Christianity Books

Seeing Through the Lies is a treasure trove of insights and resources for women of all ages. Written with the wisdom of a grandmother and wit reminiscent of Erma Bombeck, Vonda Skelton invites the reader to explore the many lies that tempt and entrap women over a lifetime; and skillfully unmasks the greatest Masquerader for who he is. This enlightening guidebook with Bible study prompts inspires us to lower our masks and walk in the light of Christ with new vision.

I thought my masks were secure, after all I'd carried them with me for years. When I sat down to read Vonda's book, I thought I knew my masks well enough and had no intention of removing these comfortable friends. Well, Vonda's honesty, vulnerability, and wisdom and wit got behind my hidden self. Little by little she pried them loose. I learned a lot in reading this book and will recommend it to my girlfriends because I'm more convinced than ever we are more beautiful (without our masks) than we allow ourselves to believe.

This book was very helpful and enjoyable. I liked her format of talking about a different Lie for each chapter and then did the section on Unmasking with truth backed up with Bible references. Her stories were touching and funny and she came across as very, very real. I feel like I could just go up and strike up a conversation with her. I still think of the story where she jumps off of a tree or something with a rope tied around her waist as a youngster. I was super glad to hear she's not the ultimate housekeeper and doesn't have "it all together." I struggle with this area of my life and realized that we don't have to be the jack of all trades as women in our households. If she can accomplish all she has without too much guilt over letting her husband do most of the housekeeping, then I guess I can forgive myself a bit too. Her book gave great insight into the woman's mind with tendencies to believe perceptions put out there by the world and let me know that I am not alone not as a woman and certainly not as a beloved child of God.

Vonda writes beautifully an in such a way that you can see the story unfold! She makes the pratical applicable and helps the reader understand how they can apply her truths to their lives! loved it!
Tamra Nashman, author, 'Shoes For The Spirit, Encouragements'

This book had an immediate impact on me! The author truly makes us aware of how effective Satan's lies are in our daily walk. Loved her humorious, nitty-gritty realities. So refreshing and so inspiring!
Could hardly put it down!
Annetta Dellinger, Plain City, OH

Based on Kierkegaard's book, it is clear that despair is essential for a person to realize he is not a "self," and thereby turn to God; but many people choose to create a self on their own-they become a carbon copy of everyone else in the world. I was intrigued by Kierkegaard's insights. From what I understood, there are two possibilities a person can have: (1) There is the possibility of becoming the self that God intended for the person, or (2) The alternate possibility when one manufactures a "self" then for the rest of his or her life, strives to attain it. The "fantastic" is the result of one's idea of self that is always being improved and refined from the previous "self." However, a person can only have a self if God gives it to him or her. The "sickness unto death" is when the person does not realize this until he or she faces death and had lived a life in sin (sin was explained as the spiritual and actual position of a person in comparison to God).

The person had a chance to live in "actuality," but instead was in despair and now is left with the "sickness unto death." Kierkegaard offered an insight to the human soul that ought to be the foundation to understanding the psyche of the Christian. His work is still relevant, and had probably ushered the Christian psychology movement into existence. It would be safe to say that he is a "founding father" of Christian psychology and was a very observant man. This book is not easy to read, but it is worth the effort.

This was my first Kierkegaard book, and I can't imagine it'll ever not be my favorite. This should be everyone's introduction to him. It's short, sweet, beautiful, encouraging, exotic, convicting, brutal, and funny.

Written by Anti-Climacus, K's very idealized Christian author who always does his best to expose externalisms in the lives of human beings--both Christians and pagans.

I'm not going to get into a major discussion of this book here; you can do that on your own or peruse some of the other reviews on this page. I will, however, give a very cursory sketch of _some_ of his great ideas.

1. It is written from an unabashedly orthodox Christian standpoint (orthodox meaning Apostles Creed). While there are a few passages contained therein that can be read like Arminian creeds, overall this book presupposes God's Word as Truth itself and thus is congruent mostly with what is later called Van Tillian apologetics (of course one could then say that Van Til had some Kierkegaard in him!).

2. It is written to examine what faith, in its nature as an exclusively Christian concept, is. But ever heard that Kierkegaard hated doctrine, that he loved the irrational leap into blind faith? Forget it. That's Johannes de Silentio. The passion and power of his prose here, along with his journal notes as provided by the Hongs' priceless scholarship, show that when he lists "dogma" with the three essentials of Christianity (the other two are faith and paradox), he meant it! (It wasn't just Anti-Climacus's idea.) He even says that once people throw out the "thou shalts" and God's special revelation as what it is--that Christianity is dead. Once we make Christ into an event, once philosophers merge God and man together--that Christianity is dead. Very powerful stuff. Now what does this have to do with faith? Kierkegaard shows that all natural men put their faith in themselves--and they will despair forever as they autonomously insist that they are the source of themselves. What Christianity insists on in men's putting their faith in the Creator as the Bible commands. Faith in God is not irrational, Kierkegaard says; but it is the gospel, as so wonderful, so inexpressibly amazing, that cannot fit into the minds of rationalistic men. This is a huge distinction. And a wonderful one!

