Church Books

Mark Scandrette's debut book is quite simply the best book Emergent has produced so far. There have been books about Emergent and books that have helped to influence Emergent, but this book is the best one that has come right out of the Emergent movement.

Soul Graffiti is not a theoretical exploration of the Emergent movement. Rather, it is a collection of stories and experiences that were birthed in the Emergent movement. I think this is an important distinction and is something that sets Scandrette's book apart from so many other "emerging church" books.

I cannot recommend this book highly enough.

Mark does not just write about philosophy or ideals, he tells the stories of a Christian life that is actively embodying the urges of Jesus Christ. Soul Graffiti speaks to those who see the world from an artistic, mystical, and sacred perspective. He speaks to the urban injustices that are happening right next door and how God is an active participant in the lives of the low and forgotten. As a student, artist, and socially conscious Christian, this book is an encouragement to my aching that Jesus' teachings were not meant to only be read, but lived. For those looking to serve a gospel Jesus -- a Messiah who is daring, dirty, poetic, and inspired by compassion -- Mark gives you eyes to see the Teacher's footsteps in the abandoned places less traveled.

Mark's book is both practical and entertaining. His stories ground the ideas of God's Kingdom in real terms and show the adventure of a life lived in pursuit of God's heart for people. I've done a quick read-through, but I expect to go through the book again more slowly--with other people, I hope-- taking time to process his suggested topics for discussion and to implement his experiments in Kingdom living.

There is a word that you rarely hear nowadays - gentle. Our times seem to call out people & things that are bold, that are fierce, that can do things that get noticed. You can see this fierce world raging in urban streets, in popular media and (sadly) in many communities of faith.

Mark Scandrette is gentle - in a way that pulls people into his story and in the process a much bigger story. FMark, his wife Lisa and their kids Hailey, Noah or Isaiah live in the Mission District of San Francisco. To say they live there is not enough - they inhale all that this area has to offer, they are colorful portraits in the multi-color mural that is constantly being painted in the Mission. Mark has helped foster seven, a community of people, living in SF, aiming to "collaborate with the Creator in bringing about greater wholeness and love into the world". As a community they have committed to 7 vows: Creativity, Prayer, Community, Service, Obedience, Simplicity and Love.

Of Mark's many gifts, hospitality is a strong strand. His life/work seems like one grand, floating party - shifting from locale to locale, with celebrants weaving in and out. In the hospitality that the Scandrettes embody, drag queens sip red wine with Fuller grads, gallery owners bunk up in the small but warm Scandrette living room with recovering pastors. In the '30s & '40s in NYC, they'd call these floating crap games: dice games which is moved from place to place to evade the authorities. Mark uses art & conversation, rather than dice, but the vibe is the same: if this is not what heaven is like, it will do until we get there.

For me, much of the emerging church phenomenon fits a bus terminal metaphor - a passing point where all types of people wait for their next connection, finding safety & solace from fellow travellers. Some times the bus terminal is noisy & chaotic, other times it is as quiet as a convent. In my experience of this phenomenon, Mark mans the Traveller's Aid table, with his lovable grin & hipster hat or hair do. The table is usually a card table that Mark found discarded some where on Valencia, there are scraps of food from meals in progress, music and art scattered all about.

Images Mark wrote Soul Graffiti from his experiences at that rickety old table. It is brimming with stories of people who float in and out of life. It's rare that someone can capture their essence in a book - even more rare when at the end of 272 pages, you find that you've fallen deeper in love with that person, more in love with the you you've re-discovered, even more in love with God & Jesus and (even) church.

Soul Graffiti is a gentle book, one that I was sad to finish. Mark Scandrette is a gentle presence in my life & thousands of other folks - I can't wait for next walk we have & the next chapters he writes.

Emergent folks often talk about following Jesus or living in the way of Jesus, but rarely is this phrase followed by story after story of a life in process of Christo-transformation. If you want to hear some of these stories and be challenged by them then go get Mark Scandrette's new book `Soul Graffiti.' The book is organized into four parts that follow the initial teaching of Jesus in gospel of Mark and the though Scandrette does occasionally give direct theological reflection, the book itself is story driven and oh so compelling. When you get done you will either be fired up that someone in the First World is actually identifiably Christian, which gives you hope for yourself or be irritated that you read a book that ended up challenging you to the core. Or both. Scandrette is a luring story-teller which enables his family and community in San Fran to untame Jesus and the gospel for the reader. He mentions taking the risk of being offended by Jesus and his teachings and his stories reveal to us just how offended we need to get, but also how rewarding a life on the way of Jesus can be. If you want to be encouraged, challenged, and have a stack of super sweet stories to bring up next time some one asks what following Jesus looks like the get it, read it, and do it.

