Christianity Books

Fundamentalism is the movement arising among Christians in the early 20th century who fervently defended the fundamental doctrines of Christianity while opposing modernist liberalism. In his Fundamentalism and American Culture, George M. Marsden investigates the historical context and ideological roots of what came to be American fundamentalist Christianity, recognizing complex influences from nineteenth-century traditions like revivalism, holiness, and patriotism. Marsden says, "Fundamentalists were evangelical Christians, close to the traditions of the dominant American revivalist establishment of the nineteenth century, who in the twentieth century militantly opposed both modernism in theology and the cultural changes that modernism endorsed" (4). His interpretation of the phenomenon of fundamentalism treads a middle ground between those who reduce it to a purely social reaction to the emerging trend of modernist thought, and someone like Ernest Sandeen who views fundamentalism as essentially theological (201). Some evaluations from observers of the height of the fundamentalist frenzy saw it as hollow and brief; the Christian Century said in 1926, "it is henceforth to be a disappearing quanitity in American religious life, while our churches go on to larger issues..." (192). Marsden does not relegate fundamentalism to the position of a short-lived radical sect, but sees it as a significant movement with deep roots and continued relevance to today's American evangelicalism. As a result, he devotes about half of his book to in depth account of late 19th and early 20th century currents of Christian thought.

Marsden focuses on three major themes. First, he highlights a tension within fundamentalism--the tendency at times to preserve the perceived identity of American culture (viewing America as Israel), and at other times to take on the identity of a separatist minority sect (viewing America as Babylon). Second, he studies the prominent movements of Christian thought in American evangelicalism before the emergence of fundamentalism. He sees deep roots in America's revivalism, pietism, the popularity of holiness, and middle-class Victorian values. Third, Marsden observes a wavering stance among fundamentalists regarding science and the intellect. On one hand, the scientific "common sense" type of principles of 17th century philosopher Francis Bacon allowed the average person clearly to see the plain facts of God evident in Scripture. On the other hand, this same scientific approach allowed proponents of Darwinian evolution to discard the unrealistic, supernatural, miraculous accounts found in the Bible. Naturalism and evolution were powerful enemies of Christians who wanted to maintain the fundamental supernatural tenets of the faith. Increasingly over the years, anti-evolution became a more unifying passion than even adherence to Christian orthodoxy. Marsden comments, "Many people with little or no interest in fundamentalism's doctrinal concerns were drawn into the campaign to keep Darwinism out of America's schools... The more clearly [fundamentalists] realized that there was a mass audience for the message of the social danger of evolution, the more central this social message became" (170).

After chronologically recounting the origins of fundamentalism, its peak in 1920-1925, as well as the subsequent gradual growth of fundamentalist ideology through denominations and universities, Marsden shares his interpretation of the movement. Fundamentalism was initially a religious assertion against the threat of modernism, but the event of World War I gave fundamentalism crucial characteristics. War-related crisis provided an occasion for paranoia and militant defense of religious views. Marsden compares evangelicals experience of encroaching modernism to the "traumatic cultural upheaval" of cross-cultural immigration (204).

I find quite helpful Marsden's reluctance to paint the fundamentalist movement as either purely theological or purely social. By resisting extremes, Marsden's eyes are open to the great and sometimes even contradictory complex issues informing fundamentalism. He says it is "a mistake to reduce religious behavior to its social dimensions" and admirably acknoweledges the power of spiritual forces and deep-seated convictions (203). I wish he had made some value judgments, even if tentative and qualified, and used a biblical standard to grant the reader practical ideas for how to move forth with knowledge of historical fundamentalism. What traps and misconceptions did fundamentalists fall into that contemporary evangelical may be vigilant to avoid? For what elements of fundamentalism can we be grateful and which can we even strive to emulate? This desire of mine, though, is just because I'm more interested in ideas than events. I prefer philosophy to history. People who love history may have more fun reading this than I did. Marsden's objectivity seems appropriate to a scholarly book in the genre of history.

Good reading. It presents a good review of the culture and the strengths and weaknesses that religion can play in forming it.

George Marsden's biography of Jonathan Edwards was so well written that I decided to read more of his stuff. This book on fundamentalism is a classic. Many scholars of Christian fundamentalism paint with too broad a brush, often lumping evangelicals into the fundy camp. Marsden avoids this mistake. He also acknowledges what many do not, that the fundamentalism of the post WWI era took on a much harsher and more separatistic tone.

