Way Books

Despite the naysayers, Bennett has been proven right by the recent behaviour of the Anglosphere in two major events. First in the Iraq war most of the Anglosphere banded together to get rid of a vicious genocidal tyrant, while more recent events showed how the Anglosphere could band together to help a region in dire need of aide. Much like Clash of Civilisations, Bennett has written a book that will be refered in positive terms for many years to come.

For more than two decades, Jim Bennett has been one of the country's most acute thinkers on the frontiers of technology and cultural/political trends. The Anglosphere Challenge shows the strengths of civil society responses to growing state incapacities and failures. Emerging "networked commonwealths", he foresees, will advance universal values of freedom while accelerating innovation across new realms of human endeavor. This book is a storehouse of wisdom and hope for not only for those in the Anglosphere, but for people of all heritages and backgrounds seeking to live in an open world.

James Bennett popularized the term "Anglosphere", which refers to those communities which speak English and share in the cultural practices and institutions inherited from England, e.g. common law, parliamentary democracy, highly developed civil society, private rather than communal notions of property, entrepreneurial rather than state-led economic development, relative openness to innovation and to immigration. These characteristics have been developing in the English-speaking world for at least a millennium, and represent a distinct sub-civilization within the larger West. Bennett draws on the work of Alan MacFarlane and David Hackett Fischer to demonstrate the uniqueness of the civilization which developed in England and which it in turn passed on to its daughter polities, most importantly the United States. This Anglosphere civilization has been the path-breaker for modernity, initiating modern democratic institutions and the industrial and subsequent economic revolutions. Note that Bennett does not offer this analysis in any spirit of triumphalism. This is not the old "Whig theory" of history, since Bennett correctly sees that these developments were the result of fortunate historical contingency. Bluntly, those of us who live in the Anglosphere are not better than anybody else, just lucky to be here. Bennett predicts that the Anglosphere will continue to be the cutting edge civilization in terms of economic and political developments into the future. In particular, the existence of the Web and cheap air and sea transport has already created a unitary Anglophone economic and cultural space, which will develop further as the highest value-added products become increasingly information-intensive, placing a premium on linguistic and cultural commonalities. Bennett offers predictions concerning the institutional form that this new economic reality will call forth, which he labels a "network commonwealth". Bennett believes that this future political form, and a dense and robust underlying civil society, present the best hope for coping with the hazards presented by emerging technology, and obtaining the maximum benefits of that technology. Moreover, Bennett offers numerous, concrete policy proposals to further the development of this emerging Anglosphere network commonwealth, in the areas of trade, immigration, defense procurement and military cooperation. Bennett's book is the result of years of reflection on these historical and contemporary issues. This short paragraph does not even scratch the surface of a book that has many novel insights and profound ideas, and which opens up numerous lines for further inquiry. Five stars is really not a sufficient rating. This is one of the three or four most important books I have read in recent years to understand the world we are living in, why it is the way it is, where we are going, and how we can create a future worth living in.

Any serious discussion of the central role of English traditions in Canada is fraught with twin perils: mindless claims of racism/imperialism and founding-nation chauvinism. The Anglosphere Challenge is something very different. It's an exciting exploration of a new way to look a modern global culture and its Canadian flavour, keeping both perils at bay. Leading off with a chapter on the dynamic and converging nature of modern technology (cf. Vernor Vinge's The Singularity), the author makes the case that cultural dynamism and flexibility will be at a premium in the 21st century. His claim for the future pre-eminence of the common law countries (irrespective of their citizens' personal origins) is based on the Anglosphere's history of adapting successfully (and first) to technological and political change.

Bennett shows how respect for the individual, and the effective separation of religious, political and economic powers have a very deep roots in the English-speaking world. Before the creation of Canada and the United States. Before the English Civil War. Before the Protestant Reformation. Perhaps even before the Norman Conquest of England in 1066. In the roots of the English common law, we can find the fundamental principle of equal treatment before the law: male or female, lord or commoner. A virtuous circle ensued, freeing individuals from the constraints and predation of the powerful ... in ways impossible in continental Europe let alone other parts of the globe.The history (as opposed to the myths) of this era are eye-opening. And the great strength of the Anglosphere Challenge is the firm grounding in modern scholarship. The book's annotated bibliography is a gem.

Using the metaphor of concentric rings, Bennett sees the Anglosphere as an inner ring (the industrialized common law countries), an outer ring of countries strongly influenced by English language and law, and finally, a periphery of countries exposed to the language and law indirectly, through the international institutions (in trade and politics). A second major contribution is Bennett's outline of the "cultural nations" of the Anglosphere. These "cultural nations," often identified in the turmoil of 17th and 18th century England, cross modern national borders. They provide a more effective tool for understanding the politics and behaviour of modern Anglosphere countries. Finally, Bennett offers the term "network commonwealth" to describe the economic, social, and intellectual connections between Anglosphere nations that will largely overtake (but not replace) the current sovereign nations. Anglosphere nations like Canada, especially in the Internet era, will find themselves quickly and easily co-operating to handle the innovations and challenges of the 21st century.

