Religion Books

Before you read this book "Think on These Things", you must remember one thing: Krishnamurti, most of the time, answered questions from children. That being said, don't be surprised when you read questions and explanations as if he is talking to a child. There are other books by Krishnamurti which "sophisticated" adults will enjoy more. This is one of my favorites though.

Krishnamurti's books should be given to all teenagers, especially in school. That's the time to start doing some serious thinking, and not when you are already in a big hole with no hope to get out (and if you are already there, then you really need to read this book). Why wait until then? Do you love yourself or your children or friends or family? Then start reading all his books. And the best thing is: all you have to do is "think."

For those who want to start on the "self realization" mystical path: Krishnamurti's books should be the first step.

Basically, after reading this book, you will discover, feel, realize, and wonder of how come you have never used your mind before! And... you will never feel alone again, or lost, or empty, confused, or brainless... this is an eye opener for those who never knew that they had eyes!

I tell you what, read the entire book, and then you will feel such a rush that cannot be put into words. So I'll stop here.

A little sample:

***

Questioner: It is true that society is based on acquisitiveness an ambition; but if we had no ambition would we not decay?

KRISHNAMURTI: This is really a very important question, and it needs great attention.
Do you know what attention is? Let us find out. In a classroom, when you stare out of the window or pull somebody's hair, the teacher tells you to pay attention. Which means what? That you are not interested in what you are studying and so the teacher compels you to pay attention--which is not attention at all. Attention comes when you are deeply interested in something, for then you love to find out all about it; then your whole mind, your whole being is there. Similarly, the moment you see that this question--if we had no ambition, would we decay?--is really very important, you are interested and want to find out the truth of the matter.
Now, is not the ambitious man destroying himself? That is the first thing to find out, not to ask whether ambition is right or wrong. Look around you, observe all the people who are ambitious. What happens when you are ambitious? You are thinking about yourself, are you not? You are cruel, you push other people aside because you are trying to fulfill your ambition, trying to become a big man, thereby creating in society the conflict between those who are succeeding and those who are falling behind. There is a constant battle between you and the others who are also after what you want; and is this conflict productive of creative living? Do you understand, or is this too difficult?
Are you ambitious when you love to do something for its own sake? When you are doing something with your whole being, not because you want to get somewhere, or have more profit, or greater results, but simply because you love to do it--in that there is no ambition, is there? In that there is no competition; you are not struggling with anyone for first place. And should not education help you to find out what you really love to do so that from the beginning to the end of your life you are working at something which you feel is worthwhile and which for you has deep significance? Otherwise, for the rest of your days, you will be miserable. Not knowing what you really want to do, your mind falls into a routine in which there is only boredom, decay, and death. That is why it is very important to find out while you are young what it is you really love to do; and this is the only way to create a new society.

Chapters: The foundation of education, The problem of freedom, Freedom and love, Listening, Creative discontent, The wholeness of life, Ambition, Orderly thinking, An open mind, Inward beauty, Conformity and revolt, The confidence of innocence, Equality and freedom, Self discipline, Cooperation and sharing, Renewing the mind, The river of life, The attentive mind, Knowledge and tradition, To be religious is to be sensitive to reality, The purpose of learning, The Simplicity of Love, The need to be alone, The energy of life, To live effortlessly, The mind is not everything, To seek God.

p.s. You will want to keep this book under your pillow, seriously!

"Think On These Things" is the type of book that I don't usually read...however this is a really cool book since it helps you question life & reality to the point where your perception of reality becomes more clear and your understanding of yourself becomes more complete, taking you to the 'true essence' of life.

This is a thought-provoking book and I recommend it for it's wisdom:

Also recommended:

Law of Attraction: The Science of Attracting More of What You Want and Less of What You Don't

Nexus: A Neo Novel

THE CONVENTION

Krishnamurti focuses on delightful explorations into the modern person's conscousness & state of being. Thought provoking and casts new light into what's really going on in our psyche, delving into the inner being and touching on topics such as egoism, fear & competitive struggle for power.

Also read:

Nexus: A Neo Novel

THE CONVENTION

A New Earth: Awakening to Your Life's Purpose

The Secret

Don't believe what J.K. says.
Examine what he says and see if there is any truth in any of it.
Then you've found that truth yourself and he is unimportant.
A must read for every serious student of life.

Although, as he often noted, some of the questions the students presented were not well put or relevant, in my opinion, I enjoyed this read because it was very simplified and covered important subjects in a brief and friendly manner. It's a good way to start if you wish to know more about Krishnamurti's teachings.

