Christianity Books

Fearless by Tom Stephen and Virginia Starkey-Stephen is a lovely book, well written and beautifully illustrated with photos by Hank Foto of Hawaiian surfing. Written with the reflections of a peaceful day ahead, it is truly inspriational that can be used again and again. Wonderful!

This book looks like a coffee table book on surfing. In truth, it is packed with insiteful guidance on how to navigate through life. Using surfing and extreme sports metaphor, the book walks the reader into a much better understanding of what drives us - good or bad - and what God wants. I find myself reading one or two pages every few days, putting it down and chewing on the content. Worth every penny.

This is an awesome devotional. It connects on so many levels and is applicable whether you surf 7 days a week or live 1500 miles away from the ocean. Whether you are a committed follower of Christ, new believer or anywhere in between, or you just like great surf photos, this devotional is great for you. We have been using Fearless in our youth Sunday School class and the kids have been loving it. They love the pictures, the scriptures are relevant, the short readings are really easy to follow and connect with and the questions really spark thought and conversation. In a world that's pretty scary and messed up, the idea of fear and God's answer to that fear is so important. Buy this book. Read it. Use it.

I thoroughly enjoyed the book and benefited from it. The writing is excellent, the photos are terrific, and the messages are truly inspiring.

how often do you find a great devotion and coffee-table book in one? the cover caught my attention and i started flipping through this book to look at the (fabulous) pictures. before long i found myself reading the insightful, surprisingly personal questions and great scripture excerpts. i've really enjoyed dwelling in the devotions and i look forward to more books by these authors.

I LOVE this book! I encourage you to pass this along to mothers, daughters, sisters, friends...everyone will love it and be enriched greatly just by reading this sweet, funny, thought-provoking book by the incomparable Beth Moore!

I'm a parent of 2 little ones, and I've been reading one of her essays each morning. They're sweet and real and funny (just like Beth Moore always is) - and they're a real encouragement to me to see the long view of godly parenting, rather than getting stuck in the preschool weeds. I also gave it as a gift to my mother-in-law whose chicks are long gone from the nest, and she loved it too.

Very touching...touches all emotions. I bought three more to share with other family/friends who are mothers. Great choice as a gift for moms whose children are leaving for college.

This wonderful little book about Beth and her husband going thru empty-nest made me feel a wide range of emotions. She is a brilliant writer and always amazes me how she can be a faithfull follower of Jesus but still have so much FUN!! What a refreshing christian woman..Buy the book.. you won't be disapointed.. Beth allows you a 'peek' into her private life. If you have taken a bible study that she wrote you will get snapshots of her life.. this book fills in the holes a bit..Great reading!

I read Beth Moore's book after experiencing two miscarriages and trying to get pregnant for the third time. Her Godly approach to motherhood made me realize that God gives us children as gifts and blessings - regardless if it is for a few months in utero or for decades on earth! She gives a personalized insight on how to try to raise children to love Christ - in a world that often makes that difficult! I would highly recommend this book to any woman - moms, daughters, moms-to-be, or as I was when I read it, a mom wanna-be!

It never really made sense to me until after I started reading this book. God really does love us. He's the only one that we can always count on and our focus should always be drawn back to him.

"Finding Peace" is yet another great book by Charles Stanley. The book's focus is on realizing that our peace rests on our personal relationship with Jesus Christ instead of circumstances. Dr. Stanley challenges the reader to take responsibility and be proactive in finding peace through a relationship with God instead of fuming and fretting over the situations we find ourselves in.

Among the great points mentioned in the book are:

1. Issues that can cause destructive conflict.
2. God is larger than our challenges.
3. Four clear signs of God's peace.
4. Why we lose our peace.
5. 5 essentials beliefs for a peaceful heart.
6. 7 categories of peace-destroying thoughts.
7. 5 vital questions to ask yourself about regret.
8. Results of anxiety.
9. 7 steps to overcoming fear.
10. 4 keys to living in contentment.

I also appreciated Dr. Stanley describing his own struggles when his wife filed for divorce and yet was able to obtain peace through the trial.

