Religion Books

In clear and concise terms, Frangipane explains the basics of spiritual warfare. Not as entertaining as The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis, but as cognizant of the human vulnerabilities that make us want to blame the Enemy for what our own thoughts and attitudes prevoke. Pithy, not wordy. Will make you think, and possibly make some changes.

This was an excellent book which answered a lot of questions. Very concise and to the point. Would recommend it as a "must read: for all Christians. Excellent.

This book is absolutely wonderful! I was referred to this book by my co-pastor and am glad I followed through to purchase it. Anyone with a desire to increase their relationship with God should purchase, read & study this book for the increase. To God be the Glory!

This book is wonderful and will guide you in spiritual warfare. He's basically telling you to follow Jesus in everything and never battle the enemy alone. You will always need your Commander in Chief...Jesus at your side.

The author gives a thoughtful analysis of the kinds of daily struggles we face as Christians in the church and internally. He gives a helpful, Christlike guide to how we proceed and how we should act. I found the book inspiring.

This book helped me shed my attachment to Zen and Buddhist philosophy. While I still think Zen and Buddhist philosophy have great significance and truth, I realize that I was creating walls by living with these ideas instead of just exploring them and setting them aside. I still "practice" Buddhism but I don't feel as attached to it...we must transcend practice in order to experience truth. The practice must be new...and the word "practice" means doing the same thing over and over....this book helped me realize that we can do things over and over...and on the surface them may seem the same...but if you really know how to practice then they are totally new each time.

A great book to find a basis for conflict in your life. I love they way he puts thoughts together. Easy read with deep meaning.

I am not a philosopher, just interested in looking at issues differently than my conditioning. Well, J Krishnamurti lived up to the title of this little book. No, not a "little" book, a BIG powerful challenge to conventional wisdom. I got what I wanted. A book that offers an alternative way of looking at our social mores. Nearly every page has my highlighting to reinforce that is this one of my favourite books now.

Real.True.Simple. This is the basis of life that's revealed in this book. Great read and wise advice.

"Freedom from the Known" by Krishnamurti is a book about humanity's search for Truth and ultimate freedom... Krishnamurti takes you on a journey beyond material welfare.

In 'Freedom from the Known' Krishnamurti deals with such timeless questions as 'what is it all about?" and 'has life any meaning?' Krishnamurti acknowledges the confusion, brutalities, divisions, and endless frustrations of life, and finally asks the question 'what is one to do?' The rest of the book delves into answering this question both from a universal and personal perspective.

Thought provoking and deep.

Great when read together with NEXUS, a psychological & spiritual New Age novel where the main character struggles with confusion, frustration & challenges in his life.

Nexus: A Neo Novel

There was a seeming dual purpose motivating the author to write this book. Remen is a medical doctor who basically tells the stories about how her professional experiences moved her closer to, rather than away from, emotional involvement with her clients particularly as it pertained to the connection between one's spirituality and recovery,amongst other things.
Remen also shares some very deep and moving stories that were shared with her by her clients once she became a therapist.
It's a wonderful read and will be helpful to anyone seeking spiritual enlightenment and motivation.

Beautiful sweet touching book that helped me get me through some tough times. Celebrates the human spirit.

I recently had the privilege of hearing the author speak. she is an amazing woman.

Rachel Naomi Remen believes in the healing power of stories. She trained as a pediatrician and expected to practice traditional medicine much as her father and other male members of her family had done before her, but something happened to change her carefully planned course.

In the introduction to Kitchen Table Wisdom, Remen tells how her male colleagues frequently knocked on her office door to ask for her help with a crying patient. They believed that she, as a woman, would know what to do. Though she knew no more than they, she felt flattered that they came to her and felt that this helped her be more a part of their exclusive "Old Boys Network." She began to spend more and more time listening to patients share their fears and feelings of living with a terminal disease.

Since the age of fifteen, Remen has suffered from Crohn's disease. As she listened to her patients, she began to feel less lonely and isolated. Probably, her guidance and uncanny understanding of her patients stemmed from her familiarity with physical and emotional pain.

