Religion and Spirituality Books

Francis Chan chases God's heart and desires His life in Francis.I just loved this book.It brought me to a point in my life that I had to ask "Do I really love God or am I just existing here on planet earth"? I looked at my own eternal resting place and I NEVER want to be anywhere else that God isn't there.Like Hell for instance.....

Not very often do I LOVE a book enough to actually take the time to write a review, but this book was so amazing I just had to. I don't want to praise Francis Chan one bit because I KNOW that he would NOT want to receive the praises. I praise the God Almighty for the work He is doing through Francis. This book is amazing and challenging and not intended for those who like to be comfortable.

Let's get radical and love like CRAZY!!!

I use the words LOVE/HATE because that is what this book was for me. I loved what Francis had to say WHILE AT THE SAME TIME hating it because it was dead on to many things I had been convicted about.

We need more books like this that are not set out to specifically BLAME THE CHURCH for the message it portrays and bring to light that WE are the church and the change comes from bringing the Kingdom through the way we live our lives in reflection of Jesus Christ.

My two cents, at least!

Don't read this book if you find yourself satisfied with comfortably floating along through life - believing that your faith and relationship with God is in a semi-decent place. God, Francis Chan argues, will have none of it and, ultimately, deserves far more.

The whole idea of loving God sure doesn't seem like an original topic, but there's something about this book that is remarkably fresh and challenging. Chan doesn't mince words, if Christians truly love God then that love will dominate and influence all that we do. As if to address the inevitable questions forming in the mind of the reader, Chan devotes a whole chapter to ordinary people who are (or who have) powerfully lived out a life of "Crazy Love."

This is an important book for Christians today. So often our mindset is focused on the bare minimum - what can we do to just get by with the least amount of effort? If you read this book (and you should!) be ready to ditch that mindset.

Very inspirational. Makes you realize that we are not giving all that we can to God,who loves us more than anything we can comprehend.

Lynn Morrissey doesn't write--she sings her words onto paper. This amazing book carried me away each morning to an intimate place in the Father's heart, and I thank the author for her own heart that made this journey possible. If I could give it more than five stars, I would!

I was amazed when I opened up the pages of LOVE LETTERS TO GOD and found such beauty--beauty in the heart-touching depth of the writing and beauty in the amazing artwork that graces each page. The book is like a sweet, magnificently crafted invitation to draw closer to our Heavenly Father. It doesn't get any sweeter!

Love Letters to God is a beautiful hardcover gift book,with exquisite photographs. Eleven chapters are filled with the author's personal experiences as she discovers the thrill of praying through writing to God. Morrissey's journey is one anyone can follow--no expensive ticket, no reservations,no luggage to tote, just need to have a yearning to meet God, joyously and honestly, through prayer. Each chapter stands alone. The writing is succinct, encouraging, easy to read.

Lynn Morrissey has a beautifully poetic way of writing, in a deeply personal manner with candor and humility that draws the reader into an intimacy with her, while revealing the kind of relationship we can all have with God, through faith in Jesus Christ. "Love Letters to God" evokes every tender emotion, bringing the reader to examine his or her own life, heart and prayer-life. Simply gorgeous to look at, inspiring to mediate upon and a book to be cherished always.

The Lord has used this book, to teach me to draw near to him with the pen. The writer, Lynn Morrisey, encourages us to pour out our hearts to him, tell him everything, then let it rest in his hands. The stories she tell, just leaves you feeling so much closer to God, as you begin, to write your Love Letters to Him! This is ministry, in a unique way!

It is so fun and so rich in revelations.
A great guide to better understand the Bible.
Multidimensional.
Great for the mind and the soul.

I consider the Prophet's dictionary an invaluable tool in my Bible study time. I use it to help prepare for sermons and writing lesson plans. I highly recommend it to every one that reads the Bible! I praise God for Dr. Paula Price, and for her obedience in creating a tool to help us uderstand the mind of God.

