Religion and Spirituality Books

I first encountered Enneagram literature in the early '90s, and became engrossed, but soon felt bogged down in belly-gazing and type-analyzing, and somewhat depressed by the way the types seemed locked into their weaknesses, according to the sources I was reading at the time. Rohr and Ebert's book, on the other hand, was a breath of fresh air. The "Christian perspective" in this book is a perspective of redemption and transformation. Knowledge of one's type becomes a key toward growth and transformation, rather than a stimulus for belly-gazing. Also, the book's treatment of "wings" and different "centers" (gut, head, heart), as well as its discussion of factors that lead to type-confusion (a person of one type taking on the characteristics of another at a certain point in his/her life), helps account for the unique variations and complexities found in individual personalities. I also found it better than some of the other sources I'd read at pinpointing the essential issues of the types, and after having mis-typed myself for years, I finally made the correct identification.

A suggestion to any newcomer to the Enneagram: Explore different discussions to gain a nuanced understanding of it (as well as to avoid the pitfall of narrowing people into rigid categories). One of the beauties of the Enneagram is its complexity. Although the insights in this book were the most constructive to me, other helpful sources have been: audio recordings of Enneagram workshops led by Rohr; The Enneagram Made Easy by Baron and Wagele (a fun quick-reference, and there's a brief but interesting cross-reference with the Myers Briggs Type Indicator); http://www.9types.com/; and http://www.enneagraminstitute.com/.

This was a wonderfully well written and insightful book...explores the depths of the enneagram in relation to one's Christian life.

This updated version of DISCOVERING THE ENEAGRAM is truly a gem. It does a good job of explaining Enneagram theory and an excellent scholarly job of looking at the history of the Enneagram. In addition, its descriptions of the 9 Enneagram types are well done and insightful. Each of these sections also contains many interesting historical references to important figures and event in Christian history.

I have read a lot of Enneagram books including some that were written from a Christian perspective. Within the Christian subset of books, I feel this one is "hands down" the very best. It is also in general agreement with Riso and Hudson, Helen Palmer and Sandra Maitri on the characteristics of the types. These are three of the biggest names in Enneagram study and each has a useful perspective to offer.

Rohr sees the Enneagram as both a useful psychological and spiritual tool for self growth. Psychologists and spiritual directors will really appreciate his rigor and depth. Another Christian author who uses the Enneagram for spiritual direction is James Empereur. His book THE ENNEAGRAM AND SPIRITUAL DIRECTION is also quite good.

If you are a psychologist you may also want a copy of PERSONALITY TYPES by Riso and Hudson. This book covers the 9 developmental levels of each type in detail and the associated psychological pathologies. For a general audience, THE WISDOM OF THE ENNEAGRAM by the same authors may be better because it has a more broad focus on theory and keeps the detail on each developmental level to a minimum.

Another point worth mentioning is that this updating version of Rohr's DISCOVERING THE ENNEAGRAM (retitled) covers new discoveries about the history of the Enneagram. This includes its use and possible origins in Early Christianity. This section is well-researched and you can find a lot of good references here on the history of the Enneagram.

As a fan of Richard Rohr, i must confess I found this book quite disappointing. Having engaged in coursework on the enneagram I entered this book with some familiarity with the lens it provided.
I was very disappointed in Rohr's generalizations and use of stereotypical terms such as "Jewish mother" which I find inflammatory. I also found his assumptions as with certain types having had abusive childhoods (when this is not necessarily true). It appears that either Rohr or the other author has some personal issues with the two and seven types. As the tone of these chapters is much more negative than the rest of the book. Incidentally, in the chapter entitled "The enneagram and Jesus" there is disproportionately less space devoted to how Jesus was an enneagram 2 than any other type.
As the book appears to be translated from German and is a republication of a 1989 german edition, I give Rohr the benefit of the doubt and give him 3 stars when I really believe it worthy of only 2 stars. There is some worthwhile information presented but the manner it is presented is questionable at best.
Regardless of the author or teacher, the enneagram is a none too gentle wake up call to take a long hard look at our compulsions. Studying it is always painful if one truly invests in its philosophy. However I urge extreme caution in reading this book as I find it to have more potential for traumitization.
For a more gentle yet credible introduction to the enneagram I reccomend anything by Riso and Hudson especially THE WISDOM OF THE ENNEAGRAM. Similarly anything by Helen Palmer is excellent. For brief bare bones essentials on the enneagram, THE ESSENTIAL ENNEAGRAM by Daniels and Price will suffice. For an excellent and gentle read on the Enneagram and its relation to Kabbalah look into the two books by Rabbi Addison.
For an excellent book by Rohr read HOPE AGAINST DARKNESS: THE TRANSFORMING VISION OF SAINT FRANCIS IN AN AGE OF ANXIETY.

