Religion and Spirituality Books

The book is very inspiring and useful especially to those who are at the crossroads of their lives. It's a life-giving book and brings you closer to God. In fact, a friend who's in her challenging stage in her life is using this book.

This book presented itself to me when I was deep into a project and just needed some factual answers. It's only 94 pages. I thought I could read it very quickly.

Ha.

It did give me answers, but it wasn't a quick read. It was the kind of book that had me reading a page, then pacing the floor, waiting for the million thoughts it excited to settle down so I could read the next. This went on for a week. And then I read it again, and read it out loud to friends. The cheap copy I bought is already wearing out.

What's it about? Simply, it's about the ancient practices of the Desert Fathers, of solitude, silence and prayer, how and why they came about, why they are needed now, and how they can be made to work in our crowded, noisy, distinctly non-contemplative lives.

The thing that first got my attention, was Nouwen's description of the problem of worldliness in the church, our tendency to think the way everybody else thinks. Worldliness, not simply in the way we've all come to see it, drinking and carousing, that sort of thing. He talks about the sneakier form, the kind that creeps in without our noticing, that has us convinced that what makes us valuable, what makes us worthwhile, is what we own, what we have accomplished, and what people think of us. Take those away and we have no reason to exist.

Think what that does to us. Think how it drives our choices, how it colors our view of others.

That's what began to get my attention - but I knew the book would be precious to me when I read the story of St. Anthony, who after some twenty years of practicing the disciplines of solitude, silence and prayer was finally able to pray genuinely - talking to God as himself, not the person he thought or wished or hoped to be. When he rejoined humanity, his very presence was healing to people because at last he could look at them with clean eyes, he could really see them as they were, not as accessories to his own self esteem.

Can you imagine how that way of being would change everything?

Buy this book. If you can, get a good strong copy. It's going to have to hold up to much reading.

This book is about how people who are engaged in active work to help others also need to spend time in prayer with God so that they can be more peaceful and more in touch with who they are and who they need to be.

This is a book that should be required reading in highschool or maybe earlier.

Had I previously investigated the author and the content, I wouldn't have purchased WOTH. Nouwen draws heavily from the "Desert Fathers," a group of hermits who lived in a Middle Eastern wilderness during the Middle Ages. They based their philsophy and practice of spirituality not only on the Bible (which is why I awarded two stars instead of one) but from eastern mysticism, Hinduism, and Buddhism. If you want to learn more about the beliefs of these mystics, it's an excellent sourcebook. As a reformational Christian, there wasn't much in this book I can recommend to those seeking to know the God of the Bible.

This is "not your average reference book" - to quote the press release I received when asked to review this book. Always up to a challenge, my curiosity piqued, I requested the book, and I'm not at all disappointed. Let's change that "D" word to "delighted!"

I love reference books, encyclopedias, dictionaries, and the like, especially when it deals with any part of history. Biblical history is a particular fascination. When I had this new book in my hands I was captivated.

"An illustrated A-to-Z Dictionary of the People and Places in Scripture" it says on the lower part of the cover. I thumbed it open and the book opened about mid-way to "Jeremiah." A blocked side-bar caught my attention: "Prophets Who Didn't Want the Job" and yes, Jeremiah was certainly one, along with Moses and Jonah.

This fantastic book is illustrated in full color, with artist's interpretations of things like Noah's Ark, Herod's Temple, Lot's family fleeing Sodom, and an intriguing rendition of Babylonian King Nebuchadnezzar when he lost his mind and ate grass. Included are photos of modern day Israel and the way these historic places look today. And of course maps of all kinds.

