Christianity Books - Page 4

So You Don't Want to Go to Church Anymore

Jake Colsen, Wayne Jacobsen, Dave Coleman

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Total reviews: 70 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Editorial Review:

What would you do if you met someone you thought just might be one of Jesus original disciples still living in the 21st Century? That's Jake's dilemma as he meets a man who talks of Jesus as if he had known him, and whose way of living challenges everything Jake had previously known. So You Don t Want to Go To Church Anymore is Jake s compelling journal that chronicles thirteen conversations with his newfound friend over a four-year period and how those exchanges turn Jake's world upside-down. With his help, Jake faces his darkest fears, struggles through brutal circumstances and comes out on the other side in the joy and freedom he always dreamed was possible. If you're tired of just going through the motions of Christianity and want to mine the depths of what it really means to live deeply in Christ, you ll find Jake s story will give you hope for your own. This book probes the difficult questions and offers some far-reaching answers. It just might turn your world upside-down as well!

Wild at Heart

John Eldredge

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Total reviews: 614 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

Not Christian; it's a "Pop Psychology" 1 out of 5 stars.
0 of 3 people found this review helpful.

/ WILD AT HEART (WAH) by John Eldredge

John Eldredge is not a Christian, but he does like to put on the act, because when one is selling Pop Psychology by way of personal testimony, the foreshortened theological propositions must be couched in terms of personal conviction. One need only indicate that the Error of Ecclecticism is evident in WAH, because Theology and Psychology do not share a commonality of core assumptives. His greatest asset is the vast number of unthinking readers who follow populist movements for New Age delusions, such as Rhonda Byrne's "The Secret" and Gary Zukav's "Seat of the Soul" and it is indicated by the typical review which indicates an epidemic of Americans who don't actually think. They "feel" and they continually confuse FEELING with THINKING.

They will tell readers that People-either-Love-or-Hate-the-book. Obviously, not everybody "thinks". They have been educated only to "feel". Only in such an environment can an author actually deny Jesus Christ, yet still be regarded as a Christian.


Many reviewers have indicated that Eldredge seems to repeat the Robert Bly memes regarding "Iron John" and that is probably true, since New Age authors frequently perpetuate the ...er....paradigm. However, careful reading will show that Eldredge is perpetuating the Pop Psychology and THERAPY-SPEAK of Abraham Maslow, who died 20 years before Robert Bly published his "Iron John".

In this regard, it is important to understand that Maslow's Pop Psychology was an attempt to RE-INVENT religion, even if it means turning religion entirely upside down. Maslow called it "SELF-ACTUALIZATION" and careful comparison will show that Eldredge simply repeats Maslow's meme.

For example, there were Ten basic principles identified by Maslow and the critical principle to reverse the Theological doctrine of Original Sin, was Maslow's meme that "MAN IS BASICALLY GOOD, NOT EVIL". Thereafter, everything Maslow writes is a proposal that the NATURAL MAN is the equivalent of the SPIRITUAL man of the Holy Bible.


John Eldrege picks up the proverbial Pop Psychology ball, and has run it into the End Zone for a touchdown. Of course, that his Pop Psychology is irrational, inconsistent, and contrary to Christianity goes without saying.

In writing this review, I wanted a fresh approach. It isn't necessary to point out that the theology is flawed, because sufficient reviewers have identified the flawed theology and unChristian doctrine. I wanted to address more the psychological approaches of Gnosticism itself.

Many years ago, I was struck by the proposition that there are few new ideas in human history. Instead, we only see the same old ideas repeated over and over. Ideas literally do recycle.

New Age works like "Wild at Heart" have all of the hallmarks of ancient heretical gnosticism. In this perspective, fact will show that

(1) WAH claims to be Christian
(2) WAH redefines Christian terminology
(3) WAH ignores doctrinal propositions e.g. Sin or reinterprets the doctrine.
(4) WAH identifies vague goals, but the goals are most certainly earthly goals, rather than heavenly goals.
(5) WAH mocks Jesus Christ, while claiming to teach Christ

Most certainly, John Eldredge does not teach "Jesus Christ" and salvation by grace. In fact, Eldredge is not even teaching SALVATION, or rebirth "from above. This is why it is essential to identify Eldredges "gospel" as a Pop Psychology first. This is where Maslow's meme, that "MAN IS BASICALLY GOOD, NOT EVIL" becomes apparent.

Eldredge, no less than Abraham Maslow, is simply affirming the NATURAL MAN, casting aside traditional Christian doctrine.