This book hit my personality type totally! With jaw-dropping accuracy, it brought my natural inclinations to light as a typical personality type. All of a sudden, I was not alone and there was reason for my tendencies. This book was great because it bridges the gap between your natural inclinations and where you should go as a Christian. Highly recommended!

I read this book over and over as part of my Lenten meditations. Lovely, simple ideas and messages. Bought 2 more copies to give as gifts.

Mother Teresa reminds us of the power that is compacted in prayer. Prayer is perhaps the most powerful of all spiritual treatments and in this book, Mother Teresa reminds us that all our activity is governed by and made better by the power that flows through prayer.

Wonderful book filled with meaningful and easy to incorporate prayers that really do make a difference in your day and life. Just beautiful.

Michael Z, Author The Wisdom of the Rooms A Year of Weekly Reflections

Everything Starts from Prayer has been added to the books I use regularly. This book refreshes my spirit. If you have any value for prayer this book will pump it up (Maybe I should send a copy to Governor Schwarzenegger)! With Mother Teresa's ecumenical reach, no walls excluding anyone from prayer, I have gifted this book many times to people I know benefit. "Everything Starts from Prayer" is inspirational and one of my absolute favorites.

I've long known that a book's length doesn't guarantee
that it will be worth reading . . . such is the case
with EVERYTHING STARTS FROM PRAYER: MOTHER
TERESA'S MEDITATIONS ON SPIRITUAL LIFE FOR PEOPLE
OF ALL FAITHS by Anthony Stern.

It is short, but oh so powerful . . . and as the subtitle implies, it
is applicable for people of any faith.

As I was reading it, I kept having to pause to think about
Mother Teresa was saying . . . it was almost as if she were
talking to me directly!

For example, when I'm in a lazy mood, these words always
inspire me:

Yesterday is gone.
Tomorrow has not yet come.
We have only today.
Let us begin.

Almost every page contained some other tidbit that I'll want to refer
to again--and again . . . to cite just a few others:

* There is much suffering in the world-
very much. And this material suffering
is suffering from hunger, suffering from
homelessness, from all kinds of diseases, but
I still think the greatest suffering is being
lonely, feeling unloved, just having no one.

* Examine your heart first, though,
to see if there is any lack of forgiveness
of others still inside, because how can we ask
God for forgiveness if we cannot forgive
others?

* It is so easy to be proud, harsh, moody
and selfish, but we have been created for
greater things; why stoop down to things
that will spoil the beauty of our hearts?

And, lastly, there's this one which is one of
my all-time favorites:

* We can do no great things-only small things with great love.

Everything starts with prayer means everything we do should begin with a prayer: an interview, house hunting, the day, a quick drive to the store, an exam. Such a deceptively simple title yet so profound. To start every 'thing' we do with a prayer - of help, thanks, or guidance - surely can only be wonderful for us and Him.

This is one of those rare books which you can read over and over again and always discover something new. The themes and material dealt with are better understood after taking Gnosticweb's courses.

The book also sheds light on the misconception most people have of Judas Iskariot, a man who has been falsely condemned to the status of "traitor" by history and those who dictate it.

Overall, a great book to have and read many times, but even better with the free online courses provided by Gnosticweb.

The book reads very much like the Gospel of Thomas in that it's very esoteric. Indeed, at times it's even more cryptic than GOT. Yet, it is well worth reading again and again and again.

This book is inspiring, powerful, and authentic. I highly recommend it to anyone who is looking for answers. It is well-written and captivating. I couldn't put it down. It is appropriate for all levels.

There is so much wisdom in this book... you can discover new things and gain more understanding with each time you read it...

The book explains why Judas wasn't a bad guy after all... very interesting now with the new discovery of the Gospel of Judas, which explains the same!

Highly recommendable!