Marsden does a nice of discussing some of the towering figures of the movement: D.L Moody, R.A Torrey, Arno Gaebelein, J, Gresham Machen, Jonathan Blanchard and Charles Blanchard (the President of Wheaton College). He shows how early fundamentalists like R.A Torrey and W.H Griffith Thomas thought that evangelical zeal should be coupled with social concern. Marsden also highlights the fundamentalist disdain over the more liberal Social Gospel, which jettisoned evangelism completely.

We also get to see the fundamentalists like Billy Sunday and William Jennings Bryan, who were concerned about people coming to know Christ, but not quite as concerned about people coming to know more about the doctrinal content of Christianity. This was a major concern of the evangelical Princeton theologians (BB Warfield, Charles Hodge, and J. Gresham Machen).

There is also a newer chapter in this edition that traces the development of fundamentalism from 1980 to the present day. In this chaoter, Marsden also takes himself to task for not discussing how the relaxed mores of the "Roaring Twenties" alarmed the fundamentalist community, nor did her mention the role of women in the fundamentalist movement of 1871-1925.

But these criticisms duly noted, I still like the book very much and commend it to those interested in religious movements.

Rev. Marc Axelrod

I have read the 1980 edition of this book.

How to use the word miracle in one's vocabulary, but not accept the signs and wonders of Jesus Christ, the Virgin Birth, the ressurection, any event recorded in the Old Testament that goes against the laws of Nature. To accept the premise that God on rare occasions does something beyound the laws of Nature or the existence of God entirely, A modernist may use may use the word miracle to describe the unexpexted or an event happening despite the mathematical odds- but not an act by a supernatural being overruling the laws of Nature.

To not believe in such a Being, means to deny the facts described in the bible. These scholars do not accept the Lord God as described in the Bible. This type of Theologian albeit University instructor or Pastor of a church was quite prominant in Europe before 1870, but not in the United States until later. This book is a debate among those who accept the bible as true as it is and those who deny the word of God as valid.

The date of the book is not arbitrary. Since the author cites the end of the Civil war and Darwins theory of evolution as major cataylist to bringing the debate to the forefront in the United States. This includes the University, the pulpit and in the American Culture. This book is a narrative about social change in American society, theological thought, and the major players in Christian Revivals and Theology. Not just the scholars in the Universities. The book touches on changes in the Universities(1980 edition), but its main focus is on society. Is the Bible sufficient to show how God interacts with the created.

I found the reading interesting and easy to understand.

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I used this book to get insight in background of R.A. Torrey, and it helped wonderfully. Espescially for me as a European theologian, it helped to get insight in history and society of the States, especially concerning the relation between pre-millenianism and cultural atmosphere and impact on theology, especially on the question of the personhood of the Holy Spirit!

For European theology it gives an insight in the background of the more and more popular evangelical and pentecostal churches and their theology, that has its roots there, where this book is al about!

Stefan R Timmerman

I read this as one of the three books Bl. Josemaria Escriva wrote using short spiritual counsels. Although these counsels are a little longer in this book, none go past two paragraphs. All are pithy in dispensing spiritual advice for every conceivable situation.

Bl. Josemaria reaches to root of what troubles us spiritually, and challenges us to conform our life to God's plan for our life. He also teaches us that every little thing we do in our life -- work, sport, leisure -- can be done well for the greater glory of God, and offered as prayer.

This presented an important spiritual awakening for me, since before reading this series of books I tended to compartmentalize my prayer life. No more. What makes this book unique is that it can be carried around with ease, and meditated upon during a spare minute or two during the day.