Read and be encouraged to seek peace in the Lord instead of yourself, others, or your circumstances!

Highly recommended.

Dr. Stanley has a wonderful talent for putting such a complicated ideal into laymans terms. He's definitely set me on course towards finding peace. The book isn't about answers, but rather a process.

~Finding Peace : God's Promise of a Life Free from Regret, Anxiety, and Fear~ is a helpful guide to seeking peace and overcoming anxiety in midst of stressful circumstances. Charles Stanley gives practical and sound Scriptural exhortation on facing life's problems. We can find our peace in midst our trials and tribulations by recognizing that God is sovereign. Sometime, it is a lot easier said than done, which is why we need reinforcement from others. We have to continually set our sights on God's promises. Few Christians want to peer into book of Job, much less have their faith tested like Job. Taking a hit professionally or financially, suffering persecution, enduring slander, or relationship friction can strain a person. However, we can come out stronger enduring hardship if we seek peace of mind through God. God's pruning can often be painful, but we have to set our sights on Romans 8:28, and the promises of God. Life is a vapor.

Anyhow, Stanley offers a lot of prudent exhortation on seeking stability, peace of mind, discerning between productive and destructive anxiety, and living at peace with others. Too many Christian pastors these days, miss the mark and neglect addressing that life has its pains, and preach blissful optimism. Turn on Joel Olsteen for example, and he will be rambling about having a "better house, a better car," etc. and preaching the health and wealth non-sense. When life on the flying carpet of bliss doesn't come people get more discouraged and disappointed. Charles Stanley, however, isn't one of those errant teachers... Stanley will be the first to say tough times will come. Likewise, he offers sound advice on enduring those times and finding peace through acknowledging and trusting God. "You therefore must endure hardship, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus" (2 Tim. 2:3). Hardship endured in God's strength produces the peaceable fruit of patience, makes us more dependent on God, and breaks us of our stubborn self-centered thinking.

"What shall we then say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?."
-Romans 8:31

If you have not read this book by Dr. Stanley, you need to read it. You owe it to yourself. I continue to be amazed at his use of Scripture as it applies to the human soul.

I highly recommend this volume.

At the heart of this book is a call to live a pure life before God. The author addresses the subject with a spirit of conviction, not condemnation. He emphasizes the need for God to do the work in a person. He contrasts that with self-effort which could result in pride.

Using the Canaanite woman from Matthew 15, a Gentile seeking a miracle from Jesus who had her faith tested, he says three elements are needed to receive from God in such a time of testing: faith, perseverance and humilty. He points out that although the woman seemed to initially be turned away she did not become offended and leave. She maintained a proper attitude, humbled herself and continued to ask.

Scataglini defines "religiosity" as an unclean spirit that "binds people with empty routines" (p. 173). He describes how God used him in a situation to break that spirit.

The need for persistence is illustrated in the beginning of the book as well when he describes opposition to acquiring facilities for a revival in Argentina. "We have to keep insisting; they said no, but the Lord said 'yes'" (p. 45).

He emphasizes that it is by seeking God that the pure mind is obtained and maintained as one spends time in God's presence. Diligent prayer gets results.

If this book does not change your walk with God and look at SIN and how God sees it, then I am not sure what else will. God does require COMPLETE holiness...Unfortunately, the Church has taught that Grace is enough to cover our continual, non-repentant sin. Huh??? No wonder Christianity is confusing and not fulfilling to so many. The life that God intended for each of us and the lives we actually LIVE are completely opposed to eachother. This will convict and change you...Thank you Sergio!

If you are hungry for a deeper walk with God you MUST read this book. The author describes in the first chapter a manifestation of the Holy Spirit that changed his life. He proceeds to exhort the reader to pursue this "FIRE" in their own lives and gives a wealth of material to help you get there.

The key is that we serve a holy God that requires for us to also be holy, but holiness is not a code of rules. Rather it's a pursuit of being like Him and with Him. As we dwell in His holy presence, we are made in His image.

Holiness is a process that takes work, time, and discipline. If holiness is your desire this book can help you achieve it.

