Christian Living Books - Page 8

Jesus for President: Politics for Ordinary Radicals

Shane Claiborne, Chris Haw

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 32 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

Very Disturbing 4 out of 5 stars.
2 of 3 people found this review helpful.

"It ain't the parts of the Bible that I can't understand that bother me, it is the parts that I do understand." -Sam Clemens, aka Mark Twain.

I entirely disagree with many of the conclusions reached in this book. I'm just not sure which ones yet.

The beginning montage was the story of my life, sort of. I picked this book up because it looked interesting.

...and then Shane and Chris challenged exactly everything I believe in, except the existence of God and His nature as a loving Father. They challenged even my identity as an American (excuse me, citizen of the United States), calling "my country" the Empire - Rome, in fact. The beast. And utterly antithetical to the Kingdom of God. I'd been listening to the Bible on CD (The Word of Promise), and a lot of what they were saying jived with what Jesus said. They challenged the way I live life.

I say this of them: Chris and Shane have taken belief in Christ in a real way, where one actually.. you know.. believes what He said... they have taken it to a very radical conclusion. Their anti-war position has not completely convinced me, but it has made me rethink my position.

Make no mistake, I want Jesus for President. I want to share this book. I'm not sure I agree with the authors' conclusion, but "J4P" rocked my very nice and cozy American world. I also recommend Crazy Love by Francis Chan. It too is quite disturbing.

Editorial Review:

Amid all the buzz of politics and elections, Jesus for President is a refreshing reminder that our ultimate hope lies not in partisan political options but in the Jesus who gave his life for us. Politics for ordinary radicals who want to love the world into the kingdom of God.

What's So Amazing About Grace?

Philip Yancey

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 188 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Christian Manifesto 5 out of 5 stars.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

God if we could just live the grace filled lives of this book. This is without a doubt one of the all time greats

What's So Amazing About Grace? 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

Aside from the Bible, this is the best book I have ever read. This is a life-changing book about a life-changing subject. I find Philip Yancey to be a tremendous communicator. Since reading this book, I have bought and given away as gifts at least 7 copies of this book.

secret to happyness 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 1 people found this review helpful.

I just read the first chapters but this book has really touched me inside. The gospel is not a story about how to go to heaven or how to avoid hell. The gospel is the most beautiful love story ever told, about how God, being God, denied himself everything for our sake. And now, being totally acepted in Him, we are not left with the rest of our time on Earth to only daydream about heaven, but to enjoy the privilege and happyness of sharing God's love and grace with one another in this world. God does not want us to pay Him something back, He has everything He needs, He want us living close to Him, enjoying His company, His love, His grace, happy to be with Him and being a channel of His love and grace to the people around us.

Editorial Review:

On the heels of Philip Yancey's bestselling The Jesus I Never Knew comes his equally insightful exploration of grace, the most powerful force in the universe and our only hope for love and forgiveness. Now available in softcover. Winner of the Gold Medallion Book Award, the Christian Book of the Year Award, and the Retailers Choice Award.

Changes That Heal: How to Understand the Past to Ensure a Healthier Future

Henry Cloud

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 40 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Changed that heal book. 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 4 people found this review helpful.

I have read this book, so I know what it's about. However, I purchased the book to be sent to someone else, and though the delivery confirmation indicated it was delivered, the book actually wasn't delivered. So the person I sent the book to, never received it. Amazon isjust now sendilng out a new book. I'm waiting to see if it arrives.

This book will change your life 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

Dr. Cloud discusses some intense topics in Changes that Heal. If you have trouble setting boundaries with people, or if you didn't even know that you are supposed to be setting boundaries with people then read this! It is not an easy read. I think I would typically read each page a couple of times to understand it fully, but it was definitely worth it. My in-laws keep several copies of this book on hand to give to friends and family because it has been so helpful to our family. If you have never experienced true freedom in your relationships and you would like to, then read this book!

Editorial Review:

This book focuses on four developmental tasks -- bonding to others, separating from others, integrating good and bad in our lives, and taking charge of our lives -- that all of us must accomplish to heal our inner pain and to enable us to function and grow emotionally and spiritually.

The Places That Scare You: A Guide to Fearlessness in Difficult Times

Pema Chodron, Tami Simon

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 45 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

impossible 1 out of 5 stars.
2 of 9 people found this review helpful.

