Christianity Books - Page 13

The Heart of the Five Love Languages

Gary Chapman

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 15 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

Short but Sweet 3 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

This is a dummied down version of the Five Love Languages. It works, but I wish I would have bought the complete version instead.

Heart of the Five Love Languages 2 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

This was not quite what I expected. It is an abridgement of the original Five Love Languages. "It sorta leaves ya hangin". Gives an overview of common sense, then it makes a person get a bit mad. Chapman blames a lot of the problems in relationships on women, and as people know, it takes two to be in a relationship, so where is the mans responsibility? Also, I disagree with his point that in order to make someone else happy and "fill their love tank" you must get out and do what they like to do and get out of your comfort zone. If that is how the relationship is going to be...then maybe that is not the relationship for you to be in. You can never make another person happy, they must choose to be happy on their own, otherwise you wear yourself out trying and just resent that person because they don't appreciate you. From my perspective, a relationship should be something that BOTH people are willing to work on. If someone is reading or listening to this book or any other relationship book, then koodoes to them for bettering themselves. I think that there are many other books that are much better and so much more worth the money.

Editorial Review:

People express and receive love in different ways. Dr. Gary Chapman identifies these as the five languages of love: Quality Time, Words of Affirmation, Gifts, Acts of Service, and Physical Touch. If you express love toward others in a way they don't understand, they will not realize you've expressed your love at all. The problem is that you're speaking different languages. Abridged version of the New York Times bestselling title.

What's So Great about Christianity

Dinesh D Souza

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 3 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

A passionate presentation of the strengths and historical truths about Christianity 5 out of 5 stars.
4 of 4 people found this review helpful.

I found this book to be wonderfully refreshing. We live in a time when books promoting atheism and attacking religion (especially Christianity) are best sellers and promoted nearly everywhere. This book stands up for Christianity, but in an intellectual and systematic way. D'Souza has not provided a book of testimony or a scriptural defense of faith. He spends twenty-four chapters examining the arguments made against religion and answers them using history, philosophy, and careful reasoning. Chapters 25 & 26 are the closest the author comes to promoting Christianity and inviting you to examine its benefits. However, it is hardly an aggressive missionary approach.

D'Souza presents the basic material examining Christianity in seven parts (the eight being the last two chapters). The first is "The Future of Christianity". The author lays out the current bump in popularity in militant atheism, but why it is really a long term loser. Despite atheism's best efforts, outside narrow intellectual circles religion is growing in most places in the world. In particular, Christianity is growing the fastest of all and in its future is bright. The second part looks at the historical rise and contributions of Christianity to Western Civilization and again demonstrates that many popular notions are simply wrong or fabrications.

The third part looks at science as a wonderful tool and a very poor faith. I particularly loved the chapter correcting the popular notion that Galileo was imprisoned by the Church because the Church was trying to suppress scientific truth. In fact, he was put under house arrest because he published a book he had promised not to publish and insulted the pope in a very egregious way. However, Galileo's scientific truths were being examined by the leading intellects of the day, who were in the Church, and while much was accepted, it did turn out that Galileo was wrong about some details.

The fourth part examines the various arguments against the Church because of evolution and natural selection. D'Souza shows the evidence for creation, that evolution per se says nothing against religion or faith, and how what is understood in the natural record comfortably corresponds to religious teaching over the millennia. Yes, all human knowledge has expanded, but the core religious truths have not been overthrown.

Part five is an interesting examination of the limits of the reason that the atheists say overthrows faith. D'Souza makes an interesting use of Kant to demonstrate a problem in Hume's thought. We also get treated to an interesting discussion of why miracles are reasonable and the skeptic's wager. That is, if there really is nothing, one hasn't lost much by believing in God and yet if there is a God not believing in him presents a great cost.

Part six looks at the notion of suffering as an argument against God and Christianity. The author corrects the notion that religion is responsible for the great mass murders in history and exposes the lame attempts by atheists to try and keep their skirts clean by pushing Hitler, Stalin, Lenin, and Mao in the camp of believers.