This is one of three great little books by Josemaria Escriva's The Way, Furrow and The Forge. Each of these three volumes are collections of thoughts, pense's musings and meditations. They can be read from beginning to end or randomly opened and read just as you find them. Some of the reflections will require more thought and work then others. Some examples that particularly grabbed my attention are:

"As soon as you willfully allow a dialogue with temptation to begin, the soul is robbed of its peace, just as consent to impurity destroys grace."
#836

"Prayer is the humility of the man who acknowledges his profound wretchedness and the greatness of God. He addresses and adores God as one who expects everything from Him and nothing from himself. Faith is the humility of the mind which renounces its own judgement and surrenders to the verdict and authority of the Church. Obedience is the humility of the will which subjects itself to the will of another, for God's sake. Chastity is the humility of the flesh, which subjects itself to the spirit. Exterior mortification is the humility of the senses. Penance is the humility of all the passions, immolated to the Lord. Humility is truth on the road of the ascetic struggle."
#259

"Being faithful to God demands a struggle. And it means close combat, man to man -- the old man against the man of God -- in one small thing after another, without giving in."
#126

Each of these three little books will help you grow deeper in the Christian life. They will challenge you every time you pick them up and read. I have gotten to the point that I always carry one of them with me, and while waiting for a ride, or before class, or in any spare moment open it and read, and through that reading I pray. Through that prayer I hope to become a better Christian and a better person.

This is one of three great little books by Josemaria Escriva's The Way, Furrow and The Forge. Each of these three volumes are collections of thoughts, pense's musings and meditations. They can be read from beginning to end or randomly opened and read just as you find them. Some of the reflections will require more thought and work then others. Some examples that particularly grabbed my attention are:

"As soon as you willfully allow a dialogue with temptation to begin, the soul is robbed of its peace, just as consent to impurity destroys grace."
#836

"Prayer is the humility of the man who acknowledges his profound wretchedness and the greatness of God. He addresses and adores God as one who expects everything from Him and nothing from himself. Faith is the humility of the mind which renounces its own judgement and surrenders to the verdict and authority of the Church. Obedience is the humility of the will which subjects itself to the will of another, for God's sake. Chastity is the humility of the flesh, which subjects itself to the spirit. Exterior mortification is the humility of the senses. Penance is the humility of all the passions, immolated to the Lord. Humility is truth on the road of the ascetic struggle."
#259

"Being faithful to God demands a struggle. And it means close combat, man to man -- the old man against the man of God -- in one small thing after another, without giving in."
#126

Each of these three little books will help you grow deeper in the Christian life. They will challenge you every time you pick them up and read. I have gotten to the point that I always carry one of them with me, and while waiting for a ride, or before class, or in any spare moment open it and read, and through that reading I pray. Through that prayer I hope to become a better Christian and a better person.

This book made me see beyond prayers and meditations. It helped me understand God in the deepest level. Through my most inner thoughts and actions. I doubted my christian faith, now I've been explained so much, that my doubts have been answered. It showed me how the holy spirit and the church adapts to these fast times we live today, so we can become people of strength and Love through our work, charity and humility.

Josemaria Escriva challenges every Christian to unite his daily trails and ordinary duties with Christ's passion. Every short point in this book is a seed that can grow through prayer and meditation into an abundance of spiritual good fruits.

Escriva believes that every individual can become a saint. Every life has opportunities for heroic action in the smallest details of daily living. Sanctity is not just for priests and religious. Offering one's work to God is a simple, yet startlingly radical notion.

Note: This book IS still in print.

Pope John Paul II will be regarded by history as one of the great Popes in the modern history of the Church. This book is a translation of his "testimony to his priestly vocation" on the occasion of the golden jubilee of this ordination as a priest in Poland in 1946. To me, this was a powerful testimony of the walk of faith of a man who has left a lasting and postive imprint on the face of our Church.

I was most moved by the influence of his father that how his deeds, not his words affected him. As a father of two young children myself, this anecdote from the Pope certainly will influence further and provide more incentive to raise my daughters in the faith and that through my actions (prayer and striving to live a holy life), I can make the same impression on my children as John Paul's father had on him.

This also has the history of John Paul's religious education and how the Second World War affected his education and shaped it. The man we knew as Pope John Paul II was certainly shaped by those events. They apparently made him a better man.

Pope John Paul the Second is an inspiration to millions around the world, both to Catholics like myself as well as to non-Catholics. The combination of wisdom, intellect and faith possesed by the late Pope is matched by few in the history of the world. This work shows just a small portion of all three. While it is a pretty easy read, it is most certainly worthwhile. Reading about the great men of the faith is as vital to the ongoing catechizing process that all adult Catholics must constantly engage in to grow in knowledge of the faith.