There is something repellant, even repulsive, about the religious mind. We cannot escape the world, however much we dislike it: it is a violent, often ugly place, dominated by the stupid; and however far we flee from it, these unpleasantries inevitably find us out, we cannot run far enough or fast enough. Show me your attachment to the beautiful and the good, indeed, show me your love of peace, and I will show you beauty adulterated and good compromised; and I will expose your peace as a forgery that hides your hatred of life. The religious mind, when it perceives this contradictory and chaotic quality of existence, sees in it an opportunity to perform a trick of ethical magic. If one is good, if one is clarified, if one is just in every action, if one will only turn the other cheek, behold, nothing will ever die, pain will cease, and the horrible will be rectified. Alas, good friends, the truth is quite otherwise: he who turns his cheek is beaten and crucified. And he who cries for justice, will weep in earnest by way of reckoning.

It is the weak who fear the strong; it is the good who inspire in others evil. In this world one either eats or is eaten, and no amount of sympathy, pity, or compassion will adulterate the predatory core of being itself. And books like this are authored by charlatains, who try to take away your fear by denying the necessity for it.

I give you two instances of this religious magic: Ms. Chodron informs us of an elderly couple living in a gated community in Florida. They fear the violence resulting from poverty of circumstances surrounding them. Ms. Chodron implies that it is the elders who are at fault for the fear they experience, that they must open their arms to the terror around them, that they must become as nothing and embrace the thing they fear. What do they fear? Besides murder? The loss of their culture. The compromise of the quality of their life. Ms. Chodron does not seem to comprehend that pistol shots are exchanged on the freeways in southern Florida; that interracial violence and cross-cultural warfare has come to visit us in our homeland, and that southern Florida is one of its battlegrounds--and even if she does, she has no answer for it, except to say, we should submit to it. Peace is submission. I say that piety like this is suicide: piety does not, can not, will not, nor ever shall bring us peace, except the peace of the grave.

She likewise quotes with great approval Einstein, who faults us all for our consciousness--which, he describes as cut off, selfish, lacking understanding, and unwilling to embrace "the whole of nature". Einstein, good folk, was paid handsomely for his consultations on the development of Atomic Weapons. So much for embracing the "whole of nature" and its fundamental goodness. Saint Einstein, and his good work, the annihilation of millions, and the development of weapons with which his employers can further dominate our lives. So much for Ms. Chodron. She is either stupid or malicious, neither of which is very good for you.

tlt

Editorial Review:

We always have a choice, Pema Chodron teaches: We can let the circumstances of our lives harden us and make us resentful and afraid, or we can let them soften us and make us kinder. In The Places That Scare You, this beloved Tibetan Buddhist nun and bestselling author provides the tools to deal with them – the practical means to cultivate an awakened, compassionate ability to open our hearts and minds to our own suffering and that of others. Shambhala Lion Editions. Unabridged book on tape read by Tami Simon.

Your Best Life Now

Joel Osteen

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 495 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

From Chase von, regarding this book 5 out of 5 stars.
1 of 4 people found this review helpful.

My mother gave this book to me a few years ago. Due to the fact that I was in the military and dealing with so many situations at the time and also the thickness of it... I put off reading it till when I thought my life would slow down some. War and all that goes with it sucks up some time. I now realize in hind sight, that was a mistake. I should have read pieces here and there way back then! I am also shocked, but not completely shocked... By the negative reviews this book has received. I am not a frequent church attendee... The negative reviews I took the time to read clearly tell me that there are people that study the bible so intently that they feel they can use that knowledge to prove people wrong, but that isn't what disturbs me the most about that... What disturbs me the most is that they would publicly do so without even conferring with the man to see if perhaps there was legitimate reason he wrote what he wrote and if so, if they could beef about that off line and perhaps reach a conclusion whether he was right or wrong, before it was splashed into the publics eyes!


I, in my limited knowledge and I am willing to say so, do know a few things about the bible. But I also know a few things about life. As a two time war veteran and someone that has lived in various countries through out my life, I feel I have the right to say that. Joel Osteen has written a book here that deals with changing peoples negative perspectives and also is showing them that according to the bible, that they do, if they choose to change the thought patterns they currently have, have a chance to live a full and productive and fulfilling life! I know rabbits don't chew cud. I know the Catholic Religion did what the bible said not to do. Add to, because the bible clearly says nothing should be added to or taken away... Because they added the Apocryphal... Nothing against Catholics mind you, just stating facts. I know that there are so many "Christian" dominations it's no wonder they can't get along, nor that Christians and Muslims can't get along...

Not verbatim but from memory...

Lift a branch, and you will find me...
Move a rock, and I am there...

This book rekindles hope...