3. It is written to examine thanklessness in those who don't look like they're despairing. This is where he attacks the Danish State Church. It's brutal and very convicting. I won't spoil it for you.

Despair is the refusal of man to admit who he is--a creature of his Creator. It's hubris, it's solipsism, it's pride, it's fear of humiliation. But Kierkegaard doesn't stop there. He shows the solution; he shows Christ as the only answer, using Christ's character as manifested in the gospels to show that it is our rebellion that He saves all men from. In this way, Anti-Climacus is in no way judgmental or self-righteous.

Another note: the Hongs are amazing. Write them a letter and tell them how amazing their work is. Each Princeton Kierkegaard book contains journal entries, an historical introduction, earlier draft changes, indices, &c.

And one more: another reviewer was totally right when he said that some of this is so powerful and--yea-- beautiful that you won't know you're reading Theology. The passage starting with the hourglass on pages 27-8 comes to mind immediately.

I only detract a star because of the ambiguity in certain places that has deceived many non-Christians into thinking that they're a-okay. And I've met a few of them, working at a bookstore as I did. It's written for Christians, so use your Biblical framework while reading it.

As a student at St. Olaf College, I got Kierkegaard pretty much thrown at me. The professors Hong translations of Kierkegaard are the most erudite I've seen. They own the largest Kierkegaard library in the world... They know their stuff. It's definitely worth the extra money over and against the penguin translation.

"The self is a self which relates itself to itself or is a relation relating itself to itself in the relation."
Don't get too flummoxed by the first page, it gets better.

One thing I like about Kierkegaard is that he knows how to WRITE. Other philosophers lose common literary skills that make writing enjoyable, for example, Kant. You cannot sit down and read 200 pages of a Critique of Pure reason straight, your head will explode. With Kierkegaard however, he is so enjoyable and fun to read, you hardly notice your're reading philosophy.

This book however, I wouldn't recommend to beginners, I'd choose either "Either/Or" or "The two ages"

where is God? this is the question i asked my self in my own suffering. kierkegaard's sickness unto death helped me understand where God is/was in my own despair. when i read kierkegaard i know i am reading something that was told from one's heart. kierkegaard really understands despair and he understands the struggle one goes through in despair. despair doesn't just happen to a select few. it touches us all. this book really saved me from sinking deep into my own despair. if kierkegaard were alive today i would send him a thank you note!

This is hands down the greatest book I have ever read, not including the Bible. I say that as a Christian and as an individual. I can understand how some choose to apply the concepts without the religion, but I personally think this would have infuriated SK.
Again, not including the Bible, "The Sickness Unto Death" is perhaps the only literary work I have ever read that altered my life, either by perception or action.
His elaborations on the various forms of despair should hit everyone, as there are several, each applicable to each personality.
If anyone were to ask me to recommend a single work, this would be it.
I must add, that I have not read scores of philosophy, only a handful. I say that to say this. This book may seem somewhat difficult to understand at first, but it gets easier the more you read and the more accustomed you get to SK's style. Once the first few pages regarding the definition of self have been comprehended, the rest falls beautifully into place.

This simple book is anything but simple, You get God's word and a wonderful story that can be applied to anyone. the recipe's were a nice bonus. My son even thought what a nice devotional book this was. May God bless everyone who reads it.

I just received this book yesterday but have already looked all the way thru it glancing at the recipes...Which look very good. There is also little stories and bible verses..A good collection to my cookbooks.

I find this book to be such a great help to me in my daily life, I recently lost my 18 year old grandson in a car wreck, it's a great lost to our whole family, but Wanda's devotional has really helped me in many ways. I recommend this book to anyone, it can only inprove their spititual life.

I love this devotional! It helps me to slow down and enjoy life and all God has given to me. I have gone through the book once already, and now I am reading it again, but this time I'm sharing it with my husband. He is also enjoying it. The recipes at the end of each devotional are a nice addition. I have even tried a few!

This is a delightful book that helps me to start my day "simply" every day. The stories are a gentle reminder to appreciate God's gifts in every moment. And the recipes are just wonderful. I have made the melt in your mouth biscuits so often that my book is permanently creased in that spot! And my kids love the haystacks and double treat cookies. This books is really jam packed with recipes and inspiration. Thank you Wanda Brunstetter! :)

Mark Scandrette's debut book is quite simply the best book Emergent has produced so far. There have been books about Emergent and books that have helped to influence Emergent, but this book is the best one that has come right out of the Emergent movement.