This book is so amazing!
It is more than a book and it is a book in the same time.
It's truly magical -you read it and you change inside.
It really touches you, touches your heart and it's a challenge to read it, it goes all the way from simple language to the very hard to understand, full of deep esoteric symbolism, language of mysticism. If you read it with closed heart it opens you, if it's opened, it opens it more and more. It's like a door to another world which is so more real than where we live. Like a spring where you can go time to time and drink fresh water. It tells you a story of a greatest Master which was so abused, is abused and will be abused.
I find it a very good addition to teachings of Samael Aun Weor, Rabolu, and Mark Pritchard, Master Belzebuub available at Gnosticweb.
It is also an excellent addition to teachings of George Gourgieff.
I can recomend it to read to all the people who have read many esoteric, religious and spiritual books and still could not be fully satisfied.
This is a great book.

This has been one of the most inspirational devotional I have read. It is definitely a great tool to use when reading the word of God.

D.A. Carson has not reinvented the wheel, but has reminded us of a reading plan from the 1800's that guides us through reading the Bible in one year (plus NT and Psalms a second time). His commentary is rich in gaining insight to the whole Bible. I am in third year of using this reading plan and only wish I had started 40 years ago.

Carson has been doing great in explaining God's word, the parallel reading of 4 chapters a time gives us a bigger picture of the context.

In a day when "devotional" has come to mean lovely thoughts bearing little relationship to the biblical passage, this book challenges, encourages, and draws the reader into the text. Based on Robert Murray McCheyne's one-year reading plan, Carson brings to life one of the four passages read each day. I can't wait to get vol. 2,

Carson has wisdom that I was continually surprised with each new devotion. He has an amazing ability to place a chapter in its biblical context, helping the reader understand why it's important. His writing is very well crafted as he puts profound concepts in simple terms. I highly recommend this book for the spiritual edification of all believers and unbelievers alike.

Contains wonderful ideas for starting or rejunvenating a prayer ministry or group. Our prayer minister led us in a study of this book and it really revitalized our group!

Fresh Encounters was perhaps the best book on that subject that I ever read.Not only does the author write well but has experienced what he is writing about.Corporate prayer meetings should never be the same when putting those things mentioned in the book.Revival will never take place unless our prayer times together as churches take on a different dimension.thank you-Mr.Henderson

Fresh Encounters: Experiencing Transformation through United Worship-Based Prayer is without a doubt the best book that I have ever read and has proved to be a wonderful tool in teaching a church how to pray. Dan henderson REALLY captures the essence of what Jesus intended His church to look like when they prayed. I Highly recommend this book to all who want to experience Jesus Christ through prayer!

Pastor Daniel Henderson is the real deal. And I'm not just saying that because he pastors my church. He truly believes in the power and necessity of prayer. You and your church will be blessed by this book - reading it and putting it into practice.

I thoroughly enjoyed "Fresh Encounters," in fact, I read through it twice. This is a much needed book for pastors who desire to effectively lead prayer gatherings. I was never formally or informally trained in the art of leading a prayer meeting, and the models I observed were often less than exciting. Daniel's book beautifully outlines a fresh approach for corporate prayer through worship-based prayer meetings. The focus is not on problems but on God, therefore, it becomes faith-building and uplifting. As we praise God our problems seems to shrivel. I am using this approach and it has brought a freshness and a clear focus to our prayer gatherings. I highly recommend it!

Fr. Kevin has done it again. Just when you think Fr. Kevin has run out of entertaining stories what does he do? He rounds up the Friars and has them share with you peices and stories of their lives that will make you laugh, make you cry, and make you think. Then make you laugh again and again. WONDERFULL!

As I sat back nursing my flu, I proceeded to read one of the most delightful little books I have ever read! I found myself moved to tears more often than not. The insights and displays of love and miracles left me deeply touched. Other times I was tickled so I laughed aloud.

Spiritual candor personified! I believe it should be mandatory reading for secular and professed franciscans all over. It truly is God's Book...His great works should not go unnoticed, uncirculated, unexperienced, unknown. Toot your horn! The ripple effect will benefit all.

A good book about good people, trying to do good, that will make you feel good! Take a magical walk through the pages of a mystical Sherwood Forest where, walking in the sandals of a modern day franciscan friar, and hearing their stories, you will encounter a modern day Friar Tuck, Francis of Assisi, Brother Juniper, ar Anthony of Padua! Fifteen Friars Minor have written stories from their lives where they experienced the Divine Mystery at play which gave them the great joy they wish to share with you.

It is "joy" and it is "magic"! To all the friar authors, Bravo and Thanks!

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.

I purchased this book after receiving the author's weekly newsletter for a few weeks. I found "The Gentle Way" to be a worthwhile resource since it gave me greater insight into Angels in general, and particularly into how best to communicate with my own "Guardian Angel." If you are interested in Angels as a topic, I think you'll find this book to be a valuable resource.

