuit order to demonstrate how, through application of the four pillars, the Society of Jesus grew from a motley band of 10 likeminded University students of different nationalities, with no agenda beyond doing work "to help souls," to become arguably the most successful and influential Catholic religious order.

Lowney's work is not without controversy, especially his contention that the Jesuit's' leadership lessons can be replicated minus their overtly religious agenda. No doubt the order's founder, Inigo (Latinized to Ignatius) of Loyola - for whom doing it "for the glory of God" was all that mattered - would disapprove. However secular research would suggest that the 16th century Basque had some very profound insights that have application beyond turning back the tide of the Reformation and making converts worldwide. I have to say I find Ignatius to be an intensely attractive character, not least because he advocated active engagement in the world, not withdrawal from it. Here's a guy who for most his life just can't get it quite right - and who along the way experiences some incredible reverses - but who never stops trying to perfect his muddled thinking. He just keeps plugging away until it starts to become clear. And it turns out that it's his very lack of success that leads to his deepest insight: that an intensive regimen of active self-reflection will help him make better decisions.

What resonated with me during my most recent reading was how the Jesuit order faced the daunting task of preserving their purpose in remote lands among peoples with unfamiliar traditions - the same challenge facing my organization. Lowney provides many examples of how the Jesuits succeeded at that task. The training that the novice Jesuit undergoes involves frank self-examination, the letting go of attachments (the concept of "indifference" or the freedom to choose any course of action unencumbered by ingrained habits and prejudices), while learning, through active and repeated self-reflection, to validate one's own instincts to action. This creates a confident, prepared and self-reliant individual, eager to embrace life's challenges. In addition, the Jesuits teach a methodology for self-reflection - the Spiritual Exercises and the Examen - that can be used (the Examen everyday) to reinforce their initial training. Their selection process is tough - they take only the best and most purposeful. Those who are selected are encouraged to innovate and shown how love adds passion and purpose to the pursuit of heroic ambitions. The result, says Lowney, is an organization that can adapt easily to radically different circumstances while preserving it's core values (the same "preserve the core, stimulate progress" that Built to Last author Jim Collins sees as the hallmark of companies of enduring greatness).

At times during my visit to our new overseas location I found myself wondering if our task was just too daunting, the culture just too alien, to hope to transplant our unique brand. After reading how the Jesuits managed it, I feel more confident than ever that my organization can do likewise and should do likewise - not shrinking from full-out engagement - through the innovative application of our fundamental values to this new environment. Thanks Chris, and Inigo, for the reinvigorating lesson!

An excellent book on leadership development. It contains a lot of information and skills that are essential for leaders at all levels. I recommend this book to anyone who wants to improve self-development and self-awareness. Parents can utilize this book on their children's personal development.

Author Chris Lowney turned in his Jesuit name badge on a Friday. On Monday, he clocked in at J.P. Morgan. Named a managing director of this huge investment banking firm while still in his 30s, he held senior positions with them in New York, Tokyo, Singapore and London.

Bemused and amused by the proliferation of leadership lesson books (Leadership Secrets of Attila the Hun, to name just one), Lowney responded. "I was intrigued by what sixteenth-century priests might teach us twenty-first century sophisticates about leadership and about coping with complex, changing environments." He adds, "What often passes for leadership today is a shallow substitution of technique for substance."

I know. I know. I recommend a "must-read" book often. But, this one really is a five-star must-read. "Obedience issues in an uninterrupted life of heroic deeds and heroic virtues," writes Lowney. When's the last time you rubbed shoulders with a truly heroic leader?

The Company of Jesus (the Jesuits) was founded in 1540 by "ten men with no capital and no business plan." Yet within a generation, they built the world's most influential company of its kind. In 10 years, with no experience, they launched 30 colleges. "Instead of talking about leadership, they lived it." Founder Ignatius Loyola trained every recruit to lead. Jesuits believe that self-leadership emanates from four unique values: 1) self-awareness, 2) ingenuity, 3) love, and 4) heroism.