Written by a lay person who frames the Lutheran theology and how it applies to our existence and our spirituality in an easy to understand manner.

I was raised in a Lutheran church & school but now work at a non-denominational church. This very good book forced me to ask questions not only about my personal beliefs, but about the state of the Lutheran church today. No doubt this book will be hailed as genius by Lutheran's everywhere as Veith does a very good job at pointing out that Lutherans have it theologically right. Even after going to hear Veith speak I found myself amused at the notion that here was another Lutheran being 'right' talking to a bunch of other Lutherans about how right they were. I actualy agree with almost everything he says. My question for him is 'ok, now what?' Cause if all we're going to do is go to a potluck afterwards and sit around patting each other on the back about how 'right' we are, are we really living out the great commission? That being said, his chapter on vocation is phenomenal. All Christians should read this book.

Gene Edward Veith, Jr. is a professor of English at Concordia University (Mequon, Wisconsin) and Culture Editor at World Magazine. He is also a man who has had a rough go at finding an adequate Christian denomination. During his earlier years, he had been involved with American Evangelical church bodies, Liberal Protestant church bodies, and others...but finally became a faithful member of the Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod. Veith writes this book in part to reflect on his own spiritual journey--to record what most attracted him to Lutheranism. He writes in part to explain what makes Lutheranism unique among the various Christian denominations. He writes in part to members of other Christian denominations because he thinks they can learn a lot from the Lutheran take on various spiritual/doctrinal/practical matters.

The end result, "The Spirituality of the Cross," is an excellent book that summarizes the unique theological outlook championed by confessional Lutheran Christians. This book does not deal with basic points of Christian doctrine (e.g. the Trinity, Christology), but rather deals with aspects of theology in which Lutherans neither "side" with Roman Catholics nor Eastern Orthodox nor Baptists/non-Denominationals nor liberal Episcopalians/Presbyterians/Methodists nor five-point Calvinists. These topics include:

Justification (neither free will nor predestination yet still faith alone by grace alone);

The Means of Grace (how God gives his gracious gift of saving faith to a person--through deceptively ordinary means);

The Theology of the Cross (more about how God showers the richest blessings on his people through deceptively ordinary means; why the cross is central to a Lutheran understanding of God; why Lutherans don't buy into the idea that great faith leads to earthly wealth; why bad things happen to people)

Vocation (why Lutheran pastors say, "I forgive you of all your sins in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit;" why a garbage man is just as honored and esteemed as a pastor or a CEO just as honored and esteemed as a housewife; how one should go about his calling/career; the Christian ideal of mutual dependence)

Living in Two Kingdoms (how a Christian is to balance the facts that he is a forgiven child of God with heavenly citizenship while living in a sinful world; why Christians can be proud of their vocation as judge, soldier, or public executioner)

Worship (that a Christian is served by God in worship, not vice versa; why we use the objective, emotionless historic liturgy instead of emotional, ever-changing praise-band forms of worship).

The book ends with a reprint from an article Veith wrote for Touchstone Magazine that introduces Lutheranism (60 million strong worldwide) to Catholic/Orthodox and Protestant readers.

In all, Veith does an excellent job of identifying some of the idiosyncrasies of the Lutheran understanding of the Christian faith, fully explains them (both theory and anecdotes), and explains the many merits of the view. This is my third time reading this book and Veith is more insightful every time he is read. Highly recommended to Lutherans as well as Catholics, Orthodox, Baptists, Presbyterians, etc., etc., etc.

Dr. Veith's ability to explain the basic tenets of Christian doctrine (Justification, Means of Grace, etc.)is pronounced in this small "gem of literature." He begins the book by opening himself up to the reader, telling them about his path through the religious arena. In the remaining chapters, he artfully explains the doctrine of Justification, the Means of Grace, the Theology of the Cross, Vocation, living in two kingdoms, and concludes with a summation of the theology espoused in the previous chapters.
Throughout, Veith explains the uniqueness of confessional Lutheranism amidst the doctrinal confusion of our modern age. The "spirituality of the cross" and its theology is about Christ crucified for the sins of the whole world. It is incarnational and not about what we do but what God has done for us through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Modestly, the book shows how confessional (Biblical) Christians understand the Bible-as with Christ in the center stage-and thus live out their spirituality in a world plagued by sin and death. Secular(and most often "Christian") bookstores are infiltrated with bad theologies. I recommend this inexpensive book for anyone's theological library as a source for personal, intellectual, and theological enjoyment.

