Editorial Review

Reviews

If you are a seeker and a wanna be mystic, read this one., October 28, 2009
I have read 5 of Rohr's works, and this one is the culmination of several of his classics. His seminal work is Everything Belongs: The Gift of Contemplative Prayer, which is his first attempt at the description of the holistic nature of Spiritual life, and how the Eternal is unitive, and not dualistic. This unitive theme is refined and brought home in an even more lucid way in this writing.
In the Naked Now, he brings together much of the works of others that he has synthesized and learned. He is truly an avid learner and gleaner of the wisdom of sages of all traditions and schools of thought. This contemporary writing reflects this new insight.
Fr. Rohr, like his contemporaries: Eckhart Tolle- The Power of Now: A Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment, Cynthia Bourgeault The Wisdom Way of Knowing: Reclaiming An Ancient Tradition to Awaken the Heart, many of the explorers of the Nag Hammadi texts, Francis of Assisi-the founder of Rohr's Franciscan order, and many ancient desert fathers have discovered a foregone conclusion- that true wisdom is evidenced and is experienced in the Eternal Now--where Yahweh exists and has always existed.( I AM That I Am.)
Rohr's description of the origination of YHWH: the name of God in the Hebraic tradition, as the source of the breath of all humanity is particularly profound.
I have come to appreciate Richard Rohr so very much. He is expressing the Perennial Wisdom of the Ages in the contemporary Christ centered context- forging ahead in the contemplative tradition within Christianity--and has escaped the traps of the reformation and of Western Christianity's power-centered morality and judgmental dogmatism. He reminds us of the essence of the Truth: that Jesus was not a catholic, nor was he a westerner. He was a Middle Eastern Wisdom Teacher who gathered disciples who would follow him and be taught a wisdom centered, practice oriented path-which early on was called "The Way"-while he lived on earth.
This book is excellent for learners of all traditions and paths. I will reread it soon.

ROMAN CATHOLIC LECTIO DIVINA FOR THIS COMING ADVENTIDE, FOR EVERY TIME, FOR THE NAKED NOW, November 6, 2009
The Reverend Father Richard Rohr has long served as the pre-eminent American author, speaker, retreat director and counsellor of Roman Catholic spirituality, including mysticism, coming from a profoundly Franciscan foundation.

This new release is the culmination and summary of all that has gone before and a glimpse of the riches to come.

As well as several retreats presenting this work across America, the Reverend Father Rohr will host on a Saturday morning in early January an official webcast we all may easily attend. Thus we have left no reason left not to accompany the Reverend Father Richard Rohr in his introduction to this essential work of Catholic spirituality.

Released mere weeks ago, we gratefully find here a summary of his long life of spiritual mastery in the Roman Catholic tradition, beginning with an explanation of why he wrote this book. The book is then divided into three parts, plus eight appendices, as well as extra back material; an overflowing cornucopia os spirituality in the Roman Catholic tradition which all may find profoundly beneficial and instructive.

Chapter One describes the Gift Already Given and our yearning for union (not perfection) now with God, who is already one with us, our birthright. Prayer is described as Practicing Heaven Now.

Each chapter, beginning with a Biblical passage, conludes with a bold print summary, or commissioning, we may safely say, here in Chapter One with the great hope of union with God in which we already dwell.

Chapter Two goes on to explore the Great Unsaying, the root of mystic union with God. As Father Rohr explains in the introduction: "All saying must be balanced by unsaying, and knowing must be humbled by unknowing. Without this balance, religion invariably becomes arrogant, exclusionary and even violent (p. 11)."

Each chapter begins with passages from the Bible, and this second chapter on Unsaying commences therefore with the exhortation, the commandment if you will, from Exodus 20: "Do not utter the name of God in vain." Upon this warning the chapter examines deeply the name of God, specifically the Sacred Tetragrammaton, drawing us back into a contemplation, a remembrance, of the sacredness of the name of God. This chapter in itself can last a lifetime of reading, meriting and rewarding careful re-reading, as we come to appreciate this holy name, which is not to be spoken, but breathes, universally.

The third chapter provides us three ways to see a sunset, and draws us to the contemplative way, to the "Urgent Need for Contemplative Seeing," sharing what it means to be a mystic (I must now make this review much more brief, pardon the haste here; this book is so full, so rich, that I regret cutting short a full examination of all it has to offer in our Faith).

Chapter four discusses paradigms of "knowing" and chapter five shares lessons from the monks. Upon this basis chapter six begins us on our quest for God, who is now with us.

Chapter Seven guides us in our judgments and our letting go of judging. "We see what we are ready to see." Chapter eight and nine discuss our doubts and our conversion from wilfullness to willingness, like Mary.

Part Two begins with a direct discussion of Jesus (as if we progress here from the Old Testament to the New, through Mary), and of the Jesus Prayer. Again we see conversion in these chapters, and the levels of conversion, and how the observor comes to the healing of vision. Chapter Twelve looks at how our ego hates the change which comes with conversion; Chapter Thirteen watches how we come from polarity to prayer, as flase dilmnas resolve. "Prayer is resonance." Chapter Fourteen laments our lost tradition of contemplation, and struggles for its necessary rediscovery. Chapter Fifteen examines faith as how to believe, the process and dynamic of belief, while Chapter sixteen opens the door to great love and thus to great suffering (and then greater love).

Perhaps I have filled my space too much here, but Part Three shows what nondual thinking is not, what we mean by wakeful, watchful seeing. Chapter nineteen unfurls the meaning of spiritual love; read this chapter in the least, at the most. The following chapter celebrates paradox, mystics, sinners, and discusses what it means to follow Jesus. The following Chapters are summaries, with an urge to leadership.

The eight appendices are mainly various forms of prayer, including the Litany of the Holy Spirit; the extra material following these appendices include a Joyful Mind and The Shining Word "And."

Once again I apologize very much for such a long report here, and I hope this little is helpful to realize what great value this work of truly Roman Catholic spirituality is for all of us, all of us who whether we realize it now or not are pilgrims upon this spiritual pathway. Here with the Reverend Father Richard Rohr we find a capable, wise and powerful guide, a companion who kindly walks this path with us.

Read this book by Christmas! Send it to all you know!
Peace!

A deep and lovely book, September 19, 2009
This is a lovely book, deep in the Christian tradition of direct connection to Spirit. The pages are filled with phrases and sentences that explode into your consciousness.

I loved sentences such as: "We already know far more than Jesus or Buddha ever knew, but the great differrence is that they knew what they did know from a different level and in a different way."
Or "the brilliance of a God who creates things that keep creating themselves."
Or "Theism believes there is a God. Christianity believes that God and humanity can coexist in the same place! These are two utterly different proclamations about the nauture of the universe."

I didn't want the book to end, but it did. And I am richer for it. Thanks, Father Richard!

The Best Christian Book on Non-Duality, April 11, 2010
This is an amazing work. It feels to me like this book combines some of what "Putting on the Mind of Christ" sets up, along with "The Wisdom Jesus." But for reasons not clear it also feels like it advances beyond where those books go. In part it is perhaps because Rohr has clearly done his contemporary reading and his contemplation.

This is one of the only Christian writers I have seen who seems to understand the role Ken Wilber has had on clarifying what, for goodness sake, all true religious teachings are trying to get human beings to realize. He also calls our attention to contemporary non-dual realized beings and teachers, such as Byron Katie and Eckhart Tolle.

Perhaps that is what feels so unique about this book. It feels to me like this is the first time I have read a Christian writer who has really gone out an read, assimilated, and then integrated the current non-dual awakening process happening all over the world right now with the actual message and teaching of Christ: Jesus. It is as if some sort of mental wall that has been separating Christianity from the the vital and enormously powerful work of the Holy Spirit that is going on right now in the non-dual spiritual world gets conceptually and actually torn down in this book.

I feel on some level like I have been waiting all my life for this book to show up. I thank Rohr and God, Christ and The Holy Spirit for bringing it out. Since Christ: Jesus is my spiritual Teacher and model, I have had little choice but to wait for this kind of book to make sense of how he fits in with the larger non-dual teachings of the world both past and present. In-other-words, I feel, at last that someone has explained very well why I experience Christ: Jesus as I do, as a non-dual master, fully divine and fully human. Rohr does not hold back or pull any punches. To me, he actually steps up and explains the radical path that Jesus exemplified.

This is a great book to help open the Christian world to the deeper truth-teachings of the West's great Teacher and Initiator.

Below are links to the two books mentioned above.

Refs:
Putting on the Mind of Christ: The Inner Work of Christian Spirituality
The Wisdom Jesus: Transforming Heart and Mind--A New Perspective on Christ and His Message

Enjoy!

Amazing and Enlightening, April 2, 2010
I cannot remember a book I have read that has helped me so much. The transformation that is
happening to me as I go through and implement what Fr. Richard teaches is amazing. I am now
beginning to experience true peace and inner calm. I wish all American's would read this book...

This is well worth your time and your investment.

Enlightening, April 17, 2010
Rohr's explanation on dualistic thinking and the consequences of that thinking is more than relative in the discourse in America today. There is so much hatred,lies, and negativity which only divides people to a greater extent and there are no winners in this game. He gives us hope and ideas for what to do instead which enhances our personal life and growth and contributes to the well being of others. There are many other suggestions of how to see with a "third eye" which leads to a life of greater peace and joy.

The Naked Now: Learning to See as the Mystics See, January 7, 2010
Rohr reveals a grasp of the history of the transformative process and how we have lost it in the past 5 centuries. But alas, he also gives suggestions of how that might be reclaimed. This is a must read for those who are wanting to change our culture starting with ourselves.

Learning to Experience God without words, July 28, 2010
I found this book to be a revelation on changing my connection to God as an
experiential one instead of one defined by words or theology. The internal part
of spirituality is the center of the flow that creates your outward actions. Richard Rohr examines the Christian practices of external dogma that creates a dualist mind that judges, rationalizes, and allows complacency through certitude.
I heartily recommend this book to anyone who wants to challenge themselves by being resposible for their own spiritual path.

book:Naked Now, March 18, 2010
Richard Rohr confronts our views of religion with a new/old way of envisioning Jesus as message, the life to be lived. Fr Rohr challenges us, teaches us to look at life as Jesus did ,and the way some of the mystics did. This book is about really seeing through contemplation of all planes. I would recommend this book to those interested in living their religion as Jesus intended. An excellent interesting writer, an outstanding book!

The Naked Now: Learning to See as the Mystics See, October 21, 2009
An excellent book that helped me to connect with the divine peace and joy within. A good introduction to nondual thinking. All of Richard Rohr's books help to expand consciousness of God in all things and all situations. ... Read more

Editorial Review

Selected from sermons delivered by C. S. Lewis during World War II, these nine addresses offer guidance and inspiration in a time of great doubt.These are ardent and lucid sermons that provide a compassionate vision of Christianity. ... Read more

Reviews

A good collection but not the best, September 12, 2001
Lewis's shorter works were generally originally composed as speeches or as articles for periodicals. Various sets of them were collected and published in book form both during his life and after his death. Trying to determine what works are in what collections is difficult - most works appear in more than one collection, some works appear under more than one title, and some collections appear under more than one title.

To aid readers, in this review I've listed the works in this collection, with notes indicating other collections they have appeared in.

Table of Contents:

"The Weight of Glory" (1), (2), (3), (4)

"Learning in War-Time" (1), (4), (5)

"Why I am Not a Pacifist" (4), (6), (7)

"Transposition" (1), (2), (3), (4)

"Is Theology Poetry?" (2), (3), (4)

"The Inner Ring" (1), (2), (3), (4)

"Membership" (1), (4), (5)

"On Forgiveness" (4), (5)

"A Slip of the Tongue" (2), (3), (4)

Notes:

(1) The original, 1949 version of this work included only these works. The other works were added in the 1980 edition. Also, the 1949 version was published in the U. K. under the title "Transposition and Other Addresses".

(2) also published in "They Asked for a Paper"

(3) also published in "Screwtape Proposes a Toast and Other Pieces"

(4) also published in "Essay Collection and Other Short Pieces"

(5) also published in "Fern-Seed and Elephants and Other Essays"

(6) also published in "Timeless at Heart: Essays on Theology"

(7) also published in "Compelling Reason"

Recommendations:

If you are interested in Lewis's shorter works, my best advice is to get "Essay Collection and Other Short Pieces", which, as of the time of this writing, is available from Amazon UK but not Amazon US. That collection consists of about 130 short works by Lewis. The works in that collection are mostly, but not exclusively, Christian.

If your interest in Lewis's shorter works is restricted to those on Christianity, and your budget or enthusiasm does not run to "Essay Collection and Other Short Pieces", then my second-best advice is to get any or all of the following (they don't overlap significantly, and between them they include most of Lewis's shorter Christian writings):

"God in the Dock - Essays on Theology and Ethics"*

"The World's Last Night and Other Essays"

"Christian Reflections"

"The Weight of Glory and Other Addresses"

* Be careful - there is a UK Fontana paperback lurking about called "God in the Dock - Essays on Theology" that is substantially shorter than the "God in the Dock - Essays on Theology and Ethics" collection. A full version of "God in the Dock - Essays on Theology and Ethics" was published in the UK under the title "Undeceptions - Essays on Theology and Ethics".

Enlightening addresses, February 1, 2000
Lewis is at his best in this collection. As the preface mentions, the sermon "the Weight of Glory," deserves to be placed on the level of the Church Fathers' writings because of its elegance and insightfulness. In this sermon Lewis looks at the afterlife, which we get glimpses of while on earth. He makes some excellent observations, and I was left thinking, "Of course!" and "Why didn't I see that before?" One of the unqiue observations Lewis makes is that all humans are truly "immortals." Cultures and the earth are mortal, but your neighbor, children, etc, are all immortal, and we need to treat them as such. The other sermons are very good (though "The Weight of Glory" has to be the best). For instance "Is Theology Poetry?" examines a topic many of us probably have never thought of examining, i.e. is our theology poetry? The address "On forgiveness" separates forgiveness (which is totally undeserving) from excusing (which is where we did something wrong, but have some valid excuse) and goes from there. Overall the points Lewis makes are enlightening and useful to our everyday lives. These are some of the best sermons I have ever heard or read.

Stopped Me in My Tracks, January 1, 1999
After reading this essay, I was convicted beyond imagination as to my responsibility as a school teacher. As Lewis says, there are no ordinary people, everyone I come in contact with is a eternal being who is on the path to either heaven or hell. Everything I do in the classroom is pointing my students either towards God or away from Him. And that, as Lewis states, is the Weight of Glory.

Lewis describes glory as not in being noticed by others and seeking their approval, but being noticed by God. To hear that blessed phrase "Well done my good and faithful servant". Not just in seeing God's beauty, but passing into it and being a part of it. The weight of it is my responsibility to bear witness of that glory to others and help to bring them into it. Their salvation is my weight, my burden to bear. Isn't that the reason why believers are on this earth? To honor God, and to serve Him?

Lewis is the master of imagery. He brings his readers to an either/or proposition. Either I am going to take responsibility for my neighbors salvation, or I am not. And once he gets you to that point, there is really no decision to make. Your neighbor's soul is your responsibility.

This essay, more than anything I have read to date, has brought me to the realization as to what my responsibility as a Believer is. I need to read this at least once a month to remind me of how I should be living my life before others. No Christian should go without experiencing this challenge to holiness.

Lewis' Most Underrated Work, January 16, 2002
The Weight of Glory is a book that is comprised of a series of unrelated essays. I was not convinced it was very important among his writings, so I put off reading it. When I finally got around to reading it, I was ineffably impressed. It is my opinion that this book has been underrated by many casual readers.

The Weight of Glory has penetrating essays on pacifism, transposition, forgiveness and other paramount issues for Christians. His argument "Why I am not a pacifist" is profoundly moving (and reminiscent of the Screwtape Letters). Likewise, one of the latter essays entitled, "On Forgiveness" takes a mundane Christian experience and (for me, at least) revitalized my conception of such a profound practice that I rely on everyday.

Even though I read this after encountering most of Lewis' other books, this could easily be understood without having read any of Lewis' previous works. These essays will provide encouragement, joy, and clarity to any Christian.

one of the most important books for a Christian to read, March 17, 2003
This book is a collection of lectures given Clive Staples Lewis. Lewis is one of the premier Christian thinkers of the twentieth century, and his words and ideas have given comfort and inspiration to many Christians throughout the years. C. S. Lewis is thoughtful, intelligent writer. He is a scholar and an intellectual. He is one of the most important Christian writers of the twentieth century.

There are several essays that have clear relevance today, both in our personal Christian life as well as in how we relate to the world. "The Weight of Glory" focuses on what it means to be children of God and that while cultures and nations are all mortal things (they will come to an end), it is humans that are truly immortal in that we will live with God long after this world is gone. Lewis speaks about how we should be like children, realizing how special everyone truly is, and that they too are immortals. Lewis explains it better. "The Weight of Glory" has been described as the best thing Lewis has ever written. While I haven't read everything Lewis has written yet, there is no question that this is one of his most important essays.

Other essays in the collection include "Why I Am Not a Pacifist" (giving a Christian viewpoint on the subject that I had not encountered before), "The Inner Ring" (dealing with cliques in general and in church), "Membership", and "On Forgiveness".

This is an important book to read as a Christian, and perhaps an interesting one to read if one is not a Christian.

Penetrating insights, March 17, 2005
This is an exceedingly well composed and thought provoking collection of essays by one of the truly great Christian apologists of the modern age.

"The Weight of Glory" considers "...our longing to be reunited with something in the universe from which we now feel cut off...", and how, through love, we must help one another reach the end for which we were made.

"Learning in War-Time" explains why the pursuit of learning in the midst of a temporal crisis is not an evasion, but a moral necessity. Lewis turns conventional thinking on its head.

"Why I Am Not a Pacifist" is a logical critique that demolishes the pacifist position.

"Transposition" is a deep theological reflection on how we are to understand and interpret miracles, and how we are naturally inclined to do it incorrectly.

"Is Theology Poetry?" discusses the relationship between the two, with Lewis making a surprising case for Christian theology being, at one level, very poor poetry. At the core of his argument is the fact that we are not drawn to religion by virtue of its poetic appeal--there are other, deeper reasons for faith.

"The Inner Ring" counsels university students to do what is right, not what is popular.

"Membership" explains the meaning of the term in the Christian sense of one body with many parts, as opposed to the more modern idea of membership as all people being equal. While Lewis commends the notion of equality in its proper place, he says that "[Christianity] is the hierachical world, still alive and (very properly) hidden behind a facade of equal citizenship..." A tremendous meditation on the complex interplay between religion and social institutions, on how we can remain truly human in a society that of necessity tends to suppress our humanity.

"On Forgiveness" highlights the easily glossed over distinction between forgiving sins and excusing them. With a personal frankness typical of all these essays, Lewis makes his point about how we tend to make excuses rather than accept responsibility by revealing his own shortcomings.

"A Slip of the Tongue" is about how we tend to compartmentalize our faith, how we try to keep our beliefs from intruding on the "real world" where we live except when we're in church.

Lewis tackles some very difficult problems, but if he does not completely solve them, he certainly puts them in a perspective we may not have considered.

How could you NOT give it 5 stars?, January 7, 2006
C.S. Lewis has a tremendous capability to analyze facts of spiritual matters. After reading The Weight of Glory I was able to understand more fully what glory means; why I'm not a pacifist either; and why I shouldn't care much about being inside the inner rings of my life.

First of all, I learned that glory means good report with God. In other words, it means to be recognized by our creator. I appreciated Mr. Lewis' words, "The sense that in this universe we are treated as strangers, the longing to be acknowledge, to meet with some response... is part of our inconsolable secret." I have often told my family and friends that even at times when everything is going well in my life, when things seem to be perfect to me, I still feel this preexistence nostalgia that makes me realize that I cannot be whole until I rejoin with my creator. Thus, Lewis's interpretation of glory helped me with validating and healing of that old ache.

I completely agree with Lewis's position of not being a pacifist. He states, "The doctrine that war is always a greater evil seems to imply a materialist ethic, a belief that death and pain are the greatest evils. But I don't think they are. I think the suppression of a higher religion by a lower, or even a higher secular culture by a lower, a much greater evil." This, I think, is very insightful. It makes me think of a country being under tyranny or any other dangers; how would I say that I would not fight evil? How can I be indifferent and not raise my hands against it? I believe in goodness, in freedom. Therefore, I would do anything to preserve these freedoms, even if it means a war.

Finally, The Inner Ring chapter was an eye-opener in helping me decide with some burdensome areas of my life. I was living my own example of "trying to get in the inner ring" few weeks before I read the book. A group of friends started a book club, and I was invited to be a part of it. After the first meeting, when we committed to read several books, I realized that my decision of joining the club was not a good one considering the amount of books I have to read already. I thought of withdrawing from the club, but I didn't want to "miss the fun." It wasn't until I read the Inner Ring chapter that I realized that I wasn't having any fun at all! I particularly related to the following words, "It is a terrible bore, of course, when old Fatty Smithson draws you aside and whispers, `Look here, we've got to get you in on this examination somehow' or `Charles and I saw at once that you've got to be on this committee.' A terrible bore... ah, but how much more terrible if you were left out!" After many nights of few hours of sleep, trying to catch up with my reading, I quit the club. The relief I felt after taking such decision helped me decide that I don't want to do something that will bring me more unnecessary stress in my life just for the sake of being "In" the Inner Ring.

