( T ) Books - Page 3

The Kingdom of God is Within You

Leo Tolstoy

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 36 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

If Only 3 out of 5 stars.
2 of 4 people found this review helpful.

A very good book, if only to see how Tolstoy handles the subject.

His writing is as fine as ever, and in demolishing the edifice of church/state, he is in fine form.

However, when it comes time to build...to construct...to form his own, edifice, the train goes completly off the rails. It is a majestic horror. The blindness, is simply astounding. But well written.

Mr. Tolstoy makes the same pathetic appeal that every originator of a lame philosophy does..."if only people would do thus and such". But they don't, do they!!

To give him credit, he does raise the issue...but never answers it! Because no answer is possible.

This book is an informative glimpse into the window of the asylum door, whilst the madman scribbles on the wall. He writes a philosophy that must be lived up to, even to the death of yourself, your family, everyone you know. It is insane.

A great writer, yes. But for any philosophy to work, it must be based on the real world. It must come down to man, not beckon from the heights.

My conclusion upon reading this book, was only wishing Tolstoy was alive today, so he could correct all the many obvious errors, and make a stronger, more modern, argument for his cause. I doubt he would even try, however.

Editorial Review:

Tolstoy's 1893 book, subtitled "Christianity Not as a Mystical Teaching but as a New Concept of Life," introduced such vital concepts as non-violent resistance to 20th Century figures as Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King. Although Tolstoy is best known as one of the great Russian novelists, his place as a social reformer and peace advocate cannot be underestimated.

Tao Te Ching (Skylight Illuminations)

Lao Tzu, Derek Lin

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 24 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Editorial Review:

Reportedly written by a sage named Lao Tzu over 2,500 years ago, the Tao Te Ching is one of the most succinct--and yet among the most profound--spiritual texts ever written. Short enough to read in an afternoon, subtle enough to study for a lifetime, the Tao Te Ching distills into razor-sharp poetry centuries of spiritual inquiry into the Tao--the "Way" of the natural world around us that reveals the ultimate organizing principle of the universe.

Derek Lin's insightful commentary, along with his new translation from the original Chinese--a translation that sets a whole new standard for accuracy--will inspire your spiritual journey and enrich your everyday life. It highlights the Tao Te Ching's insights on simplicity, balance, and learning from the paradoxical truths you can see all around you: finding strength through flexibility (because bamboo bends, it is tough to break); achieving goals by transcending obstacles (water simply flows around rocks on its way to the sea); believing that small changes bring powerful results (a sapling, in time, grows into a towering tree).

Now you can experience the wisdom and power of Lao Tzu's words even if you have no previous knowledge of the Tao Te Ching. SkyLight Illuminations provides insightful yet unobtrusive commentary that describes helpful historical background, explains the Tao Te Ching's poetic imagery, and elucidates the ancient Taoist wisdom that will speak to your life today and energize your spiritual quest.

The Story of a Soul (L'Histoire d'une Âme): The Autobiography of St. Therese of Lisieux

Therese Martin (of Lisieux)

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 27 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

The book issued by Echo Library in 2006, edited by T. Taylor, is an obsolete translation of an inauthentic version of a classic 1 out of 5 stars.
18 of 21 people found this review helpful.

Rev. Thomas Taylor's early 20th century translation of the memoir of St. Therese of Lisieux, unfortunately republished in 2006 by Echo Library, was made from the only manuscript then available outside her monastery, one substantially rewritten by Therese's sister Pauline, who made seven thousand changes. Scholars interested in the documents which gave rise to the cult of St. Therese may wish to consult early versions of Taylor. I urge those who want to read what Therese wrote to read the third edition of "Story of a Soul" translated by Fr. John Clarke, OCD, and published by ICS Publications in 1976. The Clarke translation, made from the unretouched manuscript written by Therese (an authentic manuscript published in French only in 1956), is recognized as the standard throughout the English-speaking world. No other translation compares to it. The book is enriched by an introduction, afterword, and easy-to-read notes that set Therese's manuscripts in the context of her life, and the index makes it even more useful. Whether you have not read "Story of a Soul" or have read only earlier English translations (Taylor, Knox, Beevers), the Clarke translation will open the world of Therese to you. Don't miss it. You'll find it at Story of a Soul: The Autobiography of St. Therese of Lisieux, Third Edition

