Religion and Spirituality Books

I had the privilege of hearing Dr. Michael Downey lecture on this particular book before I ever touched it. I was blown away by his lucid and methodical description of that simple verse from St. John, "God is Love." I bought the book with high hopes.

I'll tell you, my hopes were fulfilled! "Altogether Gift" truly is a masterpiece. My Christian faith has been transformed. I always felt that 1 John 4:8 as well as 1 Corinthians 13 and John 15:9-17 were entirely overrated. I believed in them, but thought they didn't do God full justice. What a folly! How impious I was, for these verses are the key to understanding God's creative and salvific activity in the universe--particularly with mankind!

Downey's work permeates with the precious and transforming love that God bestows on those who acknowledge Him. The words God spoke in Isaiah 43:4 become crystal clear through Downey's treasure of theological and spiritual reflection ("For you are precious in my eyes and glorious, and because I love you"). During the course of my reading, I was frequently moved to tears as I realized how much more I (we) can love God if I (we) only allow His love to reach me (us); how much more I (we) should love my (our) brothers and sisters in this world. Wow!

Buy this book. Read this book. Live this book.

This book caused me to pause in wonder on every page. Michael Downey, in language at times poetic, sets forth a spirituality of the Holy Trinity that is intensely relational and vividly personal. His gift is taking theological abstraction and making it more accessible to the educated lay reader. This is not an easy read, but the language is so rich, it is a meditation unto itself and totally worth the time to savor each sentence. While Downey writes from an obviously Catholic perspective, several Protestant friends read it and subsequently bought their own copies.

The 15 Trinitarian meditations at the end are excellent but take some time to explore.

In "Altogether Gift" author Michael Downey eloquently reminds the Christian reader that relationship is the key element in understanding God's nature and purpose. God is the Mystery we experience through our everyday relationships. As I read Downey's book I find myself savoring the text, committing some phrases to memory, writing other passages in a journal. They are words of wisdom for one's journey, probing the depths of the eternal Mystery. "There never was a time or place when or where God was not Love loving."

Downey has made a great contribution to both laity and religious by addressing a central truth about authentic Christian living. "In our dealings with one another there is to be always and everywhere a willingness to embody a spirit of equality and mutuality, true independence grounded in the equal dignity of each one."

Downey clarifies what it means to be made in God's image and likeness. "Perichoresis describes the active mutual, equal relations between the Father, Son, and Spirit, without subordination. This also articulates what human persons are called to be and become."

"Altogether Gift - A Trinitarian Spirituality" is altogether inspirational and altogether challenging.

Michael Downey's new book, "Altogether Gift: A Trinitarian Spirituality," offers extraordinary and penetrating glimpses into the profound Mystery of God. Gracefully written, thoroughly rooted in classical Christian theology and spirituality, and shaped by the author's own obvious passion, Downey's compelling treatment of the Trinity affects the reader. At the level of intellect, his insightful interpretation of Trinitarian doctrine lends clarity and fresh perspective to complicated, dusty concepts. At the level of heart, his sensitive insight into the mystery of God's life generates moments of release from the aching desire to experience God's loving presence personally and certainly. This important religious classic is an essential read for Christian academics and for persons of faith who crave theological insight and spiritual enrichment.

Dr. Michael Downey's book, "Altogether Gift," is not a book that can be read in one sitting; nor should it be. In fact, it is one of those rare publications that occasionally comes along that needs to be savored in small portions. There is too much compacted into one sentence for the average person to ponder. Downey often does this in his books. To plumb the depth of what he is saying takes reflecive time and solitude. One often has to struggle to make the connections between what he is saying about the Christian faith and exactly how that applies to one's personal experience. I use as an example one sentence (p.86): "Our gift and task is to cultivate, to nurture and sustain the great variety of the manifestations of the magnitude of God's love in all forms of expressivity and creativity." This one sentence is packed with a multitude of questions, questions that can be asked of ourselves as we delve into the depth of our being in our search for the One Love.

This book can be used on many levels, but I can see its real importance and value as a spiritual tool for anyone, especially those exploring the Catholic Christian journey.

I would like to see this book used not only for individual reflection but also in growth groups with women and men who are serious in being challenged in their spiritual life.