Canadians will find their past, present and future discussed in the chapters of this book. Our lives have been profoundly affected by the two titans of the English-speaking world, the UK and US. Bennett provides a cultural context for this influence that readers from this country will find fascinating. A book that will make you think. A companion website offers sneak peek at the book plus updates on concepts and sources: anglospherechallenge.com.

James C. Bennett explores some reasons for why English speaking names with an English heritage have done so well over the last couple centuries, and why they will continue to do well. The author points out that history is a pretty good indicator of the future. If we can understand why certain cultures have been successful, we may be able to understand which cultures will do well in the future.

This book is full of interesting ideas and observations. One of them is there are two types of problems, bounded and unbounded. Bounded problems have clear answers. A simple bounded problem is what is "2 + 2" with a clear answer of four. There are more complex bounded problems, like how much fuel with a 747 use carrying 187 people from Chicago to Atlanta. The problem is well defined, and the issues are all pretty much all known. Unbounded problems do not have clear definitions, let alone clear answers, at least in the beginning. Which video format is going to dominate, VHS or Beta? Who is going to win the next presidential election? What recent technological developments will become important in the future? This reminded me of "The Wisdom of Crowds" by James Surowiecki. James Surowiecki says that under certain situations a large group of people can make better decisions than a few experts. James Bennett points out that often the private sector does a much better job of dealing with unbounded problems, and that the culture of the Anglosphere tends to promote private sector solutions.

Another interesting idea builds on the economic principle that specialization with trade allows greater economic development. If an individual had to depend on everything he produced he would have to be a subsistence farmer and/or hunter. But as families, communities, cities, and nations develop, along with the ability to trade with others, people can increase their productiveness by focusing on specific areas of interest or expertise. Adam Smith used showed the value of this when talking about a group of manufactures who each focused on a single step in the production of sewing needles. James Bennett says that by increasing the level of trade and trust to include other nations, there can be greater economic growth. Those nations in the Anglosphere have an easier time trading with each other, which allows even more specialization. It is hard to trade with those who you don't trust, or those who have different cultural expectations. So the Anglosphere has a great advantage in having a large network to work with.

The book explores the idea of separating physical space, from transportation space, and from communication space. We measure the physical space in miles. But transportation space is largely influenced by how easy it is to move from one place to another. Historically moving by ships over rivers and the ocean was much cheaper than traveling by land. Communication space really started to become its own space with the development of the telegraph, and exploded with the development of the internet. Now it is almost as easy to communicate with someone anywhere in the world, as it is to talk with your neighbor.

James Bennett says that in general those with an English Heritage, or who are largely influenced by Anglo ideas, are more flexible and will be able to react quicker than European Nations, Japan, China, India, and so on. They have a greater ability to trust each other, and take initiative on a personal level. His sees the development of organizations which support each other that transcend national boundaries. There are a number of libertarian ideas here.

If you are into books which explore the big picture and deal with new and fascinating ideas, this is a good book to read. I don't think everything James Bennett talks about here will happen, but he does provide some interesting insights into what may happen over the next fifty years. This is not a quick read. This book is meant to be read slowly and thoughtfully, and pondered over time. This book is well worth reading

I read this book several years ago, after meeting Janir at summer camp. Knowing little of his background, I was overcome by the emotion in the story.
A fantastic (if heart-wrenching) read.

This book is very well written, it gives a very honest depiction of the problems associated with being a single parent. I know John Thorndike's son personally as his summer camp counselor. Janir, now in his twenties, is enthusiastic, considerate, creative and full of energy. A tribute to John meeting the challenges presented to him in his life.

When I cracked open my copy of Another Way Home, I didn't have any idea what I was in for. Once I was reading, I couldn't put it down. I read for hours, crying and wishing I could reach out and hold Janir and John. The prose is smooth and emotional, darkly textured with passion. I feel like I know every character, like I know John. The imagery and characters are vivid, the style is clear and beautiful. And how badly I wanted to be in Athens, Ohio. I could feel the timelessness of the place: The brick house, the lawn, the boy and his father playing ball. The fields, that's what drew me in: John was creating life-- he was planting seeds and farming and tending his garden as well as tending his son, raising Janir. I can't imagine anyone *not* loving this book. The quote on the back of the book says not only fathers and sons, but mothers and grandmothers will love this book. But look at me. I'm a young woman, a daughter, and nothing could have affected me so proufoundly as hearing his stories: About affairs, trials with Clarisa, his schizophrenic ex-wife, about raising his boy. It pulled heart strings within me. I was raised, I know how it is to have parents cheat on each other, how it is to have crazy relatives, how it is to be lonely. I know you will love it. It contains some very valuable information, and if you pass this one up, you'll be missing out. I promise you that much.

