Religion Books

If you are interested in having an influence in any field, this book is THE book to read. Each chapter is packed with useful information about how to minister people. I promise you will not be dissapointed with this book.

An excellent book that should be "required" for everyone involved in ministering to youth. Practical, challenging wisdom from men and women who have been there. Addresses the essentials of a successful, God honoring youth ministry.

As I grow my ministry, I am constantly exhorted and encouraged to read books and listen to speakers. This book has been a pivitol fork in the road for me. This book not only has changed me but prayerfully my ministry as well. It challenged me in how I look at ministry, how I do ministry, and what are the core principles or foundations that make my ministry. I want a ministry that disciples teens and makes a difference for all eternity. One that reaches beyond my area and touches the world for Christ. This book has given me key practical insights into making that a reality.If you are involved with youth, children, or college ministry, this book is a must!

A great book with a lot of incredible insight. Very useable, very insightful and it stuck to the stuff (God's Word) for it's source and foundation. A must read for everyone in youth ministry.

good books are those that cause us to make changes in our lives...this book will get under your skin and cause you to make changes that will inspire you to higher ground and deeper ministry in the lives of your students and those you are leading.
I wish I had this 15 years ago!

This is an invaluable collection of pointers from Oneness to Oneness BY Oneness. Gina Lake "the person" is one I would describe as highly trained and competent to be what we might call a "spiritual coach". What makes her expression unique and empowering is the inescapable fact that she cleary IS what she shares - The One Self of All Beings. In short, Gina holds up a perfect clear mirror so that you can see your True Self.

She writes, in the beginning of this elegant and heart-felt sharing, "Everything that exists is an expression of one Being, which is referred to by countless names: God, Oneness, the Divine, the Source. The Self, the Beloved, and so many others. We are this Oneness, but it seems like we are separate from it. The ego is this sense of being a separate individual, which some call the false self because it is not who we really are".

Spot on.

Then she goes on to share, powerfully:

"The ego is really nothing but a set of ideas or perceptions we label 'me'. Who are you, the personality, other than ideas or perceptions about yourself"?

Again, Spot ON. Ponder this question and END the search for God or Self is OVER! How so? Because you discover directly and irrevocably that you already ARE what you seek. Call it God, Love, or Being-Just-That, it's clear and obvious once the investigation is completed. Blessedly, Gina provides plenty of very competent and trustworthy guidance to this investigation, and Ultimate Self-Discovery, in this book as well as others, and on her website where many free audios and texts are available..

That is a powerful beginning and makes the case perfectly for what you are and also introduces the challenge of finding out what you are not. The book contains many potent pointers for directly seeing that the false ego-self IS false, which naturally reveals the Unchanging Eternal - The Timeless Reality of your true Being.

Very highly recommended. - Charlie Hayes, author of "Perfect Peace: An Introduction To Your Natural State", "No Way Out" and other books on Nondual Spirituality

Oh how I love Gina Lake's books. I have given away many copies. Because they are so special, I can't NOT share them with others. This book is for you if you ever suspected that what you believe about your life may not be true, and you wish to experience the Joy that is already yours... Now! Gina will turn you inward, to the wisdom that is available to you, and you experience it for yourself. More than just a teaching, Gina's books are, for this reader, a catalyst for Awakening.

Gina writes beautifully, and all of it is as familiar to the soul as your own hand. And the wonderful exercises will lead you to the experience of what she writes, not just the mental understanding of it.

Soon after reading "Radical Happiness", my first Gina Lake book, the father of my child shot himself and left his body... due in large part to the clarity and connection I have to what "I" truly am as a result of basking in Gina Lake's books, each moment surrounding his "death" was perfect and I was completely present and not suffering in a story about what was happening, and completely available to others... I felt LOVE, not sadness, and Joy, not resistance. This expansiveness has continued as I give my self the gift of her words on a regular basis; so I can continue to remember myself. Now Mind is my partner, not my Master.