Editorial Review:

A complete translation, with an account of some favours attributed to the intercession of Soeur Therese

Jesus is My All in All: Praying with the "Saint of Calcutta"

Mother Teresa

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Editorial Review:

The postulator for Mother Teresa’s cause for sainthood, Father Brian Kolodiejchuk, has culled some of her most stirring words into a powerful book that her admirers will treasure. JESUS IS MY ALL IN ALL follows the Roman Catholic novena format; derived from the Latin word for nine, the novena provides a nine-day rhythm of prayer and reflection. A prayer to Mother Teresa herself is the foundation for each day’s reflections, which illuminate such topics as:

• Finding Jesus in your heart
• Becoming convinced of Jesus’ love for you
• Seeking guidance from Mary the Mother of Jesus
• Drawing on Jesus’ thirst to quench the needs of those around you

Accompanied by striking full-color images, JESUS IS MY ALL IN ALL immortalizes the words and wisdom of one of humanity’s most radiant women.

Interior Castle

Teresa of Avila

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Total reviews: 29 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Editorial Review:

WHILE I was beseeching Our Lord to-day that He would speak through me, since I could find nothing to say and had no idea how to begin to carry out the obligation laid upon me by obedience, a thought occurred to me which I will now set down, in order to have some foundation on which to build. I began to think of the soul as if it were a castle made of a single diamond or of very clear crystal, in which there are many rooms, just as in Heaven there are many mansions.

Thus begins Teresa of Avila's Interior Castle, one of the most celebrated books ever written by a mystic on abiding in union with Christ. Writing in obedience to the requests of two of her superiors, the humble 16th century Spanish sister protests "...for the love of God, let me get on with my spinning and go to choir...like the other sisters...I am not meant for writing; I have neither the health nor the wits for it."

However, in her pre-coffee-house conversational style, Teresa of Avila charmingly proves to her readers that she does have the wits for conveying that "the most essential thing is that we should love God..." as she takes us by the hand and lead us on a visually beautiful spiritual journey into the soul, that Interior Castle where Christ abides, and where we may abide with Him in holy, intimate communion.

No Greater Love

Mother Teresa

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 19 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Inspiring 5 out of 5 stars.
3 of 3 people found this review helpful.

This book is pure inspiration. You realize how selfish the world is after reading this humble book. Mother Teresa is often in my thoughts now. And for that reason, this book is priceless.

Not just for Catholics; not just for Christians... 5 out of 5 stars.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

The devotion of Mother Teresa should be an inspiration to us all (whether you are Catholic, Eastern Orthodox or Protestant; Christian or non-Christian). I'm a Methodist and I see in Mother Teresa a true imitation of Christ. She reminds us of God's love and how God uses us to minister to one another.

While I was growing up, people would call Mother Teresa a "living saint" (I grew up and still live in a heavily in a Catholic neighborhood). Recent evidence reveals that she sometimes wrestled with doubts and frustrations. This has actually enhanced my appreciation for her, in that I see Mother Teresa now as more a human being, who struggled along like the rest of us, and could relate with our faults and trials better than someone of superhuman constitution.

Her feeling for the poor; that is the economically, as well as, spiritually poor, gives us all a lot to think about. Whatever religion you are, I am sure you can find comfort in Mother Teresa's gentle spirit:

"I deal with thousands of Christians and non-Christians, and in each you can see such conscience at work in their lives, drawing them to God...If everyone were capable of discovering the image of God in their neighbors, do you think we would still need tanks and generals?"