I recommend this book highly! John Thorndike deserves critical praise and your money! Another Way Home is moving, truthful and YOU should read it! You hear me! Tell your friends!

I met Janir a few months ago. He is an amazing man and I hope to someday meet his father, John. They have had a challenging life together and have prevailed with support from each other. I was emotionally involved in this book, but even if you do not know either of these men you will find this book hard to put down. I cried through the entire book and after reading the last sentence broke down myself. I was overwhelmed with lonliness and felt honored to be a part of Janir's life. This story is powerful, emotional, and REAL.

A true story that will take you back through the years. It will teach a lesson for all of us to know. Very touching.

Wonderfully crafted story depicting life in a small midwestern town. Reminded me of my own father's workshop. He and Dick Probert would have been great friends. Causes one to ponder what really is important and how values are formed. As an instructor in a technical college, I would like to have this book on the reading list for every student and faculty member.

I was fortunate to read a bound galley of ARCHIE'S WAY. It reminds me more of TUESDAYS WITH MORRIE than JOE AND ME, but no matter what you compare it to, this is a book to share with friends. Funny, sad, sweet, and imbued with the scent of sawdust and cutting oil throughout, it's the kind of book that anyone who has ever done any kind of woodworking or metalworking should read. Through work (which may be art without your knowing it), the best kind of lasting friendships are built.

This short memoir is a true love story. The author loves both shopwork and his friend Archie. It is hard to tell which this book is more about. You need not be a shop - either metalworking or woodworking - enthusiast to enjoy the book. Archie was a truly interesting guy and the author portrays him well. The memoir is appropriately brief. Mr. Probert does not waste time nor is there any hint of self-aggrandizement (always refreshing in a memoir). An enjoyable quick read.

Some of us are lucky enough to find a true mentor in our lives, someone who opens our eyes to a special world, and in so doing, gives us a glimpse of ourselves. Such a person is Archie Raasch, the subject of Richard Probert's book Archie's Way. A man of few words and many talents, Archie is an unforgettable character whose down-to-earth wisdom is vanishing from our hurried world.

Archie's Way sparkles with the joy of discovery implicit in new relationships. Probert's mastery of visual, sound and textural detail gives the book sensory complexity without being overbearing. A few of the mechanical descriptions, though were a little too technical for one unfamiliar with the landscape of the workshop. But this was only a minor flaw and did not distract from my overall enjoyment of the book.

There is a line of tension throughout the book that is skillfully drawn so as to tantalize the reader to discover the true nature of Archie and to tap the wellspring of his enigmatic quirkiness. The later chapters move from the technica of the machine shop to the mysteries of the wood shop and the labyrinthian paths of Archie's woods. There amidst the fragrance and beauty of the natural world, the layers of Archie's character are respectfully revealed, the book takes on a warmth, much like the patina of well-worked wood.

Probert is an engaging storyteller with a wonderful sense of character. Archie's Way is a rewarding glimpse into a sadly disappearing way of life.

This book is a marvelous collection of inspirational writing and enchanting images that combine to create a treasure. It's one of those volumes I keep close at hand and pick up to enjoy a page or two, especially when creativity wanes...

I ordered Art as a Way of Life from Heron Dance (along with several other items as gifts) around the holidays. This book is spectacular and an inspiration for all who are creative or searching for their creativity! It is a pleasure to read and see. The layout is as superb as the quality of content. One item I ordered as a gift was slightly damaged. I called and they sent a replacement out same day with postage paid envelope for my return.....AND I got a real person (pleasant and helpful to boot) on the phone. I plan to order more from them. I highly recommend them for their product and what they stand for. Laura ~ Arlington VA

Some of us are working/living in high stress situations. When I return to the sanctuary of my home, reading here and there in "Art as A Way of Life" and loosing myself in the wonderful watercolor pictures by Rod MacIver is a wonderful way to unwind.

Jan Penney
California

"When this old world starts getting you down," open this book of beauty. Rod's exquisite watercolors take you to a place of quiet and contemplation, while Ann's well-chosen quotes and her own words of truth will lift you into your own possibilities. And...the format and presentation make this book stand out above others of its kind. I will give this as a gift to all my friends. But I will always keep one for myself.

Great words, wonderful art -- a marvelous combination. The art needs the words more than the words need the art. A great compilation, whether you're a lover of words and ideas for your wild soul, or you appreciate nature watercolors -- or both.

This book gave me the next steps to what I needed to make winning commitments. I knew all the analytical information to promote myself and business but I was lacking a way to engage the heart and spirits of my prospect. This book has helped me move in that direction.