"You don't know what you have here," A British lover of America tells a shaggy, typically left-leaning group of circa-1974 Bay-area students at the start of this book. "You simply don't know what you have."

Indeed we don't, as Needleman illustrates by the end of this fine book, and it has nothing to do with "patriotism" as often perceived. At this spiritually fraught moment in our nation, this book is a tonic for doubters, and a useful corrective for the smug. While not a difficult read - a high school sophomore would profit from it - this work compels your attention and deserves to be savored one chapter at a time.

Needleman offers us a sober-minded meditation on the spiritual underpinnings of America; the soaring, and deftly revealed, beliefs of the founders (Jefferson, Madison, Washington, Franklin); a fine chapter on Lincoln; bracing chapters on America's two great original sins: the genocide of the Native Americans, with the legend of Hiawatha as a framing device; and the crimes of slavery and racism, with Frederick Douglass brought to compelling life. Tying it all together at the fitting end is Walt Whitman as a bard of a "community of conscience."

With a close, careful reading, a deeper, resonant pattern emerges.

If one is thirsty for inspiration after reading the toxic, persuasive non-fiction books on the current administration and its works (the latest, the outstanding Tragic Legacy by Gary Greenwald), Needleman's book refreshes as an inspiring - and unstinting - reminder of all there is to love in this country.

The nation's greatness, Needleman posits, lies not in its material success, but in the universalist spiritual underpinnings of the "pursuit of happiness," which Needleman persuasively argues is the freedom to discover, in our own ways, the still, small voice in each of us, or, as Lincoln would say, the better angels of our nature. IF European secularism offers us freedom FROM religion, the American secular tradition offers us freedom OF religion, or the recognition that we are each free to explore, or not explore, the divine mysteries in our own, communal and individual ways.

He does not shirk from crimes against Native Americans and African Americans, but goes beyond to a deeper look at their own spiritual traditions and roots, which have blended into the warp and woof of American life. (He does not explore Mormonism, but has a fascinating chapter on the pre-Revolutionary experimental community of Ephrata, Pa.)

This book actually revived my long-shattered belief in American exceptionalism. That exceptionalism is not the brutish sort that much of the world perceives, but a special, carefully thought vision that comes comes from spiritual and philosophical roots in the Enlightenment. It is not simple-minded, or arrogant, or materialistic, or the heedless and even reckless notion of "freedom" that has cost us so dearly.

Needleman concludes with an inviting, modest bibliography for further reading. I read this not as a bibliography but as an invitation, a call to action through service in a humble, open spirit to our communities and our world. We do not need to be mere consumers; we have more power than we know as citizens. We indeed do not know what we have here - we have plenty. As Needleman insists, we ignore that at our peril. This is one of the best books I have read on what it means to be, and why it is special, to be lucky enough to be American.

Yes, the book can get too dramatic and personal at times and can occasionally rankle. In the context of the overall message, though, these are cavils.

I can't help but think of the neglected final lines of the second verse of America, the Beautiful, one that people never sing: "Confirm thy soul in self control; thy liberty in law."

For several years now, when the topic of my favorite book comes up, I say without hesitation, "The American Soul" by Jacob Needleman. Its insights are nothing short of brilliant; his language so sublime I can't help but reread passages for the sheer poetry with which a philosopher in his prime can convey a profound insight.

If only our presidents, senators, and congressmen had this book at their bedsides. We might actually become the America we once imagined ourselves to be.

This wise, much-needed book by one of America's distinguished philosophers should be required reading for every American. It goes deeply not only into the great ideals that lie at the heart of the original American vision, but also into its crimes throughout its history. "The crimes of America are as much a part of its meaning as its ideals," Needleman writes, "and to embrace one without the other will lead us nowhere." Needleman shows how it is only through awakening to the real meaning of such ideals as liberty, individuality, self-determination, and conscience that we can "become genuine men and women of the soul."