I would love that you give this book to you. If you love what Eckhart Tolle, Byron Katie or Advaita point to, or you are just tired of "suffering", you will love this work. Run, don't walk, to the Checkout Button!

Let us suppose that you have been a spiritual seeker for many, many years and then you are suddenly being pulled into Awakening. You begin to understand what the Bhagavad Gita and other sacred texts are talking about when they speak of the Self. This understanding is not at the level of the intellect, but at the core of your being. a direct and tangible experience. Let us suppose further that as this process begins to unfold, you begin seeking practical advice and knowledge for this spiritual re-birth that is happening through you because you have no grounding in how to embody and stabilize this realization and you need to learn how to deal with the intense energy that is amping up your nervous system and making your life a little different than usual.

This book is like the scene in the movie where the hero, after an exhausting, arduous journey is searching for the sacred, secret text that is the master key to his/her further unfoldment. Finally, late at night in an ancient library, the hero stumbles upon this book and everything he/she is going through suddenly makes sense, like the proverbial piece that completes the puzzle and after which everything becomes clear and nothing is ever the same again. All of the searching is completed and there is just the continued deepening in the Self.

This is an incredible book. I have been reading spiritual literature for 30+ years and this came for me at the exact right time. It is essential reading and practice for anyone in the midst of Self-realization. The book provides expert guidance and practices. It explains the process of Awakening and provides the means to help you ground and stabilize your connection with the Self.

The author clearly writes from the perspective of an enlightened being; indeed she is a master teacher and guide. I was prompted to do a counseling session with her after reading another of her books and found it, along with this book, to be among the most beneficial things I have ever done.

This book is indispensable.

Radical Happiness is a supremely intelligent guide to awakening from the delusion of the mind and its time. Gina points with clarity and wisdom, while offering practical exercises and helpful resources, so that we may realize the extraordinary delight of the Heart.
- Katie Davis, Awake Joy: The Essence of Enlightenment

Gina Lake awakened into radical happiness after a deep exploration of psychology, metaphysics and astrology. Having walked that path to its end, Gina's heart-full story of what it is to be peacefully aware, loving and content in the midst of any life circumstance can serve as a bridge to countless others who share her background. Insightfully and eloquently written, Radical Happiness offers practical pointers and exercises that allow every reader to discover who they really are by their own experience. Like all great epics, there is a wonderful twist involved in your exploration. Dive in, Be Happy.

Sundance Burke, author, Free Spirit: A Guide to Enlightened Being

This book made me feel hopeful regarding christianity again. In a world of hositility and fear the hope of mercy and grace is like drinking a cold glass of water in a desert. I felt I could put into practice the spirit in which the monks live. Well worth the read for a parched soul.

I picked up Radical Hospiality because of a sermon I heard in Boston awhile ago while visiting a friend from college. I did not catch the name of the author, authors as it turns out, but I was sure the minister, a woman, was quoting from a book. When I did a internet search it turned out that the phrase Radical Hospitality is used by religious and social groups from churches to conventions, all around the world. What I amazed by is that so few of the people, like the minister, name where they got their quotes or who they are quoting. This is a very fine book. It borders on brilliant actually and I am not the sort to use such a word casually. Why would anyone not want to give these authors the credit they deserve? The book, Radical Hospitality is challenging in a gentle way. I never once felt like the writers were shoving some agenda down my throat. There is just this level of telling their own experience and stories that any half-brain dead person could tell is from their hearts. Don't get me wrong. It is not a personal experience kind of book and it is not a book for anyone who like fluff instead of substance. But, if you are looking for a book about what has gone wrong in how we relate to one another, this is it. And if you love it too, be sure you tell people who you're quoting!

In Radical Hospitality I found a discussion of Benedictine monasticism and Christian spirituality that surprised me. I'm not exactly sure why but I expected this book to be a practical guide to implementing a monastic rule into one's life filled with specific suggestions and examples cross-indexed to specific rules from within the Benedictine tradition. That is not what this book is.