Soul Graffiti is not a theoretical exploration of the Emergent movement. Rather, it is a collection of stories and experiences that were birthed in the Emergent movement. I think this is an important distinction and is something that sets Scandrette's book apart from so many other "emerging church" books.

I cannot recommend this book highly enough.

Mark does not just write about philosophy or ideals, he tells the stories of a Christian life that is actively embodying the urges of Jesus Christ. Soul Graffiti speaks to those who see the world from an artistic, mystical, and sacred perspective. He speaks to the urban injustices that are happening right next door and how God is an active participant in the lives of the low and forgotten. As a student, artist, and socially conscious Christian, this book is an encouragement to my aching that Jesus' teachings were not meant to only be read, but lived. For those looking to serve a gospel Jesus -- a Messiah who is daring, dirty, poetic, and inspired by compassion -- Mark gives you eyes to see the Teacher's footsteps in the abandoned places less traveled.

Mark's book is both practical and entertaining. His stories ground the ideas of God's Kingdom in real terms and show the adventure of a life lived in pursuit of God's heart for people. I've done a quick read-through, but I expect to go through the book again more slowly--with other people, I hope-- taking time to process his suggested topics for discussion and to implement his experiments in Kingdom living.

There is a word that you rarely hear nowadays - gentle. Our times seem to call out people & things that are bold, that are fierce, that can do things that get noticed. You can see this fierce world raging in urban streets, in popular media and (sadly) in many communities of faith.

Mark Scandrette is gentle - in a way that pulls people into his story and in the process a much bigger story. FMark, his wife Lisa and their kids Hailey, Noah or Isaiah live in the Mission District of San Francisco. To say they live there is not enough - they inhale all that this area has to offer, they are colorful portraits in the multi-color mural that is constantly being painted in the Mission. Mark has helped foster seven, a community of people, living in SF, aiming to "collaborate with the Creator in bringing about greater wholeness and love into the world". As a community they have committed to 7 vows: Creativity, Prayer, Community, Service, Obedience, Simplicity and Love.

Of Mark's many gifts, hospitality is a strong strand. His life/work seems like one grand, floating party - shifting from locale to locale, with celebrants weaving in and out. In the hospitality that the Scandrettes embody, drag queens sip red wine with Fuller grads, gallery owners bunk up in the small but warm Scandrette living room with recovering pastors. In the '30s & '40s in NYC, they'd call these floating crap games: dice games which is moved from place to place to evade the authorities. Mark uses art & conversation, rather than dice, but the vibe is the same: if this is not what heaven is like, it will do until we get there.

For me, much of the emerging church phenomenon fits a bus terminal metaphor - a passing point where all types of people wait for their next connection, finding safety & solace from fellow travellers. Some times the bus terminal is noisy & chaotic, other times it is as quiet as a convent. In my experience of this phenomenon, Mark mans the Traveller's Aid table, with his lovable grin & hipster hat or hair do. The table is usually a card table that Mark found discarded some where on Valencia, there are scraps of food from meals in progress, music and art scattered all about.

Images Mark wrote Soul Graffiti from his experiences at that rickety old table. It is brimming with stories of people who float in and out of life. It's rare that someone can capture their essence in a book - even more rare when at the end of 272 pages, you find that you've fallen deeper in love with that person, more in love with the you you've re-discovered, even more in love with God & Jesus and (even) church.

Soul Graffiti is a gentle book, one that I was sad to finish. Mark Scandrette is a gentle presence in my life & thousands of other folks - I can't wait for next walk we have & the next chapters he writes.

Emergent folks often talk about following Jesus or living in the way of Jesus, but rarely is this phrase followed by story after story of a life in process of Christo-transformation. If you want to hear some of these stories and be challenged by them then go get Mark Scandrette's new book `Soul Graffiti.' The book is organized into four parts that follow the initial teaching of Jesus in gospel of Mark and the though Scandrette does occasionally give direct theological reflection, the book itself is story driven and oh so compelling. When you get done you will either be fired up that someone in the First World is actually identifiably Christian, which gives you hope for yourself or be irritated that you read a book that ended up challenging you to the core. Or both. Scandrette is a luring story-teller which enables his family and community in San Fran to untame Jesus and the gospel for the reader. He mentions taking the risk of being offended by Jesus and his teachings and his stories reveal to us just how offended we need to get, but also how rewarding a life on the way of Jesus can be. If you want to be encouraged, challenged, and have a stack of super sweet stories to bring up next time some one asks what following Jesus looks like the get it, read it, and do it.

I was raised in a Lutheran church & school but now work at a non-denominational church. This very good book forced me to ask questions not only about my personal beliefs, but about the state of the Lutheran church today. No doubt this book will be hailed as genius by Lutheran's everywhere as Veith does a very good job at pointing out that Lutherans have it theologically right. Even after going to hear Veith speak I found myself amused at the notion that here was another Lutheran being 'right' talking to a bunch of other Lutherans about how right they were. I actualy agree with almost everything he says. My question for him is 'ok, now what?' Cause if all we're going to do is go to a potluck afterwards and sit around patting each other on the back about how 'right' we are, are we really living out the great commission? That being said, his chapter on vocation is phenomenal. All Christians should read this book.