There are reasons why this is effective and works for John Eldredge. For one thing, Eldredge is not selling a TRUTH. Eldredge is selling a convenience, which is what a "Pop Psychology" is. It doesn't last long, but while it does last, a lot of money can be made, and a lot of prestige can be acquired.

It is not unlike a popular novel by John Updike from years back, "Rabbit Run" where a character was describing the philosophy of a fast food restaurant, saying; "Spare the meat, and give'em the grease."

In this sense, "Pop Psychologies" like WAH are the Fast Food Franchises of human ideology. Obviously, they are going to be unhealthy. Moreover, that the Blind-Lead-The-Blind is a proverbialism is also apparent.

I believe however, that there are benefits derived when careful readers observe the workings of the mechanism of New Age or Gnostic enterprises. Eldredge frequently employs ridicule of Churches and of Christians generally, to prepare the image of his following as innovators of a nouveaux radical chic. The game of "insider trading" is ideologically astute of Eldredge, even if phony as hell.

The oldest game of hucksterism in the proverbial book, is to teach people that they are "sick" or that they "have a problem". That established, it isn't very difficult to sell them the "solution" or "cure".



*ANOTHER POP PSYCHOLOGY*

So Eldredge perpetuates another Self-Help POP PSYCHOLOGY, that of THOMAS A. HARRIS, MD who authored "I'M OK, YOU'RE OK" and which made the New York Times BEST SELLER list in 1972.

"I'M OK, YOU'RE OK" is a guide to what is known as TRANSACTIONAL ANALYSIS, which is important to know in order to understand the works of John Eldredge, because what Eldredge does is offer a TRANSACTION. One part of the transactionis to identify the blanket status of being OKAY-JUST-AS-YOU-ARE upon everybody. It is also a contractual arrangement in which he proposes to act like a "MAN," and his readers propose to learn the act of "MANLINESS" from the author.

All such Pop Psychologies intend to Re-Invent-the-Wheel of Religion.

So there really is nothing new in WAH. It's a rehash of earlier POP PSYCHOLGIES and a bit of THERAPIST-TURNED-GURU by way of Theology Patterning, or at least a presumption that it is derived in some vague sense from the Holy Bible.

Judging the tree by its fruit serves as an excellent moral. Jesus Christ taught his followers:


"Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give."--Matthew 10:8, KJV

There is no FREE GIVING here, because what Eldredge sells, he hasn't acquired from the Lord Jesus Christ.

Eldredge advances a solipsist doctrine premised upon something referred to as HEART, which is suitably vague, because when all you have to market is hot air and rhetoric, nobody comes away with anything deeper than a sense of emotional intoxication.


*FAILURE TO IDENTIFY GOOD & EVIL

( or, The Common New Age omission )

One the the key distinctions of genuine Christian writing, is that without qualification, Good & Evil are identified with specificity. Not so with New Age writings however. In the New Age writings and seminars, Good & Evil are never identified. If for example, Eldredge recognized Good & Evil, his followers would have to fault themselves for their shortcomings and hold themselves accountable to God, but there's no money in that, so why bother.

Neither can Eldredge actually suggest that his followers change themselves, because that would involve an identifiable principle, and require an objective moral standard.

No, Eldredge calls for people to change not at all in terms of reality, but merely to shift their perceptions around, and thereby manipulate appearances so that the individual is made to appear a victim of history, a victim of family, a victim of relationships, a victim of modern culture, a victim of gender stereotypes, a victim of religion and church, ad infinitum.

Thereafter, all the sheep have to do is to point to the flaws outside themsvelves and proclaim they are fixed.


---In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Bruce R. Bain

Editorial Review:

God designed men to be dangerous, says John Eldredge. Simply look at the dreams and desires written in the heart of every boy: To be a hero, to be a warrior, to live a life of adventure and risk. Sadly, most men abandon those dreams and desires-aided by a Christianity that feels like nothing more than pressure to be a 'nice guy.' It is no wonder that many men avoid church, and those who go are often passive and bored to death. In this provocative book, Eldredge gives women a look inside the true heart of a man and gives men permission to be what God designed them to be-dangerous, passionate, alive, and free.

The Chronicles of Narnia Pop-up: Based on the Books by C. S. Lewis (Narnia)

C. S. Lewis

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 38 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

The Chronicles of Narnia, pop-up book 5 out of 5 stars.
1 of 2 people found this review helpful.

What a delightful work of art. The mechanics and cut out art work are superb. One must understand that the pop up book depecits all the stories within Narnia. If you have the complete series as shown on BBC or have read all 3 stories by C.S. Lewis then you will be able to relate to each page. Walt Disney has only released one movie "The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe" so one can only connect the first pages of the book to the movie. But even if you have never seen any part or read C.S. Lewis books, this is wonderful pop up book to own. I bought one for my granddaughter and one for me.

