Religion Books

A must read!. . .This book, by Bishop Tutu, capture's God's dream is for us! He shares profound thoughts using clear, yet elegantly simple language which can be understood by all. Tom Weaver
God Has a Dream: A Vision of Hope for Our Time

It's rare to come upon literature with a pulse and a heartbeat on every page. This is one of those precious gems that I will read once a year for the rest of my days.

God's blessing in print. Hope again. Hope anew. Hope for you. Buy it. Read it. Live it.

Thank you Archbishop TUTU

Bill Dahl
Author, Creator, Editor
The Porpoise Diving Life

What an eloquent writer! Bishop Tutu writes so beautifully, especially when he describes the Love of God. The concept of transfiguration is explained in a passage about the cross which truly brought me closer to my Lord. Dear Christian brothers and sisters: read this book and be prepared to have your prejudices and fears about other people shattered by the Love of God.

I am leading a group study at St. John's Cathedral in Jacksonville, Florida using this beautiful book of meditations by Bishop Tutu. There are discussion question after each chapter.

The book came in in a short amount of time, and was in great condition.

"God On Your Own" is a wonderful, inclusive book that gives readers an invitation to get unstuck from unexamined beliefs and the perceived need to follow the dictums of outer "authorities", and instead, to follow the advice of one of my own spiritual teachers, Jack Schwarz, who said, "Trust your inner authority," or as I would put it, trust your core (inner) wisdom. (Jesus said that the kingdom of God was within us....do you think he may have been on to something?!)

I appreciated how the author kept returning in the book to what really mattered, being able to directly know one's true nature as an expression of the Source of ALL, rather than the delusion of being a separate limited survival oriented entity. His inclusion of such teachings as those of Joel Goldsmith, was useful in giving readers a chance to engage in the possibility that the outer world is a projection of our inner state of Being, and it is one's state of Being more than what they attempt to do from a state of separation that will allow for the shift in the world that people say they want.

Josph Dispenza'a chapters on beliefs, prayer, responsibility, and other aspects are clear and invite the reader to, as Dr. Hazel Parcell's used to say, "Check it out!" for themselves (Dr. Parcells was the subject of an earlier book by Dispenza). I love that that the author has invited the reader to trust themselves to know God as intimately and easily as God know them ---to realize that there is no separation, only particle and wave, content and context--- and without an outer crutch, they can know the world with love and compassion as a "play of consciousness" and be guided by the Source of All.

This book is an excellent guide and roadmap for returning home to your true nature.

Hal Isen
Hal Isen & Associates, Inc.
Author, The Genesis Principle
The Genesis Principle: A Journey into the Source of Creativity and Leadership

Dispenza's unusual persoanl journey -- from deep inside dogmatic religion to a serious spiritual life outside of it -- combined with his rich knowledge of traditional theology and contemporary mystic writers makes this book a most provocative read. It will take you on your own personal journey, for you can't help but think about where you stand on the issues he raises.

He presents several fresh insights. For example, the Lord's Prayer is all about separation and divisiveness!! Amazing! In fact, he demonstrates that much of the Bible is about separation. I have never looked at this -- or seen it -- so clearly. An important theme throughout the book is unity, oneness, mystical union.

Dispenza's personal story woven throughout is fascinating, and I love the way many of his points arise out of his personal experience.

Dispenza brilliantly turns each of his monastic vows into important principles of spirituality. This is a genuinely original argument.

The chapter on peak experience is provocative. And the last chapter about our entering a new age is really wonderful.


Dispenza identifies these as key spiritual concepts: detachment, innocence, responsibility, peak experience, service. These are similar to the key spiritual principles I have independently identified in my own writing: connection, authenticity, love, awareness, surrender, gratitude. (See Chapter 14 in Why Talking Is Not Enough.)Why Talking Is Not Enough: Eight Loving Actions That Will Transform Your Marriage

If you are interested in your own spiritual quest, don't miss this provocative read!

Totally synchronistic! I came upon ordering this book somewhat in error and it was the best mistake I have ever made! I found this book to eloquently (and easily )cover most of the points of the multitude of other spiritually focused books I have read. And I can assure you I have read most of them! This book crosses all religious and spiritual practice lines and really supports a deeply personal spiritual path. I have experienced a pretty significant medical crisis this past year, which became a deeply spiritual experience for me. Joseph Dispenza has helped me to understand my path and in such a down to earth, practical way. I am so grateful that I found this book!