Kitchen Table Wisdom is a compilation of eighty-eight poignant stories that Remen heard over many years, as well as stories of her own life. Her stories demonstrate her belief that a larger process is at work in all our lives and that human beings are "unfinished, a work in progress." She believes we come into the world whole but lose faith in our wholeness and become discouraged by feelings of not being pretty enough, smart enough, etc. " ... our wholeness exists in us now," she writes, "Trapped though it may be, it can be called upon for guidance, direction and most fundamentally, comfort."

No retelling of Remen's stories can do them justice. One of my favorites is "The Question"--a story told by a patient named Tim (now a cardiologist) of his experience at the age of fifteen with his father, who was in the last stages of Alzheimer¹s disease. At the time, his father had not spoken for ten years and was totally helpless. Tim and his brother were alone with their father when he suddenly slumped over and fell to the floor. The brother was calling 911 when both boys heard a voice commanding, "Don't call 911, son. Tell your mother that I love her. Tell her that I am all right." With those words, the man died. An autopsy later revealed that Tim's father's brain had been entirely destroyed by the disease. Tim never stops wondering who spoke those final words. He tells Dr. Remen, "Much of life can never be explained but only witnessed."

The author believes that talking about and sharing one¹s feelings revives memories that can lead to important new insights about one¹s life, bringing about a healing that formal treatment is unable to offer. She says that Shamans believe illness is a direct indication of soul loss. The soul, she explains, is that which is aware of the sacredness we carry and the sacredness that exists in the external world as well. Losing our appreciation for our sacredness, living with sadness, with feelings of unworthiness can manifest illness.

"Life is the ultimate teacher...," she writes. "It is through experience, and not scientific knowledge or expert academic training alone that we learn our deepest lessons." In her lectures and writings, Dr. Remen likes to tell of a sign on the wall of a room in Florida where the elderly come to play Bingo. It reads, "You Have to Be Present to Win." And so it is in life.

by Duffie Bart
for Story Circle Book Reviews
reviewing books by, for, and about women

I am presurgery and this book helps to calm me and encourage me to think positively.

For years I refused to read this book after a friend's recommendation thinking that it would be another "feel good" attempt . Boy was I wrong! This book is one of the most extraordinary pieces of writing I have ever encountered. I have read it over and over again many times (the stories are short enough that allow you to read at your own pace). It has actually become sort of a "guide to Life" for me. Furthermore, as story-telling itself goes, is simply masterful. Dr. Remen is a powerful communicator and her wisdom goes beyond "new age". It is a groundbreaking work about mystery, awe and Life with a capital "L".

Anything Karen Kingsbury writes is incredible. I recently gave this book to a mom whose son was graduating from high school. She loved it so much that she keeps it on her coffee table for everyone to read. I also gave it to a mom whose son just turned 5. She, too loved the message of treasuring your child's every moment--their firsts and their lasts. This book is more for moms rather than the children.

I got this book for myself last year before the birth of my second child. The story has more meaning to a second time mom. This time I got two copies for friends who are expecting their second babies.

If you're looking for a sentimental read, then this book is for you! I gave this book to a couple of my close friends for Mother's Day and everyone loved it and even admitted to crying while reading it. It's defintely a tearjerker. After reading it you will want to go and find your children and give them a hug and hold them close. I highly recommend it.

Someone read this book at a MOPs meeting and I cried and cried... its a wonderful reminder of all that's really important -- loving and raising your kids, and just how fast this too shall pass! I bought 3 as gifts to other moms and still cry every time I read it.

This book is priceless! An incredible gift to share with your children of any age or as a gift for graduation for a new mom.

Susan is stuck and depressed. She can't take one more argument between her kids. Her husband, Mark, decides to build her a getaway in the attic--a space where no one but her is allowed, where she can journal and pray and read to her heart's delight. But God had a different getaway in mind. Falling through a portal, she comes upon a nation threatened by war on the outside and by forgetting their identity on the inside. She learns that God sent her as their Restorer.

It's entertaining, and it has a good message. She does a good job with setting and descriptions and an excellent job with characterization. I knew these characters. The book also motivated me to memorize Scripture. We used to do this as kids, but at some point, it stopped seeming important. After all, I have 3,258 Bibles in my house. I can look anything up. Why memorize? But Sharon depicted both the power of lies to poison our thinking and lives and the power of Scripture to combat those lies.