Part seven spends several chapters examining the problem of morality for atheists, despite their great efforts to construct their own morality, the notion of spirit, why so many find unbelief (even a passive unbelief) so appealing, and the problem that evil in the world presents to those who believe in God. I think D'Souza does a good job with each topic.

I recommend this book to any Christian of any sect to get great information about the history, power, and strength of your history and faith. No, it is not a replacement for your communion with the Spirit or the nourishment of your faith in the scriptures. However, it will help you deal with the nagging frustrations you feel when you see Dawkins, Harris, Hitchens, and others on TV or read their words in articles and books. While they are very confident in their faith (and that is exactly what atheism is at its core), most of what they are presenting is testimony rather than fact and sound reasoning.

If you are in doubt about choosing between a search for faith or giving up and accepting materialism, I also urge you to read this book, but to also seek to join yourself with a community of believers who can help you on your journey. My faith is strengthened by worshiping and living in faith with others and you probably will, too.

If you are an atheist, I also think you should read this book. No, I don't expect that it will open a mind already committed to an opposite point of view, but it will give you a good look at the strength of argument on the other side. If you simply dismiss them out of hand or disdainfully push them away, you haven't won anything because you haven't actually participated in an exchange of ideas. Sure, you have every right to do so, but I don't find such pride and contempt of others to be very becoming.

Reviewed by Craig Matteson, Ann Arbor, MI

Editorial Review:

Is it reasonable to have faith in God? Can intelligent, educated people really believe what the Bible says? Or do the atheists have it right--has Christianity been disproven by science and discredited as a guide to morality? Best-selling author Dinesh D'Souza (The Enemy at Home; What's So Great about America) responds head-on to the anti-God arguments of prominent atheists such as Richard Dawkins, Sam Harris, and Christopher Hitchens and defeats them on their own terms. What's So Great about Christianity provides believers with a straightforward tool kit for meeting the challenge of modern atheism and secularism; for nonbelievers, it offers a compelling apologetic that will challenge their assumptions and affirm that there really is something great about Christianity.

The First Christmas: What the Gospels Really Teach About Jesus's Birth

Marcus J. Borg, John Dominic Crossan

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 20 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

I have learned so much 5 out of 5 stars.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

I used a lot of this material for sermons last Christmas and the people received it well. I learned so much from this small book. I highly recommend it!

Editorial Review:

In The First Christmas, two of today's top Jesus scholars, Marcus J. Borg and John Dominic Crossan, join forces to show how history has biased our reading of the nativity story as it appears in the gospels of Matthew and Luke. As they did for Easter in their previous book, The Last Week, here they explore the beginning of the life of Christ, peeling away the sentimentalism that has built up over the last two thousand years around this most well known of all stories to reveal the truth of what the gospels actually say. Borg and Crossan help us to see this well-known narrative afresh by answering the question, "What do these stories mean?" in the context of both the first century and the twenty-first century. They successfully show that the Christmas story, read in its original context, is far richer and more challenging than people imagine.

Shepherding a Child's Heart

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 254 Average rating: 3.0 of 5

Don't buy this 1 out of 5 stars.
4 of 10 people found this review helpful.

This book was highly recommended and so our christian Mom's group chose to read this. The basic idea could have been summed up in a simple brochure, the rest belonged in the garbage where our books ended up! Tim Kimmel's Grace Based Parenting is so much better, more loving, more practical. I hope others choose Tim Kimmel's book instead of Tedd Tripp's!

Once opposed, now understand - GREAT BOOK 5 out of 5 stars.
2 of 2 people found this review helpful.

To sum it up, the book changed our hearts and our home. Most people who wrote bad reviews probably never put the book into action and judged quickly which I respect. It's not about the spanking, it's about SHEPHERDING A CHILD'S heart to be obedient with amazing methodology and theology. And with that comes submission and a child understanding what is morally wrong/disobedient. We once thought spanking was also evil, but as I said, our heart changed when we read the book and practiced this biblical method of disciplining and saw FRUITS. We now have 2 amazing children whose hearts have changed. I would NOT recommend the book for parents with children older than 5-7. This is a book that needs to be implemented EARLY on or I think a child would not respond well to all of a sudden getting spanked. They would be confused after years of other parenting methods. I don't know. Just my opinion - I could be wrong. We were blessed to get the book just in time!