This isn't your normal dry, historical narrative interspersed with pictures and maps-the author shows his wit and humor with some wry and acerbic references such as the section about Solomon. Page 356 gives us this: "Solomon at his dumbest." What? Everyone knows that Solomon was the wisest man in the Bible. So what's this? Take a look:
"There's a tie for first place.
* Marriage can be plenty stressful with just one partner. "He had seven hundred wives and three hundred concubines [secondary wives]" (I Kings 11:3)
* In his old age, Solomon worshipped idols."
The author goes on to say that the two `dumbnesses' (his word - not mine) were related. Many, if not most, of Solomon's wives were acquired through peace treaties and trade deals with foreign nations. Unfortunately these wives brought their own gods with them. In 1 Kings 11:4 we read "In Solomon's old age they turned his heart to worship their gods instead of trusting only in the Lord."

I could continue to dissect this book and give you bits and pieces of the jewels it contains, but a review does not permit that luxury. I can only say that this book would be a most valuable resource on your bookshelf - not just for writers - this would be an asset for Bible scholars, too.

Stephen Miller, the author of "Who's Who and Where's Where in the Bible" wrote in his Introduction: "Sorry, folks. It's just not possible for you to enjoy reading this book as much as I enjoyed writing it." Well, I beg to differ. I have had the grandest time going through this book, and it has earned a prominent place with my Bible study reference books.

If you're intrigued with the Bible stories and Biblical history, I strongly urge you to get this book. It's not going to give you deep historical facts, though there are some! What I find most refreshing about it is that Miller presents everything in a simple, straight-forward manner, with a snicker here and there to show how very human these ancient patriarchs really were.

I teach Bible Church School and this book is great when you need to understand the gist of a person or place in the bible. It's not your exhaustive detailed reference work, but it is a 'to the point book'.

Great little pocket/purse size for information on just about anything in the bible. Places, people, etc...fun to read!

A super resource for anyone interested in Bible characters and Bible places.

The book is very well written and Biblically correct. The pictures and maps helped tremendously. I recommend it as an addition any Christian's library.

When I was told in an e-mail that I might have the same appreciation for this as "The Great Divorce," my eyebrows immediately were raised. And yes, they were raised in suspicion. I wasn't too sure if I wanted to see what "The Ancient Path" was all about. Seriously, what does Joshua Jost really have to offer, right? Hey, what can I say? It isn't that bad. OK, it isn't bad! This book boldly declares that it represents a ten year journey from Genesis to Jesus. So, how do you start down a particular path? You take your first steps, of course!

With a Lewis-like heir, the author begins the journey. He begins with creation. He brings along Adam and Eve. He exposes the selfish indulgence they choose to pursue! He exposes you, and he exposes me! That stinks. Are you calling me selfish? Ok, look at some of the other lives in scripture. Abraham, Isaiah, David, what will we learn through these lives and more? Eventually you'll find that we were commanded, and still are commanded, to stop pursuing self, and start pursuing God. As small as it may sound, we need to take seriously His standard of love. We also need to take our journey more seriously.

A small book that packs a huge punch! Quite frankly, I thought more could've been said. That's my only gripe. Joshua Jost did some homework, and he made me think. I wasn't afraid to crack open the first page. If you venture down this path, don't expect it all to be easy. It isn't. But it is ancient! And it is something to be desired to live an abundant life. That's what makes the Christian life beyond special. Do you have the guts to take it on?

This is a beautifully written book. The author wanders at leisure through the Old Testatement from Genesis to Revelations painting simple and clear pictures in words to show the amazing nature of God's creation and the love of God for his children. - Well worh reading!

Let me start from the end. When I finished reading the final paragraph of The Ancient Path, I sat and clapped my hands. I kept saying over and over, "very clever, very, very clever". Jost masterfully weaves you through time, stopping only to let you change your clothes according to the time period. Starting in heaven, watching the Creator create. Then, through the Garden of Eden, to the pivotal chapter of Abraham making covenant with God. Next we find ourselves in the desert with Moses, and if you close your eyes, you might just feel the searing sun, and sand in your shoes, so vivid the picture Jost casts in our mind.