It was very assertive for me to read The Weight of Glory at this point of my life. Being able to understand what glory means is very helpful in my everyday spiritual life. Incidentally, the day I started reading the Why I'm Not a Pacifist chapter was the day that the United States declared war against terrorism. And definitely, the Inner Ring chapter helped me make the decision of getting rid of unnecessary stress in my life.

Two of the essays in this book are literally awesome., May 24, 2001
"Transposition" and "The Weight of Glory" are absolutely classic essays detailing a side of Christianity too rarely seen these days--the sheer joy one should get from thinking about our eternal home with God, and the longing--both in mind and heart--to share this joy with others. Mr. Lewis once again "hit the nail on the head," as it were, with this masterpiece. Great insight into some confusing moments in his fiction, too!

The address, "The Inner Ring" provides insights to live by, October 22, 1999
The keynote essay from which the book takes its title, "The Weight of Glory" is a mighty work, but reflecting and acting on one of the 'lesser' essays, "The Inner Ring" has the potential to empower, and change utterly the way you live and relate. Once grasped, the dynamics explored in this wise and wonderful talk seem blindingly obvious, and the insights you develop offer the confidence to be more fully yourself and make you just about impervious to manipulation or coercion.

Don't overlook Lewis' essay on "The Inner Ring.", December 4, 1998
"The Weight of Glory", "Transposition", and other essays in this volume have been warmly received in the years since they were first preached. "The Inner Ring," by contrast, is less often cited. This is a pity, since "of all passions the passion for the Inner Ring is most skillful in making a man who is not yet a very bad man do very bad things."

It is a frightening picture of ambition twisted and run amok, destroying the human person whom it infests. "Aristotle placed [friendship] among the virtues. It causes perhaps half of all the happiness in the world, and no Inner Ringer can ever have it." ... Read more

Editorial Review

Scott Hahn, the bestselling author of The Lamb’s Supper and Reasons to Believe, celebrates the touchstones of the Catholic life, guiding readers to a deeper faith through the Church’s rites, customs, and traditional prayers.

Signs of Life is beloved author Scott Hahn’s clear and comprehensive guide to the Biblical doctrines and historical traditions that underlie Catholic beliefs and practices. Devoting single chapters to each topic, the author takes the reader on a journey that illuminates the roots and significance of all things Catholic, including: the Sign of the Cross, the Mass, the Sacraments, praying with the saints, guardian angels, sacred images and relics, the celebration of Easter, Christmas, and other holidays, daily prayers, and much more.

In the appealing conversational tone that has won him millions of devoted readers, Hahn presents the basic tenets of Church teachings, clears up common misconceptions about specific rituals and traditions, and responds thoughtfully to the objections raised about them. Each chapter concludes with loving, good-natured, inspiring advice on applying the Church’s wisdom to everyday life. ... Read more

Reviews

Another smash hit from Hahn, December 22, 2009
What a phenomenal book! I tend to rubber stamp just about anything from Hahn. But with this particular book I had to question, as a lifleong Catholic and as a catechist, whether or not I was really going to get anything out of it. Considering the current price cut, I said, "What the heck?" and figured I'd just hand it on to someone else if it turned out to be a sleeper for me. Well, I've read about 5 of the 40 chapters thus far and I think I've learned something new in every single chapter!! The book is educational but it's also "devotional" too, both in terms of the "style" of Hahn's writing and the brief reflection he places at the end of the chapter, after the text. Whether you're a lifelong Catholic or completely new to the faith in some way, consider it as a daily chapter-by-chapter read for this coming Lent!

Great Book, November 24, 2009
Scott Hahn is one of the best Catholic writers currently and with this book he has changed gears from his theological books. He digs deep into the history of the church and explains the why's about what we do. Many cradle Catholics and those new to the faith can benefit from this book. Hahn does a great job explaining briefly several Traditions like different devotions, sacramentals, prayers, and the liturgical calender. He does only briefly tackle each topic but will helps you understand why we do what we do.

Very interesting, December 5, 2009
This book is very interesting, historically correct, and easy to read. Should be read by anyone who criticizes the Customs of the Roman Catholic Church and other liturgical churches.

"The Best", May 9, 2010
I have read almost all of Scotts' books and this is one of his best. Have taught RCIA for a number of years and would recommend this book to one and all. Have given a number of them as gifts this year and the feed back has been great. This book is loved by all who read it. It explains Catholic Customs and where they came from better then any book written todate and it is simple and easy to read. Pick it up and you will not put it down until finished.

Passion renewed, January 26, 2010
For many, sacraments and sacramentals seem little more than superstitious baggage of the middle ages easily discarded by the modern enlightened Christian. Dr. Hahn lets us know what rich blessings we forgo with such an attitude. In place of misunderstanding that leads to indifference (or even hostility) toward these disciplines, Dr. Hahn provides biblical and historical/traditional roots to the disciplines and in the process gives us a renewed sense of devotion to their practice. Practiced in their proper context, these devotional disciplines can lead to a closer communion with Jesus.

In the introduction to this work Dr. Hahn provides a brief definition of sacraments and sacramentals in order that the reader understands the difference and the significance of both. The work is then divided into phases of life that remind us of these disciplines: birth, life progresses in time, each day in the life of the Christian, disciplines through the entirety of life, significant stages in life, enjoyment of life, the abundant life, devotions to the saints we love, and the end of life. Each phase provides brief descriptions of one or more devotional practices describing their biblical and historical roots in the Church. On my own spiritual journey, I was amazed at the number of these practices already forming in the first and second century. Dr. Hahn has found the same continuity with the Apostles and with scripture.

To his credit, Dr. Hahn does not shrink from such difficult topics as indulgences. And, he does not describe the practices in such a generic manner as to lose the context of the Church as their proper home. The discerning reader wishing special depth on a particular topic will want to look elsewhere for that detail. What Dr. Hahn has provided here is not depth but breadth of understanding that gives us the big picture view we need in order to see these devotions as not just tacked on niceties but as living and essential elements in the Church. If you are looking for the greater depth, the author's journal of theological studies under the title of _Letter & Spirit_ is very highly recommended.

If you want to renew the passion in your devotion to Christ, this is a good place to find some tools to help you renew that passion. Very well done.

A book every Catholic should have., February 8, 2010
A book every Catholic should own and study. If you're looking to enrich your faith this is it. Scott Hahn stuns us again with his biblical insights.

Why we do what we do, July 6, 2010
As a convert to Catholicism for 20 years I still wondered sometimes Why we do certain things. This book answers many of those questions. Scott Hahn has a good style of writing making for interesting reading. I hope he will write a sequel to continue to explain more customs.

Oh that is where it came from- Catholic Customs and Biblical Roots, April 22, 2010
For anyone who wants to learn about the Catholic Church, a book like Signs of Life: 40 Catholic Customs and their Biblical Roots, is the book to read. Many practices, and Sacraments, and sacramentals, that are practiced, that seem strange, are not so strange when they are found in the Bible. I recommend this book for all those who need to update their knowledge about their Catholic faith, and have a more clear understanding, and appreciation, of what they are doing on Sunday's,and why they believe what they do, comes from the Bible, reassuring them it has meaning.
Scott Hahn, is a convert, and college professor, who got curious about religion, and found deep significance in the Catholic Church, going back to ancient years and discovering the roots of the practices that make up the Catholic Church. He is very knowledgeable, and all his books are a blessing to him, and everyone who reads them. He writes with enthusiasm and zeal, believes what he writes, and has brought many back now that they have read his books.

Book laid out well., February 28, 2010
Scott Hahn's work is allways facinating to me but sometimes hard for me to understand. This book is written to take in little bites and ponder each 'sign'.
Cris

Apologetics, February 6, 2010
Signs of Life: 40 Catholic Customs and Their Biblical Roots

An excellent primer/ refresher about Catholicism. ... Read more

Editorial Review

Of all things Catholic, there is nothing that is so familiar us the Mass. With its unchanging prayers, the Mass fits Catholics like their favorite clothes. Yet most Catholics sitting in the pews on Sundays fail to see the powerful supernatural drama that enfolds them. Pope John Paul II described the Mass as "heaven on Earth," explaining that what "we celebrate on Earth is a mysterious participation in the heavenly liturgy." ... Read more

Reviews

A Transforming Book, December 28, 1999
This book is a must read for Christians in general, but most importantly for Catholic lay people like myself. Before entering into the heart of his work, Dr. Hahn presents a Biblical perspective on the presence of Christ in the Holy Eucharist that every Catholic should read and understand. But the most significant contribution of this book is the way in which it exposes the relationship between St. John's Revelation and the Church's celebration of the Liturgy. While Hahn claims that these truths have been held by the Church since the beginning of Christianity, almost all of this information was new to me as a cradle Catholic. This book has truly transformed the way in which I approach every Mass. With the possible exception of some poorly chosen subtitles, The Lamb's Supper is nothing less than 5 stars!

This book deserves to become a Christian Classic!, December 6, 1999
I've read a lot of books on religious subjects, but very few as good as this one. "The Lamb's Supper" makes better sense of the Book of Revelation than any one of dozen or so titles that I've read on the subject in the last twenty years. Even more, it has changed the way I approach the Mass. Over the last few weeks, since reading "The Lamb's Supper," I've come to a much greater appreciation of what I've been doing as a cradle Catholic for over fifty years--going to Mass, where we share in the worship of heaven, in the presence of our Lord, alongside the holy saints and angels. I never really knew that, and I don't think that most Catholics do. But surely they should! There's something else. Speaking personally, I don't always find it easy to pray. That is probably where "The Lamb's Supper" has been the greatest help, in getting me to pray more and better. That's why I think that "The Lamb's Supper" is destined to become one of the truly great Christian Classics of this century, even though it will never displace my all-time favorite, "The Imitation of Christ".

Fantastic! Dr. Hahn does it again., July 4, 2000
What a delightful, wonderful, interesting, thought-provoking, and inspiring book this one is. Evangelical Biblical scholars have pondered the meaning of John's Book of Revelation for a long time.

For too many, they read it as the "end times." Dr. Hahn did the same thing, as a Presbyterian minister.

It wasn't until he became Catholic that he began to see Revelations as a blueprint for the Mass. Hahn demonstrates how Revelation gives us a glimpse of Heaven and of Mass. The premise of the book is that Mass itself is a little slice of Heaven on Earth.

What Hahn offers is not something new. This is what the Church has taught for centuries. Yet, Hahn presents it as only he can.

Hahn offers not only a beautiful view of Revelation, but also of Mass. It is a view that too few Catholics take to heart.

Not only is this a simply delightful book, but it's also a short book - one that could easily be read in one sitting.

I highly recommend it. Catholics will gain a new appreciation for Mass and all that they have taken for granted. Non-Catholics will appreciate an alternative view of The Book of Revelation.

A Calvinist who loved it!, June 27, 2000
I just finished Hahn's new book 'The Lamb's Supper: The Mass as Heaven on Earth'. I thought I was in a special camp since I considered historic liturgy to be the key to understanding Revelation, but I was suprised to find that it is historic catholic teaching.

Scott Hahn was a calvinistic presybterian who went to Gordon-Conwell TS but later converted to Rome. I read his first book (Rome Sweet Home) and thought it was stupid. But this one is really good. He gives the best explanation of Revelation I have yet to read.

Revelation is a book containing presbyters in vestments, altars, incense, saints in heaven interceding for saints on earth, hidden manna, sacrifice, chalices, a wedding feast, food imagery, liturgical formulas, judgement, angels, martyrs, and all this in the context of our glorious Lord Jesus Christ and His parousia. Sounds a little 'Romish' doesn't it? I found it very illuminating and enjoyable.

I was not convinced by Hahn's Catholicism by 'Rome Sweet Home', but this one is much more tempting. As a Protestant, this book scares me.

Discovering lost orthodoxy -- Neat!, March 8, 2000
This little gem offers an interpretation of Revelation that is altogether different from anything I've ever read on the subject.

Pre-mil, post-mil, Whore of Babylon, Mark of the Beast -- who cares! Scott Hahn presents an exegis of St. John's heady closure to the New Testament to which a mere mortal can relate. It's the Mass, who'da thunk it!

Hahn digs into Church history and dusts off an ancient interpretation of the Apocalypse. He demonstrates the fact that the Liturgy with which all Catholics are familiar, and many non-Catholics criticize, is the worship occurring in Heaven. The Mass is, in a sense, an experience of heaven on earth. Hahn's realization of this, as a Presbyterian attending Mass for the first time, is inspiring. His chapter on Understanding the Parts of the Mass is remarkable in its clarity, tracing the Order of the Mass through the Ages and in various Rites. The titles of some sections are somewhat goofy, "Guided Missal," and "Give Him an Offering He Can't Refuse," for instance, but they are part of the charm of this work.

I thought that it slowed at points, but at a little over 150 (little) pages, the book is easily enjoyed in an evening. I recommend it especially to RCIA candidates and sponsors, but really to anyone who wants a fresh yet ancient perspective on the Mass.

I guarantee that the hair on the back of your neck will stand on end when you hear: "Lift up your hearts," and later "join with choirs of angels in heaven in their unending hymn of praise!"

Why Demons Tremble When You Go to Mass, November 23, 2002
Around the year 95, the Roman government banished a Christian to a rocky penal colony in the Aegean Sea for the capital crime of prophesying.

The sentence did not have the desired effect.

From the isolated island, Patmos, the Christian, a man named John, went right on foretelling the future. Only now, instead of addressing small bands of hiding church members in hushed and rushed meetings, he had time to write out full accounts of his offending visions. These centered around the return of a deceased Jewish man -- an obscure, itinerant religious teacher who had been tortured and executed as a criminal six decades prior -- as king of all creation.

The particulars of his visions, which John said had been delivered to him by an angel, were by turns terrifying and glorious. Passages on murderous, multi-headed beasts alternated with descriptions of docile cherubs adoring the Almighty; inconsolable wailing over deadly plagues preceded joyful flourishes from triumphant trumpets.

Apocalypses, or revelations, were not new. The Hebrew Scriptures and oral traditions were steeped in them. But where those had been carefully guarded by elders and high priests, John made it clear that his revelations were to be read immediately by the addressee churches (seven congregations in Asia). His goal in writing seemed to be exhorting his brothers and sisters in the Christian faith to persevere no matter how severely they might be persecuted for their beliefs and practices.

That didn't mean John made the precise significance of his letters obvious. He had to couch some of his visualizations in code language because despotic emperors of the day demanded to be worshiped as gods by citizens and subjects alike. John would have been swiftly silenced had a Nero, Caligula or Domitian discerned that he was referring to them when he wrote of evil monsters raging against their own creator. (Using the numerical equivalents assigned to Hebrew letters, the name Nero Caesar can be converted to the number 666.)

Two millennia later, a Scripture scholar with the heart of a detective picks up the text, peels away the layers of subterfuge, dusts off the misconstrued meanings assigned John's cryptic prophecies over the centuries and lifts into the light a finding only remarkable for its everyday familiarity: the Catholic Mass.

But for Scott Hahn, a former Protestant minister who followed scriptural and historical clues all the way into the Catholic Church, identifying Revelation as a cloaked playbill to the Mass is only the beginning. Digging deeper, he unearths an essential aspect of the Mass long embedded in Catholic theology, but largely overlooked at the popular level by even the most devout Catholics in the present day: The Mass mirrors the activities going on now and eternally in heaven.

"We go to heaven when we go to Mass," writes Hahn, a theology professor at Franciscan University of Steubenville. "This is not merely a symbol, not a metaphor, not a parable, not a figure of speech. It is real."

With this, his third book, Hahn, whose speaking voice is familiar to thousands, seems to be hitting his stride as an author. On these pages, as in his live presentations, he relays even the most esoteric scriptural minutiae with the enthusiasm of a sportscaster calling play-by-play at the big game. His command of the material is such that he could have written an occasionally groundbreaking scholarly commentary. But it's clear he's not interested in attracting accolades from academic circles. Instead Hahn, whose passion for teaching plainly flows from an ardent love of learning, has set his mind to imparting the riches of his findings upon hungry hearts.

The result is a shot of spiritual adrenaline for those about to attend Mass. "When Jesus comes again at the end of time, He will not have a single drop more glory than He has right now upon the altars and in the tabernacles of our churches," Hahn writes. "God dwells among Mankind right now because the Mass is heaven on earth."

Is the average, rank-and-file Catholic aware of this Church teaching? Not likely, else the mute daydreamers wouldn't outnumber the vocal participants in so many parishes. Having observed this phenomenon in light of the exuberant Protestant tradition he left behind, Hahn seems to have perceived that many regular Sunday Mass-attendees -- the ones who show up out of a dry sense of duty -- are intuitively aware of the wonder of it all. They only want for information.

Well, here it is. Richly sourced from writings of popes, theologians and Church fathers, Lamb's Supper dishes up everything Catholics need to know in order to savor the Mass as a vivid and revitalizing experience.

The Mass-enrichment program this book provides is so worthwhile and edifying that this reviewer is loath to point out any of its minor shortcomings. Nevertheless, it does have one distraction that would have made for a wise editorial extraction. Hahn's winking subheads, chuckle-out-loud amusing as some of them are, are incongruent with his enlightening text. It's a case of the sublime getting stung by the silly.

Fortunately, when you're scaling the Alps you don't fuss over a few bees buzzing around base camp. Thanks to Hahn's joy of discovery, you're approaching Mont Blanc.

"I want to make clear that the idea behind this book is nothing new, and it's certainly not mine," writes Hahn. "It's as old as the Church, and the Church has never let go of it. ... [Yet] this idea, that the Mass is `heaven on earth,' arrives [today] as news, very good news."

So does this book. Don't miss it.

David Pearson is features editor of the National Catholic Register.

Courage of a Convert, January 1, 2000
This book by Scott Hahn is very nicely done. I commend Scott in this age of free thinkers for his courage in submitting his work to the test of the Nihil Obstat and Imprimatur. So many writters today who purport to be presenting Catnolic theology or faith or interpretation of scripture or the other actions activities or positions of the Catholic Church delibertely avoid submiting their work to review by Church authority so that the readers can be assured of freedom from error or against the teaching of the Catholic Church. Dr. Hahn is not affraid to placce his work on the table for legitimate review.

The work itself is a beautiful testimony to the Mass and all that it is. Dr. Hahn's presentation brims with entusiasism for the Mass. It presents a wonderful understanding of the Mass that only one with the deep understanding of scripture can give. His road to conversion never fails to amplify the beauty of the Mass. This book is a worth while read for believers and non believer alike.

The Lamb's Supper: A New but Ancient Prespective of the Mass, February 20, 2001
After reading Scott Hahn's THE LAMB'S SUPPER there are two things the reader, if he is serious about his Faith, will not do again. One, he will not read the Book of Revelation from the same perspective. And two, he will not again assist at the Eucharistic Sacrifice as a matter of routine.

Dr. Hahn reunites for us "commoners" these two seemingly unrelated subjects, The Book of Revelation and the Mass. What joy to recognize their apostolic relatedness! Still the great truth is that Dr. Hahn only discovers what was there in the memory of the Church from the beginning and he's not too proud to say so.

Dr. Hahn writes for the "commoner" in a lively and engaging style. Yet he is never flippant. The meaning behind what he has to say is profound and rests upon solid evidence. However, he spares the "commoner" the myriad of potentially overwhelming details which, in its turn, results in an easy and exciting read. He writes the way he speaks; in an ever growing crescendo of enthusiasm.

typical scott hahn, March 30, 2000
I don't think the intent of the book was to evangelize the Catholic faith,but it certainly will. It would send a Catholic basher in a tail spin. When you read about the book of Revelations it just grabs you, shakes you and yells "the Catholic church is what God wants" It is all in the Mass. I don't understand how Mass could be boring in the first place (Jesus is present) but if you read this book and ask God to lead you the Mass will be energized from now on. Some parts of the book are little wordy, but the section on Revelation is worth the price of admission alone.

What a liberating Catholic idea--at Mass, we're in heaven!, November 9, 1999
Do you know about Scott Hahn? Maybe I'm the last person on earth to discover this articulate convert and his enthusiasm for the Catholic faith. "The Lamb's Supper" is the sort of book I devoured hungrily in my first years as a Catholic. In spite of tiresome liturgies, Hahn insists that we do go to heaven at every Mass we attend, "regardless of the quality of the music or the fervor of the preaching." What a liberating, Catholic idea. We need to find out what nurtures our faith and do it; but Catholics shouldn't be experience-hunters. Hahn reminds us of God's presence in and through our chief ritual, whether we can fully sense the sacredness or not. This book also serves to remind us to nurture our faith in the Mass by reading outside of Mass. After giving us a good workout on what the Mass is all about, Hahn uses the Book of Revelation to set loose the pyrotechnic imagery we're inclined to forget. All through his brief but pithy book are vivid scenes and Endtime tableaux meant to jolt us into a keen awareness of what salvation is all about, lest we doze the Mass away in our pews. ... Read more

Editorial Review

Offering inspirational advice in a down-to-earth style, this unique compilation of letters provides wisdom, guidance, and heartfelt insight to help the reader chart their own path to success. Based on the author’s motivational speaking at inner-city schools across the country, the letters deal with the tough issues that face young people today.