Jacob Needleman's book The American Soul is a masterful explanation of a deeper America, an America that has been lost in the shuck and jive of corporate greed, a media managed for misinformation and consensus and the professional wrestling that too often passes for religion in this country. Needleman writes with an elegant depth of Soul that is his subject and so he writes as a true and an especially wise American indeed. His discussion of the heart moving and inspired Iroquois solution to pettiness, greed and violence is itself worth many times the price of the book. If by some stroke of magical good fortune we could get Dr. Phil and others to stay home for a week so we could have greater access to a voice like Needleman's, America might make move toward remembering who she really is and in doing so become once again a beacon for those who seek the freedom to pursue a life of true depth, meaning and happiness, a life that lies beyond the surface freedom to stock up regularly on consumer goods. By all means, buy this book for yourself and for anyone you truly care about. The American Soul allows us to "remember" something essential and profound within ourselves, something that is the very Heart of America-something that we need to pledge allegiance to once again. This book offers profound perspective on what fitness for conscious citizenship is all about.

This book captures what our founders had in their minds and hearts when they envisioned what America could be. While we have strayed substantially from the original ideals, and lost sight of the original "American Dream," reading Needleman's words reminds us of what possibilities we are sitting on. We still have the potential to become as great, as free and as inspiring - to ourselves and all the world. All we need to do is get ourselves back on track. This book offers reminds us of our roots and instills visions of new possibilities. This is the kind of American I want to be!

If you love spiritual journeys, and thought provoking books, you will love this one. I can't wait for the next three! I had a hard time putting the book down to go to bed? I am looking forward to Caryn's future books.

It was refreshing to read a page-turner that deals with spiritual growth and healing. The story is an inspiration!

Can there be a link between a modern day corporate
vice president and a member of the ancient Elemental
Council? Lucky for us Caryn Colgan's initial effort in her four
volume series can answer that question. While leading us
on a ride that transitions from the lower Paleolithic epoch
to the high stress business world of today's St. Louis.

With an ever-growing cast of characters, nicely fleshed out,
each with their own bit of synchronicity, Colgan places us
squarely in the center of the action in the boardroom
and in fields and forests of the ancients.

As her main character strives to understand her complicated
dreams, she's forced to take a hard look at how she's been
handling her life this time around. When a new set of friends
intervene and enlighten her, the idea of coming to grips with
one's karmic destiny takes her to a new level.

With a tidy summation in the final chapters of the Element of Air,
if we've been paying attention, we now know that an ancient
society seemed to have it all figured out when opposing forces
dropped in and upset the cosmic balance. Our heroine meanwhile
has come to realize that by setting her ego aside and extending
compassion even to her enemies, she has taken the first steps
towards reuniting the Council and regaining that connection
between humankind that was lost so long ago.

Caryn has written this book so well that it captures the reader by the first page. Ancient Pact encourages its readers to open their hearts and minds to new possibilities and new answers to everyday life situations. If you are willing to read this book you may find yourself wanting to explore your true soul self. AND, while reading this book I suggest that the reader ask her/himself, in which direction do I feel most comfortable? Go ahead, be brave and enjoy the read, its magnificent!

In this fictional account author Caryn Colgan has shared experiences from her own life. It is so well done that it is difficult to separate biography and fiction as they intersect. Caryn has masterfully blended her story into the personality and life circumstances of the fictional heroine Karan Coleman.

In the story Karan has troubling dreams that take her back to ancient tribes and early cave dwellings. As Karan tries to analyze her dreams she notes, "...dreams help the mind wrestle with difficult issues, solve problems, and even jolt the dreamer to examine issues ignored in consciousness."

Informational and often profound, the reader is given much for later contemplation and deeper consideration. After a series of seeming coincidences Karan is told on two separate occasions, "Coincidences are where life and destiny intersect." In her search for purpose Karan is reminded, "Every life has a purpose, though few actually embrace its full potential."

Giving the reader another thought to ponder, Caryn writes, "All of this defies the logic you crave. But then, spiritual matters are not really rational nor are they subject to empirical evaluation, at least not with our present technology."

Conversational dialog is the medium Caryn chooses to use in introducing life principles and metaphysical thought into the story line. She writes intuitively with a mission as though driven to awaken the reader's responses to a complex theme of an ancient pact in the contemporary life issues Karan if facing in a competitive career field. From the introduction right through to the epilogue I was gripped by the narrative. Caryn Colgan is a superb communicator and a natural story teller.

Although metaphysical and New Age in emphasis this is a compelling story that can be appreciated and enjoyed by all readers seeking spiritual answers for life's probing questions.