We enjoy well organized books that get to the point: this is one of them. In a nutshell, the work, based on interviews with leaders, offers practical wisdom and highlights 10 essential competencies of effective leaders: 1) seeing what is, in a new way; 2) vision; 3) storytelling (conveying a compelling message); 4) fostering hope (creating a sense of the possible through optimism); 5) rendering significance (connecting vision with each person's life goals); 6) mobilizing (encouraging right actions, setting high expectations, letting go, encouraging the best in others); 7) self awareness; 8) emotional engagement (empathic connection); 9) enacting beliefs; and 10) centering (developing centering consciousness and improvising). These highlights don't do justice to the book. In its content-rich pages, it delivers an abundance of insights about the meaning of leadership, as well as revealing an inspiring spirit.

To be an effective leader, one must inspire a broad and deep genuine commitment to a team's mission, vision, desired results, and members. A number of books have been written on ways to get people to sign on, to agree, to perform. Applying the principles they promote will generate performance, adherence, and a certain degree of loyalty. Full commitment is a different issue.

Richards presents an approach that is balanced between intellectual commitment, emotional commitment, and spiritual commitment. Emphasizing the art of leadership, he shows how leaders can craft deeper relationships that generate genuine commitment to produce meaningful achievement and fulfilling satisfaction.

In the area of intellectual commitment, four chapters present the elements of insight, vision, storytelling, and mobilizing. Under emotional commitment, the chapters address self-awareness, emotional engagement, and fostering hope. Rendering significance, enacting beliefs, and centering build the understanding of spiritual commitment. The wrap-up chapter is titled Towering Conclusions and Further Strategies. A brief list of resources (interviewees and websites) and an index complement the text. Each chapter concludes with a handful of questions to stimulate contemplation.

The entire text stimulates contemplation. Using a wide range of people and their experiences and philosophies, Richards engages the reader in an introspective and educational journey. In chapter after chapter, I found myself inspired and enlightened, motivated to apply what I was learning in my work.

You will find this book to be a sort of combination of a walk in the woods, a comfortable soak in a hot tub, and time in a classroom with an energetic professor scribbling concepts rapidly across a white board while his writing hand struggles to keep up with his mind. Plan on reading this book twice; you won't get it all the first time. Margaret Thatcher's quote will help you understand that opportunity.

I had always viewed myself as a pretty successful leader, but the insights I gained from reading this book have caused me to step back and review aspects of my leadership style that have evolved over a 25 year period. This excellent book calls on leaders to honestly assess the way they lead and communicate with their people in areas that for some are in uncharted waters - i.e., the emotional and spiritual dimensions. The book is not only insightful but is written so clearly and simply that its messages are very easy to grasp. I recommend this book for any leader who wants to raise her or his performance to the next level.

So much business literature is mind-numbingly and illogically recursive, suggesting that breakthroughs for your business will stem from imitating the techniques of other business people.

In a departure from this tired and arguably broken premise, consultant and coach Dick Richards provides lessons from leaders operating outside of corporations: in not-for-profits, the arts, sports, religion, education, government...

In drawing insights from his interviews with these leaders, Richards argues that leaders succeed by securing follower commitment. He posits that this happens when leaders work on, if not master, ten competencies in four interrelated domains: political, intellectual, emotional, and spiritual (defined as, "the sense of a calling from some source larger than one's self").

When a leader's capabilities coalesce in these four main areas of competence, she becomes, in essence, a fuller, richer human being. As a result, others positively respond to the improved leader by choosing to invest more of themselves in pursuing the leader's mission.

~~~ Familiar but..., Soft but... ~~~
In this framework, Richards proffers a cogent, integrated way of *thinking* about your own leadership. Drawing on historical and personal anecdotes, quoting philosophers, researchers and leaders, Richards both echoes and transcends conventional business literature (including the recent spate championing "emotional intelligence").

It would be fair to argue that there is little new here. But that would be off the mark. As Dick Richards himself candidly points out, there is more than plenty of literature and seminars traversing the broad, overly worn leadership field. Fortunately, the intriguing whole that Richards has woven is more than the amalgam of its recognizable threads.

Likewise, it would be patently unfair (to both reader and author) to dismiss this thoughtful, occasionally lyrical work as too soft, too philosophical, or too New Age-y. By moving past the sterile Insert Tab-A into Slot-B mentality that underpins so much prescriptive management literature, Richards elevates his readers, helping them to transcend the heartless transactional world so many work in. (Still, while there's more than a modicum of practicum in the book, readers probably will want more guidance on how to translate the principles into action. Perhaps Richards is at work on a "field guide.")

Dick Richards proudly writes, as his title suggests, of the *Art* of leading. One senses that Richards thinks as an artist, a world-savvy poet reflecting on leadership. One could mistake the book for a wizened corporate shaman's love letter to meaning-starved managers.

~~~ Bottom Line ~~~
Dick Richards' THE ART OF WINNING COMMITMENT is more gestalt than how-to, more fresh synthesis of the known than breakthrough. It should ignite your little gray cells, kindle your interest in self-development, inflame your own commitment to fostering commitment in your colleagues. And help you become a better person in the process.

Don Blohowiak, Lead Well® Institute; editor, The Leader's Letter

I'm a batchlor, but even I find the recipes in this book simple yet delicious. I highly recommend this book for everyone who wants to lose weight with a sensible way.