Bombarded with messages from music and the media, Harper set out to dispel the stereotypical image of success that young people receive today and instead emphasizes alternative views of what it truly means to be a successful male, such as educational and community achievements and self-respect. Intended to provide this frequently regarded "lost generation" of young men with words of encouragement and guidance, Harper’s deep-rooted passion regarding the plight of today’s youth drove him to write this book, sure to change the lives of readers for years to come. ... Read more

Reviews

(RAW Rating: 4.5) - The Newest and Best Model, July 26, 2006
Hill Harper is a well-known and often lusted after actor who has played in movies such as Lackawanna Blues and the hit crime series CSI. However, LETTERS TO A YOUNG BROTHER shows a completely different side of him. Through the book, he shares his commitment to youth as well as a lot of his background and life expereinces. Harper immediately grabs your attention as he shares stories about his trailblazing family and his own Ivy League educational background. From there, he presents a series of letters which address many of the questions he receives from fans at speaking engagements, via email, or other avenues. As hereplies to these letters, he provides sound moral advice about how to live. In addition, he has reached out to some of his famous friends, other positive male role models, asking them to respond to some of the questions and includes thier responses in the book. He touches on education, financial stewardship, relationships with parents, and how to pick good friends. As he touches on the topics, he gives advice in an encouraging rather than preachy tone. In the end, readers will take away a myriad of positive messages, sound advice, and a new appreciation for the importance of hard work and personal responsibility.

Hill Harper has written a timely book that is intended for young, under-served male youth, and particularly African-American males. However, this is a book youth of any cultural or socio-economic background or gender, can benefit from reading. LETTERS TO A YOUNG BROTHER is a good book for parents, and people working with youth can also benefit from reading it. The MANifest Your Destiny Foundation, which was established by Harper, is a non-profit organization that facilitates the pairing of successful, positive role models with under-served youth and provides scholarship, grant and internship opportunities. The foundation shows the author is not just a man of talk, but also one of action. My only concern is perhaps this is a book that parents would want their children to read, rather than one they would naturally be drawn to.

Reviewed by Stacey Seay
of The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers

Front to Back Philosophy, August 17, 2006
I recommended this book to all of my book loving friends and associates because I saw Hill Harper on 106 & Park and I thought the idea for this book was BIG. I bought a copy to give to my nephews, but I wanted to read it first to make sure it was something I would want them to read.

Cons: I tried to put myself in my nephews' crazy minds and guess how they'd react to certain lines. When Harper kept saying "I love you," I'm sure my oldest nephew would've said something like "Man, I don't know him!" When Harper said he'd send a picture in his scuba gear, I'm sure both of them would've cracked up laughing and said "Ugh, what does he have on?!" Scuba gear is not exactly the coolest outfit to send a young boy. When Harper started talking about surfing, he lost me for a minute. How many young boys that he was talking to (who are thinking of making "quick money," "being in the streets," saying school "is not for me," and trying to have sex with girls would get excited about the thought of surfing? Maybe skateboarding, for those new school hip-hop heads who adore Pharrell, but surfing? Nah, I wasn't buying it. I was a little disappointed with the parts where he was supposed to be talking to the "young brother" and congratulated him on getting an A. But what if the boy reading this actually only got a C? Would that make him feel any less? Harper kept talking about the people he knew and the places he'd been. I wondered if it would come off as bragging to a young boy who has not gotten the chance to barely leave his neighborhood, so he definitely hasn't gotten out of the country.

Pros: To totally contradict my cons, there are so many young boys who have NEVER heard the words "I love you" so it may be a relief and flattering to them to read that SOMEBODY loves them. DMX was on his reality show talking about how his mother never told him that she loved him, so now he says he loves his kids at least five times a day. I'm sure that's gotta make his children feel good (and probably embarassed if he does it in front of their friends), but it could definitely be a self-esteem booster. As for the places Harper traveled, it could make young brothers want to go to those places just to see if they can have as much fun as Harper.
I loved the quotes from celebrities; those were some of the rawest and relevant quotes I've ever read. I kept hoping Reverend Run would be in there, but hey, Harper had GREAT quotes from people that young brothers would want to hear more about like Jadakiss, Denzel, Will Smith, David Banner, and Andre 3000. When I saw the letter from Nas, I was sold. What young brother would not want to read what one of the classic hip-hop lyricists EVER had to say? Then to top it off, Barack Obama is in here too! I was indeed impressed with that.
I was thoroughly entertained by the back and forth e-mails at the end of each chapter and looked forward to that more than the actual chapters. The chapters on "Friends and Family," "Finding Your Swagga," and "Sex Matters" were the strongest chapters in the book to me and I'm sure to a lot of young men.

I think every young man needs some kind of male role model and if for some reason they cannot find it in a present human being, why not a book concentrating on them?

A necessary book for all young brothers. . ., April 21, 2006
This book has resonated with myself and many whom I love. I recommend this book very highly because of the brilliant communicated message, anecdotes, quotes and most of all raw truth and inspiration. It is a necessary read for all young brothers.

Manifest the destiny, May 10, 2006
I had the great opportunity meeting/hearing Hill Harper at the Queens Public Library on May 1st 2006. I was moved with his enthusiasm to help the brothers. You felt his passion, sincerity and determination when he spoke.
Now,that I just completed reading the book I was greatly challenged to do more and step out of the shallow into the deep. This book needs to be planted in every brother's hands at achools,halfway homes, substance abuse programs and churches or wherever.
Get the book! Read the book! and Pass it on!

Realism at it's best, May 8, 2006
I love this book! I enjoyed the personality that shined through and the courage he had to open up, along with the ability to be very candid with the many topics chosen in writing this book. It's encouraging and inviting. You feel him and it makes you think and assess where you are in life, while supplying solutions/options to everyday dilemas. It's a great read for those stuck on what others think about them and has allowed those opinions to stump their growth and or potential. The book also focuses on choices, results and fulfilling your destiny by always being proactive.

Excellent, April 27, 2006
I am so excited that there is a book of hope for young men. I enjoy the positivity and love that is expressed throughout this book for our Young Kings in training. There are about 500 people that I would like to recommend this book to, and I have already made a significant dent in those on my list. Let's continue to lift up these young people in LOVE and let our lives, not our words be the encouragement to keep them motivated!

Review From A Young Sister-Good, August 22, 2006
For the record, I technically give this book 3.5 stars :)
I find it to be a straightforward, easy read that can encourage and motivate young people in general, if read and discussed with a parent or respected adult. Hill Harper seems fairly open, honest and responsible in his approach to responding to various questions that plague the minds of young brothers. Sincerity, concern and confidence resonate throughout the book and allows us adults a chance to peek into the wonderfully complex yet fascinating world of young brothers growing up today. I can see 11-15 year olds benefitting from the examples, experiences and outlooks given in this book and I recommend sharing it.

A Good Start, April 29, 2006
This isn't the most enthralling or cogent book on the subject of black male identity and destiny, but brother Harper really won me over with his heartfelt personal truths and some pretty decent writing.

I would encourage all young brothers and "mothers" of young brothers to pick up a copy of this book right away. It'll be a cool summer read, too.

DA ISAAC AT CHA!

Great Book, May 2, 2006
Great Job Hill Harper. I purchased four of them, one for each of my sons, a male friend (Harvard MD) and myself. Full of reality and realism.

Great Read, August 13, 2006
As I read this book, I thought about my high school days in Brooklyn, NY and my college years in Virginia. If I would have read this book at that time in my life, the decisions that I made at that time would have been a little more sound. I really wish I would have read this book much sooner. But I will make sure to pass it to the younger brothers that are a part of my life.

Although, this book is not a page turner, it is a GREAT read. And it will remain at the top of my list of books.

This is the perfect book for a young man who is somewhere between the end of his high school years and the end of his college years. It will help him to make decisions on life.

... Read more

Editorial Review

"An admirable and impressive work of synthesis that will give insight and satisfaction to thousands of lay readers."
THE WASHINGTON POST BOOK WORLD
In this stunningly intelligent book, Karen Armstrong, one of Britain's foremost commentators on religious affairs, traces the history of how men and women have perceived and experienced God, from the time of Abraham to the present. From classical philsophy and medieval mysticism to the Reformation, the Enlightenment, and the modern age of skepticism, Karen Armstrong performs the near miracle of distilling the intellectual history of monotheism into one superbly readable volume, destined to take its place as a classic.
... Read more

Reviews

Superb overview and a wonderful distillation of monotheism., February 27, 2000
Karen Armstrong has put together an impressive work that examines in depth the evolution of God and our perceptions of the transcendent. It's a wonderful starting point, however a dedicated reader should certainly explore other books to round out topics that the author touched lightly upon (Paul) or even omitted entirely (the influence of Eastern religions).

I think some of the criticisms levied at this book are misplaced. There seems to be a theme in these reviews that the author tends to slam Western Christianity and goes easy on Islam. This seems true to a certain extent, yet deliberate. The book is obviously aimed at Western readers; Christianity is so deeply imbued in so much of our culture that it bears a fearless scrutiny. While no doubt painful for some (Christian) readers, it's illuminating and honest. The author is obviously learned in Muslim history, yet she may have covered it in more depth than many Western readers might want. Also as one reviewer noted, "by failing to extend to Islam the razor of her sarcasm, she invites distrust". True, yet again there is so little positive perception of Islam in the West, that this appears intentional. This is the most notable flaw in the book, but not a fatal one.

What she did explain *very* well:

1. How pagan idol worship evolved into Jewish monotheism.

2. How the Trinity concept came about and grew.

3. The intellectual rift between and differences in Western and Eastern Orthodox Christianity.

4. Mysticism and it's ramifications. One reviewer called this a modern "dead end". I couldn't disagree more.

Overall, quite excellent and probably the best starting point for someone who wants to explore this fascinating topic. She has struck the best balance I've seen so far between depth, complexity and readability. Highly recommended.

If this won't shake your thinking, nothing will!, April 18, 2000
A History of God was one of the most important books I've read. Karen Armstrong fearlessly, yet respectfully, traces the history of monotheistic thought from its earliest conception to the present day, all in a readable, lay-language book. It doesn't get much better, in my opinion.

However, be cautioned. If you are inclined to cling to old dogma, or frightened by the possibility that God might not be exactly what you were taught in Sunday School, then don't bother picking up this book. It will haunt you. On the other hand, if you are seeking a more clear picture of who God might really be, if you are open to the possibility that our concept of Him has evolved enormously since the days of Abraham, then this might be an excellent read for you.

Besides a good history lesson, it is insightful for the Western reader to gain an understanding of the "non-Christian" monotheistic traditions, i.e. Judaism and Islam. Armstrong does a wonderful (and contrary to some critics, I believe a FAIR) job of explaining how both Christianity and later Islam branched off of the Judaic traditions. Above all, it places the evolution of the God-concept into its cultural context, without which, our current God-concept is little more than a wholesale belief in so much mythology.

Be prepared to think, to change your mind, and to emerge from the end of this book a changed person.

This is the Education I Should Have Received in Seminary!, July 5, 2005
Karen Armstrong teaches the development of monotheistic faith in a way I wish my seminary professors would have done.

This book is extremely well documented. Every assertion is backed by historical documents or historical evidence. The glossary alone opens up a world of terms and concepts that leaves me in a meditative awe. The Suggestions for Further Reading is definitely my shopping list for future study. In constrast, my seminary education was long on political correctness and short on factual evidence.

Armstrong deals with feminist issues honestly and with sensitivity. Impressively, she does not relinquish factual evidence for political correctness, which almost all liberal education does today. She gives us an accurate history, and at the same time, frequently reminds us these are only feeble human ideas, and not the "Ineffable God."

Also, she tells the story of modern atheism in a way that makes me nod my head in agreement without giving up my own perception of God. Wow!

Armstong does seem to fudge on the person of Mohammed. She tells how he organized men for war and brutally defeated his enemies, then almost as a direct contradiction of the evidence, she proclaims him a man of peace. Putting that aside, I've been very enlightened by her account of the Islamic faith. So many things I hadn't known!

You can't miss the point of the book. God is "ineffable," beyond all human catagories, concepts, experiences, and even beyond existence itself. That blows my mind. She makes her point beautifully without leaving me feeling too threatened. Again, seminary professors should take a lesson.

I've told all my friends about the book, and I'm sure by now they're all sick of me and Karen Armstrong. Sorry. The book is simply excellent.

Made me think -- maybe too much?, November 19, 2002
Karen Armstrong gives the readers a comprehensive view of the evolution of the three monotheistic faiths. In many respects, this is an eye-opening history, and will probably make many fundamentalists of all three faiths weep and gnash their teeth, and with good reason. We need to see that God is as much an evolving idea as He is a Being (or, perhaps, "Non-being") that creates and sustains us. Armstrong deftly shows us how the early Hebrews developed their concept of Yahweh from the early pagan war and fertility cults, how the concept of Jesus as savior and sacrifice for our sins developed, how the issue of the Trinity was addressed, and how Islam came to be.

What was distressing, though, is that while Armstrong correctly, in my opinion, points out the dangers of a literal God, goes too far in condemning an anthropomorphic God. I found myself depressed by the end of the book, questioning the conclusion, it seemed, that God did not exist, or if he did, he wasn't there as a Being. Reading this book certainly shook my faith, and I recommend reading this book with care, especially as one gets into the later chapters that focus on the development of atheism. Readers who are in a state of spiritual upheaval could find this book extremely challenging, though I believe that faith grows from our doubts.

Scholarly Dispassionate Treatment of a Difficult Subject, March 16, 2004
This book is a "must read" for anyone who seeks to learn about the similarities and differences of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. The first few chapters introduce the perception or concept of G-d as it developed in man's evolution. The core beliefs and practices of ancient religions are reviewed along with how monotheism arose. Few scholars can treat this controversial thesis without falling prey to including/expanding their own belief systems ... Ms Armstrong manages to remain cool and dispassionate. She does a thorough and detailed analysis of the philosophical and core belief systems of the three major religions of the world. She creates an impressive document detailing significant dates, events and people who had a major impact on the respective religion. She uses the correct ancient Hebrew, Greek or Islamic terms and provides translations as close to the original meaning as possible. Her words are like the lense of a telescope or microscope -- they are adjusted to convey clarity and precision. The author has no hidden agendas ... she provides only the facts.

Being of Christian background, I was most impressed with her discourse on the Trinity. Who but a religious scholar would have known that in the 300's A.D. the hottest religious debate raging was the controversy whether Jesus Christ was divine (G-d) and what was His relation to G-d the Father? A serious dichotomy of views arose between Athansius and Arius which caused a crisis of faith in the newly emerging Christian religion. Had it not been squelched, who knows how Christianity would be expressed today? The Emperor Constantince convened a conference of Bishops in Nicae, Turkey to settle the matter. Essentially, a committee made a religous decree but unfortuantely, it still left many questions unanswered ... questions which plague thinking Christian believers even in modern times. Ms Armstrong clarifies the matter as follows, while G-d has a single essence (ousia) which is incomprehensible to mankind, He has three expressions of Himself, hypostases, by which He is known. This is but one example of the many complex controversies tackled in this book. Both sides of many religious debates are presented and the reader realizes what a huge topic Ms Armstrong manages to present in a very engaging style. It is easy to see why religion has such a strong hold on the emotions and heart of mankind ... The most impressive chapters for this reader pertain to the internal differences of each religion. Ms Armstrong gives a full discourse on the differences *between* each religion ... as well the the differences of core beliefs *within* each religion, be it, Christianity, Catholicism, Orthodoxy, the Protestant movement, Judaism or Islam. This reader admires how she covered the differences within Islam. Her descriptions of the split between Shiites and Sunnis, Sufi mysticism and essential leaders in each movement are most impressive. I enjoyed her discourse on Judaism and the enlightening texts of prominent Rabbis. The reader needs to keep in mind, this book is for serious readers only. Anyone who dislikes detailed analyses will not enjoy this book, as it is a challenge for even those who *do* enjoy detailed analyses. Simpler books exist for readers looking for the basic tenets describing Christianity, Judaism, or Islam. This book provides a comparative and detailed analysis of G-d as expressed in the belief systems of three major religions in the world. This is the best book I have yet discovered on this difficult, deep, and sensitive subject. My highest recommendations. Erika Borsos (erikab93)

Heavy Going, March 5, 2002
Everybody and their brother has reviewed this book, so I'll be brief: buy it for the first 3 chapters.

I'm serious. This is a good book, but unless you know tons about the history of religious philosophy/theology, those last 300 pages are going to be tough.

If, on the other hand, you are really well-versed in all aspects of mono-theistic religious thinking (from 4th C. Eastern orthodox mysticism to 8th C. Sufism to 14th C. Islamic rationalism and the Kabbalah), then this book will be a refreshing overview -- sort of a whirl-wind tour of Man's Search for Meaning Since the Dawn of Time.

In other words, it's a tough read. That is actually to the author's credit -- it implies she didn't over-simplify and she tried to include all major thinkers in all major mono-theistic religions. But that's a tall order.

Another criticism that I have of this book is sort of a personal beef with the author. Not that I don't like Karen Armstrong, she's a fine writer, but as is evident from some of her other writings, Ms. Armstrong is on a quest for God. One she can call her own. And as her biography (Through the Narrow Gate) makes clear, she felt like she passed up a truly profound religious experience while she was a nun. So, she's continued to look for it. This search has led her to read far and wide: Jewish Kabbalah, Augustine, Aquinus, Sufi mysticism, you name it. (Which is probably how she learned all the great stuff she put in this book.) But ultimately, since she is looking for her own God, she has a bad habit of being very reductionist with everybody else's God. The conclusion you will hear over and over again, from the pre-face to the conclusion, is that God is not "out there" -- but He is the invention of each individual. In other words, he's in your head. Those exact words: "God is not 'out there'" must show up 50 times in the text. I hate to say this, but it makes me think that she is reflecting what she wants to hear from the great religious thinkers of history. It feels like she was putting her words into other people's mouths. And in doing this, she may not be being entirely faithful to what *they* said or meant.

It's obvious that, to some extent, she is trying for a peace-and-love message that says "At the base all religions are the same" and that's kind of a heart-warming message. But if the basic tenent which all religions share is the notion that God is "not out there", but is actually in your head, then I think Ms. Armstrong will not have difficulty getting someone to declare a fatwa on her.

(I'm exaggerating slightly, but the whole God is "out there" theme does come up a lot.)

Okay, so, basically, this is a good (albeit uneven) book. Buy it for the first 3 chapters, skim the rest and realize that the autor is not without a distinct point of view.

Comprehensive, Challenging, and of Great Significance, August 7, 2000
Armstrong's "History of God", much like Jaspers' "Great Philosophers", is a truly first rate introduction to the field of religious history for three primary reasons. Firstly, as somebody relatively unfamiliar with the major monotheistic traditions, I found the breadth and scope of the work to be simply amazing. The variety of periods which Armstrong covers and the extent to which she covers them makes even a new comer to the field such as myself leave the work with a significantly deeper understanding of the disciplines of western theology and religious philosophy and the course they have taken. Secondly, this work is a serious commentary on the Western European/North American mind. As somebody frequently troubled by the western (but particularly American) emphasis on the literal character of the Bible and their respective canons, Armstrong's book sheds light on the nature and history of this peculiar tradition of western European thought. Finally, the extent and rigor which Armstrong applies to her research is indicative of the high academic quality of this work. Thus while the book is of immense value to the uninitiated, even to the very scholarly it retains a high level of value. While a more thorough discussion of the modern developments in Eastern Christian thought would have been appreciated (if for nothing else but for the sake of balance), Armstrong's book is a work of amazing scholarly achievement that is at once both a fabulous introduction to understanding serious thought about the divine in Islam, Christianity, and Judaism and an amazing commentary on the world view of AMericans and Western Europeans. I recommend it very highly.

And what a history it is..., July 18, 2001
"Human beings cannot endure emptiness and desolation; they will fill the vacuum by creating a new focus of meaning. . . .we should, perhaps, ponder the history of God for some lessons and warnings." --- last paragraph of Armstrong's book.

The jacket points out that Armstrong teaches at the Leo Baeck College for the Study of Judaism and the Training of Rabbis and Teachers (as well as having spent seven years as a nun). Her academic knowledge more than shows--which is why I don't understand the reviews that claimed she was terribly biased. The book seemed to take a step back and objectively review the HISTORY of God, rather than pass judgement on one religion or another.

Armstrong demonstrates that through time, humanity has always sought to fill the void of unknowing by seeking a higher power. Thus, God will always exist, even in our increasingly godless society. She follows Man's God through history--from the dawn of time until now, and examines the reasons for the different concepts of God between the Monotheists (and even modern atheists and skeptics).

The book is complete. It's a tough read though--with a scholarly tone and complex sentence structures. It's not a beach book or even an airplane read. But it's worth your time and money if you're interested in the histories of both our most enduring concept/being (God) and of the interplay between religion and man.

Subjectivity is the name of the game, April 7, 2002
Humans have been recording their thoughts about God since the invention of writing. They have struggled to understand their place in the universe and, in doing so, develop ideas regarding their creator and purpose. Yet, ideas about the divine are much older than that, and only through writing are these thoughts relayed. In the West there are three major traditions of "people of the book", which are traditions that possess what are believed to be divinely inspired works and have committed their thoughts regarding the divine to extensive compartmentalized writings. Karen Armstrong looks at 4,000 years of religious thought in her "A History of God", a much maligned but Herculean effort designed to not only bring general understanding of historical trends and ideas in religion, but to put to paper her own ideas regarding the divine.