One of the most essential reference books that every Christian should have in their library. Whether you consider yourself as "gifted" in the prophetic or not, you need this book.

If you've ever had a dream or vision that you didn't understand OR you clearly knew that your dream/vision was from God and you had more questions than answers. This book will help you discover the meaning of the images you've been given.

This wasn't quite what I thought it would be. I had assumed that it would be a dictionary of every possible mental image and dream I had, and it is sorely lacking in that, but what it does give is a lot of well-researched things that are part of church life and Biblical life. Interesting book.

This book is indeed a must-have item as a study tool. I've found it to be very detailed and clearly written. I highly recommend this book to others.

An Excellent resource. Contains an huge amount of information. Good buy. Fast shipping.

Easy way to find information and transport yourself to the different Bible times. It explains and shows how objetcs looked like etc..

A wonderful book to own. Lots of great biblical information. Lots of colorful pictures, very organized book.

This is one of the most helpful resources to the Bible I have found. It is also very interesting in the explanation of other religions. It helps to understand God's Word more and when things happened. I just can't say enough good about it. Everyone who truly reads and studies the Bible should have this resource.

I already owned this great resource; I bought these for friends that were
going to lead their own bible study group. The information in this book
is wonderful as a reference for any study group.

This book brings a lot of insight and knowledge... It's like once you know who you are... you don't have to try to be something that you're not.

And once you know what your weaknesses are... you can utilize your strengths. This book helped me understand my unique gifting and brought clarity to a lot of things I needed Insight on. If you are drawn to this book I mean something goes off in your spirit when you come across this book. Get it read it, it will bless you!

Scripturally and Experientially accurate!

The book came to me several years ago when I desperately need validation of the prophetic gift.

I have shared copies of the book with several people to help them understand their prophetic calling, gift, and its operation.

I highly recommend it to anyone needing validation of their gift, or wanting to understand how Father God moves through His servants the prophets.

James Goll is a man after Gods own heart.

He shares the Truth that has been shown to him and backs these God given insights with Scripture.

This book is so well written.Prophecy as a whole seems so confusing, but the author really breaks it down. I have been told I have the prophetic gift, but have been scared of it since childhood,due to enemy attack. I think a lot of people who have been involved in the "new age" or "occult" type junk does have the gift, but have been misdirected by satan in the hopes they will misappropriate it. This book is very user friendly.

This book is Awesome! It really helped me to understand the difference between and Seer and Prophet and the various gifting they each have. It also provided scripture refrences to various Seers in the bible that were also prophets. This is a must have for the Prophet / Seer and those desiring to know there prophetic giftings and how to distinguish the call according to those gifts.

Lanesa Stubbs

The great power of Arnold's book is in the real world examples of forgiveness he offers. Some of the examples have an "everyday" kind of quality to them while others are staggering in terms of the ability of people to somehow cut through their hurt, anguish and rage to come to the point of forgiveness. Arnold avoids the "Oprahzation" of forgiveness by reminding the reader that forgiveness takes both truth and grace into account He neither diminishes nor denies the hard realities with which people must live. Arnold devotes much space to the self-interested nature of forgiveness. We forgive because such an act works toward our own good. I would have liked to have seen him devote a bit more space to those instances in which people forgive because they see it as a way to display something of the character of God even when they themselves may never find peace through forgiveness. My only critique of the book is that author does not provide bibliographical references. The book is full of wonderful quotes and stories. I would like to have known the sources. Further, a recommended list of readings would have been helpful. However, having said all of that, this is the kind of book that makes you want to take off your shoes as you read...you recognize that you are on holy, holy ground.