Veith has a wonderful clarity in his writing that is extremely helpful. I really liked the brevity of this book because it makes it very easy to recommend to people who aren't such strong readers. Read it and learn something, or re-learn something.

Pastor Rudy's account of his ministry style reminds readers of the hands-on approach that I believe Christ intended. He provokes one to think twice about judging those who don't look, smell or behave the way "church folks" should. "Touch" is the answer to WWJD!

Have you ever thought to yourself "how can I help someone?" Touch is a practical guide assessing a persons ability to understand that "you really have the LOVE factor to affect and infect another persons life." By simply not being afraid to embrace and "touch" a person, this book embodies spiritual, as well as scientific proof (read the testimonies in the book) that the greatest single emotion that humans experience is to touch one another. It was proven long ago that children thrive by a physical "touch" (i.e. hugs and kisses), but Pastor Rudy expresses that this "touching" does something else for a persons soul as an adult. IT GIVES THEM HOPE!

My husband and I were members at Pastor Rudy's church for three years. What you read about in the book is just what you experience at St. John's. We experienced a wonderful healing in our lives as we were accepted into the faith community and loved unconditionally. This book will make you think about how you deal with others, as well as validate your own desires for unconditional love and acceptance. God truly is in the business of transforming lives. Pastor Rudy is certainly part on staff in God's workshop!

Rudy has done an outstanding job of bringing to life the ministry of Christ in the hard places. His approach is authentic and inspiring with visions of hope for the world. It's definitely not only worthwhile reading, but offers transformation for all those willing to do the gospel of Jesus Christ in a hurting world.
Rev. Dr. W. Earl Bledsoe

This warm, wonderful, down-to-earth book has something for everyone. Pastor Rasmus is not just a born storyteller but a true philosopher who will make you think differently about every aspect of your life. Reading his words is like sitting down with an old friend and having a deep, enlightening conversation.

If you are involved in traditional church music, if you like mysteries, and if you enjoy sort of quirky humor, you must read this! (If you ever were an English major and teacher, that will add to its enjoyment.)

At least twice I laughed out loud until I cried, and that is something that I never do, at least, not when reading a book! This is one in a series, and I plan to read them all as soon as I can.

Be sure to read the "advance praise" on the first page too!

I've been reading comedic mysteries for years, and must recommend "The Alto Wore Tweed" without reservation. Mark Schweizer has provided us with a truly laugh-out-loud gift in this, his first book in what I hope will be a very long series. I was literally crying by the time I finished the first chapter, and the hilarity level continues, page after page. I quickly read the second book in the series and am now reading the third -- with no letup in the stitch in my side. Some other reviewers have indicated that the book would be enjoyed by musicians and Episcopalians, but EVERYONE will get a huge kick out of this mystery. I'm placing it first on my list, along with Janet Evanovich's Stephanie Plum series. It's even funnier in parts. A must-read!

This is an enjoyable read, a little silly at times, but still a good book especially for Episcopalians or anyone who sings in a choir

If you've ever done time in a high Anglican church choir, you will recognize everything in this book. Read this book only if you want to whoop and shriek and roll on the floor. If your choir sings in the rear gallery and is invisible to the congregation, though, do yourself a favor and DON'T bring this book upstairs to read during the sermon. Bring a crossword puzzle instead. I'd hate to see you get fired for uncontrollable giggling and cover-up coughing fits!

I happen to be a professional church musician. I can totally emphasize with this hilarious comedy. The author takes on all the insanities affecting the church in this day and age; especially SOPHIA et al. Don't miss the false RAPTURE, the FUNERAL TO END ALL FUNERALS, and especially the women's Sophia mini-convention. Mark knows how to skewer all that is insane in the goings on of the church of Jesus Christ in this day and age and get away with it while making us roll on the floor laughing. A true master COMEDIAN! DO NOT MISS ONE INSTALLMENT IN THIS GREAT OH DO WE TAKE OURSELVES TOO SERIOUS COMEDY SERIES!