Chapter five finds you running down dusty streets, fearing for your life, with Rahab the prostitute. Many times as a child you hear the story of Joshua, marching around Jericho. But Jost starts out by looking at the story through Rahab's eyes. I wept as I read this chapter, and looking over it now, I fight back tears. The power lies in this authors ability to bring the emotion of a four thousand year old story, right up to present day. Rahab saw the grace of God, the same grace that saves us today.

In the next two chapters you get to meet great men of God, like David, Isaiah, and Jeremiah. I felt like I was watching them, walking along side them, as they struggled as we do, to obey God with all their hearts, yet willing to make the sacrifices to do so. But not until the last chapter, do you see what tapestry Jost has been weaving in your mind all along.

The book finishes with Jesus. He is on His way to be crucified. And as Jesus makes His way to the cross, Jost flashbacks through all the previous chapters and you start to see what it has all been about. Why did the father not just bring Jesus, straight after the fall? Why wait four thousand years? The last chapter shows us the master plan of the Father, one that cannot be shaken. It is about covenant, and grace. I have been greatly challenged by this book, and inspired. This is not a book about me, or how I can become great. It is a book focused, as we should be, on the Word of God, and the mighty and powerful God we serve. Well done Joshua Jost, I applaud your bravery, in this world of self, for giving God the glory, and honour that He deserves. I eagerly wait for the next instalment, and highly recommend this book. Five gleaming stars.

. . . which defies easy explanation.

Joshua Jost is on to something here. His book "The Ancient Path" describes in a very unique, deeply personal manner, the love of the Father for His creation -- in good times and in bad, through sin, disobedience, and rebellion on through to the gift of the Son. His storytelling methodology is unconventional, but "works" in this particular format. The particular Old Testament examples Jost uses are solid -- and going through the book, my mind was drawn to other Old Testament stories he could have used to good effect as well.

The format of the book might not appeal to everyone, and I thought that the author's "apology" for lack of specific Scriptural references was unnecessary. Jost makes his points without the need to quote Scripture "word for word" -- indeed, in the mind of this reviewer, such would have detracted, not added to the writing. Coming as I do from a different theological perspective as Jost, I was uncomfortable with what I perceived as a "penal substitution" view of the Atonement -- but this doesn't really detract from the value of the book.

In short, I think that Jost is onto something here . . . a concept I would very much like to see him expand greatly. The journey would certainly be worth the effort!

Four very solid stars.

"The Ancient Path" is exquisitely written, with insights into biblical truths that go deep into your heart. The poetic flow of this work, and the sheer beauty of it, makes the passages moving as well as memorable. Joshua Jost's description of creation and of how God brought life into being is masterful, as is every chapter from "In the Beginning" to "The Son." There is a wise, discerning mind, a life devoted to the Lord, and a child's wonder coming together on each page. I found Chapter 2, "Forbidden Fruit," very illuminating, with reasons why Eve added "touch" to God's commandment of not eating from the tree of good and evil, as "the serpent laid before them the ultimate temptation of sin: the pursuit of knowledge for power" (page 35), and Chapter 3, "The Father," is enthralling, as Abraham waits...and waits...for the destiny God said was his to come. "If hope were our destination, and faith the feet that carry us there, covenant is our path, laid straight before us" (page 52).

Only in his early 30's, but with the wisdom of the ancients, truth shines brightly in the cottage Jost shares with his family in northeast Scotland. "...only those who listen with ears of faith will see with their eyes the promises they hope for" (page 135). There is an intimacy with the Lord, and a passion for His Word in the pages of this slim but mighty book, that can only be written by someone who knows Him well. With the overwhelming love that comes from this knowing, and by yielding one's life to Him, we see the good fruit that ensues. This book is the good fruit Jost shares with us; we are enlightened and lifted up, and very much rewarded in the reading of it.

Easy to understand, I gave this to my friend who was having trouble reading the King James Version. It is full of little lessons by Max Lucado, and I recommend it highly.