I finally found a diet book that really works. The recipes are delicious and easy to make. We have all heard about how Asian woman are naturally slim. This book reveals why. Follow the advice in this book and you will be on your way to a slimmer, trimmer body.

Seven Secrets to a Successful Divorce

The book is well written in ez to understand format. The author's idea is fresh and informative to people seeking other alternative to get and stay slim in natural way.

Linda outlines a comprehensive rationale for the Asian Slim Secrets to losing weight. Not only is there an explanation of why these foods work, but an exercise plan to complement her recommendations to your eating routine. Photographs demonstrate proper exercise techniques to tone muscles. It is an easy to read book with easy to prepare recipes. I highly recommend it.

This book is easy to read and chock full of healthful recipes to get and stay slim. Linda Yo gives us reason to try a new way of life when it comes to food and food preparation. I went right out and bought a rice cooker! She has a warm and practical style that gives us a charming look at another culture.

There is not much to say about this book except that it is worth reading again and again. If you want to know what makes Southern Baptists different from others, this book is the book for you. And by the way, its not about drinking or dancing. I was priviledged to have Dr. Norman as a professor when I attended New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. He is a man of deep convictions concerning these matters, I wish that Dr. Norman would release a video series of himself teaching on these issues. I have used this book along with a workbook I put together to teach a Baptist Doctrine class at the church that I pastor. I believe the only drawback to the book is that there a few "BIG" words that may need to be defined for the average layman. Otherwise, as I have told others, I believe that every Southern Baptist should read this book.

Here is a book written by a Baptist for Baptists, Southern Baptists in particular.

It is an "off the shelf" book, meaning I missed it when it first came out, but now have the pleasure of reading and recommending it. The Baptist Way, published in 2005 by B&H, comes to us from the pen of Southwest Baptist University's Vice President for University Relations, R. Stanton Norman.

The Baptist Way provides "an introduction to the principles that distinguish Baptists from other Christians and offers ecclesiological distinctions of healthy Baptist churches." This work is a sequel to Norman's earlier work, More Than Just a Name: Preserving Our Baptist Identity which provided a historical background for understanding Baptist distinctives.

Chapters in this volume include "Regenerate church membership" and "Church discipline", and I guarantee that in light of current SBC church practice these chapters are worth the price of the book alone. But even chapters on "Congregational Polity", "Ordinances", "Biblical Authority", and "The Lordship of Jesus Christ" will cause us to examine whether we appreciate and live out the biblical mandate in these doctrines.

I think it is safe to say we all want healthy churches. But some are led to think such health comes through doctrinal minimalism, putting our Baptist identity far in the background. Norman counters this idea:

"We as Baptists believe that our distinctive theological identity contributes significantly to the health of our churches. Our Baptist distinctives are not the only traits that define church health, but we do believe they are essential components of a healthy church. This conviction was true for our Baptist ancestors, and the same conviction should characterize Baptists today. The distinctive doctrines of Baptists are actually the theological traits that define and shape our churches. I fully believe that, ideally, a healthy church is a Baptist church."

And countering the misguided thought that emphasizing doctrine won't grow a church, Norman says:

"Although the need to reach more people is commendable, we do not achieve meaningful growth by compromising our convictions. The abandonment of theological convictions will devastate the vitality and mission of our churches. The lack of emphasis on doctrine, which is supposed to improve the growth of a church, will in fact result in the ultimate demise of the church."

Baptist Pastors, do you have Stan's books on your shelves? If not, make it a priority to order them today. He brings the Bible, doctrine, pastoral insight, and Baptist church history together in making a compelling case that we (Baptists) need to get back to understanding who we are - and why we are who we are. To the extent that Baptists in the past got many things right ecclesiologically, we have to get serious about heeding their insight into Scripture. Standing on the shoulders of giants doesn't mean we are slaves to past tradition. Often it just means we are humble enough to admit when we need to go back in order to go forward. Norman gives great counsel in how to do so.

I grew up Baptist, and honestly until I read this book I had know idea what really defined the denomination. The book does a good job laying out the facts, though a bit dry at times. The author also commentates on how the modern Baptist church is moving away from her defining traditions such as church discipline.

Every Baptist needs to read this book to discover why they are Baptist, especially those from the CBF. Yes, most Baptists have no idea why they are Baptists and what differentiates them from other christians, especially from the liberal CBF. This book written by Dr. Stan Norman, professor of Systematic Theology at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, will make clear exactly what is a Baptist. Dr. Stan Norman is one of the finest theological minds of this century.

The first 4 Chapters are worth the price of the book. Great presentation on the historical position of Baptists toward the Word of God, the priesthood of all believers, and the ordinances. The author is a little weak on understanding the autonomy of the local church (he comes from a strong SBC background) but overall it is a great book.