This book is so empowering!... I highly recommend it to every woman regardless of age, faith, or sexual orientation. I read this book slowly, one chapter a day, in order to fully absorb and appreciate each and every word. Each chapter takes you on a new journey and touches your soul unlike any book I've ever read. From the moment I started reading, the book itself, came alive right in my hands. It is full of energy, wisdom, grief, and love. I am now more in touch with my inner goddess than ever before! As one of the other reviewers suggested.... don't loan it out[!] ;)

Unbelievable! An avid reader, this is the ONLY book I own that I, selfishly, refuse to lend out from my personal collection. (I have however, bought a copy for at least 5 different friends!) Through a series of spiritual and sexual accounts nationwide, Jalaja encourages, no, make that -demands- us, as women, to re-evaluate, not only the role of sexuality in our lives, but the ineffable link between body and spirit; between passion and God. Expect to be changed by this book. It will challenge you, provoke you, and in the end, comfort you. No matter what your history, your sexual orientation, your desires from Self or Life, you will put this book down with a sigh, revelling in the wonder of who you are as a woman.

In the introduction of this book Jalaja Bonheim tells the incredible story of her journey through India and her discovery of the history of Indian dance.

I continued to read the book and suddenly I could not put it down. She tells the sexual stories of many women: pregnancy, rape, incest, bisexuality, marriage, relationships, polyamory, passionate monogamy etc. Jalaja writes about different women's experiences and doesn't try to push her opinions onto the reader. While reading the stories you can explore your own sexuality, and what it means to you personally. Jalaja's insights were incredible, and changed my life (at a time when I really needed a deeper understanding of sexual abuse and intimacy). This has become one of my favorite books on women's sexuality, and it probably always will be.

This book is completely amazing. Bonheim interviews "ordinary" women about the connections they perceive between sex and the divine in their lives, and explores the themes of their stories using myths and philosophy from around the world.
It's easy to read, moving, and inspiring. I couldn't put it down. Without a doubt the best book I've read in the past year, and I've read a lot! I can't recommend it highly enough.

A must-read for any sexual woman on the spiritual path!

I read this book slowly over several months as my decades-long marriage finally came to an end. It was as if I'd been handed a lifeline from a sisterhood of fellow travelers through the same shadowed valleys and sunlit summits as myself. Jalaja's genius is in the deep listening and compassion with which she honored these women in the telling of their sexual and spiritual journeys. I have had the good fortune to attend a workshop with Jalaja and understand how these women were able to bring their stories forth in such rich dimensionality.

I gave this book to all my sisters, sisters-in-law, and nieces. Then I gave it to about a dozen of my friends and started a women's spirituality circle to explore the lessons and questions from the reading of it. Most of the circle members also read it slowly, often in tears, digesting the layers of meaning. That's how important this book is to those struggling to understand the impact on their souls of their sexual relationships.

Many of the stories are told by women in their later years, and it is reassuring to those younger that the early traumas often are transformed eventually into a rich inner experience of one's own divine femininity. I have shared this book widely, but my best dividend was the postcard from Italy saying that my niece and her boyfriend were reading it to each other. Share this book and nurture a future where the sacred dimension of our lovemaking is recognized and celebrated.

This is a wonderful book, pure and simple! I had the distinct pleasure of studying its text in a small group format that, for me, enhanced the message of striving to master the art of mindfulness! As Gary Zukav writes in his endorsement on the cover of this lovely book, acquiring the "art" of mindfullness requires a great deal of practice. Dr Dennis' book provides oodles of wonderful mindful practices that help to discipline and shape our unconscious thinking into conscious thought that is ready, willing and able to bring into manifestation all of our heart's desires. From this terrific little book, I learned that my life's purpose is always manifesting, because Life is always manifesting purpose. Purpose is dynamic, not static. It comes from mindful practices intentionally set in motion, moment by moment, day by day. (Easy to write, hard to do, but oh so worth it----just like this book!) Thank you, Dr Dennis Merritt Jones

This book is a wonderful mixture of wisdom stories, common sense, and very practical spiritual teachings/exercises. I work with college age students and I have found a number of things in this book that I can adapt to use with a diverse population - spiritually as well as culturally. The author was ever gracious enough to allow me to adapt one of his stories to use when talking about academic dishonesty. The fact that Dr. Jones responded to me in a very short period of time and is allowing me to adapt one of his stories speaks volumes as to the true goal he had in writing this book. Helping people achieve their highest potential and to be truly happy in life. I believe that anyone, from any religion (or non-religion) or culture can get something very beneficial from this book. I understand from Dr. Jones that there is a a six-week study guide for the book and it is available for free download at his website. [...]. This would be an excellent way to incorporate this book into your book club, or a great way to start a club in your church or work place.