Instead, it is something much richer and more beautiful. What the book is centers around a discussion of the undergirding and overarching themes and ethos of monastic life and the hospitality that flows from it. Interwoven within these discussions are found wonderful stories that range from the humorous to the poignant taken from the lives of the authors and those they share their lives with. It is from within these elements that the application of these ideas within our lives is discussed in a way in which one ideas flows from and builds on the previous portion of the discussion.

I found my own thinking about how to practice hospitality deeply enriched by this book and I will return to it from time to time to reinforce what I have learned and to reflect on the themes woven throughout the work. I strongly recommend this book to anyone seeking to learn the practice of hospitality from within the practice of monasticism.

This is a must read for Lay Contemplatives who want a way to integrate their spiritual practices with "living ordinary life with extra-ordinary love."

"Radical Hospitality" was given to me by a friend who thought very highly of it, and she was right. This is one of those rare books that is really for almost anyone--highly readable, charming and soothing, deep and practical, and full of wisdom and love. It is not particularly theological--it is about lived Christianity. It would be an excellent choice to give as a gift, and it is certainly also a book one would buy for oneself for one's own growth.

As we awaken to the need to live our beliefs about love, to live generously, graciously, welcomingly, we are confronted by our own frightened hesitancy to be present to the needs of others. This book explores how we can reach out while necessarily preserving our own boundaries. "Radical Hospitality" teaches (with wonderful examples) how and why we should become more open and generous, and concludes very credibly that the essence is "listening," perhaps the most basic Benedictine value, used here in the sense of a kind of loving contemplative social presence. Everyone wants and needs to be truly listened to, the authors say, and especially at the times when it can be hardest to want to listen, when the one being listened to is in pain, angry, afraid. To feel heard is to feel real and loved and a little bit healed.

I found "Radical Hospitality" itself to be a beautiful experience of the authors' hospitality toward the reader. Even the design of the book itself is quite inviting.

I really enjoyed Karen Kingsbury. I happened upon her by mistake. I first read the Firstborn series which I found out later was the next series after the Redemption series. I was so intrigued by the "Baxters" that I had to find the "beginning". Karen has a way to make you cry, laugh, and cheer for everyone. She has brought me peace in my life and I thank God for her ability to write with such emotion. I will cry the day her series with the Baxters comes to and end. I feel that they are a part of my family. Thank you Karen and keep up the good work.

I'm 50 years old and have never been interested in reading fiction until I was introduced to Karen Kingsbury's books. I just finished the Redemption series and am looking forward to starting the "F" series!
Katie
Tennessee

I had to reorder this for I thought it was on CD, but it was on tape which I couldn't listen to. I ended up buying it on CD so that I could listen to it. I enjoyed the CD for it was in a series about the Baxter's and their family. In this one a granddaughter almost drowns but is saved by the grace of God. There are family problems but they are worked through and weddings take place which could ony happen because of God.

I cannot begin to tell you how it has enriched my life by reading these books in series order. I have had some of the ups and downs mentioned in normal lives of her characters and not only read them for entertainment. I find myself praying over scripture references about situations close to my own realm of life. She will touch and gladden you heart but remember start at the beginning and know the Baxter family!

This book (along with the total series) are fantastic. Very incouraging reading, helps with renewing your own faith in life, love and God. I would recommend this book (and series, along with any Kingsbury series) to anyone, male or female. Its an AAA+++ in my book!

Anyone familiar with Eugene Peterson knows the man is the consumate wordsmith. Each paragraph is a tapestry and each chapter is an experience that doesn't leave one with new information, as such, but always with something new to think about.

The focus is on experiencing Revelation - reading the book out loud and not just hearing the words or even hearing the thoughts, but striving to actually experience John's vision. Peterson believes that apocalyptic visions are to be experienced, not so much studied, and this experience should result in a life change meeting the need of the moment.