Joseph Dispenza has written a book that is not so radical as much as it is a straightforwardly honest account of his journey, and how "meaning" is not borrowed or bestowed, but is, rather, created from within each person [read A. Damazio's THE FEELING OF WHAT HAPPENS] and is ALWAYS located there as a personal, private phenomenon.
He is also honest about the necessity for each person to question their experience to ascertain what is "relevant" to them, asserting that questions are not only acceptable, but are rquired, in order to locate what is "true for you." [read Neal Postman's chapter "Defending against the indefensible" in CONSCIENTIOUS OBJECTIONS]
Consistent with these human traits and capacities, he affirms individual responsibility for choices about what to believe, whom to trust and emulate, and how to respectfully listen to and carefully weigh what any other person expresses about their experience, yet trusting one's own perspicacity. [read R. Baumeister's chapter "The myth of higher meaning" in MEANINGS OF LIFE and P. Tillich's THE COURAGE TO BE, about the importance of doubt]
Dispenza's book is a humane, affirming, encouraging book about growing up and taking full responsibility for what belief and the expression of belief mean in one's personal life and in the global community, which has significant consequences for you and for all of your "neighbors." Read his book, then YOU decide what your life means, and tell your personal story.

This is a comment on the book by Joseph Dispenza, "God On Your Own"I have read the book and found it to be right on target with my own struggle and journey. Every once in a while a book comes along that resonates in that place beyond belief to knowing. This is such a book. I like the fact that he honors the belief system he was raised in as a path that led him to seek his truth.
My own search began with Marianne Williamson's "A Return To Love" and "The Conversation With God" series, then on to Tolle's "The Power Of Now".. This book encouraged me to become even more comfortable with my
"new" truth. It is very difficult to separate from a belief system that has become so much a part of your life and family heritage. I encourage everyone to read this book and find out how great you really are and know that you are co-creating your life.
Namaste
Mary Kay

I couldn't be happier with the prompt service and excellent product. Plus, the book is a great encouragement to women in these unstable times. Jolene Smutz, Sandy Hook, VA

We chose this book as a foundation for our Women's Retreat. Not only was the theme a springboard for our speakers and breakout sessions, it added inspiration for the treats and decorations. We were pampered as Princesses and we found out how much our Daddy, The King adores us! Low self-esteem is a huge problem for many women, and it was an important issue to tackle. I'm so glad we went back to the basics with this book and delved into the love of God for His children!
His Princess: Love Letters from Your King (His Princess)

I carry this book in my purse all the time. A quick devotional or inspirational encouragement for a variety of circumstances. Beautiful pictures, and a great reminder of your personal value.

This book was given to me as a gift from one of my sisters. I love it so much that it is my all-time favorite inspirational gift to give to my special friends. Letters to My King is also excellent! I keep one on my nightstand and one on my desk at work. I highly recommend it!

This book was given to me as a gift and I have bought at least 5 to give as gifts. It is such a wonderful book. Filled with heart felt letters. I can not say enough about this book.

This is a truly excellent reference book for anyone interested in the history of Biblical interpretation. Indeed, the book might more accurately be called "How the Bible has been Read," since for any given section, it gives an overview of traditional readings, both Christian and Jewish, followed by recent scholarship and biblical studies. The latter includes advances in linguistic and archeological scholarship. Kugel writes in a clear conversational style, the product, no doubt of years of university teaching.

Though I have only read about a hundred and fifty pages, I have found Kugel's scholarship outstanding and his writing clear and easy. As a catholic priest it has been a wonderful exposure to good Jewish thought and scholarship. I have found the contrast between the ancient inperpreters and modern scholars extremely helpful. I would be more conversant with modern scholars and not so clear on the more traditional. It is a great help to interpret sections of the Hebrew Bible.

Rev. Joseph Madden

This book attempts to integrate both traditional and modern views of the bible. It does this well. It creates layers of meaning that transcend the theological and is well worth reading for those not immersed in a particular theological approach to the meaning of this complex book

Well researched and written book. Understandable by layman as well as biblical scholar. Most enlightening and informative.