An excellent and practical book. An easy to read guide on living in the present. A must for anyone who wishes to improve their life and live a more spiritually. The easiest reading book I ever read on this subject.

I have never before been motivated to post a review on Amazon. However, as the facilitator of a series of 6 week book studies on the topic of spirituality, with The Art of Being having been our latest study, I felt motivated to write due to the overwhelming and unified positive response of participants. Previous to this study, we engaged in a 6 week discussion of Eckhart Tolle's book, A New Earth. Since The Art of Being is a collection of essays centered around the topic of being present and living on purpose, it seemed like a natural next title, for Jones's book takes the principles identified so well by Tolle, and applies them, through essays followed by mindfulness practices, to real life. With the language given to us from A New Earth, we joyfully were able to use the essays in The Art of Being to springboard into marvelously rich discussions concerning relevant applications to every day life. The Art of Being allowed A New Earth to come alive for this group. It took principles of being and turned them into practice, and turned our group from being a class, to being a "sangha" (As Jones describes), or a spiritual community. It is a book whose value grew with each visit. In the words of one of the participants, comparing our last two studies, "Reading A New Earth was like enjoying a fine meal. Reading The Art of Being was like finishing with a delectable dessert."

...namely every single vignette.

In a world filled with distractions (or at least potential distractions), author Dennis Jones has assembled 101 peaceful reflections that he uses to help us focus on just being. This delightful book just oozes with a sense of peace and encouragement to be reflective about all that we have been blessed with.

I especially liked the way each vignette was punctuated with a couple of practices for integrating the message of the vignette into our lives.

For me, this is a book to be savored...to absorb one vignette at a time and really reflect on Jones' wisdom. Doing so, as I have been doing over recent weeks, creates a book with the potential to really make a difference in one's life.

I love this book. Triple kudos Dennis Jones.

Scriptures are used to teach these principles of successful living, i.e., success as definited by doing God's will. He talks about being born with certain gifts, talents, abilities, and desires. For each individual's uniqueness, there are human needs waiting to be met. Your assignment is to discover where you fit in matching your uniqueness with meeting needs. It's an exciting approach to living!

Like similar books in this genre, he says relationships are more important than work. Espicially is this true of one's relationship to God. He talks about geography being important in one's assignment. This book is full of insights from the Bible. Consider his comments on time, "God uses time to achieve His own goals on earth. He uses time to develop the seeds of greatness that He plants in the soil of people."

You will be a more effective steward of your time, talent, and life after having read this book. With that in mind I give it my highest recommendation.

This is a wonderful tool for both men and women who desire to really come to an understanding of their assignment. Now I know the difference between a gift, talent and my assignment. Wow. Every christian needs this book as a daily assignment and as a workbook for mentoring groups. Don't pass this one by. Get two copies, one for you and one for a friend.

Everything God creates has a specific purpose. Mike Murdock reveals true depth in what we "think" we already know. Murdock's strong biblical teaching, gives revelation to discovering that God was "very" specific in His creation of us as individuals. We all have a destiny to fulfill that is ours alone....you are the only one that can accomplish your Assignment.

Mike Murdock is a man of few words. The good part of this is he makes each word count. This book is written to be a daily devotional/workbook for one month. Each day has a single idea which builds upon the earlier days. Each day has Biblical scriptures to back it up as being an old idea from the very Source. I have gone through this book several times, and benefitted each time in having more clarity, more focus, and more excitement about my life's purpose.

Mike Murdock is a man of few words. The good part of this is he makes each word count. This book is written to be a daily devotional/workbook for one month. Each day has a single idea which builds upon the earlier days. Each day has Biblical scriptures to back it up as being an old idea from the very Source. I have gone through this book several times, and benefitted each time in having more clarity, more focus, and more excitement about my life's purpose.