For mothers out there struggling with their purpose now that their lives are consumed with laundry and dishes and snotty noses, this book that God has work for each one of us, including mothers, work for His kingdom. Susan finds out that her identity isn't wrapped up in her kids.

I liked it. I liked that the main character in the fantasy is a woman. To be honest, though, it felt more like an allegory than a true fantasy. More like Hinds Feet on High Places. Almost a long parable. A lot of one-to-one corollations. Lies poison the mind with physical devastation. The nation represent Israel (people that follow the Verses; they even have 2 lost tribes, sorry, clans). It was more like an Hans Christian Anderson story with a morality at the end than a Grimm's Fairy Tale. This is not a bad thing. It has its own power. Like I said, I found it both entertaining and it challenged me to memorize Scripture again. I just tend to prefer non-allegorical books.

As a responsible adult and ever-vigilant protector of all that is good and true, I feel it imperative that I issue a stern warning about The Restorer by Sharon Hinke.

This is a very dangerous book. Reading this book will upset your place in the time-space continuum. It will suck you into its pages like a portal into another reality, and then drop you back into our world hours later, potentially leaving entire days unaccounted for. And, if you are given to reading in the bathtub, be warned: it is nearly impossible to put this book down long enough to towel off, and you may find yourself trapped in a tub of room-temperature bathwater with more pruney wrinkles than a bulldog.

Established CBA Mom-Lit author Sharon Hinke has accomplished something incredible in The Restorer-a successful fusion of Mom-Lit and Sci-Fi/Fantasy/Allegory genres. Like any fusion of extremes, hard-core advocates of either genre will have to adjust a little. The hard-core Mom-Lit fans may find it challenging at first to get their heads around the alternate universe that burned-out soccer mom Susan Mitchell falls into; portals into alternate realities aren't exactly the norm in Mom-Lit. Likewise, hard-core Fantasy readers may be challenged by the interpretation of that alternate reality through the eyes of a suburban soccer-mom. However, those who have the creative vision to see this fusion for what it is and approach without presumption will find The Restorer to be a wondrous journey with a truly unique twist or two and more than a few surprises as soccer-mom Susan grows into her calling in the alternate reality, and in the process rediscovers herself.

Be warned that once you open this book and start reading, you might slip through the portal right behind Susan. I did, and I want to go back. It's a good thing this is the first of three (and who knows, maybe more) in the Sword of Lyric series. I'll soon make the return trip with "The Restorer's Son."

D.

I loved this book! It reminded me of Narnia, which I love and can't wait for the new movie :) I wish they'd make a movie out of this; it would be so great! I could totally relate to Susan, being an almost forty mother of many. I loved how Sharon paralleled fantasy and reality and how she kept the book so clean that I could hand it to my 16 year old son without wishing I could edit some pages. I would recommend this book to anyone and am looking forward to reading The Restorer's Son.

Two absolute favorite quotes from this book: Chapter 27 "As far as dramatic entrances go, I thought it was very effective." and Chapter 33 "Warmth surged through me. He was right. The role of the Restorer wasn't all that different from the roles I had in my own world. In both worlds I felt discouraged by my weakness and very small against the needs and battles I faced. yet, even weak or small, I wasn't on the road alone."

When I agreed to read The Restorer for review, I was fairly excited about it. I had seen the book in a bookstore and almost had purchased it then. The cover completely intrigued me with a woman in normal khaki and sweater attire while holding a medieval sword. Upon receiving the task to read and review The Restorer's Journey, the third book in the series I knew I had to read all three in order, especially since I had heard so many good things about the creativeness of author Sharon Hinck's mind. I'm new to read the sci-fi/fantasy/speculative fiction Christian world and I am loving it. There are so many things that I do not have a basis for imagery, but just giving myself a brief image I am fully learning to use the capabilities of my imagination again.

