Christianity Books

For the individual more interested in Christian living than philosophical arguments this is the Schaeffer book for you. This book is very short, I finished in two nights of easy reading. It is basically expanding his thoughts on John 13:34-35

"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."

I think his main point is that God has given the world a litmus test for whether Christianity is the truth and whether we are truly followers of him. If the world can OBSERVE that we love one another they will know, if not, then they have the right to judge us accordingly. How we deal with conflict within ourselves is the true test. Loving each other through harmony is easy, loving each other when there are disagreements is much harder.

This is an oversimplification of his work, and reading this short book is well worth the effort. Light and short reading with maximum impact.

Though may easily be overlooked as something Christians are and should be familiar with, I still take Dr. Schaeffer's encouragement seriously to love like Jesus loves according to what he commands his disciples at the Last Supper; both those "in the household of faith" and those who are outside, that the world may know that Christians are Christ's indeed. I can not agree more that cold, uncaring, indifferent, unloving, narcissistic Christianity; something that I'm liable to as well; is not only an oxymoron, but also ugly, as Dr. Schaeffer puts it. On a similar subject, pursuing Christian unity; what it is and what it is not; is something that he claims as the other mark of a Christian, and though intuitively is natural when there is a genuine love to one another, but is still worth studying in this little yet practical book.

Schaeffer writes a book here that is challenging and very needed. He simply takes two statements of Jesus on how we should love one another and strive for peace and unity instead of discord and pride, and demonstrates the crucial need to follow these verses. A Christian is supposed to be a bearer of love and peace to every other human being (Christian or not; you can promote peace and show love without sacrificing truth). This book along with his "True Spirituality" are both on the top of my list of messages that have made the most impact on me. All of Schaeffer's work is good but this book is one of my favorites. I second the motion that this is a must read for any Christian.

As with most of Francis Schaffer's books... though written in the 1970's it seems like it was written yesterday. A short but powerful book looking at John 13 & 17 and what he calls is the "Final Apologetic". He basically asks "How will they know we are Christians?" And expounds on that. A highly reflective book. A book we need today. A Must Read.

I first read this book as a young Christian and now am impressed with how many of the concepts I have adopted in my own creed. I detest pop Christian symbols and the urge to define a Christian by market forces. Schaeffer attempts to challenge the reader into not only glimpsing in the mirror, but to really make changes accordingly.

I really did not expect anything when i bought this book. The book is made up of many short stories I mean real life love stories that are worth reading again and again and again. The story I liked the most was Nice guys by Rubria. It shows what a true romantic at heart really is. A fun book that would make you laugh and cry at the same time. Go ahead and purchase this book. worth the read. Anytime

If you are a romantic at heart, you will love this collection of inspirationl love stories. If you love to read love stories, without all the nasty stuff out today, you don't want to miss these.

If you are a romantic at heart, you will love this collection of inspirationl love stories. If you love to read love stories, without all the nasty stuff out today, you don't want to miss these.

I discovered this book recently while reading an excerpt from an old magazine article. I enjoyed the book so much I gave copies as gifts to friends.

Each chapter successively takes the reader through the various stages of love from finding each other to surviving difficult times together to finally ending the partnership with the death of a beloved spouse. Many stories were very poignant and bittersweet.

My favorite true story from the book was The Gold and Ivory Tablecloth. The series of events that transpired to bring two lost lovers back together was amazing and awe inspiring.

Although our world has made drastic advances, in technological innovations, scientific discovery, and overall change one thing has remained constant. The desire to be respected and loved by one person who you can in turn love and respect. The notion that someone was born and raised to be your spouse has sent many on a journey for love which sometimes ends up being an exercise in futility (or opportunity for growth) yet at other times is the start of something bigger than either party involved. Something "Divinely Appointed."

In A Match Made in Heaven Susan Wales and Ann Platz share the experiences of many who were successful in their quest like Dr. Robert Schuller who shared the results of his "self-centered prayer" and how through it he became consumed, "not by a person, but by divine destiny." (p. 37). In "The Prayer," Susan Wales was asked to pray for a speaker she never met who lived across the country and required immediate vocal surgery. Just prior to her own wedding years later, her friend revealed to her that she had prayed for her husband.