The book arrived in great time and is another classic of this famous and amazing author. It is all that was expected and I highly recommend it to anyone who is now, a C. S. Lewis fan or will be upon reading any of his works. Thanks gain to Amazon for another honest and quick transaction. Gary Krei

The Essay "The Inner Ring" moved my youngest daughter from the margins of middle school to its social center. Six years ago when she was in the sixth grade, we talked several times about a group of three girls that were the most popular in her school. Because she was so curious about the subject, I read her "The Inner Ring." She loved it. She asked many good questions, related the essay to her situation, and to her friends. By the middle of her seventh grade year, the group had expanded to six and because four of the six members of the group had siblings in the high school, the "six pack" was the subject of high school gossip in addition to being the coolest clique in the middle school. My wife believes that in reading "The Inner Ring" to mathematically minded Lisa, I gave her the rules she needed to become a permanent member of a group who all were starters on at least one sports team and continued to be close friends in high school.

I agree that this collection is often overlooked when considering the best works of CS Lewis. Among the essays, my personal favorites are Weight of Glory and Transposition. I highly recommend this book.

This book is actually a collection of essays. Lewis addresses various things such as, the glory of man as being a reflection of the glory of God, why he is not a pacifist (where he gives some pretty strong moral, biblical, and sensible arguments), speaking in tongues and various spiritual gifts (moreso on their implication, not on the technicality of each or what exactly each gift is), what he calls "is theology poetry" (or in other words, do we believe in theology just because the idea of a cosmic drama appeals to us), the affects of peer pressure and the gradual degradation of one's inner principles and also its positive affects when one surrounds him/herself with Christians, and forgiveness.

Overall a very enlightening read, in which many issues that are not commonly talked about are given attention. Not very long either, but packed full of insight.

There is a jacket blurb on The Weight of Glory from John Updike, who comments on both the comfort and pleasure afforded by Lewis. Neither should be underestimated. This is great devotional writing but it is also great writing, writing that is typified by Lewis' ability to deal with the weightiest of matters with a light touch.

It is a truism that our faith is reinforced whenever we see it embraced by great minds. Samuel Johnson believed that and it is interesting that Lewis often turns to Johnson for such reinforcement, as we turn to Lewis--one of the indisputably great intellectuals of the twentieth century. Part of that greatness comes from the stark clarity with which Lewis sees important matters. That makes his work accessible; it does not make it simplistic.

All of the lay sermons in this volume are trenchant, though 'The Weight of Glory' and 'Learning in War-Time' are exceptional. I especially like 'Is Theology Poetry?' and 'Membership' and find 'Why I Am Not a Pacifist' of particular interest and importance these days.

This is a book to be read, embraced, and shared.

Like I've said before, I am a big fan of the Ludy's. I LOVED this book. It makes you uncomfortable. It makes you squirm. It makes you think!! And I love that. It's not a "feel good" mushy-gushy book. And that is exactly what the church and believers need today!! We've had enough of the squishy gospel. We need to get back to the REAL deal!! Eric Ludy hits the nail on the head.

What a message! Eric tells it like it is, which is sometimes hard to hear, but is just what this world needs. We are all so tired of hypocrisy and lies, and just the shallowness of life. What are we living for? What really matters? These questions and many more are answered in Bravehearted Gospel. Eric lays out the blueprints for what a Christian's life needs to be. And it is not easy. You have to be brave just to get through the book! But is is SO worth it. You will not finish the book as the same person you were when you started reading it. If you let God speak to you through the words contained in this book, you will find a purpose for living, and a battle you are called upon to fight. Are you ready? Will you take the plunge?

Thank you Eric Ludy for being a true man of God and standing up for the gospel of Jesus Christ and encouraging us all to do the same!!!!!! What a blessing to know there are men of God still out there! Thanks to you wife for her book as well! Just love it!!!!!!!!!!!

Eric Ludy's book, The Bravehearted Gospel, is a much needed book exposing error and exhorting Believers to "ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein ..." (Jer. 6:16). Eric is "valiant for the truth" (Jer. 9:3), especially so in this book as he courageously obeys God's Word when it tells us to "Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them." (Eph. 5:11). This book is a great introduction to some of the most dangerous errors creeping into the modern church, an excellent starting point for becoming aware of the insidious teaching of the "emergent church" leaders of today.

This is the best book I have ever read in my life. This is message the church needs to hear. If you consider yourself a Christian, you need to read this book.