Editorial Review:

No Greater Love is the essential wisdom of Mother Teresa — the most accessible, intimate, and inspiring book of her teachings. Thematically arranged to present her revolutionary vision of Christianity in its graceful simplicity, the book features her thoughts on love, generosity, forgiveness, prayer, service, and what it means to be a Christian. A passionate testament to deep hope and abiding faith in God, No Greater Love celebrates the life and work of one of the world’s most revered spiritual teachers.

No Future Without Forgiveness

Desmond Tutu

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Total reviews: 17 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Editorial Review:

The establishment of South Africa's Truth and Reconciliation Commission was a pioneering international event. Never had any country sought to move forward from despotism to democracy both by exposing the atrocities committed in the past and achieving reconciliation with its former oppressors. At the center of this unprecedented attempt at healing a nation has been Archbishop Desmond Tutu, whom President Nelson Mandela named as Chairman of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. With the final report of the Commission just published, Archbishop Tutu offers his reflections on the profound wisdom he has gained by helping usher South Africa through this painful experience.

In No Future Without Forgiveness, Tutu argues that true reconciliation cannot be achieved by denying the past.  But nor is it easy to reconcile when a nation "looks the beast in the eye." Rather than repeat platitudes about forgiveness, he presents a bold spirituality that recognizes the horrors people can inflict upon one another, and yet retains a sense of idealism about reconciliation. With a clarity of pitch born out of decades of experience, Tutu shows readers how to move forward with honesty and compassion to build a newer and more humane world.

The Mom Factor

John Townsend, Henry Cloud, John Sims Townsend

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 14 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

This Book Will Change Your Life! 5 out of 5 stars.
7 of 7 people found this review helpful.

For so long I've mostly heard about how important a father is in a child's development. I've never heard anyone else speak about how profound the mother's role is in the child's devlopment like this book does. I feel like I've gone to the eye doctor and have been given new glasses to see more clearly with. I think this book is core reading for anybody who wants to understand why they are the way they are. Like the back cover of the book says, "She shaped you in ways that would surprise you both."

Its alright 2 out of 5 stars.
6 of 7 people found this review helpful.

I think this book will be great for some people, but it really didn't help me all that much. The different mothers hardly applied to my situation with my own mother. The controlling chapter fit a little bit, but all it talked about was "learning to say no" and finding your identity. I was the one who rebelled, and I held onto my identity very well. The mothers in this book were much more loving than mine was. It would have been nice if they talked about mothers who were verbally, emotionally, and physically abusive. Where's the "Bi-Polar Mom" in this book?? From a real young age (around 7) I teamed up with God determined to turn out just fine. I even grew up setting my own boundries & parented myself (ex: I wouldn't allow myself to see PG13 movies until I was 13... my mom however could have cared less). I read this in attempt to understand why my mother does the things she does. I've tried to reconcile with my mother, but she refuses to have a relationship with me at all. My mother has resented me since childhood, and even now shes in an imaginary war with me. I'll probably give the book to one of my friends or sell it to half-price books.

Editorial Review:

Cloud and Townsend identify six types of moms and show how they profoundly affect our lives.

Jewish Literacy Revised Ed: The Most Important Things to Know About the Jewish Religion, Its People, and Its History

Joseph Telushkin

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Total reviews: 2 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Editorial Review:

What does it mean to be a Jew? How does one begin to answer so extensive a question?

In this insightful and completely updated tome, esteemed rabbi and bestselling author Joseph Telushkin helps answer the question of what it means to be a Jew, in the largest sense. Widely recognized as one of the most respected and indispensable reference books on Jewish life, culture, tradition, and religion, Jewish Literacy covers every essential aspect of the Jewish people and Judaism. In 352 short and engaging chapters, Rabbi Telushkin discusses everything from the Jewish Bible and Talmud to Jewish notions of ethics to antisemitism and the Holocaust; from the history of Jews around the world to Zionism and the politics of a Jewish state; from the significance of religious traditions and holidays to how they are practiced in daily life. Whether you want to know more about Judaism in general or have specific questions you'd like answered, Jewish Literacy is sure to contain the information you need.