I bought this book for my mother in law just before her trip to Italy and she loved it. She said she used it as a resource there and it was very interesting. I gave it 4 stars because it wasn't something I would buy for myself but my mother in law adored it to pieces! Great gift for any Italian or someone planning to visit Italy.

I'm glad this guide book exists. I have found it helpful and informative. I am currently living in Germany, and I find pilgrimages to be a far more meaningful way of exploring Western Europe than more traditional tours. With this in mind, I would like to respectfully suggest some revisions for future editions. First, I would really appreciate more and better maps. A simple blank map of each country with dots representing the pilgrimage locations would have been extremely helpful--- as would better directions and ideas of distances between major sites. More pictures would also be helpful. I plan on eventually visiting most of these sites, but the book on its own is not enough.

A very good book full of information. The only thing i didnt like is that they talk about certain images of The Blessed Virgin , but dont show her. Only the builing... I think more pictures of the statues at the shrine and less of the outside of them would be better. But i gave it five stars for the information. It great for that reason only.

I spent two semesters in Europe and this book was immensely helpful in deciding which pilgrimage sights to go to and then finding them! I love the little maps that are shown for the various shrines. At Franciscan University's campus in Austria, this book in particular is very popular, because it tells about the history of the place and how to find it. If you know a Catholic who is going to Europe and wants to visit shrines, then I highly recommend this book.

My brother and I both lived in Europe (in different places) and we both used this book extensively. The book unabled us to visit shrines that otherwise we would not have known existed. The book was easy to use and included the history of each shrine, directions on how to get there, where to stay and how to contact the shrine. There is also a picture of each shrine, with made it easy to choose which shrines we wanted to see. Our stay in Europe was greatly enriched by the use of this book.

I wish I would have read this a long time ago. To the point and great read on Social teaching.

This compendium is surprisingly readable, and gives a broad view of the Church's glorious social teaching -- something which is not well understood by many. I am confident that in time, my copy will be dilapidated.
I must take issue, however with a reviewer who also gave five starts to the Compendium. He said it was "essential for deacons". But in the book's introduction, it is plainly stated that the book was primarily for Bishops, but also for priests, for men and women religious, for lay people, for Christians in non-Catholic communities, for those of other religions, and for those with no religion at all. In short, the book is for every human on this planet EXCEPT Catholic Deacons.

I'm one quarter the way through: reading slowly with pencil often in hand. This is a MUST READ for all who have grown tired of the way of the world. It offers so much tangible direction and as a result hope. "Hope" in the sense of what we are to be about.

Another reviewer suggested that a family might read it. Indeed! I've all but decided that it shall be the gift I give to those about whom I care come Christmas. Surely, some eyes might roll. But it is too precious of a "gift" not for some attempts to be made to put it on a lamp stand.

This is essentially a book about good citizenship. It can and should be read by any senior adolescent or adult person of good will. It should be on the bookshelf of any family raising children, just like Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary, and parents should discuss it with their young as these are nearing adulthood. Likewise, it should be discussed in the junior and senior classes of any high school, and certainly again in college and university level courses of human sciences (e.g. Sociology).
The book is absolutely non-confessional. In fact you need not even be a Christian to appreciate it, just, as I said before, a person of good will. Of course, the reader will have to tolerate that the words God and Church are mentioned here and there, but there is no religious indoctrination per se. The practical concepts are bound to be convincing to most everyone.

. . . which belongs on the shelf of priests, deacons, pastoral associates, and social justice ministers throughout the Catholic Church.

The "Compendium" does not break any new ground. It does not promulgate any new doctrine. It offers no new teaching. What it DOES do, is gather under a single cover, a concise presentation of ALL the Church teaching on social issues from Rerum Novarum through its publication in 2005. In other words, it is one of the most useful single-volume reference works available for anyone in ministry. No more having to keep shelves of reference material -- everything even remotely related to social justice, human rights, economic and political concerns, environmental issues, etc. can be found -- and easily accessed -- in this document. In addition to 250+ pages of text, there is a lengthy list of Church documents which are used as source material, and an extremely thorough index. I have personally taught from this book, and am proud to recommend it both personally and professionally.

