Religion Books

I have read the Penguin Classics as well as the Thich Nhat Hanh version of the Dhammapada, and this version speaks more clearly (less cumbersome language) and is deeper touching for me. It will be a great choice for most other average Westerners, even if you're just picking it up out of curiosity.

I have several translations of the Dhammapada and this translation is the one that I take with me on my travels, and refer to most often.

Gil is using for me very understandable language. E. g. explains budhist cocepts of handling anger, which helped me a lot. Thin book which can be used as a reference guide for different aspects of live. I do recommend it.

The translation of this classic book is the most readable for the contemporary reader.

From the original Pali spoken by the Buddha ... this is the Buddhist holy book that captures the teachings of the founder of Buddhism. For those who want the source of Buddha's ways ... the Dhammapada explains the path.

This is an excellent study guide to help the reader understand symbols and imagery in the Bible.

This is a very good reference book. I have a couple of seminary graduates that recommended it to me.

a tremendous work of explaining the imagery found in the bible. The range of subjects are vast in scope. A must have reference resource for serious bible study. Goes a long way towards helping one to understand the various levels and ways that symbolic and picturesque meaning is used and construed in the bible. Deals with individual concepts, broad ranging themes, people, places, books of the bible, events and more. Top notch resource!!!

This book was one of the most unusual presents I have ever received. It was given to me by an individual who had enjoyed my teaching and thought I would find it helpful. It has proven to be an indispensible aid to Bible study and the understanding of deeper underlying themes of the symbolism which are so prevalent in the scriptures if you have the eyes to see them. The reader/researcher will find the material easy to use and well refrenced with historical and theological explanations. Although the Dictionary is written from a Protestant viewpoint, seekers of wisdom from a variety of different experiences will benefit from the insights and cultural revelations which can aid in unfolding deeper meaning through the symbolism, stories and pictures of the Bible.

The Dictionary of Biblical Imagery is an excellent reference for obtaining expanded meanings of the different words and images of the Bible. And even if it's a "dictionary", it is an enjoyable read straight through or even just when you want to hop from one entry to another. And for the price, it's a steal.

Highly recommended!

One thing that I have learned is you have got to invest in yourself, and this book is a great investment. You will want to read it over and over again, because it is a blessing to your soul. After reading it, you will take a closer look at the people around you. Are they depositing something positive in you or are they trying to get you off track?? Juanita Bynum also shares personal experiences in this book. SHE IS JUST REAL!!! Again, three words.....BUY THIS BOOK!!!

This book is designed to encourage you to push forward to your devine destiny and do not settle for less along the way.
On page 9 she writes, "We have not even scratched the surface of where God's going to take those of us who are willing to go somewhere." She uses David to illustrate the importance of filling one's mouth with praise and worship instead of negatives.
On overcoming circumstances and emotions, she adds, "I'm not moved by what I see, and I don't operate on what I feel" (p. 12). She spends several pages talking about divine appointments. God's timing is also included in the explanation given. She notes, "God has a preset time for you to arrive at this place" (p. 36).
The season of preparation is describe. Again, she uses David to illustrate that he experienced certain victories before he encountered and overcame Goliath.
On promotion she writes, "Stop trying to promote yourself. Just devote your whole heart to God" (p. 73).
Promotion doesn't come from the east, west, north, or south. It comes from God.

Prophetess Bynum imparted so many truths through this book. In it, she helps you to understand first and foremost that you have a destiny in God. She exposes circumstances in which the enemy would desire for you to give up and "get off of the train". She uses biblical examples of people who did not get off the train, although they had difficulties throughout the journey and how God eventually blesses them for their faithfulness. The added punch is that everything that you experience is preparation for where God is taking you. This book is dynamic. I read it and will read it again. It is powerful!!

Another spiritual healing reader from Ms. Bynum. If you havent read the "No More SHeets" series, I encourage everyone to pick up a copy.

Just when you think you've got God all figured out, he'll throw a monkey wrench in the plans and knock your whole world off balance. This book came at a time when I felt as if I had lost everything including my mind, health, and even my life. Once again Prophetess Bynum has managed to keep everything straight and to the point. She displays that everyone slips and falls but the only mistake that's made is not trying to get back up and get on the path to reach your goals. By simply stating "Don't Get Off The Train En Route To Your Destiny!" The title say's it all God called us to Conquer, not quit. Christians should display, God's love not only to one another, but also to a hurting world and ourselves. By not giving up and living defeated lives we exemplify that God is more than enough. Period. I recommend that you read this book and re-discover who God intended you to be, while getting back on the path to your destiny.