The Restorer takes a normal, average woman and throws her into an alternate world and as I reader you think she might be dreaming or just plain crazy, but as each chapter and page reveals itself you stop caring about the reason why she is where she is and about what she will do next, and how she can survive. Hinck has performed an incredible task with her writing to really make the reader understand and feel what is going on in the life of our main character Susan. She doesn't just pick up a sword and become a super-hero, she goes through doubt and fear and through a realistic turn of events crazy and wonderful and terrifying things happen.

This story gives a reader an escape from reality, everything that Susan needed at the time. But it does so in a fashion that brings you back stronger and more optimistic about what really needs to be accomplished in reality. (Confused yet? Don't be, because that is not what is important.) There are so many things in our lives that are overwhelming and we just sometimes want to run away inside ourselves. It is possible and we are capable of doing just that, but that will not solve anything and really make life harder on the people we care about around us. It is when we realize that we need God, the One, and use His strength that we can accomplish any and all things that we are meant to do. The Bible, the Verses, are a gift to man from God. He has given us this gift of power for strength. When we know various scriptures and verses that can help in various situations, we can avoid the doubt and depression that comes on and move forward in His love. This book fully encourages me to go and memorize scripture for all I'm worth. When I think about my life I can remember times when scripture has helped me, or I knew the right thing to say to a friend to help. But so many times I have gotten caught up in the world around me and let doubt and the lack of time take over. In a sense I was being "poisoned" and did not realize it.

Part of me feels like if only we could live in a world that is framed around the Biblical scriptures and have everyone believe it would be so much easier, but at the same time. I realize that it wouldn't fix everything. There are still the random leader who seeks power for corruption and people can be fooled by man-altered documents. Prayer and time spent with the Lord and time thought over his verses of scripture personally is the only way to be as strong as you can be. Nobody else can do it for you. Wow, what an inspirational book. I never thought I'd be this impressed, but I am.

I cannot stress how much I LOVED this book! I picked it up and couldn't put it down. It took twists and turns I didn't expect. Sharon is a talented writer who seems to have a full understanding of the Word of God. Her story parallels so much of what's in the Bible: good vs. evil - and not in a corny "seen that before" scenario - but in a way that was real and thought-provoking and was something I could relate to. Those who count God as their best buddy will appreciate the struggles these characters go through and recognize faith symbols that are so eloquently weaved into the story.
When I originally got this book I didn't know whether or not I'd read it. I was never much of a fiction reader let alone a fantasy fiction reader. The cover of the book intrigued me and so I took that first step in following Susan (the main character) into an unknown world. It peaked my interest and, not only did it not disappoint, but it made me a fan of both Christian fantasy and Sharon Hinck.

I absolutely love this book! I cried the first time I read it and still do! What a gift from God, indeed, a child is and it is refreshing to talk about God's role in our childrens' lives. I have looked at and purchased many books in preparation for my little one, and this one BY FAR impressed me most. I highly recommend this book if you want to talk about God and you sheer joy for your baby!

I'm not religious at all and I am not sure what we will do when it comes to believing in god. I think we will tell her about god and she can decide later what she wants to believe but this book is just adorable!It tells your child how important they are to you and how you would never "trade" them for any other baby. The book describes how your parents will always love you because you are were chosen just for them. I love how they talk about the excitement of the baby, getting a bigger belly during pregnancy and going to the hospital. Then at the end the little bear goes to bed happy because she knows how much her parents love her! I am going to buy "God Gave Us Two" because we are expecting another baby in a couple weeks!!

I bought this book for my granddaughter, because I knew she was at an age where the question was going to come up, "mommy, where did I come from. It answers those questions in a wonderful way, with soothing words and beautiful illustrations. A lovely book, my daughter cried when she read it, because of the touching story and because, she knew that is how I felt about her too!God Gave Us You

God Gave Us You is a beautiful moving story. The best children's book I have come across.

It begins with one simple question from a little cub "Mama, where did I come from?"

Mama Bear then begins to explain in a gentle loving way her progression of pregnancy up until the moment little bear was placed in her arms; each page ending with the beautiful answer of "God Gave Us You".

The use of the phrases such as "my special child", "even the angels celebrated for us", "we wouldn't trade you for the world", all reassure the child of how much she is truly loved.

My daughter is 3 years old and knows the words by heart, as do I. I could read it with my eyes closed, and often do.