And that I commend because the WORLD DAMN SURE NEEDS IT!

All the biblical scholars that think they know or have figured out the bible need to realize one thing...

NO ONE KNOWS THE MIND OF GOD!

For decades the bible was printed in Latin and only those that knew Latin were allowed to say to others what it said...

Or more precisely, what they Thought it said! And let's get real, was it what they thought it said? Or what would benefit them if the people believed what they said they thought it said?

People were executed for trying to translate the bible...

They wanted to keep...

THIER INTERPRETATION!!!

I won't even mention the Crusades!
Which a Pope Publicly apologized for!!!

All you experts on the bible have probably never even read the Teachings of Emanuel and if so, aren't questioning why it was excluded from the bible and if you are, aren't questioning why the DEAD SEA SCROLLS were excluded from the bible...

To me...

Yes...

No doubt the greatest book ever written...

But, I also think that it was altered to fit the political agendas of different times...

What happens when you give something to man and it has power?

Power corrupts...

Not just now...

And if someone shows up on my door spouting things that they think are not refutable they certainly don't have my ear!

I'm digging his message...

And for those of you that prefer to feel... It isn't what you see in the bible...

Remember...

You have your eyes

And others have their eyes...

More wars have been fought in the name of religion which I DON'T believe in anyway for any other reason through out the history of the world...
And perhaps because of people...

That think the words in a book, no matter how Holy they think it might be...

Rate killing in the name of...

I love this book and it is something I will continue to return to, to improve my mind set in the area of positive thinking, supported by biblical doctrine...

For all you scholars... Who would prefer a book that doesn't teach encouragement and empowerment and actually living a life worthy of living...

And also allowing a person the possibility of being in a position of perhaps giving to those less fortunate because of it...

Maintain your beliefs...

But I will always wonder...

Why there are those with so many riches aligning the inner walls of their churches...
That one artifact if sold...
Could feed a country for a few weeks..

Chase von
tlp
The Last Panther

PS

When I say that perhaps parts were changed to fit political agendas, there are those of you that might want to argue with that... Very well...
Explain the Apocryphal...

And here's another one to chew on...

Let he who is without sin, cast the first stone...

With all the negative reviews I've seen here on a positive book....

I truly didn't know there were that many living Saints...

Your Chance to Hear The Last Panther Speak

The Wizard of Oz and Other Narcissists: Coping with the One-Way Relationship in Work, Love, and Family

Eleanor Payson

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 76 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Editorial Review:

Every day headlines are filled with examples of narcissistic individuals in positions of power who are nothing more than impostors plundering and wrecking havoc on the lives of others. From the financial barons of Wall Street to our elected officials in government, we are confronted daily with narcissists and the self-serving systems that enable them. Helping people reclaim their lives from this sinister exploitative force is the mission behind Payson's book, The Wizard of Oz and Other Narcissists: Coping with the One-Way Relationship in Work, Love, and Family. Using simple metaphors from the American classic, The Wizard of Oz, Payson illustrates how Dorothy's journey captures all the seductive illusions and challenges that occur when we encounter the narcissist. Empowering the reader with the ABCs of unhealthy narcissism and the unique problems that occur when a person becomes involved with the narcissist, Payson gives step-by-step practical tools to identify, protect, and heal from these destructive relationships. Largely un-addressed in the psychology and self-help literature, this ground breaking book offers hope and help to those who have been drawn into these devastating relationships. She includes illuminating case studies that identify the problems that occur in the different types of relationships, from co-workers, to friends, to parents, to lovers. Readers employing these insights and skills will find new abilities to identify and protect against the narcissist's manipulations and take back control of their lives.

What Your Childhood Memories Say about You . . . and What You Can Do about It

Kevin Leman

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 2 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

What Your Childhood Memories Say About You 5 out of 5 stars.
23 of 23 people found this review helpful.

This is an excellent book to help you understand how your childhood memories effect your life today. Looking at the memories that stand out the most reveals aspects of your personality that help you understand why you do what you do, and also helps to look at if where you are is the best for you. Very well written book.

great book! 4 out of 5 stars.
1 of 2 people found this review helpful.

I really love this book! it is very informative and give you ideasof how to get to know yourself better and anilize your life from the begining. However I found that the author talks too much about himself and his childhood memories and experience. I would of preffer to have some more clear techniques to help me find my answers, not the author ones, and then by his try to find mine...that was kind of weird!