Editorial Review:

Written for parents with children of any age, this insightful book provides perspectives and procedures for shepherding your child's heart into the paths of life. Shepherding a Child's Heart gives fresh biblical approaches to child rearing.

Light from Heaven (The Mitford Years, Book 9)

Jan Karon

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 109 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

Editorial Review:

All good things—even laughter and orange marmalade cake—must come to an end.

And in Light from Heaven, the long-anticipated final volume in the phenomenally successful Mitford Years series, Karon deftly ties up all the loose ends of Father Timothy Kavanagh’s deeply affecting life.

On a century-old valley farm where Father Tim and Cynthia are housesitting, there’s plenty to say grace over, from the havoc of a windstorm to a surprising new addition to the household and a mystery in the chicken house.

It’s life on the mountaintop, however, that promises to give Father Tim the definitive challenge of his long priesthood. Can he step up to the plate and revive a remote, long-empty mountain church, asap? Or has he been called to accomplish the impossible? Fortunately, he’s been given an angel—in the flesh, of course.

Light from Heaven is filled with characters old and new and with answers to all the questions that Karon fans have asked since the series began nearly a decade ago. To put it simply—it’s her best. And we believe millions will agree.

A Redbird Christmas: A Novel

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 108 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Editorial Review:

With the same incomparable style and warm, inviting voice that have made her beloved by millions of readers far and wide, New York Times bestselling author Fannie Flagg has written an enchanting Christmas story of faith and hope for all ages that is sure to become a classic.
Deep in the southernmost part of Alabama, along the banks of a lazy winding river, lies the sleepy little community known as Lost River, a place that time itself seems to have forgotten. After a startling diagnosis from his doctor, Oswald T. Campbell leaves behind the cold and damp of the oncoming Chicago winter to spend what he believes will be his last Christmas in the warm and welcoming town of Lost River. There he meets the postman who delivers mail by boat, the store owner who nurses a broken heart, the ladies of the Mystic Order of the Royal Polka Dots Secret Society, who do clandestine good works. And he meets a little redbird named Jack, who is at the center of this tale of a magical Christmas when something so amazing happened that those who witnessed it have never forgotten it. Once you experience the wonder, you too will never forget A Redbird Christmas.


From the Hardcover edition.

The Green Bible (Flexible)

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 5 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

A Fun Devotional Bible 4 out of 5 stars.
13 of 13 people found this review helpful.

I recently purchased a Green Bible before release date at the local bookstore in my city. At first I wasn't sure what to make of this Bible with its eco-friendly emphasis, but I am glad that I remained open to take a look at it and consider it!

For one the Bible is a devotional one, and one that is not as intrusive as most devotional Bibles that force the reader to adopt or consider the publishers views and interpretative moves throughout the text. Here you'll find essays at the beginning of the Bible and a list of references and study helps at the end. Secondly, the font and paper quality is amazingly durable and comfortable on the eyes. As many know, the NRSV is a great translation but finding an NRSV that you can read and enjoy is like trying to find Atlantis. The Green Bible delivers in that area and I would say that this is the best NRSV Bible in the market for readability.

The green highlights throughout the text, while not intrusive, does take some time to get used to. Especially when you are reading it for devotional purposes or for study, but don't let that hamper you from buying it. After a few days you begin to ignore the highlights and can read it with ease.

The only negative is that cover for the Bible does not feel sturdy and durable. I've carried it in my messenger bag for the past few days and have not seen any pages folded over or torn out. However, I'm careful with it. As well, expect some oil marks from your hands to develop over time on the cover since it is made from cotton.

Overall, I've been happy with my Green Bible and will begin to use it on a daily basis. I know many people will find theological fault with this Bible but I challenge those who do to actually pick one up and see what they think. I think you'll be pleasantly surprised and perhaps not so judgmental.

Editorial Review:

The Green Bible will equip and encourage you to see God's vision for creation and help you engage in the work of healing and sustaining it. This first Bible of its kind includes inspirational essays from key leaders such as N. T. Wright, Barbara Brown Taylor, Brian McLaren, Matthew Sleeth, Pope John Paul II, and Wendell Berry. As you read the scriptures anew, The Green Bible will help you see that caring for the earth is not only a calling, but a lifestyle.