One day, I was praying about not interpreting God's word in a loving way. I seem to over think the scriptures, take things too literal and just am too analytical. While praying, I asked Jesus just to understand his heart and amazingly I came across this Bible. I have been reading it daily since January and it has daily life applications, the inspiration for the chapter and a few concordance so you can see where the lesson is referenced. For my own journey I have struggled with reading God's word for the past 15 years- yet Max Lucado has done an amazing job helping me understand God's word with Love. I never miss a day! God is using it in Big Ways- to help me grow closer to Him.
I liked it so much that I bought a copy for my aunt- who just started devoting her life to Christ. I suggested she start with the 30 day lesson in the back- it's very good for beginners.

A good source for devotions & other studies, both personal & group. This copy I purchased for a gift to a family member.

As for me, I have grown up in a seemingly, 98% "spiritual but not religious" town. Of that portion, nearly all feel that Christianity is a bad thing and are weirded out by people who seek God.

I haven't understood that completely. I grew up in a family that brought me to church on Sunday and sent me to Sunday school, so why the later backlash against religion and God? I didn't remember much of church, and even my mother scoffed at me when I was excited to hear about the classic bible stories- that I HONESTLY did not know were common knowledge to the rest of my family. I was too young to remember anything of the biblical stories, or the lessons they contained.

I had a burning curiosity, I wanted to know what was so "wrong" with the bible and Christianity. I started to devour Christian books, and found nothing.

I started this bible study, and truly found nothing that should be scoffed at or weirded out by. It has actually put to rest, a lot of worries and needless troubles in my heart.

There are powerful ideas, in very small packages. Enjoy working through this if you have wandered away from faith, faultered in your belief, or have questioned Christian faith. Hopefully you'll find what I have found, inspiration.

This is the hard copy to the personl leather one...same stuff in the other bible, like I said in that review! The devotional bible is the best bible....so easy to read and understand and acutally remember what you read!!!

This book is one of my favorites, as far as learning more about customs of the people in the Old Testament. When you are done reading this book you will have more understanding of the people and of scripture. If you are a pastor or sunday school teacher or a homechurch, get this book.This is one book you will go back to a hundred times.

This book is foundational to the Christian faith and really should be soomething every pastor should be teaching on. It gives clear and Biblical descriptions of the feasts of the Lord, which is God's calendar, and why he set up the calendar and chose these particular feasts to be celebrated. It also explains awesome little details of Jewish customs at the time of Christ that make things like the Passover so interesting. You get to see how all the pieces of the puzzle come together. The best part is how it describes Jesus as the fulfillment of thress of the feasts and that those feasts that are yet unfulfilled will be completed in the future......very cool!

This book is one of my absolute favorites! Not only is the information within EXTREMELY well written, there are many photographs and the artwork is among the best I've ever seen.

There are overviews of the Spring Feasts and the Fall Feasts and an explanation of Jewish Time, broken down into the Jewish Day,Week and Month. There are chapters on The Feasts Of Leviticus 23 (the 7 feasts) as well as Additional Observances.

Each of the Feasts are covered in DETAIL, with wonderful illustrations, charts and artwork.

Even if you never read a word of this book (which would be a shame, because it is so very informative) you will be blown away by the artwork and the photography. There is a two page spread on The Passover Table which shows each item with an explanation, which is worth the price of the book alone!

Each Feast is covered with THE BIBLICAL OBSERVANCE and also the MODERN OBSERVANCE, and each ceremony is explained in interesting, never boring detail. The illustrations and photographs draw you in and you really start to "get it."

I am so thankful I purchased this book. It is one of my favorites and one which I refer to often. It is well worth the price and you won't regret your purchase.

The pages are falling out of my copy of "The Feasts of the Lord" simply because of how many times I have referred to it while preparing lessons or sermons. I am almost brought to tears every time I read of the literal meaning of the "afikomen" at Passover. I gave a copy of this book to a Jewish friend who helped me in proofing the manuscript of "Maccabee." Though "The Feasts of the Lord" demonstrates unapologetically the New Testament fulfillment of the Old Testament feasts, the book was well received. A big thank you to the authors.

