Religion Books

After 35 years, finally something that starts to put together some of the pieces. Dean has hit the nail on the head for me, although only about 30% of the book really relates to my experiences. I still need some answers, but now have a better idea of how to find them.

This is a great book to enable soldiers to come to terms with the effects of PTSD. It is the best book around on the subject.

This is one of the finest books written for Vietnam veterans and their families, and I've read many. As a former wife of a Vietnam vet, I know too well the emotional devastation that was visited on those of us who were ill prepared for the return of our loved ones, suffering from psychic war wounds.
This book spells out what PTSD is, in clear, understandable language. How I wish I'd had this book years ago, but I am eternally grateful for Chuck Dean's courage and insight into this subject. He is helping so many of us find a way to put our trauma in perspective, and find meaning in our experience. Thank you, Chuck, for writing this book!!

I am a social worker with the Dept of Veterans Affairs and work closely with many Vietnam vets. This book put their experience in perspective for me. My father is also a Vietnam Vet and I have urged him to read this book. I have read many books on treating PTSD and about the Vietnam War, but this, by far, is the finest book I own regarding both of those topics.

Since 1975, nearly three times as many Vietnam veterans have committed suicide than were killed in the war, the divorce rate among Vietnam veterans is above 90 percent, and between 40 and 60 percent of Vietnam combatants have persistent problems related to the war. What is the cause of these terrible statistics, and how can Vietnam veterans cope with flashbacks, depression, fits of rage and worse? Written by a Vietnam veteran, and now in a newly revised and expanded edition, Nam Vet: Making Peace with Your Past is a self-help guide that helps survivors identify the origins of self-destructive behavior with roots in the war, and make lasting peace with the past. Chapters address how to deal with recurring nightmares, survival guilt, PTSD, the dangers of "self-medication" and much more. A profound, earnest and helpful book grounded in realistic appraisal of lasting personal problems relating to the war, strongly recommended for the families of veterans as well as veterans themselves.

F.F.Bruce has written a good History of the New Testament. H explains the topics in the book well.

FF Bruce was thorough and brilliantly so. His adeptness in the biblical and related languages is second to none. This volume is a must for all serious studies of the Bible. There is so much here to be gleaned and treasured.

I read this book 25 years ago. It is an excellent overview of the historical period in which the New Testament was born. After reading this, you will have all the important basics you need to understand the Greek, Roman, and Jewish historical, cultural, and political backgrounds to the New Testament. It reads as a no-nonsense history of the period, with the student of the Bible in mind.

One of the most balanced history books on Bible history available. Dr. Bruce is a phenomenal historian with a great deal of objectivity for an evangelical. He's not afraid to write about the controversial, but certainly remains faithful to the basic tenets of the Christian faith. This book is a must read for anyone who wishes to understand early Christianity in the context of its historical setting.

I really liked this book because it was historical and gave all the sources. I particularly liked the section where Professor Bruce documented Jews claiming to have killed Jesus Christ -- Jewish Talmud and other Jewish sources take credit for Jews killing Christ Jesus. Anyone who doubts that Jews killed Jesus Christ is refusing to take Jewish documents from the ancient world seriously.

The notes of the NIV Study Bible are helpful for average Bible readers. The maps and time lines are also very helpful.

The NIV is one of a number of "dynamic equivalent" translations of the Holy Scriptures. There is no perfect translation, since translation is inherently interpretation, but the NIV does a pretty good job of bringing the Scriptures, originally written in Hebrew, Aramaic, and Koine Greek, to modern English. I prefer the NRSV for more serious study, but the NIV is a great devotional Bible.

The King James Bible was the best in its day. In today's world, it is NOT closer to the original Scriptures as some think, but as its translators say in the forward, it is a revision of a revision and was meant to be improved upon as the English language evolved. That is what translations like the NIV and the NRSV attempt to accomplish. We have uncovered better Greek manuscripts now and understand the language better.

As a former publisher of Christian material, a comprehensive study Bible was essential to my profession. Although I have several Bibles, this one with the large print is definitely one of my favorites.

I was very excited about buying the so-much-heard NIV bible. After all, it was a lutheran priest who recommended me this book. My first impression about the NIV bible was that it has plenty of archeological and historical information that, for sure, will support you in giving you a strong background in history that you can use to re-create in your mind the kindoms and kings from the the bible.

This is the only good point. From the 20,000 comments, 90% are worthless since they seem to repeat the same verse with different words. Moreover, by giving so much unnecesary information in the comments, one ends up by spending more time in reading those comments that reading the bible itself!!