Armstrong seeks to document the historical events and major thinkers in the three main Western religious traditions, Judaism, Christianity and Islam. She is not looking to wrangle with theology as much as examine how ideas of God have been transformed in a historical perspective. The idea of God means different things to different people at different times and is dependent upon historical instance, place and condition. Armstrong organizes her book by first looking at the pagan foundations of these traditions, and then linearly each in turn. She subsequently moves on to the philosophy that arose and the mysticism that organically evolved. Lastly, she addresses the God as conceived in Post-Enlightenment thought and whether, put into historical perspective, God has a place in the modern world.

The major themes in the book stress the ineffability of God, God as Nothing, and most importantly, the subjective experience of God. Perhaps the greatest criticism levied against the book - and often its greatest praise - is her unrelenting attack on Christianity. Her dry evaluation seeks to put Christianity in its proper historical context, while also giving sympathetic space to one of the lesser-understood traditions in the West, Islam. Perhaps this is in reaction to Christianity being so dominant and influential, or it could be due to her seven years as a Christian nun where she left her order dissatisfied. Regardless, what one takes away is that she is not altogether fair in her evaluation of personages and thought in Christianity.

She takes the reader on a dizzying journey with an immense scope. Armstrong attempts to condense 4,000 years of religious thought into a mere 400-page book. She makes a remarkable effort at touching on the major influences, outlining the thought of the key thinkers and theological underpinnings with relative succinctness. Ultimately, for the interested reader, what mar her text are blatant errors and omissions. Armstrong has done her homework, but the inaccuracies lead one to question the overall scholarship of the book - and most insidiously - her intentions. One could chalk it up to sloppy research, but she gets so much right that when she does commit an error, coupled with her marginalization of some religious thought at the expense of others, it raises flags.

Overall, A History of God is exactly what its title leads you to expect. It is not "the" history of God; there is no definite article. It is Karen Armstrong's history of God. And if we should believe and perpetrate the subjectivity that she is a proponent of, then ultimately we learn more about her then we do in her 4,000-year relay race of religious thought.

Challenging and thought-provoking ideas, May 7, 2006
It is difficult to know where to begin when reviewing this book. What appears to the eye as a slender tome of some four hundred pages turns out to be quite a long read. The reason for this is that it covers some three thousand years of religious and philosophical history and does not skimp on the details. Sufiism, Kabbalah and Gnosticism, as well as more mainline theological ideas are all well-covered along with a healthy sprinkling of Hindu, Buddhist and Zoroastrian concepts.

Karen Armstrong begins with a discussion of the origins of monotheism and then proceeds to a describe its development within the three main monotheistic religions - Judaism, Christianity and Islam. While there are probably better, more detailed accounts of each (ie. Hodgson on Islam), she does a credible job of describing many of the nuances of the three. Her primary thesis, agree with it or not as you will, is that religion and its conception of God changes with time. She charts these changes and dwells upon the similarities and relationships between Islam, Christianity and Judaism with considerable insight. She devotes considerable time to the problems of theology each encountered and discusses specific issues such as original sin, the trinity, creation (ex nihilo versus emanation) and the perennial conflict between rationalism and mysticism.

While many who practise the faiths in question will find much of what she says disturbing or heretical, her ideas provoke thoughtful contemplation. She is generally even-handed in her analysis and has a sympathetic tone for almost all of the ideas on which she touches. She is perhaps harshest with Christianity - not surprisingly - since according to the introduction, she spent her early life in the Catholic tradition. Her softest spot seems to be for mystical spirituality and she gives short shrift to modern-day fundamentalism. I find curious her idea that atheism is one in a long line of mystical approaches to the spiritual.

If I have one concern with this book it is that it is too much Karen Armstrong and not enough of anyone else. She holds strong views on nearly everything and is unafraid to state them as if they were objective truths. Dissenting voices are often entirely ignored, leaving the reader unfamiliar with this material feeling that opinions are facts. While the author's analysis is sharp, fresh and eye-opening, it is not necessarily the last word on the subject. Still, as one who comes from the Christian faith, I would recommend this book to those who don't mind having their pre-conceived notions challenged. ... Read more

Editorial Review

Have you ever wondered why we Christians do what we do for church every Sunday morning? Why do we “dress up” for church? Why does the pastor preach a sermon each week? Why do we have pews, steeples, choirs, and seminaries? This volume reveals the startling truth: most of what Christians do in present-day churches is not rooted in the New Testament, but in pagan culture and rituals developed long after the death of the apostles. Coauthors Frank Viola and George Barna support their thesis with compelling historical evidence in the first-ever book to document the full story of modern Christian church practices. ... Read more

Reviews

For those willing to 'take the red pill', January 17, 2008
Is today's Church into a revolution that will someday be understood as greater than the 16th Century Protestant Reformation?

Pagan Christianity by Frank Viola and George Barna will certainly add fuel to the fire of those affirming so. Most evangelicals would consider such a suggestion as absurd, or at best, exaggerated. Yet, undeniably, there is a grass roots revolution taking place on a global scale in Christendom about what it means to be the Church of Jesus Christ.

Basically the authors are making three points:

1) A great deal of what we do in church today does not come from the New Testament.

2) Much of what is practiced originated out of Greco-Roman customs and traditions (paganism, not Judaism), and/or human-made inventions.

3) Many of these practices actually hinder the church from being what God designed her to be.

The over-arching question the authors seem to be asking is: Do the practices of modern institutional churches reflect a God-ordained/inspired development, or are they a departure from it?

Of course, one must read the book to understand why Viola and Barna indeed question "church" as most of us know it.

Beware, though. This book comes with a WARNING:

If you are unwilling to have your Christianity seriously examined, do not read beyond this page...Spare yourself the trouble of having your Christian life turned upside down. (pg.7)

A glance at the content chapters will suffice as to the reason for the warning!

1-Have We Really Been Doing It By The Book?
2-The Church Building: Inheriting the Edifice Complex.
3-The Order of Worship: Sunday Mornings Set In Concrete
4-The Sermon: Protestantism's Most Sacred Cow
5-The Pastor: Obstacle To Every-Member Functioning
6-Sunday Morning Costumes: Covering Up The Problem
7-Ministers of Music: Second-String Clergy
8-Tithing and Clergy Salaries: Sore Spots On The Wallet
9-Baptism and the Lord's Supper: Diluting The Sacraments
10-Christian Education: Swelling The Cranium
11-Reapproaching the New Testament: The Bible Is Not A Jigsaw Puzzle
12-A Second Glance at the Savior: Jesus The Revolutionary
-The Next Step
-Final Thoughts: Q&A with Viola and Barna

If not already offended at some of the chapter titles, I can almost guarantee you will be after reading what is actually said concerning these staples of institutional Christianity! As difficult as it is to read material that questions church as we know it, this is a well documented book, with over 1200 enlightening footnotes from church historians, theologians down through the ages, the reformers and church fathers themselves, and an extensive eleven page bibliography.

Each of the above issues is traced back to its roots of origin and how it evolved over the years into what we have today. The traditions are then examined in the light of what the New Testament actually teaches. Each is shown--in its current form--to NOT be a New Testament practice, but rather, traditions rooted in paganism absorbed by the church down through the ages. Today, what we assume as "normal Christian practices," would have been strange aberrations for first-century believers.

Of all the chapters, the toughest for me to deal with personally was the chapter, Reapproaching the New Testament. The authors question the evangelical church's "clipboard approach" to the Bible where we cut and paste portions of text from one document into another to say "Scripture teaches..." I am still giving this whole issue some thought, but admit a lot of what they point out is true.

But I predict the most controversial chapter will be Chapter Five, "The Pastor" where the birth of the one-bishop rule is traced. Suffice it to say, this makes for some challenging reading, that will most certainly be hotly contested by many in our established church institutions.

One note of clarification: I do not hear the authors saying that because these practices are pagan, that they are wrong. Many things we do today are rooted in paganism (eg. our calendars, days of the week, etc.) What I do hear them asking is, which of these current practices/traditions actually hinder the church from being the church that God designed and ordained her to be?

For those willing to "choose to 'take the red pill' and be shown 'how deep the rabbit hole goes'...if you want to learn the true story of where your Christian practices came from...if you are willing to have the curtain pulled back on the contemporary church and its traditional presuppositions fiercely challenged...then you will find this work to be disturbing, enlightening, and possibly life changing." (PG, page 7)

Some valid issues, but wrong (or at least insufficient) solution, January 6, 2008
This is a controversial book with tons of valid points, and ultimately, at least for me, an unsatisfying conclusion.

Here, in a nutshell, is the argument of the book:

1. The origin of many of our church practices (examples: church buildings, orders of worship, sermons, pastors, tithing, clergy salaries) is non-biblical and inconsistent with the practice of the early church.

2. Just because something does not appear in the Bible does not mean it is wrong. However, our non-biblical church practices often hinder the development of our faith and keep us from encountering the living God.

3. "The church in its contemporary, institutional form has neither a biblical nor a historical right to function as it does." (p. xx)

4. The church must return to its biblical roots. At a personal level, we must ask questions of church as we know it and pray seriously about what our response should be.

This book threatens a lot that pastors and churches hold dear. But it should be evaluated on the evidence, not on how much it will cost us if they're right.

Most of the book traces the origins of common church practices today. They succeed in showing what should be fairly obvious: many of our practices do not appear in the Bible, which in itself does not make them wrong. Barna and Viola argue, however, that many of these practices are harmful.

It's when you get to their solution that, in my view, the wheels fall off. Viola and Barna argue: ""the church in its contemporary, institutional form has neither a biblical nor a historical right to function as it does." (p. xx)

It could be that Viola and Barna are correct, but I don't think they've proved their case. Pointing out problems with a model means that the problems need addressing. It doesn't necessarily mean that the entire model is wrong.

It's one thing to argue that there are problems with our existing ways of doing church. I'm fully prepared to accept this. It's also OK to argue that other models of church sidesteps these issues, but it could be that they end up encountering a whole set of other issues - as is the case. But is it possible for institutional models to be redeemed? Viola and Barna say no. I'm not so sure.

I'd much prefer to ask questions that get to the heart of the concerns they raise, such as if it's possible for a church to use a building missionally consistent with its true nature. Also, how can we move beyond being pastor-driven, give more to the poor, spend less on institutional maintenance, etc. These questions may or may not lead to shutting down institutional churches, but they need to be answered.

This book, I think, gets at the right questions, but ends up writing too much off. They don't make a sufficient case for anyone to say that almost everyone has got it wrong until now.

In conclusion: Barna and Viola have raised some valid issues. Some dynamics of church life that should be present often aren't. We need to take these seriously. However, their conclusion ultimately falls short. There is room for all kinds of churches, including the institutional and the organic. What matters more than structure is the life contained within. Still, I hope institutional churches will take some of the issues they raise to heart.

Spiritual Revolution Instead of Religious Reformation, January 26, 2008
"Pagan Christianity? Exploring the Roots of Our Church Practices," may very well be the most important book written on the Christian church in the last two millennia. Frank Viola and George Barna team up to give their readers a critical examination of the last 1700 years of church history. Does the institutional church have any biblical and historical right to exist? "Are the practices of the institutional church (the clergy/laity system, salaried pastors, sacred buildings, the order of worship, etc.) God-approved developments to the church that the New Testament envisions? Or are they an unhealthy departure from it?"

The first edition of this book entitled, "Pagan Christianity: The Origins of Our Modern Church Practices" by Frank Viola... is the third book written in a set of five books on church restoration and organic church life. Viola and George Barna, Christian pollster and author of the book "Revolution," have co-authored the newly revised and updated "Pagan Christianity?: Exploring the Roots of Our Church Practices." Barna brings to the book a fresh look and a polished language that improves on the delivery of Viola's original work. Barna, who has caused no small stink upon his recent confessions regarding the church, makes his decision to leave the institutional church complete with the publication of this book. If it wasn't clear in his book "Revolution"... it is certainly clear now.

I enjoyed the new format of this book. At the end of each chapter, the authors give the reader a "Delving Deeper" section which lists common questions with answers in return. I felt that this helped to clarify what the authors were truly saying in order that fact might be separated from fiction. I also enjoyed the updated references and the plethora of footnotes listed at the bottom of each page. These references may be in a smaller font, but they are the entire foundation of historicity which resulted in the penning of this book. Therefore, the serious reader will not want to overlook the footnotes. The reader will also find the "Summary of Origins" and "Key Figures in Church History" in the back of the book a great help as well. The book may look like a long read... yet, you will find that your interest is peaked beyond that of any other historical book you have ever read. You will read until you are done... or until you have thrown it out the window.

The serious questions raised in this book will give the Christian reader more than enough to wrestle over. Viola traces the pagan origins of almost every church practice that institutional Christianity holds dear and holds it to the light of the New Testament. I remember first reading the original "Pagan Christianity" over a year ago. I had spent 6 years of my life in "vocational ministry" within the institutional church and I had a degree in Religion/Biblical Studies. I had just resigned from my position as Minister to Students/Education because the church's leaders were opposed to fundamental teachings of Jesus. My wife and I saw that we could no longer serve among them. It was during this time that I began to read and study like never before. I was seeking to be a senior pastor in a church somewhere in the United States. I studied church history, ecclesiology, Christology, etc. I was seeking the Lord's will for his church. I compiled a list of what the New Testament described the church looked like in fellowship and among the world. With the help of Viola's book, I quickly realized that my list did not reflect the church I knew and that that church could not be seen in the model of the traditional church. I had to rethink my understanding of it all.

I know how hard this read will be for many people, especially clergy members. "Pagan Christianity?" will, no doubt, be a most uncomfortable read for all those who believe the Body of Christ is an institution. For the clergy member, the read will almost be impossible. At every turn of the page... the flesh will flare up in a horrible display of arrogance and pride. Many will scoff at its claims and discourage others from reading it before an honest examination can be made. If the reader is not prepared to reexamine his faith and practice for a paradigm shift... he or she might as well leave this book well alone. If the reader is not yet at the end of their rope in frustration against the church practices and shallow conception of Christ that is believed and taught within the institutional church... this book will only breed anger and confusion. But, if you were like me a year ago... you are tired and want answers... and you want more of Christ... then please read this book and allow yourself to be moved by it. I encourage you to have an honest conversation with the Lord as you read. And listen to his still small voice.

To the rabid opponents of this book, I strongly recommend you speak to no one before you have done truthful research concerning these matters AND have had an honest conversation with Jesus first. Many will argue that this book only proposes another "form" or method of church. This book is not about forms, but about principles. To argue forms... is to miss the point of this book. Many will make preposterous claims that this book seeks to tear down the church of Jesus Christ, when in all reality... this book exalts Jesus Christ of Nazareth and submits that we return to simple community gathered around his headship free from the inventions of man and religion that hinders the Body from every-member functioning. This book does not propose we mimic the model of first-century Christianity, but that we mimic our Lord. Out of our Lord's commands and the principles of his person and work (i.e. life and teachings) will come normal Christian church life!

Why has this book been written? The authors write, "we have written this book for one reason: to make room for the absolute centrality, supremacy, and headship of Christ in His church." (p.250) This statement alone should be enough for any true follower of Christ to pick up and read. But unfortunately, many people, for whatever reason, will choose to accept slander about the authors (even from trusted pastors) as enough reason to discredit and discount them as credible voices of truth in mainline Christianity. This is an incredible action considering that many institutional churches in the last decade have built their entire plan of attack off the statistical findings of pollster George Barna. On top of that... both of these men boldly proclaim Christ in way that is undeniably and unmistakably from a spirit of love and edification. The premature responses of the majority prove how mankind is driven by mere human emotions and tradition... instead of biblical truth discovered through a consistent and verifiable method of biblical interpretation that seeks to exalt Christ above all things.

This reviewer and ex-clergy member challenges you to consider the message of these men. Compare the claims of this book with the Christ and the church of the New Testament before you decide who and what are truly following and being a reflection of pagan Christianity. All of us must choose between spiritual revolution (i.e. return to Christ) or religious reformation (i.e. tweaking the old pagan systems). One of these will release the church from her chains and free her from the bondage of man's religion to experience the natural faith of Christ. The other will only prolong God's people from beholding Christ in majesty and splendor to the world. There is only one life to live. Choose wisely.

I also recommend reading:
From Eternity to Here: Rediscovering the Ageless Purpose of God
The Centrality of Jesus Christ (Works of T. Austin-Sparks)
Going to the Root: Nine Proposals for Radical Church Renewal
God's Ultimate Passion: Unveiling the Purpose Behind Everything
Christ the Sum of All Spiritual Things
The Release of the Spirit
Paul's Idea of Community: The Early House Churches in Their Cultural Setting, Revised Edition

Why Do We Put On Our Best Duds For Church?, January 7, 2008
The answer to this question and many others of more significance will be found in Pagan Christianity. The authors have painstakingly dug into the archives of history and shown the origins of the most striking features of the institutional Christianity that emerged in post-apostolic times -- things like the church building, the order of worship, the sermon, the pastor, dressing up for church, seminaries, the altar call and tithing.

This book is a fascinating read just from a historical vantage point. For example, you learn that Christians were in the catacombs not because of persecution, but because they wanted to be near the dead. The church service in France is called "aller a sermon" (go to a sermon). There are a myriad of details drawn from church history that help one understand how certain traditions became entrenched in the way church was done.

While there are certainly allusions to organic New Testament perspecives in the course of the book, it is not ultimately about solutions. Pagan Christianity is about documenting the Greco-Roman origins of many church practices that stand in open opposition to the New Testament revelation. "The sermon" is one tradition that arose from pagan, not biblical soil. In a book to come out later in 2008, "Reimagining Church," Frank will unfold more specific pathways to practicing community that would contribute to untangling the churchy mess we find ourselves in.

Because this book challenges ecclesiastical motherhood and apple pie, it will no doubt be a hard pill for many to swallow. But it must be stressed that the major points in PC are confirmed by the historical research of scholars from all across the theological spectrum. Emil Brunner concluded in 1952:

"...what was known as ecclesia in primitive Christianity -- [is] so very different from what is to-day called the Church both in Roman and Protestant camps . . . . many theologians and Church leaders are . . . so much the more painfully aware of the disparity between the Christian fellowship of the apostolic age and our own 'churches,' and cannot escape the impression that there may perhaps be something wrong with what we now call the Church . . . . It is in fact the opinion of the author that the Church itself, in so far as it identifies itself with the Ecclesia of the New Testament, rests upon a misunderstanding" (The Misunderstanding of the Church, London: Lutterworth Press, 1952, pp.5-6).

Likewise, one of the foremost New Testament theologians of our times affirmed with clarity some of the central theses of of PC:

"Increasing institutionalism is the clearest mark of early Catholicism -- when church becomes increasingly identified with institution, when authority becomes increasingly coterminous with office, when a basic distinction between clergy and laity becomes increasingly self-evident, when grace becomes increasingly narrowed to well-defined ritual acts. We saw above that such features were absent from first generation Christianity, though in the second generaton the picture was beginning to change" (James D.G. Dunn, Unity & Diversity in the New Testament, Westminster Press, 1977, p.351).

The quest for authentic, organic ekklesia must begin by an examination of the key components and pillars of what people have come to associate with church. Pagan Christianity has done a superb job of demonstrating that most of what we assume is necessary to practice church is of very suspect origin, and comes into conflict with the simplicity of Christ found in the pages of the New Testament.

I would strongly encourage anyone who hungers for the expression of Christ in his body on earth in our day to read Pagan Christianity and explore the implications for their lives. I was greatly blessed by working my way through this material.

Jon Zens, Editor, Searching Together

Don't read this book if you are happy in a church pew!, January 17, 2008
Tyndale is known for publishing Christian books and has shown a daring initiative in publishing this book that questions traditional church practices. In the publisher's preface we read `Tyndale does not necessarily agree with all of the author's positions and realises that some readers may not either. At the same time, we stand united with Frank and George in our desire to see the church operate according to biblical principles and be a full expression of God's grace and truth. Furthermore, the authors raise important questions based on their careful research, study, and experiences, and we believe these questions should not be ignored. Our aim is for you to consider their conclusions and then pray seriously about your response'.

This book is a revised and expanded hard cover version of the book Frank Viola published some years ago, and he has teamed up with George Barna, well known for his research and statistics of church, and who has been hailed as "the most quoted person in the Christian church today". Barna's book `Revolution' is being widely read in home churches across the world.

Many traditional church practices are often unquestioned and regarded at least as a `given', or are thought to have had their roots in the Bible. When many of these are examined and researched as Frank has done, they are shown to be man-made traditions that the earliest church knew nothing of and in fact many hinder the church. Some practices within the following aspects of traditional church life are addressed in this book - `The Church Building', "The Order of Worship', `The Sermon', `The Pastor', `Sunday Morning Costumes', `Ministers of Music', `Tithing and Clergy Salaries', `Baptism and the Lord's Supper', and `Christian Education'. If you are happy in a traditional church pew, then don't read this book!

The actual content of the chapters is little different to the older edition, but the big advantage of this book lies in the additions Frank has made in corroboration with George Barna. There is a `Delving deeper' section at the end of each chapter, couched as a dialogue between Frank and George, tackling questions raised from the chapter just read. They have done this very well, and these could be the basis for small group discussion and sharing.