If you thought you knew how to truly pray you were wrong. This is a step by step way to spend time time with Jesus, God, the Most Holy Spirit, and Our Blessed Mother. This is how you life can be a prayer without words.

If you are a Christian and have a prayer life that is lacking,THE BEGINNER'S GUIDE TO PRAYER is a first-rate place to start understanding, get organized, and move forward in your prayer life.

The Orthodox way is a different approach from either Porotestants or Catholics, the two Christian traditions we are most familiar with in the west. As Archpriest Father George Sondergaard once told a class of Catechumens, "You Protestants and Catholics think everying is either-or; sometimes it's both!"

Thus it is with prayer-- the Orthodox way espoused herein by Father Michael introduces the reader to the concept and importance of having both formalized and personal prayer, that we may include ACTS--Adoration, Contrition, Thanks, AND Supplication in our prayer lives, rather than just asking favors of the all-holy Trinity.

Since the last great Church father, St. Symeon the New Theologian stressed the importance of a personal prayer life in addition to ritual prayer, it has been a vital component of Orthodoxy.

Protestants may balk at some of what Orthodox pray, for they pray for the dead, pray to Saints, and ask the Blessed Mary for intercessions. Yet, did not Mary intercede (successfully) to get her Son to change His mind at Canae? Do you not believe that virtuous men and women who have gone on before are alive in Christ and just as capable of praying for you as the car mechanic or office clerk you wouldn't hesitate to ask to pray for you? Don't you think that the Godhead exists in an eternal NOW where all is always unfolding and that thus you can pray effectively for those who have departed mortal life because their lives are yet unfolding before God?

This is the Orthodox way. And this book is a great place to start learning all about it. Not the sort of reading a monastic or cleric would benefit from, but certainly a great book for cradle Orthodox, Catechumens, converts and the curious.

I believe that next to the scriptures themselves, the next best thing to read as a Christian is the lives of the saints. From the beginning Jews and Jews who became "Christians" have looked to their forefathers and mothers in the faith as examples, heroes and guides. A skim of Hebrews 10 and 11 confirms this, along with many other examples. But they did not gloss over the foibles and follies of the saints, but saw them examples of the grace of God working itself out in their lives. Fr Patrick's book on the saints is something of a primer for all Christians to help introduce us, or just to remind us, that we are part of a great cloud of witnesses that are not only fine examples of repentance, faithfulness and perseverance, but also of one Body with us in Christ our Lord. As the early Christians would say, "One Christian, no Christian." We are saved together as a body, while the only thing we can do alone is go to hell.

There are 14 main sections that focus upon various types of personalities from the bible, both Old and New Testaments. Each section contains about 10 or 11 devotionals that are each about 3 pages long. Topics include repentant saints, loyal saints, saints in need of improvement, saints in worship, suffering saints, clever saints, interceding saints, saints under pressure, gentle saints, zealous saints, visionaries, questioners, and persevering saints.

For Protestant readers who may feel uncomfortable with the idea of talking about "saints" in a way that sounds too "Catholic", they may ease into the idea by knowing that it is more like a hall of fame that is held up as an ideal, just as St. Paul says, "Imitate me as I imitate Christ." There is no competition between the honor we give to the saints and the worship we give to the Holy Trinity. Besides, "God is glorified in his saints," the Apostle declares in 2nd Thessalonians 1:10. Moreover, this book is only concerned with saints from the bible, so that is safe enough if you are hesitant. Who knows, maybe you will find yourself wanting to know what the disciples of the Apostles thought about the faith and how they lived and died for it.

While I highly recommend Butler's Lives of the Saints (4 Volume Matched Set) , they can be rather bulky and intimidating, and expensive. On the other hand, this slim volume is sure to become a standard as it is both educational and devotional, aimed at nourishing the soul without breaking the bank.

Readers may find the following books useful as well: Any Friend of God's Is a Friend of Mine, St. Thomas Aquinas and St. Francis of Assisi: With Introductions by Ralph McInerny and Joseph Pearce, Father Arseny, 1893-1973: Priest, Prisoner, Spiritual Father : Being the Narratives Compiled by the Servant of God Alexander Concerning His Spiritual Father.

What a wonderful resource!!!! One reading was not enough, I'm going to re-read and probably re-read it several times. Even if one is NOT Orthodox(I happen to be), he/she would find this a very useful tool indeed.

Fr. Michael presents much more than simply a beginner's guide in this jewel of a little book. It is practical, realistic, and humorous and contains great advice on developing a wholistic life around prayer rather than a compartmentalized one in which one simply includes prayer. The idea is to do more than pray. The idea is to become prayer.

Highly recommended

This is an excellent general book on worship. It includes exposition of both Old and New Testament texts, leading the reader continually back to the bible as the source for authority and information on God-centered worship. Horton taps into the thinking of other bible scholars. He also presents some material that may surprise some readers, in which the voices of the very young adult generation of Christians speak out on what they believe about worshipping God. If you invest in only one book on worship in the near future, this would be the one to read.