This is a wonderful, uplifting, inspirational book. Perfect for daily reading because of the way it is written in essay form, you can sit down and read the whole thing or use it for daily inspiration reading one chapter at a time. Love love loved it!!!

I so like this book. I finished 80+ pages already. I have read a lot of Zen philosophy, have experience with spiritual type books including Eckhar Tolle's books. What I like about Alan Cohen is that he shows how people come from nothing are like nothing and become greatness in a way, and that greatness is not exactly as we think it is.... It comes from our inner world. We don't need to arrive at some time in the future, to have that dream job, dream husband or wife, we are precious already.

The book is easy to read, can be taken in short bites or read in large chunks, but all of the chapters affirm life, love and the beauty of the human experience. I read this book at my father's hospital bedside for ten days, and it made the long days bearable. It's a book I'll keep on my "daily" shelf to read over and over again.

He writes as if he is in touch with Spirit the whole time-- It takes you on a journey gently!!

I picked up one of Alan's books on clearance last year and have been hooked on his wonderful outlook, sense of humor and writing style. Everything I read by him gives a boost to my spiritual center and I feel I'm communing with a soul mate. This book speaks in everyday language about very powerful universal messages. I would recommend it to anyone of any age.

This is a great author and great book. I experienced many personal connections regarding my Native American ancestors and healing practices within the pages of this book. Very easy read. This book lead me to many other books written by the same author.

Robert Moss's deep experience in the dreamscape is unlike any other shaman-writer in the West. As in all his books, this one shows the mark of a real shaman. In Dreamways of the Iroquois, Moss is more revealing about himself even than in his previous books. In spite of this personal tone, the book is scholarly at times. Interspersed with a retelling of the ancient myths of the Iroquois and Huron people, the children of Aataensic, is Moss'initiation by Island Woman, an Iroquois guide who leads him into the wisdom of her ancient people. One of the book's most potent message is that dreams reveal the real desires of the soul and should be honoured. There's little instruction here on how to work with dreams (one chapter does it) as the book is more of an exposé and a manifesto for the rebuilding of a dreaming society. I recommend all Moss's books to people interested in dreamwork as they are all very deep and rewarding.

A great book that explains the doorway to our dreams and how our dreams may help us face up to lifes challanges. A wonderful read and the author has clearly spent time in other realitys that are just as real as our own. There are many guides and messengers that can help us through our dreams if we are open to them and can remember how to communicate in this fascinating world.

As life if filled with messages, both in dreamtime, and time awake Moss guides us to listen to the spirit of your destiny. Moss was called to his dream writing and workshops and this book continues his teachings in understanding your dreams and and nurturing your intuition. Recently picked up a book by Wanda Easter Burch called She Who Dreams. Come to learn Burch and Moss met in New York many years after Burch dreamt of a young boy drowning, which happened to be Moss. Do not believe in coincidence and if you are looking for a path to understand your truths in life, this book will help your realization.

Dreaming is good for writing the next day. Dreams know a lot; what is dreamed must come to pass. If not, one's nature is not followed which, is the way of sickness instead of joy and good luck. I hope this book will help me along in this writing about the ancient goings-on. If you study Iroquois, you will dream vividly and feel special when looking at stars.

Superb. Simply. Great literature. The character of John, the main character's friend was the best and most gratifying of all. Please obtain and let your eyes go to work. To think the author died short of fifty. Man, we get burned sometimes.

I am thilled to see this book being available in hardcover and paperback as well. I read this book about ten years ago and I read it regularly every couple of years. The story is very compelling and the scene of the protagonist walking home through a run-down community is a classic of American literature.

What this book and O'Connor's other novel, The Last Hurrah, apart is the writing. In an era where writers seem to challenge one another to be more like Faukner and less comprehensible to the average man, O'Connor wrote very well and his language is beautiful. From this fine prose arises really deep characters which are flawed and so easily identifiable to us all.

I found this to be a wonderful novel and a great pleasure to read. I have been trying to find this for years and could not in any bookstore. While this could not translate to the movies as easily as Last Hurrah, I found this to be so much more interesting. A truly Catholic novel, it is a joy to find something that takes spiritual issues seriously and yet is hardly preachy. And if you are Irish, the dialogues of the "friends" of the family will make you laugh outloud while reading. This brought back the charms and frustrations of my childhood and my own family of Irish aunts and uncles. Long but worth the effort. A great find.