Very, very highly recommended

This is a memoir of how a middle-aged woman becomes an ordained Methodist minister, but it's so much more-- it's about how a girl raised on an island in Lake Erie ends up in divinity school at Duke; how a wary, twice-divorced mother of two with little reason to believe in relationships meets the love of her life; how a dedicated, feminist, driven-by-the-Holy-Spirit new minister copes with being placed into a struggling South Carolina Methodist church; how God can enter a life; how the Holy Spirit relates to pianos. It's an extraordinarily poetic, yet earthy and fluent, account of a life that's extremely full, and I swallowed it whole, while I both laughed and cried. This is a wonderful book for anyone interested in women's lives, the church, spirituality, relationships, or personal growth. It touches on all of them without slighting any. The author's belief in God and faith in her calling infuses this book so that it almost glows with the Holy Spirit she's so sure is leading her.

The premise of the book, namely why would a 42 yr old woman, twice divorced with 2 teenage kids, turn her life upside down and go to divinity school and pastor a church, hooked me right away, and so I eagerly dove into the book.

Mary Cartledgehayes' "Grace" (293 pages) can roughly be divided up in 2 equal parts: her life up to and including going through divinity school at Duke, and then the three years of being a pastor for a United Methodist church somewhere in South Carolina. While somewhat surprisingly self-admiited rational thinker Cartledgehayes writes that her calling became obvious and inevitable after a singular incident (the roof of her car became "transparent" and the Lord engulfed her), it's the second part of the book that is by far the most fascinating part. The particular church she lands at had not had a female pastor before, and was also not doing very well as a congregation. Cartledgehayes gives a great insight of what it's like to try and do a job that is far more than a "9 to 5" job. She makes the comparison of being at her first church pastoring as it being "your first baby". Cartledgehayes ultimately stays there for only three years, and even though the author doesn't attribute it to burn-out, it is very clear that that was a part of it. Frustratingly, we are not told what the author ended up doing after she left pastoring in 1998.

All that aside, I must say that (i) I had no idea that the United Methodist church held such liberal believes, and (ii) I just cannot phantom any pastor dropping the "F" bomb at all, let alone as frequently as Cartledgehayes does in this book. While it's clear that Cartledgehayes has a deep faith in the Lord, that aspect was simply very off-putting for me. Reader beware!

It was early August here in Northeastern Ohio when I was introduced to this book and author by a friend. I have read and re-read and re-read this book and shared it with others as well. I am an instructor at a Christian College here in Stark County, Ohio, and I found this book inspiring and challenging and extremely motivating. As a life so far is retraced, the power of God and the importance of love and joy and music are acknowledge, affirmed, and celebrated. Too often individuals, lacking confidence in their own dreams, enter into someone else's and a precious gift is lost or at least in Mary Jo's case deferred. I am so thankful that Mary Jo accepted God's will for her and entered into ministry and authorship. The power of a God
centered personhood can not be overestimated. I heartily recommend this book!

It was early August here in northeastern Ohio when I was introduced to this book and this author by a friend. The Wooster Daily Record carried a feature article about the author who was returning to Ohio for a high school reunion and about her book,
Grace:A Memoir.
The joy I have experienced as I've read and re-read and re-read this work is wonderous! The life that is shared by this author is both inspiring and entertaining. I believe many people experience the fact of making life choices that center upon pursuing someone else's dream when lacking confidence in pursuing their own. I feel that Mary reminds me and other readers through laughter and tears that God will keep calling each person to be the person he or she was created to be. I am so glad that Mary answered God's call to ministry and to authorship of this memoir. I look forward to sharing this book with many in the days ahead in my teaching at Malone College in Canton, Ohio, at my church in Massillon, Ohio, and by e-mail, letters, conversations, and purchases of many copies to share with friends and family. Be prepared for many surprises as you enjoy this volume.

I was't sure I wanted to read one more spiritual journey book. But the first paragraph hooked me and I laughed and cried my way through "Grace." The stories of her childhood, with the Episcopal priest in a long black dress with a white lace overdress, who came once a month with the "smells and bells" that transformed the schoolroom into a holy space, were delightful. The isolated life on the island, which her parents tried to make as normal as possible, shaped Mary Jo in ways even she cannot articulate.

What I loved the most, though, was following this incredibly articulate, incredibly outrageous woman as she followed the call to ministry she did not want but couldn't avoid. I don't think she was sweet but she was tender, most of the time, when she could draw it up from that deep place inside where the holy is.