While love-at-first-sight is the encounter of many matches made in heaven, others sometimes later find that the very one they were looking for was right under their noses all along. Like "Bob" a New York attorney with small town values he shared with his secretary "Elizabeth" who came to New York to be a dancer. When Elizabeth learned that Bob was about to propose to "Laura," an attorney and daughter of wealthy New Yorkers she was heartbroken. Elizabeth congratulated Bob on his engagement and submitted her two weeks notice. A few weeks later, after Bob lost an important case and Laura showed a lack of interest when he tried to discuss it he began to wish that she were more like Elizabeth. Finally Bob realized that what he was looking for was right under his nose along. After canvassing his office for information on Elizabeth's new job he found her pursuing her passion, teaching dance to children. He invited her to lunch after her class and professed "You are the love of my life, and I want you to be my wife." They were married six months later. Through the motif of the proposal to every element of traditional marriage vows, Wales and Platz share a myriad of heartwarming and joyous stories of special days, trying times, and the eternal bond between husband and wife.

Through yielding to God's Divine will for our lives, we can all experience A Match Made in Heaven.

A wonderful read on one of the most outstanding christians in history.
Our Heart Group which meets in our home each week has truly been blessed by reading about this great christian man ( author, preacher, teacher, statesman, and more ).
Trust that others might receive the same blessing by the reading of this book.

John Newton wrote a poem with the above title.

Mr. McCasland has written a very readable biography of a true man of God. In every chapter following the first, the reader walks with Chambers throughout his spiritual growth. Our Lord has told his followers that life will not be easy as a disciple and 'OC' is a shining example of living the life of faith--real faith unlike today where many so-called people of God have replaced faith with conservatism or patriotism or judicial capitalism.

From the 6th and last stanzas of Newton:

Lord, why is this, I
trembling cry'd.
Wilt thou pursue thy worm to
death?
"Tis in this way," the Lord
reply'd.
"I answer pray'r for grace and
faith.

"These inward trials I
employ,
"From self and pride to set
thee free;
"And break thy schemes of
earthly joy,
"That thou mayst seek thy all
in me."

The school of Christ involves learning the basics of the Christian faith but that is NOT the end. Be of good cheer, because when Jesus says he is their with us in our trials, he really means it! In the life of 'OC,' we know and believe this is true.

Thank you David McCasland for your biography of a true disciple of Christ.
If only we still had Oswald Chambers! I loved this book. I would have loved to have met Biddy Chambers as well. Such inspired lives they had!

Most people are familiar with My Utmost for His Highest, one of the great classic devotionals. But few are familiar with the man, Oswald Chambers. Oswald Chambers was originally from Scotland, formed a Bible College in England, and eventually went to Egypt where he served as a chaplain for WWI servicemen. He left this earth at a very young age. The marvelous thing is that Chambers had a wife who trained to be a transcriptionist. Her earthly ambition was to be the transcriptionist for the Prime Minister of England, but when she met and married Oswald Chambers, she began transcribing his words from his many teachings at the Bible College and to the servicemen. My Utmost for His Highest was published a year after his death, after Mrs. Chambers gathered together some of the gems of his teachings in one volume. Many more books followed over the years. Oswald Chambers would surely not be remembered today, if not for the partnership and labor of his wife. This book is wonderfully written as it tells the marvelous story of one man who dedicated his life to God's service...and whose words are treasured today because of his wife's gift of transcribing his words.

For a number of years I have thoroughly enjoyed reading and being blessed by "My Utmost for His Highest". While I have been greatly blessed, I knew little of the author other than he served British troops in Egypt as a servant of the YMCA. Thankfully, McCasland has written a most interesting read of Reverand Chambers.