Another helpful aspect of the book is that it can be read on two levels. The copious footnotes that point to sources, further points that could be considered, extra reading or explanations, provide an opportunity for deeper study. However, a straight read through the book without a serious look at the footnotes, provides lots of information and challenges. A downside of the book is that the footnotes are in very small print unlike the earlier edition where the footnotes were much easier to read.

A very helpful part of this later edition is the Afterward. The first section is entitled `The Next Step' and calls for a response and for community. The challenges are listed as
i. A new approach to worship
ii. A new approach to spiritual growth
iii. A new approach to managing resources
iv. A new look at identity
This is followed by an excellent question and answer chapter dealing with `hot potato' issues arising from the challenges to traditional church and its practice, found in the book.
Both editions have a helpful summary of origins and dates when church traditions and practices commenced, and also a listing of key figures in church history with a brief word or two about their contribution.

A major add-on to this book is a web based download with a free discussion guide and resources for groups and individuals.

One of the difficulties home churches struggle with is the `pull' back to the old familiar ways people have come from in traditional church. It is one thing for folk to step out of the traditional way of church, but to get the traditional ways out of us is much harder, when many of us have been conditioned in these ways for a long time. Some harbaur secret, or overt fears, that they might be stepping `out of the ark' by moving to a home church. This book will be an enormous help for groups to `kill the sacred cows' that still `stick'. It brings ways and practices out into the cold light of day and exposes them for what they are - backed by thorough research. While we hang onto the past, we often remain `stuck' and fail to move forward in freedom towards the future Jesus is calling us to. I suggest that groups study this book and slaughter those `cows'!

Time for a courageous reexamination, January 13, 2008
As George Barna has well documented, the church landscape of America is changing rapidly. A key element of this change is a spreading reexamination of the very nature and practice of church. The extent of this reexamination is demonstrated by the fact that a major publisher like Tyndale would today publish a book like "Pagan Christianity". Even five years ago this would have been unheard of!

Consider these words in the Publisher's Preface: "...the authors raise important questions based on their careful research, study, and experiences, and we believe these questions should not be ignored. Our aim is for you to consider their conclusions and then pray seriously about your response."

Amazing!

This fits with my personal journey. As a pastor in evangelical churches for 25 years, I held strongly to the idea that "the Bible is our authoritative guide for faith and practice". I preached that, as followers of Jesus, we should courageously examine our lives in light of Scripture and, with God's help, be ready to make changes. I believe most evangelical pastors seek to live and minister from this same core foundational concept.

However, in recent years, a growing number of us have been recognizing a major blind spot in the living out of our commitment to a Biblical lifestyle. That blind spot is ecclesiology (the doctrine of the church). I believe "Pagan Christianity" will play a vital role in shaping the growing conversation on this subject over the next year. Well researched and well written, the book is accessible to both church leaders and those formerly known as "the laity".

Seems to me it's time for every church, whether traditional or non-traditional, to promote an open minded and respectful discussion and courageous reexamination about what our "authoritative guide" has to say about this critical topic. "Pagan Christianity" will provide a stimulating starting point for that conversation.

Every Person Who Attends a Church Should Read This, January 17, 2008
I went to a four year conservative Bible College and believed like most people that what we have been told through our "guided tour" of church history was truth and a proper N.T. way to do things. We have been told what to believe for so long that these traditions have somehow become truth and we no longer even question what we do or believe in church.

There are many people out there today who have turned to the church for help and have only been turned away or have been hurt in the long run. Have you placed your trust in the institution we call the "church" only to walk away scratching your head wondering why things turned out the way they did? I have spoken with many, many people who have terrible stories. After going through my own trial with a church and church people I finally studied the right information and my eyes were opened to a big problem. The word "church" comes from the N.T. Greek word "ekklesia". The word "church" does not actually appear in the Greek N.T. One problem I see is that the ekklesia mentioned in the N.T. is not the same as what we call "church" today. There has been a political evolution of the so-called church for over 1,700+ years. It has evolved into something that it was never meant to be. It finally dawned on me (with the help of Pagan Christianity) that one major reason what we call the church fails is that it really isn't what was originally set-up by our Lord. Today's "church" is basically made-up and ran entirely on the traditions of men that pastors like to preach about from week to week. It was never meant to be this way and it shows. We cannot expect churches to be a cure-all answer for our problems because in many ways they have become nothing more than country-clubs filled with emotion that never brings lasting results, social activities that aren't much different than activities done by any other social group, and politically motivated agendas that point a finger at what those outside of the "church" are doing instead of looking at what those in the church are doing. Instead of helping people in many cases they are discouraging people. If this was what Christ had in mind then it seems evident that it would be much more of a success than what it is. But......have hope-- there is an answer out there. Part of it can be found in Pagan Christianity.

After an un-wanted marital divorce which was encouraged and even promoted by "church people" I began looking at what church-goers really do and believe. I began writing my own book about the present contradictions of church beliefs. During this process I discovered Frank Viola's original version of "Pagan Christianity". I am even more grateful that this book has been updated and co-authored by Barna and that it has been given more promotion within the Christian retail market.

I think it is definite "required reading" for every person of the Christian faith. We should no longer simply believe what we have been told equals "TRUTH". Tradition never equals truth and never will. Christians like to chastise those who follow the faith of Judaism because of their willingness to hold onto the oral tradition over the written Torah but Christians are just as guilty if not more so for holding on with a secure grip to the traditions of man rather than the Word of God.

Church has become nothing more than a socio-political outlet for the masses. We worry about who is wearing what to church and who has on their Sunday best. While we are worrying about our Sunday best we tend not to notice that we give God our Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday WORST!

Many of our church fathers did good and wonderful things but at the same time many of them did terrible things and if you search you will find that these men did many troublesome things in the name of promoting their faith. We never seem to hear about these things when we take that above mentioned "guided tour" of church history. As it has been said many times, "The Reformation did not reform the church." Much of what we believe and practice today came from the days of Constantine who seemingly did what was politically expedient to promote his own agenda and from the days of the so-called Reformers. All of these years later we are still waiting for true reformation. History shows us that many, many of our early church fathers and Reformers were anti-semitic. I've often wondered how men who are haters of the Jewish people can properly interpret Jewish Scriptures and more importantly----how can they love a Jewish Savior? It's contradictory to me for someone to hate the Jewish people yet claim to love a Christ who was Jewish himself. Again, we have been taught that Jesus was far away from the practice of Judaism but this is not substantiated in the N.T. Even Jesus said that we should do what the Pharisees teach yet not do what they practice. Apparently Jesus agreed with the teachings of the Pharisees.....he just didn't agree with their contradictory lifestyle. That makes me think, "Why would he agree with the contradictory lifestyle of the average church goer either"?

The church today is worried more about what the people outside of the church are doing instead of looking inward and focusing on what the people inside its own walls are doing. As C.S. Lewis alluded to--"People are good at expecting others to live in a manner that they are not willing to live themselves." Nowhere is this visualized more than in the modern church.

There are many areas that "Pagan Christianity" does not cover about our pagan roots and this was an intentional process by the authors. I've said things that are not covered in the book and that is intentional on my part.

If you are truly concerned about your faith and want to discover things that you will NEVER be told from the pulpit or your seminary classes then this is the place you need to start. Hopefully you can take this information and draw the proper conclusions. My research led me down a different path that is not necessarily the path of the authors. My faith in God and Jesus as our Messiah is much stronger now than it ever has been.

I think this book should be used as a beginning point towards further research that will spark your mind and light your path towards knowing the truth of the Scriptures.

A Christian Landmark, January 23, 2008
Frank Viola and George Barna have done the church a great service by delving into history to discover our roots. Reading this thoroughly researched and footnoted work is like having a vast library at our fingertips. If you are open to change and personal transformation, then prepare to be inspired.

I have visited one of the organic churches Frank started, and I can tell you from experience that what he describes and continues to labor for is the real deal. I have seen with my own eyes why Frank and George are so passionate. Once you have joined in the joyful banquet of dynamic, participatory, and Spirit-orchestrated church life, you will never want to turn back to the dry days of man-controlled, pride-centered, guilt-driven, gift-stifling, and Spirit-less religion again.

Church life at its best is not easy to find in this day and age, but it is well worth the effort to get there. It is all at once peaceful, loving, creative, spontaneous, inspiring, liberating, and graceful. God bless you both, Frank and George, for helping us find our way home. And God bless you, Tyndale publishers, for having the courage and vision to bring us this remarkable work.

A refreshingly well-researched and well-written look at something uncommonly challenged, January 15, 2008
I read Frank's earlier edition of Pagan Christianity and found that the research and writing were right on target for handling such "sensitive" material. The new edition is an enhancement to what was already an eye-opening account. Church practices, in their modern day form, are very rarely questioned on such a fundamental level. I often hear a call for "church reform" or "revival" to the church, but I had never before heard this kind of bold call for change; change from the very roots of the traditions of men that have its leaders calling for "reform" in the first place. This edition features new footnotes and expanded commentary that leaves very few questions with the reader. If people are open and willing to see the true purpose of the Church from Christ's perspective, this book will be a welcomed relief from all they have been taught to believe the church is.

How can these things be?, January 8, 2008
This is a great update to a already great book. If you are new to frank viola be warned,this is a roller coaster ride. If you are a church leader who benefits from the status quo you will not like the thought of your people reading these pages. I went through many feelings while reading this book from anger to confusion to finally hope. We know something is wrong ,is house church the only answer, I am not sure but one thing is sure the things we do now in the name of Christ were not first century traditions but pagan add ons . ... Read more

Editorial Review

DID THE FREEMASONS CREATE THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA?
Step back in time to the birth of a revolutionary new republic and discover how the utopian ideals of a visionary secret society laid the foundation for the most powerful nation on earth. Follow George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, John Hancock and other Founding Fathers as they transform the democratic principles of their Masonic lodges into a radical new nation.
Solomon's Builders unravels history from myth as it takes you on a Freemason's tour of Washington, D.C. It reveals the evidence of Masonic influence during the construction of America and its new capital, including clues hidden in plain sight:

• Masonic connections to national monuments
• Puzzling pentagrams and symbolism in city streets
• Washington's temples of the "Widow's Sons"

Reviews

Factual Information on Freemasonry, February 5, 2007
It is refreshing to finally read a book on Freemasonry, written by a freemason. In his new book "Solomon's Builders", Christopher Hodapp presents traditions, explainations on masonry, history of famous freemasons and dispelling myths of Washington D.C. and its buildings regarding freemasons. Several recent books, fictional and non-fiction alike, have used symbols and ritual explainations of Freemasonry but wrongly or half truths. Without sharing signs or symbols reserved for those who seek Masonic membership, Hodapp brings the reader to an understanding of the Masonic world for the mason and non-mason alike.

If novels about masonry are leaving you wondering about Freemasonry, then read "Solomon's Builders" for reliable information.

Deserves a prominent place in every Freemasons bookshelf, April 9, 2007
Without question this book is sure to become a classic for Freemasons or those interested in Freemasonry. Incredibly well written based on extensive research and with a detailed bibliography to support the thesis. RWB Hodapp unfolds a tale that spans centuries of politics and characters in a smooth narrative that keeps the reader turning each page anxious to find out 'what happened next'.

Solomon's Builders covers the history and influence of Freemasonry in the founding of the United States and links the institution firmly within the enlightenment ideals that were spreading like wildfire around the globe; largely spread through Masonic lodges dispensing their own form of democracy and equality in every land.

This book is being marketed in hopes of taking advantage of the hype that will likely surround Dan Brown's next book 'Solomon's Key'. I can only encourage every person who reads Browns next work of fiction to turn to RWB Hodapp's well documented non-fiction presentation of the real story behind the myth.

Solomon's Builders: An accurate origin of the founding of America, July 13, 2007
I am an active Freemason for more than 4 decades. Bro. Hodapp's work is the first well written account of the philosophical thinking that led to the formation of a common man's democracy. This is the reference book that teachers need to read and public schools use in their American History classes. There are countless books written by non-masons on the origin of America but non give credit to the Freemasons for their ideas such as freedom, public schools, constitutions, bill of rights, and government by vote of those who owned land.

Karl Grube, Ph.D., President - Bonisteel Masonic Library - Ann Arbor

Great Book!!, September 10, 2007
This is by the same author that wrote Freemasonry For Dummies. Both books are very informative and enjoyable to read if you interested in freemasony or just history of the United States

Great historical reading!, October 30, 2008
I really enjoyed this book. I've been reading Chris Hodapp's works for a while now and enjoy his style. He adds enough detail needed to make his points grounded in context, but it is not nearly as detailed or entrenched in volumes of history like Born In Blood.

He covers the founding of Freemasonry in the USA, as well as the Masonic influences (and addressing of some conspiracies) in the framing of the US government and establishment of the Capitol City, Washington DC.

This book is not a difficult read, and easily digested.
It can serve as a good starting point for historians and Masons interested in the origin of The Craft in the USA as well.
Well done!

It's hard to neatly peg this guide, June 8, 2007
SOLOMON'S BUILDERS: FREEMASONS, FOUNDING FATHERS AND THE SECRETS OF WASHINGTON, D.C. deserves repeated and ongoing mention as an excellent survey of Freemason influences on United States history. It's hard to neatly peg this guide: it could go under new age or American history as neatly as in spirituality sections - so any library covering any of these topics needs SOLOMON'S BUILDERS, which presents a Freemason's tour of Washington D.C. and charts Masonic influence during the construction of America, from national monuments and symbolism in city streets to temples and keys to religious insights.

Shedding "Light" on Masonic Myths in the Nation's Capitol, November 21, 2007
This title sheds a great deal of light on the Masonic myths surrounding our nation's capitol. With an easy-to-read style and a factual storehouse of Masonic information, Hodapp delivers another insightful book for 21st century readers. He is anticipating the release by Dan Brown of "The DaVinci Code" sequel, which is to focus on Freemasonry and the beginnings of Washington D.C. Before any misunderstandings or misrepresentations of the order can take root and grow, Hodapp describes in detail the many ties between Freemasonry and the founding of the nation's capitol. He also informs the reader of what ties DON'T exist, dispelling myths that have arisen over the years.

This book is an excellent read. I recommend it highly to Masons and non-Mason alike. It's well-worth the price.

A VERY ENJOYABLE READ!, March 20, 2007
This book deals with America's Founding Father's and their Freemasonry. It also delves into the City of Washington, DC and the role Freemasons had in building, designing and living in it. I really enjoyed this book! I regretted reading the last page. I wanted it to continue! Overall, an excellent book covering an extremely interesting topic.

Another Good One from Hodapp, July 4, 2007
I loved Freemasons for Dummies and was equally impressed with Solomon's Builders as well. Very informative, and well sourced. Highly recommend both of his books.
Tony

Balanced and Realistic sharing of Light, April 18, 2010
I highly recommend this book. Bro. Hodapp did an excellent job presenting the true value of masonry and the significant positive influence the Craft had on the Founding Fathers of this country. I particularly liked the realistic presentation of the historic social and cultural issues of the day and how masonry provided a different reality for its members. Overall, the content of this book is both educational and enjoyable. ... Read more

Editorial Review

God is the treasure of our lives. He is part of everything wedo, think, act, and say-literally, he is a part of us. Thisprecious heirloom of Christ himself must be passed on to futuregenerations. But how?

Treasuring God in Our Traditions presents theimportance of passing along Christ-centered traditions and aBible-saturated legacy in Christ to future generations. NoëlPiper helps her readers recognize how the "everyday" routines oflife and the "especially" celebrations of holidays and dates can bepractically passed down to future generations. When parents andgrandparents seek to pass along the treasure of God to theirchildren and grandchildren, they will develop and deepen their lovefor him.

When family traditions are rooted in the Bible, the nextgenerations will see that the greatest treasure that anyone canhave is the treasure of God.

Reviews

This book was a blessing and encouragement, December 22, 2005
I'm a new mom and relatively new to the marriage thing as well. As we discuss how we want to raise our family, what traditions from our own backgrounds we want to blend, and most of all, our desire to exemplify our love for God to our children, it has been easy to get overwhelmed and discouraged. Noel Piper hits the nail on the head, the truth that our children can't "inherit" Christ from us but that the traditions we pass on can point them to a true knowledge of him. Instead of empty habits, we want to be intentional about our everyday and "especially" traditions, teaching our kids what we believe and why. Thank you, Pipers!

Wonderfully applicable, March 27, 2004
About all I can do is echo the earlier reviewers... Noel Piper gives amazingly wonderful thought to why we do thing we do, and how important it is to consciously bring God into our daily routine and traditions. I can see she's done it in her family, and her suggestions are wonderful starting points for creating your own traditions. I, too, have been giving this to all my friends as they start their new families.

Excellent Look at the Role of Tradition in your Family, November 24, 2008
When I was a child, I looked forward to each major holiday in our home as a time when we would do the same family activities in the same way year after year. Even today, I treasure traditions I grew up with and hold to them very closely. They continue to give me a sense of belonging, of comfort, and of anticipation. In Noel Piper's book, Treasuring God in Our Traditions, she states that "both heirlooms and traditions strengthen our sense of history and belonging" (15). In our chaotic and hectic lifestyles, we need, as Christian families, to think through our traditions and intentionally set out to develop the best of what we grew up with, as well as the best of what we develop for our current families. Piper's book is full of practical suggestions and inspiration for doing just that!

Piper begins by establishing that the most valuable family heirloom we have is our relationship with Christ. If this is true in our lives, then we should structure our "everyday traditions" and our "especially traditions" around this fact. Traditions and ceremonies in our home become visual representations of our faith and allow our children, as well as visitors in our home, to see our faith illustrated in concrete and tangible ways.

The ceremonies, yearly feasts, and remembrances God gave the Israelites in the Old Testament speak of the power of such annual events. God designed these times as reminders for the adults, as well as teaching times for the children. Piper defines a tradition as, "The things we do regularly that help us in our deepest being to know and love and want God, the things that help our lives to be infiltrated with God--those things are tradition. And then if there are children in our lives, to pass these God-focused activities to the next generation--that's what tradition is for a Christian." (25).

The next question is how traditions are imparted, or how they teach the truths we want them to express. Piper responds with two main points. First, tradition must be intentional. It must be planned. We must think beforehand what we want our holidays to say, and then plan traditions that will support that teaching. Second, tradition must be consistent. We must do things the same way each year, while being flexible and realizing that some things change with the ages of our children, or the make-up of our family.

A particularly profitable section of the book is two chapters devoted to "everyday traditions". We often live very hectic lives with chaotic schedules at a haphazard and frantic pace. We do not have time to do intentional things, nor do we spend much time thinking about the day-to-day rituals of our lives. Piper gives many practical suggestions about ordering your child's day, scheduling one-on-one time with Dad, doing morning chores, accomplishing bed-time, going to church, and doing daily family devotions. All of these activities become much easier and happier when everyone knows what to expect. We also illustrate for our children how important they are when we make them part of our everyday traditions.

The next three chapters are devoted to "especially traditions" including weddings, funerals, birthdays, Christmas, and Easter. I found the chapter about Easter especially exciting as we tend to have many traditions around birthdays and Christmas, but perhaps fewer intentional traditions centered on Lent and Easter.

The only disappointment I had with this book was the lack of any real place for what I would call "just-for-fun traditions". While I would heartily concur with Piper that our traditions ought to speak of Christ and our Christian faith, and holidays in general are far too secular, I would also like to see a few fun traditions throughout the year. It may have been beyond the scope of Piper's book to include such events, but what about hunting for pumpkins at the local pumpkin patch in the fall, making strawberry pancakes on the first day of spring, or dying Easter eggs at Easter. While these kinds of things do not necessarily fall under the category of religious traditions, they can speak to a child about the joy of special activities reserved for special days. They can be fun times for the whole family, even if that is the only real spiritual lesson they impart.

I heartily recommend this book to all families whether you have children or not. All people, whether adults or children, need the special place of yearly traditions in their lives. We all need the comfort and assurance that there are some things we will do the same way every single time. Along with that, we can all be challenged to live our everyday lives with a little more ritual and dependability, making sure the intentional things we want to do are given the priority in our day. After all, God is a dependable God. These rituals and traditions are but a shadow of our God with whom there is no shadow of turning or change. May God bless your family, and the traditions you hold dear!

Thank you Noel, January 6, 2005
An incredibly insightful book filled with godly-wisdom. I'm greatful for having such sound advice on how to establish daily traditions and "especially" traditions as my husband and i begin our family. Noel does an incredible job at looking at how traditions can be used to point our children and our childrens children towards a passionate life of in pursuit of God. This is going up there with Gary Thomas' "Sacred Marriage" as my recomended reading for newly weds looking to start off their family and marriage with solid Biblical principles as their foundation. Thank you Noel.

Traditions & celebrations to strengthen and share your faith, January 5, 2004
A few pages into this book, I started making a mental list of women I want to share it with. The author, Noel Piper, mother of five (four by birth, one by adoption), is the wife of John Piper, renowned pastor, theologian and author. (She is not a pastor herself, as another reviewer has written.) Bits and pieces of her husband's writings add to the book, which is filled with practical suggestions based on the foundation of the Word. I highly recommend this for all women, but especially for newlyweds or those just starting to establish family traditions. To quote Noel, "How much more of God there is to find when we are on the lookout, when we shape our 'everyday' and 'especially' around him. God will show himself in special and new ways when we celebrate him. He will use our celebrations, our traditions, to stoke our heart's fire for him."