Editorial Review:

C. S. Lewis's classic Narnia books spring to life in the hands of award-winning paper engineer Robert Sabuda. Each of the seven books in the series has its own pop-up spread rendered in spectacular detail with stunning special effects. Experience a different adventure from Narnia on every spread in this beautiful addition to the Narnia library—sure to enchant fans of both C. S. Lewis and Robert Sabuda.

Mere Christianity

C.S. Lewis

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Total reviews: 446 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Beautiful and Mentally Satisfying 5 out of 5 stars.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

Reading this book I gained a logical confirmation of the natural beliefs of the heart, which in modern times are increasingly condemned as illogical. The best scholarly defense of religion/morality in general and Christianity in particular I've read! To make the most out of it, read "The Everlasting Man" by G.K. Chesterton, a book which greatly influenced Lewis and played a major role in converting him to theism: The Everlasting Man. These books go hand in hand. Read them both!!

'Oxford Retard' yet to receive a coherent rebuttal... 5 out of 5 stars.
1 of 5 people found this review helpful.

I agree with the 1 star reviewers. This was no scholarly work. It wasn't nearly enough pages long. He didn't even use long words. If he was really an intellectual don't you think he would have used longer words?

Editorial Review:

This work brings together Lewis's legendary broadcast talks of the war years, talks in which he set out simply to "explain and defend the belief that has been common to nearly all Christians at all times". Rejecting the boundaries that divide Christianity's many denominations, C.S. Lewis provides an opportunity for believers and non-believers alike to hear a powerful, rational case for the Christian faith.

Redeeming Love

Francine Rivers

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Total reviews: 566 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Editorial Review:

Can God’s Love Save Anyone?

Bestselling author Francine Rivers skillfully retells the biblical love story of Gomer and Hosea in a tale set against the exciting backdrop of the California Gold Rush. The heroine, Angel, is a young woman who was sold into prostitution as a child. Michael Hosea is a godly man sent into Angel’s life to draw her into the Savior’s redeeming love. This remarkable novel has sold over a million copies and is among the top twenty on the ECPA fiction bestsellers list for four years running. A six-part study guide, suitable for individual use or group discussion, is included in this bestselling novel.

ALSO AVAILABLE: Now own this beloved classic in the keepsake hardcover edition!

California’s gold country, 1850. A time when men sold their souls for a bag of gold and women sold their bodies for a place to sleep.

Angel expects nothing from men but betrayal. Sold into prostitution as a child, she survives by keeping her hatred alive. And what she hates most are the men who use her, leaving her empty and dead inside.

Then she meets Michael Hosea.

A man who seeks his Father’s heart in everything, Michael Hosea obeys God’s call to marry Angel and to love her unconditionally. Slowly, day by day, he defies Angel’s every bitter expectation until, despite her resistance her frozen heart begins to thaw. But with her unexpected softening come overwhelming feelings of unworthiness and fear. And so Angel runs. Back to the darkness, away from her husband’s pursuing love, terrified of the truth she can no longer deny: Her final healing must come from the One who loves her even more than Michael Hosea does…the One who will never let her go.

A powerful retelling of the book of Hosea, Redeeming Love is a life-changing story of God’s unconditional, redemptive, all-consuming love.


Story Behind the Book

“Writing Redeeming Love was a form of worship for me. Through it, I was able to thank God for loving me even when I was defiant, rebellious, contemptuous of what I thought being a Christian meant, and afraid to give my heart away. I had wanted to be my own god and have control of my life the way Eve did in the Garden of Eden. Now I know to be loved by Christ is the ultimate joy and fulfillment. Everything in Redeeming Love was a gift from the Lord: plot, characters, theme. None of it is mine to claim.”

Captivating: Unveiling the Mystery of a Woman's Soul

John Eldredge, Stasi Eldredge

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Total reviews: 304 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

Editorial Review:

Every little girl has dreams of being swept up into a great adventure, of being the beautiful princess. Sadly, when women grow up, they are often swept up into a life filled merely with duty and demands. Many Christian women are tired, struggling under the weight of the pressure to be a "good servant," a nurturing caregiver, or a capable home manager.