This is one of the most beautiful, high-quality books I own. The illustrations are amazing with rich colors and magnificent details. The writing is understandable and gives wonderful insight into Jewish history. This is an incredibly valuable tool for any serious Bible student and a treasure for any serious book collector.

I needed to some accurate information about developing strong relationships that would benefit average people in church. Very helpful reading.

VisionalLife: The Pursuit of God's Passion

If I were asked what book should a first time church launcher buy, it would be Launch. I only wish the book would have been out before we launched in Jan 2007. We did pick it up and begin to implement the practical step by step instructions and recommendations. Since our launch in Jan 2007, we are averaging 175 and are using many of the post-launch strategies outlined in Launch. I have read many books on church planting and launching that are theory written by guys who have never taken a church beyond 150. Nelson is not a theorist, but a practician.

Jeff Calloway
Lead Pastor - Bridge Church at Perry
Author of VisionalLife: Pursuing God's Passion

Fusion power refers to power generated by nuclear reactions that once formed release enormous amounts of energy. In his latest book, Fusion, Nelson combines the power of a deep love for the lost with a strategic first-time guest follow up system aimed at helping guests connect with God and the church.

This straight-forward, strategic assimliation system is easy to understand and implement in any church size from 50 to 5000. I've personally road-tested and applied the Fusion principles and have witnessed first-hand the spiritual and relational energy it has created in our church.

This is a great book to help your church implement a great guest welcoming program (hospitality). It is very practical and useful. You may not agree with everything, but you don't need to, to implement the program! This is uptodate and top notch.

I read Nelson's book this morning, handed it to my Assimilation Director this afternoon, and sent Nelson a note tonight, congratulating him on a fine piece of work. New Song has been doing many of the things Nelson suggests for a long time, but his is a systematic approach that thinks through and closes the gap on each potential point where a newcomer might fall through the cracks.

I doubt if any of the pieces of Nelson's assimilation system are new. He's probably borrowed alot from Saddleback and a little from others. What Nelson has done is thought through, written down, and explained what to do, so that no one ever has to start from scratch again. This is a church assimilation primer! The surprising thing is that no one has written this book before. The laudable thing is, Nelson has now done it for us.

Smaller churches, if you want to think like a larger church, this is a very good place to start. As you grow, you'll need to adopt this type of system for welcoming newcomers, along with equally comprehensive systems for Small Groups, children's ministry, youth ministry, visitor attraction, branding your signature event in the community, and every other subministry of the church.

Larger churches may not need this - if they're already doing as much or more for visitors. Personally, I'm going to huddle with my team and use it as a reference guide and checklist to make sure we've closed as many gaps in our welcoming process as possible.

Great job Nelson! Keep them coming!

Hal Seed
New Song Community Church
Oceanside, CA

Giving Christ First Place is an excellent work book to focus the reader on how to make lifestyle changes for a balanced life - physical, spiritual and emotional. The enclosed CD is a bonus as it shares Scripture and music to reinforce the need for balance. MJR-Georgia

It is appropriate that the first book is "Surrender". In this time and age when one doesn't know the meaning of surrender, learning it is not from the good sense of being doggedly determined not to fail won't help. To "Surrender" one first must have an adversarial event to surrender to. If everything is handed to you all your life, to what are you surrendering?

The book is a daily study, and if you are not accustomed to daily studies, you have to surrender personal time, of which there is too little to go around already. That takes personal discipline, which most of us have yet to learn. You have to choose to do all that the book requires and find self motivation to keep going. Because this generation is not taught to endure, persevere, or even tough it out, many times the first thing that goes into the trash is our commitment to the one thing that would aid us most in succeeding. Surrendering to Christ.