Among the areas covered in Chambers' life include:

1. Early life and large family he belonged to - parents and siblings.
2. How and when he came to Christ.
3. His education at various schools.
4. Marriage to his beloved "Biddy" and enjoying his daughter Kathleen.
5. His service for the YMCA and other Christian-related organizations.
6. Ministry to British troops in Egypt during WWI.
7. Many travels and friends he made throughout his life.
8. Circumstances leading up to his death at the early age of 43.

The book was so well-written and detailed about Chambers' life that I have grown to respect and appreciate the man even more. I (in addition to many others I'm sure) am also deeply grateful for his wife Biddy's efforts to publish many of his addresses to the British troops that ultimately resulted in the devotion "My Utmost for His Highest".

Read and enjoy the book and come to appreciate Reverand Chambers even more! Highly recommended.

and get Dr. Fee's audio tapes from Regent College bookstore.
I studied with Dr. Fee at Gordon-Conwell while pastoring in Cambridge, Ma. Our church supported some of Dr. Fee's mission trips around the world. His books are all great, but his lectures, especially his exegetical NT book studies, are simply unparalleled, satisfying the intellect and the spirit and leading one to experience the Holy Spirit in the Word.

Gordon Fee does an excellent job in making his case that from Paul's perspective the Holy Spirit has a central part in our lives. We are to be people of the Spirit! His cry for the church to see that we are an "eschatological people in a world gone mad" resonates in my heart. We are to be the people of God in the world and the Spirit empowers us to be that! This book will breathe life into you and is theologically sound!

I came to this book already in disagreement with some of the author's views on charismata, and I expected to be in disagreement with most of the book.

However, I had little issue with most of the points he made and was glad that he reasoned from scripture and not human psychology.

After the second chapter I was frustrated with the phrase "at the heart of Pauline theology is...". It helps to understand the heart of one's theology to understand where they're coming from in all that they write. However, I think it was unecessary for the author to claim a new "heart" for Pauline theology to make his overall point about the Spirit of God and the church. It seemed to come from a desire to systematize something for its own sake.

Also, when defining the purposes of Paul, the author claims that "Paul was not writing to present a study of God, but to build up churches and address gut issues about being God's people in a totally pagan environment". He never explains why it can't be both. Obviously, Paul's ultimate purpose was for transformation and the practicalities of knowing God. But, the author's claim above suggests that Paul's studies of God in his letters (the indicative) aren't needed for the practicalities.

In the end, when the author addresses charismata, he didn't go into depth with scripture as much as I would've liked, but he does reference another of his books where he does. Also, in fairness, he points the reader to the best defense of the contrary view, which I appreciated.

If the reader is well read, the front 60% of the book will be skimmable.

I would highly recommend this book. The book has a very sound theology and has excellent scholarship at a layperson's level. It will help any reader gain a more insightful understanding of the purpose and leading of the Spirit in connection to the Church (people of God). Dr. Fee is able to properly exegete the Scripture of Paul's writings and help our understanding. This book is good for all Christians and especially those wondering (or concerned) about the role or move of the Holy Spirit.

Gordon Fee has written an easy to read version of his larger work "God's Empowering Presence: The Holy Spirit in the Letters of Paul." Recently, I read and reviewed Frank Macchia's book "Baptized in the Spirit: A Global Pentecostal Theology" and as much as I liked Macchia's work, this book by Fee is in some ways at least, better. I like Macchia's work on tongues and their meaning, but Fee really does an excellent job of showing the continuity and discontinuity of the Church who is the Israel of God and the nation of Israel in the OT. On page 50, Fee has a great chart that shows how that we are living in an already/not yet eschatalogical framework. Fee takes great care to show that the most important thing for the Church to get hold of is that we are the eshatalogical people of God and the Holy Spirit is the down payment on and fortaste of that future which is the come. He deals with Paul and is an excellent interprter of Pauline theology. Fee does not dismiss the importance of the Spirit in Paul, but shows how that, although, Jesus is the center of Paul's thought, it is the Holy Spirit that is driving this life in the Messiah and that give energy and freshness to the revelation of Jesus. This is an excellent work. I recommend this for everyone Pentecostal or not. I believe that a popular audience could probably read this book and benefit from Fee's great and scholarly insight.