Beth has a way of opening minds to the reality of Jesus and helping others to break free of themselves and their pasts. This is another
"you go girl"

A Letter to My Sisters: The Way Out
I am indeed invigorated and ready to proceed into the future. This book helped me to break away from the bondage of things that had been sitting in my way for a while. Thank you Lady Beth for sharing you revelation.
A Letter to My Sisters: The Way Out

This was one of those really excellent experiences. Shipping was done within the days specified. The shipper sent notification the book had been shipped and the book arrived within a week. Above and beyond expectations!!

Great Amazon Seller! Would buy from again. Received book exactly as described in great timing.

Don't you just love Beth Moore?!? What an inspiration Beth is to ALL Christian women across this world. God has used Beth in such an awesome manner - don't you wonder what it's costing her? To whom much is given, much is required. This book flows just like her Bible study with the same title. This book will help you to find areas in your life where you are being held back and weren't even aware you were being held back! There are so many things that we as humans accept as just a part of normal life. Beth shows us in biblical terms why that is just not true! Just because it's a common 'side effect' of living in this sinful world DOES NOT mean that we have to accept it in our lives! I strongly urge you to find a church in your area that offers Beth Moore Bible studies. Read this book - it will set you free!!!

Marguerite Manning has done the impossible. After decades of working with astrologists I trusted and never daring to attempt to interpret my own chart, pure intimidation, I now have a solid enough understanding of this art/science to methodically and joyously wend my way through my own karmic contract!

Marguerite you made the scary fun!!! Bless you and thank you for making sense of it too!

I have to say that after reading Marguerite Manning's book, I have a much better understanding of what role we play in the universe. I was raised into a family that appreciates different horoscopes and the characteristics that correspond with each sign. I just recently finished grad school, and am pursuing my career in teaching; I am also a Taurus. In Mrs. Manning's book, she discusses the different degrees earned for each of the signs. A Taurus is one who feels the need to pass on their knowledge and educate others; my passion. What it says I must learn is to work for the luxuries that I demand in life; as a Taurus I have an expensive eye but must not take the easy road to reaching those materialistic tangibles.

I recommend this book to anyone who wants to know more about their astrological contracts with the universe! :0)

This is the best book that i have ever read on the subject of astrology and/or karmic debt. It will help you understand things about yourself and also those you know and love. If you have ever wondered about the why's of your life, read this book. If you want a peek at your past, this book can get you there.. I highly recommend this book for anyone interested in astrology and how to use it in your life.

Have you ever wondered how astrology works? Have you ever wondered how your birth chart can determine who you are and what you want in life? Have you ever wondered what happened to Steve Guttenberg's waning career? Alas, I don't believe anyone has the answer to that last one, but this book does a great job at answering any questions one might have about their astrological sign and how it affects them. Upon reading it, I immediately went from a skeptic to a firm believer in astrology and I very much enjoyed the authors entertaining writing style. I sincerely hope that she continues to write more of these books in the future.

Being lost is no fun. This book made me feel that there is direction in my life. Very well written and still fun to read. I recomend this book to anyone with questions.

This is the true story of Brother Andrew and his work in smuggling Bibles to those Christians oppressed by communism. There are many moments of miraculous interventions by God and Brother Andrew's touchingly transparent story will bring a tear to your eye and inspire you to appreaciate the freedoms we have and to help those who do not, even if only in prayer. This is one book that will not dissappoint!

I read this book atleast once a year. It is the most exciting and inspirational book in my library.

This book was hard to put down. I first learned of Brother Andrew by listening to a CD of the life of Corrie TenBoom. He was a friend of hers and introduced the CD.

The book God's Smuggler is, (and I hate to use this word loosely as it is overused) awesome in the respect that God answered him so many times directly. His answers were direct miracles from God. It is also amazing to read how he managed to get in and out of Russia so many times unscathed. Great reading.

This book is gripping. I started reading it one night and finished it the next afternoon. This is a great story and testimony.

This book by Brother Andrew was Excellent. The story of a European Christian and his attempts to smuggle Bibles behind the Iron Curtain. Plenty of action and suspense, combined with a motivating personal story. Since its the story of a mans life its also a fairly easy read.

I recently purchased five used~ like new books and they all arrived in excellent condition in a reasonable time frame. I love Living in Joy so much I bought four copies for my friends and family. I hope you enjoy Orin sometime soon. They communicate with clear, easily understood ways that feel uplifting and positive. It's all basic information we know at our Source and I appreciate their ability to remind me.. and inspire me.

I have had all of the books in the Earth Life series for years(1994 or 95) and they are maybe the most important books I have ever read and studied. I could not find my Living With Joy book and so I had to get a new one. I have been reading all of Sanaya Romans books over and over and they continue to delight me with new wisdom and insight each time I pick them up. I can not recommend them enough.