As I was reading THE EDGE OF SADNESS, I couldn't help but think that in 1961, when this Pulitzer Prize winning novel was published, it must have been rather controversial. It dealt with the humanity of priests, noting flaws but in a respectful manner. While some writers such as Georges Bernanos dealt with such issues in his DIARY OF A COUNTRY PRIEST, American audiences were still used to the Hollywood Big Screen concoctions of Spencer Tracy--Father Flanagan/Bing Crosby--Father O'Malley models of priesthood. While the priest in THE EDGE OF SADNESS may be worthy of the warmth and love given to his movie counterparts, he's hardly perfect.

The novel tells the story of an alcoholic priest named Hugh Kennedy beginning again in ministry in an older, run down parish. Readers get a sense he's not the priest he once was, and throughout the novel we learn of his early ministry, the ramifications of the death of his father, the struggle with alcohol, and the loneliness that is a real part of his life. The book is written in the first person, and we hear the story of his life as he tells of his rekindling of a friendship with the Carmody family: Charlie, the patriarch, his son John the priest, Dan, the ne'er do well, Helen, the outspoken sister married to a doctor and Mary, the daughter who remains at home to care for the aging but still independent and at times ruthless Charlie. We also meet a host of minor characters: Helen's husband Frank, their son and daughter-in-law Ted and Anne, Charlie's longtime friends P.J. and Bucky, Roy, the maintenance man who works at Fr. Kennedy's church, and Fr. Stanley Danowski, the endearing yet naïve and at time nerdy young curate at Fr. Kennedy's parish. As the events of the novel unfold, we see changes in Fr. Kennedy as he discovers his love for God and his vocation.

This is an older style novel in many ways. O'Connor is not short on words and he gives a number of details, yet the novel flows and is a fast read for a volume of nearly 650 pages. The issues of struggles in priesthood, vitality of parishes, older priest verses younger priest, unstated yet real competition between clergy people, and a hunger for God are all present in this book. In some ways if some historical details were changed in the book, it could be about modern day Catholic life. Perhaps this is the power of this book and why it can seem timeless. While it tells a story from an earlier day, it's not an invitation for nostalgia, at least for Catholic readers. Instead it will remind readers of what truly matters in life: the importance of faith, and the importance of having people who love us and people we love in return. While it may seem dated in some ways, readers will agree that the editors at Loyola Press were correct in reissuing this book as a classic.

This simple but beautiful bittersweet story of life among the Irish-American citizens of an unnamed eastern city is a joyful and beguiling tale. O'Connor's characterizations and dialogues are engaging and from my personal experience utterly authentic. I feel as though I have met all the main chacters and could give them names among family and acquaintances. The set piece of Father Kennedy' battle with alcoholism is tastefully done.

"Embrace Ultra-Ability" by Shirley Cheng is a powerful book that demonstrates a spiritual insight I have not seen in a person as young as she is. By skillfully intertwining her spiritual insights with her personal story, she is able to explain how every one has the ability to enjoy a happy, loving and prosperous life full of rich rewarding journeys. A person can not read this book and in reality ever "feel sorry for themselves" again. I highly recommend this book for those seeking ways to embrace every aspect of their lives and develop them to serve others.
Rowena Holloway, Co-Author of the Pray it Forward trilogy.

Shirley Cheng's seem to be able to take on some of life's toughest struggles and by keeping her faith strong in her God and herself, she has been able to do things in her life that might slow down the average person.
After reading "Embrace Ultra-Ability" it seems to me that most of us could learn a thing or 2 on how to soar above our limitations.
Her clear style of writing and thought process made reading this book a self discovery journey.
Elizabeth Cassidy,CTACC
Branching Out Life Coaching

Shirley Cheng is a queen of optimism and inspiration. Her faith in God and love of life are unwavering no matter what challenges she had to face in her short life of twenty four. Her enthusiasm and wisdom about life are contagious.

"Embrace Ultra-Ability" should be read by every human being. If you are facing challenges in life you will learn how to overcome them. And if you don't face any challenges be grateful for every moment you live on this earth, because life is a gift.

Lea Yekutiel - author, Los Angeles, CA

With a pure heart and boundless enthusiasm, Shirley Cheng's new book unveils the foundation of faith, gratitude, love and hope that has brought her through the challenges of life. Just as steel is tempered through fire, this soulful author has been transformed through the many difficulties of her young life. Adopting Shirley's positive views on living and using some of her suggested techniques can bring the same resolute strength into your life with wonderful results. A timeless and ageless fountain of hope that can be read over and over.

In a society that is self absorbed, unjustly critical and judgmental; out comes an honest and humble perspective from a young, prophetic muse, whose inner perception is astounding.

"Embrace Ultra-Ability!" - defines the very essence that truly needs to exist in all of us. We have no place for pity within our lives after reading about the determination, resilience and extreme faith Shirley holds towards her life and her experience. The courage to share her understanding in anticipation others will follow, is a sheer sign of true leadership and accountability.