Thank you James L. Kugel. I have longed for guidance in understanding the complexities of the Old Testament. Very informative and readable.
Highly recommended.

This is an awesome book. It is filled with down to earth talking mixed with bibicial scriptures to back it up. She breaks down the bible in a way that I have never thought of.

I just started a book club and this was our first read. What a start. This book really made me look at my singlehood and embrace it until God is ready to bring that help mate into your life. I recommend it for ever near or at that 30-something, single stage of their lives.

This book is a definite must for all females young and old. I was truly touched and changed in all sorts of ways. A patient of mine gave me this book to read and I bought another one and gave it to a woman that considered herself my enemy because I have the man she wanted. I love how she takes us through the scripture and shows us how God wants to mold and shape us as the unique and beautiful queens that we are. One thing that stuck out to me "There is no dating in the bible" Brings you back to the scripture: Train up a child in the way that he/she should go" most of us can't get a mate because we don't have the knowledge of what relationship is about other than being apart of your own immediate family. You got to bring some to get some.

Thank you Michelle for your guide to godliness.

I am a 24 year old single woman and I am just beginning to feel the woes of singleness. Unfortunately, it's not always easy to find someone you can really talk to. Everything I needed was in this book. If you want to be content in singleness, and if you want to be the complete individual that God intends for you to be, get this book. Michelle has great biblical and spiritual insight. She doesn't just talk about her experiences or what she thinks, she comes from the Word and writes according to divine revelation from God.

I had just departed from a 5 yr relationship when I read this.
It set my feet on a higher spiritual plateau. The title of the book was deceiving (as most of her titles) and had me thinking I was on my way to my next relationship. However, it set my sights on not just the right man, but THE MAN, the Lord!
It was refreshing, empowering and encouraging. Despite the fact that Mckinney has never been married do not let that discourage you. She comes from the only knowledge that matters and that is the WORD. Everyone has not been destined to get/be married; also, who else to minister to someone except the one who is in the same season with you...what an encouragement. Its such a catch 22 - to always hear women bemoan their singlehood and not having a mate but they have not excelled in the principle things (that is delighting themselves in the Lord and learning to please Him.)
What an embarrassment to God for women/men to continuously pursue a thing so much that we forget about all He has blessed us with and who He is and the provisions He made and the great love He has for us to send Jesus to die for us.
Its like saying "Lord, you are not enough, you haven't done enough" and throwing a temper tantrum...ok, off my soapbox - sorry.
Back to the book, it helped me to fall more deeply and more intimately in love with the Lord. Another book that helped me with this is McKinney's book - The Secrets of an Irresistible Woman A MUST READ.

Interesting, detailed story. Typical Kertzer. A must read for students of Italian, Church and/or Jewish history.

We are accustomed to viewing excellent documentaries on the TV and the big screen. It is nice to find a literary documentary just as enjoyable. The mid 19th century was an incredible time for change. Europe was adjusting to the post Napoleonic ideals of political and religious freedom. The United States was fighting against the secular immorality of slavery. Prussia was building a military machine to dominate Europe. Italy was struggling with a unification which would require shedding the medieval yoke of the Catholic Church. In the midst of these changes a 6 year old Jewish boy , Edgardo Mortara, is kidnapped within the Papal States under orders of the Inquisition. The charge is that the boy has been secretly baptized. The baptism cannot be undone and therefore the boy cannot continue to live with his Jewish parents. Governments from around the world protest the kidnapping and Pope Pius IX responds with traditional dogma. This is a wonderful researched narrative which brings together themes which will be of interest to Christians, Jews and any reader curious about the changing role of the Roman Catholic Church in this period of European history.

The excellent DVD, "Secret Files of the Inquisition", (available from Amazon and Netflix) dramatizes part of this story and includes commentary by the author, David Kertzer.

Simply one of the most insightful books I have ever read. Thank you Mr. Kertzer for illuminating this fascinating event in our history.

Douglas Wood has already summarized and evaluated this book, justly praising its historical worth. I'd like to add a note about its shock value; in a moment of history when anti-semitism seems to be a joke in some people's minds, surely this is a book that might make the pain and folly of bigotry "real" in terms of a single family, and therefore accessible to readers who can't empathize with mass tragedy.
It's also quite a thrilling book to read, by the way, a better detective story by far than Dan Brown could manufacture.

