Theology Books - Page 12

Sunflower, The: On the Possibilities and Limits of Forgiveness

Simon Wiesenthal

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Total reviews: 40 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Editorial Review:

While imprisoned in a Nazi concentration camp, Simon Wiesenthal was taken one day from his work detail to the bedside of a dying member of the SS. Haunted by the crimes in which he had participated, the soldier wanted to confess to--and obtain absolution from--a Jew.

This unusual encounter and the moral dilemma it posed raise fundamental questions about the limits and possibilities of forgiveness. Must we, can we forgive the repentant criminal? Can we forgive crimes committed against others? What do we owe the victims?

Thirty-five years after the Holocaust, Wiesenthal asked leading intellectuals what they would have done in his place. Collected into one volume, their responses became a classic of Holocaust literature and a touchstone of interfaith dialogue. This revised edition of The Sunflower includes 46 responses (ten from the original volume) from prominent theologians, political leaders, writers, jurists, psychiatrists, human rights activists, Holocaust survivors, and victims of attempted genocides in Bosnia, Cambodia, China and Tibet. Their answers reflect the teachings of their diverse beliefs--Jewish, Christian, Buddhist, Muslim, secular, and agnostic--and remind us that Wiesenthal's question is not limited to events of the past.

Often surprising and always thought-provoking, The Sunflower will challenge you to define your beliefs about justice, compassion, and human responsibility.

Orthodoxy

G. K. Chesterton

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Total reviews: 86 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Christianity Vol. 2 5 out of 5 stars.
2 of 2 people found this review helpful.

While Chesterton dedicates this book to his mother, he claims that George Slythe Street is the books inspiration and creator. That is, G.S. Street was one of many critics to present an opinion about Chesterton's Heretics, and happened to have presented the opinion to which Chesterton responded. When on the first page Chesterton states that it was incautious of Street to provoke an individual that is all too ready to write books, and in the final sentence of the first chapter claims that he would write Street another book if he needed clarification with regard to a topic only touched upon by Chesterton, it quickly becomes clear that Orthodoxy is yet another shining example of Chesterton's mirth applied to frequently solemn subject matter. Orthodoxy, as Chesterton appears to agree, is, however, the appropriate conclusion to the work he began with Heretics. If Heretics presented all that is wrong, Orthodoxy can rightly be seen as presenting the standard by which Chesterton deemed such philosophies heretical. To truly appreciate either of the aforementioned titles, both should be read as if they were a singular work.

In Orthodoxy, Chesterton does justify his position maintained throughout Heretics in a manner as uniform as he might have been able to conjure. Throughout the work Chesterton utilizes his own experiences and thoughts to illustrate and, perhaps, demonstrate his seemingly inevitable arrive at truth. At times it almost seems as if Chesterton slips into irrelevant stream of thought tangents but never fails to reconcile his intended point, illuminating the necessity of what might have otherwise seemed entirely unnecessary. In fact, Chesterton masterfully builds what he claimed is not a properly thorough defense of Christianity into what might be one of the most poignant apologetic works ever. He does so in a way that makes Orthodoxy read like a suspense novel in that the entire effort bears its timeless fruit in the last few pages, if not in the last sentence, after supplying almost innumerable pieces of information that appeared just unrelated enough to ensure that the final piece would act as a blazing beacon of a keystone. While Chesterton might have failed to present that tangible evidence, that scientific process by which the claims of Christianity can be undoubtedly proved, he clearly and boldly presented that proof which every Christian exists for; the proof that every Christian can verify, albeit not as gracefully. While Chesterton's The Everlasting Man might be the work that he is best known for, Heretics and, especially, Orthodoxy are magnificent demonstrations of Chesterton's ability to cast light on the eventual obvious reality and significance of everything.

Editorial Review:

"G. K. Chesterton routinely ignites more ideas per page than any Christian author of the twentieth century, with the possible exception of C. S. Lewis. Chesterton sometimes overstates, often maddens, and invariably provokes a new and better way of seeing things. In this book, he offers us new ways of seeing the greatest things of all: divine things of the gospel." -John G. Stackhouse, Jr.

The Bait of Satan: Living Free from the Deadly Trap of Offense

John Bevere

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BAIT OF SATAN is a Powerful, Challenging Book that Every Christian Should Read ! 5 out of 5 stars.
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When I first heard of this book, I thought, "What a weird title." Surely this book was just another of the Christian mystic genre that I had no interest in. But when I got into it, what I found was a gut-wrenching challenge to crucify my pride.

John Bevere's Bait of Satan challenges us to guard our hearts from holding on to grudges, emotional wounds, bitterness, and offenses. No easy task, this challenge strikes at the heart of our commitment to "forgive as we are forgiven".