This is BY FAR, one of the best messages given to the body of Christ!
A must for anyone who is tired of of the rollercoaster ride of chrisitanity --temptation..defeat..temptation...defeat
The Lord has given this wonderful servant the revelation to go from temptation to VICTORY....temptation to VICTORY!!
Sergio is a man of true brokenness and pure humility.
Out of his belly flows rivers and rivers!!!
this is not just a book
Trust me, i read A LOT of books!!!!
This is truly lifechanging

Words with POWER and GRACE!
He said He was coming back for a church "without spot or blemish."
Most christians don't belive that could happen.
God gave me the vision ....
And this is the core of the answer!
Prepare to have your eyes unveiled and your lives radically changed!

For those seeking the face of God this book will change your life. The fire is a cleansing like no other. Sergio will lead you into the presence of God and if you will die to yourself God will completely transform your life. My life has been forever changed, it is now totally 100% in the hands of God ! May your experience with the Father be as awesome or even stronger than mine. Remember, it's His Holiness we seek. Praise Jesus Christ of Nazareth!

I honestly think this is the best book yet! This spellbinding book had me on the edge of my seat the whole time! I really appreciate Patricia's hard work and effort in writing this series. Keep up the good work!

"Forgotten" has got to be the best so far in the entire Jennie McGrady series. I first started reading these when I was 11 I am now 19 and although this may be a little old to be reading them I think they are a great series especially considering the disgusting rubbish that is around these days for teenagers. The books are a good clean exciting christian read. "Forgotten" had that extra element of excitement and interest for me the idea of making Jennie lose her memory was a really good idea and kept u on the edge of your seat. It also gave me an insight into what it must be like to lose your memory especially when she was trying to remember her family. I really hope that Patricia continues this series. An excellent read!!!!

I really loved this book! The more you read into it, the less you can put it down! It takes twists and turns in the plot that you would never expect, and holds your attention the whole time. I read it in less than 24 hours! I loved the way that the mystery started out as something sort of small, and then built right up to the climax. It's a MUST READ!!!

I have been reading the Jennie McGrady series since I was 12. Along with the Helen Bradley also. I find both series very interesting. Patricia Rushford writes beautifully. I only wish I had her talent. Not too long ago I got to meet her personally. She visited me and my family to come talk to my school about being an author. Along with writing books. She is a wonderful bubbly person who has an excentric personality and energy to do anything. I found that she is a lot like her characters. The first book I ever read was #3. It was addicting. I had to start from the beginning. So I did I have now read every one except for her latest McGrady book. I know that I will also enjoy this one as well. So please read her facinating books. All of the series!

This book is one of the best books in the series. It is a frightning but also entertaining book. A great read. I recomend that no one under about 8 or 7 years old should read this. I am 9 years old, and it was a tiny bit scary in some parts like when.. oh I probably shouldn't tell you if you're going to read it, and those of you who aren't, well you'll have to find out for yourselves! Enjoy!!

Find a copy of this book if you are seperated or divorced. It is a powerful book with a wonderful message.

Find a Fresh Start retreat you can attend also. You will not be disapointed.

I bought this book so I could get some emotional help as I go through my current divorce..... I have had it for a couple weeks now and a near 6 year marriage ended 2 months ago..... If anyone is in any type of situation like this,, I recommend this book.. Questions such as: How did you know when the relationship was 'really' over? Who all are you angry at right now? What did your spouse do? What have you done to contribute to the current situation? How have you tried to keep the relationship together even when you knew it was over....... basically, questions that make you admit the truth to yourself so you can heal and grow from this and go on to enjoy your life... During the lonely days and nights, and times I don't want to answer the phone, this book is a Godsend!

My own divorce hit me like an earthquake: my whole world shook apart and then collapsed. I was left to raise two sons on my own.

I found this book soon after the divorce and was immediately comforted by the well-organized approach to the problems I was facing. This book helped me structure my life and gradually, get back on track.

Well-written, very practical, this book takes you step-by-step through the major things you are already dealing with --- or soon will be.