Wonderful God-centered ideas, November 24, 2007
I truly enjoyed this book. Noel Piper has filled this book with her family's God-centered traditions. She had given plenty of ideas on how to do the same in any family. I'm keeping it handy so I can grab it anytime for some inspiration on making our family less self-centered and more God-centered.

A "Must Have" for young families!, September 20, 2007
This book is so well written and has so many great ideas and thoughts about traditions in our family lives. It has sent me on a journey this past year to make traditions in our daily lives. She talks about why traditions in our families are important, what they are and some examples from her family's traditions. I highly recommend this book!

Traditions & celebrations to strengthen and share your faith, January 4, 2004
A few pages into this book, I started making a mental list of women I want to share it with. The author, Noel Piper, mother of five (four by birth, one by adoption), is the wife of John Piper, renowned pastor, theologian and author. (She is not a pastor herself, as another reviewer has written.) Bits and pieces of her husband's writings add to the book, which is filled with practical suggestions based on the foundation of the Word. I highly recommend this for all women, but especially for newlyweds or those just starting to establish family traditions. To quote Noel, "How much more of God there is to find when we are on the lookout, when we shape our 'everyday' and 'especially' around him. God will show himself in special and new ways when we celebrate him. He will use our celebrations, our traditions, to stoke our heart's fire for him."

Right On, December 10, 2009
Excellent book! It's challenged me to rethink our traditions and routines to see how we can incorporate teaching our son about God more and more.

An Indispensable Resource for Establishing God-Glorifying Traditions, November 6, 2009
Everyone has their own family traditions that make the holiday what it is -- molded jello for birthdays, sugar cereal on Christmas morning, caramel rolls at Thanksgiving, Easter cake after church. It is often after having their first child that young couples begin to think hard about establishing traditions for their nuclear family. Young parents want to give their children the same joyful experiences they had (or missed out on), but it can be challenging to distinguish between sentimental memories and truly meaningful celebrations.

Noel Piper (wife of John Piper) provides an outstanding tool for making these crucial distinctions in her well-written, practical book. In it she gives attention to different ritual ways of doing life together, from everyday prayers and habits to the "big" observances of birthdays, Christmas and Easter. Rather than prescribing a list of do's and don't's, Piper lays out a clear principle of glorifying God through our everyday and special traditions, then goes on to explain how this principle can apply to how we observe daily meals, goodnight rituals, birthdays, adoption days, and other special days.

Her writing is readable, personable and warm, but not chatty. She gives her family's traditions as an example, encouraging other parents to prayerfully consider the unique way God is calling them to worship Him through their traditions. This bok is indispensable for helping couples or individuals think through how to practically order their days and years around celebrating God. ... Read more

Editorial Review

A sixteenth-century mystic who wrote of man's relationship with God, St. John of the Cross was also a Carmelite monk who helped reform the Order and aided St. Teresa of Avila in establishing new convents for women. In this book--his spiritual masterpiece and a classic of Christian literature and mysticism--he addresses several subjects, among them pride, avarice, envy, and other human imperfections. He also provides an extended explanation of Divine love; and describes methods of conversion through prayer, submission, and purification. "...the most faithful [translation] that has appeared in any European language: it is, indeed, much more than a translation for [Peers] added his own valuable historical and [critically interpretive] notes."--London Times.
... Read more

Reviews

Brilliant - but requires background for understanding, October 16, 2000
John of the Cross's writings show the total intensity and detachment of one who has reached a point of union with God that is a sheer gift of grace. The Dark Night of the Soul is among the greatest writings of mystic theology and experience, and highly recommended for those who have some understanding of the concepts of which he writes. The total turning of the will to God, to a point where nothing on earth can satisfy the lover except union with the Beloved, is a marvellous and deeply moving "sight" - and the exquisite poetry here is one of the best expressions in the history of Christianity.

This said, it is essential that one have background in order to understand this work. (More easily understood introductions, such as Thomas Dubay's "Fire Within," should precede reading the Dark Night.) John is by no means writing of depression or misery, nor is his path one which is common to all (or indeed many) Christians. Let the serious Christian seeker approach this work with humility - it pre-supposes knowledge and an openness to divine love that is far from universal. And, above all, take John's cautions against self-deception to heart as much as he did.

A Lot to Think About, January 2, 2005
First of all, I don't understand why anybody would complain about the language of this translation. The work is about an excrutiating and almost indescribable journey, and a book about such a subject should by no means be a light afternoon read. The very language of Dark Night of the Soul calls for intense engagement and is a fruitful exercise in itself. Furthermore, this language has an extraordinarily authentic quality that conveys something of the mystery St John of the Cross is pursuing.

The work also gives so much to think about. I don't know that I agree with everything, but that's fine, and St John himself notes that each journey toward God will be somewhat different. But there is a lot that appeals to me. Truly, the journey toward God can be difficult. Reading about any character in the Bible from Abraham to David to Jesus confirms this. Life is such a strange mixture of the presence of God and the (at least seeming) absense, and persevering toward union with God means getting through these agonizing periods. In this book, St John of the Cross gives great hope as he accounts for those dark times and provides a framework for getting through them. This isn't a light read, and it is certainly a book that needs multiple readings. Nevertheless, it gives you a lot to think about and is ultimately well worth the effort.

the doctrine of st. john of the cross, October 22, 2002
By Sister Elizabeth Ruth, O.D.C., Carmel of Our Lady of Walsingham, Norfolk

St. John of the Cross is known as the Mystical Doctor, because in a pre-eminent way he is the director of men on their interior journey towards God. As a spiritual guide and deeply religious man, trained in theology at the best Spanish universities of his day, he was able, as few others, to elucidate scripturally and doctrinally the ways of the Lord.

Primarily, though, he is a poet, and his poetry speaks for itself in deeply symbolic language, the language of love. He is also a man of his country and era. His two poles Toda-Nada, All-Nothing, no doubt were associated for him with the rugged beauty of Castile--the blazing Spanish sky above arid ground, with the sun glinting upon walled cities, the freezing night with brigands concealed in the darkness.

John and Spain speak the language of extremes, just as St. Francis of Assisi was a man of the Umbrian hills set with flowers and vines among shaded valleys. There is a tendency to contrast the harshness of one with the sweetness of the other, but this is to do a disservice to both. Both at heart are similar because they see the way to God as the way of giving all-desiring nothing but him, and letting the rest go: "My God and my All."

In this, Jesus Christ is the model, and there is no spiritual growth apart from the earnest imitation of him. "Be continually careful and earnest in imitating Christ in everything, making your life conform to his," John writes in The Ascent of Mount Carmel, almost as a key sentence. Only in this light can we understand his insistence on the denial of desires.

What he has in mind are all those selfish and self-seeking ways we go about trying to have God and what we want as well. It is not that other people and other things are not lovable and desirable, or that God wants the way to him to be miserable. It is that the only true joy is found in Jesus, and having him we have all else besides.

John's writings sound demanding. He understood in an experiential way that God is not to be had on the cheap. Perhaps in our own day Bonhoeffer's works could be profitably re-read on the cost of discipleship, which John well knew--his had not been an easy life.

In the journey of the soul to God as John depicts it in the Ascent and the Dark Night he points to faith as the guide, and faith is dark to the understanding. We must just trust God and go forward with no assurance apart from his word.

The saint probes the causes of why many begin this journey but make no progress. It is that self-love insinuates itself, and this must be eradicated by persistent effort in action and loving attention to God in humble prayer, no matter if we feel dry or empty of inspiration: John reveals the way of prayer as a way of great self-denial. We must not rely on anything we can see, feel, taste, experience, for God is more than all these. Only dark faith touches and holds him, and in this there is nothing to delight the senses or boost the ego. By purifying the soul of all that is not God, God strips us in order to clothe us anew in Christ. Nothing gives place to the All, sorrow is turned into joy.

In The Spiritual Canticle and The Living Flame of Love, where John treats more explicitly of union with God, he does so in terms of lover and Beloved. In the former he bases his poem and commentary on the Song of Songs, in the latter upon the imagery of the Holy Spirit as flame, wounding and burning as it prepares the soul to be consumed in the fire of love's ecstasy.

But perhaps in his letters most of all we see John as an understanding counselor, warm and loving, yet allowing no compromises. The way of the Christian can only be the way of Christ and his cross, and John puts the Gospel demands before us in all their unadulterated strength.

His is not a path of visions, ecstasies, abnormal phenomena. Rather, he rejects all these as diverting us from the God whom we can only know by faith, not by the "spectacular" which many so-called spiritual people seek. Union is not felt bliss but "the living death of the cross," as he says in the Ascent. God has spoken his final word in his Son, we have no need to seek anything but him as he is revealed to us in his life and teaching. To want other words, other revelations, is to seek self.

..."Seek and you shall find, knock and it shall be opened to you." The words of Jesus are as true today as they ever were. Those who want God and seek him singlemindedly will find him to their everlasting Joy--as did St John of the Cross.

This is a book you'll want to read twice., February 3, 1999
The first time I attempted this book it was beyond me. After I had experienced a great tragedy in my life, however, I was more in tune with what St. John was talking about. Sometimes God must remove all of our props to get us to love Him, rather than the goodies He can give us. This may even include having to undergo a purging of the senses, and long periods of depression. My prayer to God for a long time has been, "Lord, whatever it takes, make me a man of God". Sometimes I have a hard time dealing with the "whatever it takes" part, but it's well worth it. Find a quiet place alone and read this book.

Exquisite writing of great spiritual insights, January 3, 2005
Dark Night of the Soul captures startling insights into the path of holiness and purity---the path of knowing God. St. John of the Cross illustrates the product of his earnest seeking of God in this book that seems to gain wisdom and understanding that are on a level rarely if ever seen in books.

I was literally amazed at how this book explained the events I had experienced on my spiritual journey. Unlike most books that speak of blessings, man's abilities, reaching goals through God, this book focuses on the time in the desert, the purging of man's heart, the dying to all things not of God, the journey in the valley of the shadow of death, and the purposes of God for our soul. It offers the reader a different view of spirituality than the modern books, because like few men or women before him or since, St. John of the Cross shunned the pleasures of the world to gain the fullness of God's presence.

His writing is sometimes difficult to read because it is so heavy with spritual wisdom and assumes a high level of spiritual and theological maturity in the reader. I read more than a few lines several times before I got the point--I read this over several weeks...a chapter or so at a time.

I recommend this for readers seeking a closer relationship for God and for those seeking understanding about spiritually dry and difficult times in their lives. No other book I have read offers such a deep description of times when God seems distant and his blessings amiss.

St. John of the Cross inspires one to seek God more fully and in earnest.

the masterpiece by the midnight mystic, June 4, 2000
St. John was one of the first mystics I read who helped me see that an experiential relationship with the sacred isn't all joy; instead, it can hurt, stretch into periods of barrenness and shadows...which themselves to the patient penitent eventually stand revealed as the wordless Word itself, darkening the mind as bright light darkens the eyes. I wish I could have met the author.

Review of Dark Night of the Soul by St John of the Cross, August 23, 2005
The book will be of interest only to those who wish to enter into a deeper knowledge of God and to communicate with Him on a more intimate level. St John of the Cross was a 16th century Carmelite monk and a Christian mystic. This translation is excellent, but not "easy reading." It has to be read slowly to grasp what the author is saying. I bought the book because St. John of the Cross is one of the best-known of the Christian mystics and I find the writing of the mystics to be not only spiritually enlarging, but conducive to spiritual growth.

The scientist of prayer, October 30, 2002
Yes, John of the Cross is hard to read. I have not read all translations, and have it in mind as a project, but I don't expect ever to take a book by him to the beach for a quick, entertaining read.
What John is, and the reason he is still read and studied and, in fact, treasured, is a scientist of prayer. If you are genuinely determined to climb Mt. Carmel, to pray and live your way into God, you need to read and re-read John. Like the Gospels, his work is dense and allusive, and full of layer upon layer of meaning. It is well to read present day authors who write about his work, too. But by no means should you leave him aside in your search for information and inspiration. There is no one else like him. He is the real thing.

review by Janet Knori, author of Awakening in God

Mystical work of Art., February 23, 2002
St. John of the Cross is truly a superb Saint and Mystic. Through his writings You can see how your own spiritual journey may not always be easy. If you are looking for a book that will not only inform you of the dark night, but also give you a self evaluation of your own life, then this is the book for you. In parts it may seem that St. John is peering into your soul and speaking directly to you. The wonderful thing about this book is that no one will have the same experence of it. Everyone who reads it will read it in light of where they are in their own lives. the reflection and thoughts of this Holy man will force you to look inside yourself to find what you need to do to reach the Ultimate union with God. St John of the Cross...Pray For Us!

Deep study for self-examination and meditation, June 8, 2007
Do not let the size of this little classic make you think it will be a quick read and easy study. It is difficult reading with regard to the somewhat archaic language but more so for the probing nature the author demonstrates in self-examination. It is not a quick study but one that helps you work out your salvation with fear and trembling. The wounds it can inflict may be painful but necessary for true healing of the human heart. Read and meditate on the words a little at a time - the sections are short enough to facilitate that approach. This is no self-help chicken soup for the dark night, it is major surgery for the wounded and sin-stained heart under intense self-examination. ... Read more

Editorial Review

Reviews

Sperry, April 15, 2008
This read is a must for anyone desiring a deeper prayer life and connection with God. Teresa, in her simple and most humble way, takes the reader through her trials, victories, and raptures in her relationship
with `His Majesty,' God. I enjoyed it immensely

Timeless Insight, May 25, 2009
My introduction to Saint Teresa of Avila was about 20 years ago. I've read this work several times over and go to it occasionally as a reference. I often give this book as a gift making this particular version attractive because of its price.

Interior Castle, June 23, 2008
What can you say about one of the greatest theologists of all times? This book will bring new insight for all of those interested in spiritual growth.

Outstanding little book, April 12, 2010
This little book is powerful to read. Spiritually provocative, challenging, and insightful. I have read and reread chapters and could easily reread them yet again. Sister Teresa shares the spiritual journey though different levels of encountering God. She informs, encourages, warns even admonishs her readers as they proceed from one "mansion" to another.

Beautiful writing, November 11, 2009
Theresa's Interior Castle has always been a difficult book for me. This translation and editing is refreshing and contemporary. Makes a difficult read into an enjoyable one.

superior spiritual writing for the mystically oriented., September 10, 2010
Not all are mystics like Teresa of Avila, nor are all intellectuals like Thomas Aquinas. One is not superior to the other. This writing is for the mystic. Her writing and aided by the translation of E. Allison Peers, is so conversational and written in a down to earth and highly accessible language style. Not written in ivory tower scholarly dialogue, but it is, at the same time, quite lofty.

Sr. Teresa is a tour guide through the mansions of prayer with the utmost reverence for our Lord, obedience, and charity for the faith. She gives practical insights to scripture, and how to know what is really from God, and what is from the deceiver. I loved it, and found it highly comforting. I couldn't put it down and took so many notes that I've referred back to. Highly recommended.

Mystical Christianity Necessity, February 14, 2010
Teresa was so ahead of her time, or outside of time! LOL awesome book highly recommended and the price is excellent. Teresa's God-inside minded revelation is life-altering. Let the river of life flow out of your belly through your soul into the world!

Excellent Vendor, May 17, 2009
This item arrived ahead of schedule and was as described by the seller. I would recommend this seller to others and will return to this seller for future purchases.

A Complicated Unbiblical Method of Prayer, December 24, 2010
Many books, perhaps too many have been written on the subject of prayer. Some are highly technical and some are emotional. As the readers might have guessed, this book leans heavily toward the latter. What Teresa de Avila is aiming here in her memoir is the fullness of enjoyment in prayer. But the methodology she proposes is not only complicated and confusing but also mechanical and unbiblical. She views the soul as a castle with many mansions. The outermost mansion is described as full of temptations. She uses the imagery of poisonous loathsome reptiles molesting the soul as she strives in her attempt to reach the innermost mansion where the perfection of a full union with God, whatever that term means, is achieved. This level of complexity is unheard of in the Bible. In Mat 6, Jesus teaches one to enter his or her chamber without the need to show off and there enjoy a sweet communion with God through a simple prayer, yet loaded with significance. Indeed, the Lord's prayer contains the outline of what prayer should consist of; praise and adoration, petition and repentance. Something worth pointing out in this book is the terms sweetness and consolation. It is hard to get their clear definition due to the haphazard nature of Teresa's notes where she seems to keep jumping from one subject to another and return to the previous subject and unnecessary commentary that she is not worthy or smart enough to talk about this matter.

What I gather is follows. Sweetness is the joy that the soul experiences as God opens her mind to behold his glory through the revelation of Himself in Scripture, usually through the reading, thinking, and praying of the Word. It consists first in understanding, then rejoicing over it as the soul embraces it in her head and heart with gladness. The soul then responds back to God in agreement, praise, repentance or resolution to follow up through certain actions. The experience of sweetness involves the use of mental power more, not only in thinking and understanding the revelation of God, but also in responding back to Him with joy and praise. Consolation is the comfort that the soul receives as an expression of the love and compassion of God. Unlike sweetness which usually happens during the thinking, reading and meditation of Scripture in prayer and worship, consolation can happen anytime. For examples, One can be overwhelmed by the sense of the presence and compassion of God during meal time or walking or driving. It is the moment where God seems to make his gracious presence suddenly felt to bless the soul immensely. There is a major similarity between the two. Both come from God and result in joy, peace and comfort to the soul, as well as gratitude to God. The only difference I can think of is the occasion where they are felt. We may even say that sweetness is a subset to consolation because it is also possible for the soul to receive consolation as she is blessed with the understanding of God's Word.

This interesting coverage on sweetness and consolation is pretty much the only highlight of this book. I caution the readers against following Teresa's methodology. In fact, I discourage anyone from reading it at all. There are better books out there on prayer; one of which I recommend is "A Call to Spiritual Reformation," by D.A. Carson. ... Read more

Editorial Review

Maybe you are a recent convert, or perhaps you've attended Mass your whole life, but there are still things that puzzle you, like: when you should genuflect and when you should bow; what the different books used at Mass are and what they contain; the meaning of words like "Amen," "Alleluia," or "Hosanna"; what to do during the sign of peace.

You aren't alone.

The How-to Book of the Mass not only provides the who, what, where, when, and why of the most time-honored traditions of the Catholic Church, but also the how.All in an easy-to-read, easy-to-understand format.

In this complete guide to the celebration of the Eucharist you get:

• Step-by-step guidelines to walk you through the Mass
• Biblical background of the prayers of the Mass
• Insights from the Tradition and teaching of the Church
• Practical aid to overcoming distractions
• Concrete ways to grow in your relationship with Jesus Christ at every Mass
• A handy study guide for individual or group use

Reviews

One-stop-shopping for all, April 26, 2003
I can easily see how this book would be indispensable for those new to the Catholic faith. In fact, I was tempted to buy this book for the entire RCIA class this year (pecuniary interests prevented this, of course).

What may not be so obvious is the value to cradle Catholics. So many details of the Mass are lost in the fog of CCD & "Religion Class" (in my day, calling it "Catechism Class" would have offended the hippies and ex-nuns). Details on the meaning and purpose of bowing vs. genuflecting, signs of the Cross, etc., were invaluable, as was the emphasis on the liturgical calendar and historical origins of different components of the Mass.

The author does a great job of focusing on the Real Meaning, as opposed to simply detailing the mechanics. The Scriptural storyline provided is relevant and helpful, as are the personal anecdotes. Also helpful was the admonition to the overscrupulous. It was particularly appropriate for me to be armed with humility when I began to notice fellow parishioners genuflecting to the empty tabernacle on Good Friday.

The only thing missing from this book is an appendix of prayers during Mass (before & after are provided). While referencing the text of the Gloria, the Confiteor, etc., the full text was not provided. Obviously these can be obtained elsewhere, but it would have been nice to have them for reference in this book.

In summary, Dubruiel's work ought to provide an entertaining and instructive read for any Catholic - cradle, convert, or returning, as well as providing a full explanation for non-Catholics wondering what the "smells & bells" are all about.

An Enlightened Cradle Catholic, November 14, 2003
As a "cradle Catholic", I'm pleasantly surprised to find how much I learned from this book! At age 25, I obviously know the "how" of mass, but this book also gives the "why" - something I was (unfortunately) never taught in CCD growing up. It explains the rituals of the mass by telling of their uses in the early church and/or relevant passages in the bible. It also gives "opportunities for spiritual growth" in the sidebars that are especially helpful to the cradle Catholic. I know I will get at least twice as much out of attending mass from now on!

The book is an "easy" (fast) read. I read half in one sitting; I suppose it might take a little longer for a new or non-Catholic not already familiar with the traditional mass. It is not too overbearing or complicated and would therefore be great for teens with a ho-hum attitude toward attending mass.

My mother always used to complain that my generation was not taught the "parts of the mass" in CCD as hers was. I don't know if this is a result of changes made by Vatican II, or simply the archdiocese I grew up in. I hope CCD children today are again taught the parts of the mass; I personally purchased this book to learn more myself so I can teach my own children better. After reading it, I wish I could afford to pass out copies at my church to the other parishioners of my generation who are obviously also not getting as much from the mass as they could be!