This topic is largely neglected in Christian writings and preaching, so (in my humble opinion) Bevere's work has earned its place as necessary reading in basic Christian living. It is well written, easy to read, but difficult to digest. It deserves to be read once a year. This is how spiritually challenging it is. It is one of those books you have to pray through while reading it. And don't forget your highlighter!

I ususally yawn when I hear people say, "Next to the Bible, you need to read this book." Yet after reading it, that is exactly how I feel about BAIT OF SATAN. Next to the Bible, its the most challenging and spiritually practical book I've studied. You won't be disappointed.

Jesus: 90 Days With the One and Only (Personal Reflections)

Beth Moore

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Total reviews: 9 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Knowing Jesus Better 5 out of 5 stars.
3 of 3 people found this review helpful.

As usual, Beth Moore has done what every Bible teacher should do--she has pointed the reader to a closer walk with Jesus, a stronger relationship with Him, and a deeper commitment to Him. Each lesson is short, to the point and thought-provoking. This book is well-worth the investment, and I have already given one as a gift.

Editorial Review:

Best-selling author Beth Moore has an amazing gift for insightful Bible character studies. Millions have been drawn to her inspired lessons, and the media has called her "America's Bible teacher." The PERSONAL REFLECTIONS series reintroduces Beth's most beloved character-driven books, expanding them into 90-day experiences that include nearly all of the text from her original work, plus thoughtful questions and journal space to engage readers throughout this special time of study.

Jesus is the new presentation of Moore's classic, Jesus, the One and Only. These intimate reflections on God's one and only Son will invigorate and reward readers who long to grow closer and know more about our Savior.

The Church: The Evolution of Catholicism

Richard P. Mcbrien

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Total reviews: 3 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

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From the struggles of the very first Christians to the challenges and scandals of today, the Catholic Church has wrestled with how to organize itself, express its beliefs, and nurture its members. The Church has grown from a handful of disciples in the first century to over one billion members in the twenty-first, resulting in profound changes that demand a theological response. In this sweeping history, renowned scholar Richard McBrien reveals the evolution of the Church's relationship to the divine, its leadership of the faithful, and its role as a global religion. The Church answers the questions raised by this extraordinary history, including:

• Where did the idea of the pope's infallibility come from?
• Why are priests celibate and women barred from the priesthood?
• What inspired the Inquisition?
• What was the position of the Catholic Church on Hitler's policies in World War II?
• What is the Church's relationship to Islam?
• How will the growth of the Church in South America, Africa, and Asia shape its future?

McBrien helps the reader understand the evolution of the Catholic Church's understanding of itself through the centuries, its leadership, and its relationship to national governments and world religions. From Jesus's apostle Peter to Pope Benedict XVI, The Church explains in layperson's terms the evolution of the Catholic Church, its power, its scope, its theology, and its influence.

Jesus and the Eyewitnesses: The Gospels as Eyewitness Testimony

Richard Bauckham

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Total reviews: 21 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

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This new book argues that the four Gospels are closely based on eyewitness testimony of those who knew Jesus. Noted New Testament scholar Richard Bauckham challenges the prevailing assumption that the accounts of Jesus circulated as "anonymous community traditions," asserting instead that they were transmitted in the name of the original eyewitnesses. To drive home this controversial point, Bauckham draws on internal literary evidence, study of personal names in the first century, and recent developments in the understanding of oral traditions.

Jesus and the Eyewitnesses also taps into the rich resources of modern study of memory and cognitive psychology, refuting the conclusions of the form critics and calling New Testament scholarship to make a clean break with this long-dominant tradition. Finally, Bauckham challenges readers to end the classic division between the "historical Jesus" and the "Christ of faith," proposing instead the "Jesus of testimony." Sure to ignite heated debate on the precise character of the testimony about Jesus, Jesus and the Eyewitnesses will be valued by scholars, students, and all who seek to understand the origins of the Gospels.

The Jefferson Bible: The Life and Morals of Jesus of Nazareth

Thomas Jefferson

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Total reviews: 45 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Jesus said... 4 out of 5 stars.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

I have long believed that the way Jesus said to live was more important than his immortality (or mine). I knew our "Founders" didn't base our constitution on "Judea-Christian values", as is frequently proposed by some
political/religious leaders, but on principles of the Enlightenment which they believed would bring a new kind of government, free of religious oppression, first to America, and then to the world.

The only books on the subject are very large, very scholarly, very informative, but... how nice to have this little book on my coffee table where curious minds can explore the thinking of one of America's most forward looking leaders, and read just the words of Jesus, without the mythology attached to his death by future theologians.

The preface, the introduction and chapter about Jefferson's contemporaries is a history lesson every
American should review. No-one who has visited my home has found it in any way offensive, but all
find it enlightening !