Rabbi Telushkin's expert knowledge of Judaism makes the updated and revised edition of Jewish Literacy an invaluable reference. A comprehensive yet thoroughly accessible resource for anyone interested in learning the fundamentals of Judaism, Jewish Literacy is a must for every Jewish home.

The Courage to Be

Paul Tillich

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Total reviews: 24 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Surprised me by how much it spoke to my situation 5 out of 5 stars.
8 of 10 people found this review helpful.

It seemed at the beginning that it would be too abstract. Too involved in a history of philosophy in its discussion of the Stoics. That Tillich was asserting too much, as if "ex cathedra". But even in the early chapters, I sensed something special and by the time I reached Chapter 4 ("Courage and Participation: The Courage to Be as a Part"), I began to feel the my current situation was being directly and wisely addressed. That feeling only grew stronger from that point on.

There's so much value in this book that I feel somehow unworthy of reviewing it. It doesn't seem that any amount of time I spent preparing a review could do justice to "The Courage to Be". I had heard so much of Tillich but this is the first time I have read him. I have missed a lot and I am grateful I finally turned to him. I had been concerned about religious myths and whether Christianity retained any value for me. Gnostic Christian myths seems fascinating and they made me wonder if Christianity might offer more to me than I had suspected. That concern with myths and Christianity led me to read several books by the progressive Christian Bishop John Shelby Spong (e.g. Jesus for the Non-Religious)). Spong mentioned in at least one of his books that he had been a student of Tillich's. Tillich had challenged Spong with the concept of nontheism, a position that Spong has moved to. That has been my own understanding since my teens but I had turned to nontheistic Eastern religions and to unorthodox, nondogmatic Western religions. Only recently had I been open to reconsidering liberal Christianity. To some extent I had already done that with such postmodern thinkers as Thomas Altizer (The Gospel of Christian Atheism and Living the Death of God: A Theological Memoir) and recently Spong. Following up with Tillich and this book has been literally a godsend.

In much of "The Courage to Be", Tillich applies his knowledge of Western Existentialism. This meant all the more to me as in my teens I had devoured such existentialists as Sartre, Camus and to a lesser extent even Nietzsche and Kierkegaard. But it was difficult to apply it to my situation. Altizer had helped by tracing developments from Christianity into postmodern movements including atheism but he was difficult to follow.

Here now is Tillich who ties together Western Existentialist topics such as anxiety and meaninglessness and a postmodern concern to rediscover the relevance of the Christian tradition. Is one's self in danger today of being a thing, or as he writes "a matter of calculation and management"? As Tillich points out, the Existentialist Revolt strongly opposed such objectification. But by transcending the theistic way of understanding the sacred ,by turning to "the God above God", Tillich shares a hope ( at least in finding courage) that speak to those Existentialism addressed but recovers something from Christian roots. It is a project that seems to take better advantage of Western history and Christianity's role in it as it was than Spong's dependence on speculations to salvage an acceptable image of Jesus.

This is not a book for a single reading. I've started already on my second reading and I am also reading more of Tillich, already The socialist decision and am planning to read soon A HISTORY OF CHRISTIAN THOUGHT Edited By Carl E. Braaten. I somehow overlooked Tillich all these years and I am eager to make up for lost time. The timing is good because, as Spong has described, I seem to be "a believer in exile", raised a Christian and, although having questioned much about it, still influenced by my Protestant upbringing and by the many writings such as those of the Existentialists, that proceeded directly from or in reaction to Christianity.

Finding "A Courage to Be" and Tillich may be a way for me to accept my background without rejecting what I have learned and felt since.

Editorial Review:

In this classic and deeply insightful book, one of the world's most eminent philosophers describes the dilemma of modern man and points a way to the conquest of the problem of anxiety. This edition includes a new introduction by Peter J. Gomes that reflects on the impact of this book in the years since it was written.