Pinches of Salt, Prisms of Light is a compelling book of ordinary people offering their everyday stories of love, life and compassion. Leal and Everson have brought together an eclectic group of writers who share sun-kissed stories that add a little salt to your day and a brighter light to your life. Included in the book are stories from both Leal and Everson which include bittersweet stories such as Leal's Dave's Goofy Day, which is the story of her husband who has Huntington's Disease--a rare, devastating, degenerative brain disorder. Huntington's reduced Dave's mental capabilities from a 46-year-old man to a three-year-old who had no greater desire than to see Goofy at Disney World. Leal granted her husband's wish and in the process, realized how God continues to illumine her with His love. I highly recommend this book.

This fast paced book was full of encouragement to me. It made me laugh and cry and feel very thankful for all the times there was answered prayer, even when it seemed like life was the worst. If you need a daily dose of sunshine and encouragement, read this book.

Pinches of Salt, Prisms of Light is a compelling book of ordinary people offering their everyday stories of love, life and compassion. Leal and Everson have brought together an eclectic group of writers who share sun-kissed stories that add a little salt to your day and a brighter light to your life. Included in the book are stories from both Leal and Everson which include bittersweet stories such as Leal's "Dave's Goofy Day," which is the story of her husband who has Huntington's Disease--a rare, devastating, degenerative brain disorder. Huntington's reduced Dave's mental capabilities from a 46-year-old man to a three-year-old who had no greater desire than to see Goofy at Disney World. Leal granted her husband's wish and in the process, realized how God continues to illumine her with His love. I highly recommend this book.

Pinches of Salt, Prisms of Light is a compelling book of ordinary people offering their everyday stories of love, life and compassion. Leal and Everson have brought together an eclectic group of writers who share sun-kissed stories that add a little salt to your day and a brighter light to your life. Included in the book are stories from both Leal and Everson which include bittersweet stories such as Leal's "Dave's Goofy Day," which is the story of her husband who has Huntington's Disease--a rare, devastating, degenerative brain disorder. Huntington's reduced Dave's mental capabilities from a 46-year-old man to a three-year-old who had no greater desire than to see Goofy at Disney World. Leal granted her husband's wish and in the process, realized how God continues to illumine her with His love. I highly recommend this book.

This book should be called Carmen and Eva Marie Soup for the Soul. You will cry bitter sweet tears over a young girl's triumphant stance against a bigoted mother. You will roar with laughter at Carmen's account of her bungled airplane seduction. Most importantly, you will think. You will think about issues you've shelved because they hurt your heart. You will see your own unclothed soul and be thankful there is a great, big God who loves the whole naked bunch of us.

Chris Wave--Author of Conversations at the Girlville Diner-Finding God in the Hairdos and the Hashbrowns. (Harold Shaw Publishers 1999)

Larry King is humorous. I read this book in 1 day I couldn't put it down! If you want to understand prayer from a wide range of people from different faiths and beliefs then you should get this book. I read it free from the library years ago and for some reason I just thought to myself maybe I will buy it. lol....hope you enjoy this book as I did.

This book is going on eight years old as I write this review, but I suppose it will always seem timely. Larry has quite a knack for just telling it like it is. As an admitted agnostic he has no agenda in passing along this delightful collection of tales and interviews with those who [mostly] have belief in God. And mind you, this is not a book on religion. True to its title, the book relates prayers - moments - that have moved others to prayer. In some instances it is the circumstance which catches your attention, and other times it is the prayer itself that provides the power. And Larry's personal asides are even more delightful.

All in all I was always interested in reading on to the next page, person, or prayer. This is an "un-fussy" book and a wonderful read.

This book will open your mind if you are agnostic, and it may make you angry if you are set in your conventional religious beliefs. This is not a politically correct book, and King takes some risks, but it is worth a good read whether you are spiritally inclined or somewhere in the middle.