But this is not the main reason why I rate this book with only 2 stars. The most important fact is that the verses style these NIV guys created are so devily modified from the sacred scriptures, so cold, so lack of heart and so "mathematical", that your feelings for the bible you are in danger to loose.

Just go to internet, find a web where NIV and James King verses are compared, and you will understand why I not only describe this book as bad but as ... too.

This is easy to read and the words of Jesus are in red. I highly recommend it.

I have used many different translations over the year. Most are pretty good, some are excellent. The NIV, in my opinion, is the best combination of accuracy and readability currently available. The Study Notes, maps, etc., are very useful.

Poortvliet provides an unexpected delight in his telling of the Noah's Ark story through the prism of his youth and memories. The drawings are remarkable in their humanity. He has created a book that is a must have for adults, particularly animal lovers, and children to share.

One of the most beautifully illustrated books ever. The artwork is superb and the narrative sublime by someone who appreciates the design in nature. I cant imagine anyone not really treasuring this book, for young and old alike.

The illustrations in this volume are amazing. I love the format. It's much like a personal journal with sketches to enhance the artist's viewpoint. I will definately consider purchasing everything that is available by this author after seeing this beloved work of art.

I have had the larger, original version of this book for thirty years or so, and I wanted to get it for my grandson's fifth birthday. Unfortunately, the larger version was no longer available, but this one filled the bill nicely. It is a perfect size, and it has perfect content for bedtime stories. Plus, none of the excellent pages was left out. Rien Poortvliet is a magnificent artist, and a thoughtful one, at that.

AWESTRUCK is the only word to describe my reaction to this magnificently beautiful book! It is a huge collection of Poortvliet's master quality artwork in a stunning coffee table book. The thoughtfully executed art gives evidence of the artist's heart toward the subject matter. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!

This work leaves one feeling enraged at officials and corrupt governments no matter where they are located. To know that the United States is a prime market for human slaves is appalling. The author lays the facts out clearly, his examples are extraordinary and the reader is given as complete a picture of the horrors faced by women, girls, and boys.

"Not for Sale" is a book I plan to use in the classroom to emphasize the horrors that await children/people in all walks of life, but most especially the poor and vulnerable.

Interestingly written and bringing the problem of human trafficking and all its related issues to light. Educational reading for sure. I was shocked to read about restaurant labor in this country being trafficked, as one example. It just read too much like a fictional novel at some times. If you look to learn about this problem in an entertaining and easy way I can recommend this book. If you look for more indepth facts and figures leave it alone.

I work with refugees and orphans from around the globe and find this book to be the most realistic and informative of it's kind. Selling people, mostly women and children is a harsh reality around the world. This book is informative and a must read to help wake up our world and start taking action. Very informative, emotional and well written.

Many people think of slavery as a high-school history lesson related to the Civil War, but that's hardly the case. Slavery has been a tragic part of world culture for thousands of years and exists to this day.

Fortunately in recent years, several well-organized groups have been fanning out around the world - providing educational materials to volunteers and taking direct action in many cases to change laws and free slaves.

If you're on the verge of purchasing this book by David Batstone, a leading authority on modern slavery, then you're already interested in this issue and what you really want is a hands-on, heavy-duty book that investigates modern systems of human trafficking.

This is the book you want. It carries an advisory to readers: "This book deals with mature subject matter." That's because this is grim stuff about slave laborers, child soldiers and enslaved sex workers.

Batstone is professor of ethics at the University of San Francisco and, for six years, also was executive editor of Sojourners Magazine. He understands the issue - and the actions needed. In the final section of the book is an extensive overview of groups and Web sites around the world that can help to connect you with this modern-day abolitionist campaign.

I've only read three books on the subject of modern day slavery and human trafficking, but this is by far the best. It covers varying types of bondage, with just enough detail to grasp the horror of it, but combined with hopeful stories of everyday men and women making a difference - small and large.

I highly recommend this as the right mix of statistics and stories. This is one I can suggest to those who are just learning about modern day slavery - it's not overwhelming or cynical.

I was given this book as a gift by a friend and enjoyed it so thoroughly that the next step was to purchase the book for other friends.

I gave these sealed as holiday presents because I love this book. The photographs are amazing and the wisdom is wonderful and timely.

Each page is a centering, relaxing finding of the self and connection to timeless essence....if one wishes to be so connected.

This is a book that I return to again and again. It is packed with wise/insightful quotes and gorgeous photos. It's a good addition to any coffee table :-) I 100% recommend this.