Michael Horton is editor of Modern Reformation. The magazine comes out every other month. It is devoted to bring a new reformation to the evangelical churches today. Each issue concentrates on a different doctrinal truth and how churches of today have moved away from that teaching. The magazine argues for systematic theology which today's culture pulls many a Christian from studying or discovering. The author of this book believes the Christian Faith is being dumbed down.

Jesus Christ is the central character of the whole Bible. The human writers of the Old Testament did not comprehend, but God knew.The Holy Spirit breathed both the Old and New Testament. God is the ultimate author of all scripture. The Law, man's rebellion against God, animal sacrafice, and prophecy all point to Jesus Christ. The Author states what is less clear in the Old testament is made clear through the revelation of the New Testament.

And he said to them, "O foolish men, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?" And beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted to them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself. (Luke 24:25-27 RSV)

The author's explicit thesis:

God has promised to save and keep His people through means he has appointed and through no other; the ordaining means of grace are limited to the preached word and the sacraments.

Worship ought to focus on God. All praise should be to God for who He is, what He has accomplished, and what He will do. Worship is a response to God. The author quoted from the Heidelberg Catechism: that God wants His people instructed by the living Word.....} If the people were not up to speed the answer was to get them up to speed, not accommodate the degenerating condition.

Scriptural Reading recommendation, Nehemiah 8:1-8

This scripture tells us the word of God was read and explained. The book of Hebrews explains the coming from the old covenant to the new. The word church comes from the Greek word ekklesia meaning shared. But the primary or chief concern of the church is not to build community, to enjoy fellowship ,or to have moral instruction for children. The primary or chief concern is worship our Creator for being the chosen, redeemed, justified, and sanctified, until one day we will be glorified in heaven. Therefore the gathering should not be out of habit, social custom or heart felt needs. As John the Baptist declared: Behold the Lamb of God to take away our sins. God provided the means to wash away our sins through Christ's sinless life, death and resurrection. Therefore the gathering should be a shared praise and worship for His Grace and long suffering.

The author further argues that praise should be object centered: God and His saving work in Christ. Not subject centered praise; lyrics of songs should not concentrate on what we are doing. An example of subject praise is the hymn: In the Garden . He walks with me He talks with and tells me I am His very own.

Therefore, brethren, since we have confidence to enter the
sanctuary by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way which he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful; and let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.
(Hebrews 10:19-25 RSV)

Scriptual recommendations: Romans 10:5-8, 13-15, 17;

Faith comes by hearing the word of God. The author argues that the sermon is central to worship. It must be about the word of God and not pop culture. through communion and Baptism God conveys His grace through the common elements water, bread, and Wine(or grape juice). God summons His people together for this purpose. Michael Horton argues you most know the things of God to know God. Faith is the sole means of justification. Faith comes through the hearing of the word.

For, "every one who calls upon the name of the Lord will be
saved." But how are men to call upon him in whom they have not
believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without a preacher? And how can men preach unless they are sent? As it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of those who preach good news!" (Romans 10:13-15 RSV)

Michael Horton argues that acceptance of authority even God is abnormal. Cutting ones path apart from everyone even God is normal. An individual cheat himself when he tries to reshape God instead of allowing God to reshape him. A church/worship service should reconstitute the individual life into a Christian life. A new script to an individuals life. Purpose, identity hopes should be conformed by the word and Spirit.

Spacialization of Heaven

Two Different Realms of Existence

Present Rule of Sin and Death

vs.
Coming realm of Consumation

Those Who Belong to This Age

vs.
Those Who Belong to That Age

The World is divided between those who belong to Jesus therefore the coming age and those who belong to the world, therefore are doomed in their sins.

The author also discusses today's and yesterday's culture. No age has a monopoly on truth. But truth in God's word should be the guide how worship should be structured, not how it attracts unbelievers or pleases the believer.

A Better Way: Rediscovering The Drama Of God-Centered Worship by Rev. Michael Horton (Associate Professor, Westminister Theological Seminary, California) is a clear and careful examination of the Christian worship of God. Individual chapters address the Biblical passages that form the source of Christian worship, and the importance of putting God and Jesus Christ foremost. Specially written for those who keep the faith, as well as for pastors and worship leaders, A Better Way is strongly recommended as a profound, life-changing book about what it truly means to express one's reverence with a Christian context of scripture and tradition.

Overall Dr. Horton's book is excellent, particularly chapters 4 and 5. He does a tremendous job of locating the constitution of worship in Scripture and of addressing the narcissism so unfortunately prevalent in the church today.