Jeffrey McAndrew
author of "Our Brown-Eyed Boy"

Mr. King delved into the foundation of Spirituality and Religion and made simple an otherwise complex and controversial issue. The book focuses on the individual and his or her communication with God, while setting aside religious beliefs. I would like to recommend to friends who are too formal about prayers and to those who maybe agnostic such as Larry King in his book.

Mr. King delved into the foundation of Spirituality and Religion and made simple an otherwise complex and controversial issue. The book focuses on the individual and his or her communication with God, while setting aside religious beliefs. I would like to recommend to friends who are too formal about prayers and to those who maybe agnostic such as Larry King in his book.

Sometimes we hear someone say something really profound that hits home with us and we think, "I wish I'd said that."

That's exactly how I feel about Prayer Walk--"I wish I had written that."

In the mid 1980's, I lived in Southern California where the temperatures were mild. From about 1984-1986, I got up early six days a week for prayer walking and singing praises to God. Many days it was just me and God. Other times a friend or two would join me.

It was during those years that I looked and felt my best, and felt close to God and in tune with my surroundings.

Now I live in a place where winters have ice storms and summers bring extremely high humidity. I still walk a little in the spring and the fall, but it's just not the same as it was during my prayer walks in California.

Reading PrayerWalk has caused memories to come rushing in about a time when my body and spirit were nourished and healthy.

One of my favorite lines in this book is, "prayer walking is not an easy way to 'take care of prayer' while you get good exercise. It is a call to spend rich time with God, carrying others' loads. The walking is only a means to make it all happen."

Janet Holm McHenry then encourages the reader to pray for your own church, law enforcement, military, public servants, the christian community, business owners, schools, family, friends, and community. McHenry has walked through tears of remorse, tears of joy, tears of suffering, victory, and answered prayer.

She relates the physical benefits of walking as reduced risk of dying prematurely from heart disease or developing diabetes, it helps build and maintain healthy bones, muscles, and joints, reduces the risk of breast cancer, and combats obesity.

McHenry has convinced me that it's high time for me to get back to prayer walking. The focus here is twofold--praying and walking. This book is definitly motivational. I am now motivated to becoming a woman of prayer, strength, and walking.

In this review I've talked about the prayer and the walking, but you'll have to read the book yourself if you want to hear about McHenry's interesting walking and praying escapades.

Written in a very warm and engaging style, the author managed to convince me that I should begin Prayerwalking without making me feel guilty or overwhelmed. Studies show that those who take a spiritual approach to weight loss are the primary group to keep the weight off so this book fits in perfectly with my weight loss goals.

I actually stayed up until 5 a.m. reading this book, although I don't recommend doing that, I highly recommend this book. I had never thought of combining exercise (walking) with spending time in prayer/with God. Walking outdoors has always felt like a spiritual experience to me, but I never thought of how many prayers I could be sending out on my journey. This book is not only a book on prayer, but gives excellent advice on walking for health as well. Including statistics, shoe recommendations etc. The authors writing style was so inspiring that I can't wait to start walking again after a long abscense, and experiencing my walking in a new way, time with God. What a wonderful combination!!

In Prayerwalk, Janet offers encouragement, inspiration, Biblical support, and productive fitness helps to challenge anyone's health and prayer life. Janet doesn't have to persuade you to change your spiritual disciplines--her example gently but convincingly nudges you in the right direction. She covers it all: the necessary spiritual, physical, and mental tips for growing deeper in this vital exercise and privilege of prayer.

If you want to make a difference in the lives of others and your own wellness - read PrayerWalk. I read the book out of curiosity not expecting to actually do what Janet Hom McHenry was suggesting. However, I was pulled in by her story and the facts she offered. I now PrayerWalk!!!!!

Serita Jakes has a way with communicating every woman's honorable place/ service to/ with the Lord.

Her words humbled me, and yet lifted me up to recog nize my place in the Kingdom of God. I am not just the daughter of the King, I am a Princess and I belong at the forefront of the Kingdom. I can describe how much this book has made me realize my worth in Christ.