As you might expect from such a great person, the Pope's book provides few insights into the Pope himself. He does show how our own lives can influence others, especially in a cumulative way, as the he tells of all of those who influenced his entering the priesthood. He cites the religiosity of his father; the holiness of Jan Tyranowski; the writings of St. John of the Cross, St. Teresa of Avila, and St. Louis Marie de Montfort; the devotions in his parish, to Our Lady of Perpetual Help, and of the brown scapular. The reader can't help but wonder if there is a link between the lack of devotions today and the lack of vocations today.

A priest's life is challenging. He must be attentive and sympathetic; critical and watchful with regard to historical developments; a giver of Christ; a spiritual father -- especially in the Confessional; holy; constantly training, studying and updating; promoting the family; defending mankind; in dialog with the youth; in dialog with the culture; intellectual and scholarly; and living the Gospel.

But a priest's life is most rewarding. The priest is "a steward of the mysteries of God." An essential part of his mission is fulfilled in the Confessional. The priest is an essential being in the only suitable offering that man can make to God, the offering of God-made-man, an offering made at every Mass. The priest is so united to Christ at Mass that he is "in the person of Christ." What a beautiful reflection on the Mass is offered by the Pope!

The challenge of the priesthood seems overwhelming. It would be without God. It is "a mystery of divine election."

Every parent of a potential priest should read this book.

This book serves as a companion to Rise Let us be on Our Way, but it also stands quite well on its own. In it JPII discusses various phases of his priestly journey, various challenges he faced, and various influences that supported him along the way. John Paul had a true gift for beautiful and clear writing, and it shines through in this book. The only drawback I found were about twenty of what looked like charcoal drawings in the middle of the book. They were allright I suppose, but I could have done without them.

His Holiness Pope John II Spoke to me. This book is insprational and wonerful.

The words of Pope John Paul II have always captivated me, however, this particular book is very touching because we see first hand his humbleness for the people that shaped him into the priest he became. A man of such global stature writes thoughtfully about the individuals that helped lead him into the priesthood, protect him from the Nazis, and urge his following of Christ. This is a great read for Christians and non-Christians, or even students that are doing a report. John Paul was one of the most inspiring human beings to ever live, and continues to inspire even after his death. His books and thoughts are highly reccommended...it helps any reader to better understand this complex and delicate soul.

A truly awesome book for Catholics who would like to grow in their faith as an adult. It's easy to read, down to earth, and very practical and applicable to our everyday lives.

The book did help, as I just lost my wife of thirity one years and although I beleive in God I had a few questions about why. I agree with a lot of what the book says, but there are some parts that open the door to more questions.In the end I don't care what your religion is its all about FAITH!

The Gift of Faith was recommended to me by some friends in the Families of Nazareth movement. This book presents most of the core essentials of my faith. I believe that acceptance of the world as God made the world, acceptance of myself as God made me, and surrender to the will of the Lord are vital to living the way of Christ. Consistent with Christ's model, Dajczer provides not only very wise statements about faith, he also gives us wonderful illustrative examples from both scripture and the saints.

The Gift of Faith has three sections: the virtue of faith; the dynamism of faith; and the actualisation of faith. In virtue of faith we learn that God invites us to love Him, and faith leads to self-abandonment and reliance upon God. In dynamism we are invited to deepen our faith. We are told we can accept ourselves and consider our "happy faults". We learn to focus upon humor as a remedy to our self centeredness. In actualization we discover that the Holy Spirit wants to lead us in our journey of faith, and that the Blessed Mother teaches us the way to be open and adhere to the word of God.

What follows are several of the nuggets of wisdom in the book.

The fullness of faith is in love. Focus upon "now" as there is no past or future, only this moment, and the present brings love. Our "fear" of God hurts Him and hurts us. Fear prevents trust. I must know that God is love, that God loves me. Then I can trust Him. Be like a child, trust in God. When praying do not limit or judge the Lord, but believe in the wisdom and love of God and expect miracles.

We have a choice, attachment to things of this earth or to God. Dajczer talks of "inconceivable" faith, one which accepts death and trusts God enough to surrender to His will. This "inconceivable" faith is the faith that makes saints. The only way to true love and peace is "abandonment" of myself to God. When I believe I am strong, I lose focus upon God. It is through my weakness that I grow in trust and love of God. When I know I am weak and cannot control my life, I can abandon myself to the Lord. The key is not winning, but losing, not strength but weakness, not victory but surrender.