Editorial Review:

What are your earliest childhood memories? Were you afraid of the dark? Can you remember a particularly embarrassing moment? Those memories--along with the words and emotions you use to describe them--hold the key to understanding the person you are today! Drawing on examples from his own life, the lives of celebrities, as well as case studies from his private practice, renowned psychologist Dr. Kevin Leman helps you apply these same techniques to uncover why you are the way you are. Remember, "The little boy or girl you once were, you still are!" So unlock that memory bank--pick a memory, any memory--and discover what makes you tick!

The Return of the Prodigal Son: A Story of Homecoming

Henri J. M. Nouwen

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 96 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Deeply insightful and life changing 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

Henri Nouwen had a truly God-given gift - the gift of explaining timeless spiritual truths in very clear, ordinary language in a conversational and deeply captivating way. His words and his explanations imprint themselves into the memory and stay in the heart, and truly help to change lives. Much of his wisdom surely comes from his own struggles, which he admits to in the book - he personally struggled with depression, pride, desire for success and fame, envy, etc. - common human ailments. He also struggled with feeling unworthy of God, and with feeling distant from God. Yet, he learned to overcome his struggles (though he admits that he is still on a journey), and he describes how.

This is the third book I have read by Neuwen. After reading Life of the Beloved I really didn't think that anything could compare, but this book, if not better, is at least just as good. It is an instantly timeless spiritual classic. The whole book is a reflection on Rembrandt's painting, The Return of the Prodigal Son. First Nouwen reflects on the younger son who came back from a foreign land. Then he reflects on the older son who witnesses his younger brother's return. Finally, Nouwen reflects on the father figure. His insights are deep and beautiful. He leads the reader to a natural and yet incredible insight: that after identifying ourselves with both the younger and older brother, we must realize that rather than being either of these two brothers, we are called to become the father!

Editorial Review:

The beloved spiritual writer meditates on the parable of the prodigal son's return -- a powerful drama of fatherhood, filial duty, rivalry, and anger between brothers -- and its enduring lessons for Christianity.

Full-color photographs with gatefold.

The New Strong-Willed Child

James C. Dobson

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 129 Average rating: 3.0 of 5

3 year old with a strong will 4 out of 5 stars.
4 of 7 people found this review helpful.

I have a 3 year old that I have had trouble dealing with from the time she was born. She held her breath out of anger when the nurse gave her a bath and put that tiny shirt on her just one hour after birth. She cried for the first 4 months from a combination of colic and wanting to be able to do whatever she wanted to do, like walk. I thought after she learned to roll, then, sit, then crawl, then walk, etc that she would be less cranky; well that didn't happen. She continues to be fussy, demanding, and insists on getting her own way. She wants to control the people in her world. Discipline and punishment have been difficult and have yielded little results; at home and at preschool. I have suspected for some time that she is strong willed and her teacher this week, after a full week of time outs from not listening, stated she did not know what to do with my daughter. I have read Dr. Dobson's book. It has great insight into how these children think. I don't fully understand how they think because I do not think that way. Dr Dobson opened my eyes on some issues and brought to my attention the fact that my daughter seriously needs direction, before her teen years. I liked the book, but wish he had been more specific and listed more detailed ideas/tools to use when punishing/disciplining besides spanking. I am not opposed to spanking but I find most discipline, including spanking, timeouts, taking privileges away, and offering rewards, do not work for my daughter. My daughter wants to do what she wants to do and that is the bottom line for her. This book has opened the door for me into her world and I have since been researching the subject online and have ordered 2 more books to help teach me how to deal with her. All the opponents to spanking, that I have read, use inflammatory words to get their point across. I was spanked as a child. I very vaguely remember maybe one of them. What I found harmful and hurtful to me was the yelling, screaming, being put down, controlled, belittled, and being worried when I would have to endure any of those things again; not being spanked. I can understand their passion, but controlled spanking needs to be put into perspective. All children need to be punished differently according to their temperament.

Editorial Review:

2005 Gold Medallion Award finalist!
Dr. James Dobson has completely rewritten, updated, and expanded his classic best seller The Strong-Willed Child for a new generation of parents and teachers. The New Strong-Willed Child follows on the heels of Dr. Dobson's phenomenal best seller Bringing Up Boys. It offers practical how-to advice on raising difficult-to-handle children and incorporates the latest research with Dr. Dobson's legendary wit and wisdom. The New Strong-Willed Child is being rushed to press for parents needing help dealing with sibling rivalry, adhd, low self-esteem, and other important issues. This book is a must-read for parents and teachers struggling to raise and teach children who are convinced they should be able to live by their own rules!