Barbara Sheldon, M.S.W.
Single Mom with two sons
I also highly recommend: Moving Forward After Divorce: Practical Steps to * Healing Your Hurts * Finding Fresh Perspective * Managing Your New Life

Let's face it: divorce often catches us by surprise, and it always changes many things about our daily life. More than just the loss of a partner, we find ourselves confronting brand-new challenges and dealing with things we never expected. For some of us, it's just too much: we can't handle it.

This author (not the radio host Jim Burns) is a minister who himself went through the experience of divorce. Out of that experience he gathered some of the most useful ideas and successful strategies that helped him and have helped others also. The result is a highly readable book.

You'll find good help here, especially if you're struggling to keep things together and trying to figure out what your priorities should be. Well-written and helpful.

Dr. David Frisbie
The Center for Marriage & Family Studies
Author of Moving Forward After Divorce: Practical Steps to * Healing Your Hurts * Finding Fresh Perspective * Managing Your New Life

This book has helped me through one of the most difficult times in my life. Things that made me feel like I was going crazy, I realized are just part of the proccess. I realize now that I will get through this and I am not going crazy.

Of the classical New Thought writers of the 20th century, Emmet Fox and Ernest Holmes are the ones who adhere most closely to the Judeo-Christian tradition. Fox focuses exclusively on the esoteric symbolic exegesis ("Sod" in Hebrew), although in same places he admits that the literal ("Pashat" in Hebrew) is as it stands. In this regard it is always helpful to study the way in which the Hebrew sages approach the text, in both the Talmud and the Zohar.

The aim of the book is to provide the reader with a practical manual of spiritual development. Chapter One: What Did Jesus Teach? explains how the teachings of Messiah underpin 2000 years of Western civilization and shows that what he really taught was a practical method for the development of the soul and the shaping of our lives. Jesus explains to us the nature of God, our own nature, the meaning of life and death, why we make mistakes, and tells us how to overcome and bring health, joy and prosperity into our own lives and those of others.

Fox points out that Jesus taught no theology whatsoever - his teaching is entirely spiritual or metaphysical. Unfortunately historical Christianity has mostly concerned itself with theological and doctrinal matters that have little relevance to Gospel teaching. For example, there is no warrant at all for setting up any form of Ecclesiasticism, of any hierarchy of officials or system of ritual. Jesus taught principles of conduct, knowing that if the spirit is right, details would take care of themselves.

The author emphasizes that the recorded miracles did happen and that prayer does change things. But prayer is both a science and an art, and Jesus devoted most of his teaching to explain this. The Sermon on the Mount is the spiritual key that unlocks the mystery of Bible teaching in general and the Gospels in particular. This key allows us to escape from superstitious literalism. It also inoculates us against so-called "Higher Criticism' which deals with externals only and misses the spiritual content of scripture.

Our free will resides in our choice of thought; the thoughts that occupy one's mind (The Secret Place) are what cause external conditions. Jesus Christ summed up this truth and demonstrated it in his own person. The Sermon on the Mount is thus a summary of the whole message of the Bible.

Chapter Two deals with the Beatitudes, the "Blessed Are" statements, and the next one: The Light Of the World, examines the concepts of the salt of the earth and the light of the world. Chapter Four: Resist Not Evil, explores the idea of the integrity of the soul - that one must bless instead of curse and guard one's thoughts.

The chapter Treasure In Heaven discusses the concept of praying in private with faith and belief whilst shunning public displays of piety. This is the essential teaching of The Secret Place and its significance as the controlling centre of the teaching of the Messiah. Chapter Six discusses the matter of judging, the nature of man, the importance of conduct and the art of living.

By Their Fruits is the title of the next one, and focuses on wisdom, the perfect balance of intelligence and love. The book concludes with an interpretation of The Lord's Prayer under the sections Our Father, Which Art In Heaven, Hallowed Be Thy Name, Thy Kingdom Come, Thy Will Be Done In Earth as It Is In Heaven, Give Us This Day Our Daily Bread, Forgive Us Our Trespasses ..., Lead Us Not Into Temptation ..., and Thine Is The Kingdom and the Power and the Glory Forever and Ever.