I did find his virtual assault in chapter 2 on believers experiencing God somewhat overdone. Granted, there is far too much seeking of the experience in the church today, but that does not and should not be taken to mean that a believer cannot have some kind of experiential reality of God. Further his observations in this area seem to neglect passages like Psalm 27.7-9. And his discounting of believers seeing God at work in the present "The world is shot through with divinity and nearly everything and every experience is an opportunity to touch and see God's face" (pg. 39) seems to emphasise God's transcendence at the expense of His immanence, the latter of which is also confirmed by Scripture, e.g., Psalm 19, 50.6, Romans 1.20, etc. The overall thrust of this chapter suggests that it is impossible for a believer with, for lack of a better phrase, their theology straight, who is seeking God in accordance with His word, to witness God in His creation, which again seems to me to contradict Scripture. It is true that these experiences are not means of saving grace as defined in Scripture, nor should they be mistaken for or sought as ends themselves, but that does not - when they are truly of God - diminish their reality or significance in the life of the believer.

Insofar as the reference to ministers being formally sent or approved by an ecclesiastical body, "And, by the way, Paul clearly understood 'sent' to mean sent by the church through its appointed officers, as his insistence on the laying on of hands reminds us" (pg. 42), while that is true, I would offer that what Paul did not have in mind are the formal scholastic hoops now required by many of those same bodies before they will even consider recognising (much less ordaining) a person as a minister. The idea that one cannot be a theological sound and truly called minister unless formally educated and ordained (which seems to be what Dr. Horton is getting at) is contrary to the Scripture to which he appeals. Timothy had no formal education that we know of other than being brought up with an understanding of the Scriptures and his being mentored by Paul. Neither did Titus, or for that matter Peter, James, John; nor in all likelihood did the many house church leaders like Priscilla and Aquila, Nymphas, etc. While I agree that seminary and ordination is the common and perhaps even preferred route into ministry, that does not mean that God cannot/does not sometimes call and equip people without their having done everything according to some set of denominational rules and requirements.

In closing, while the bulk of this review takes issue with the author's views as mentioned above (thus the 4 star rating), the book on the whole is well worth reading. It speaks particularly to a serious problem in the church today and should be read and heeded by far more people than it probably will be.

In this day and age, all you have to do is shop around and you can probably find the church that has a worship style of your choice. In some ways, this might be good, but it does cause some bitter division in churches that have not settled on the style that "works" for them.

Is this the right way for it to be? Has the purpose of worship gotten lost somewhere between the traditions and the new ways? Where is God in all this, in other words.

The author, one of the members of the popular White Horse Inn radio show that examines Reformed theology for the edification and equipment of the believers, realizes that worship is one of the primary functions of those God has called to Himself. Using Biblical illustration, he teaches readers what worship was meant to be, and also provides some useful material that brings aspects of the Bible to a new light and helps some parts that have not quite made sense a bit more comprehensible.

***** The man to whom the book is dedicated, James M. Boice, would be proud if he could read this educational and informative text.

Though this is a simple story it portrays family life in an inspiring and thoughtful manner. The author has a knack for drawing valuable lessons of faith and love from the ordinary events of a teenage girl's life. Anyone reading this book will be captivated by this charming setting and its inhabitants. I highly recommend this little book.

This was a great book and I really enjoyed it. I wanted to keep reading it and was annoyed when I was interrupted. I'm looking forward to the sequel because I didn't want it to end. My favorite part was when Peter looked at the snowman and saw that it did look awfully funny. The book was very captivating, it made me feel like I was in it. Double Thumbs Up!

Just the book you sought out to read in your early teen years. You know, when you wanted to read about someone like ordinary you going through the same usual daily life - with a few new life experiences, sometimes difficult to understand in the moment. A book that makes you laugh, makes you think. And wonderful artwork to boot!

Birthday Snow

Bravo to Mrs. Niemaszyk for writing an authentically Catholic story for our pre-teen and early teen daughters to enjoy! There are not enough good Catholic stories out there. Mrs. Niemaszyk's attention to details makes it easy for the reader to immerse herself in Gina's life. The family, the friends, and even the bus ride are all so real.

When I read this book I could not put it down. Now that I've found it here I can't wait to get a copy to share with my daughter. I'm sure she too will enthusiastically read it in one sitting.

Looking forward to the sequel!

Birthday Snow is a delightful read and a refreshing addition to the genre of Catholic literature currently available to our teenage children in today's culture!

The strength of the novel lies in the faithful portrayal of authentic Catholic family life, especially from the perspective of a young teenage girl. The incorporation of Catholic teaching, devotions, and piety, within the context of everyday life, gently achieves the goal of evangelization of the Faith.

I especially enjoyed the scene in the book between Rachel and Gina when they were discussing boyfriends/courtship. This short and simple exchange between mother and daughter was a wonderful and age appropriate explanation regarding the Church's teaching about the beauty of marriage and family. It was very well done

The characters and plot are extremely engaging, credible, and very well written. The author's writing style, particularly of descriptive passages regarding places and settings, is vivid and charming.

Birthday Snow offers affirmation and inspiration to all young teenage girls sincerely attempting to live out their Catholic faith in their daily lives. This is a gem of a little book that should be on the library shelves of every Catholic family!