White Christmas Pie

Wanda E. Brunstetter

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 16 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

"Not up to par" 3 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

Written by: Wanda E. Brunstetter
Published by: Barbour
Reviewed by: Stephanie Rollins for ReviewYourBook.com 11/2008
ISBN: 978-1-59789-937-6
"Not up to par" 3 stars
It is no secret that I think Wanda Brunstetter is amazing. I am saddened to have to give this book a 3. Imagine my excitement--a Wanda Brunstetter book with a Christmas theme!
I never connected with the characters. This may be the first time when some much emphasis was placed on the male character--Will. Perhaps, that is a reason for my disconnect. Regardless, I never cared about the plot. Her books are always a bit predictable, but this one was so obvious from the beginning.
Do not let this keep you from Brunstetter's other works. This one is just not up to par.

Editorial Review:

Step into Amish country for this bittersweet holiday romance. Here you'll meet Will Henderson, a young man tortured by his past, and Karen Yoder, a young woman looking for answers. Add a desperate father searching for his son, and you have all the ingredients for a first-class romance that will inspire and enthrall.

The Sistine Secrets: Michelangelo's Forbidden Messages in the Heart of the Vatican

Benjamin Blech, Roy Doliner

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Total reviews: 36 Average rating: 3.5 of 5

Editorial Review:

Five hundred years ago Michelangelo began work on a painting that became one of the most famous pieces of art in the world—the Sistine Chapel ceiling. Every year millions of people come to see Michelangelo's Sistine ceiling, which is the largest fresco painting on earth in the holiest of Christianity's chapels; yet there is not one single Christian image in this vast, magnificent artwork.

The Sistine Secrets tells the fascinating story of how Michelangelo embedded messages of brotherhood, tolerance, and freethinking in his painting to encourage "fellow travelers" to challenge the repressive Roman Catholic Church of his time.

"Driven by the truths he had come to recognize during his years of study in private nontraditional schooling in Florence, truths rooted in his involvement with Judaic texts as well as Kabbalistic training that conflicted with approved Christian doctrine, Michelangelo needed to find a way to let viewers discern what he truly believed. He could not allow the Church to forever silence his soul. And what the Church would not permit him to communicate openly, he ingeniously found a way to convey to those diligent enough to learn his secret language."—from the Preface

Blech and Doliner reveal what Michelangelo meant in the angelic representations that brilliantly mocked his papal patron, how he managed to sneak unorthodox heresies into his ostensibly pious portrayals, and how he was able to fulfill his lifelong ambition to bridge the wisdom of science with the strictures of faith. The Sistine Secrets unearths secrets that have remained hidden in plain sight for centuries.

Mother Teresa: Come Be My Light - The Private Writings of the Saint of Calcutta

Mother Teresa

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Total reviews: 119 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Editorial Review:

This historic work reveals the inner spiritual life of one of the most beloved and important religious figures in history.

During her lifelong service to the poorest of the poor, Mother Teresa became an icon of compassion to people of all religions; her extraordinary contributions to the care of the sick, the dying, and thousands of others nobody else was prepared to look after has been recognized and acclaimed throughout the world. Little is known, however, about her own spiritual heights or her struggles. This collection of her writing and reflections, almost all of which have never been made public before, sheds light on Mother Teresa's interior life in a way that reveals the depth and intensity of her holiness for the first time.

Compiled and presented by Fr. Brian Kolodiejchuk, M.C., who knew Mother Teresa for twenty years and is the postulator for her cause for sainthood and director of the Mother Teresa Center, MOTHER TERESA brings together letters she wrote to her spiritual advisors over decades. A moving chronicle of her spiritual journey—including moments, indeed years, of utter desolation—these letters reveal the secrets she shared only with her closest confidants. She emerges as a classic mystic whose inner life burned with the fire of charity and whose heart was tested and purified by an intense trial of faith, a true dark night of the soul.

Published to coincide with the tenth anniversary of her death, MOTHER TERESA is an intimate portrait of a woman whose life and work continue to be admired by millions of people.