If you salivate at the chance to lead people through complexity, build global teams, control out-of-control growth, mediate turf battles, cultivate wealthy donors, and enforce rigorous hiring standards--you'll feast on this gourmet book. Chris Lowney's real world experience keeps it honest. His delicious and dry wit embarrassed me multiple times last week while reading on airplane trips. The laugh-out-loud moments were frequent!

The subtitle of this book is "Best Practices from a 450-Year-Old Company that Changed the World." Indeed, we can learn a lot from the practices of the Jesuits. Even though they were and continue to be theological competitors with those of an evangelical faith, the Jesuits provide a leadership model that is in contrast to many Protestant organizations.

The Jesuits rose to worldwide influence within a generation from their "no great leader" organizational practice. Whereas evangelicalism is often built around singular personalities and monolithic structures formed to achieve one man's vision, the Jesuits attempted to build all of their recruits into great leaders who, in turn, swarmed the world. That is the singular refreshing lesson that evangelicals can gain from the study of this book.

However, what is disturbing about the book is the inability of its author, or the Jesuits whom he cites, to grasp the biblical message of salvation by faith alone in Christ alone. With a works-based salvation the Jesuits were - and still are - about moralizing the world with biblical principles rather than affording individuals the New Testament teaching of the free gift of new life in Christ - and the power to live the Christian life - by receiving Christ as Lord and Savior through faith alone.

How to be an Adult is a great book to guide the reader towards establishing boundaries in any relationship. It is a reference book of sorts. It is small but don't let the size fool you. It takes a while to read as the concepts that are introduced are new and you find yourself attempting to figure out how to apply them. Great read for those who need to affect positive change in relationships.

I agree with others who said this book is not a fast read. It takes a few pages at a time to analyze and apply the information to your own life. I see that the author is very educated person. He gives a lot of statements from famous psychologists. On my opinion some of the authors own statements sound even better and underline better point than those of famous once. I enjoyed the book, although it was a little difficult to read. A lot of thinking should be involved when reading this book. It's definitely a very helpful book. It changed my perception of life phenomenally. I received a lot of answers to my questions: where my fears come from, what is a loss and how to live with it, the most important for me was explanation on unconditional love- I love that part. I highly recommend this book!!!

This is a great book. Its a dense read, every word is important, so don't think you can just read it in a single afternoon

I really appreciate the no nonsense easy to read style. It's a bit much to read straight through -- I like focusing on a couple pages at a time and marinating in them. A great handbook for those with questions about who and what they are.

I found this book helpful over 6 years ago when I first read it. I just finished reading it again (for the third time); the author's thoughts and understanding of life-issues (loneliness, relationships, self-esteem, adulthood, happiness) remain as helpful and relevant now as before. The way he contrasts "anger" (a natural feeling) from "drama" (an avoidance of true feeling); his exposition on "neurotic guilt"; and the paragraphs that lead up to "If people really knew me, they would not like me" illuminates one's understanding of oneself and others. Author Richo (Ph.D, psychology) makes clear the many areas of our life that we have responsibility for. The book contains helpful tables (checklists, kind of)that can be used (when viewing things or responding to stimulus) to develop better attitudes and habits. This book (like Nathaniel Branden - "Six Pillars of Self Esteem") does help one understand happiness in adulthood and also give insights into how to help our children grow into successful adulthood. Another book (Bernstein : Emotional Vampires: Dealing With People Who Drain You Dry) is also very useful.

I have read many books, none compares with this! It speaks about Creation and Existence with so much clarity. Many attempts are made daily to explain the Purpose of Man's existence, this book sure points the way to new recognitions!

This is the most important book I've ever read. As yet it is the only book, that answers ALL important questions of life sufficiently, and I think there doesn't exist anything comparable in the whole world. I am astonished, that this book is not known more commonly. On one hand this book is dangerous, on the other hand this book can save your life. I can recommend this book to all persons who seek the TRUTH!!!

