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Evil And the Justice of God

N. T. Wright

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 22 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

Editorial Review:

With every earthquake and war, understanding the nature of evil and our response to it becomes more urgent. Evil is no longer the concern just of ministers and theologians but also of politicians and the media. We hear of child abuse, ethnic cleansing, AIDS, torture and terrorism, and rightfully we are shocked. But, N. T. Wright says, we should not be surprised. For too long we have naively believed in the modern idea of human progress. In contrast, postmodern thinkers have rightly argued that evil is real, powerful and important, but they give no real clue as to what we should do about it. In fact, evil is more serious than either our culture or our theology has supposed. How then might Jesus' death be the culmination of the Old Testament solution to evil but on a wider and deeper scale than most imagine? Can we possibly envision a world in which we are delivered from evil? How might we work toward such a future through prayer and justice in the present? These are the powerful and pressing themes that N. T. Wright addresses in this book that is at once timely and timeless.

Jesus and the Victory of God (Christian Origins and the Question of God, Volume 2)

N. T. Wright

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 34 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Jesus and the Victory of God 4 out of 5 stars.
3 of 7 people found this review helpful.

A most detailed and excellent work, probably too technical or detailed for the ordinary reader but required reading for anyone studying the life and ministry of Jesus.

Jesus and THe Victory of God 5 out of 5 stars.
3 of 3 people found this review helpful.

It is a very comprehensive and informative book. Apart from all the critics, Wright has provided a much needed balanced overview of recent writings re the Historical Jesus and outlines a challenging pisture of the Central message of christianity.

Outstanding History 4 out of 5 stars.
3 of 3 people found this review helpful.

This is volume 2 of N.T. Wright's "Christian Origins and the Question of God", which begins to put flesh on volume 1 and centers on the historical Jesus. In the opening section Wright surveys the historical quests to find out who Jesus is and provides a devastating critique of the Jesus Seminar. This is a great section, introducing the lay scholar to names, theories, and trends in the study of the historical Jesus and he does it without simply locking into strict orthodoxy or jettisoning it at the door. Once this basic background is established Wright seeks to set forth his vision of the historical Jesus. He begins by outlining the work of a prophet in section II and then moves into the beliefs and aims of Jesus in section III.

Through his historical analysis, Wright sheds a lot of light on numerous texts, bringing out the historical Jesus and, I believe, showing that there is not a dichotomy between the Christ of faith and the Jesus of history. In fact, given the aims and beliefs of this prophet the outworking of the Church's vision is quite sound. This is a great book that will challenge aspects of your thinking, especially if you think Jesus is a-political or simply a 'savior from hell', but doesn't necessarily call you to leave the Faith to discover the 'real Jesus', but enables one to clearly understand the the history and life and times of Jesus more thoroughly.

My fault with the book lies on aspects of his conclusion, which flows from his methodology. Granted, he says he is not touching John's Gospel, because it is a huge mountain to climb, but how can John's Gospel not tie in directly with any aspect of "Jesus' self-consciousness"? Granted, he limits the scope of his work, which was necessary, but some of his conclusions seem to be built on incomplete evidence to say the least.

Yet, despite that complaint, the book is worth investing several hours of your life to read and digest the material.

Editorial Review:

N.T. Wright brilliantly surveys the field of Jesus scholarship in the twentieth-century, presenting Jesus firmly within the political and social setting of the first-century--as a Jewish apocalyptic prophet.

The Great Omission: Reclaiming Jesus's Essential Teachings on Discipleship

Dallas Willard

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 19 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Editorial Review:

The last command Jesus gave the church before he ascended to heaven was the Great Commission, the call for Christians to "make disciples of all the nations." But Christians have responded by making "Christians," not "disciples." This, according to brilliant scholar and renowned Christian thinker Dallas Willard, has been the church's Great Omission.