Why Forgive? Hard as it may be this book shows in a simple and powerful way that the only way to true freedom is through forgiveness. While bitterness seems the roads to take and hatred towards those who have hurts us the excepted emotion, Arnold dares to tells us the true stories of people who choose the road less travel and in the end found the freedom to let go and change their world by forgiving. He also gives us a look into the lives of those who choose to be angry, only to destroy themselves. This book is moving and powerful, it is a striking lesson of something most people and talkshows refuse to speak about. I only pray that people out their struggling with bitterness and revenge read this book and know there is another way.

A powerful, emotionally driving book, "Why Forgive" provides a framework of forgiveness that not only defines why it is important to forgive, but also how not forgiving eats at us like a cancer until it kills our happiness and our very essence.

With true life stories of amazing acts of forgiveness, the book shows how forgiveness is required before truly moving on to complete healing when you have been wronged. The extremely powerful stories show how forgiveness has allowed individuals to regain their lives after severe tragedy has entered their lives. Instead of taking the easy path and allowing anger and hate to destroy them, they make a choice that results in a deep peace. Pick up the book, learn to forgive, learn how it is necessary for true peace, choose the road less travelled and choose forgiveness. If there is a book that should be required reading for everyone, this is a contender for that book.

This book will banish any lingering doubt that forgiveness and reconciliation is the linchpin of good in this world. Filled with compelling personal accounts of those who truly have the right to ask us all to forgive, the book has the power to change the direction of your life for the better. Don't miss it!

Forgiveness is the key to real freedom. The path to forgiveness is not always easy. The renewal of the act of forgiving makes the path easier to travel. The road to forgiveness becomes smoothly paved as we forgive and keep on forgiving. Our journey gets easier with each trip down the original path, leading to the paved road of freedom and happiness. See chapter 14, Not a step but a Journey.

The first version of the Gita that I read through completely, was a small book written by Christopher Isherwood. A disciple of Swami Prabhavananda (see 'My Guru and his Disciple' by Christopher Isherwood), it was given out by the Ramakrishna Math and Mission in California. In vers libre format, it burnished my budding apetite for genuine spirituality at the time (early 1980's) with new wings. I soared with the loftiness of the message deeply resonating with the glorious descriptions of the magnificience of the Self during those early and halcyon days of my quest.

26 years later, I find a new version of the same holy book. Also by a Westerner, but probably one who understands the Hindu religion and what it stands for, better than most practising Hindus do. Reading this book, got the same lofty feelings to well forth, but this time I sense deep undercurrents of feeling attached to the concepts of this age old treatise, yielding a new dimension and richness to the presentation of these holy truths. Having been born and bred an American, Kriyananda has been able to convey the holy message of this text in a way that is tailored to the demands of a fast paced modern society, going increasingly global every day.

In the early chapters of this book, the allegorical link between the five Pandava brothers and the chakra system is explained. This is relatively esoteric material that has never appeared before, at least to my knowledge. Later on, the Gita is analyzed, stanza by stanza, beginning with a Sanskrit paragraph and its literal English translation, followed by an extensive commentary in each case. In these commentaries, Kriyananda puts down in writing his own memories of his Guru's comments on the various passages of the Bhagavad Gita. For the benefit of those interested in reincarnation, Yogananda had said that he himself had been an incarnation of Arjuna, the Pandava prince, who received the information from Krishna firsthand. That fact could probably be one of the factors that account for the interpretational depth of these writings. Wherever possible, connections to other major religions are cited and the explanations are forthright and lucid. In particular, there is a section on the physical aspects of Kriya Yoga which is the science of breath as taught by Paramahamsa Yogananda and which has only been recently released to the general public. The physiological consequences of a regular practice of this process are explored. This is also material that has never appeared before.

One of the greatest strengths of this book is that it is a fast read and holds one's attention, even as these eternal truths unfold one by one. This work is unquestionably a labour of love, being Kriyananda's magnum opus after eighty plus books.

In closing, I would like to mention, that like all Scripture, the Bhagavad Gita is only a book. It is a miniscule version of the ecstasy that ISNESS emanates, although one may and does feel whiffs of the same from the reading. The real task of experiencing the ISNESS is, of course, a different story, but this book could be a useful tool along the way.