Written by a lay person who frames the Lutheran theology and how it applies to our existence and our spirituality in an easy to understand manner.

Gene Edward Veith, Jr. is a professor of English at Concordia University (Mequon, Wisconsin) and Culture Editor at World Magazine. He is also a man who has had a rough go at finding an adequate Christian denomination. During his earlier years, he had been involved with American Evangelical church bodies, Liberal Protestant church bodies, and others...but finally became a faithful member of the Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod. Veith writes this book in part to reflect on his own spiritual journey--to record what most attracted him to Lutheranism. He writes in part to explain what makes Lutheranism unique among the various Christian denominations. He writes in part to members of other Christian denominations because he thinks they can learn a lot from the Lutheran take on various spiritual/doctrinal/practical matters.

The end result, "The Spirituality of the Cross," is an excellent book that summarizes the unique theological outlook championed by confessional Lutheran Christians. This book does not deal with basic points of Christian doctrine (e.g. the Trinity, Christology), but rather deals with aspects of theology in which Lutherans neither "side" with Roman Catholics nor Eastern Orthodox nor Baptists/non-Denominationals nor liberal Episcopalians/Presbyterians/Methodists nor five-point Calvinists. These topics include:

Justification (neither free will nor predestination yet still faith alone by grace alone);

The Means of Grace (how God gives his gracious gift of saving faith to a person--through deceptively ordinary means);

The Theology of the Cross (more about how God showers the richest blessings on his people through deceptively ordinary means; why the cross is central to a Lutheran understanding of God; why Lutherans don't buy into the idea that great faith leads to earthly wealth; why bad things happen to people)

Vocation (why Lutheran pastors say, "I forgive you of all your sins in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit;" why a garbage man is just as honored and esteemed as a pastor or a CEO just as honored and esteemed as a housewife; how one should go about his calling/career; the Christian ideal of mutual dependence)

Living in Two Kingdoms (how a Christian is to balance the facts that he is a forgiven child of God with heavenly citizenship while living in a sinful world; why Christians can be proud of their vocation as judge, soldier, or public executioner)

Worship (that a Christian is served by God in worship, not vice versa; why we use the objective, emotionless historic liturgy instead of emotional, ever-changing praise-band forms of worship).

The book ends with a reprint from an article Veith wrote for Touchstone Magazine that introduces Lutheranism (60 million strong worldwide) to Catholic/Orthodox and Protestant readers.

In all, Veith does an excellent job of identifying some of the idiosyncrasies of the Lutheran understanding of the Christian faith, fully explains them (both theory and anecdotes), and explains the many merits of the view. This is my third time reading this book and Veith is more insightful every time he is read. Highly recommended to Lutherans as well as Catholics, Orthodox, Baptists, Presbyterians, etc., etc., etc.

Dr. Veith's ability to explain the basic tenets of Christian doctrine (Justification, Means of Grace, etc.)is pronounced in this small "gem of literature." He begins the book by opening himself up to the reader, telling them about his path through the religious arena. In the remaining chapters, he artfully explains the doctrine of Justification, the Means of Grace, the Theology of the Cross, Vocation, living in two kingdoms, and concludes with a summation of the theology espoused in the previous chapters.
Throughout, Veith explains the uniqueness of confessional Lutheranism amidst the doctrinal confusion of our modern age. The "spirituality of the cross" and its theology is about Christ crucified for the sins of the whole world. It is incarnational and not about what we do but what God has done for us through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Modestly, the book shows how confessional (Biblical) Christians understand the Bible-as with Christ in the center stage-and thus live out their spirituality in a world plagued by sin and death. Secular(and most often "Christian") bookstores are infiltrated with bad theologies. I recommend this inexpensive book for anyone's theological library as a source for personal, intellectual, and theological enjoyment.

Veith has a wonderful clarity in his writing that is extremely helpful. I really liked the brevity of this book because it makes it very easy to recommend to people who aren't such strong readers. Read it and learn something, or re-learn something.

This book is absolutely amazing! I've read it twice and could hardly put it down both times. Stormie lays it all out, and this book is so honest and real. Thank you Stormie, for being willing to share your story with the world. It helped me tremendously!

Stormie's story is truly a story of what a great Redeemer and Savior we have in Jesus Christ!! The bible says that where sin abounds, grace abounds even more. AMEN!! Thank you for writing this story. I have read the other books of Stormie ... the power of a praying woman, wife, parent, the prayer that changes everything: Stormie's story gives the rest of her books a little more hope. Because who she was, wasn't who she remained. There is complete and 150% hope in the Lord. Thank you STormie, from the bottom of my heart. Thank you.