This is an impossible book to describe and not for the cynical or faint hearted. For those genuinely wanting to understand why we exist at all, what we need to do to improve ourselves spiritually and make the most of our short time on earth and what the universe holds for us beyond this paltry world, read on. The book is not a dip-in read, neither is it a comfortable one. It is a roller coaster of a ride, and within each chapter the secrets to life and the universe are revealed in a robust and stark way. The author takes no prisoners and at times is very rough on the reader, exposing our human weaknesses and defects. My warning: This book can only be read with the soul, not with the intellect. Those who castigate it and scoff at its dire warnings and predictions, have sadly missed the message and will be the poorer and more wretched for it as they rattle beyond this life into a lonely eternity.

Easy to read and good sequence of unfolding concepts. Extremely thought provoking and quite thorough! Must be approached with an open mind. I suggest getting all 3 volumes. I also suggest reading the Bhagavad Gita.

This book reads like the deranged ramblings of a man who has lost touch with reality. Almost none of it is comprehensible as it meanders from spritual sounding words to vaguely new-age concepts and then back again without ever landing in a concrete place. The "essay" on Chastity is almost hilarious in its lack of content.

Why would Oskar Ernst Bernhardt (1875-1941), a german spiritualist, use a pen name like Abd-Ru-Shin? He is preying on the gullible post-Christian Europeans and North Americans now too "advanced" and "enlightened" for the church they grew with who are fascinated by the orientalist-sounding mysticism of this claptrap. Try to see past all the sycophants on this page and skip this purchase.

I'd give this 3 stars in the field of Wiccan books overall (ok, not great or must have), and 4 stars within the niche of books on Covening given that there's not that wide a range (good, but not must have).

Basically, if you're interested in covens or forming a coven, I'd say the two essentials would be Covencrafting by Amber K (more practical focus), and Wicca Covens by Judy Harrow (more group dynamics etc), and after those, this would be my third pick in a very narrow field. I think has a better focus on evaluating an existing coven than Coven forming, but it's also a lot less dense in differing ways than the two other books, which may make it a little less intimidating.

Well, if you are also curious like me what is going on inside a coven - without really getting into one, this book really give a good picture of what it looks like. It does not only give some overview but also gives some light on how to pick up the right coven, criterias for it, how to form your own coven etc.

because of ideas presented, if nothing else.

Any Solitary who ever wondered about the logistics of coven entry should read this book. Edain McCoy writes from the heart in an easy-to-read language which tells it like it is. She relates both the upside & downside of working within a coven & gives common-sense guidelines to creating your own. The importance of ettiquette in group settings is stressed & personal experiences are shared with the reader relating to this & other areas of coven-based practices.

A good book for anyone who may be worried about finding the right coven for themselves (or wondering if the coven setting is right for them!), or those interested in finding out about that side of the Craft which is shared with like-minded others.

This book tells the reader precisely what kind of committment a coven is, how to go about finding one, and what to look for in one. It is also a good guide for those just looking to find general classes or trying to meet other pagans as not everybody is a solitary practitioner by choice. Definitely a great book to have read when screening potential covens, teachers, students, coven members, etc. The advice is practical and down to earth, and quite useful for spotting the predators out there.

The book is great--a long-time favorite of mine. Funny and touching at the same time.

The only drawback to my book: it was the English translation; not the American one.

John

I fell in love with both the priest Don Camillo and his faithful adversary, Peppone the Communist mayor, when I was only ten, and since then have read all of the books, several times. After my experiences of being in the USAF in Taiwan in the 1970s, and now a permanent resident in mainland China's Fujian Province, I can appreciate the kinds of clashes that can occur between Communists and Christians--serious, but at times quite humorous also. I appreciate the zany humor but most of all the down to earth warm portrayels of both Don Camillo and Peppone. The author shows good and bad sides of both, and Don Camillo's conversations with Christ, who speaks to him from the crucifix above the altar, are priceless. After a few stories, one realizes that neither Don Camillo nor Peppone are the good guy or the bad guy, but simple ordinary people--and though enemies, they each sometimes go out of their way to help the other (though secretly, to save face). The cast of supporting characters, like skinny Smilzo, is also a delight.
The line drawings of the angel Don Camillo and the devil Peppone are, of course, priceless. Simple and to the point, they are the icing on the Don Camillo cake, and probably the reason why I draw cartoons on everything from greeting cards to my books on China--Amoy Magic, Fujian Adventure, Mystic Quanzhou, deng deng (which is Chinese for "etcetera"). I highly recommend not only Little World but all of the Don Camillo books in print.