If you are very metaphysically oriented person, you may also want to visit the author's web site (http://www.thegentlewaybook.com/) and sign up for the newsletters I referenced above.

I found this book to be tremendously helpful. The author's suggestions really work with profound results. It is an enjoyable uplifting read and one to definitely follow through with the author's suggestions. Anyone who does will not be disappointed. It helps one realize there are celestial helpers out there...one just needs to know how to ask for their assist. Tom T. Moore educates us on this through this book.

I just LOVE this book! Reading it brought (and still brings) such reassurance and an ease of being in the world. It's truly life changing, and an easy, gentle read -- and so profound in it's simplicity. "The Gentle Way" brings you into close, loving contact with your Guardian Angel. I began requesting Most Benevolent Outcomes for little things and bigger things, and the results still amaze me! It just works. "The Gentle Way" reminds us that help is always available to us. We just have to ASK.

I was honored to have Tom as a guest on my Pathfinders Way radio show. He was simply wonderful and shared so much insight and information during the hour. You can listen to the archived show and hear him speak about "The Gentle Way" by going to www.achieveradio.com/pathfinders-way/

Thank you Tom!

I first heard about the book from a local alternative newspaper. It looked like something that I would enjoy reading. Not only did I enjoy the book and the concepts I keep the finished book near me to reread certain parts.
The concept's are so easy...and do work! You'll learn
a lot about yourself and others around you.

I attended a workshop in Sedona that Thomas was attending, and he was called up to give a brief explanation of this book and what it was about. I found him to be very kind and sincere, and I purchased the book. I did an experiment where I told myself, "I am going to try requesting most benevolent outcomes for a few months while recording my results. Then, if it really does work, I am going to share it with others." I didn't have any expectations for it to work or not work. I just tried it.
Oh, my word!! I could not believe the results!! Every potentially dischordant event on which I tried this method was absolutely transformed into an overwhelmingly positive event! Everything from events leading to the perfect job change, to meeting just the right people at the right time, to having negotiations that I thought were sure to go sour turn out fabulously, to allowing difficult conversations to work out "benevolently" have occured while using this method. It's so easy, and I'm so grateful for it, and for the assistance I have been receiving from my "counterpart(s)." I am hereby requesting a most benevolent outcome for getting enough money to buy a mess of copies of this book and hand them out to anyone who seems to be having a tough or stressful time. I got to thinking what this could do for homeless people, soldiers, rescue workers, firefighters, EMTS, in addition to helping with everyday events.
Much gratitude for your work, Mr. Moore,and if you are out there wondering if you should get this, quit wondering and buy it. It will change your life. I guarantee it!

This is the most definitive biography I have ever read. He quotes extensively from John and Charles Wesley, Mrs. Whitfield, Jonathan Edwards, Ben Franklin, Whitefield himself, and a multitude of others. At times, Dallimore reports almost on a day-by-day basis. This biography reports on his life, his loves, his work, his theology, his acheivements and failures. These books are a remarkable biography considering the author lived in the middle of nowhere, USA.

The author tried to present a balanced view of Whitefield, although from the text, one can infer how much Dallimore admires Whitefield and agrees Whitefield's theology. Dallimores realizes this and goes out of his way to point out what he perceives as Whitefield's weaknesses. Most of the weaknesses occur early in his ministry.

Dallimore writes well, but at times he seems stilted. I think Dallimore misses some of Whitefield's weaknesses, but the biography is so extensive that the reader can make his or her own judgments on the matter. Another slight weakness is that Dallimore quotes so extensively that it slows down the narrative at times. On the whole though, he does a very good job.

Whitefield was an amazing man. He gave himself wholeheartedly to his ministry. This biography did a great job of placing Whitefield in his historical context.

Dallimore's Whitefield is perhaps the best biography of that great man ever written. One is taken into his life and Age. After reading 'Whitefield' one knows the man before his conversion and after his personal awakening that not only quickened his spirit, but awakened many generations to the reality of a living God. The scholarship is complete and does not slow down the exciting narrative of the life of one of the most active men of the 18th century. The coverage of the friendship and debate between Whitefield and Wesley is both sensitive and accurate conveying both the heat and the goodwill that joined and separated the two friends. The book is a boon for our less than spiritual Age and will do much to transmit the living mystery Whitefield dedicated his life to proclaim.