One of the best, authentic Christian biographies on how God delivers us from evil into the light of His Son, Jesus. A truly inspiring story of forgiveness and healing. I could not put this book down until I finished it! This is absolutely a "must read" for all Christians who need to understand the power of God and the process of sanctification.

Even for those who have been brought up in a loving family, this book will be deeply moving. To those who have experienced an unhappy childhood, lacking love and perhaps experiencing abuse, this book will surely encourage one to believe that Jesus is indeed the one who is anointed to heal the broken hearted and bring hope, healing and wholeness to any who turn to him.

Stormie tells her story with amazing frankness and honesty. Truly this is a book that cannot be put down. The pain, trauma and emotion flow from each page with heart rending effect. In the final chapter where she tells of sharing her story in a women's prison, its impact on the inmates reflects its moving power as she relates how Jesus Christ took the broken pieces of her life and made her whole. If you know anybody who has suffered abuse and broken relationships this book is a must read for them, but it is highly recommended to all readers whatever their background.

I feel blessed to have had the opportunity to have a look into Stormie Omartian's life and heart. It was easy to relate to the open way she told her story, through pain and loss, through mistakes and fear, through faith and triumph. She got real, more real than I even expected, and she truly touched my heart. As I read, I felt the grace of God covering her writing and allowing her to express the truth of her faith and her experiences in a way that could heal and bless others. When you read this book, no doubt, your heart will connect with Stormie's story and feel just as blessed as mine did. God bless you, Stormie. And thank you for your courage...

Martin Luther King Jr. uses very apt exegesis in his Sermon about the Good Samaritan. The greatest commandment is to love God with all your heart, with your Soul and with all your mind. The second is like unto it to love your neighbor as yourself. Sum of the Law and prophets hang on these two commandments. This truth taught by Christ was demonstrated through the telling of the story about the Good Samaritan. Martin Luther King JR's sermon on this story is an excellent analysis what it takes to be a loving neighbor. Dr. King tells how the Samaritan overcame prejudice, fear of physical danger, expenditure of money, along with inconvenience; time and effort.

In the sermon titled: Death of Evil on the Seashore, Dr. King acknowledges the existence of evil in all men's heart. The theme of this sermon is how a Christian should overcome evil acting upon oneself and respond with love. One should overcome evil with good. In this sermon, Dr. King states Jesus never made a theological statement about the origin of evil. He does state man's evil does not come forth out of mistake or misguidance. Man should be held culpable to his evil. Love is truly made manifest when in response to which one knows wishes harm or ill towards. This type of love does not come naturally to any man.

Martin Luther King Jr. was taught in his youth to hold the truths taught in the Bible are inerrant. In the final chapter, Dr. King says he entered seminary as a fundamentalist. In his senior year he introduced himself to various theological theories and critical thought when he read various books. Dr. King says at one time he became enamored and held liberal theological uncritically including the belief that man is generally good. Objective appraisal and critical analysis are terms Dr. King acquaints with liberalism. Dr. King says liberalism taught him to have an open and critical mind. In reading the `works of Richard Niebuhr made me aware of the complexity of human motives and the reality of sin on every level of man's existence.' Pg. 136 I would think Martin Luther King Jr. would have been taught about Total Depravity in his years going to church. Dr. King rejects the concept of God being Holy other: hidden and unknown. Dr. King states the influence Walter Rauschenbusch's book: Christianity and the Social Gospel had on him. Then student King searched other philosophers who were not theologians about how to bring social change. Student King was in despaired until he discovered and learned about how Mahatma Gandhi brought social justice to India through nonviolence and the term Satyagraha. Satya means truth which equals love. Graha means force.

Paul's letter to American Christians is a sermon by Dr. King in which he attempts to use the voice Paul's letter to instruct the Christian Church in the United States about disunity in the Body of Christ and unchristian thinking among its members. Cultural, political, and the state of Christendom are the focus of the sermon. I think Martin Luther King Jr. tries to invoke the sentiment of Ephesians 4:1-3:

As a prisoner of the Lord, I urge you to live the life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. In this letter Dr. King criticizes the multiplication of denomination of churches in the United States. He praises the National Council of Churches and the World Council of Churches. He argues for unity with the Roman Catholic Church with no note that there are some things Christians cannot compromise about. Racism and disunity is the only sin taken to task. I do believe racism is an unfruitful of darkness and Paul did address this in his letters-it is not the only unfruitful works of Darkness:

And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but reprove them.
. Ephesians 5:11

A quote from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.:
Pg. 3 "The historic- philological criticism of the Bible is considered by the soft minded as blasphemous and reason is often looked upon as the exercise of a corrupt faculty. Soft minded persons have revised the Beatitudes to read, blessed are the pure in ignorance: for they shall see God."