Especially the book moved me because I too went to seminary, a little older than she was, with only one divorce and no kids, finding a little more support for women--there were more women than men in my class. We were smarter, outtalked them in class and more or less ignored their sexism. The men were, for the most part, also in their twenties. The top ten students in my graduating class of about thirty were women. But the men in their twenties mostly found churches first (we find our own calls to a church, and can't be ordained until we find one, not appointed as Methodists are). That was a bummer, and some of us got mad. I learned a lot about current Methodist polity from her book, which was interesting too.

I loved how she fell in love with her parishoners, and ached when it hurt her. The picture of what life in the parish is like is so precisely true. Most people think it's just Sunday morning, but remember how upset they got when she and Fred were gone for two weeks? They subliminally thought she belonged to them 24/7. Mary Jo was right to stick with her church, even if it led her right out of the church. But why do churches do this to their pastors? This is a really heavy topic in all denominations right now, as pastor burnout is a huge issue. I'm not pastoring a church now either, due to disability, but as I watch my pastor and all she has to juggle, I don't know if I could go back to it.

But that's all beside the point. This is an honest, passionate,funny, wonderful, sexy book, full of human emotion most people in the pew, or outside the church, never expected to hear from a minister. My only issue with it is the implicit admission on the blurb on the back that indeed Fred died of his cancer. But she has already shown us how she would deal with that loss--with grace, and with music.

This man's account of this part of his life is chilling. Well written. I felt as though I was suffering along with him and rejoiced with him on his release.

Journey Toward Justice, by Dennis Fritz.


Having previously read An Innocent Man by John Grisham and being a longtime supporter of The Innocence Project I started out reading Journey Toward Justice with interest, eager to hear Mr. Fritz's account of the case. I soon found myself reading this compelling piece of work on trains, buses, even elevators...it was nearly impossible to stop! Dennis tells his story with clarity of mind and awareness of purpose: he simply wants the world to share his experience of the nightmare it must be to be 100% innocent, wrongly convicted and sent off to rot in jail. This book is an American Classic that deserves to be read by millions. Oprah, are you listening?

Kevin McKiernan, Norway

This book is interesting and won't let you put it down. Following An Innocent Man, this tells Dennis Fritz's story. It's so sad, and one must think, how many innocent men are now serving time in Oklahoma's prisons?

Dennis Fritz's book is very insightful. He deserves much credit for not letting the prosecutor ruin his life. One character in his book is named Dennis Smith. He worked for the OSBI and contributed to the wrongful conviction of Williamson and Fritz. In the book, Dennis Smith, the corrupt cop, could just as likely be the DA of Custer County, Oklahoma. Is Dennis Smith really dead?
The prosecutor's name is Bill Peterson, which reminds people of Mike Nifong of Duke Lacrosse fame. You too Bill?

It is unfortunately true that many innocent people are convicted, sometimes by prosecutors who bend the law (often by hiding evidence) to gain those convictions.

There is significant documentation of such improper convictions, in a series by the Chicago Tribune, in a study by Columbia Law School, in the book "In Spite of Innocence," and in the marvelous work of Barry Scheck and his colleagues in the Innocence Project, and in "Journey to Justice" by Dennis Fritz.

It is a serious blemish on the American criminal justice system that too many prosecutors abuse their power, and get away with it.

My second novel, A Good Conviction, tells the story of a young man wrongfully convicted in a high profile Central Park murder, brought about by a prosecutor who knew the defendant was actually innocent and hid the exculpatory evidence that would have led to a not guilty verdict.

Several prosecutors and appeals attorneys helped me with the legal aspects of a Brady appeal in New York State, and all of them agreed that what I portrayed was both realistic and all too possible.

Readers have found it to be fast paced, exciting, and heartbreaking.

I'd be curious as to readers' opinion of whether a novel based on truth can be effective in drawing attention to the terrible wrongs done to so many people by prosecutors who abuse their power.

LEW WEINSTEIN

The objective of this book is great, but I felt that the author took too long in getting to subjects that would grab the attention of his target audience.

I bought this book for my son's 15th birthday and asked him to read it as a favor to me. I read it myself before giving it to him and, while the messages within were very positive, the initial ones came across as preachy. I was tempted to put the book down myself early on, but I am glad I kept reading.

I purchased this for my son who is a junior in H.S. After reading it, I gladly handed over to him for his use. Money well spent!