And as a matter of fact, each teenager should be given this book in High School as a basis from which to build their values, morals and gratitude toward life.

With what we view as set-backs, Ms. Cheng views her challenges as monuments of growth and turns them in to the highest of accomplishments and achievements. I honor her endurance and envy her strength.

Very well done...What is next Ms. Cheng?

yes! a fantastic book about and for teenagers that i can actually recommend to teenagers!

a bit like the movie "saved" in some ways, the narrator has just (as the book begins) been excommunicated from her church and youth group for being the whistle-blower over her church and youth group's campaign against a gay kid in her school. her whistle-blowing, in the form of an apology letter to the boy after his attempted suicide, has resulted in lawsuits against the church and pastor.

in the midst of this lonely ostracism (coupled with a massive silent treatment from her parents), the narrator struggles to redefine her faith. at the same time, she's getting caught up in a new polarizing campaign against evolution being taught in her biology class.

this would be a wonderful book to read with a group of christian teenagers. all kinds of great discussion could result: loneliness, love, articulated faith, the gospel, evolution and faith. a great read for teenagers and adults who care about them.

Well-written, smart, and insightful! I'm not a teen but was captivated. The easy writing style makes it a fast read, and the issues of religion and finding one's identity are relevant to all ages. This is a must read.

This book will be of interest to adults as well as teens. The intelligent design/evolution debate is a relevant topic in our society, and this book presents some interesting thoughts about the controversy. It's quick, easy, and definitely worth reading.

Mena knew her first day of High school would be bad. But who could predict this? Being shunned by all of her former friends, her church, and even her own parents. Why, you ask? Because her church community was just sued for millions of dollars. And all because Mena wanted to do the right thing. Now the only person that will talk to her is her incredibly brilliant (and surprisingly cute) lab partner, Casey. Along with her new science teacher Ms. Sheperd, who everyone thinks is crazy. When Ms. Sheperd begins the new unit on Evolution, and Darwin's theory, the spotlight is soon off of Mena and onto the school. Mena's entire class full of "churchmates" turns on Ms. Sheperd and her ignorance towards religion. They'll do anything to take her down, including dragging in the community pastor, and getting him to preach to the class. The only person on Ms. Sheperd and Mena's side is Casey, and Mena soon realizes that she feels a lot more than friendship for him. I definitely recommend this book for young adults and middle school age kids. If you don't believe in the theory of evolution, it's still worth the old college try. Robin Brande certainly has a slightly controversial, but amazingly written book on the trials and tribulations of surviving the evolutionary jungle we call high school.

If you love your children, and you love Science, and maybe you love God, then rush out and buy this book. Other people have mentioned what its about, but what its really about is finding that perfect balance between scientific knowledge and spiriruality.

It's also about love, respect and honesty.

And its a little about freedom of speech and integrity.

If any of these things bother you, don't read it. Or read it, because it might rub off on you.

Give this book to your children.

I purchased this book after reading the first novel by Ryan Phillips, Saving Grace. Then I purchased the next book. I have all three and I have never been disappointed with her work. If you are in want of a good book, then read this but be prepared not to get anything done because you won't be able to put it down. One of my co-worker/friend was on our way to a meeting in which we had to travel three hours. I decided to bring along my book because I knew this would be the opportune time to read. Needless to say, I didn't talk much to my co-worker and really didn't want her talking much to me because I was so intensely into the book. I recommend reading the preceding one before reading this one. By then, you will swear you know each and every character. Can't wait until Ryan comes out with more of her great work.

After reading Ryan Phillips' first book, "Saving Grace", I became an instant fan of her work. I just finished "Fall from Grace" and I am equally, if not more, pleased with this book as with "Saving Grace"!

Ryan Phillips is truly a great author, I would highly recommend this book! GREAT READ!! Can't wait for the next one!

I really hope she continues Grace's story. Saving Grace was GREAT and Fall from Grace was a great follow-up. I'm still amazed at how young Ryan Phillips is you can tell that her writing is a God-given gift.

Saving Grace was an excellent read and so is this sequel Fall From Grace.

Grace and Trina have been best friends forever. Their relationship though causes alot of conflicts between them. At a point in their lives they lose themselves and Christ and must find a way back.

This book is filled with everyday issues, with twists and turns.