Knowing I am human, my mistakes can become "happy faults" if they help me believe in the mercy of God. I cannot know Christ until I know myself. I must know my sins, admit my faults, and realize that God accepts me as I am. I must learn to accept myself as Christ does, then I can learn to synchronize my thought with His thought.

The Gift of Faith is a great book. I recommend it for anyone wishing to grow in their faith.

I have been transformed by reading this book. It has helped me to see that grace comes in everything in life...that all things are from God, even the difficulties. It has helped me to rely only on God, and to see His grace through my daily struggles, failings and weaknesses.

Someone told me about this book when I was going through a hard time with believing. I'm not the kind to read cover-to-cover. Usually, I flip through the book, and see what catches my eye.
This book answered so many questions for me that I did not even know how to ask.

Warning: Before reading this book make sure you have your girlfriend's phone numbers and a calling card on hand. It's hard to get through a chapter without laughing or stirring up memories of great friends and most excellent times. Haven't heard from an old friend for awhile, get them a copy. They'll be calling in no time.

"After a good movie, conversation with a good friend, and great chocolate, all's right with the world." ~Laura Jensen Walker

Laura Jensen Walker is well traveled, loves movies and enjoys spending time with her friends. In this celebration of friendship she explores friendship traditions and the beauty of each meaningful connection.

She includes "girl pearls" throughout the chapters. These are ideas for tea parties or other celebrations of friendship. She loves scones, chocolate and a good cup of tea. She also gives ideas for sandwiches with cheddar cheese and apples that I will definitely try. She lived in England in her early twenties and loves reminiscing.

I have rarely laughed so much while reading a book. I love cats, but Laura's dog Gracie is pretty hilarious. This book is filled with quotes, memories and laughs. Pass the Leonidas chocolates...

~The Rebecca Review

Laura Walker has done it again. In this, her latest collection of fall down funny reading, she offers us her laughter-filled take on the ups and downs of female friedship. Sorry guys. Girl Time is just for us. This book kept both me and my nineteen-year-old daughter (who was intrieged by the darling cover) in stitches. Laura's commentary on friendships between various members of the fairer sex is right on. As a woman from the Texas, she nails us southern gals. (Bless her heart.) This book would make a wonderful gift for a friend or female family member -- would especially be great to take along to give as friendship gifts on a girls' night out or weekend away.

A "6 Star" laugh your butt off book! The cat & dog stories had me "Howling" (no pun intended). If you love animals, you will laugh out loud! It is rare when any book makes me laugh out loud. And even rarer when I laugh at the same parts over & over again! Reading 'Girl Time' brought back my own memories of friends, places and times I never want to forget. I called my sister in Oregon, we laughed together as I read her several sections; she finally told me to "shut up" and send her the book. She "didn't want me to spoil the ending". I told her there is no ending. When she got the book; she called me and we "howled" together again. Laura Jensen Walker now has two devoted fans!

And get ready to laugh, nod and even shed a few tears! This tale of slumber parties, changing relationships, girlfriend groups and friends old and new is just plain fun. Each page made reflect with joy on the women God has brought into my life and swell with anticipation (well, I was already swollen, but you get the idea) at the new friendships God has for me. If you can't think of the right gift for one of your "girls", this is it. Buy a stack of 'em!

This is an extremely inspiring and amazing tale of a woman and her quest be a missionary to China.
She indures many hardships and successes that can only be attributed to God. One of the best books I have ever read and it is an amazing adventure. Both my boys ages 9 and 10 and I throughly enjoyed this book. It held their attention on every page.

I love this book. It is down to earth and very clear for the younger children to understand. It gives a clear picture of Gladys' life. I definitely recommend this book to all young readers. The life of this missionary is exciting and leaves you feeling inspired!

I read this to my children a few weeks ago, and I found it incredibly moving. I am not one to get sentimental over books, but I found this story so inspiring and really incredible. The book begins with Gladys being told by the head of a missionary school that she would never make it on the mission field. She isn't cut out for missionary work. She is urged to go back to being a professional housekeeper. Instead, Gladys stubbornly chooses to pay her own way to China. God uses her in a mighty way, eventually bringing the mandarin (similar to a governor) to faith in Christ. I was so touched by how God was able to use her in spite of what others thought that it brought me to tears.