My son read this and seem to be impressed and attentive to the writer views since he is of African ethnicity and can relate to what young black males go through. I really considered the fact that for a person to take the time and write a book concerning the need to relate and instill his value system in teenagers that he sees himself through, his heart has to be passionate for males that are walking in the path he has traveled. I applaud him to want to reach back to the community. I think his book should have been publicized and promoted more for the mainstream crowd more and it was not. Perhaps that should have even been a few given free to allow the people that may want some inspiration (postive) to be able to read it.

I picked up this book in a gas station somewhere between North Carolina and Virginia. (It must have been on the border of Virginia/North Carolina because the line was very long for the lotto!)
I have a 19-year old away at school. He was brought up in the church and quite honestly he likes going to church. We've never add problems getting him to participate in church activities. So I feel he has the religious roots to stand on. However, being away from home, I know he is being challenged in his church attendance. More importantly I want him to "know the Lord" not just attend church. Flipping through the book at the store aroused enough of my interest to purchase it. I read it first before giving it to my son and was even more impressed. That's when I ordered 10 more to give to my husband, pastor, nephews, cousins, and brother-in-law being deployed to Kuwait.
I gave the book to my son the week before his Spring Break and told him I expected him to read it once, twice or as many times as necessary over Spring Break to get the message. And I would be quizzing him to be sure he read it. He truly surprised me and called to tell me he was almost done with it the week I gave it to him. My note inside the book said to him to pass it on to a friend if it benefited him. He said he had highlighted so much of the book, he wanted to keep his and could I send him 2 more to give to his room mates. (Yesterday he wanted 2 more for others who saw him reading it.)
I have not heard from my nephews that I gave it to. They may need a little more encouragement to read it, but that's why I gave it to them. They truly need "encouragement for a difficult journey".
Every Black young man that I know I want to share this with them and their parents. Some co-workers asked for some too. I teach Sunday School, ages 8-11 and I will use the section entitled, "Things I wished someone had told me at age 12" with my class.
I sent one book to a previous Sunday School student who is now incarcerated. The book was returned with a note that books could only be given to inmates if they were shipped directly from the printer or a bookstore. It would truly be a blessing to get this book into the prison.

I do a chapel service in a Juvenile Detention Center in the Bronx, and this book is the first book that I have found that I feel would be VERY helpful to the boys.

The reason is - it is broken down in a very simple fashion that is super easy to read, designed for one that may have a short attention span and doesn't typically read a lot, and is very practical and directive as to why and how to get onto a good path.

I am so grateful to this author for creating such a wonderful loving tool so full of wisdom. It has no hint of being condescending, which I also love.

This small catechism, though not a deal clencher on its own, certainly played a vital role in my move from the contemporary American evangelical movement to the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod. If you're looking for solid teaching on the Ten Commandments, the Lord's Prayer, The Apostles Creed, the Lord's Supper, baptism, and Confession and Absolution, then the writing in this book will aid you along very nicely. For those who desire a deeper look at the Lutheran Confessions I would recommend purchasing a copy of the Book of Concord, which has a copy of the Small and Large Catechisms. That said, I highly recommend this version of the small catechism as it's nice to have as a resource when questions come up.

As a former Thelemic briother and now baptized Lutheran, I have to say that Christianity is a lot more gothic and the all around best religion in the world today. This book is for the baptized or church going Lutheran. What's really great in real terms is that this book is used by Lutheran ministers for adult confirmation, which I am currently attending. Anything you give your church is considered a donation. They ask for none of your income whatsoever. Behold the glory of the crucifix.

Beautiful new cover and color. Inside the new page color(cream or tan) makes the print just jump off the page. Very easy to read.
Everyone should read this book, and find out what Lutherans believe and why.

This is an excellent version of Luther's Small Catechism with Explanation, with very good supplemental materials added. This book would be a great resource for Protestants of all denominations, and is required reading for all Lutherans. Essential aspects of Christian doctrine are concisely reviewed with the scriptural basis provided for these beliefs. This book is highly recommended to everyone seeking insights into the foundations of Christian doctrine.

I have been a Christian for quite a few years. And I went through two years of confirmation classes as a teen. But over the last few years as I spent more time in God's Word, I found I had a lot of questions. I asked my pastor, but never got satisfactory answers. I recently joined a Lutheran (LCMS) church and read this book and the Book of Concord. I found both to be very helpful, but in particular, I enjoyed how the Small Catechism answered so many of the questions I had previously been unable to answer. All of the points are backed up with quotations from scripture (NIV translation) which I also liked. All in all, I highly recommend this book. I think it is appropriate for all Christians, not just Lutherans.