This little book is filled with quick-reading short chapters which each impart a bit of wisdom and a moral or biblical lesson, and always with humor.

The story format is short tales in the ongoing feud between village priest Don Camillo and communist mayor Peppone. One of them often ends up bruised (literally or figuratively). At first blush it would seem like a good vs evil scenario, but really they are very much alike, and secretly sympathize with (even love)one another. Each struggles through life's choices from the perspective of his own situation.

One of the best parts, for me, is that each battle-du-jour includes Camillo's "consultation" with and reception of "advice" from the Christ image at the church altar. Rich stuff. Of course the image is not really speaking, and this technique is the author's metaphor for the working of the Holy Spirit in Camillo (or "his conscience", depending on your own theological perspective).

The theme runs throughout the book. Each chapter in pretty much a stand-alone story, although a few chapters are coupled, dealing with an ongoing incident. An entertaining little read that is a superior choice to those "thought-for-the-day" motivational/religious pamphlets. I read mine a chapter at a time when going to bed for the night. It gave me a truth to ponder as I dropped off . . . zzzzzzzz. Or maybe install a copy in your bathroom book rack. This book is very Italian and very Catholic . . . but you needn't be either to enjoy it (I'm not).

I was at a summer fair recently and browsing on the book stall when I found a very old copy of the Little World of Don Camillo dating from 1953. I had no idea what it was at the time as I'd never heard of it but i was intrigued by the blurb. this book is HILARIOUS! I kept laughing out loud and getting very strange looks! but it was worth it! I am now determined to find the rest of the books and read them although I am aware that they may cost me slightly more that my 25p find at the Fete! It's a brilliant book that transports you into another world with ease and lets you meet characters that you can believe in and love. A very well spent 25 pence!

Having first entered Don Camillo's little world at 10, I have returned innumerable times over the decades, and frequently given directions to friends, too. This little work is a masterpiece. There is more wisdom, faith, hope, and love, to be found in its pages than in many far more "serious" works of fiction. All of that is accomplished in a deceptively simple gem of literary style. Like any great work of fiction, it captivates the heart as well as the mind. It is impossible to spend time in this little world and not come away with a smile on one's face and hope in one's heart. The Little World of Don Camillo is ideal reading for anyone, of any age or condition, anywhere.

This book is an interesting read, chock full of practical advice and fresh insight. More than helpful in building skills to overcome negative mindsets and emotions. Thanks, Joyce.

I just started reading this book and I am very pleased. My husband and I are starting a new church and I think everyone should read this book even if you think you're not an emotional person. This gives you very good insight on both points of views and I believe it will be beneficial to anyone that reads this book.

i bought this for my daughter for christmas. she's 24, very sensitive and emotional. along with prayer, it's helping her gain a new perspective on coping with her emotions and dealing with life issues.

And this is exactly what you learn how to do in this book. I found it to be extremely practical and helpful, as is Joyce Meyers way of communicating. I did not realize how much I was allowing my emotions to control me rather than the other way around, which I found to be where a majority of my problems stemmed from. This is foundational information.

There were definitely some positive aspects to this book. I should acknolwedge that I've purchased many other Joyce Meyer books such as Battlefield of the Mind, Beauty for Ashes, The Battle Belongs to the Lord, In Pursuit of Peace etc. so sometimes in this book a few sections appear repetitive in accordance with her other works. I believe she copy/pasted from a few other books in some sections.