This book was an awesome read. It was insightful, funny, revealing and powerful. I bore easily and hardly ever finish a book from cover to cover, but I finished this one.

A well written, easy to read, empowering text affirming the Christian's authority in prayer, stressing the believer's ability to utilize the power, which is indwelling through the Holy Spirit of God, in overcoming any adversity in life.

This book shares a concept in prayer that is badly needed in the body of Christ today. The average Christian does not realize the authority and power that is our's through Jesus' name. This information put into practice will turn prayer wimps into prayer warriors.

Learned a lot about praying with authority and the importance of daily praying for ourselves, our families and our country.

This is the best book on prayer I have ever read.

Many of us struggle with guilt and shame because we don't realize the life-changing implications of the gospel message. Although we understand that we're saved by faith, we still may find ourselves repeatedly trying to earn God's favor by our works. But since sinful man can't win the favor of a holy God by his own works, this dooms us to failure. Elyse's book shows how to break free from this burden, which we were never meant to carry, and step into the light and easy yoke that Christ promised to those who trust in Him (Matthew 11:28-30). I highly recommend it!

This is a well written book that expresses the Gospel of Jesus Christ in a down-to-earth and relevant way. It fosters a greater appreciation and love for the indescribable gift that we have received through the life, death, and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. The author also goes on to illustrate how our relationship with Jesus Christ affects our day-to-day life. She helps us to understand our identity in Christ. She seeks to bring us to a better understanding of what Christ has already done for us and how we can apply these truths as we live each day. This book is full of the Word of God and it is wonderful!

So often, we hear the Christian message and believe only to lose sight of our first love in the hectic day-to-day world in which we live. This book is a great call back to that love. I am grateful for people like Elyse who pour their lives into serving the church and helping the church to realize its great calling and for each member to live out his or her unique purpose under the guidance and grace of our Lord.

Not only is the book chocked full of superb biblical exegesis, Elyse brings it down to earth with great clarity in her stories and applications drawing often on personal experience. It is divided into two main sections (How God's love transforms our identity and How God's love transforms our life) each of which deals frankly, honestly and truthfully with who we are now versus who we were and calls us to remember and celebrate God's goodness in our lives. Elyse does a masterful job of weaving the great truths and realities of Scripture into the tapestry of our lives in such a way that the reader is both encouraged and spurred on by God's grace.

Although this book is marketed towards women, every person of every age would benefit from a thorough reading and reminiscing of Christ's great love for His bride, the church- of which, if you are a believer, a member and recipient of His great love. I can...Because He Loves Me. And so can you. Thank you, Elyse, for yet another wonderfully practical application of the gospel message to us!

This is the phrase that Elyse Fitzpatrick uses to describe herself as an adopted daughter of the most Holy God and it is a phrase that has helped bring a new love and thankfulness for the Gospel of Jesus Christ and how this truth impacts and changes my daily life. I cannot tell you how many times, as I was reading this book, I would speak out loud, "why didn't anyone teach me this?"

I'm 37 years old. I grew up in the church and was "saved" as a child. I attended a Christian college. I have a Masters of Divinity (something I find hard to imagine bestowing on anyone) from a seminary. I worked as a chaplain in an oncology hospital for a little over 8 years and I'm just now starting to get the Gospel. My intent is not to run down the local church or its educational institutions, but the truth is, the doctrines of grace were never shared with me. Many years after seminary, I learned of the rich heritage of the doctrines of grace in my own denomination that sadly have been replaced with works and self-help.

I am married to a wonderful man that I met in seminary. I have a 21 month old daughter and I stay home and do my best to try to take care of them. When I quit work to become a mother, my life in Christ truly began. I went through a year long depression following the birth of my daughter and experienced the "darkness that could be felt." After a horrifying weekend on anti-depressants, I emailed the head of the women's discipleship at our church and she began coming to my home once a week and still does. I had never been discipled before. (This has been more of "church" than anything else I have experienced.) I have theology degrees and ministry experience, but had never been discipled the way Titus 2 commands. This book is priceless. Every woman I know will have a copy. Elyse, thank you for taking the time to write this bedrock book.