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. quotes from Matthew 10:16 - Behold I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as Doves.

Later Dr. King equates science as reality and religion as values. He sees the tough minded as those who incorporate their faith to fit science. Dr. King does not believe the Bible is to be taken at face value but be interpreted trough the lens of science and other philosophical thought. Theological thought is used and the Bible is quoted to make the argument, but only when facts are determined elsewhere. Values are not defined through God's written word but to collaborate outside sources. Values are determined and thought processes are discovered with the Bible as the secondary source.

In 1983 I entered teaching in West Virginia and received this book as a present from one of my teachers. In two years I moved to South Central to teach at 93rd Street School then into the Salinas valley and now in Oxnard.It has proved itself to be of great use to a teacher. I say this by way of explaining that as an elementary teacher, one working with a variety of settings, children, cultures, families, many kinds of educational issues I've come to believe that the book King wrote, this book, is a true helpmate to anyone trying to deal with inequity and injustice.Teaching is an act that requires a very deep understanding of who you are, your strengths, purpose, and this volume supports the evolution of your social conscious. For me the text allowed me to solidify who I am as a teacher and why I do what I do. One example might be the difficult job it is to teach in schools under assault for doing poorly, seemingly being de-constructed by politics without enough valid insight into ways to guide real improvement and coming up against ignorance in many forms-including the disparity in economic means permitted in America. It's not easy to teach children with vast dental decay, families out of work and watch a nation laud this as positive "welfare reform" when stranding these children in worse fixes. Sometimes I find it infinitely difficult to love my neighbor,well, my voucher loving neighbor, or even find commonality with those in million dollar homes feeling botox might make them both more appealing and more interesting.The child as a commodity construct which is now prevalent in educational dialog, among many other kinds of views, I find difficult to separate from the individuals telling me( in often rude and hurtful ways) that my efforts educationally are a failure and that schools don't work. In my world it's a constant Lou Dobbs immigration rant that somehow is hiding vaguely words that really seem to be saying something else. I tire of watching the reality of racism, class ism acted out in the lives of children-and this is a fatigue that easily becomes anger-King speaks to this.... I find myself lacking the strength to love positions taken by those that really don't know what they are talking about, and don't care other than for personal advantaging anyway.... There is something truly fascinating about having a book that describes both your situation and your feelings as well as frames this into affective forward action-King can give you individual empowerment quite readily.And he can help you address your mindset. And that in this world of mine is a beautiful thing. I frame my work with principles that are able to outweigh the personal likes and dislikes levels...so I bring to school dealings my thoughts that I am there to help Anthony be the best Anthony he can be...not to condemn Anthony to my judgment about him. Let us say then King's is an active lexicon and this volume is insightful for someone wishing to everyday face injustice and difficulty with positive reaction and action. For me as a person I find the book more helpful than any I ever had.

If anyone underestimates MLK's true intellectual ability, or simply wants to revisit the kind of person he was, a read of this book should serve to illustrate that America has had a prophet in my lifetime. Truly this should be required reading in high school and college programs for the young persons of our country to become acquainted with and use in working on social issues.

Let's not just sit in silence on *Martin Luther King Day* - - We must ask ourselves how WE can carry forward Dr. King's message & become agents for change. Reading his words in "STRENGTH TO LOVE" makes an excellent beginning.

Remember those words from the Bible that challenged us "to love justice"? King's sermons (collected mostly from the time of the bus boycott) prod us today to carry forth "the Power of One" and make this particular holiday a statement of our own acts of Love. To love takes courage as well as strength.

Since the Gulf state hurricanes, we have witnessed injustice toward blacks as blatant as any experienced in the 40's. To summon up the hope and optimism that kept Martin Luther King's message alive is an absolute necessity today. To exercise King's principles, to work for justice, to not allow ourselves to sit in silence - - that's where our beliefs must take us. " . . . the day we become silent about things that matter" IS THE DAY "OUR LIVES BEGIN TO END."

Love is where non-violent action begins. In his sermons King expanded on how the tactics of Gandhi can & do work a mighty force for change. For "Strength to Love" the cover art, a wood cut by Stephen Alcorn, makes another strong statement. Dr. King's words most forceful to me are about *love* and *redemption* - - (the latter is an under-used word these days) - - and the last chapter in which he shared his amazing *PILGRIMAGE* through philosophy and experience. Reviewer mcHAIKU echoes the hope of many: that we act responsibly, energetically and courageously to speak truth to Power. "I ain't gonna study war not more." (Martin Luther King Day, 1-16-06)

Timeless. As relevant now as what it was when it was written. Addresses the issues of hate and indifference and argues that the solution is love. Love does sound all too simplistic but it is one of the hardest things to face but its rewards are beyond words.

"Strength to Love" woke me up.