Well, I finally saved up the money and sprung for this two-volume full-length account of the life of George Whitefield. I had whetted my appetite on the abbreviated volume "George Whitefield: God's Anointed Servant in the Great Revival of the Eighteenth Century" by the same author. I can honestly say this is one of the best investments I've ever made. Reading the life of such a great saint--this Christ-loving, gospel-centered minister--has served to rekindle my passion for the gospel and rejuvenate the love of God in my soul more than once. I most highly recommend it.

This Volume: This is the FIRST volume of Dallimore's two-volume biography of George Whitefield. This is very important if you intend on buying one volume now and purchasing the other later. The information on the Banner of Truth (the publisher's) website is incorrect--the green volume is volume #1 (picture of Whitefield in a field surrounded by a crowd) and the red volume is #2 (picture of an older Whitefield in a church pulpit). I had to wait an extra few months to recieve the first volume before I could begin reading either. Each volume is about 600 pages in length and is chock full of stories, information and insightful commentary. Dallimore does not spare the details of the lives of those closest to Whitfield--including John Cennick, Howell Harris, Jonathan Edwards, and of course John and Charles Wesley. This first volume deals with the period of time from Whitefield's birth, through the advent of the open-air ministry and his first visit to North America and closes with his return to England in the wake of Wesley's controversial ministry.

The Subject Matter: Wow. Simply wow. I mean--who knew? I'd always heard that John Wesley was the sole founder of Methodism. In fact, the only thing I knew about George Whitefield was that he was attributed with a few neat quotes (ie. "Let the name of Whitefield perish, but Christ be glorified!", "I am weary in Thy work, but not weary of it", etc.) and that he once spoke at Jonathan Edwards' Northhampton church (at which time he left Edwards in tears). I fully expect that if it were not for this work of Dallimore, the name of Whitefield truly would be lost to persons such as myself. What I expected was another (Calvinistic) Wesley. What I found was a man whose zeal, love, holiness of life and passion for Christ seemed to equal even those I hold in highest regard (among whom are Martin Luther and Charles Spurgeon). Whitefield was a tireless worker for God and his zeal for the gospel was only matched by his selfless compassion for his fellow man. He was the first of the great open-air preachers and nudged both John and Charles Wesley into evangelistic ministry. Whitefield's life is a beautiful illustration of Christian ministry and evangelistic zeal. I cannot recommend this man highly enough.

The Author: Dallimore was a Baptist pastor and semi-prolific biographer. This two-volume biography of George Whitefield is truly Dallimore's magnum opus. He has delved deeper into the mind and heart of this great evangelist than any of his previous biographers. It is both informative and inspirational. No space feels wasted despite the length of the account and the multitudinous strands of the storyline are brought together in a masterful way.

The Reader: Who should read this book? I would recommend it most highly to pastors and other evangelical Christians whose zeal for God and spiritual wells have begun to run dry. Evangelical Calvinistic Christians will get the greatest benefit from this read. But it may also prove of great interest to those of the Methodist heritage. Also, all who are called to the ministry of evangelism (teaching and preaching) could not but benefit from this work. Whitefield's zeal is contagious and his meekness humbling. The mere historian might enjoy the factual aspects of the book, but it was written from a distinctively evangelical Christian perspective.

"Weary in Thy work, but not weary of it." -G. Whitefield

This two-volume work is truly exceptional. I find myself regularly discouraged at the condition of religion (I use the word advisedly) in America, and find the Whitefield biography a real refreshment to the soul, a reminder of what God has done in the past and a foretaste of good things to come. Extremely encouraging!

Few recent books have so wide and so deep an impact as Arnold Dallimore's magisterial biography of George Whitefield. The first volume, stretching from Whitefield's birth in 1714 to his section visit to American in 1740 was published in 1970 and has since been reprinted six times. The second volume, which stretches from 1740 until Whitefield's death in 1770, was published ten years later in 1980. It has been reprinted three times. Together the volumes comprise some 1200 pages of detailed biography. Rarely have I had a biography recommended to me by so many and by men of such distinction. Rarely have I benefited more from reading about another man's life.

I have noticed a strange phenomenon with this biography. Where most books of this one's scope and impact have been widely and thoroughly reviewed, this one seems to be an exception. As I attempted to write a review I may have found out why this is: it is very difficult to adequately sum up so much content in just a few words. And, as with any biography, it is difficult to measure and summarize the impact of such a book. Instead I am left doing what others have done--writing thoughts on the book that somehow seem disconnected and inadequate. Even Gary Gilley, a reviewer who is rarely lost for words, can write no more than this: "It would be difficult to lavish too much praise on Dallimore's two volume biography of the famous eighteenth century evangelist George Whitefield. This is the definitive work of Whitefield's life and ministry, dispelling many misconceptions while showing the true character and impact of this most remarkable man. Along the way the reader also receives valuable insight into the lives of the Wesleys, Jonathan Edwards and the Moravians. This is one of the greatest biographies ever written."