The lessons are not long, they are not hard, but they get the point across if you choose to pay attention to the real purpose behind what you study and read. If you can surrender your whole life to the concept of surrendering to Christ, the burden of the entire exercise is taken care of. If there is any doubt, then each day the exercises will only get that much harder to complete, because personal pride is the first thing to go in surrender. If you can't do that, then surrendering to Christ will be a chore of fear, regret and guilt, which makes the entire exercise futile, for nothing is learned in an atmosphere of fear.

If you can't surrender the basics of who you are, what you do, what you believe to Christ, then this study is not for you. This is not dogged determination to complete a task. This is surrender, of everything you are to the only one who truly knows you and can heal you.

If you can do that - then the rest will come to you as your personal journey into surrendering to Christ and losing weight dictates. To some it will be easy, to others very difficult. Surrendering to Christ first and foremost will set up the tools needed to figure out the combination of things you need to do next to succeed in losing weight.

Knowing if you fail today, this meal, you can surrender it all to Christ right now, and start over.

These Bible study books are great for helping you focus on the REAL reason for being overweight...not putting the Lord first place in your life and making food an idol.

Carole Lewis is, without question an extraordinary teacher of living a true and deeper Christian life. The studies and messages in all of the First Places series will bring you closer and closer to an understanding of the freedom and faith you can have when you put God first in your life. If you want to truly grow in your relationship with God...make First Place studies a part of your life. It's so much more than a weight loss tool...it's a life tool!

My group has opted to do this book through the summer while other groups in our church take the summer off. Every book has been good but this one is great in taking away our excuses and in pointing out our responsibility for our actions and shows us that when we fall, fail, or fear, He will pick us up, wipe the dust off of us, and set us back on that right road if we will give in to Him.

After losing my mom, dad and husband, I turned to the internet to get some info on After Death Communication info. I found out about the unique website Christine had called Prayer Wave and I found a group of folks with similar experiences on ADC's to mine. I actually wrote and phoned Chris directly and she was so sweet and understanding and available to me. I contacted her about many things and was not sure if she would even be open to discussing further as there appears to be a distance between authors and their readers. She also referred me to Sunni Welles' book and that is fantastic too. All in all I have come to really respect and admire Christine's ability to communicate about spirits in ways that is essentially comforting to those of us who grieve so deeply, so deeply that it can stop one's life in midtracks if one does not understand or even receive the gift of an ADC. I have been blessed to receive ADC's daily and it is surely a comfort to me. I love sharing them with Chris in emails. Her book is fantastic and a must read. We are very fortunate to have such a wonderful gifted soul as Christine to bestow these gifts upon us. Thanks Christine..I consider you a soul sister even though we have never met! Love, Lynn

One of the hardest things in life to deal with is the passing of a loved one. I experienced this pain as a teenager when two of my good friends were killed in an alcohol related auto accident. In the 27 years since that time I have read many books on Near Death Experiences (NDE's) and After Death Communications (ADC's). The amazing thing I have learned is that life continues on after our physical death, just like the Bible says. Of this I have no doubt.

Christine Duminiak's book -- God's Gift of Love: After Death Communications -- is the best book I have read on this subject. This book relates the experiences of many ordinary people who have had ADC's with loved ones.

When a person passes on, that is exactly what they do -- they pass over from our physical realm to the Heavenly realm. Their spirit continues to live in a very real way. They can see and hear us, and they still love us very much. Christine's book shows the many ways our loved ones communicate with us to comfort and console us and let us know that they are doing great!

What a great joy to know that not only do our family members and friends live on after their passing, but we will too, when we leave this world!

In addition to helping those who are grieving the loss of a loved one, "After-Death Communications: God's Gift of Love" will also help many to strengthen their faith in ways they never could have imagined.

There are quite a few books available on the topics of ADC's and NDE's. The more you read, the more you will be convinced of the authenticity of this amazing phenomenon. In my humble opinion, Christine's book is the best one to start with.