This book is a must read for all sincere spiritual aspirants, no matter what his/her religion is. This is truly a cosmic text which reaches deep into one's soul. It is a perfect introduction for newcomers to the power and depth of the Bhagavad Gita and for those who seek inspiration daily upon its deep wisdom. The author clearly shows that the Bhagavad Gita is actually deeply allegorical in nature. This book will definitely help the reader to achieve inner bliss if he/she is very sincere about his/her spiritual life.

Swami Kriyananda has produced another gem of wisdom and compassion with this book. If you have nor read the Gita before, this is indeed an excellent recommendation because it is non-sectarian in its approach, compared to some of the books on the Gita out there. This book is simply galvanizing!

Lastly, I would also like to recommend the book The Bhagavad Gita: Royal Science of God-Realization: God Talks with Arjuna: The Immortal Dialogue Between Soul and Spirit (2 volumes) by Paramahansa Yogananda, Swami Kriyananda's guru as well. That book is an equally great masterpiece as well!

A very wide and learned man from India once said to me that there 'were as many commentaries on the Gita as there are stars in the sky". Although not quite accurate scientifically, there are literally untold commentaries on what is thought by followers throughout the ages to be God taking shape as a human being during a battle on a field north of Delhi India around 5200 BCE. Whether or not one accepts the spiritual nature of the gita, there's no denying it offers insights into almost every imaginable aspect of human behavior -- be it saintly or demonic.

This rendering was told to Swami Kriyananda by his own Guru, the author of Autobiography of a Yogi, perhaps the most recognized book on yoga and Hindu beliefs in modern times, Swami Yogananda. This commentary is unique in that it provides psychological comparisons to the many seemingly confusing names, events, and thoughts passed from Lord Krisha to Arjuna, his friend and a man about to unleash death on 100,000 of his family members and friends.

A must have for the seeker of spiritual growth or just someone who wants to know more about why people do what they do when they do it.

gary in tampa

An exerpt for the Vaishnava section on Wikipedia website:
"While many schools like Smartism and Advaitism encourage interpretation of scriptures philosophically and metaphorically and not too literally, (Gaudiya)Vaishnavism stresses the literal meaning (mukhya vitti) as primary and indirect meaning (gaua vitti) as secondary: sâkhâd upadesas tu shrutih - "The instructions of the shruti-shâstra should be accepted literally, without fanciful or allegorical interpretations." Jiva Goswami, Krishna Sandarbha 29.26-27" (This is from a Hare Krishna/I.S.K.O.N/Gaudiya sampradayam scripture)