In this valuable book, Fox explains how to understand the true nature of divine wisdom, how to transform negativity into life affirming belief, how to pray effectively and how to develop an integrated and fully expressed personality according to the wisdom of the Bible. I also highly recommend his books Power Through Constructive Thinking and Alter Your Life, as well as The Hidden Power of the Bible by Ernest Holmes.

Understanding the Difficult Words of Jesus: New Insights From a Hebrew Perspective by David Bivin

Yeshua: A Guide to the Real Jesus and the Original Church by Ron Moseley

As a person who has been in recovery for 24 years, I have read this book over 4 times and still am in awe of what Emmet Fox writes. Incredible book as he cuts to the chase of what being a Christian means.
Phil W. Roatan and Aspen

I liked this book so much that when I finished it I started over reading it. The whole book gives the author's explanation of the meaning of the book of Mathew (sp?) from the bible.

I never realized the magnificent power of prayer! The power of our thoughts is unimaginable. This books helps explain it all. What a wonderful guide!

Possibly the best I've ever read. Timely, comforting, easy to understand interpretation of Jesus' most inspired teaching. I never understood the Sermon on the Mount until I read this book.

A Gift of Mourning Glories details the process of restoring your life after loss. The book's cover reflects the message inside. On the front are the delicate purple morning glories, covered with drops of dew. They remind me of the passion in Georgia's heart and the tears that brought her healing. Loss can be described in many ways. We often associate loss with death, but what about other losses? Have you experienced the loss of a job, marriage, health or income? The secret to recovery is looking for the gifts that are the treasures within the tragedies. Georgia quickly affirms that, "We think we are weak if we don't quickly bounce back". In this fast pace life we live in, she explains the steps necessary to begin restoration. We must clear out the old in order to begin the new. Georgia emphasizes persistence and not making excuses. She describes how God will take us beyond our fears and stretch us. We can all learn from our mistakes if we aren't afraid to make them. Georgia says, "When we slip up, don't give up. A Gift of Mourning Glories tells us how to search for the riches stored in the secret places. Rest and trust in God's divine plan, that is the key. Fill your empty basket with the promises of God and your empty basket will be filled with new beginnings, hope, joy and a new purpose.

A Gift of Mourning Glories addresses the weighty issues surrounding the pain of loss, without being too "heavy" for those already overwhelmed with grief. Georgia shares with warmth and candor the lessons she has learned through her own experiences. She offers suggestions which are practical and relevant. Readers will feel inspired and encouraged by this uplifting book!

I found this book quite comforting after my brother's suicide in January 2001. Ms. Shaffer's use of Scripture along with gardening analogies made it easy to read. I was so inspired by her style of writing that I went searching for morning glory seeds. I began germinating right away and gave seedlings to my friends, neighbors, church family and even people I did not know. Two months later, my family relocated to Nebraska and by late summer there were beautiful flowers of heavenly blue, baby blue, and pink along the fenceline...a gentle reminder of the fragility of life.

In Texas, an elderly neighbor had once planted morning glories. I would wake each morning, draw the curtains and count the blossoms as they unfolded. On one certain morning, there were over one hundred gorgeous blue flowers...one hundred blessings that I may have taken for granted. Thank you, Georgia, for encouraging me to sow those seeds of hope.

A Gift of Mourning Glories could be called a book of encouragement and inspiration. And you don't have to be recovering from a difficult loss to benefit from it. I bought it to give to a friend with cancer but ended up reading it myself. The short chapters gave me inspiration on how to live my life with more awareness of God's presence and guidance. Although I am not a gardener, I found Georgia's illustrations and analogies from her garden very helpful. I also got information on how to deal with my friends who are undergoing difficult times. I must give them time to grieve. I highly recommend this beautiful and inspirational book.