What Wild at Heart did for men, Captivating can do for women. This groundbreaking book shows readers the glorious design of women before the fall, describes how the feminine heart can be restored, and casts a vision for the power, freedom, and beauty of a woman released to be all she was meant to be. By revealing the core desires every woman shares-to be romanced, to play an irreplaceable role in a grand adventure, and to unveil beauty-John and Stasi Eldredge invite women to recover their feminine hearts, created in the image of an intimate and passionate God. Further, they encourage men to discover the secret of a woman's soul and to delight in the beauty and strength women were created to offer.

Parenting With Love and Logic : Teaching Children Responsibility

Foster W. Cline, Jim Fay

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Total reviews: 176 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

Editorial Review:

EFFECTIVE PARENTING-WITHOUT THE POWER STRUGGLES.

As parents, you have only a few years to prepare your children for a world that requires responsibility and maturity for survival. That thought alone can send shivers down your parental spine!

So what do you do? Hover over your kids so they never make mistakes? Drill them so they'll remember the important principles when you're on their own? Tear your hair out, wondering if teaching them responsibility is anything but a battle of wills?

According to Jim Fay, one of America's top educational consultants, and Dr. Foster Cline, a trend-setting child and adult psychiatrist, parents who try to ensure their children's success often raise unsuccessful kids. Responsibility is like anything else-it has to be learned through practice.

If you want to raise kids who are self-confident, motivated, and ready for the real world, take advantage of the win-win approach to parenting. Your kids will win because they'll learn responsibility and the logic of life by solving their own problems. And you'll win because you'll establish healthy control-without resorting to anger, threats, nagging, or exhausting power struggles.

Parenting with Love and Logic puts the fun back into parenting!

"Parents consistently tell us they wish they had known about love and logic earlier. This common sense approach gives parents a tangible hope that they can still influence their kids."-Dave Funk, staff development coordinator, New Berlin Public Schools, Wisconsin

"I have been a principal for four years now and have used these methods with great success. Thank you for all the creative ideas."-Steven B. Vande Ven, principal, Sherrelwood Elementary School, Denver, Colorado

"I'm continually amazed at how well these principles work, not only with children, but with parents and other adults. It's great to get away from punishment and anger and into love and logic."-Sharon Alexander, principal, Disnard Elementary School, Claremont, New Hampshire

"I really believe that this material can benefit every parent. I have never enjoyed my children more. Parenting has become fun, and stress and anger no longer dominate my life."-Pam L. Tourigny, group home foster parent, Snelling, California

"Parenting with Love and Logic meets with wonderful results. For the first time in four years, we're making progress in the right direction with our teenager."-Billie Leafgreen, parent, Lander, Wyoming

Ender's Game (Ender)

Orson Scott Card

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Total reviews: 2537 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

A child is humanity's last best hope 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 1 people found this review helpful.

An alien species has twice attacked earth and nearly destroyed humanity, and now a third war is fast approaching. The hero of this story is a young boy with extraordinary military gifts. Ender Wiggin has a natural ability to plan and carry out strategy in three-dimensional space, but along with this, Ender has another, rarer quality: the right balance of empathy and self-sacrifice that enable him to act in the service of humanity (rather than himself), combined with a ruthlessness to do whatever is necessary to win not only the present war, but all future wars as well. (This is in contrast to his siblings, both of whom share Ender's remarkable strategic abilities; but while Ender's brother is cruel and sociopathic, his sister is soft-hearted, and neither would make a suitable soldier.)

Ender is removed from his family at the age of six and sent to the multi-national Battle School, where along with mundane subjects like math and history, students plan and act out mock battles in gravity-free chambers. Ender rises through the ranks more quickly than the other boys, making friends and enemies along the way, and graduates to Command School not a day too soon (and possibly, he is told, a few years too late). At Command School, the battle games reach a new level, and the eleven-year-old Ender learns that he is humanity's last best hope. (Meanwhile, back on earth, nations are threatening one another with war, and Ender's remarkable adolescent siblings are hatching a plot to rule the world.)

From this point the story moves fast, taking some interesting turns and revealing some suprises, as Ender learns the about the true nature of the war he is about to enter, and the alien species he must fight. The ending is all at once tragic and hopeful, horrific and ironic.

Editorial Review:

A modern classic, Ender's Game is the gripping tale of adventure in space and lost childhood and a scathing indictment of the military mind, noted in a recent New York Times survey as one of the best-loved books of all time. Aliens have attacked earth twice and almost destroyed the human species. To make sure humans win the next encounter, the world government has taken to breeding military geniuses and then training them to the arts of war ... Ender Wiggin is a genius among geniuses and he is smart enough to know that time is running out. Ender's Game is a Nebula Award and Hugo Award winner, and a New York Times bestseller.