I was somewhat hesitant to purchase this book after already purchasing Beauty for Ashes which I believe is her best book that she has written. What swayed me in the direction of buying this book was because I saw chapters entitled "Codependency" and "Healing the Child Within" which I was kind of shocked to see in a Christian book. Those are typically secular psychology concepts. I knew she would present those topics in a balanced, scriptural way so I was kind of interested to see how she would approach it. She talked about codependency being dependent on people, behaviors, or things (which is the tradition definition) rather than being dependent on God alone. I did not like anything with regard to codependency because I just viewed it as addictions or idolatry of the Bible. And I came to a realization that it was just not being dependent on God alone like we should, which I was happy to see Joyce agreed with. And "Healing the Child Within" I thought is a dangerous topic because it so conflicts with scripture, but I was surprised in the way she dealt with it. She talked about "becoming as little children" like Jesus said in the Bible. And she talked about all the good attrtibutes of children we should strive after as adults in a very organized way.

These two chapters I don't think taught me anything new however. So, having Beauty for Ashes already (which I would highly recommend) I probably would not prefer to have bought it. Don't get me wrong, if you've never bought a Joyce Meyer book before, this could prove to be a very excellent book as she does cover many topics like in Beauty for Ashes and if it's all unique material for you, this book may be one of the best ones you've bought (besides the Bible). But I believe Beauty for Ashes is more complete and more applicable to my situation.

I think Joyce's two most important works are Battle Belongs to the Lord which discusses the importance of worship and praising God for who He is, and the second one is Beauty for Ashes which talks about abuse and how to deal with negative things others do to you. Battlefield of the Mind is her most popular book, and I think that is quite good to, and should be had more as a reference for times when you find yourself slipping into certain thinking habits.

Sometimes Joyce releases too many books in my opinion (smile) so it's hard for her to find fresh material. Very balanced unique books which I've read so far are Beauty for Ashes, Battlefield of the Mind, and The Battle Belongs to the Lord. They each have unique content which she worked hard on. I'm curious why she felt she wanted to release "Managing Your Emotions" when she already had "Beauty for Ashes" out. I felt if there was a topic unique to Managing Your Emotions which wasn't in Beauty for Ashes, then she should've thought about yet a nother new release revision and added those unique chapters to Beauty for Ashes. Her big thing in this book however was not being led by your emotions in making decisions, but rather by faith and God's input. I acknolwedge that is a unique concept. But her chapters on healing broken emotions and shame and forgiving yourself and others are very similar to Beauty for Ashes, and basically she is simply elaborating and emphasizing Jesus's teaching on the mount! Jesus is the one who revealed this, but I like how she emphasizes it. Hope this helps.

I haven't yet had the opportunity to read the entire book, but after working through a few of the chapters, taking notes, etc., I can say with confidence that this book is essential reading for anyone interested in how the New Testament describes the person of Jesus.

The book provides a window into the thinking of the New Testament authors, in particular, as they draw on their Jewish background and their common understanding of God Almighty, and then apply that same understanding to Jesus of Nazareth. For example, in the Old Testament, in passages devoted to describing God's uniqueness (Isa 44:6-7ff), Creation is an act ascribed only to God (Isa 44:24); then, in the New Testament, we find Jesus engaged in Creation (e.g. John 1:3; Col 1:16-17). The book is extensive and detailed in terms of pointing out the various ways that the New Testament declares that Jesus is indeed divine, on the level of the Father. The evidence is overwhelming, and the conclusion can only be avoided by distancing oneself from Jewish belief and practice.

This book would make for a fine Sunday School series. The material is well-researched and footnoted, but is also presented within the framework of an easy-to-remember acrostic (H-A-N-D-S). It is also a nice complement to a shorter work by theologian Richard Bauckham - God Crucified : Monotheism and Christology in the New Testament. I would recommend reading Bauckham's book first, then following it with this one.

