Religion Books

POR DONDEQUIERA QUE ENFOQUES ESTE LIBRO TE GUSTARA. Realmente es una obra atractiva y bien escrita e inolvidable que te puedo decir..... Mejor te lo recomiendo LEER.. TE ENCANTARA!

SCIENCE: ANGELOLOGY

This book is a masterpiece, which I strongly reccomend

NO PODRÍA SER MAS INTERESANTE, NI ESTAR MEJOR DOCUMENTADO.
Realmente atractivo, bien escrito e inolvidable

sin que importe si eres religioso o no..
Es muy HERMOSO !

This little book gives names to those heavenly hosts you may want to call upon in times of need. "Jerael: Angel of Common Sense and Reason", is one such angel I would love to see help those who just do not seem to be born with this gift. Or perhaps
you may need to pray for "Merisu: Angel of Serenity" the next time you find yourself stuck in that traffic jam with a car full of children full of enegry after a long day at school. This book says it can show you how to call upon these wonderful angels for thier help. Enjoy & may Grace and Mercy follow you all the days of your life.

Of all the tranlations of the Tao, Red Pine's is by far the best. I've read a lot of other Tao translations and none offer the clear interpretation that Red Pine offers. This is a must have book by the most qualified voice on the subject and at a price that cannot be beat.

I have a friend who's library includes some 20+ translations of this work and I have to date, read 4 of my own. Red Pine's TTC with Commentaries is much easier to follow and understand than other translations and the commentaries offer even more ways to consider each verse. To read what other Chinese scholars took from reading Lao Tsu's work will also make obvious that many have had very different understanding of this work, and that maybe, they are all useful.

This translation does, in my mind, further disproves those who so misunderstood Lao Tsu to call him a libertarian and an anarchist and does more to convince me that he, maybe above all the great teachers, was a true spiritualist, truly understanding what he chose not to define, not to personify, or to name...other than to simply call it The Way.

I have only two thirds of the book complete, but have to join those who claim it their favorite TTC so far.

I liked this book. the commentaries are interesting and provide insight into the Tao. I would have liked more commentaries on how to apply them to daily life, but overall it's a good book. I would recommend it.

In Asia, sacred texts like the Tao Te Ching are read with reference to the commentaries of its key historical luminaries. Only in the west is it read by itself, with no guidance. Finally, we have a TTC with key commentaries. Plus, the author has here given a translation that may come as close as possible to expressing the Chinese in English. It is concise, even pithy.
A number of other features make this volume unique and particularly valuable. Pine's extensive introduction covers an intriguing linguistic insight into the Chinese written character for Tao, Lao Tzu's historical background, the usual issues of authorship, etc., and some of the deeper understandings of the important themes of philosophical Taoism. Also, he has provided black and white photos of the famed Hanku Pass and the Loukuantai where tradition holds that Lao-tzu wrote the Tao Te Ching. The Chinese text is provided along side Pine's clear and unadorned translation. He utilizes the earlier but more recently discovered Mawangtui texts, and explains his preferences in choosing among textual variants. But most important for me, and for any student of the Tao Te Ching are his carefully selected commentaries which follow each verse. These show how the Chinese have traditionally understood the passages of the TTC in selected commentaries from the last 2000 years. Also, the book provides an extensive glossary of the Chinese terms and the commentators. Highly recommended!

The only language in which the Taoteching could have been written is Classical Chinese, a medium seemingly open enough to accomodate any translation without losing anything at all. But we should keep in mind, as the good book here says, ". . . the Tao in words is not the real Tao . . ." We could say that Classical Chinese could not really, in our day and age, be served up in literal translation, and we can be grateful to Red Pine, once again, that in this fabulous rendering, he does not begin with the words, but rather with the Tao.

Paul Reps once told me that we humans "are on the outside looking in". Like the space between the kanji strokes, as with the Chinese, thus with the Tao, and even the Truth. (Chapter 11: "Thirty spokes converge on a hub, but it's the emptiness that makes a wheel work . . ."
This translation does work. As in his other impressive translations (I especially love his moving early 1990's translation of Bodhidharma - recommended to all who wish to learn more of Ch'an or Zen) there breathes an immediacy which flows forth into the consciousness of our moment, resonant in these teachings. Relatively obscure in the West not half a century ago, they thus have been recognized for their pith, their eternal relevance, their vision.