If you are grieving the loss of a loved one right now, I would also recommend checking out Christine's Prayer Wave Website:

[...]

Be sure to check out the message board.

With all due respect to the author's intended audience, I have to point out that the book seems to be meant for those whose religious beliefs are specifically strong, perhaps even fundamentalist, Christian. I'm posting this review only so others considering buying it can know that, whether it persuades them to buy it or not to buy it.

When I read the reviews as I was considering it, I was very interested, but might not have bought it, had I known how deeply Christian its foundation is, since the person I was buying it for is quite spiritual but of a different faith.

My heart smiled all the way through this book! :) My copy is already worn out and is being read by friends of ALL faiths! :)

While reading this book I had so many ah ha moments that I lost count!

This book is very comforting....and at times it had me smiling, crying.......remembering and looking forward to the good times to come both HERE on earth and HOME with God and those who have already arrived on the other side. :)

Enjoy reading God's Gift of Love I know I did!

(...)


A Must- Have For Anyone who Has Lost Anyone
I received my copy of this unbelieveably beauifully written book just days before God called my precious mom home to Him.....while I am still in disbelief that she is gone... I believe through this book that she, my Dad and other 'lost' loved ones lives every day with me and through me but she cannot be physically seen....... I think the writer of this special book created out of love must be a very real and angelic person who has chosen to accept the privilege afforded to all of us if we open our hearts .....that is to communicate with our loved ones after they are no longer seen on this earth.....this book will give you hope and proof that our lived ones live on and miss nothing .......Thankyou for your divinely inspired writing.....you are truly an ANGEL.

The author believes man is Justified byu Faith alone, but believes a Christian Faith is identified by its fruits. This is good, though I do think at times it may seem he believes otherwise. The book sometimes explains something in a thousand words that some may explain in two hundred. It is interesting read considering the book was written some hundred twenty years ago. He complains about easy conversersion without counting the cost of departing from your oldways (sins). That giving life to Christ is not a simple prayer but athoughtful process where you stand before God. He expresses the difference between having more Christians and having less Christians but more devoted. He also disdusses the visible and invisible Church. Those who are members of a local body of Christ but have not truly repented for sins and seek Jesus as God, Savior, and Lord. I found the exposition very interesting at times. A few times I wish he get to the point.

Excellent treatise on holiness and the Christian life. I would highly recommend it.

Though it is written in the style and framework of its day (the 19th century), Ryle's classic book is no less applicable to Christians entering the new millennium. It is divided into three sections. The first seven chapters set forth the doctrinal principles of holiness and what is involved in its attainment. Then Bishop Ryle turns to a number of examples of holiness as it is manifested in the Scriptures, both positive and negative. The last section of the book presents a number of chapters on the importance of holiness and includes warnings of what might result from a life without holiness as well as what blessings might be enjoyed as a result of pursuing a life of holiness. Though the chapters appear to have been originally composed as a series of unrelated sermons, they do contain the common thread of the importance of a Christianity that involves a transformed life. Nearly every chapter ends with a word of encouragement directed to the pursuer of holiness as well as a word of warning and exhortation to the one who has fallen short of such a pursuit. This format serves as an excellent example of a style of preaching that speaks to the needs of a spiritually diverse congregation.

I found my own personal interest level escalating as I came to the central chapters of the book where Bishop Ryle brings the Scriptures to life as he traces the careers of Moses, Mr. and Mrs. Lot, the penitent thief, and Christ's own works and teachings with regard to faith, hope and love. Indeed, these chapters could well present themselves as a separate volume unto themselves in their threefold call of those foundational qualities of Christianity. In the closing chapters, Bishop Ryle returns to the topic of holiness, though there is no doubt that the lessons in the central section of the book serve to illustrate this theme.

I found myself personally convicted by Ryle's exhortation to attention in the minor details of life. He reminded me that "he that despises little things shall fall little by little" (pg 93).