I must say this first,I have been studying the Vedic scriptures since about 96',and, I am sorry to say,I was a Hare Krishna devotee for about four years from 02' to 06'. I was one of the Pujaris or Ceremonial priest in the now defunct Venice Radha-Govinda temple in Venice, Ca. I learned alot of the basic principles of the Vedic religion from them. Outside the elementary principles, much of what they teach is tinged with thier particular sect/cult flavor or doctrine. I.S.K.O.N or the Hare Krishnas believe and see only a historical, surface understanding of the Bhagavad-gita, other scriptures and stories. They critizes,condemn and keep down with fanatical furvor,as I have experienced with them...the notion of a deeper,Intuitive, Spiritual, Philosophical, Esoteric truth to the Vedic scriptures and stories. The whole time I was with them, I felt like I was being intuitively,soulfully,esoterically and philosophically strangled. They believed with the extremism and fanatism of Southern Baptists in the total surface-value,exoteric understanding of the Vedas. I was always chastized and critized for my pro-esoteric/intuitive understanding of the Vedas. Before coming to I.S.K.O.N or Gaudiya math, I always Knew,intuitively and through my own many Spiritual experiences through Vedically-backed meditation as instucted in the Vedas,Yoga-sutras and Tantras, that there was and has always been and always be...a deeper, esoteric, hidden meaning and understanding to the Bible,Gnostic texts, the greek myths, alchemical allegories and symbolism, to the Homeric epics and...to the Vedas,the bhagavad-gita and Puranas. And, come to find out, from Swami Kriyananda and Swami Yogananda and other hindu holy men....this is the proper "Brahminical" or Priest/Yogi Caste understanding of the Revealed scriptures. This is also confirmed in the very scriptures that I.S.K.O.N uses. But, they do not truely acknowledge them. Before coming to I.S.K.O.N and Gaudiya math,I use to love the Bhagavad-gita, and I knew that there was a deeper, esoteric truth to it and other Vedic scripture that ONLY a meditator or some one who had direct experience in Linking and Communion between God and the Soul. The Real Brahmin Caste in India Truely understand this, and Actually, the term Brahmana, means "One who KNOWS Brahman" or one who has attain this Linking and Communion with God or Brahman. This is what Makes a Brahmin...I.S.K.O.N talks about this truth, but, thier understanding of a "Brahmana" is that of the physical caste person performing rituals and even then, they are against them also. Their Translation of the Bhagavad-gita, Sri Isopanishad and other Vedic scriptures are the most Blantantly mistranslated editions of these scriptures I have ever came across. Mistranslated and writen to suit their particular cult/sect slant, flavor and agenda. I read their particular translation 3 times since 02', and, for a time, it has totally turned me off from the Bhagavad-gita...sorry to say. And, it has bothered me that my experiences in the cult I.S.K.O.N or the Hare Krishnas has affected so much that it Burnt me on the Bhagavad-gita. Since leaving the temple on Watseka ave., I couldnt even look at other Bhagavad-gitas with out thinking about the extreme mistranslations of the I.S.K.O.N one and the fanaticsm,extremism and philosophical and physical intimidation of this group. This has really bothered me. Then one week ago, while I was at a barns and nobles, I accidentally came across this book. And, it has been a breath of freash air.This book proves my original intuitions of the Scripture were correct and gives insight to much, much more. It flys in the face of the fanatical, and in certain verses, the absolutely incorrect translations of this group. This book of Swami Kriyanandas has all but disolved the Southern Baptist/Christian evangelistic-like understanding of the Hare Krishnas for the Vedas. And, it is nice that there are others who agree with the Inner-Intuitive TRUTH of the Scriptures. And that there are others who are Free-Thinkers and above Fananticism. This book of Swami Kriyanandas has brought me back to the Bhagavad-gita....like the prodical Son, coming back to his Father.

I cannot put into words the impact this book has had on me. This is my 4th translation of this text and this one is the best. Originally I started reading the Bhagavad Gita as it has a calibration of 910 (David Hawkins, Power vs. Force. It is a cosmic text which reaching out of the book and touches ones soul. This version is a joy to read. It is a dessert fresh from a tree. It is a day not too hot with gentle breezes. God becomes the companion rather than the gloom and doom king/parent/authority. Many of my friends now have this book just from seeing the joyful change in me.

This book, and the complete version as well, are one of the most beautiful books i have ever read.
Please, get it! is the real thing!!!!
i do recomend to get both versions, this one is great for travelling, but you want to have the complete version at home.

I'm reading the book for the third time--and I'm sure it won't be my last reading of this living document. Anyone who loves God or wants to love God must read this transmission of Ramakrishna's unification with the creator.

As a rationalist, I read this book as a historical document. I was quite impressed. Mahendra Nath Gupta is quite amazing. It is an excellent primary source of description of life in Bengal during the ninteenth century.

This book is highly recommended to those who are ready to renounce the world and live a life filled with God-consciousness. It encourages the reader to be steadfast in his spiritual quest and gives the reader hope and guidance in the spiritual path.