Each Chapter in this well-bound, well-designed volume is accompanied by a series of commentaries or alternative translations from various sages in the Taoist tradition, a process which itself, once again, reveals the Tao, ever changing, always unchanged.

Chapter 19: "Get rid of wisdom and reason
and people will live a hundred times better
get rid of kindness and justice
and people once more will love and obey
get rid of cleverness and profit
and thieves will cease to exist
but these sayings are not enough
hence let this be added
wear the undyed and hold the uncarved
reduce self-interest and limit desires
get rid of learning and problems will vanish"

I've been reading this book since the early 1960's in various English renditions - this one is far and away my current favorite - a real delight!

Kevin Sheehan has simplified the great qualities of important leaders and placed them in an entertaining text. A gift which I have passed on to my dearest friends, this book is both inspirational and educational. My highest recommendation.

Poignant, powerful stories. Beautifully written with a distinctive and important design. This book's not to be missed--by you, your friends, your business colleagues. Bravo!

Within his book A Leader Becomes A Leader, Kevin Sheehan delightfully illustrates the essence of true leadership. He poignantly definies a diverse group of past and present leaders; while exploring their life events and characteristics of greatness. Encourage your friends, family and coworkers to read this motivational book!

The author does a phenomenal job of breaking the topic down into small manageable and inspiring readings; also covers a great cross-section of leaders and the characteristics that made them successful. I ordered a dozen copies as executive and motivational gifts.

J. Kevin Sheehan presents a celebration of what's possible in his biographical snapshots of great leaders. By focusing on the unique character traits of outstanding leaders the author transforms the mysteries of leadership into something very real. He answers the question "what made them great?" in an extremely concise and inspirational style. Great as a corporate gift or graduation present. My children have used it for school projects and I have found inspiration for my own business. No home or school library should be without this most valuable tool.

Life in the World Unseen is one of the best-ever descriptions of life in the Spirit World. It goes well beyond Stead's Blue Island. It tests our limitations but comes through with intelligent and refreshing explanations of life that goes on after so-called death. For people terrified about dying, young and old, this and similar books written by Borgia through automatic writing, is an oasis of awareness and comfort. The book is an all-round, comprehensive experience of the Spirit World.

Now here is a book you won't soon forget. Fascinating. A very different view of the other side.

I thought the book exhibited fantastic detail about the spirit world! If we were to describe our own earthly life, could we give the type of details this gentleman gave to the readers?

I was in agreement with the Monsigner about the misuse and abuse of the many religions that have existed throughout history. Especially in light of the potential conflict between Christianity and Islam in this modern age. True peace starts with each individual and we must look deeply into our own hearts to make sure that we are on the path to reach these heavenly realms by our own efforts! We must never use religion to hate other religions or other people!

Although raised as a catholic, I believe what the author is saying about the afterlife, and about the great misconception of religious dogmas. I was amazed at the details of the descriptions of the afterlife, and what spirit life will be like when I cross over. There are times that I just can't wait to "kick the bucket".

For those of you who can't find all the books anywhere, try this link. http://www.angelfire.com/ne/newviews/life.html

Also, if you like this one, you might like the teachings of Silver Birch. Very much the same in that what is written comes directly from a spirit on the other side.

To read the writings of Silver Birch, click on the following links. http://www.the-synergy.com/silverb/contensb.html

also http://www.angelfire.com/ok/SilverBirch/Tcon.html

What can we expect after we die? Does life really continue?
What will be our relationship to God? Does heaven have
physical properties; water, dirt, air, food, bodies? What can
we expect to do in heaven; transportation, relationships,
occupations, government, religion, worship, free will? What
about hell and punishment? What happens to good Catholics who
strongly believe in purgatory; to Christians who fear God; to
humans who fear death; and humans who do not want to leave
earth? How does an abused physical body affect the astral
body? What are the levels in heaven, and what determines the
level that can we expect? All of these questions are answered
in great detail by Mgsr. Robert Hugh Benson who made his
transition in 1914. He clearly was an exemplary human while on
earth, and he was also a prolific author, and he still is.
After he died, he wanted to come back and get rid of the books
that he had written, but that was not possible. However in the
1940's Mgsr. Benson was finally able to tell us about the
heaven that he experienced through the psychic Anthony Borgia.
This book probably answers every question about heaven that
you have ever considered and probably many more. Another book,
which focuses on the lower levels of heaven, and which is out
of print, but which is available on the internet is "The
Astral City" by Francisco Xavier. This account of heaven is
similar to Benson's story, but most humans go to a lower level
initially, before going to higher levels. Benson also
describes the lower levels of heaven, as well as even-higher
levels. Finally, we have believable stories about life beyond
the physical.