This is a book to read every day for many years. It's a treat every morning to look at a breathtaking picture of Tibet and read a wise saying by Buddhist masters. The photographs create a sense of infinite Himalayan grandeur of that stark and gorgeous terrain of rock, snow and beautiful people --the young and the old and always with a twinkle in their eyes , awakening wonder in me of a world so harsh in many ways but with inspired people with an active worship. Great book with a page to turn every day of the year and I am on my second year. I have given it to many friends whether they are Buddhists or not and they find it special and enduring in its beauty and wisdom. .

I stumbled across Pema Chodron on Amazon and am so glad I did. What a truly inspiring person. I loved this collection because it is warm and human and funny. She shares her many years of wisdom with heart and her messages are simple and inclusive. This cd has not only helped me meditate but also reminded me to treat myself with kindness.

Every CD in this set is excellent, and since they were taped on site at sessions in Cape Breton you feel like Pema is right there in the room with you. Pema's words along with her wonderfully soothing voice will truly heal the aches and pains of living. It's not just the simplicity but the honesty that makes owning everything Pema worthwhile. If I had known about her years ago, I would have lived differently, if not more easily. Now, because of Pema, there are no regrets, just today. This set is very good therapy.

I put Pema in my walkman (yes, I'm old) and listen to her on my long walks with the dog. I can listen to them over and over and enjoy them. She's easy to listen to and imparts information without preaching.

This is a very nice collection of three of Pema Chodron's CD's. She is an excellent teacher--compassionate, thoughtful, and very user-friendly. Listening to these CD's has helped open my heart and mind during stressful moments in life when taking a moment to pause and stay with an uncomfortable emotion is the more difficult but, beneficial mode of operation.

Have you seen that ad on TV - "Your mind controls you, but do you control your mind?" Pema Chocdron shows you how to stop the incessant noise and criticism of your mind by finding a space where ideas are allowed, but teh spontaneous reaction to those ideas is not. By becoming compassionate towards others, you become more compassionate towards yourself, and learn to laugh at yourself and feel less alone by realizing "others feel like this too".

Buy this - it helps.

This is simply a beautiful book. Much good work has been done to help connect people and plants and we delight in that. Eliot looks beyond the physical plant you see and gifts you with the feeling of connection with Plant Spirits. Thank you Eliot. Many who read this book with an open heart will come through the door you have opened. We are ready to help - ready to heal.

Well written, full of passion and honesty. Cowan takes a leap of faith with courage in hopes that others will learn the connectedness of all, and the simplicity it takes to honor our most prescious resources, "OUR FAMILY". Well worth the read, and please; share it with others!

This book is an accessible, sincere and inspired guide for anyone who is curious about how to recover the human's innate ability to be in communication with the non-human world - which apparently just awaits our intention to do so. Eliot Cowan shares his own fascinating journey of discovery in a way that also offers to the reader ideas for how to do the same. His message is not, "look at me, I have special abilities," but "look into yourself and see what is there just waiting to be revived." The disastrous psychological, ecological and spiritual situation humans find themselves in as a result of having stopped engaging in "the great conversation" with nature, as author Thomas Berry puts it, can begin to heal if we try hard, now, to apply ourselves to the wisdom available in such books as Plant Spirit Medicine. We have a responsibility to read and utilize such information as Eliot Cowan makes available here. --Tayria Ward, Ph.D.

Plant Spirit Medicine speaks of the elements of nature, the plants, shamanism, and healing. Cowan's integrity, wisdom and humor is apparent throughout. I first read this book 7 years ago. It changed my life, opening me up to a world where healing, love and compassion are always flowing from the plants and other aspects of nature. This book speaks of one man's journey and opens the doors to allow you to make your own journey and find your own path.

I have been reading and practicing these medicines for some time. I am also studying ethnobotany and plant medicine in relation to psychopathology. I picked up this book as a supplement to my work, and I did not expect that it would be so good. I would recommend this book to ANY person interested in this subject- whether they are totally new to it, or have been doing it for decades.
Cowan clearly and eloquently provides his take on this subject, and does a very good job explaining the basics. But he writes with a gentle tone, and makes plant spirit medicine something that everyone can do. This book isn't trying to sell anything or promote a workshop or healing modality. This really does provide some genuine insights on how to communicate with plants and use them for healing.
Eliot Cowan is right on with this book. You won't be disappointed.

A wonderful book for silent meditation.
I prefer this book over The Practice of the Presence of God by Brother Lawrence.

Having been a long time Brother Lawrence fan I was leery of adding Frank Laubach's journal entires to this ancient classic. I was wrong. Laubach is a modern master who takes Brother Lawrence's simple way and brings it into the 20th century. After reading this short missive my friend and I have agreed together to practice the presence of Christ in everything that we might try this simple and beautiful way ourselves. Read this short guide and commit yourself to walking in the light. It's worth it.