I've come to the conclusion that any book by these authors is worth reading -- every book I've read of theirs is excellent.

Gladys is my heroe. I was spellbound by not only her difficulties but her tenacity to stay the course when circumstances said to throw in the towel. I've never had a book grab my heart like this one. I immediately bought two other versions of her story and the movie, 'Inn of the Sixth Happiness' based on her story. Lord help me to be as focused as Gladys was.

It is incredible to think that a single young lady could accomplish so much in such a short lifetime. Only someone sold out to God could be used in wonderful ways like this. Thank the Lord that people like Gladys Aylward do answer the call to spend their lives serving Him. She gave up all of the normal comforts of western life and totally followed God's will. She even sacrificed the hope of a husband and family, but God gave her a bigger family than she could have ever imagined! She dared to head off into the unknown with nothing but her faith in God. It proved to be more than enough and God blessed her with spiritual fruit beyond our understanding. You must read this book! It is so well done and inspiring! It would be great for the whole family. I pray He will call out many more people like Gladys Aylward into the dark corners of the world.

I read this book for the first time over a year ago .... I pick it up every few weeks because I just can't get enough .... It has helped me with my kids especially my daughter .....last year in her Senior year (very challenging) of high school ...and to help prepare her for college...quoting to her and leaving messages all over the house ....
that sin never satisfies and it's never enough and sin always finds you out !!

Many people who have been burnt out from a message of legalism should read this book. This book will restore the message of true holiness without the spirit of legalism. In one of his chapters he addresses a whole chapter on legalism. He defines what legalism is because there are many who have a misunderstanding what legalism is all about. He also addresses in another chapter on grace.

Dr. Michael L. Brown has written a very easy to understand and Biblically based book on a subject that is underemphasized (if not totally ignored) and misuderstood by the majority (in my opinion) in the Christian community. His logic is clear and his Biblical support is without question or argument. I doubt any capable theologian would be able to challenge Dr. Brown on this subject.

By far, chapter 4, "The Fateful End," is the most convicting and heart-searching.

I would also recommend reading Charles G. Finney's views of sanctification in his "Systematic Theology" and J.C. Ryle's, "Holiness."

I have read this book several times, mainly when I feel I need a wake-up call. Michael Brown has written a powerful book here against sin and for holiness, something that is woefully lacking in the contemporary church. I like the way he challenges our choices in entertainment also, it's strange what professing christians choose for their entertainment.

He really paints an ugly picture of sin and gives some good practical advice on how to avoid it.

He quotes extensively from the puritan writers such as John Owen, and from Charles Spurgeon the great preacher of the 1800's. I highly recommend that you get your hands on as many books on holiness as you can and search your heart as society today is headed for hell and wanting to take you with it!

Thanks Michael Brown for writing this, it spurred me on to better things and encouraged me to study this oft-neglected subject. I also recommend the writings of Jerry Bridges on this subject, and check out the puritan sermons as well.

Dr. Michael Brown is a skilled writer. He does his homework on a subject and always fills his books with Scripture. This book is no different. Dr. Brown tackles the issue of holiness. This subject once could be heard in every English speaking pulpit but today we shy away from its teaching because of our pragmatic approach to ministry.

Dr. Brown challenges the Body of Christ to hate sin, love God, and preach the truth in love. Matthew 1:21 tells us that the Son of God was to be called Jesus because He would save His people from their sins. Many people want to be "His people" without being free from their sins. Jesus came to die for our sins (Galatians 1:4) and to set us free completely from a life of sin (1 John 3:6-9). How can we continue in sin (Romans 6:1-4)? We must pursue holiness (Matthew 5:48; Hebrews 12:14; 1 Peter 1:15-16).

Praise the Lord!
Another refreshing book by Tommy Tenney!
I had never studied the Tabernacle of David, like Tommy shares in this book!
Another life changing book!
In His Grip,
And learning to Worship all over again!
Pastor Rob

This is one of my favorite books mainly because it is revolutionary, non-traditional and status quo shattering, yet at the same time focused totally on the reason and motivation for all this revolution--to be passionately in love with Jesus. We may be revolutionary, we may be willing to die to our self centered traditions and programs, we may gladly leave all and follow Him--but NOT because we have learned a better, more New Testament way of doing it, but because our love for Him wants to kill everything that gets in the way of our relationship with Him. We live to see Him smile at us and nothing keeps us from that, for it is our love for Him that motivates us and to feel His arms around us that stirs us. This is the Church--the house that God wants. It is a house that does it His way... just to please Him, just to worship Him, just to love Him. In all this talk about leaving dead "churchianity" and worshiping as the Church in simple, home-business-coffee shop, relational style gatherings, we can still forget the reasons why we do what we do in the Church-- to build a House that God loves to visit and to inhabit. Even for God, home is where the heart is. It is all for Him! "If we build it, He will come" the subtitle says-- and that is really all we care about--that HE is there with us.