I have bought six of these books and given them to friends and relatives, keeping one for myself. I find myself reading it continually. Every day I read a few pages and that helps set the tone for the day. The book has brought together some of the most poetic and profound Zenlike sayings and thoughts.

I gave a copy to a friend who asked what Zen is. This is not a Zen textbook and yet it is. Zen is not linear or analytic. It is intuitive, poetic. And that's the way this book feels.

I recommend you buy it, read a few pages per day until there is no one reading and nothing to read.

From the inimitable Walker Percy ("not to be onto something is to be in despair") to the counterpoint of cosmic interrelationships between zen and nuclear physics, this book can be anything from a 'thought for a day' to a thematic bible for speakers.

I hand it to first-year law clerks who ask "why" too often, as much as recommend it to people who try to answer Les McCann's question "real compared to what?"

This is not a zen book as such. It is a wonderful quote-by-quote reminder that simplicity of thought and action is closer to truth than noise and clutter. It's zen lite maybe, while it is also accessible and thought provoking. A traipse through it's pages will always raise a smile and some recognition of having seen something clearly. Pick it up. If you don't like it, you know someone who will.

This book is okay, but not great. I like some of the entries in it, but if you are looking for a source of Buddhist wisdom, be aware that many of the quotations in this little book are not from Eastern sources. I prefer a book of Buddhist wisdom titled "Open Your Mind, Open Your Life" by Taro Gold.

This chunky little book deals with using words to express wordless truths. Some of these sayings make you think- and some of them attempt to move you beyond thought. The ego is momentarily forgotten so that subject and object merge- and then you forget both of them. That is the Zen of it.

This really is a nice little Zen primer in the way that it touches on the essence of everything from basic Zen vocabulary (bodhisattva to zendo), historical figures (the Buddha, Bodhidharma, Layman P'ang, the Sixth Patriarch, Crazy Cloud, Basho, Suzuki, Ryokan, Dogen), to practice (koans, zazan, martial arts, haiku, tea ceremony, painting and calligraphy.) It is the wide range quotations though that really makes the book, from classical koans to the thoughts of beats, bullfighters, and scientists. It all blends together to really point to the path to enlightenment. And it is small enough that you can carry it around in your pocket to pull out at any odd moment for inspiration. You could do worse than to make this your first introduction to the subject.

There is both a bibliography in the back for more in-depth study, as well as, a listing of the sources for all the quotes.

"You can only find the truth with logic if you have already found truth without it." G.K. Chesterton

First, it's not ABOUT Zen. It's a collection of quotations and anecdotes that -sometimes - illustrate a few Zen concepts. It's like looking at a flower through a multi-faceted crystal. Every viewpoint changes the perspective and gives you something else to see. Meanwhile, the flower remains the same.
Some of it is wise, some of it is deep, some of it is funny, some just clever. Sorry - it's not the can-opener to enlightenment. Some people get upset when they don't get that instant gratification. This isn't a step-by-step instructuon manual.
Just read it and enjoy it without preconception. Meditate on it if you find something particularly worthwhile. Or don't. But just don't make it into something bigger than what it intends to be; take it as it is: a small collection of interesting and often pertinent pieces, with a little humour thrown in.
Read it one page at a time, and it'll last a long time. I find a different view of the flower each time I read - or re-read - a page.

I only thought the book was okay. As a huge devotee of her husband John Ortberg, it didn't match my expectations. It seemed to ramble a bit. Although my favorite part of the book is when she pulls over to the side of the road and exclaims, "Jesus NEVER journaled!." There are so many of my contemporaries who feel that there is something wrong with them if they don't journal, or faithbook/scrapbook, etc. I did use this book as a starting point for journaling.