Excellent book for those who believe we exist for the glory and honor of God. It will help you get to the point where your agenda no longer controls your life. It will be his agenda that controls. Two classics in one book.

I've read this book twice already and each time I read it, feels like the first time. This book is really intense. It made me realize how far off the mark I was with keeping God in my thoughts more often than I do. It's a life long practice, but once you read this book you'll never forget it and will keep coming bak to it at least once a year. It's also an excellent book to recommend to others who feel it's impossible to maintain God's presence all the time. The first time I read this book I became so much more aware of how little I think about God through the day and have been working on this practice ever since. I can honestly say I'm making progress. I highly recommend this book to anyone seeking a closer relationship with God.

This book I believe is a must read by any Christian desiring to live an others centered self sacrificial broken life style before the Lord. This can only be acomplished by staying on our cross and allowing God to have all of us. Practicing His Presence will help us stay focussed on God through out our day. Learning from Frank Laubach and Brother Lawerence's experiences at trying to live this life style can be a blessing to all of us. If you want to know what Heaven will be like, read this book. Because in Heaven we will be in God's presence all the time. So shouldn't we be practicing it here on earth?

I just finished reading the Prophet's Way.. I was absolutely entranced. All that I have read, combined with our first real energy crisis in California has really made me wake up, although I feel more like I'm in a daze thinking about all of it.

I never thought about vegetarianism in this way it is presented before. I never knew that a meat-eating lifestyle perpetuates the disintigration of our earth and reaches out to harm so many areas. "Diet for a new America" is what I'll be reading next.

Here we follow the author's "adventures" in several different parts of the world, usually following his spiritual / sociological / ecological mentor who picks up worms in the rain and puts them safely on the grass. The mentor says if you want to be a great spiritual leader, "... begin with the smallest work, a tiny act of compassion for the least of the least. (hence, the worms) And do it in secret." And be a vegetarian.

The book is anecdotal (and wanders off the subject a lot) with spiritual and socio-ecological themes. My favorites: a discussion of lapis lazuli (my favorite stone) in praise of its "spiritual purity" and a very important discussion regarding television's harmful impact on children -- not for its presence, but because too much television means a lack of reading to kids, which actually causes a deficiency in the brain's ability to develop the visualization of what they hear and imagine.

It's worth your time. ....

This book left a strong imprint in my being. I was very moved by its true stories about the magic of living by faith and total self-giving. The author lays his life on the line again and again, and his example draws us to do the same, for the sake of a humanity and a planet glorified by the Love of God.

Not every theory and spiritual exercise in this book resonated fully for me. But there was much food for thought in the author's ideas, and much usefulness in his exercises. Most important for me however, was the living example of people making a real difference in the state of the world, by being true to their deepest convictions, and being a Light of Godly service.

The life of Herr Muller is truly an exceptional example of esoteric spirituality, combined with very practical, energetic service. Hopefully, his example will become less exceptional, as more people catch the fire of transformation that this book serves.

This is a true journey of finding compassion and love for all life and putting the discovered empathy to work in hopes of guiding humanity out of suffering and healing the ravaged Earth. Hartmann has traveled the world and lived amongst the most lacking and depraved of humanity, yet is able to help them and glean wisdom from these experiences. He explains his affiliation and wisdom learned from Masters Stanley and Muller, two very intriguing men. Teaching our children well and "humble actions" that all can easily embrace are well delineated.

This is a book that should appeal to everyone from the religious, agnostic, humanist, and ecologist. Be forewarned, though, that one might feel compelled to read all of Hartmann's books for this man has much to offer! His, "The Last Hours of Ancient Sunlight: Waking Up To Personal and Global Transformation" is highly recommended, also.

Thom's book cracked my heart wide-open. It' clearly the definitive journey of our time: waking up to the possibility, certainly the responsibility, of reaching toward a maturity of Soul. This journey takes you into the Suffering of the World. From the Hunt Clubs in Bogota, Columbia: those who hunt children for sport. To the poverty of Africa, India, and the diminishment of the integrity of the Earth itself.

This is a book that you FEEL to the Depths of your Soul. It shakes you and changes you.

After reading the book several years ago, it was my honor and privledge to visit with Thom and his mentor Herr Muller in Germany, and walk the Prophets Way Path. It was a moving and life affirming moment. It launched me to embrace a suffering world.

I now work with At-Risk kids taking them into the wilderness. I listen to their stories. Hold their pain by affirming and mirroring the best in each one of them. We are all linked in a common humanity and that is the message of Thom's book. It affirms the best in each of us and asks us to CHANGE.