I am so thankful to have found this book; a story both child AND parent will truly enjoy.

I HIGHLY recommend this book and the spin-offs. We also enjoy "God Gave Us Two", and "God Gave Us Christmas". LOVE!

Great book overall: story, drawings, idea. Nice to find a picture book on the subject that is for believers and written for kids. Can't wait to get God gave us two!

I bought this book for my book club. We usually read fiction but I had read this and wanted them to read it too. They loved it. The experience the author has as he plays Jesus, along with the cast and crew in making this move Matthew is truly amazing. The way they depict Jesus in the movie this book is about, is more like I like to think of who Jesus is and what he was like while he was here on earth. Truly inspiring!

It was an encouragement to me to read Bruce Marchiano's testimony about his amazing journey of following Christ and his life changing experience of portraying Jesus in the film "The Gospel according to Matthew". I enjoyed reading every page of this book because the love of Jesus flows through it.
I recommend this book to everyone, especially those who loved Bruce Marchiano's presentation of the joyful Jesus in the film "The Gospel according to Matthew". After I read "In the Footsteps of Jesus", I had to watch the film "The Gospel according to Matthew" again and again. In my opinion, it is the best Jesus film I have ever seen! Check out the plans for Bruce's new film "The Gospel according to John".

In a book that chronicles one man's journey to discover the joy of Jesus, Bruce Marchiano blesses us with the joy of sharing in his personal journey. The reader walks along with Marchiano as he explores the Jesus that we all seek to know. We experience Marchiano's drawing closer to Jesus as his walk and journey unfold before us in every chapter. I would certainly recommend reading this book and then, view the `Matthew' movie, and come to know the full joy of Jesus as I did! Marchiano shares with the reader his discovery of Jesus as a touchable, loveable human who laughed and smiled and wept...who just simply loves each of us so very much! An amazing story of how the lives of Marchiano and of those involved with the film were touched by Jesus! I recently discovered that Bruce Marchiano has launched a mission to raise funds to put the Gospel of John on film! Anyone interested should check the web under Marchiano Ministries for details! Many thanks to Bruce Marchiano for inviting us join him in this new vision and for bringing us along in his journey thus far. In doing so, he brings us all closer to our Jesus that we seek to know so intimately!

What a joy to read the book and be given the idea that Jesus was joyful and loving, not like other Hollywood movies where Jesus never blinks and is very pious. This Jesus character related to the people he was here to save. Loved the book and the movie-which is word for word the Gospel of Matthew.

The best portrayal of Jesus in any film was Robert Powell in the 1977 mimi series, "Jesus of Nazareth".. I thought Marchiano was waaaay over the top and that his performance fell more in the category of amateur. That being said, I thought the book was somewhat insightful but as I read on it kept reminding me that it was more about walking in the footsteps of Mr. Marchiano rather than Jesus. Not recommended

Dr. Myles Munroe is especially Gifted and Called to serve our "today". The Study Guide he authored was led by our Lord and is one of learning the route to a deeper life, experiencing spiritual guidelines for many life changing issues and all is backed with the Word of God. The Study Guide is quite easy to use and any and all should expect spiritual growth when their 40 days are complete.

The "Kingdom Principles Study Guide" is designed as a supplement to Myles Munroe's book "Kingdom Principles" and is made up of 40 lessons to be used over a 40 day period.

Each daily lesson includes: A scripture verse for the day, a daily devotion based on an excerpt taken from the book "Kingdom Principles," several related thought provoking, application questions, and a meditation. These include principles for contemplation, concepts for consideration, and distinctiveness of the Kingdom of God to experience.

I found the devotional thoughts motivational and inspirational, the application questions stimulating and compelling, and the meditations to be rich with a moving, and meaningful focus.

This is an important, comprehensive study guide that will help the reader expand their kingdom living experience as they reflect anew on "Kingdom Principles."

Great study guide about the Kingdom and how God wants us to set up His Kingdom here on earth. God is our King and we are to rule under Him. This 40 day devotional will encourage and enlighten your life.

Great Book and was enlightening because this book helps you understand your place in God's Kingdom. Very inspirational and very good read.