In her latest book, Because He Loves Me, Elyse Fitzpatrick asks an interesting question: In your pursuit of godliness, have you left Jesus behind? You may be wondering, how is that possible? Do you remember the biblical account of Mary and Joseph's return to Nazareth following their celebration of Passover in Jerusalem? After a day's journey, they realized that Jesus was not with them. They hurried back to the city and found him in the temple, speaking with the teachers. Fitzpatrick uses this story to illustrate what many Christians do in their relationships with Jesus. "By definition, we Christians joyously celebrate our Passover Lamb, our salvation with Jesus, but then, like his parents, we eagerly head on back to Nazareth, back to living out our beliefs without a conscious awareness or acknowledgment of his presence. Of course, we assume that he is somewhere nearby. We haven't felt his absence because we're so preoccupied with living life for him" She goes on to clarify, "What I am saying is that once we've been saved, once we've understood and accepted the message of the gospel, the person and work of the Redeemer becomes secondary to what we're focused on -- living the Christian life." Because He Loves Me is written for the Christian who thinks the gospel is just for "getting saved," who knows he is supposed to be different, but isn't seeing the transformation he expected, or who wonders about the difference Jesus is supposed to make in his daily life. Fitzpatrick teaches Christians how the gospel is central to everything.

The book is divided into two parts: How God's Love Transforms Our Identity and How God's Love Transforms Our Life. In the first section, Fitzpatrick does something very interesting. She shares the gospel with scripture only, no explanation or commentary, using 111 portions of scripture from both testaments. Then, she asks for a heart check. "What did you think as you read the preceding verses?" The temptation is to skip these pages and think, Yeah, yeah, yeah, I already know the gospel. That kind of response proves Fitzpatrick's point: Many Christians experience a disconnect between the gospel and their daily lives. "I've written this book because grasping the reality of God's love will provide every answer to every question we have about him and ourselves. It will tell us who we are, why we're here, and how we're supposed to do what we're supposed to be doing. Delighting in God's love will transform everything about us, including who we are, or our identity." Over six chapters, Fitzpatrick pinpoints the symptoms, diagnoses real spiritual problems, shares God's remedy, and explains deep truth regarding who we are in Christ. She answers the question, What does it truly mean to be a child of God? The answer lies in the gospel. What Christians need to understand is that we never outgrow the gospel. It may be considered elementary or shallow waters by many, but there are depths to the gospel and the power of God's love.

In the second section, Fitzpatrick teaches how to be who we are, as described in the first section. She gives very practical applications for the gospel in our daily lives. She uses scripture to explain how God works in us to carry out his commands, how he cleanses us and sanctifies us, how his love demonstrated in the gospel motivates us to walk in obedience rather than mere moralism, and how we can rest in Christ's finished work and cease beating ourselves up when we sin. Fitzpatrick's training as a bibilical counselor informs much of what she writes in this section. She offers insight into several unbiblical ways of thinking common to Christians, getting to the root and replace it with truth. I think one very important chapter, one that I didn't expect, is "Gospel-centered Relationships." In this chapter, Fitzpatrick explains why God commands that we live in community. The church is imperative for our sanctification. The Christian life is not meant to be lived alone. "Maturity in Christ occurs when, by the Spirit and in God's grace, our brothers and sisters take biblical truth and apply it lovingly, patiently, boldly to our hearts. In the same way that I've encouraged you to remember the Lord in your pursuit of godliness, I'm now encouraging you to see that the primary way he'll minister truth to you is through deep and transparent relationship with others...Jesus uses sinful human beings to prepare his bride."

Because the word "gospel" is used so often, Fitzpatrick is careful to define the gospel early in the book. The gospel "is the incarnation, sinless life, substitutionary death, burial, bodily resurrection, ascension, and eternal reign of the Son of God, Jesus Christ." Not once does she indicate that the gospel is something "we do." It is a work that is done for us for the glory of God. Our only work is to believe, to look to the crucified and risen Christ, and even that is something God works in us first.

Because He Loves Me will prove to be life-transforming for those who read and apply its message. Yes, we go to the gospel to understand salvation, but we also go back to it again and again to inform how we are to live every day for the glory of God.