If you are looking for a book to get you started down the path to joy and happiness this is it.

Very good and soothing exercises in this book. I have underlined parts that really spoke to me and go back and re-read them periodically.

This book is so clear and eloquent in its presentation and is packed with spiritual truths and mind-expanding exercises. It's a must read if you're on a path of spiritual development and evolution.

This is a great book for everyone who wants to run out and do great things for God without stopping to ask what God actually wants. The only drawback in my opinion was the way "apologized" to the people he had hurt. If he would have just offered an unqualified apology it would have been great, but for some reason he felt the need to mention that he had been prompted to apologize and then follow it up with, "there, I've said it." But, part of the point is that we're all growing and learning, and I did see real humility in the way he's running his current business. No longer playing the same games as before. Very entertaining and insightful book.

I laughed and cried, but I learned as much from this as a management textbook. Very captivating, entertaining, but emotionally charged with what do we do when God allows our dreams come crashing down around us.

This book had to have been an exercise in humility to write. I have nothing but the utmost respect for Phil Vischer after reading his story. My wife and I learned about the Veggie Tales in the late 90's after receiving a recommendation from some of our friends. We've been fans ever since and have 3 kids who have all grown up with Bob, Larry, and the Veggie crew. It's hard to believe so much was going on (good and bac) behind the scenes at Big Idea as we all laughed and sang along with the Veggies at home.

A great story about one man's Christian journey through the world of business and his growing relationship with God! As an entrepreneur in the early stages of several companies, the lessons taught are invaluable. As a Christian who is always dreaming, setting goals, and striving for worldly "success" this book has made me step back and re-evaluate my life and relationship with Him.

On business, Phil talks about the early stages in computer animation world in which he was a revolutionary. He teaches about money and cash flow in relation to running a company. He discusses leadership and his struggle to run a profitable "Christian" company in a secular world with non-believers all around. What's amazing to me that through it all, this is not a book that points blame anywhere but the on it's author. In fact, the names of anyone in which others might have placed blame are not ever mentioned!

On Christianity, it's inspirational to read a true story showing the Christian walk and struggle illustrated by Henry Blackaby in his devotional study Experiencing God. Blackaby writes, "If you start something and it does not seem to go well, consider carefully that God, on purpose, may not be authenticating what you told the people because it did not come from Him, but from your own head. You may have wanted to do something outstanding for God and forgot that God does not want that. He wants you to be available to Him, and more important, to be obedient to Him."

What a powerful book! A must read for Veggie Tales fans, Christians, and business people alike. Lessons to be learned by all.

I just got finished reading this and was totally blown away. I really appreciated his honesty and openness about what happened to Big Idea and this reaffirmed my feelings about the other so-called business books out there: it's easy to look like a genius when you study successful companies and draw contrasts, but the same methods don't work for every company.

Phil is a great storyteller, and I'm pleased to have been let into his world for a few hours.

Raised as I was on Sesame Street, it took me several episodes before I realized, "Hey, there are no females here. Isn't this show about good role models?" (VeggieTales came out the same year CTW launched Zoe, Sesame Street's first popular female muppet, to great fanfare.)

But the Veggies were fun so I continued to watch, as Bob, Larry, Pa Grape, Junior Asparagus, Mr. Nezzer, Mr. Lunt, Jim and Jerry all got personalities and subtexts. Poor Little Laura remained a whiner. Junior's mom hardly gets to speak. And Esther? A one-note.

So I was interested: Did some executives force Vischer onto this lopsided stage, or did it just happen? And the answer is: he really is that way.

He says that when he and his now wife (wife of 16 years, no doubt happy) found they were expecting, she "had" to drop out of college in her freshman year. We are just supposed to accept that. As it takes longer than one school year to go through a pregnancy, he didn't mention any complications, and this was the '80s, not the fifties, I found that puzzling. He just as cavalierly dismisses her singing aspirations--again, this is the '80s.

Again and again, his theme is that "kids" and "families" need good examples. This is good. He condemns Madonna. Understandable. And it doesn't occur to him that some kids might be females who need good examples, and that families might include women. Interestingly, Vischer even quotes the Bible to explain creating Bob: (paraphrasing) The Cucumber came first, but he was alone, and that was not good. So I created a sidekick.

Wait a minute, didn't the original tale mean creating a ...?