Many Christian books often feel too academic, or so deeply religious it's difficult to really understand the point the author is trying to convey, especially for someone seeking God. Not so with Nancy Ortberg's newest book. By sharing expertly crafted anecdotes, Ortberg makes understanding Faith approachable. This is a great book that really gets you to think about that which really matters.

Honest, real-life insight into finding and listening to God is not easy to come by in a program-filled, success formula, product marketing driven christian media industry. The sort of insights that Nancy brings are needed if we are to grow up beyond the childish spirituality so many of us put up with.

The chapter on 'longings, aches and pains' was the best for me. "We all need to hear God's voice. Our longings, aches and pains are thin threads to that voice. Stay long enough in the aloneness, and you'll find that the silence of God becomes a whisper, and then the whisper becomes the voice that you recognize." If this sort of notion resonates with you then I would encourage you to buy the book. If you are looking for a program or system, this one isn't for you. Looing for God is a welcome counterpoint to the all-too-often guilt-inducing and often fruitless programatic approach to spiritual maturity.

If I were to sum up Nancy Ortberg's new book LOOKING FOR GOD in one word, it would be "Honesty." Through 20 chapters, Nancy presents a fresh look at faith by honest musings and recollections of every day life situations where if we are not paying attention we could miss God's presence.

A couple of chapters have really stood out to me. The first being the chapter on what a quiet time is. I could not agree more of her assessment of how we have some how determined that regardless of how a person may be living and treating others, as long, as he or she is having a quiet time --- we deem their lives as being spiritually healthy. When in reality love is the true measurement. The other chapter that really stood out for me was the one on Normal everyday life. It really speaks to the importance of broadening our understanding of how God desires to connect in our day-to-day occurrences.

The book also sheds light on an important aspect of spiritual life that is regularly overlooked. Often times the conventional way of doing spiritual life is seen from a male perspective. Meaning, if we hear a message on solitude and/or extended time of prayer - we can take action on it by scheduling in those kinds of times. For a woman that is not always the case, especially when they have children in their early years. My wife is currently in this life stage and I have seen how through the course of her day she has had to find ways to connect with God outside of conventional means. Nancy does a great job of speaking into this.

I have heard Nancy speak on several occasions and you can hear her voice through these pages. In addition , for years I have benefited from Nancy's leadership from afar and I am thrilled that she has put some of her thoughts and musings into print so many others can benefit.

It is a very refreshing and insightful book. I hope you will be prodded to read it.

Nancy does a great job dispelling misbeliefs about God and what it means to be an authentic Christian. I loved her down to earth writing style and would go out of my way to hear her speak. She shot holes in some of my perspectives through her stories and personal mistakes. Thank you for being real and conveying truth with a twist. I will give it away to people who are looking for a very relatable, yet relevant Christian view.

My neighbor is from the Virginia area and is one of the dearest people I know. She loaned this book to me at just the right time and when I had nothing else to read. I was so wrapped up in it that I sobbed at the end; not only at the loss of such an amazing man Bob Childress nor at the awe inspiring effect he had on the scots-irish fighters of Buffalo mountain, but simply because the book was over! I knew for certain that my recovering alcoholic husband, who happened to be born in West Virginia, and who turned his own life around in an amazing way, would be even more profoundly moved by this book than I was....and I was right.

My wife and I couldn't put this book down until we finished it.It is well written and an inspiration.It is proof of the difference one man can make if he puts all his heart into his goals,and all of his faith in God.Whether the reader has a faith in God or not, it will entertain and inspire you.

I stumbled across this collection of stories at a garage sale and picked it up for a dime. I enjoyed it so much I sought out the rest of Richard Davids' writing. Bob Childress, the preacher this book is about, could teach our world much today. Richard Davids put a lot of work and research into these stories and it shows. It was an absolute pleasure to read and reread.