The Foreword to the first volume is supplied by no one less than Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones. The Doctor suggests that he waited decades to find a thorough and authoritative biography of Whitefield, a man he regarded as a historical hero. This book, he felt, which appeared on the bi-centenary of Whitefield's death, achieves the excellence Lloyd-Jones knew had long been missing. Reflecting on the life of the subject he writes "May the reading of this book produce in us the same spirit of utter submission, ready obedience, and unshakeable reliance upon the power of the Holy Spirit that characterized his life and ministry. Whitefield never drew attention to himself but always pointed people to his God and exalted his Lord and Savior. May he, though now dead for nearly 200 years, do the same for countless thousands through the reading of this book!" The intervening years, almost forty of them, have shown this to be the case.

This book's subtitle, The life and times of the great evangelist of the 18th century revival, is important in understanding the book. Whitefield found himself one of the sparks of the the Great Awakening and the revival of the 18th century. While other men played important roles, Whitefield was the pin at the center of the wheel. His tireless itinerancy took his preaching ministry to almost every corner of the United Kingdom and to almost the whole of the settled portion of the United States. But for illness he would also have extended his ministry to Canada. Perhaps one of this book's greatest contributions is in helping people separate the life and contributions of George Whitefield from those of John Wesley--a man who Whitefield always loved but who so often opposed him. This biographies shows conclusively that it was Whitefield's ministry that sparked the awakening.

I was grateful to see that Dallimore deals fairly with Whitefield's shortcomings in these volumes. This is no hagiography--worship of a saint that is free from difficult examinations of the subject's failings. Though Dallimore has to confess that he finds surprisingly little fault with the man, he deals frankly and forthrightly with those areas in which Whitefield showed immaturity, poor judgment or poor discernment. He questions Whitefield's decision to marry and the unusual circumstances surrounding his first rejected proposal of marriage. He does not shy from discussing Whitefield's role in justifying and even promoting slavery in the colonies. He does not allow the passing of the years or his deep respect for his subject to mislead him or to excuse sin. Experience shows that this quality is surprisingly rare in such biographies.

Eminently readable despite its length and depth, this biography only reinforces my belief that biographies can be among the greatest catalysts to spiritual growth. It is a classic and one that takes its place among my favorite biographies along with such great titles as Marsden's Jonathan Edwards and Dallimore's own Spurgeon. It will prove valuable to pastors or evangelists as they see the example of a man who labored tirelessly for the gospel; it will prove valuable to all Christians as they see the example of a man who labored tirelessly to grow even and ever closer to his Savior. Whitefield is a man who stands as an example to all of us. Dallimore has done us a great service in opening up to us the life of this great man of God.

Together these two volumes represent a financial investment that is not insignificant. Purchased together they are likely to cost at least sixty or seventy dollars. But I can testify, as can a long list of people of far greater wisdom and discernment than I, that they are well worth the investment.

After being discharged from my job of almost twenty years I felt lost. I turned to self-help books, all generally preaching at you. After reading Dr. Sellers "Getting it Right This Time" that was my pivotal moment in my life. Her warm amusing stories taught me the most important things in life. Love, Courage and Forgiveness. Now I'm back at school earning my Medical Degree. I highly recommend Dr. Sellers book, to say that this book was inspirational is simply an understatement.

Tired of "How to" books.? Read this book with true stories of Love and Inspiration. Great Guide to uplift your life, and find your Spirit.!

I was attracted to the title and found the book full of inspiring and amusing stories.

I have read numerous books of this nature over the past 15 years and I must say this is one of the most inspirational books I have ever read. The author kept it simple without all the heaviness of many other books I've read that caused me to stop reading them. I never felt as if I was being preached to. I felt that every chapter had something personal to say just to me and uplifted my spirits while giving me hope for my future. I have already recommended this book to many of my friends. I want to share with them the love, warmth and guidence this book exudes.

"Getting It Right This Time" was one of the most heart warming yet informative books I've ever read. I feel this book will help anyone who wants to better their life in positive directions. It is a great gift to give to someone you really care about.