Cancer has become a household word these days, because every home, family and community has been touched, on some level, by its icy grip. In Georgia's book "A Gift of Mourning Glories", she lets us walk with her on her journey with cancer; from brokenness, to restoration of body, soul and spirit. The deeply personal feelings and experiences that Georgia shares, gives hope to the weary and encouragement to the downhearted. Georgia's struggles were not limited to cancer alone, but divorce and single parenting along with losing her job and health. Just as Jesus used the simple daily things of life to teach deep truths about victorious living, so also has Georgia used her garden to help teach the skills needed to restore life after loss. Just like Georgia's gift of morning glory seeds were not a "wanted" gift, not every gift we are given is "wanted" either. Many times, suffering and struggle are not viewed as "wanted" gifts, but God uses the hard times of our life to root us deep in His truth and love, so we can grow up tall and healthy for the glory of His beautiful garden of grace. This book is a must for everyone struggling to overcome life's darkest hours. In fact, I feel it should be in every Doctor's office waiting room, for it is there that we sit with our fears and worries. It is during those times, when pain opens us up, that we are made able to learn the depths of God's love and provisions for our lives. I have given this book to many dear friends who are hurting and discouraged and they have been comforted by it. "A Gift of Mourning Glories" is a great book for anyone that finds themselves in a support role with a cancer patient or huring loved one.

Bias: I am a believing Catholic and a fan of the Pope, a fan of faith, hope, charity and love!

While I am regularly wowed by the profound depth of our Holy Father's writing (and speeches), so much that I can usually only go through a few pages per day in most of the former Cardinal Ratzinger's writing, Deus Caritas Est, which is directed to a wide audience, read pretty easily (two days). This is not to say that it is not profound or worth taking time to contemplate. It is a beautiful treatise on love, and the expression of love.

One of many ideas I will take from this is about love in charity. When we serve in charity, we are not somehow superior to they whom we serve. We are inseparable from them.

Very recommended!

How many days have I wasted by not asking what love is just once within them? What could be more important?

I'd have to write a book like this to answer this question. I am a student, but the pope is an expert. He'll help you answer this question in his book.

-Jeremy

This book by Pope Benedict should be recommended to every Christian, to go straight to the horse's mouth, THE Pope, and just go to even cheaper, obscure sources. The church is no joke. In England, Marilyn Manson would probably get treason and hung by the Prime Minister. For me as a born again Christian, ELCA pilgrim religion, I was just so sick of everyone jumping on the Manson bandwagon years later after he was an old man and retired. If each member of the Catholic church donated just 10 dollars, that's over 1 trillion dollars for Pope Benedict and the Vatican. Bible bashers need to wake up- Marilyn Manson is probably dead right now- Satanists are still fighting for their own credibility and are way behind. This is not just blind faith I'm talking about, I'm talking about being a member of a local church and being saved- the dark side of Christianity. Will you wake up, like NOW!!

This is an Encyclical worth reading. Over the years I attempted to read several encyclicals and found them rather technical and often difficult to read. I concluded that Popes are not usually good writers and that I would read encyclicals only as reference books. Benedict XVI, for me, breaks the mold. He is an excellent writer and offers fresh insights into Christianity.

Deus Caritas Est is broken into two parts: The unity of Love in Creation and Salvation History; and Caritas, the practice of Love by the Church as a "Community of Love." This letter includes detailed explanations of Benedict's teaching points and would require a long summary. I will focus on several main points that are important to me.

In the Introduction Benedict refers to Scripture and teaches that we "come to believe" in the love of God and indicates that love is an encounter that animates and guides our lives. He proclaims the words of Jesus that the commandments are "united" into a single concept - love. God loves us and we respond by loving Him and our neighbors.

The Pope discusses Eros, the love between a man and a woman. He notes that some Christians want to avoid discussing Eros. He also notes that some Christian leaders forget that we were created as human beings. Christian Eros can be very positive and bring us closer to God. This occurs when Eros, worldly love, joins with agape, love "grounded and shaped by faith". By accepting our humanity we accept God's creation. That love, however, must not be self-centered, as Eros often is at the beginning of sexual attraction. With agape, love seeks the "good of the beloved" and is ready to sacrifice self for other. When fully formed love receives as well as gives, Eros-agape leads to a loving relationship.