This book is based on a journal maintained by one of Ramakrishna's close disciple, M. The clarity of explanations and the allegory used by this great master to teach simple spiritual truths is indeed outstanding, to say the least. It gives the uninitiated reader a simple understanding of complex spiritual philosophy. The parables told by Ramakrishna in this book can also be compared to the usage of parables by Jesus as well.

Finally, I wish to state that this book is highly recommended to all sincere seekers of Truth, whether he/she is a Hindu, Muslim, Christian or belonging to any different sects or religious groups. This book unites ALL faiths!

This is truly the best spiritual book I have ever read. There is nothing that can be found in another spiritual book that is not contained in this Gospel of Ramakrishna. What a spiritual teacher he was! The insights! The clarity of explanation! I wished everyone on earth has a chance to be exposed to Ramakrishna's words. He makes the spiritual path understandable and brings it down to earth. I could go on and on saying the praises of this great being.
C.K.

I received the book well before the date promised. Am happy to add another Doreen Virtue book to my book collection.

The Lightworker's Way: Awakening Your Spiritual Power to Know and Heal

I really appreciate the author writing this book. She truly details all of the little life defining moments and the events in her life that led up to where she is now and how she slowly accepted her healing and intuitive gifts. I appreciate her honesty; this book has been extremely inspiring to me. I will suggest this book to any open minded person who wants to write their own book or for anyone who is very intuitive but do not have anyone they feel safe enough to share it with. Thank you, Doreen Virtue, for doing your life's work of healing and encouraging others to love and heal as well.

A powerful book that I just would not put down. I had many "aha" moments.
Higly recommend for those "living in the light". Worth a read. :-)

As the author of The Second Virgin Birth, I enjoyed The Lightworkers Way. I found it different and interesting.

I ordered this book again, after I read it years ago and gave it away. It was great the first and second time. Doreen is a profound spiritual teacher, clairvoyant and life educator. If the word Lightworker rings true to you, you MUST read this book. Doreen is a PHD psychologist AND a healer, intutive, so you get an overall way to heal that is loving light and soulful and practical knowledge. She talks about her history of having gifts and struggling against them and then embracing them. I have seen her numerous times and met her in Los angeles and she is the REAL DEAL. She beams an angelic quality and knowledge. I can't say enough how much her books have helped me on my path. I am a spirtual healer and psychotherapist, so I resonate with her being bold enough to speak her truth.

Paramahansa Yogananda does his usual wonderful work in this "how to turn your life into one big sadhana" masterpiece. Sri Yogananda does a magnificent job exploring and explaining his views and the necessary steps to lead a righteous (not self-righteous, mind you) life. His intelligence, sincerity, wit and compassion are ever present. I found his views on Jesus and Christ to be particularly fascinating and illuminating. Be forewarned: Master Yogananda plays spiritual hardball; that is, from his perspective, if one wants to attain God/Liberation there is much work to be done!!

This book, to me, is worth 10 stars...it has been a catalyst for me during my spiritual journey, it's as if Paramahansa Yogananda himself is holding my hand while I read his books. His words make my soul sing.

Can you imagine if you would of had Yogananda as your Sunday School teacher?
I'm in question of some of the eastern beliefs, whether I'm to close minded
that maybe. I do know he is very loving and sincere. He does have a way to help you feel and bring alive the presence of God. This book is like it's speaking to me. Just like all of us we may not have all of the knowledge correct. His radiant heart shines and blesses others. Isn't that what we are suppose to do is to pray and help uplift others. We are searching for truth and how to live here on earth. A wonderful book enjoy!!!

I'm sure many people would like to know the answer to this question .
There is a short chapter with this title. The author,Yogananda, gives a plausible answer to this question. Understanding the answer is a challenge; but it certainly is worth it, particulary for those who are on a conscious spiritual path.

If everyone read and followed this book, this world would take a 180 degree turn. It's insightful, enlightening, captivating and motivating. Paramhansa's Yogananda's writing style is just fabulous.