If you liked this book you should also check out "Understanding Apples" by J.S. Moore.
Understanding Apples

This book is so amazing. It is a window to a world,thankfully that does
not exist anymore. The author describes how God used a man to bring a whole group of people out of sin and ignorance.
I bought the book because it has my ancestors in it. My father was a pretty wild man. My mother divorced him when I was small because of his violence and drinking. My father's father is mentioned in the book and now I understand my father's problems much more clearly. There is such a thing as generational sin! The book is great for someone with ancestors that came from the mountains of Virginia or North Carolina. I am sure the lifestyle was pretty much the same in any early mountain community.

My husband found this book at a garage sale. He couldn't put it down and related many of the anecdotes to me. I have read this book, since, over and over. There is a sweetness and goodness to it that transforms it from a biography of a great man, to an inspiring book that relates to the possibility for each of us to make our life worthwhile. It is down to earth, funny and wise, a story of a person that lived an amazing life told in a very compelling manner. An encapsulation of the "best" of America's essence.
Anyone who likes history or,especially, anyone who likes Janice Holt Giles books or Forrest Carter will love this book. It is one I return to when I am disenchanted and depressed for a lift.

Having been interested in independent Catholicism for many years, I rejoice that a contemporary scholar (and an IC bishop) has made the movement a subject of his academic study. This is an approachable book on a fascinating subject, one that has resided too long in the shadows.

Pastors: This is a good book for your personal library. It shows the many kinds of catholics that are today working in our society. It will help you to identify the people that is coming to your church and how to address what they believe. Let me tell you, you will be horrified by some of them and their new age doctrines. Beware: the author believe that lesbians and homosexuals can be normal christians. This is contrary to the biblical truth, but the book is only a resource, REMEMBER IT!

Excellent groundbreaking work by a scholar of the history of Christianity. As an academic working in the same field and also writing my dissertation on independental sacramentalism, I deeply appreciate Dr. Plummer's extensive research and fresh insights on this subject, which has long been ignored by the academy. The book is well crafted and fascinating. Highly recommended for those interested in exploring the subculture of independent sacramental churches and communities.

if you enjoyed this book, you should also read Dr. Plummer's "Living Mysteries: a handbook for the independent priest" available [...]

Dr. Plummer, a bishop in the Independent Catholic Christian Church, has done something quite laudable in his new (2005) survey of the independent sacramental movement—he has brought together elements of the amorphous, constantly changing periphery of sacramental Christianity into a coherent if somewhat schematic whole. Covering history, liturgy, theology, and leadership in significant detail, Plummer brings a number of other sources up to date while providing an insider's view of the movement.

Among the book's strong points are its scrupulous fairness to communities whose views, it is clear from the appendix, the author does not share, as well as its clear organization and extremely readable style. At 134 pages (plus bibliography and endnotes), it is somewhat short, but you feel like you have read 50 pages and gotten 300 pages worth of information. That it was published so recently makes it even more valuable for a movement that has received infrequent and shallow attention until now.

From my own perspective as an independent catholic seminarian, the greatest service The Many Paths does is to provide a rich bibliography of sources for further study, especially articles and books available on the web. There are some 360 endnotes compiled mostly in 2004, filled with citations and further information about the clergy and jurisdictions involved in the contemporary independent movement. Dr. Plummer's account is indispensible for all those interested in this growing segment of the American church.

For the individual more interested in Christian living than philosophical arguments this is the Schaeffer book for you. This book is very short, I finished in two nights of easy reading. It is basically expanding his thoughts on John 13:34-35

"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."

I think his main point is that God has given the world a litmus test for whether Christianity is the truth and whether we are truly followers of him. If the world can OBSERVE that we love one another they will know, if not, then they have the right to judge us accordingly. How we deal with conflict within ourselves is the true test. Loving each other through harmony is easy, loving each other when there are disagreements is much harder.

This is an oversimplification of his work, and reading this short book is well worth the effort. Light and short reading with maximum impact.

Though may easily be overlooked as something Christians are and should be familiar with, I still take Dr. Schaeffer's encouragement seriously to love like Jesus loves according to what he commands his disciples at the Last Supper; both those "in the household of faith" and those who are outside, that the world may know that Christians are Christ's indeed. I can not agree more that cold, uncaring, indifferent, unloving, narcissistic Christianity; something that I'm liable to as well; is not only an oxymoron, but also ugly, as Dr. Schaeffer puts it. On a similar subject, pursuing Christian unity; what it is and what it is not; is something that he claims as the other mark of a Christian, and though intuitively is natural when there is a genuine love to one another, but is still worth studying in this little yet practical book.