One principle which is often repeated throughout this work is the principle of the futility and valueless of a Christianity which stops only at profession and does not change the life of the believer. "A religion that costs nothing is worth nothing! A cheap Christianity, without a cross, will prove in the end a useless Christianity, without a crown" (Page 72).

This book is very detailed and covers the subject very well. It is not written in the easy to read style of modern books and demands concentration. Ryle backs up his thoughts with plenty of references to scripture. His thoughts would be in line with the Puritans. The book is both challenging and encouraging.

Holiness, by J. C. Ryle is the best book on Christian living I have read to date. In an age of easy-believism that talks of a gospel free from a commitment to God, this book shows what it takes to have a satisfying and saving relationship with Christ in the way that the Scriptures teach. As the work of sancitification is largely ignored on the bookshelves of Christian libraries, this is a much needed addition. With the debate over Lordship salvation still running its course, this book gives a perspective from over 100 years ago that easily fits our situation today. Ryle expounds the Scriptures in such a way that you can not put this book down without heartily agreeing with Hebrews 12:14 "holiness, without which no one will see the Lord."
Ryle has been called a theological vertebrae, and rightly so. This work will leave you examining your walk with Christ with a desire to live for Him like never before.

This is a very simple and eloquent little book, covering a topic I have not seen covered elsewhere. The book is filled with poetic wisdom and delightful graphics that can be enjoyed by seekers on any spiritual path.

This is a great book not only for Muslims but for anybody who wants to learn the basics of Islam. I have my own copy and bought a copy for a Christian friend who loved it. Check it out...the language is easy to understand and the illustrations are very nice too!

I love this book. I found it in a book store and decided to buy it on Amazon to get a cheaper price. It is a beautiful, simple and extremely enjoyable guide to prayer. It has thoughtful and touching images on every single page, and guides you through the steps of prayer in the Muslim or Sufi way. I feel this prayer practice is appropriate for all faiths, however. Performing this prayer, in the right way, meaing with the intention to reach God, leads to stable calm and sustainable peace throughout your day. The practice is not too strenuous, though it does require effort and mindfullness, which makes it worth all the more. Highly recommended!

simply excellent as amalgamated text/image gestalt.

there ought to be a video/film version...

this is the islam that does not divide.
this is judaism and christianity and paganism.
this is where why when spirituality is all One (the Unity...),
and all sects etc are merely flavors that are freely admitted
into the the cave, the (sweat)lodge, the temple, the masjid, the cathedral, the adobe, the sound chambers...

super book. get it and ... don't FOLLOW it....orbit it....and let it orbit you. then together, orbit the next dozing set of shadows who forgot about Unity..........and they'll orbit you when you forget...

yes, the compassionate roshi whack zikr

I am generally a fan of Coleman Barks work; this book, however, was a disappointment. The jacket cover says of Michael Green "is working to create a new kind of sacred art for our time." This is an accurate description - he is still "working" with some successes and some failures. The net result is that pursuing the volume's art, one is encouraged to explore further.

Coleman Barks' text interweaves Jellaludin Rumi, who is translated well, with Bawa Muhaiyaddeen, a contemporary Sufi teacher. Unfortunately, Bawa Muhaiyaddeen does not fare well in the comparison. Bark's descriptions of personal experience and renderings of Bawa Muhaiyaddeen evoke thoughts of many of the South Asian "mystics" who arrived in the US in the late 60's and early 70's. While there are teachers who impress me in under 16 pages, this teacher leaves me unimpressed in 140.

This book does have value in its explanation of the ritual prayer of the Muslim Sufi. It deals well with the relationship between the physical and mental aspects of prayer. It raises some interesting questions regarding the relationship of revealed scripture (the Koran) and the interpretation of the scripture, especially mystical meaning.

The net result is a book that is interesting reading for the insights into the followers of a particular teacher, one easily representative of a class of teachers. It shows both the spiritual needs and the "leaps of faith" taken to fill those needs. In that, Coleman Barks has performed a service for us.