Fall From Grace was so good that it would literally take me all day to describe everything I loved about it. It was witty, mesmerizing, challenging, beautiful. To have a front row seat into the hearts and minds, successes and failures of fellow christians was far more than an entertaining read. The characters are so rich it made me think how can one person (the author, Ms. Phillips) be able to so keenly describe, speak and think for such a variety of individuals less she be utterly ingenious. WOW WOW and WOW pretty much describes how I feel and what I think. Beautiful. Creative. Unpredictable. Congratulations Ryan Phillips, I have a new favorite book. I never imagined that the sequel could be any better than Saving Grace (which was phenomenal). Fall From Grace was better than any movie or book I've ever seen or read thus far and I am so excited for the next Masterpiece. I am so thankful for the wonderful blessing this story was to me.

P.S. Between you and me...my eyes were a little watery...and I never cry over fiction! :)

After having our third child in less than 3 years I felt like I was going to go out of my mind. We hired a maid to come in once a week because we didn't have time to cook, shower, eat a whole meal, etc, much less clean the house. We stocked up on "educational" DVD's so I could take care of the baby without the older girls getting into trouble and demanding my attention. We were going out of our mind trying to keep up with it all!

About a month into this I decided to ask our pediatrician if he could suggest any good books on child rearing and he said anything by John Rosemond. This is one of several books that I've read by him since and it's hands down my favorite book by him, and on raising children period. I was going crazy trying to take care of my kids and the house, but his advice on doing less, not more with your kids assuaged my guilt and saved my sanity! We have since laid off our maid as I clean and cook with the kids around. They know they have to play on there own when I'm busy now, but that I'll make time for them when I'm done. We've also cut the plug on our television and they're playing so much better now. They fight less, do more together and play well on there own. Their attention span has tripled and we don't even need the TV as a crutch because they're too busy imagining and creating new, fun things to do!

This book, or John Rosemonds 6 Point Plan for Happy Healthy Children should be required reading for all parents. His views are considered conservative, but as a liberal at heart, I have come to the conclusion that they're really all just plain common sense. John Rosemond, thank you for saving my sanity and for bringing peace and happiness back into our home.

but you don't need to remain totally in the dark and child centered.

Child-centered families leave nothing for children to aspire to, except continued whining and selfishness.

Become an adult and your children will naturally want to follow. Well, most will. Let the guilt go, and no longer suffer from GAS...God Almighty Syndrome.

This book is a must-read. Some of the advice should be handed out in the maternity ward (TV, toys..)The chapters of respect, responsibility and resourcefulness are packed with good points and valuable information.

The only point is that parenting "accoring to grandma" is pretty soon going to have to be changed to parenting accoring to "great grandma." A lot of us parents now were born in the late '60 and '70s.

Now, I will warn readers that Rosemond certainly has a conservative slant, so be aware of that. But please don't pass it up due to that. Read around those parts if you don't like them. It is also worth pointing out that despite a strong conservative overtone, this book does not bash working or single mothers. This book is also VERY pro-father, which is nice to see for a change. The book makes it very clear that dads DO matter!

As a mother with a large family by today's standards (5 children), there is no way I would stay sane using today's "psychological" parenting methods. A Family of Value book is the only parenting book that I have read that actually gives pareting tips that I can apply. So much of the "psycological" parenting advice is so tedious and requires so much thinking about every little thing that I gave up due to it being so overwhelming and time consuming. The tips in this parenting book, however, are simple, clear, common sense and WORK. If I seriously tried to be a parent of today and thought I had to spend hours on the floor with each child (separatly) and had to make charts for this and that and had to pay 2K a month for this and that activity for 5 kids, I would be in the looney bin. Thanks, Mr. Rosemond, for letting me and other parents it is OK to not do all this stuff.

The book's strong points are in emphasizing: the importance of not doing too much for your child, the downside of TV and video games, teaching children the value of money, the downside of overscheduling, the importance of play with peers as opposed to too much play with adults, the value of teaching childen not to interrupt adult conversation, why you should not bail your child out of all problems, and the importance of putting your marriage first. The book is very marriage oriented saying that a strong one is the best thing you can do for your child(ren).

Other valuable points that I wish were emphasized more: the importance of reading daily with your child, family dinner importance, and the value of doing activities as a family (game night, weekend trips etc.). I know Rosemond supports these things, I just wish more had been mentioned about them in this book.

This book cuts through 6 decades of crazy parenting advice, and returns to the timeless wisdom that raised centuries of children.

Entertaining, as well as easily memorable.

Parenting is not impossible, nor is it to be left to government or ivory-tower elites. Rosemond reminds us of how successfully our grandmas raised our parents - and why!

This book has been very helpful for our family. My husband and I give this book to couples who ask us what we have done to have such respectful and well behaved children. We also give it to friends and families who are new parents. We absolutely love the teachings of John Rosemond and we have read several, if not all his books. I recommend this book to anyone who wants a respectful, resourceful, and responsible child.