A Jewish family's illiterate Catholic housekeeper sprinkles well-water over an infant child and furtively mumbles the baptismal sacrament. When the Inquisitor learns of the deed, he orders the kidnapping of the then six-year-old Jewish boy. This foul deed is almost certainly sanctioned by the highest levels of the Catholic hierarchy. The police forcibly remove the child from his family's Bologna home and swiftly transport him to the Church's House of Catechumens in Rome for reeducation. Despite all protests from the boy's family and the Jewish community and in the face of a destabilizing international uproar, the Holy Father refuses to yield. By holy grace, the boy has been miraculously saved and the Church keeps him, inculcates him in the Catholic Christian religion, and assiduously converts the boy.

The boy kidnapped in the name of religion? Edgardo Mortara. The Holy Father in question? Pope Pius IX. The year? 1858. That's right 1858, not 1458, not 1658, but smack dab in the middle of 19th century Europe.

Historian David Kertzer tells the complete tale in his excellent work, `The Kidnapping of Edgardo Mortara.' As Kertzer relates in the epilogue he learned to his surprise that there was no reliable work on this topic. Kertzer sets out to remedy this gap and succeeds by examining the episode in fine detail. Using detailed court and police investigation records, Kertzer explores numerous evidentiary questions such as whether the baptism took place at all, whether the proper conditions for a valid lay baptism existed, who put the girl up to it, and how did the Inquisition find out about it?

The story is told against the background of the movement to unify Italy under secular rule. And here is yet another surprise for the uninitiated reader, including this one: until 1861 the Pope was still the temporal ruler of a wide swath of the Italian peninsula (this rule continued on a lesser scale to 1870). The treatment of young Edgardo was one of the factors that helped build support across Italy and internationally for the Risorgimento or Italian reunification.

The episode also hastened Pius IX's evolution, shall we say, to reactionary beliefs. Pius IX not only made papal infallibility part of Church dogma, but he also issued his infamous Syllabus of Errors in 1864, a broad attack on rationalism, science, and religious freedom - really a frontal assault on the Enlightenment and most other signs of progress in the previous three centuries. If Kertzer's book does nothing more than direct his reader's attention to this astonishing document, he has succeeded in the historian's task.

Kertzer examines the trial of the Inquisitor in detail and the formidable difficulties facing the prosecution. For example, what crime did the Inquisitor commit when his acts were legal at the time he committed them? Would the new government prove willing to violate the fundamental principle that the accused must have had notice of the illegality of his acts?

As for Edgardo, he remained with the Church fathers until he reached his majority and by then his conversion had firmly taken hold. He went on to become a famed proselytizer for Catholicism especially among the Jewish peoples. This role may help explain why this story has remained untold: it embarrassed Jews and Catholics alike.

Some readers may find the detail devoted to the investigations and trials to be excessive, but bear in mind that Kertzer is writing the seminal history of Edgardo's kidnapping. A fascinating tale full of surprises, very highly recommended.

I have just started to knit prayer shawls and a friend of mine told me about this book. It gives the history of prayer shawls plus so much more. I have a much deeper understanding when I am knitting one of these shawls.

This is an excellent resource. I recently started up a Prayer Shawl Ministry at my church. I've shared this book with the members. It's highly informative and full of more information than I anticipated.

This is a must have and must read for anyone who is interesting in being Blessed to be a Blessing. It is just the best.

I find that prayer is powerful no matter what. I have been knitting for years but I have never encountered this ministry before. I read the history behind this ministry and I was, needless to say, impressed and blessed. To think that all the craft items I have given away before this; I could have prayed for these people through these projects. Prayer does work in mysterious ways. A friend of mine borrowed this book before I had a chance to read it and she said that it was a humbling experience. Our church will be starting a similar ministry. A must read for anyone and everyone!

Because the title of this book says "Knitting", I had wondered how helpful it would be for a crocheter interested in shawl ministry. Based on other Amazon reviews, I took a chance and am glad I did so. While the authors are clearly knitters and write from that perspective, I could easily relate to the stories they told and to the ideas they shared on shawl ministry. This is not a pattern book (although it includes a basic knitted shawl pattern and a basic crocheted shawl pattern), but rather it is more of a spiritual book filled with stories, prayers and quotes from various faith traditions, as well as suggestions on how to do shawl ministry. Just reading the book gave me such a spiritual lift and provided me with inspiration for my shawl ministry.