Ed Komoszewski and Robert Bowman should be congratulated on their fine work. Christians should keep an eye out for both authors. Bowman is prolific, and relevant to the topic of this book, has written some excellent books discussing the beliefs of Jehovah's Witnesses (who deny the full deity of Jesus), e.g. Why You Should Believe in the Trinity: An Answer to Jehovah's Witnesses. Komoszewski is the director of Christus Nexus, an organization of scholars devoted to educating the church in a time when the Scriptures and the person of Christ are constantly under attack. Don't miss his Reinventing Jesus.

Putting Jesus In His Place (PJIHP) is perhaps the most accessible book on Christology to come along since Raymond Brown's "An Introduction to New Testament Christology" -- but this is more than a mere introduction. J. Ed Komoszewski and Robert Bowman, Jr. introduce the interested layperson to Jesus but then bring us into an intimate relationship with him through what the New Testament and current scholarship have to say about him.

The authors have developed the acronym H.A.N.D.S. in order to help the reader memorize the various themes discussed in this book which show forth the deity of Christ. As a student in general, I appreciate any pedagogical tool that will help me to retain useful information, but as a Charismatic-Pentecostal in particular (the Trinitarian kind) I very much appreciate this specific acronym. As a Charismatic, I am accustomed to lifting my hands in worship and adoration of the Lord Jesus. I'm also accustomed to clapping and waving my hands in praise of him. I take the New Testament at its word when it speaks of laying hands on the sick and praying the prayer of faith, so as you can see, HANDS are an integral part of my faith. So when the authors set forth this acronym as a way to instill the Biblical teaching of Christ's deity, it really hit home!

As other reviewers have noted, the H.A.N.D.S. acronym stands for:

Honors
Attributes
Names
Deeds
Seat

Jesus shares all of these things with the Father and the way in which Komoszewski and Bowman go about proving this is nothing short of remarkable. Both authors are extremely gifted writers who for quite some time have been producing top quality material for a lay-audience. They examine not only the major passages of Scripture that many of us are familiar with with regard to this debate, but they also bring to our attention some more obscure passages. We've all seen countless apologists cite John 1:1 or Titus 2:13 in defense of the deity of Christ, but when was the last time you saw someone draw attention to Luke 8:39 (p. 204)? When was the last time you took into account the vast Old Testament material that speaks of Yahweh and the way it is appropriated and applied to Jesus in the New Testament? Think about it... Exactly... It's been a while, maybe even never. It would be impossible to say that no stone was left unturned, but in reading this volume one gets the sense that if there are some stones that haven't been looked under, they're few and far between.

This is a book that needs to be in the hands of every Bible Study teacher, every Pastor, every counter-cult Apologist, and every person interested in theological and biblical studies. Why?, you ask. Because there's not a book on the market that is so easily accessible which dialogues with the best of current scholarship (names like Larry Hurtado, Richard Bauckham, James Dunn, R.T. France, etc.), interacts with the best of current arguments against the deity of Christ (names like Greg Stafford, Jason BeDuhn, etc.), and which takes into account the various points of study that these men have chosen to focus on. Sure, you can find a book that deals with one or two of these themes, but you won't find anything that deals with all of them, and even if you did, it wouldn't be as readable as this!

It's also worth noting that the book is lined with helpful charts that will aid in your memorization. There's detailed endnotes for anyone who wants to dig deeper than the text itself (and trust me, that deep all on its own!). A Scripture index is included and my favorite extra, a recommended reading list. This list reads like the top shelf of my main bookcase, so I can attest to how good it really is.

There's simply not enough positive things to say about this book, but I will say this... There are going to be people who read this book and take exception to it. They'll give it bad reviews and chide about how the authors haven't made their case or have misrepresented x or y. So this is what I say... Get your own copy and find out for yourself. It's that simple and at the price Amazon has it for, you can't afford not to get it!

If you'd like to read my full multi-part review of Putting Jesus in His Place then you can visit the following site:

[...]