Editorial Review:

Thomas Jefferson regarded Jesus as a moral guide rather than a divinity, and in The Jefferson Bible, he highlights Christ's ethical teachings from the Gospels. Discarding the scriptures' supernatural elements and dogma, this volume reflects the deist view of religion, focusing on Jesus' message of absolute love and service.

The Spirit of the Disciplines: Understanding How God Changes Lives

Dallas Willard

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Excellent Challenge for Those Who Want a Deeper Spiritual Walk With God 5 out of 5 stars.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

"The Spirit of the Disciplines" focuses on the various disciplines that God uses to change people's lives. The book contains 11 chapters and 2 appendix for a total of around 265 pages.

Each of the 11 chapters addresses a particular theme. Chapter 9, addressing the specific disciplines, is my personal favorite. According to Willard in Chapter 9, the disciplines are separated into 2 groups:

1. Abstinence - This group consists of actions that helps us from becoming too involved in the world so we may better focus on God instead of the things of this world. The disciplines included here are: solitude, silence, fasting, frugality, chastity, secrecy, and sacrifice. Willard's comments on solitude and silence were particularly insightful (solitude can help us in resisting conformity to this world).
2. Engagement - This group consists of actions we can do to serve others in this world so as to not become so isolated that we render ourselves useless to be used by God for His glory. Disciplines included here are: study, worship, celebration, service, prayer, fellowship, confession, and submission.

Other chapters (such as 11) address issues such as: can a Christian be financially and spiritually successful at the same time?

Willard will definitely challenge you to think and pay attention as you read, so be forewarned - this is not a light read!

Read, enjoy, and be challenged and encouraged! Highly recommended.

Editorial Review:

How to Live as Jesus Lived

Dallas Willard, one of today's most brilliant Christian thinkers and author of The Divine Conspiracy (Christianity Today's 1999 Book of the Year), presents a way of living that enables ordinary men and women to enjoy the fruit of the Christian life. He reveals how the key to self-transformation resides in the practice of the spiritual disciplines, and how their practice affirms human life to the fullest. The Spirit of the Disciplines is for everyone who strives to be a disciple of Jesus in thought and action as well as intention.

What Is God?

Etan Boritzer

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Total reviews: 28 Average rating: 3.5 of 5

great way to explain and teach about God 4 out of 5 stars.
2 of 2 people found this review helpful.

What is God is a beautiful book teaching about all beliefs in a non-judgmental and informative book. This worked well for us to teach our kids about all religions while leaving it open for them to decide what they believe.

poor syntax & too broad 3 out of 5 stars.
1 of 4 people found this review helpful.

The 3 stars is for effort - I love that someone attempted to write this book for children, giving an overview of many different religious traditions and that they're all good, and that God is whatever you believe it to be. The problem, besides poor grammatical structure that makes the story difficult to follow (was this edited at all?), is that rather than just sticking to religions and including earth-based / pagan beliefs as one of those, the author goes off on her theory as if it is the truth. She doesn't seem to see that her God (everyone & everything) is also just another belief system like the others. I was disappointed & won't be giving the book as a gift like I had planned, but may attempt to write my own -- it is a much needed book!

Editorial Review:

The depth of meaning here defies easy description. Through Boritzer's clear text and Marantz's vivid and humorous illustrations, the reader does, in fact, receive an answer to the question, What is God? Full-color illustrations.

50 Reasons People Give for Believing in a God

Guy P. Harrison

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Total reviews: 22 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Editorial Review:

Many books that challenge religious belief from a skeptical point of view take a combative tone that is almost guaranteed to alienate believers, or they present complex philosophical or scientific arguments that fail to reach the average reader. Guy P. Harrison argues that this is an ineffective way of trying to encourage people to develop critical thinking about religion. In this unique approach, Harrison concisely presents fifty commonly heard reasons that people often give for believing in a god. Then he raises legitimate questions regarding these reasons, showing in each case that there is much room for doubt.

From religion as the foundation of morality to the authority of sacred books, the compelling religious testimony of influential people, near-death experiences, theories from intelligent design, and much more, Harrison respectfully describes each rationale for belief and then politely shows the deficiencies that any good skeptic would point out. He also offers something in return--a hopeful and optimistic view of science, the universe, and humanity without the divisiveness, prejudice, and hatred caused by conflicting religious doctrines.

Drawing on his experiences as a nonbeliever and his extensive travels around the world, Harrison makes poignant arguments that are sure to inspire thought-provoking discussions. Whether you're a believer, a complete skeptic, or somewhere in between, you'll find his review of traditional and more recent arguments for the existence of gods refreshing, approachable, and enlightening.