This book will stir you--not to technical, procedural changes, but in what really matters, in seeking Jesus so passionately that we naturally build the Church into a house that makes Jesus feel at home. This book will stir that desire, the only desire that really matters.

This is another awesome Tenney book. I cant hardly keep a dry eye.

If you've ever sat in a church service and wondered why the worship leaders didn't pick more songs you liked to sing or if you've ever snuck a yawn during the service, THEN YOU WON'T BE THE SAME AFTER YOU READ THIS BOOK. As I was reading it, I felt my heart laid open, the sin of not giving the Lord His rightful place exposed, and then found myself moved into repentance by the third chapter. Worship is the Lord's proper due, and it's not for our entertainment. God's Favorite House is at the forefront of bearing the message of the contemporary worship movement- He longs for our worship and fellowship. King David lived thousands of years ago, yet his holy abandon to worship is an example for us today. The God Chasers excited me, God's Dream Team gave me knowledge, and now God's Favorite House gives me a plan for action to draw closer to my Father.

I truly enjoyed this book it was awesome. I being a Worship Minister, this book help me put my worship in perspective. Mr. Tenney, knows how to experience God through worship. I have even begun to pray to have the same kind of Kabod experience (the Weighty Presence of God) that he talks about in his book. God bless Mr. Tenney for putting this book into my hands, it truly was a wonderful spiritual walk, as I read the words on the pages, they became alive in me. The field of dreams is one of my favorite movies. Lord help me build it, so they could come.

I can not tell you how this book has me slow down and really appreciate the relationship I have with God. Keri Wyatt Kent says that often times others base your spiritual life on how many times you read your Bible, how often you spend in prayer etc. Not that these things aren't important but we can find God in the everyday things that life presents us with if we just take a few moments to listen and be still. I have 2 young boys so I don't have alot time for myself. This book showed me that I can worship God in the little things day to day.

This was the first book (besides a children's book) that I read cover to cover after becoming a mom. As wonderful as being a mom is, I was rather overwhelmed during the first year. I began to wonder if I would ever find my way back to peace and calm. This book helped me not only to realize that I was not alone, but also to learn practical steps I could take in order to draw closer to God in this new and busy season of my life. I highly recommend it to all moms out there.

This book is well worth the price! Keri Wyatt Kent is a gifted writer and this book is well written, east to read, and thought provoking. I highlighed much of it knowing I would refer to it again and again. Thanks to Keri, I'm able to more fully enjoy my moments as a mother and I've learned to hear God's whisper even in the most frustrating, unexpected moments. This is a must read for anyone with small children.

Many mothers desperately want to spend time with God but lack the energy or time to implement spiritual disciplines. For those moms, Kent's book will be a breath of fresh air. By honestly revealing her own struggles and the answers God gently led her to, the author helps moms realize that we can pray through the day (while washing dishes, driving carpool, sorting laundry) and that our spiritual life doesn't have to suffer because we don't have hours to devote to Bible study. What a relief!

As we weather the more difficult aspects of motherhood, sometimes the cold winds of challenge, disappointment (mostly in ourselves), and downright struggle can drive us to a place of despair and isolation. By her vulnerable writing in God's Whisper in a Mother's Chaos, Keri Kent wraps us in the warm blanket of discovery that we are not alone...

She follows that profound gift with a cup of hot chocolate in the form of practical tips on how to hear that gentle Voice that helps us rise above mere survival and become more fully be present to celebrate the miracle of motherhood.

God's Whisper is easy to read yet filled with authentic treasures the author undoubtedly acquired by listening to Jesus.

Gary Haugen's book on social justice is a beautiful treatise on why Christians need to care for the poor, impoverished, and abused. He does a great job of mixing stories from his life with Scripture to inspire others to take a risk and stand up for those who can't stand up for themselves.