All of the Kingdom books by Myles Munroe are a must for anyone and everyone seeking the truth about the Kingdom of God

This book is truly life-changing. I read this book after borrowing it from the library. I rarely buy books that I have already read, but this one is an exception. It is so full of wisdom that I want to carry it with me and read it often. Nouwen's writing is extremely clear and accessible, he is speaking to the reader as a good friend. And yet, his message could not be more profound. He leads us to a transformation of life that frees us from our deepest obstacles to joy in our lives. There is nothing more liberating than learning to become God's "Beloved", and thus becoming who we were made to be.

Insightful and uplifting. Conveys a concept of God's love in a way that can be understood by individuals who are not well read in Christian theology.

I first read this book more than 10 years ago. I loved it then. It really touched me. I recently led a book group discussing this book. Some in the group found it to really touch them deeply giving them the balm they needed; others felt that it was a bit dated. They felt that this was written for a different time.

The book's initial purpose, a apology for faith, never really was met, but for the Christian seeking a deeper insight into faith this book is great.

This is a well written book on our relationship with each other and the beloved. I highly recommend it for those who are ready to be intimate with God

Our Bible Study is using this book as their current study. Nouwen speaks to the heart.

This workbook is awesome. It truly shows the biblical reasons for confessing our sin of overeating.
It has been a great help to me in my life!

I have not yet completed this study, but really think it is wonderful. The Bible Study aspect is really well put together and I have enjoyed the new thoughts and ideas it has brought to my life. It really changes the way you look at food and the satisfaction it gives you. I also recommend the website settingcaptivesfree.com where you can participate in the study online as an addition to the book. The materials are all A +++

I'm having a difficult time understanding a previous reviewer's comment that Mike Cleveland teaches in this book that his eating plan is the only acceptable approach (vs. Atkins, etc.). The following is a direct quote from The Lord's Table online course:

"Welcome to The Lord's Table! This course is a 60-Day program to help you gain control of your eating habits and to lose weight, if needed. Here is a suggested eating schedule to help you get up and running. The suggested eating days are like training wheels on a bike. Eventually you'll outgrow them, but they're helpful to get you started and you will feel more secure having them guide you. In The Lord's Table, this eating schedule is offered as a guide, not a requirement. Eventually you will develop your own schedule of eating that honors the Lord and produces weight loss or maintains optimum weight."

Doesn't exactly sound like he's saying his way is the only acceptable way to me - does it to you?

I find it frustrating that someone would not only misrepresent this author's teaching, but would cast aspersions on Mr. Cleveland's character as well. He "likes to toot his own horn" because he (supposedly) asked some who have been successful with breaking food's grip on their lives to come to this Amazon site and write a review? Sounds like getting the word out to me.

This is a wonderful program, with spot-on encouragement and firmly grounded Biblical teaching for those of us who find food has far too great a place in our lives. I highly recommend it.

One day I looked at myself in a full length mirror. As I stood there in my underwear my eyes closed in shame. I couldnt believe I allowed myself to get to this point. After three children, I felt like I would never get my body (any body) back. I fell on the floor in my bedroom and wept for God to show me what to do. Gluttony was my biggest sin. My idol. My obsession. I cried to God to save me from this incredible sin in my life. "I just want to eat when I feel hungry, I dont want to think about it every waking moment! PLEASE GOD!!!" After about 15 minutes I peeled myself off the floor and went to bed. The next morning I went to christianbooks.com and found The Lords Table. I did an Amazon search to see what the ratings were and I was flabergasted on how many 5 stars it was given. "What does this book say that all the others didnt?" was my first thought. But being obsessed with weight loss material I purchased the book. Now 25 days into the program I am down 18lbs but whats better than that. Is my walk with God. If you have come to a point in your life where its not about you anymore, but about God. Then this book is for you. You will gain control. Visit online www.settingcaptivesfree.com to be assigned a Mentor during your new walk with God.

This has been a very positive experience. It is more than a weight loss program. It is a spiritual growth developer. Weight loss happens as you grow closer to the Lord. It is wonderful. I plan to stay on it the rest of my life. I have lost 22 pounds but have a greater realization of approach to food.