I agree with another reviewer that it would have been nice if the text of the prayers explained were included in the book, even if just in the back. But don't let this keep you from purchasing it; if you are a cradle Catholic, you already KNOW the prayers. If you are new, they can be easily found in a missal at any Catholic church.

I highly recommend this book!, August 3, 2003
I bought this book several a couple of months ago but just really delved into it more deeply this week. I used it in preparing a talk about the mass for our RCIA group. I have many books on the mass but this one was the most help. The catechumens and candidates and even some of the sponsors got interested in it after seeing me refer to it a few times in my talk. Several of them asked me to order copies for them.

One of the nice features of this book is the content on "how" to go to mass. The author tells us what happens in the mass and why, but also explains how to get more out of the mass every time.
Great book. You won't be sorry for buying it.

An excellent resource for Catholics and those interested in, February 7, 2003
Michael Dubruiel's latest book is a terrific resource that should be located on every Catholic family's bookshelf. Whether you are exploring the faith or a lifelong Catholic, this book will provide enlightenment. Dubruiel looks at each part of the Mass in a step-by-step fashion, offering explanations for the biblical backgrounds and traditional reasons behind the prayers and rituals. In the week that I've had this book and been reading it, I've already changed my perspective on celebrating the Eucharist. I would recommend this book as an excellent choice both for families looking to enhance their experience of the Mass and for those looking to learn more about the teachings of the Catholic Church pertaining to the Mass.

Excellent Guide for the New Catholic or Old Catholic!, April 2, 2004
I was born Catholic, before Vatican II and there is so much about the Mass that I didn't know, well I thought I knew until I read this book. The author does a great job at showing how every prayer in the Mass is from the Bible and a running meditation throughout the book helps one to see the connection between the connnection between the Mass and Jesus.
The book is full of helpful advice on how to stay focused during the Mass, how to deal with the quirks of liturgical ministers, and even how to hear a great sermon at every Mass--I found this to be especially a big help because my pastor isn't the greatest preacher.
Everything is presented simply, yet there is a depth of knowledge here that even impressed my pastor when I mentioned to him a topic that I had just read about Lord's Prayer.
I highly recommend this book to those who are Catholic and have never really been given any instruction on the Mass (like me) and also to those who are thinking about joining the Catholic Church and want a better understanding of what goes on during the Mass.

Great primer for a deeper understanding of the Mass, May 29, 2003
Like its companion book from Our Sunday Visitor, The How-To Book of Catholic Devotions, I thought I might be wasting a 10-spot buying this. Like the original book, I was quite wrong. This is clearly the book for anyone who wishes to probe deeper into the origins and meaning of the Mass but who hasn't had the luxury of a seminary or solid Masters-level study of Catholicism.

Talk being cheap, I buy this for my spiritual directees and we use it as the basis of our discussions once they have progressed from the basics of individual prayer to consideration of the liturgy.

Must have for all Catholics, January 22, 2006
This book has really opened my eyes. I was baptized Catholic and remember attending Mass and just doing things because everyone else did. I don't think as children we understood or were interested if we were told the meaning. Now that I am thirty and have three children I want them as well as myself to have a more complete understanding of what is going on and why. This book is easy to understand and has truly made celebrating mass an enriching expierience. Don't hesitate to include this book in your library. This is perfect for anyone who is interested in joining the Catholic faith or anyone who wishes to learn more. How can we teach our children when we truly do not understand ourselves. This book really identifies the parts of mass in an easy to understand language. Did your parents ever tell you what the significance of entering the church doors or why we bless ourselves with holy water before entering the church and what it symbolizes? Or did we just forget exactly why and just did it because that is what we have always done? If so than this book will really explain what we have taken for granted. I will be watching and mindful during the solemnity of the Annuciation of the Lord to genuflect and not bow. If you don't know what I am talking about than you need this book. I can't wait to get other books from this author. I will reading this book over and over.

Concise and meaningful, with intimate details of the Catholic mysteries, September 26, 2005
To me, no other writing has even come close to explaining how to attend a Catholic Mass. The author's personal details about kneeling,for example, went beyond the usual descriptions. He sprinkles his opinion throughout with an interesting flair, letting me know how to "behave". I need this intimate approach due to my total ignorance of the church, since I'm a convert. I'm going to buy several more copies for gifts, in order to remove the ignorance barrier that my friends have. In this way, they can make up their own minds without my proselytizing.

A book that had facts that even "cradle catholics" did not know, March 8, 2006
I'm in the RCIA program for conversion to the Catholic faith. I had numerous questions regarding the Mass that I wanted answered. This book is very thorough about where/when the traditions started and why Catholics today do certain rituals. Some of the facts not even my teachers in the program knew. This is an especially helpful book even for those who where raised in the Catholic church.

Full of information I never knew!, March 16, 2006
This book walks you through every step of the mass. I am a cradle Catholic and I learned alot from this book. This book is rich in information on the Catholic faith as relates to the why and wherefors of everything you see. This is a great resource for all those in the faith as well as those new to the faith. ... Read more

Editorial Review

Why is this Bible different from all other Bibles?Because it is the only English version fully Jewish in style andpresentation. It includes Dr. Stern's new version of the "Tanakh"("Old Testament") and his highly acclaimed "Jewish New Testament."

The Complete Jewish Bible:

- follows the Hebrew Bible order of the Tanakh's books, the order with which Yeshua (Jesus) was familiar
- makes no separation between "Old" and "New" Testaments
- corrects misinterpretations in the New Testament resulting from anti-Jewish theological bias
- offers the original Hebrew names for people, places, and concepts, using easy-to-read English transliterations
- focuses on Messianic prophecy
- gives the traditional weekly and holiday synagogue readings, plus relevant readings from the "B'rit Hadashah" (New Testament)

The Complete Jewish Bible:

- reconnects Christians with their Jewish roots and the Jewish people
- connects Jews with the Jewishness of Messiah Yeshua and Messianic faith

Other features of this Bible: a comprehensive introduction, a pronouncing explanatory glossary, a reverse glossary, and special maps to aid Bible understanding. ... Read more

Reviews

Refreshing, May 21, 2000
You ask, "What makes this translation Jewish?" Good question. If you can get past the knee-jerk reactions, I'll tell you. If you haven't noticed most modern English translators have only an accademic understanding of Judaism. This translator is a Jew from an observant, well educated family. Dr. Ben Horin, a Reconstructionis Jewish author wrote, "A Jewish heart can be had quickly. Jewish eyes are the product of 4,000 years of special evolution." Being steeped in the Jewish life gives Dr. Stern a unique view. His translation of the New Testament is idiomatic, similar to NIV. But Dr. Stern's translation starts from the premise that the authors were Jews primarily writing to audiance that was Jews and Righteous Gentiles. (Those were gentiles who attended synogogue and observed some of the commandments, but had not converted to Judaism.)

Why should a Christian read this book? Because Jesus spoke to Jewish groups, not gentiles, when He preached. He assumed a familiarity with the Torah that came from a specific set of teachings set in a specific culture. That culture is not always reflected in other translations. Just read Dr. Stern's treatment of Hebrews and compare it to any other English translation. It makes more sense then any I have read.

Why should a Jew read this book? Not to better understand Christians. For that I recommend the New King James and the New International Version. If you want to understand the teachings of the Jew whose life has impacted more Jews then any other Jew since Moses, this is the translation for you. You may not agree with Dr. Stern about whether Yeshua is the Meshiach, but at least you will understand what His followers had to say.

I should add that this translation was vetted by a number of scholars, including Dr. John Fischer, dean of St. Petersburg Theological Seminary in St. Petersburg, Florida.

Provides Fresh, Accurate Insight, January 13, 2003
Those reviewers who think that this translation is called the Complete Jewish Bible in order to 'trap' unsuspecting Jews into reading the New Testament have not read the authors information available on the first pages of the book. While writing this book to show the Jewishness of the New Testament to Jew and Gentile, the book can hardly be concidered deceptive...a glance at the back of the book or the table of contents will remind the reader that 'Bible' does not refer only to the Tanakh, so any Jew should realize that there is something else here.

For followers of Yeshua, however, this is a good translation that deserves it's spot on your study shelf along with your NIV, NASB, or NASB.

I have been using this translation for several years now and find it to be very accurate. I have compared it to several other standard versions and to several interlineary bibles and have been very happy with it.

As an example of the accuracy of the text, take, for example, the Greek word pisteo. The Greek word has several trasnlations: belief, faith, trust. In John 11:25, Yeshua mentions that "eveyone who (believes in, has faith in, trusts in) Me shall live even if he dies." If this is translated as believe, as it is in many translations, even the demons will live. But seeing that this word has several meanings, Dr. Stern uses other scriptures to decide that he will use the word faith. To put your faith in Yeshua is not the same as simply believing in Him.

I find that reading the names of people and places in Hewbrew rather than in English reminds me that the culture was different and I have to keep that in mind in understanding how it applies to me. Having read scripture for years, I was beginning to find my eyes scanning pages I've read over and over again without taking in the information. This translation stopped that completely.

I feel it is important for every Christian to understand the roots of his/her religion to fully understand the New Covnenant. The CJB has been a wonderful translation for me.

"Excellant Greek Translation" - Rev. George Cunningham, June 12, 2000
As a student (and erstwhile scholar) of Biblical languages I found this author's New Testament Greek translation by far the trueist to the published United Bible Society 4th eddition text than any English translation I have explored to date. The use of transliteration of Hebrew names and key theological terms, while challanging to the Christian Gentile mind, is extremely enlightening. This author, unlike the committes of translators who produced the other English edditions of the Biblical text, does not shy away from translating the Greek correctly when it challanges specific Christian denominational practice. Just one example is the correct translation "immerse" instead of the transliteration "baptize" used since the original KJV. Such transliteration to preserve denominational practice is "dishonest" at best. The negative reviews written by those of more orthodox Jewish faith than the author are completely understandable. To assert approval would demand they approach the person Jesus in a totaly fresh way, ie. as the Messiah that was rejected and crucified 2,000 years ago. The translation of the Hebrew Old Testament (as much as I can check at the level of my present capabilities) is as true to the language and even truer to professed intent as the most recent English translation of the accepted Hebrew text as that produced by the Jewish Publication Society. David Stern's translation is a monumental work that should be read by every person of the planet that is willing to let God's Holy written Word "mean what it says, and say what it means": atheist, agnostic, Christian and Jew alike.

Best book purchase I ever made--hands down., January 6, 2006
Can I say enough? Probably not. Can I say enough to persuade you to buy this book? Perhaps. This is such a great Bible translation. This Bible offers much that other English translations have been lacking in for years.

First, people interested in this Bible will want to know what's different about this Bible from other Bibles. There are several things different about this Bible from the versions you may be used to. I'll try to be short.

1. The Old Testament (Tanakh) is translated from the Masoretic Hebrew text, not from the Septuagint. Many of you may be shocked to realize, but virtually all of the English versions available (yes, including the King James Version) are not translated from the Hebrew, but from the Greek Septuagint, which was translated in roughly 247-221 B.C. While generally this does not create problems, it is quite obvious that translating once is much more accurate than translating twice.

2. Stern retains the transliterated (or, written in English, instead of Hebrew) names for people, places, and some important Jewish key words. For some, this may seem tedious at first, but I assure you that it is not particularly troublesome. It is very easy from context to know of what person you are reading, and often the transliterated names are actually spelled very similar or identical to what you are used to in other Bibles. Furthermore, Stern includes a very useful glossary in the back of the Bible for you to look up any of the transliterated Hebrew names and terms.

3. The books of the Old Testament in this Bible are not in the same order as in other English versions. This results from the translation from the Septuagint, referred to earlier. The order of the books in other English Bibles was derived from the Greek Septuagint (if you want to know more about that topic, you might want to check out The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah). This follows the Hebrew canonical order, separating the scriptures into the Torah, the Prophets, and the Writings. Since there is no Hebrew canonical order for the New Testament (since it is not considered scripture by Judaism), the New Testament, or B'rit Hadashah, is in the same order as you are used to.

4. Despite the transliterated Hebrew words, this Bible is surprisingly easy to read. The format is very simple, even informal at times, and results in a very comfortable read. However, it does not over-simplify the text, as other English versions are sometimes guilty of doing.


Finally, a personal note. Before obtaining this Bible, I still almost exclusively used the KJV for my personal Bible study, though I often used other versions in teaching (I teach an adult Bible Study class at my church). The reason for favoring the KJV was simply that other, newer versions are often guilty of simplifying the text, and NOT just the grammar. Many parts of Biblical text are NOT simple, and should not be treated as such. However, the GRAMMAR may be simplified and modernized greatly. This Bible achieves both--modernization of the language (no thees thous or shalts), but retains the textual import of difficult passages. Now, I use the CJB almost exclusively in both my personal Bible Study and in my mid-week class. Several of my students and family have purchased the Bible after being introduced to it by myself.

The bottom line is simply this: the CJB makes the Bible come alive in a new way. It makes the characters feel real, personal, alive. With its retention of Hebrew concepts in the New Testament, it shows us what a great disservice we lent ourselves when we divorced Christianity from Judaism.

Bible students should get this translation, August 31, 2000
During a recent close study of Paul's epistles in several English translations (and subsequently the Greek) it became clear that Stern's rendering is in many respects more lucid than several popular committee-produced efforts. This brings a consistency and harmony to his work that many modern translations lack. He is refreshingly forthright (and faithful) in touchy translations of controverted texts, especially in sexual morality where others obfuscate with euphemisms. He uses the transliterated Hebrew names of bible characters, and the profound and essential "Israelite-ness" of Christianity seeps through without compromising the catholicity of The Way. His translation also picks out nuances that many will find enriching. Small example: "faith" is often rendered as "trust in", which is both more concrete and more consistent with the Jewish understanding. A minor quibble: I don't care much for his "Messianic Community" rendering of 'ekklesia'; though not wrong, it fails to capture the organic unity between the Head and His Body, (the ekklesia is a community, but it is also much more -- Yeshua's Mystical Body). Another inhibitor for me: this translation excludes several Tanakh (OT) books that since the Foundation in 33 AD were regarded as canonical, and whose authenticity is attested by the infallible authority of Yeshua the Mashiach in the very messianic community he founded on Shimon Kefa. (After all, most scholars agree the NT writers used and quoted from the Septuagint, which contains the books arbitrarily excluded by rabbis nearly two generations after Jesus). However, don't let these shortcomings stop you from acquiring and enjoying this important translation. I find myself increasingly referring to Stern's CJB when I encounter convoluted passages in other translations -- more often than not he renders the sense in very accessible contemporary English that squares well with the Hebrew or Greek textus receptus. Also, the companion Jewish New Testament Commentary is highly recommended.

About time for this translation to appear!, January 6, 2003
I've been puzzled for most of my Christian life as to why Judaism has been so forcefully excluded from our thought life; so I went to Israel for myself, to live for a year there and learn all that I could, and found this translation! It explains so much that we've been missing for millennia, key phrases in Jesus's sermons which are linked directly to common Jewish rituals and ways of thought which us Christians have no idea about! For instance, as Mr. Stern points out, when Jesus said "But if your eye is evil, all your body will be dark. If then the light which is in you is dark, how dark it will be!" in Matthew 6, he's actually referring to the Jewish custom that a stingy or ungenerous man had a 'dark' or 'evil' eye. This reference to being stingy goes right along with the rest of the chapter, which talks about good stewardship, but is often mistranslated by our lack of cultural understanding to mean that the fellow with a 'dark eye' is just mean or wicked somehow. What an eye-opener (forgive the pun) to see Jesus from a Jewish man's perspective. My boyfriend, while in Israel, had supper with David H. Stern, the translation's creator; I can testafy that he is as close to an orthodox Jewish man as someone who believes Jesus is the Messiah can get, so I think he knows what he's talking about here. Great translation, easy read, and a lot of really sharp insights. I am looking forward to a commentary volume by Mr. Stern, please don't dissappoint us!

A must have translation., April 27, 2008
I absolutely love this translation. It brings out the nuances that are missed in nearly every other English translation. Since the Bible was written by Jews and primarily for Jews it's best to have it translated into English by Jews who understand a Jewish world view. It really brings G-d's word to life and makes some many misunderstood passages clear.

My Humble Opinon, September 28, 2006
I'm a baby Christian, beginning to understand my grafting to the Jewish roots. Well, I own a KJV, an ASV, plus this Bible. When I couldn't grasp the message in the KJV (old english can be hard to read), I'd go to the ASV, but sometimes that didn't help either. I have read thru a few other versions, like the NIV and such, but they were so choppy to read, God's Word was being butchered. I've probably had this Complete Jewish Bible for a month or so before I cracked it open. Wow, I love it. In the beginning, I'd bounce back and forth between it and the KJV or the ASV to see how close the message stayed intact. I find it faithful. It is so readable and understandable that I will perhaps make it my "main" Bible. I have the hard back edition, because they hadn't come out with the leather bound edition at the time. But what I wish they'd do is make a leather bound in large print soon!

A Very Good Translation At the right Time., November 4, 2002
I have been reading the reviews and I am forced to make a comment. I came across this Version yesterday at a bible study and new immediately that I needed a copy. I realize that there are people that do not believe that Jesus is the Messiah, but to those of us that do believe, (as the bible states) We are accepted (or become a part) of the family of Abraham. Which in turn makes us Jews by spirit. Therefore I see nothing wrong with it being named Complete Jewish Bible. The Translation is refreshing and accurate. If we believe on him who came and died for our sins, then we become heirs to the kingdom. In the Old Testament during the old covenant (please excuse my terms of reference.)If an outsider (or gentile)accepted God and his laws and commandments, then he was circumsized and accepted fully as one of the Children of Israel (heirs to GODS promises). The same thing applies now, only now we have to accept Jesus the Christ's sacrifce. The point that is consistantly being missed is that the main theme of the Bible whatever translation of version that you read is LOVE. My prayer is that we (every last one of us)quit trying to seek out the differences and concentrate on showing kindness, love compassion,patience, and longsuffering so that we all, Jew, non- Jew, Christian, and nonbeliever can know GODS eternal and unchanging love. So that we my fulfill the purpose he has in our lives. GOD Bless you all. Amen

A Jewish Perspective to Jewish Writings, February 10, 2002
In this translation of the Bible, David H. Stern makes every effort to be as accurate as possible and provides
an introduction to the Bible and this translation which is over forty pages long. Additionally, the books of the
tanakh (Old Testament) are arranged in the original order and the Hebrew names of books, people and places have
been transliterated rather than translated. For example: The first book of the tanakh is titled, B'resheet;
sub-titled (Genesis). To help with understanding the translitered Hebrew, Mr. Stern includes a glossary.
Also, there are weekly readings which coincide with Torah readings in synagogues world wide.


Most translations of the Bible come from a Greco/Roman world outlook. David H. Stern is
a Messianic Jew and provides a Jewish perspective in this translation.


Example Text:


Acts 20:7 -- On Motza'ei-Shabbat, when we were gathered to break bread, Sha'ul addressed them, Since he was
going to leave the next day, he kept talking until midnight. [Motza'ei-Shabbat - going out of the Sabbath. Most
Translations (using a Greco/Roman understanding) tend to imply that the meeting took place on Sunday morning
rather than Saturday evening as a Jewish/Scriptural world view would dictate.] ... Read more

Editorial Review

Over a period of forty days, God gave Mary K. Baxter visions of hell and commissioned her to tell all to choose life. Here is an account of the place and beings of hell contrasted with the glories of heaven. It is a reminder of the need each of us has for the miracle of salvation. ... Read more

Reviews

Reminds me of time I spent in prison, in many ways., December 7, 1999
This book is one of the strongest weapons against a common and subtle lie found in many Christian churches and other religions. The lie reveals itself as any way to evade mention of hell. If you press their theology, you find that hell is "just a concept" or "not eternal" or "not real."

_A Course in Miracles_, which purports to be fully Christian, teaches this way, as do some of the eastern or Indian religions, especially the ones that rely on re-incarnation. This book gives such an honest picture of hell, just like something any ordinary person would write after seeing hell, that I cannot dismiss it easily. Baxter's writing style is simple and those reviewers who criticise the presentation or the images as deceptive or contrived have missed one of the beauties of this book.

It is startling, as a Christian who has personally seen Jesus, to comprehend that God is capable of turning down the pleadings of a person burning in hell. But the reason why is confirmed by that pleading soul's response once he is denied: He immediately begins cursing Jesus. It is obvious that he had not yet repented--why should Jesus release a liar?

An illustration: When I went to jail, I was a guilty soul. I resisted with all of my might as I was arrested, and well into the solitary confinement cell that they put me in because I was so angry. However, after two days in there, praying all the time, I began to comprehend what was happening was MY fault, and I became deeply humbled. I began to repent. As I was allowed to mingle with other prisoners, I found there were two kinds of prisoners: those who had been humbled, and those who weren't yet. Those who were humble were rare, gentle, patient, and looked forward with faith to their release. Those who were still fighting, who still thought they were wrongly arrested, these were dangerous, liars, and traitors who played power trips on each other. Unchecked, these kinds of souls are the ones who end up in hell--they'll pretend to be your friend until they get what they want from you, then they will turn and rip you to shreds. This is what Jesus walked away from with such stoicism.