Schaeffer writes a book here that is challenging and very needed. He simply takes two statements of Jesus on how we should love one another and strive for peace and unity instead of discord and pride, and demonstrates the crucial need to follow these verses. A Christian is supposed to be a bearer of love and peace to every other human being (Christian or not; you can promote peace and show love without sacrificing truth). This book along with his "True Spirituality" are both on the top of my list of messages that have made the most impact on me. All of Schaeffer's work is good but this book is one of my favorites. I second the motion that this is a must read for any Christian.

As with most of Francis Schaffer's books... though written in the 1970's it seems like it was written yesterday. A short but powerful book looking at John 13 & 17 and what he calls is the "Final Apologetic". He basically asks "How will they know we are Christians?" And expounds on that. A highly reflective book. A book we need today. A Must Read.

I first read this book as a young Christian and now am impressed with how many of the concepts I have adopted in my own creed. I detest pop Christian symbols and the urge to define a Christian by market forces. Schaeffer attempts to challenge the reader into not only glimpsing in the mirror, but to really make changes accordingly.

I really did not expect anything when i bought this book. The book is made up of many short stories I mean real life love stories that are worth reading again and again and again. The story I liked the most was Nice guys by Rubria. It shows what a true romantic at heart really is. A fun book that would make you laugh and cry at the same time. Go ahead and purchase this book. worth the read. Anytime

If you are a romantic at heart, you will love this collection of inspirationl love stories. If you love to read love stories, without all the nasty stuff out today, you don't want to miss these.

If you are a romantic at heart, you will love this collection of inspirationl love stories. If you love to read love stories, without all the nasty stuff out today, you don't want to miss these.

I discovered this book recently while reading an excerpt from an old magazine article. I enjoyed the book so much I gave copies as gifts to friends.

Each chapter successively takes the reader through the various stages of love from finding each other to surviving difficult times together to finally ending the partnership with the death of a beloved spouse. Many stories were very poignant and bittersweet.

My favorite true story from the book was The Gold and Ivory Tablecloth. The series of events that transpired to bring two lost lovers back together was amazing and awe inspiring.

Although our world has made drastic advances, in technological innovations, scientific discovery, and overall change one thing has remained constant. The desire to be respected and loved by one person who you can in turn love and respect. The notion that someone was born and raised to be your spouse has sent many on a journey for love which sometimes ends up being an exercise in futility (or opportunity for growth) yet at other times is the start of something bigger than either party involved. Something "Divinely Appointed."

In A Match Made in Heaven Susan Wales and Ann Platz share the experiences of many who were successful in their quest like Dr. Robert Schuller who shared the results of his "self-centered prayer" and how through it he became consumed, "not by a person, but by divine destiny." (p. 37). In "The Prayer," Susan Wales was asked to pray for a speaker she never met who lived across the country and required immediate vocal surgery. Just prior to her own wedding years later, her friend revealed to her that she had prayed for her husband.

While love-at-first-sight is the encounter of many matches made in heaven, others sometimes later find that the very one they were looking for was right under their noses all along. Like "Bob" a New York attorney with small town values he shared with his secretary "Elizabeth" who came to New York to be a dancer. When Elizabeth learned that Bob was about to propose to "Laura," an attorney and daughter of wealthy New Yorkers she was heartbroken. Elizabeth congratulated Bob on his engagement and submitted her two weeks notice. A few weeks later, after Bob lost an important case and Laura showed a lack of interest when he tried to discuss it he began to wish that she were more like Elizabeth. Finally Bob realized that what he was looking for was right under his nose along. After canvassing his office for information on Elizabeth's new job he found her pursuing her passion, teaching dance to children. He invited her to lunch after her class and professed "You are the love of my life, and I want you to be my wife." They were married six months later. Through the motif of the proposal to every element of traditional marriage vows, Wales and Platz share a myriad of heartwarming and joyous stories of special days, trying times, and the eternal bond between husband and wife.

Through yielding to God's Divine will for our lives, we can all experience A Match Made in Heaven.