I've read several books on Revelation but none strive to bring one into the experience and into the desired life change that this book seeks. The four stars are given mainly because this is my first review and I want some "breathing room" for future reviews. Also, if you are seeking to learn what Peterson believes about what the various images actually mean, you'll find it lacking there. It's not about the particulars - it's about the whole for Peterson.

This is the best "pastoral commentary" on the book of Revelation I have read. The author has a clear overall picture of the book and has the writing skills to express what he sees. He relegates the various confusing symbols to their rightful place, ie. to high-light the overall message about Jesus. I have begun to present this book as gifts to kindred-hearts.

recommend this book because it addess the number one problem in USA Christians - head knowledge over heart knowledge - the Bible is the writen Word made Flesh and still lives among us - that we can have a personal relationship with Jesus - I have not finished the book BUT what I read has me moved to live a life to Him - if you are looking for a book on time tables about the end - this is not for you

"Reversed Thunder: The Revelation of John and the Praying Imagination" is the most significant treatment of the book of Revelation that I have read (or indirectly experienced through such books as the "Left Behind" series). Eugene Peterson, himself a pastor, always works from the understanding that John was also a pastor, separated from his small, beleaguered churches as he endured exile on the isle of Patmos. John was writing to communities gathered around Word and Sacrament; communities that gathered to pray and ponder the Word of God; communities that struggled to live faithfully in the midst of a society that was dangerous, decadent, despotic, and demonic.

Peterson examines the book of Revelation as a series of "last words" upon various themes in Scripture: Christ, sin, power, the Church, worship, etc. They are poetic, imaginative, pastoral, and sometimes cryptic reflections and summations of what has already been treated elsewhere in Scripture. Thus Revelation does not merely quote Daniel and Ezekiel directly, but alludes to their images (often almost literally) while setting them in the context of the Church; the person, work, and lordship of Christ; and the final triumph of God over all that would seek to oppose him and destroy his people.

Peterson downplays the "future foretelling" that is so prevalent in many works by some interpreters and popularizers of Revelation. He believes that an overly literal "timetable" reading of the book distorts its message, flattens its poetry, and ignores its deep pastoral heart. On the other hand, Peterson never simply "explains away" or dismisses some of the difficult, often bizarre imagery of the book. Rather he strives to show how John, a faithful theologian, pastor and poet of the Church, used those images to grip the imagination and strengthen the nerve and the faith of his hearers.

Peterson's writing is both "meaty" enough for most pastors, and accessible enough for most interested laypersons. It is the one treatment of Revelation that I have unreservedly and enthusiastically recommended to both categories of readers; AND it is one of the few books that I've underlined lengthy passages and dog-eared just about every other page. Not only that - it's one I return to for the sheer pleasure of reading it.

I'm not sure I would have said that you could read and understand Revelation as a "devotional" book, but with Peterson's insights I can now say it. Revelation is a wonderful study and adventure as you take along this book as your guide. You will find that it will inspire you to prayer, worship, devotion, repentance, and hope as you read through Reversed Thunder.

Everyone needs to have this in their library not for the didactics but for the amazing devotional that it is. I highly recommend this read.

This book by far is the best in explaining Shin Buddhism and the Pure Land tradition. Also what really makes this book really nice is it isn't too complicated and has personal expirence throughout it. No longer do I carry missconceptions about this wonderful tradition. This gets 5 stars and has changed a Zen Buddhist's(that's me) ideas on once thought of as lazy chanting group.

Excellent English translation and interpretation of Buddhist prophets. The author enhances the understanding of Buddhism with modern day examples applied to ancient Buddhist philosophy and thought.

There are religious books you read for information and there are books that you not so much read as wade in them, the way after a long hike, you take your shoes off and wade in the cool waters of a mountain stream. This is one of those books. Taitetsu Unno takes up different topics, at random it seems, and passes them through Shin Budhism's unhurried, all-accepting gaze. When so many of the world's major religions seem to have spun off violent and hate-filled offspring, it is wonderful to learn about a way of humility that recognizes and can live at ease with human limits, a way of trust and surrender that does not relinquish the duty to act responsibly. This small book doesn't tell you about faith and gratitude and compassion as much as it gradually reveals to you its eternal presence in you.