B"H

Is Jesus Christ God? Did he claim to be God or was this a fiction manufactured after his death? What circumstantial evidence is there that Jesus and his followers believed he was God or that even his opponents believed that Jesus claimed to be God?

"Putting Jesus in His Place: The Case for the Deity of Christ" is a new book by Robert Bowman and Edward Komoszewski. It is published by Kregel under an academic and professional label but I found the writing style to be very accessible. The authors write, "Our aim is to provide a comprehensive case from the New Testament for the deity of Christ," and they don't disappoint in their efforts.

Bowman and Komoszewski use the acronym "HANDS" to organize the material:

Jesus shares the honor due to God.
Jesus shares the attributes of God.
Jesus shares the names of God.
Jesus shares the deeds that God does.
Jesus shares the seat of God's throne.

As they work through these themes they frequently engage critics of Jesus divinity including everything from the Jesus Seminar types to the Jehovah's Witnesses. In the concluding chapter they write:

********

One of the most basic methods of journalism is to ask the "wh" questions: who, what, when, where, and why? (Sometimes a sixth question, "how?" is also asked.) We can apply these five question to the matter of the deity of Christ (arranged in a different order.)

1. Why? This question asks for the significance of the person to others.
2. When? This question asks for the time when the person was present and involved.
3. Who? This question ask for a person's name.
4. What? This question asks for an account of the person's activity.
5. Where? This question asks for the place where the person lives or was active.

You can see that these five questions correspond (perhaps a bit roughly) to the five lines of evidence for the deity of Christ discussed in this book. The honors that Jesus shares with God are the answer to the question of why knowing Jesus is God is significant. Perhaps the most basic of all Christ's divine attributes is that he existed when creation began and in fact is eternal. The names that Jesus shares with God, of course, tell us who he is. The deeds that Jesus does with God tell us what Jesus has done. Finally, that Jesus shares the seat of God's throne tells us where Jesus is.

That these five investigative questions correspond to the five categories of evidence for Christ's deity is not accidental. The information gathered from these five questions provides a complete picture of the facts pertaining to the identity of the person in question. (274-275)

********

Throughout the book there are helpful charts to highlight key points. At the end of the book is an appendix organized by each of the five themes with tables that summarize the evidence.

Apart from the apologetic applications of the book, there is helpful commentary on numerous difficult and controversial passages in the Bible. And as you might expect from an academic book, about one fifth of the contents is end notes. I suspect this book will be residing on my reference shelf for some time to come.

I am pleased with Robert Bowman and J. Ed Komoszewski's treatment on the deity of Jesus. I have read a number of books on the person of Jesus, but I have never read one as chock-full of biblical documentation as this. Of course, none of the information in this book will come as a surprise to the committed Christian, as the deity of Christ is the cornerstone of our faith. But when one considers ALL the evidence compiled in this book, it baffles me how the Jehovah's Witness (and those belonging to other faiths that claim to uphold biblical authority) can say this was a doctrine made up by Constantine and Co. in the 4th century. Jesus is not just "a god," He's not an angel, He not the spirit brother of Lucifer. No, this is the God-man, Immanuel, and how fortunate we are that He dwelt among us. All of this is there for anyone to see. I love the acronym "HANDS" and the many resources we've been given, including the appendix A that includes many dozens of verses to support the claims made in this book. One final note: Because this book is very thorough, it is not easy to skim through and get full benefit. I suggest you go slowly, absorb the many verses found within its pages, and remind yourself how Jesus is both Lord and God forevermore!

This is the best single volume available on the deity of Christ for a popular audience. The thesis is that the deity of Christ is not dependent on a few proof-texts but is comprehensively taught explicitly and implicitly throughout the New Testament. The authors helpfully divide the evidence into 5 lines, and they thoroughly support each line of evidence with biblical quotes and expert commentary. Of special value is the effort to show how all of evidence interconnects. In the case of certain texts that can be read more than one way, the comprehensive evidence shows without doubt what the biblical authors meant to say: Jesus of Nazareth is fully God and fully man.