The letter also addresses forgiveness. God's agape love is "completely gratuitous" and as such God's love forgives. Benedict refers to Hosea 11 and claims that God's love overcomes God's justice. " I will not give vent to my blazing anger, I will not destroy Ephraim again; For I am God and not man, the Holy One present among you; I will not let the flames consume you."

The Pope suggests that there is an "unbreakable" bond between love of God and love of neighbor. If I "close my eyes" to neighbors, I "blind" myself to God. If I concentrate upon my religious duties and ignore others, I become arid and eventually loveless.

Benedict reminds us that the Church has three responsibilities: to proclaim the word of God, to celebrate the sacraments, and to exercise the ministry of charity. These three are inseparable. For the Church, charity must be the very essence of its activities. The
Church of today, with advances in communication and travel, must address the needs of all people everywhere. Our distinctiveness as a Church equals our charitable activities.

This encyclical has some deep insights. I plan to re-read it with much meditation and prayer. I highly recommend this encyclical.

...It is also a result of the presence of Christianity in the world, since Christianity constantly revives and acts out this imperative" (paragraph 31).

These two sentences nicely capture the heart of Benedict XVI's first encyclical, Deus caritas est. The first part of the encyclical is an effort to argue that there is no essential divide between eros and agape, but that the latter is a disciplined evolution of the former. Just as we can display both eros/passion and agape/self-sacrificing love of the other, so the biblical God (as opposed to the self-contained God of the philosophers) does likewise. We respond passionately to God's gift of love because we're made in God's image, and hence hardwired for love. The command of love is "inscribed" in our nature.

But how do we best love when faced with poverty, political oppression, military violence, environmental degradation? What specific ways should love express itself? These are genuine questions that cry out for responses, and abstract philosophizing won't answer them. So in the second half of the encyclical, Benedict moves from the abstract to the concrete by reflecting on the Church's role in the world and the relationship between justice and love (or charity). In the spirit of thinkers as diverse as Stanley Hauerwas and G.K. Chesterton, the Pope concludes that the Church isn't called to be a social agency or a political player. Rather, the Church, through word and example, is to serve as the world's conscience. When the Church sees injustice, her role is to name it and to urge its political and economic redress--that is, she is to advocate for justice. At the same time, she is to practice love, or charity, with heartfelt concern to alleviate suffering. There will always be need for love in a suffering world, even if all injustice was eliminated. Charity doesn't reinforce the status quo, as some critics maintain, especially if it's also accompanied with justice advocacy.

Toward the end of the encyclical (paragraphy 36), Benedict also suggests that prayer/meditation is a necessary ingredient for Christians who work to alleviate immediate suffering and promote justice. Otherwise, the risk of megalomania on the one hand or burn-out on the other is too great: "When we consider the immensity of others' needs, we can, on the one hand, be driven towards an ideology that would aim at doing what God's governance of the world apparently cannot: fully resolving every problem. Or we can be tempted to give in to inertia, since it would seem that in any event nothing can be accomplished. At such times, a living relationship with Christ is decisive if we are to keep on the right path..." This is not only a characteristic that distinguishes the Church from social agencies. It's also sage advice, as anyone involved in works of mercy probably knows from personal experience.

John Paul II was a sophisticated philosopher who nonetheless was able to write encyclicals that presented great truths in accessible ways. It's good to see that Benedict, a sophisticated theologian, follows in his predecessor's footsteps in this regard.

I hold fully accredited undergrad and graduate degrees in biblical studies. I can tell you from years of experience, reading a multitude of books, and dedicating the majority of my life to the study of Jesus and the Bible, that this book is the best introduction to the historical Jesus that you will find. Furthermore, I have met Dr. Patterson in person at a Westar Institute seminar in Iowa, and he is as eloquent a speaker and as friendly and down-to-earth person as he is an excellent writer and scholar. VERY highly recommended.