(4.75 Stars)

I need and want to read more about Pure Land Buddhism as I can't yet put into words what Shin Buddhism is. I know when I read reviews I like to fully know what the book is about etc and to be honest I cannot fully explain it, but I really enjoyed this.

I was unfamiliar with Shin Buddhism and actually after reading this book I want to know more.

I at first thought that Amida Buddha was a Christ type figure and that this sect of Buddhist worship him in that same way that Christians worship Christ.

Taitetsu Unno is a great story teller. I love the way this book is written. He compares aspects of Shin Buddhism with like or comparable aspects of other religions to help you understand. This is done in a non-competitive way and non-judgmental way that is so refreshing and helpful that you really get a good understanding of the concepts, ideas and feel of Shin.

Taitetsu Unno shares with the reader his own experiences, thoughts and feelings and I felt welcome on each page. The personal stories, examples and tales really helped me to understand with my head and heart - and it left me wanting to know more and wanting to share and be part of the namu-amida-butsu.

Rev. Taitetsu Unno is part of an esteemed family of Shin Buddhist teachers, priests, and scholars. So it's not surprising that someone of his background should create one of the best introductory texts on the subject.

This book's title comes from a Pure Land parable which encapsulates the premise of faith in "other power", namely that of Amida Buddha, which can best be described as the 'ur-Buddha' from whom all Dharmic wisdom and compassion springs. Specifically, Rev. Unno is writing here about the Jodo Shinshu school, one of the great schools of Japanese Buddhism which sprang from the Kamakura period of that nation's history, in the 12th and 13th centuries. Jodo Shinshu is, in fact, one of the largest sects of Mahayana Buddhism, but in the West is little-known outside of the Japanese ethnic community. But despite this ethnic concentration, the Shin faith is more or less a "Buddhism for Joe Average", irrespective of ones' skin color or land of origin.

The book is very well-written, and also well-organized given the amount...and often, complexity...of the information it imparts. Rev. Unno deftly opens up the teachings of Jodo Shinshu to anyone who might wish to learn, or for that matter might simply be curious. He deals excellently with both the historical perspective of this school, as well as the more complex philosophical issues posed by the Nembutsu-faith as well as its place in the mainstream of Mahayana thought.

Shin Buddhism is truly a faith that anyone can follow, without the complexities of what is referred to as "the path of difficult practice". And likewise, "River of Fire, River of Water" provides an uncomplex point of entry into this rich and enriching path. For anyone starting down this path, I would have to say that this...along with Dr. Kenneth Tanaka's "Ocean"...makes for an excellent point from which to begin. I recommend it unconditionally.

I PURCHASED THIS BOOK TO READ WHILE WAITING IN A DOCTORS OFFICE . IT WAS A GREAT READ . I SHARED IT WITH ALL THE GIRLS AT WORK AND THEY HAD TO HAVE ONE.IT IS A GREAT BOOK TO SHARE WITH CLOSE FRIENDS WHEN THEY NEED COMFORTING OR JUST HAVING DAILY LIFE STRUGGLES. I CARRY MINE IN MY PURSE AND ONE IN MY CAR.

Very comforting message, beautifully illustrated. A nice gift book.

This book has so many comforting and inspirational comments by Mr. Lucado. I highly recommend it for anyone.

Safe in the Shepherd's Arms: Hope and Encouragement from Psalm 23What a great book. Read also "A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23 by W. Phillip Keller [available at AMAZON]. You will be amazed to learn how much more God loves and takes care of you than you have realized. Both books are great as gifts. There is more to being a Shepherd than one would think.

This easy-to-read book is excellent for people who find themselves in survival mode. The book is very portable, small enough to slip into a handbag. The illustrations display hope, safety, and love, and the words speak comfort and solace. I gave this book as a gift, and I am thoroughly impressed with it. Author, With Great Mercy.