I purchased this for a bible study at my church and have been reasonably happy with it. I don't totally agree with some of her concepts, but the general idea is definitely worthwhile.

A must for those who have the "I can't believe I said that!" moments!

Joyce Meyer tells it straight and to the point...one never has to question what she is trying to say. If you are looking for insight, direction...and for your eyes to be opened - start with "Me and My Big Mouth". {Oh, how it gets us into trouble!}

Great book, it was very informative and OH! so very true. Joyce Meyer is the greatest. A very profound visionary.

There are few books that I have read more than once, and this is one that merits not only reading more than once, but in having it on hand for a constant reminder. It could not have had a more appropriate title. It catches the eye then captures the heart and soul of anyone who feels (or can fianally admit..because many of us do) they have a problem with their mouth. It also gives them hope that they are not doomed to the self excuse of "well, that's just the way I am. I tell people what I think and people admire me for it". Uh....no they don't. Once you discover that you don't always have to win, your life becomes so much more peaceful. This book has helped me very much to begin that process. I try now, not to let every thought work like a gumball machine....from the brain to the tounge then out of the mouth. I now think very hard about what I say, first. And, because of that I see now I don't always have to open my mouth. I've had some painful withdrawal episodes in the process, but it has been worth it. I like myself better, now. This book has truly been a God send. Thank you.

We have watched Joyce Meyer's weekly (Mon-Fri) program for a few years now and overall find her to be a very good practical teacher on how Scripture corresponds with daily life issues. The product is formatted well and is designed to partner with her book of the same title. A worthwhile topic!

The One Year Christian History is not an exhaustive "greatest hits" of Christian History nor is it intended to be. What it is is a book that offers bite-sized glimpses into the people and events that make up the rich history of the Christian faith. Although I would not recommend this book for anyone looking for an in depth daily devotion, I would recommend it for anyone who wants an interesting book laid out in an easy to read format for daily reading.

We have been reading this book for the past year and just purchased a copy for a friend. It offers incites into people's lives, summaries of events and people, and quotes that you will want to share with others. We recommend it highly to all who are interested in the past and influences on people's lives.

This book was given to us by friends. It is fascinating, and the stories are inspiring. We read it every day as part of our devotional. We have given copies to friends and adult children. Very worthwhile.

Excellent education on Christian history as a daily devotional with wonderful examples of walking in the faith, even unto death.
Highly recommend.

This devotional is worth your money and effort to purchase. It tells each day what happened in church history on the day you are reading.

There is a lesson to be learned from the past. This devotional is not based on Scripture. So, it is not the standard devotional. Make sure you know that before buying.

It is a real jewel for church history buffs!

I laughed, I cried, I remembered. Great book written by someone who knows. I highly recommend this book. Yes, it tells stories about wartime, but it is written in such a way that the whole family could read it together.

Once I started reading Chuck Truitt's book, I found it very hard to put it down. He writes in a down to earth manner just like you were there with him.

The author and I were in Vietnam during approximately the same time period though in very different roles and locations. The book conveys a sense of immediacy and presence that evokes many memories of that unique conflict, and the story is told with genuine irony and humor unusual in books about Vietnam. The reader will find the book rewarding whether they are veterans of that war or not.

Charles Truitt is a gifted writer whose stories are a pleasure to read. Pop A Yellow Smoke is a refreshingly different outlook on life as a Marine during the Vietnam War. Never has a history lesson been so amusing. A pleasant combination of facts, explanations and real life experiences givers the reader a glimpse of the every day lives our men lived. A soldier of the cross, Charles Truitt is still a true Marine at heart and I would highly recommend this book to anybody!

A refreshing glimpse of reality in the "war zone". Very subtly forces you to reconsider your priorities. After over a year since reading the book, I still find myself reflecting on various episodes that brought back wonderful memories of my own experiences in the Corps and in everyday life. I wish the Commandant would make this required reading for all Leathernecks. Great job, Gunny!

Gary "Gunny" Johnson, USMCR '82-'93