It made Dr. King so much more real. It contains some of the most powerful teachings on how to love in situations where it is difficult to. Not love -in the romantic sense - but rather, in a much deeper way - as in love of humankind. Of Christ-love. Just read his sermon on "Loving your enemies": he starts with the difficulty of reconciling this commandment, and finishes with a flury of passion exhorting us to make this commandment real when he starts with the words "To our most bitter opponents, we say...". It's not just the banter and broad strokes which he uses so magnificently to generate his passion. He also gathers support from folks such as Emerson, Napolean, Plato, Aristotle, Nietzsche and the Bible of course. All of this to convey a sense of urgency to show how low we all have come, and at the same time to inspire us to a place where we can go.

While you may not agree with what he says, you must admire and respect what he says. Dr. King's messages aren't easy to digest- but he says the right thing - which is not always, the easy thing. Even though these teachings were written over 40 years ago now, his messages in "Strength" are no less relevant and more important than ever.

This book was exactly what I was looking for. The author provides a Christian view into how moms can help instill desirable traits in her son. It was full of great tips for single moms. It was realistic, honest, and encouraging. A must-read for moms of boys!

As a mom of two boys, I have found this book to be an eye opener. It is written in a simple yet delightful way. I recommend it for anyone who has boys or who work with boys.

Gave me insight into my son, but, also helped me understand my husband. Great book with good advice. Really liked that it had a list of recommended movies to help boys see examples of good male role models. Would have liked a little more depth on how to actually implement some of the suggestions. Perhaps the additional recommended readings will expand on some of the ideas. I've recommended this book to all my friends who are raising boys. Will read again and again.

Rick Johnson has gotten to the heart and soul of what makes a boy a boy and a man a man, physiologically and emotionally.
He gets back to the basics and common sense of parenting and his advice and tips can relate to parents of all backgrounds.
As a parent of two older daughters, my 13 year old son is posing quite a few issues I have never before faced. Mr Johnson's book addresses all of them and answers questions I have found myself up against in the past few years.
Straightforward and informative, Mr. Johnson's That's My Son is a wonderful confirmation of what you're doing as a "repeat parent" and helps guide you along if you struggle with your first experience having a son.

Read it in a couple of days. Great book for Moms and/or single moms. I have renewed faith that I can raise my boy to be a good man even if I'm the closest thing to it in his life!

This is my God has become a classic on Jewish Thought and Culture. If you are just beginning or are a seasoned scholar, This is my God has something for you.

I totally recommend this book. You will enjoy immensely. Read it with a highlighter, you are going to want to quote it later.

A formidable book, written for everyone, from the pious Chassidim who seems to know all about Judaism to the secular Wall Street Jewish Banker who is far from his faith but feels every now and then the sweet but stern internal calling of his demanding heritage

The best chapters,in my opinion, are related to the experiences related to the secular Jewish people when they got involved in the Jewish religious rituals at the synagogue or at home during childhood, "one feels like he is telling ones own experiences when he was a Jewish kid, so unexplained and uneasy situations at that time become hilarious

Generally speaking, Wouk, who is observant, tried to be very open avoiding dogma and intended to convey to the Jewish reader the precious value of his 4000 years heritage and a way to learn how to feel proud about it.

Wouk did not forget the non-Jewish reader either, he wrote this book with simple concepts and language so anyone interested about Judaism can get a good basic introduction through these pages

Wouk, Herman. "This is My G-d: The Jewish Way of Life", Little Brown and Company, 1959. 1988.

How I Live

Amos Lassen

Here in Arkansas, especially from my gay friends, I contstantly get questions about my being Jewish. After a few moments of discussion, I usually refer people to Herman Wouk's "This is My G-d" which, even though is not new, explains basically everything Jewish in the easiest way. The book goes with me wherever I go. I keep a copy in my office at the university, a copy in my study and one in my suitcase. Anyone who wants to know what Orthodox Judaism means to a well informed and intelligent Jew but who is an American (by birth) as well, can find out what he wants to know in this book. Written in terms that are easy to understand, the book stands alone in being a guide to the Jewish religion. Herman Wouk is a wonderful person to consult on matters Jewish. He writes with humility and wisdom and his explanations are clear and concise.
There is a lot of literature on the Jewish religion available and new books on seem to be published almost daily. Wouk gives us a brief history of the Jewish people and an excellent discussion on the meaning of G-d. He explains who we are and how we have survived and carefully looks at the importance of symbols in the religion.
In part two of the book, Wouk approaches issues of faith and sows how it is impossible to study all of it. Looking at the holiday calendar, he is able to equate the observance with the nature of the Jewish mind and explains in detail what the synagogue is and what purpose it has. Looking at the dietary laws and explaining how orthodox Jews observe them is an experience that I have not found in other books. Wouk manages to bring the laws to a level of understanding that explains and codifies them. He also speaks of clothing and shelter which I found especially interesting as most do not realize that there is a certain way that Jews look at them.
Wouk takes us through the life cycle--from circumcision to Bar Mitzvah to death and explains issues of love and marriage. Looking at law, Wouk explains the differences between Torah, Talmud, common law and modern theory. Finally he looks at the state of Judaism in the present and evaluates the various schisms in modern Judaism.
The newer edition contains an epilogue which deals with Israel and the question of Jewish survival. For a novice this is a place to begin and for others it is a book to consult. Surely a religion that has lasted thousands of years cannot be written about in just 300 something pages but I tell you, it has been a great help to me in both understanding myself and explaining Judaism to others.