Seeing Through the Lies is a treasure trove of insights and resources for women of all ages. Written with the wisdom of a grandmother and wit reminiscent of Erma Bombeck, Vonda Skelton invites the reader to explore the many lies that tempt and entrap women over a lifetime; and skillfully unmasks the greatest Masquerader for who he is. This enlightening guidebook with Bible study prompts inspires us to lower our masks and walk in the light of Christ with new vision.

I thought my masks were secure, after all I'd carried them with me for years. When I sat down to read Vonda's book, I thought I knew my masks well enough and had no intention of removing these comfortable friends. Well, Vonda's honesty, vulnerability, and wisdom and wit got behind my hidden self. Little by little she pried them loose. I learned a lot in reading this book and will recommend it to my girlfriends because I'm more convinced than ever we are more beautiful (without our masks) than we allow ourselves to believe.

This book was very helpful and enjoyable. I liked her format of talking about a different Lie for each chapter and then did the section on Unmasking with truth backed up with Bible references. Her stories were touching and funny and she came across as very, very real. I feel like I could just go up and strike up a conversation with her. I still think of the story where she jumps off of a tree or something with a rope tied around her waist as a youngster. I was super glad to hear she's not the ultimate housekeeper and doesn't have "it all together." I struggle with this area of my life and realized that we don't have to be the jack of all trades as women in our households. If she can accomplish all she has without too much guilt over letting her husband do most of the housekeeping, then I guess I can forgive myself a bit too. Her book gave great insight into the woman's mind with tendencies to believe perceptions put out there by the world and let me know that I am not alone not as a woman and certainly not as a beloved child of God.

Vonda writes beautifully an in such a way that you can see the story unfold! She makes the pratical applicable and helps the reader understand how they can apply her truths to their lives! loved it!
Tamra Nashman, author, 'Shoes For The Spirit, Encouragements'

This book had an immediate impact on me! The author truly makes us aware of how effective Satan's lies are in our daily walk. Loved her humorious, nitty-gritty realities. So refreshing and so inspiring!
Could hardly put it down!
Annetta Dellinger, Plain City, OH

This little book arrived timely, was in excellent condition and is a must for anyone working a 12 step program.

Besides the Twelve Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous, this neat little book also contains the New King James Version of the New Testament, including Psalms and Proverbs. The purpose of this compact paperback is to combine the spiritual teachings of The 12 Steps of A.A.'s Big Book, with the religious texts of Jesus, the disciples, and Paul. New Testament verses appropriate to each Step are highlighted for easy cross reference to show how they intertwine.
However, in some instances, I found the cross referenced verses difficult to associate with the corresponding Step.
This does not take away from the meticulous way the authors have put together their comparisons.
I would recommend this book to anyone who still has difficulty in seeing the differences between religion and spirituality, and who wish to live a life according to God's Will.

Great book for the christian recoverying addict. Perfect to understand how the 12 step program was wrote by the word of god.

We facilitate a 12-day educational program on the disease of addiction and we often use this book for morning devotionals. Twelve days of devotionals for the 12 steps of recovery.

If you are interested in moving forward without addictions,....the Serenity Bible explains how the original A.A. program started with Bill Wilson & the Oxford Group. It also explains the 12 Steps of Recovery and recognizes what must be done, to obtain a better way of thinking and living without addiction. The empowerment that is received, will change ones life. It will fill the void, offer direction and give purpose to life in a healthy way. Highly recommended. 5 S*T*A*R*S*

I read this book 20yrs ago as an art student in London. It went around practically the whole of my year before someone had it and didnt give it back. I was told it was out of print and unavailable. Thank the good Lord for Amazon, I can now pick up copies and distribute them in this growing darkness. Cheers guys!

My sister recommended this book in a conversation we were having about the end times. I was telling her about the Left Behind Series when she mentioned she had read something similiar some years back. She spoke on how the book had changed the way she viewed her relationship with God.