This highly readable work by Dr. Patterson takes one on a journey back in time to the First Century, a place in some ways so alien to our modern world that visiting it would be like landing on another planet. Dr. Patterson covers a wide range of topics: an overview of the quest for the historical Jesus, the concepts of shame and honor in first century Palestine, the radical wisdom of Jesus, a fresh look at the parables of Jesus, an analysis of the apocalyptic controversy (was Jesus preaching the end of the world?), and the meaning of the resurrection. This text is a good overview and analysis of many of the topics looked at by the Jesus Seminar and provides wonderful insights into the teachings of Jesus.

This is an excellent introduction to research on the historical Jesus, especially for the way it connects those efforts with the concerns of believing Christians. (Marcus Borg also deserves mention for pursuing that emphasis in his work.) There are passages and sections in every chapter where the writing is wonderfully inspiring. It's a book that I'd recommend without hesitation. Having said that, and given that other reviewers have already detailed the book's virtues, let me offer a critique.

Going along with the Jesus Seminar version of research on the historical Jesus is a definite left-wing political slant. That may be appropriate, because Jesus may indeed have been a utopian social revolutionary who preached an early version of Marx's dictum that each should receive according to his needs. But one has to ask whether the research findings are driving the political thinking here, or the other way around. For example:

In an otherwise very good chapter on parables, we find an interpretation of the Wicked Tenants, apparently based on Herzog's highly ideologized, class-warfare reading, that is utterly forced and unconvincing. The exploitative nature of the social system did not need to be "revealed" to Jesus' audience of expendables; it was hardly hidden from them. In a later chapter, the same parable is revisited with a standard interpretation, which is said to be an allegorization by Mark. Perhaps, but no more than the earlier, preferred one was a Marxist allegorization by Herzog.

Jesus' execution is seen to result from the threat he posed to Rome and its imperial system. But there is a huge difference between being a trouble-maker, nuisance, and potential danger to public order among the large and volatile Passover crowds, which Jesus certainly was, and being a serious threat to Roman rule. In the event, Jesus was yanked off the street and executed, and his followers scattered. When militant Jews later actually did launch a serious revolt, it was smashed without mercy. The idea that Jesus and his tiny sect threatened the Roman Pax and its legions is wishful thinking in service of class-conflict ideology, cramming facts to fit a model.

Patterson believes that the mainline churches have declined in membership and attendance because they are not liberal enough, do not sufficiently encourage critical thought, including the sorts of historically-based reformulations he argues for. But if that were true, the Unitarians would be ruling the roost by now. Instead, it's the conservative evangelical churches and TV ministries that are showing the dramatic growth. Wishful thinking again.

Examples like that give the reader the right to assume that in any ambiguous case, Patterson will push the interpretation that best fits his ideological presuppositions. But even assuming that, the book is very much worth buying and reading.

Meet a Jesus more strident than Gandhi, more humble than Sister Teresa, more radical than Marx, more revolutionary than King and at least as clever (and funny) as Mark Twain. And in the process meet the God folks experienced through Jesus, and consider how to share such an experience.

If you have a serious interest in Jesus, "The God of Jesus" by Stephen J. Patterson is an extremely well written and thoughtful book that really ought to be on your night stand -- or at least on your Christmas list.

Once when attending a local revival as a guest of a friend, I was confronted by the fiery preacher with the question: "Do you know the Lord?" I, somewhat taken back by his zeal, lamely offered the typical liberal response: "Well, yes and no, depends on what you mean by 'the Lord.'" I was immediately "cast into the outer darkness," where "people will weep and gnash their teeth."
After reading this book, I replay that scene. This time I boldly reply, "Yes, if this is what you mean by 'the Lord,'" thrusting a copy into his hands. However, I still think that I would end up weeping and gnashing my teeth.
As a Christian, I have a serious major flaw. I have difficulty confessing that "Jesus is Lord." In my mind that's like saying that my big bother is Lord, something that sibling rivalry prevents me from doing. You see, I don't want to be enthralled by Jesus; rather, I want to be enthralled by what enthralled Jesus. And close to heresy, I don't want to see Jesus as God; but rather, I want to see the God of Jesus. This excellent book goes a long, long way in that direction. I can't recommend it too highly. And as an added bonus, there were parts of it that actually made me laugh out loud! Read it and see. Deserves wide circulation.