This work is a wonderful introduction to and survey of Orthodox Judaism. This book stands out from the pack of other works on the same topic in that This Is My God was written by a master novelist (Wouk gave us Winds of War, War and Remembrance, The Caine Mutiny, et al). Herman Wouk is passionate and candid in what he writes here.

The tone is conversational, unconfrontational and uncondescending. Although packed with factual information, Wouk keeps it personal and interesting by moving back and forth between the mechanics of Orthodox Judaism, and his own personal experience - especially his formative years under the hand of his beloved, learned and pious grandfather. Considering the scope, it is brief, by the author's own admission.

Wouk explains the basic approaches marking Orthodox, and to a lesser extent Conservative and Reform, Judaism. He discusses the practice . . . dietary laws, tallit, the Sabbath, the Feasts, etc. He sketches history and historical figures (I especially appreciated his sorting out of the great sages and each of their places in Judaical history). He describes the source texts - Torah and Talmud. Also, Wouk easily could have - but did not - bury the reader with Hebrew phraseology.

This book is unique and well worth the time for an interested truth seeker of ANY faith to invest. I could continue with the praises of this work, but I would just be repeating what other reviewers have already written.

I will add a couple of critical comments. This book, published in 1959 (written while the State of Israel was only 10 years old, how remarkable!), has become a bit dated. (Obviously no fault of Wouk's here). Orthodox Judaism has evolved increasingly into what people call "Ultra-Orthodox" and has become largely identified with Hasidic dress and practices. In today's world an observant Orthodox author, out of reverence, may well have refrained from penning the title "God", preferring rather "G_d" (interesting since the diety's personal Name is not actually God . . . a gentile word having rather pagan roots). Orthodox vs Conservative vs Reform have all changed a bit over the years. I was disappointed that Wouk did not even mention the phenomenon of Messianic Judaism, which has grown greatly since the book was authored. Wouk also more or less wrote off the Karaites as an extinct sect . . . but that movement has also grown greatly since the book was authored. But of course Wouk's passion is Orthodoxy, and my point is that there has been much change even in the brief historical period since 1959. This is a minor criticism and hardly detracts from the value of the book.


Secondly, although I was drawn to this book by its enticing title, it would have been more accurately titled, "This Is My Religion". Orthodox Judaism wholly embraces the the Talmud. Unlike the Torah, the Talmud is arguably the work of great men, but not necessarily of God. There is wide and heated disagreement on this point. But in Wouk's book, any insight as to the nature of God will have to be inferred from the general discussion.

But again, any truth-seeker, and especially followers of the God of Israel, should have this information. An observant and learned Orthodox Jew will likely find no new information here, but may enjoy Wouk's personal perspectives.

A heartfelt and personal discussion of Judaism. Herman Wouk is the master of the historical novel. His guidebook to Judaism is written with love and respect.

I've read many books from self-help to Christian instruction. This book most definitely ranks at the top of my list for spiritual growth and also healing, both emotionally and spiritually. Leslie's devotion to serving the Lord is very apparent. That combined with her own personal experience has made this an invaluable tool for those seeking to really know the Lord better. It's a "best-seller" on my list! God Bless!

every since i started my aunt leslie's book, the truth principle, i have noticed changes in my life. this book also tells me a little more about my dad and his siblings' lives at home. (my dad is leslie's sister). i love this book and would recomend it to anyone.

Rarely will you find a book that helps you analyze the way you respond to struggles such as this. Leslie's process helps you rationally identify the way you respond to struggles and personal weaknesses and then use the truth of God's Word to change. This book is a helpful, hope-giver.

Rarely will you find a book that helps you analyze the way you respond to struggles such as this. Leslie's process helps you rationally identify the way you respond to struggles and personal weaknesses and then use the truth of God's Word to change. This book is a helpful, hope-giver.

This is a must-read book for peer counselors and for anyone in therapy or those who "should" be in therapy! Everyone has troubles and trials in life. But our response to them ... that's what gets us in trouble. Leslie Vernick has a wonderful writing style that shows how to look for the root of the problem and how to learn responses that are more affirming instead of destructive. Her gentle TRUTH principle approach is easy to remember and apply. I love this God-centered method of counseling/therapy/self-help and highly recommend it. I believe you'll find it to be a powerful gift in your life.