What makes this book so tremendous to me is the time in which it was written (1978-79). It predates the start of the Left Behind series by 16? years and while the story takes place in the late 1980's to mid 1990's, the story itself is very timely.

Today, as I write this review, the headline of the Chicago Tribune says "New Orleans ravaged...," this is just days after Hurricane Katrina has wreaked havoc in the city and surrounding areas - the beginning of sorrows? (Matthew 24:8)

Carol Balizet truly wrote prophetically and clearly - straight to the heart of the matter - either you accept Christ or you don't and the consequences that follows the choice made - without stretching the story into 12 novels and 3 pre-quels.

This is a very good story and I came to care very much about the characters; hoping that each would come to know Jesus as their Savior. Someone else as mentioned the 'cat episode' and it was scary, but it was also a very wonderful moment when the character realized the power in calling on the name of Jesus Christ and being delivered from evil.

I do love the Left Behind Series, but this one little book is just so powerful and the scriptural prophecies at the end of the book is an added bonus, because then you can go read the prophecies in your Bible for yourself.

I'm giving it 5 stars and I hope that Ms. Balizet's book is given new life to reach a wider audience.

When I purchased my copy, I purchased one for my sister also. Hold it tight Gwen, until God says let go.

When I was in high school, I saw this book in a store and bought it. I was a non-observant Jewish kid going to an Orthodox Jewish high school, and it made me think a lot about religion and stuff.

I had a lot of fun with the Hal Lindsey "Late, Great, Planet Earth" types of books, and Von Danikken's ancient astronauts, and this looked like it might be an interesting What If novel. Like what if the Christian stuff was true.

I wasn't disappointed. It's actually a very good read. I still have the copy I bought way back then, and I've probably read it 4-5 times. I'll probably read it again.

Balizet does in a single volume what it took Lehaye and Jenkins 10 interminable books to do. She just did it a whole lot better than they did.

I became observant during college, and even now, as an Orthodox Jew, I still find it a fun story, like any other cool science fiction, apocalyptic-type story. A little suspension of disbelief goes a long way.

Praise God that someone else took my first copy! The book is meant to be passed around and often! These "loans" we make are no accident and neither is the author's insight and wonderful perspective. Carol writes the absolute truth and deserves to enjoy a comeback. I hope it's His will that more people come to hear His word through His work in Carol. I was a non-practicing Catholic when I read it the first time. At 23 years of age I thought I knew it all. Thank God I was wrong. I made the decision to follow Christ and now, at 42 have a husband and two sons who are saved as well. We are now members of a wonderful Baptist Church where we are growing spritually and really feel as though God's plans will be revealed to us. I have quoted scenarios from the book often and never feel as though I'm quoting fiction. I know it's the truth. Now I'm ready to buy another and pass it on to my husband and sons. Who knows where the good Lord will lead this copy after we're through!

If you're a Left Behind fan waiting for the next book to come out, read this to keep yourself busy! Yes, the concept of end-times novels is decades old. This is a great story about people in Florida banding together as events before the end of the world unfold. 18-year-old Craig McKenzie and his family live in a future world (what are now the 1980s and 1990s) where evil Sixtus the Sixth becomes the Antichrist. Chaos rules, inflation is driving people to near starvation, getting mugged at the grocery store is not uncommon, and vigilante groups are growing. The conflicts with the characters are intriguing. Craig falls for Molly, the stuck-up daughter of a wealthy judge, whose former boyfriend Douglas is sucked right in the middle of the Antichrist's schemes. Most importantly, the characters struggle whether to accept the gospel of Christ or reject it. They make their choices in the middle of many disasters foretold in revelation. Some scenes were downright freaky like when Molly encounters...I shouldn't spoil it... but I was afraid of my cat for a while after reading it. At the end of the book is an interesting list of Bible verses and the author's take on what they have to do in the end times. I gave this book 4 stars because I'm picky about how I dish out my fives... but it's an awesome one anyway. This book ought to be re-printed. In the wake of the Left Behind craze, it would be well-received in the market by new readers as well as those who have read it before.