"The word disciple occurs 269 times in the New Testament," writes Willard. "Christian is found three times and was first introduced to refer precisely to disciples of Jesus. . . . The New Testament is a book about disciples, by disciples, and for disciples of Jesus Christ. But the point is not merely verbal. What is more important is that the kind of life we see in the earliest church is that of a special type of person. All of the assurances and benefits offered to humankind in the gospel evidently presuppose such a life and do not make realistic sense apart from it. The disciple of Jesus is not the deluxe or heavy-duty model of the Christian -- especially padded, textured, streamlined, and empowered for the fast lane on the straight and narrow way. He or she stands on the pages of the New Testament as the first level of basic transportation in the Kingdom of God."

Willard boldly challenges the thought that we can be Christians without being disciples, or call ourselves Christians without applying this understanding of life in the Kingdom of God to every aspect of life on earth. He calls on believers to restore what should be the heart of Christianity -- being active disciples of Jesus Christ. Willard shows us that in the school of life, we are apprentices of the Teacher whose brilliance encourages us to rise above traditional church understanding and embrace the true meaning of discipleship -- an active, concrete, 24/7 life with Jesus.

Tender Warrior: Every Man's Purpose, Every Woman's Dream, Every Child's Hope

Stu Weber

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 21 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Editorial Review:

Leader. Protector. Friend. Lover.

God made you to be each of these…and much more. Stu Weber ’s bestseller, now revised throughout and refreshed with an attractive new look, paints a dramatic and compelling picture of balanced manhood according to God’s vision. Written in a warm, personal style, Weber presents the characteristics of tender warriors—including learning to speak the language of women, watching out for what lies ahead, and keeping commitments—in an upfront, straightforward style that challenges readers to realize God’s plan for men.

{BANNER ACROSS TOP:}



More than 365,000 copies sold!

Some Things Are Worth Fighting For

Young men aspire to it. Women admire it. Yet the definition of manhood itself is obscured by a culture in moral free fall. This book cuts through the fog and defines a powerful blueprint for being the man—the Tender Warrior—that God desires for you and your family. You’ll discover that a Tender Warrior: watches out for what lies ahead—like a wagon train scout; keeps his commitments, no matter how painful; has a tender heart beating beneath his armor; understands his responsibility to his wife, children, and friends; recognizes that he is “under orders from higher headquarters.”

Stu Weber ’s now classic teaching on a man’s vigilance, staying power, and consideration for the women in his life will move you to pursue the man you were created to be.

Real Men Are Tender Warriors

“I drank Budweiser, smoked Marlboros, and chased women…. Tender Warrior sent me deeper into my heart and soul. When I finished it, I passed it on to a friend, who was supposed to give it back but passed it on to someone else. This book changed his life. It knocked down the walls around his heart. His response: ‘The most important thing that has happened in my life started when you sent me that book.’”

—A reader

Story Behind the Book

((no story behind. Instead, endorsements)):

“ Tender Warrior provides hope for men by challenging their assumptions and shaping their convictions. Read it. Devour it. Then live it. This is the time for real men to emerge.”

—Dennis Rainey, executive director, FamilyLife

“In a day when our culture is at once confused and concerned over gender identity, men everywhere would to do well to recalibrate their personal compasses by the biblical benchmarks found in Tender Warrior . I highly recommend this book!”

—Dr. Bruce Wilkinson , New York Times bestselling author

Paul: In Fresh Perspective

N. T. Wright

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 21 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Editorial Review:

"For me," says N.T.Wright, "there has been no more stimulating exercise, for the mind, the heart, the imagination and the spirit, than trying to think Paul's thoughts after him and constantly to be stirred up to fresh glimpses of God's ways and purposes with the world and with us strange human creatures." Wright's accessible new volume, built on his Cambridge University Hulsean Lectures of 2004, takes a fresh look at Paul in light of recent understandings of his Jewish roots, his attitude toward the Roman Empire, and his unique reframing of Jewish symbols in relation to his experience of the risen Christ. Then Wright attempts a short systematic account of the main theological contours of Paul's thought and its pertinence for the church today.

Part One Themes 1. Paul's World, Paul's Legacy 2. Creation and Covenant 3.Messiah and Apocalyptic 4. Gospel and Empire

Part Two Structures 5. Rethinking God 6. Reworking God's People 7. Reimagining God's Future 8. Paul, Jesus, and the Task of the Church

The Gift of Change: Spiritual Guidance for Living Your Best Life

Marianne Williamson

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 55 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

The Gift of Change 5 out of 5 stars.
2 of 2 people found this review helpful.