Faced with depressing realities on a global scale, many of us simply retreat into our own little world --- resolving to be kind to our kids, gentrify our own neighborhoods, and be good churchgoers. These activities are inherently fine to a point, yet they do not address the broader difficulties.

Haugen's book is a call to action, which we have heard before. What's different this time is that Haugen quantifies exactly what kinds of action we can take, and why such actions matter. With cutting-edge stories and keen insight into the reasons behind our inactivity, Haugen gets us up out of our La-Z-Boys and out into the streets.

Among this book's best features are the historical reminders that many of the most powerful social changes in North America are a direct result of Christ-followers engaging a broken culture and making a difference. From public schools to hospitals and beyond, some of our culture's best ideas flow from persons of faith, actively engaged in transforming society.

Note to persons of faith: now it's your turn.

Dr. David Frisbie
The Center for Marriage & Family Studies
Author of: Raising Great Kids on Your Own: A Guide and Companion for Every Single Parent

I highly recommend this book. I hope to use parts of it with my college students after we have viewed HOTEL RWANDA. This is a powerful follow-up to a movie that should shake you to your foundations.

Sometimes circumstances predispose us towards financial inequality that may further push us towards social inequality and one seems to falsely believe that there is no hope for our own future or for the generations to come. In such circumstances the only way to find a meaningful solution and to get oneself out of this vicious circle is to stand back and look at the big picture. At the heart of the problem are both external and internal factors. While we may not be able to control the external factors directly, being honest to ourselves we must resist the urge to focus solely on them. It is actually our moral obligation to directly address the internal problems, the key to which only we hold. If there is one undercurrent that makes it easier for things to get better, then that is inculcation of unwavering faith and strong family values and truly believing that there is hope for the future. These should not simply cease to exist for us the moment we step outside the church but must be reflected in how we live our lives and that is a profound lesson in life and religion. Closely intertwined with these are the values of gender equality as well as respect and belief in the dignity of every human life. There is no justification in pointing the finger outwards if we, ironically, are lacking the same values within ourselves that we expect others to demonstrate. We must look within ourselves to grow as better human beings. The ability to bring our dreams to realization is closely related to receiving the right education in the context of our innate potential, all held together by a strong and caring social structure that we can grow in. However, for all of this to take place the undercurrent of family values and faith and lasting marriages based on trust and mutual respect must be there. In this regard, from the religious perspective, it is also the responsibility of churches and religious organizations to bring to the limelight positive role models, help clean up bad social trends as well as leave no stone unturned for any broken family to get the much needed social support. Also critical is the need to provide constructive after-school programs as well as logistic and financial support in pushing children in the direction of their talent as well as receiving the right education such that each child is able to turn their dreams to reality...

Haugen is the president of the International Justice Mission, an incredible organization that seeks to demonstrate the compassion and justice of God in nations around the world. The book is first and foremost a defense of this concept - that we, as followers of Christ and children of God, serve a compassionate God who is concerned with and passionate about the particular travesties of injustice in every corner of the globe. Haugen takes the reader through dozens of scriptural passages and principles to make his point and leaves the reader asking what they can do to make a difference in the world.

Haugen next gives the reader not only a bird's eye view of the various injustices across the globe, but also a very personal look at several severe situations of injustice where IJM has made a difference in the lives of real people. Haugen calls for the body of Christ to be a body of action, engaged in various efforts to promote justice and compassion for the lost and hurting. A strategy is presented for the interested, but the primary thrust of the action is done through the channels of organizations like IJM who are already established and connected with resources to assist.

The book is an excellent read for any person who either is ignorant of the conditions of others across the globe or is questioning the concept that one person can't really make a difference. IJM is an outstanding ministry and opportunity for Christians everywhere to use their God-given time, talents and treasure to defend the defenseless. Micah 6:8 is a favorite verse of many and it reminds the follower of Christ what the Lord has told us is important in life - to act justly, to love mercy and to walk humbly with our God. Justice is obviously a key component of God's character and must be a key facet of the ministry of God's people here on earth as a demonstration of His nature and goodness in this lost and dying world. Good News about Injustice is a great reminder of this principle meant to shake a self-absorbed culture from its comfortable La-Z-Boy rocker!