There are many intentionally laugh out loud moments in this book, and some that I think occurred by accident. After working himself into a heart condition, he states that while his wife and in-laws played with the children, he went into his wife's childhood bedroom and started to sketch the Veggie Tales Theme Park. Shades of Harry Chapin, here.

I absolutely expected more about __valuing__ his wife and children. It would have been possible to do that without compromising privacy. But they barely get a mention.

But, to be fair, all that is puzzlement at the man. To review the book, I have to say it was well-written, humorous, and told a great deal about the writer and his philosophies. He is absolutely driven to create, and does so, despite odds. He gives as clear, and as beautifully written, an account of how CG changed the entertainment scene as I could ever hope to see.(Vischer covers so much material it would have been helpful to have had an index.)

He is true to his vision as long as he is able, and doesn't let failure tear his faith apart.

This book is a must read for Christians who are not satisfied with their spiritual life and a MUST READ for those in churches considering major capital expenditures that will serve only the members. It will change the way you think about how you and your church can best serve Jesus.

For many years I have felt disenfrancised from the church, even though I have spent my entire life in it and even raised my family in it. Now that I am nearing fifty, I have found myself seeking ways to spread my faith that are real and substantive. This Present Future has given verbal affirmation to what I've felt all along, and to what I've always known to be true. But in Churchian circles, the only truth is the one they tell you, and to think outside the box is frowned upon. But now I understand why, and I understand what I must do to change and effect my world for Christ.

Thank you Reggie McNeal.
Lonnie Friesen
The Homeless Heart

Reggie McNeal writes a thought provoking book that will either excite and challenge you or anger you. Not everyone is ready for the truth that is laid out in his book. But it is the truth none the less. The American Church has lost the right to be heard and this book gives us some tough questions we need to ask ourselves in doing a self-evlaution and earning the right to share the important message of Jesus Christ and be heard by those who need to hear it. This book was a great confirmation for our church in who we are and why we don't seem to fit in with the other churches in our community. God is doing a new thing and this book has shown our church we are part of it. I am now taking our entire church leadershipo through the book. I highly recommend every Christian who is tired of "doing church" and maintaining the status qou read this book.

Fantastic book. Really makes you reflect on your ministry and the questions the book asks gives a structure for evaluating the overall focus of your church. I would highly recommened this book for someone seeking to bring about revitalization within their congregation and personal ministry.

Excellent book which speaks to the problems the modern church faces. Gives specific information and direction to deal with current issues. I have found this work tremendously useful in advocating change for the church I serve as pastor.

Powerful with many incites to getting were we need to be in regards to the right way to live. Learning to live the impossible and liking it.

Jerry Bridges is insightful and penetrating in his writing. He is easy to understand and gets to the heart of the matter. I used this in conjunction with the companion study book. This really helped me put into action the principles he discusses. It's well worth your time.

Should we "let go and let God", trusting Him to bring us victory in the battle for holiness? Jerry Bridges would answer this question with a firm "no." Instead, he would lead us to "grab hold and let God." In other words, Bridges charges us to take hold of the resources Christ offers us to kill sin's power and cultivate the fruit of the Spirit. In Bridges' view, holiness is not a matter of victory or defeat, but of obedience or disobedience. He teaches that victory is the byproduct of obedience, not the aim of the pursuit of holiness. Holiness is still the work of God, but we must actively lay hold of the work of God in our lives to see the fullest possible work of the Holy Spirit in us. As I consider all of the personal commands to action in the Bible regarding holiness, I am convinced that Bridges is right. Commands like, "put off your old self, mortify the deeds of the flesh, put on the new self, pursue righteousness, think about whatever is good and pure, walk in the Spirit" and many more show me that my part in holiness is to throw off everything that hinders and fix my eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of my faith. This excellent book is best in its final half, as Bridges deals with some of the details of this walk of faith and the specifics of how to fight sin and cultivate good in your life. Highly recommended.

When I started reading this book I had the "fear" that true "holiness" was something I could never achieve. Yet scripture calls us to be holy (1 Peter 1:13-25) so it must be possible. As I went through this book and examined my heart, I realized the obstacles that stood in the way of holiness and came away from the book with a whole new understanding and sense of hope and purpose. I now encourage other men to step up and TRULY pursue a life of holiness.

Don't read this book unless you are ready to be convicted and own up to your responsibility as a Christian! I have read this book twice and am reading it again (along with the Study Guide) with my church's women's Bible Study. It is a provocative book to study alone or with a group. It lends itself to wonderful group discussions. Jerry Bridge's book, very practically written, is an aid to Christians in our understanding of God's grace on one hand and our obligation to live a life worthy of His calling on the other.