This book challenges your mind, opens your heart, and opens door of possibilities!! Marianne is right on!! I am very impressed by her insight and conviction. Can't wait to get into my bed and see possibilities unfold in front of my eyes!
Jamile Palizban

The Gift of Change 5 out of 5 stars.
2 of 2 people found this review helpful.

I loved the book because of the uplifting, loving approach Marianne Williamson gives to her writing. Her philosophies span all faiths and zezo in on what unites us as people. We decide how events impact us - that is her message!

Practical, life transforming information 5 out of 5 stars.
2 of 2 people found this review helpful.

Marianne has a unique perspective on life. The human experience unfolds into new and intriguing realms with each turn of the page. Her view of God illuminates an entity that seeks to help the transformation from ordinary, mundane existance into a soul-fulfilling adventure as unique and different as the individual. My life is not the same after having read this book!

The Gift of Change 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

This book is uplifting, life changing and makes you laugh at yourself because Marianne seems to hit that unexposed nerve lying just beneath the surface. No matter who you are, you will find something in this book that will change your life. I highly recommend it! Review written by the author of Bruised But Still Strong

Editorial Review:

Every Change Is a Challenge to Become Who We Really Are

Daily Inspiration for the Purpose Driven® Life: Scriptures and Reflections from the 40 Days of Purpose (Purpose Driven Life)

Rick Warren

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 16 Average rating: 3.5 of 5

Perfect Gift 5 out of 5 stars.
3 of 5 people found this review helpful.

Someone gave this little book to me on my birthday in December. It's got brief, inspiring segments, perfect to leave in the WC. I love it so much, I bought several to have on hand as gifts. I have given one away so far to a friend for her birthday. This friend (a not-yet-believer) was very grateful and told me that she had memorized one of the verses. She is giving a copy to her sister. The beat goes on.

Not so good 2 out of 5 stars.
2 of 2 people found this review helpful.

I was somewhat disappointed in this addition to the original book. It was just the quotes of the scripture from the original text. If I wanted additional information of what I read , I would have looked it up myself. It, to me, was a waste of my money.

Disappointed 1 out of 5 stars.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

I love the purpose driven life book, and wanted to share with my 17y old niece but knew she would sit and read, I thought this would be perfect, but was disappointed, it really would just confuse her more, and doesn't really provide a devotional guide, it's just been sitting on my bookcase, i wouldn't even find use for it.

Editorial Review:

With over 1,000 Scriptures outlining each day of the 40 Days of Purpose, this book is a wonderful reference. Winner of the Retailers Choice Award.

Conversations with God: An Uncommon Dialogue: Book 1 (Conversations With God)

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 9 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

Everything the world needs to know 5 out of 5 stars.
3 of 3 people found this review helpful.

The "conversations with god" books are awesome. This is how it's all intended to be in contrast to the authority the different churches try to force on us. The books make you see the bigger scale on things and how we can reach our true potential.

For people who don't have time to read, this is a perfect alternative for in your car or on your iPod (or at home of course). Time to get wise and change this world into the paradise it could (and should) be.
I thank Neale for the enourmous wisdom in his books.. The question if it actually comes from "god" isn't that important... but I think the message is just far too wise to just invent all of it.

A lot of stuff to ponder about, good luck with it!

Editorial Review:

Best of the Best. At a low point in life, Walsch wrote God a letter venting his frustrations. After he finished, he continued writing and got answers. In this audiobook, the author reads his questions, and two noted actors contribute spirited performances as the voice of God. Unabridged. 8 CDs.

Sacred Mirrors: The Visionary Art of Alex Grey

Alex Grey

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 28 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Spectacular art and a tool for transformation..... 5 out of 5 stars.
3 of 3 people found this review helpful.

Alex Grey's art is unique, provocative, visionary and striking. The anatomical detail, overall composition and beauty is uplifting. While this type of art may not be everyone's cup of tea, it is undeniably creative and powerful.

