Stanley Books

All the essentials of biochemistry are reviewed here. A wonderful book for exercising one's mind of biochemistry. If anything in this book seems foreign, you probably need to consult your original textbook. Every serious biology/health student should have one.

I discovered this book in my local public library when I was recovering from a crippling sciatica attack. After reading it twice I realized I must have a copy for my own library. E. Stanley Jones understood human suffering and how peoples of various cultures and religions have tried to explain and deal with the most difficult problems of human existence. With great sympathy and respect for all people and religions, Dr. Jones clearly explains from Scripture and experience how Christ demonstrated God's purposes in pain, suffering and death.

This book could be classified as "theology," or "biblical studies," of "Christian moral teaching." It's a mixture of these three as Jones exposits the Sermon on the Mount from the Gospel of Matthew 5-7. The chapters resulted from a two year "gathering" of Christians who came together in the Himalayan Mountains to discuss how they were presenting the Gospel in a predominantly Hindu and Muslim culture. Though nearly 90 years old, the exposition still rings true and highly applicable to the 21st century. Excellent resource on the Sermon and the way of life to which it calls us.

The best explanation of the beatitudes and the sermon on the mount ever written. Jones takes the lofty concepts of spiritual perfection and makes them simple enough to understand and accomplish.

In this collection of essays, which was originally printed in 1988, Hauerwas addresses themes that have become standard fare for him over the years. Just as Barth described the threat of Hitler to Christianity in "Theological Existence Today," Hauerwas here outlines the threats he sees presenting themselves to the church and the appropriate response. Hence he presents a critique of Liberal Democracy in general and America in particular. In response, he sets forth an account of the virtues and character to be found in the church. He also emphasizes the embodied nature of the church's narrative and, of course, peace. Some of the essays are very direct while others are more obscure in their presentation. Since some of the pieces are Hauerwas at his best, they have been reprinted in other books. Also, the themes are repeated in some his later works. Other than the repetition, this is a great collection of essays.

Written by Stanley Hauerwas (the current professor of theological ethics at the Duke University Divinity School) and Charles Pinches (Professor of Theology at the University of Scranton, PA).

As the title implies, it is a theological reflection upon ancient ethics (primarily Aristotle, the originator of ethics), and as well as modern ethics (modern writers including Alasdair MacIntyre, Martha Nussbaum, William Bennett, William Frankena, Pincoff, Bernard Williams, John Casey, and quite a few others, and perhaps not so modern writers, as Thomas Aquinas and others are also included in the discussion). This is primarily a book, as the writers declare, on "virtue ethics" (p. ix)

In general, every chapter starts off with some background (dialogue) with perhaps even a non-Christian or secular writer, and ends with thoughts and formulations leading to a conclusion about what it means to be a Christian, and the virtue(s) necessary.

This book is divided into three sections: Part 1: Theological Reflections on Aristotelian Themes, with 3 chapters (chapter 1 on Being Temporarally Happy: the definition of happiness, through rationality and ethics, chapter 2 on the virtues of happiness: that happiness requires virtues, morals, doing and being, chapter 3 on friendship, community, agape and philo love, and the necessity of friendship for virtue).

Part 2: Responses to Contemporary Revivals of Virtue (chapter 4 on the Renewal of Virtue and the Peace of Christ: other secular writers who have discussed the significance of virtue, obligation, which virtues, chapter 5 on the Fragility of Friendship: discussing human fragility, politics, friendship, and chapter 6 on Pagan Virtue and Christian Prudence: on various virtues, including anger, pride, courage, justice, and friendship, and then Christian prudence and forgiveness).

Part 3: Christian Virtues Exemplified (chapter 7 on developing hopeful virtues, from a Christian perspective, such as endurance, character, and hope; chapter 8 on obedience; chapter 9 on courage, and chapter 10 on patience).

I found this to be a particularly interesting book, as the authors are trying to describe abstract principles "virtues", as opposed to concrete examples or applications of how these would manifest. Well-grounded in Christian theology (specifically Evangelical Christian theology), they work with a number of Christians writers and theologians throughout the ages who have put quotes particularly well (John Chrysostom, Aquinas, St. Francis of Assisi, Hildegard of Bingen, and others are quoted). It is from a solid theological background and (surprisingly) good exegesis that these virtues are expounded. (For instance, it is from justification by faith in Romans 5:1-2 that the virtues of endurance, courage, and hope come, which is exactly what the following text in Romans 5:3-4 says.) This text does a really good job of integrating Christian doctrines too. As well, some practicals are discussed (e.g., forgiveness, suffering, development of virtues in a community, specifically for Christians, in the community of faith, the Church).

I also found this to be a very logically and rationally written book (not surprisingly), and the flow of thought and arguments followed extremely fluidly. Highly recommended for all Christians!

My daughter and I looked long and hard for the perfect photo album for her 18 month old sister. This one was even better than we thought it would be. Perfect for the person who understands the real reason to celebrate Christmas! A really neat keepsake too.

CITIES OF THE MIDDLE EAST AND NORTH AFRICA: A HISTORICAL ENCYCLOPEDIA is a top pick for the high school to college-level collection where courses in Middle Eastern or North Africa are given. A full overview of each city's historical path offers a depth of coverage not seen in more general titles, examining everything from local politics to local culture and blending in debates and controversies on every issue affecting each city. Over fifteen academic contributors from around the world lend insights to an outstanding reference.

This has been a favorite of mine for several decades (now, that's scary thought!). A wonderful romanticized account of a bee colony's life and survival, based on the actual way bees live. Written in 1947, the writing style, while a bit archaic, is nonetheless a great excercise in using the English language descriptively and expansively, perhaps as in days gone by. It tells the story, somewhat poetically, of how bees work to provide for their colony and, if need be, lay down their lives to protect it. A thoroughly enjoyable book with a little entomology thrown in. I've read it many times, and love it every time.

This is a great book filled with tons of information about classical music throughout history! It's very readable and understandable, and is very interesting. There are a lot of good illustrations too. I really love this book.