This book is wonderful! So uplifting and inspiring!! So needed in today's world, it's so easy to loose track of what we should be doing. Prayer should always come first and Guidance in prayer is always a need. Cynthia Heald is awesome! Check out all her other Becoming books.

An excellent purchase. This is a book of moving, heart deepening daily devotions. An excellent study in God's Word on prayer with personal application.

Cynthia's Heald's books "Becoming a woman of..." books are excellent for any woman, whether you are just starting to read the Bible or have read it 10 times. Cynthia's writing style was truly impressive to me. Each chapter starts with a reflective Bible verse and an exerpt from a Christian author or speaker. Then it gives you three or four different verses to look up in the Bible, sections to write your notes, and then a section with the Author's reflection on the concept of the chapter. The chapters increase in complexity, each more challenging as you go on through the book.

Yet another of Mrs. Heald's inspired Bible studies, this one has revolutionized my prayer life. It especially helped me to begin to recognize the enormous role that the Holy Spirit wants to play in my prayers, and how through prayer itself He can increasingly conform me to Christ. I am preparing to lead a small group Bible study using the book, and I expect God to do more life changing--that is my prayer. I would encourage any woman who wants to grow in Christ to study this book.

I am a huge fan of Cynthia Heald, and was excited to find this devotional. I spend time each day engaging in devotion and Bible study, but often find that I have trouble coming up with the words for prayer. I sometimes feel like the prayers are rehearsed and repeats of the day before, so I was eager to jump into this study: I was not disappointed! Ms. Heald shares some really great thoughts on prayer from various authors, as well as her own thoughts and ideas, that bring a new meaning to the intimate act of prayer. I feel that my prayer life has been enriched by this devotional. The only reason that I only gave it 4 stars is because I just finished "Becoming A Woman of Grace," which I rated 5 stars, and although I loved this book and reccommend it to anyone who enjoys daily devotionals, the latter is hard to beat.

The works of A.W. Tozer force the reader to think. His essays are original, unorthodox, sometimes profound, provocative, and frequently brilliant. These are well written, logical commentaries. Christians of all denominations will benefit from Tozer's insights. Highly recommended.

Im a "Born again Christian for 14 years now. Of all christian books that i have read, The Pursuit of God is the only book that make me cry. By reading this book, you will convince that God really exist. A.W. Tozer is really a modern day prophet of the living God.

AW Tozer is a man of God who was self-taught (many times on his knees before the open Bible) and not seminary trained, because he could not afford to go to seminary. But his learning was through the Spirit of God and his diligence. And this book, "Best of AW Tozer (vol.1)" IS indeed great summary of Tozer's spirituality (Thanks to Warren Wiersbe who compiled and selected these chapters from Tozer's numerous books). In this book, Tozer teaches us in sum:
1. What is essential Chrisitan life? He talks of believers' NEED for genuine love for Christ and His Return. For example Tozer accurately points out, "Another reason for the absence of real yearning for Christ' return is that Christians are so comfortable in this world that they have little desire to leave it... in these times of religion has become jolly good fun right here in this present world, and what's the hurry about heaven anyway?" (p.57). Such words challenge our heart of hearts. And there are more words like this in this book.
2. What is proper knowledge of God? He does not mean merely doctrinal or theological side of it (though he emphasizes it elsewhere in the book), but also experiential walk with God and seeking Him. He said, "[holy men and women] want to taste, to touch with their hearts, to see with their inner eyes the wonder that is God... The evil habit of seeking 'God-and' effectively prevents us from finding God in full revelation. In the '-and' lies our great woe. If we omit the '-and,' we shall soon find God" (pp. 17,18). He is right. And there are more helpful, challenging, and edifying articles in the book.

Those who read this book will not be disappointed, because Tozer redirects believer's focus onto God and God alone.

This volume is actually the second "Best of"... look closely at the picture (top). I just received it.

The Un-apologetics ~ is a characterization based on the fact the Tozer states quite strongly that he will not apologize, water down, or oversimplify God's Word... It provided great direction for me. I love the essay on worship.

This takes some of Tozer's most memorable work and condenses it for easy reading in short sessions. As always, Wiersbe make learning and studying a joy!!