This is a book that every Christian woman should read! It would be especially helpful for new Christians or Christians that struggle with feeling worthy to accept the wonderful things that God has for us.

The book is very affirming. It is a blessing that Mrs. Jakes choose to be transparent in writing it. I believe that most Christian women go through the same things she describes but they feel all alone.

Very Good Book!

Serita Ann Jakes found healing by writing letters to the Lord. And since
that deliverance, her heart has been overflowing with the desire to
reveal how He has been her Secret Keeper. It is her hope that women
who read her story will also learn to trust their secrets to Him.

Mrs. Jakes gloriously parallels her message with the famed fairy tale
Cinderella. Every woman was born to be a princess, our Creator designed
His daughters to be the glory of men and the mothers of all living things.
We were the final touch of creation and the solution to loneliness in
mankind. So, she asks, "why have so many women have fallen from that place
of honor and esteem?" In her comparison to the fairy tale, she urges women
to take control of their lives. To not wait for someone to give them a ride
to the celebration, but find their own way to the dance as Cinderella did.

There are critics who say that life is not like fairy tales with happy
endings, but Mrs. Jakes responds, "just as a prince awaited Cinderella, a
Prince of Peace awaits you." It is time for women to be restored to the
place of honor that God intended for them to have. THE PRINCESS WITHIN
confirms and restores with scripture and reverence.

Reviewed by aNN
of The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers

God desires His daughter's to know that Restoration is possible in our lives. As with her husband, T.D. Jakes, Serita Jakes is a powerful writer and hits home with her vulnerable writing.

In this book she compares today's hurting woman with the story of Cinderella and how through God's healing love, "we can make it to the ball". She touches on the subject that God longs to be our secret keeper, and that He wants us to be honest with Him about our doubts, fears, and insecurities.

I highly suggest this book to every woman--whether she has been abused or abandoned, this book can show you how to lift up your head and walk without shame!

Father Morris writes firmly and with compassion about one of life's great conundrums - suffering. Why do we suffer? Why does God allow it? How do we respond. In plain, accessible and straightforward language, Father Morris essentially provides the orthodox Christian answer to why suffering exists. No one can avoid it; at some point everyone will experience it in some way. The issue is, when it comes, how will we respond? Father Morris provides a helpful outline and series of steps to help the believer understand and deal with suffering.

It helps you understand why God let's us suffer, specially when we have lost someone we really love. I recommend this book to everyone that is going through a difficult loss...

There are very few books written in the Christian genre that speak the Truth. And the Truth is that suffering is allowed by a Sovereign and Loving God who has greater purposes than the human mind can conceive. In truly understanding God, we find that our suffering is an avenue to an intimate relationship with Him. Father Jonathan brings our suffering into perspective as he shares emails from his "InBox." The Promise reveals that through our sufferings there is a Promise of greater good and it is our choice to believe in the Promise or look God in the eyes and walk away. This book was written for the believer and the nonbeliever. It was written in a way where you can feel Father Jonathan's heart and the heart of God pouring out to you. "The Promise" will bring you to a crossroads in your life; you will make the decision to walk by faith or walk by sight.

Personally for me, I will share this....I have read this book more times than I have ever read any other book. (I have read ALOT of books in the Christian genre) I will tell you that never before has a book brought such amazing peace to my soul. Each time I pick it up and read, I feel as though I am entering into the presence of God and through "The Promise" He is speaking loud and clear.

I stumbled across this book. Wow, what good timing! With God, there are no coincidences. I am currently experiencing some issues in my life concerning my health, my children, past hurts, etc and have suffered with oppression and some depression, so this came in the knick of time. God knows, Fr. Morris' book was exactly what I needed to read.
No matter what Christian denomination you are, or whether you believe in God, for that matter...this is an amazing, step by step, guide for anyone who is suffering or has suffered and is in need of healing and hope.
My heart feels as if a weight has been removed. I finally see a light at the end of this tunnel!
My husband has read this book, too and we are both buying up a bunch of these to give to our family and friends for Christmas!
If you are in need of hope and healing then read this book. Even if you are not currently in the "pit" you will at some point in your life and this will prepare you and help you to avoid ending up there! Or, if you've been there and are on the hill top right now, waiting for the other shoe to drop, this book will help you to put it all in perspective!
Thanks Fr. Morris for allowing the Holy Spirit to use you, to bring a message of hope to those of us who need it! You helped me to remember that God is in control and the best is yet to come!