This book is based on a series of paintings that are approximately 6'0" tall. They were meant to be used as a mirror for an individual to experience different aspects of themselves. In other words, to serve as a lens for a different perspective on what it is to be human. In general, the book proceeds from an outline of the body made up of elements, through the skelton system, blood vessels, nerves, etc. What is unique is that it goes beyond this to subtle and causal realms based on the experience of Alex Gray and the testimony of various mystics. It is meant to evoke awareness of these more subtle dimensions and even in book form could be used for meditations.

This book also contains images of Jesus, the Boddhisattva of infinite compassion and other enlightened beings. Again, these are meant for contemplative experiences where you look for these energies in yourself as part of a contemplative practice. There are also some beautiful images of a couple kissing, making love, a small family, etc. These latter category of images are similar to the cover in that they represent the various spheres of Being from the gross body through the spirit.

This book is on the large side, is printed on very high quality paper and contains a lot of color plates as well as contextual information. It is a bargain at the price it is being sold and some of the text is written by Ken Wilber.

If you are not familiar with Ken Wilber's work, either Kosmic Consciousness or A Brief History of Everything would be a great place to get started. Either of these resources will help you to appreciate Grey's art in more depth and understand what he is trying to achieve.

Editorial Review:

This unique series of paintings takes the viewer on a graphic, visionary journey through the physical, metaphysical, and spiritual anatomy of the self. From anatomically correct rendering of the body systems, Grey moves to the spiritual/energetic systems with such images as "Universal Mind Lattice," envisioning the sacred and esoteric symbolism of the body and the forces that define its living field of energy. 

Includes essays on the significance of Grey's work by Ken Wilber, the eminent transpersonal psychologist, and by the noted New York art critic, Carlo McCormick. 

What Saint Paul Really Said: Was Paul of Tarsus the Real Founder of Christianity?

N. T. Wright

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 43 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

Great Explanation and Defense of New Perspective 5 out of 5 stars.
3 of 3 people found this review helpful.

This book is a well written explanation and defense of the New Perspective on Paul. Wright breaks down Paul's theology in a way that makes sense of his background as a first century Jewish Pharisee. He indeed shows that Paul's theology is not a new faith as a mixture of Judaism with Hellinism, but rather it is Jewish to the core reshaped and redefined around Jesus of Nazareth, who showed himself to be the very face of Israel's God. I think he does a good job of demonstrating that Second Temple 1st century Judaism was not a religion of self-help morality, but rather it's obsession with the Law was more or less an ethnocentric way of keeping the covenant all to themselves.

From all of this stems Wright's view on justification and the righteousness of God. As a North American Protestant/Evangelical, many of the people with whom I have discussed this issue completely reject and condemn it right from the beginning. But I don't see things that way. I believe that Wright's view of justification is a completely valid and biblical view to hold. And honestly I hold almost the same view of justification (I don't know all the intricacies of his view, therefore I say 'almost'). His basic argument is that justification in Paul's law-court language has nothing to do with how a person "gets saved" but rather is the declaration that a person "is already saved". He seems to distinguish between regeneration (the new birth) and justification (and rightfully so), however most Protestants, especially those of the Reformed tradition do not. To sum it up, Wright believes that justification is God's present declaration that someone is part of the covenant family in anticipation of the future declaration of vindication.

From this issue, Wright tackles the issue of the righteousness of God. Most Protestants, especially Reformers hold to the doctrine of imputation. That is the actual righteousness of Jesus is somehow transferred to the believers "account". In light of Wright's defense of his view of justification imputation is simply not needed. It's not only not needed but there does not seem to be ample biblical support for the doctrine, which Wright demonstrates in the classic proof texts of the doctrine. Instead of the righteousness of God being something given to the believer, it is actual God's own righteousness, his justice towards his covenant. Wright defends this notion beautifully from historical 1st century Judaism and the Old Testament itself.

I highly recommend this book.

Editorial Review:

N.T. Wright, a world authority on the life and letters of Paul, responds to A.N. Wilson's claim that it was Paul and not Jesus who founded Christianity. He delivers a devastating critique, contending that Paul was a faithful witness and herald of Jesus Christ.