This book had so much more than an explanation for suffering. I liked the personal examples and also the references to earlier writings on the topic. Beyond understanding it offers concrete steps for living in hope. The structure of the book makes it easy to read in any order. Definitely one that I will loan to friends and re-visit from time to time.

This book made me feel hopeful regarding christianity again. In a world of hositility and fear the hope of mercy and grace is like drinking a cold glass of water in a desert. I felt I could put into practice the spirit in which the monks live. Well worth the read for a parched soul.

I picked up Radical Hospiality because of a sermon I heard in Boston awhile ago while visiting a friend from college. I did not catch the name of the author, authors as it turns out, but I was sure the minister, a woman, was quoting from a book. When I did a internet search it turned out that the phrase Radical Hospitality is used by religious and social groups from churches to conventions, all around the world. What I amazed by is that so few of the people, like the minister, name where they got their quotes or who they are quoting. This is a very fine book. It borders on brilliant actually and I am not the sort to use such a word casually. Why would anyone not want to give these authors the credit they deserve? The book, Radical Hospitality is challenging in a gentle way. I never once felt like the writers were shoving some agenda down my throat. There is just this level of telling their own experience and stories that any half-brain dead person could tell is from their hearts. Don't get me wrong. It is not a personal experience kind of book and it is not a book for anyone who like fluff instead of substance. But, if you are looking for a book about what has gone wrong in how we relate to one another, this is it. And if you love it too, be sure you tell people who you're quoting!

In Radical Hospitality I found a discussion of Benedictine monasticism and Christian spirituality that surprised me. I'm not exactly sure why but I expected this book to be a practical guide to implementing a monastic rule into one's life filled with specific suggestions and examples cross-indexed to specific rules from within the Benedictine tradition. That is not what this book is.

Instead, it is something much richer and more beautiful. What the book is centers around a discussion of the undergirding and overarching themes and ethos of monastic life and the hospitality that flows from it. Interwoven within these discussions are found wonderful stories that range from the humorous to the poignant taken from the lives of the authors and those they share their lives with. It is from within these elements that the application of these ideas within our lives is discussed in a way in which one ideas flows from and builds on the previous portion of the discussion.

I found my own thinking about how to practice hospitality deeply enriched by this book and I will return to it from time to time to reinforce what I have learned and to reflect on the themes woven throughout the work. I strongly recommend this book to anyone seeking to learn the practice of hospitality from within the practice of monasticism.

This is a must read for Lay Contemplatives who want a way to integrate their spiritual practices with "living ordinary life with extra-ordinary love."

"Radical Hospitality" was given to me by a friend who thought very highly of it, and she was right. This is one of those rare books that is really for almost anyone--highly readable, charming and soothing, deep and practical, and full of wisdom and love. It is not particularly theological--it is about lived Christianity. It would be an excellent choice to give as a gift, and it is certainly also a book one would buy for oneself for one's own growth.

As we awaken to the need to live our beliefs about love, to live generously, graciously, welcomingly, we are confronted by our own frightened hesitancy to be present to the needs of others. This book explores how we can reach out while necessarily preserving our own boundaries. "Radical Hospitality" teaches (with wonderful examples) how and why we should become more open and generous, and concludes very credibly that the essence is "listening," perhaps the most basic Benedictine value, used here in the sense of a kind of loving contemplative social presence. Everyone wants and needs to be truly listened to, the authors say, and especially at the times when it can be hardest to want to listen, when the one being listened to is in pain, angry, afraid. To feel heard is to feel real and loved and a little bit healed.

I found "Radical Hospitality" itself to be a beautiful experience of the authors' hospitality toward the reader. Even the design of the book itself is quite inviting.