No matter what you think of this book, you will never forget it, as long as you live. I plan to read it again, not to scare myself, but to work on a closer understanding of the souls who end up in hell. I love people very much and do not want anyone to go to hell. I pray for the other reviewers who preferred to read this book on a superficial level, that they will comprehend its very clear, very eloquent, deeper message. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Personal encounter & scriptural reference, May 31, 2006
I actually met the author of this book many years ago. Even as a young, impressionable Christian, I felt reservations about the authenticity of the book and author (in my opinion, there is no way this book could be false and the author still sincere). I attended some meetings in which she spoke and they, to some degree, had the feel of Steve Martin's meetings from the movie "Leap of Faith" (i.e. fake). She often got lost in her accounts of the alleged events and, in my opinion, tried to cover this up by resorting to sensational tactics and supposedly being overcome by the presence of God. I could go into more details, but I will instead move into the content of the book. I just wanted to share a first-hand account of my encounter with the author because I believe it allows more perspective into her literary work.

While there are many imaginative accounts of encounters with those who were in the midst of eternal suffering, my biggest problem with the book by far is her account of her own suffering. At one point, she says that Jesus disappears and leaves her in hell to suffer for a short time. She tells how her flesh burns off of her and other details of great torment before Jesus finally reappears and ends her suffering. She is grieved, but Christ tells her that she needed to experience that pain so she could tell others. In Hebrews 13:5, the Lord declares to every believer "I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee." Contrary to this scripture, we are told that Baxter is forsaken and left to suffer in hell, despite claiming to be one who trusts in Christ. The Bible declares that Christ took our punishment- he took our place, so that whoever believes in Him will not face that judgment we deserve, but instead stand in His righteousness. Again, Baxter claims that she bore punishment that Christ already bore for every believer.

Finally, the account of a rich man in hell is given in Luke 16:19-31. The thoughts of the rich man turn to his family while he is in torment. Abraham is in a place with Lazarus where they are not in torment but the rich man can see and talk to him... so the rich man asks Abraham to send Lazarus to warn his family, saying "I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldest send him to my father's house: For I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment." (v. 27-28) Abraham replies, "They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them." (v.29) Once again, the rich man implores, "Nay, father Abraham: but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent" (v.30) And the account is finished in verse 31 with Abraham's final response of "If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead." Lazarus was not sent to the rich man's house to warn the rich man's family, despite his desperate pleas. Yet Baxter claims she did the very thing Lazarus was not permitted to do.

In conclusion, I am a Christian. I believe the Bible is completely true and is the word of God. Because of that, I do believe hell exists and is a place of great torment from which Christ has made a way of escape. I am not refuting any of those things. However, please use discernment. Personally, I do not believe the accounts of this book to be true and would recommend against patronizing this woman with your business.

MIDWEST BOOK REVIEW, June 25, 2003
I have read a lot of books on the revelation of Hell. I have heard a lot of sermons on its existence, but nothing had prepared me for what I was about to read between the covers of this book "A Divine Revelation of Hell."

The author, over a period of forty days, is given visions of hell and the people who are trapped there for eternity. I cannot begin to tell you the horrors that she saw and reported, but if you really want to know what is there, this is the book for you.

However, I will warn you, she is faithful to reporting exactly what she has seen and if I were you, I would prepare myself before I opened the pages of this book ,because if what she is saying is true, and I believe it is,
than we all must reevaluate our very existence and motives in this life before it is too late.

A very good read that I hope will reach many so they will turn to Jesus and never have to be trapped in this place we call Hell.

A moving work, July 26, 2000
Many books written about God and spirituality sway from the messages in the Bible. Mary, however, stays true to the scripture, and therefore adds credibility.

But the most credible part of the story are the descriptions themselves. They just sound so real, so intense, so true to what the Bible tells us about Hell.

Read this book, even if you don't believe Baxter was in Hell, just to remind yourself of why you stay true to God's law.

Gripping from beginning to end...will make you think!, September 15, 2002
This book is absolutely awesome !

The descriptions of Hell given by Mary Baxter during her escort there by Jesus Christ are chilling and must not be ignored.

No doubt there will be many who will cast doubt and credibility on Mary Baxter's accounts, but the descriptions and accounts of the author are to the best of my knowledge & experience all Biblically sound.

This book is extremely well written, clear and easy to read. I got through it in a day. Every page read makes you eager to get on to the next one. The contents do not make you comfortable, they are not meant to. They are no doubt meant to break you free from your complacency and unbelief and to study the message here in accordance with God's Word.

To the scoffers out there, please do just that. Do not take Mary Baxter's word at face value; read the book and then weigh it up against Holy Scripture yourself. You really owe it to yourself to do this. If you turn away from this message and it turns out to be true, even partly true, then you only have yourself to blame.

The author's visions provided by Jesus of the approaching end-times are also shocking to behold. They too are in parallel with Scripture.

The detail included in the descriptions of Hell and the manner in which individuals are suffering there will blow your mind. It is one place you do not want to end up.

The fundamental theme throughout this book is 'repent and believe the gospel'. Fundamentally the same as that throughout the New Testament.

Highly recommended!!!

Why is truth so hard to find ?Finally ive found some truth., April 11, 2000
I have judged this book to the best of my ability and I see that it does not contradict scripture in anyway but infact elaborates on some areas that scripture talks about.More precisely all that happens in hell.

Mary Kay Baxter is one of those few believers whom I believe the Lord has called.Many will doubt and say, 'God could never send a soul to hell'.For this same reason or perception countless millions are burning in hell.Mary is taken in the realm of the spirit by Jesus to Hell or Gehenna where she sees the torments of those who truly rejected Christ.They may have had a form of godliness but these in hell truly loved sin and rejected Christs commandment to Love God First and Then love fellow men.They either loved the world and God at the same time or totally rejected Christ.The writings are expressly biblical:"Where the fire quencheth not and the worm Dieth not" see matt & Isaiah 66.

The Objective is not to make you frightened, but rather to reveal clearly the sinful age within which we live, and to know Gods judgment on the sins of the unrepentant.In the book and the bible it is clearly stated that salvation is by Jesus christ alone, and true repentance {absolute turning away from sin}is necessarry if one wills to. According to the book [in accordance with Scripture see 1John],If one falls into sin, according to Jesus, there is an advocate which is Christ himself who pleads for the believer before the Father. Another striking faucet of her revelation is the similarity of her visions of the world to come describing mountains of glory which would adorn the glory of the Jerusalem where Jesus would reign :Strikingly,The prophet Enoch, had very similar visions of mountains of glory adorning the glory of the soon-returning King,Jesus Christ see 1 Enoch & 2Enoch .The second theme about the book is the end time prophecies which reveal the man of sin and how the whole world who rejcts Jesus would follow him to serve satan and sin.The antichrist does bring what the world wants but his sinful motives end up in the tribulation.

Jesus prophesies about a soon coming great revival that would sweep millions of souls into eternity from all corners of the earth.He also speaks about the terrible judgment and annhilation that the earth would go through during the tribulation.Finally she is given a glimpse of how aborted babies are kept with Christ in heaven;And God the Father shows her that he cares deeply for every soul including those newborn babies whom the world has flushed down the drain;She pleads and tells all to accept Jesus throughout nearly all chapters in the book. This book does not tickle the ears but simply expresses Gods Great love and great Severity.Similar end-time prophecies are in the book of Rev,Isaiah,Daniel,Zechariah, Enoch[uncanonical] and Psalms 1.This book should not be taken lightly.It is better for one not to read it at all than to label it a heresy or a figment of ones imagination.I hope you allread it to learn truth which sadly to say is very hard to find these days.Godbless you as you read it.

Read Visions of hell and heaven,Prophecies by Ray Aguilera to learn more about Gods Love and Gods Judgment. To The Glory of The Father Jehovah ,The Son Jesus Christ and The Holy Spirit :One God Eternal.

for the unbelieving, November 25, 2003
I've heard alot of people say if God loves us so much why does he allow those souls to suffer.The truth is he doesn't want us to suffer, he wants us to turn to him and repent truly for all the sins we've commited and he will forgive us so that we don't have to suffer once judgement has been past. All the souls that Mary Baxter encounters are souls who repent only once they are in hell by which time it is indeed too late. The Lord wants us to accept him and to believe in him while we are still alive on earth. If we don't believe in him and accept him how can we expect Jesus to save us?. Is it right for us to commit all the sins under the sun and then when we die expect our souls to go to heaven automatically without any accountability for those sins? and above all with out knowing our saviour Jesus Christ.Think about that! and secondly if this book was the work of the devil, is he going to show us ways to avoid getting trapped in his Kingdom of eternal torture. When I read this I really felt sad, because I understood why Jesus was described as having a sorrowful face. He was sad because He suffered a horrible death for our sins and despite that fact people still will not accept him and choose a life with him that is free from sorrow, instead without knowing him some of us expect to get a free ticket to heaven.And whats even sad is that Jesus still loves us all even those souls who suffer and thats why he doesn't want more souls to come there that he told Mary to right this account. I feel Jesus is trying his best to reach out to us and he is sad for all those souls that go astray because he died for their souls aswell, and all they had to do was accept and ask for his forgiveness while they were alive on earth and they wouldn't have to suffer. God sent Jesus to us so that we might believe in him. When Adam ate of the forbidden fruit he commited the first sin. Since we are all desendants of Adam and Eve we bear the scar of that sin aswell, and because of that our relationship with God was scared too. But Jesus died for all our sins and by doing so he became the ultimate sacrifice which brought us closer to God. So if we don't accept Jesus we don't accept God , the one who sent him.
Its funny. One fact that will never change is that someday we will all die. And that is some thing we are sure of but continue to ignore and go on with our mundane lives of making more money so I can buy that car, or I can buy that house or I can buy whatever, basically very materialistic. I'm not saying I'm a saint cos I'm guilty of doing those things too but the truth of it is this book helped me realise what we should be focusing on and what happens after we die this book is an insight into that. We come into this world with nothing and we can take nothing out of it, but the only thing you leave behind is how will people remember you by? Its not going to matter to God if you owned a Merc or if your husband was famous or not. What matters is how you lived your life.
And finally, true the discriptions may seem a little unbeliveable but you put all that aside, and if you look at the message that is repeated over and over in the book is - If you are truly sorry for your sins and you understand that you have sinned and ask Jesus to forgive you he will give you his forgiveness, its that simple. Is that such a bad thing? Do you think Satan is going to ask us to turn towards Jesus?
May God bless all of you and I hope what I wanted to say came out as something as usfull and not as a sermon. Its your turn to decide.
May God have mercy and forgive us all of our sins

GOD HELP US BEFORE IT'S TOO LATE!, February 3, 2000
This book really ministered to my spirit. The book really opened the readers eyes to the activities in hell. We hear everyday that you need to get right with God so your soul won't be damned to hell, this eternal place destined to be thrown in a ever burning fire. It scares me to think so many people don't believe that this could happen to their souls. Yes, God is a loving, merciful, and passionate father, but with all those beautiful qualities God posses, he is still a father of judgement and wrath. As part of the human race God created and one of his children, we need to stop trying to understand God using our carnal minds, and eyes. The story may seem amazing and unbelievable to many people, but hell is a real place and God loves us so much that he allowed this woman to write this detailed account to show us that hell is real. God doesn't want anyone to burn in the lake of fire. He wants us to turn from our sin and come running to him. The King who can deliver us out of any situation. I thank God for giving me the opportunity to know him and for his continued grace and mercy on my life as well as the human race. I think everyone needs to read this book and pray and ask God this question. Am I living a life that is pleasing in your sight?. It's better to ask him now, than later before IT'S TOO LATE!

Great Book, October 10, 2006
This is a great book that has many inspirational and wonderful insights of heaven and hell. My advise read very careful and alone. If you could experience reading the book of Revelation then this is not bad for you to read!

A Divine Revelation?, January 15, 2002
After getting as far as "Jesus" calling a woman in Hell a "whoremonger"...I decided that either the Lord can not grasp the correct definitions of words in the English language, or "Reverend" Baxter's book is anything but "divinely" inspired. And if the "rich man" in the Lord's account of "the rich man and Lazarus" was not allowed any means to warn his brothers of the torments of hell because, "neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead" (Luke 16:31b); I have to ask myself "why" the Lord has now seemingly changed His mind only to tell Ms. Baxter to "write a book".

If this book is as she claims, "a divine revelation", I'll wait for it to be included as the 67th book of the Bible, if not; a serious look at the source of the unbiblical claims of the author need to be addressed -- "For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works." (II Corinthians 11:13-15) ... Read more

Editorial Review

Meet Denver, a man raised under plantation-style slavery in Louisiana in the 1960s; a man who escaped, hopping a train to wander, homeless, for eighteen years on the streets of Dallas, Texas. No longer a slave, Denver's life was still hopeless-until God moved. First came a godly woman who prayed, listened, and obeyed. And then came her husband, Ron, an international arts dealer at home in a world of Armani-suited millionaires. And then they all came together.

But slavery takes many forms. Deborah discovers that she has cancer. In the face of possible death, she charges her husband to rescue Denver. Who will be saved, and who will be lost? What is the future for these unlikely three? What is God doing?

Same Kind of Different As Me is the emotional tale of their story: a telling of pain and laughter, doubt and tears, dug out between the bondages of this earth and the free possibility of heaven. No reader or listener will ever forget it. ... Read more

Reviews

Better Than Fiction, May 3, 2007
At a recent conference I met a gentleman who happens to edit one of those airline magazines that always competes with your legroom in an airplane. A short time ago he sent me an email and asked if I had heard of a book called Same Kind of Different as Me and recommended that I read it. He seemed like a good enough guy and the book had a great cover, so I went ahead and ordered it sight unseen (or nearly so). And what a book it turned out to be.

Same Kind of Different as Me, a book that is factual but could just as easily be fiction, tells the unlikely story of the unlikeliest of friends--Ron Hall and Denver Moore. Told in two voices, the book alternates between telling the story from the perspective of Ron and Denver.

Ron Hall is a wealthy international art dealer who travels the world buying and selling rare and expensive works of art. He has grown rich but has also grown selfish and has grown away from his family. When Ron Hall reluctantly volunteers at a homeless shelter (at the insistence of his wife) he soon comes into contact with Denver, a man his wife is convinced is going to change the city. Denver grew up as a sharecropper in Louisiana, living a life that seemed little different from the life of his ancestors one hundreds years before. He eventually walked away from the cotton fields and found that, while life on the streets of Fort Worth was difficult, it was easier than being a sharecropper. It was here, in a homeless shelter, that the two men met, one serving food and the other being a reluctant recipient of this charity.

Chef Jim and Deborah chatted easily while I mentally balanced the ledger between pleasing my wife and contracting a terminal disease. I had to admit that his idea seemed like an easy way to start--serve the evening meal once a week, and we'd be in and out in three, four hours max. We could minister from behind the rusty steel serving counter, safely separated from the customers. And we could enter and leave through the rear kitchen door, thereby minimizing contact with those likely to hit us up for money. The whole arrangement seemed like a good way for us to fulfill Deborah's desire to help the homeless without our touching them or letting them touch us.

Her bright laugh pulled my attention back into the room. "I think that sounds great, Jim!" she was saying. "I don't see any reason why we can't start tomorrow. In fact, let's just say you can count on us to serve every Tuesday until you hear otherwise."

"Praise the Lord!" Chef Jim said, this time giving Deborah a great big Baptist hug. It did not sound great to me, but Deborah had not asked me what I thought. She never did do much by committee.

At first unable to crack Denver's stony personality, Hall eventually prevails and strikes up a friendship with a man worlds apart. They become fast friends who endure a tragedy together and who soon grow in their love, respect and admiration of each other. Each man teaches the other about life and faith. Somehow the story of the relationship between these two men is fascinating and inspiring. It offers a glimpse into two worlds that are nearly opposite and shows what happens when these worlds come into contact with each other. I can still hardly believe this was not a novel.

While the book showcases a fun sense of humor, there is also plenty of heart.

And yet for all the courage I knew she had, she had shown this glimmer of fear. Oh, how I loved her then. Fiercely. The passion you feel down in your guts where no one else can see and only you know its frightening force. I could remember that there were times in our nearly three decades of marriage that I had loved her less than at that moment, and guilt pierced me like a spike. Though she had always given unconditionally, I had often not been willing to do so in return, She has deserved better than she's gotten from me, I thought, and nearly drowned in a wave of regret thirty years deep.

Between the heart and the humor is some good theology, but, unfortunately, also some that would require believing the word of the author rather than finding any basis in Scripture. For example, there is talk of a "visitation" where a dead person returns to earth, however briefly, to offer comfort and encouragement. This is not something the Bible tells us we can or should expect. There was also some theology that was suspicious and seemed to reveal an understanding of the gospel that was somewhat incomplete. I found these distracting and disappointing, but not fatal to the book.

So while Same Kind of Different as Me is not necessarily a book I'd recommend for its theology, it is a book that I'd recommend for a stirring and unforgettable story, and for the pure joy of reading it. This one caught me by surprise and I enjoyed every minute of it. I can pretty well guarantee that someone will buy the movie rights to this story, so why not buy it now so you can say that you read the book before you ever heard of the movie!

Amazing, August 2, 2006
I finished this book in less than 3 days. I was taken in by chapter 2 and laughed, cried, pondered, and repented the whole way through. It is well written and easy to digest yet full of hidden treasures.

I like that this book challenges those of us who consider ourselves Christian - that we usually aren't as real as we say and certainly rarely have actions that are as revolutionary as Jesus paved the way for.

Both authors are honest in their struggles with themselves, their histories, weaknesses and the strength found in their purpose together.

I most admire that they consider making a difference in one life, and the difference one life can make, important.

This is one of the two most powerful books I have read in my lifetime., November 3, 2006


A friend gave me this book and told me it would "change my life" but I had no idea to what extent!

Having been raised in Fort Wotth, as a young girl, I can remember going to the Union Gospel Mission to help with services for the homeless. They had to attend a service in order to enjoy a free meal. I remember it as being one of the dirtiest, stinkiest and scariest places I had ever seen.

This book takes place at that very mission. It is the true, but almost unbelievable story of three very different people whose lives come together in a way that can only be explained as "God ordained". The things that happen in the lives of these three people are so amazing that you will not be able to put the book down. I have a new love and appreciation for the Union Gospel Mission. It has now become a beautiful place to me...an annointed place where needy people can find food, shelter, love and then come face to face with Jesus.

You will be challenged to look at life differently. I will never be the same since reading this book. I have a new empathy for the underpriveleged in this country. I have a new desire to spend time with the Lord.

This is a book that needs to be read by the masses. I began praying immediately that someone who had the means would make a movie of this story. I have since talked with Ron Hall and it seems that a movie may be in the future.

Denver Moore, the homeless man in the book may be used by God as one of His most faithful messengers of the truth for our time.

Grab a cup of coffee, find a comfortable chair and begin reading. You will be there all night or until you finish it. Grab a box of kleenex, too. You will need it!

You will then want to buy it for everyone you know for Christmas!

Get ready to be changed!!!!

Prepare Your Heart To Be Touched, July 5, 2006
A friend recommended this book to me after she stayed up until 3:30 one morning reading it. Based on her past recommendations, I knew that the book would be good. What I didn't expect was how Deborah Hall's message would continue to resonate with me day in and day out. Deborah wasn't afraid of many things in her life, except missing the call of God. The book, through Ron Hall and Denver Moore's artfully written narratives, reveals the amazing story of how their three lives came together in a way that truly glorified God, even through some very difficult times. After reading this book, you will be thankful that Ron and Denver took the time to put their life stories, along with Deborah's, into a book that blesses all who read it and that hopefully inspires its readers to take off their racial, social, and economic blinders in order to see who people are at the heart level.

Debbie...my twin sister, my best friend, a woman who changed my live!, September 12, 2006
It was difficult reading the book as I had to stand my and watch the person I loved and adored die. She raised the standards high and made me strive to be a better person. After she was told it was time to prepare to die, she was still memorizing scriptures! I hope everyone reading this book falls in love with Ron, Denver, and Debbie. I only wish those of you who read the book had known this wonderful woman. Daphene

A Powerful Message, June 18, 2008
Although they say you cannot judge a book by its cover, that is not always true. And sometimes, just sometimes, I can judge a book by its title. That was so with Same Kind of Different As Me. I had just walked into the bookstore when this book caught my eye. I found the title original, eccentric, and intriguing. Then when I read the back cover, I was presented with the question, "What would bring a homeless black man, a rich white man, and a gutsy white woman with a dream together? I wanted to know.

If you buy Same Kind of Different As Me, do not look at the pictures in the middle until you finish reading the book. It spoiled things for me and caused a major distraction as I tried to finish the novel!

I never liked stories about slavery and the horrible things that happened to blacks because they all ended up the same way when black people ended up with the crappy end of the stick, but it was something about this book that kept me reading. Maybe it was the writing styles, maybe it was the atmosphere the authors created in my mind, or maybe it was the way Ron Hall and Denver Moore made me look at homelessness and generosity in a different way. These were the elements that kept me reading this insightful novel.

"In the twentieth century, slaves were free to leave the plantation, but their debt and lack of education kept them shackled to the Man." This passage shed light on the origin of the black man's struggle after slavery. It spoke volumes about its rippling effects as its residual oppression contributes to problems that some black men still experience today.

There were other passages in this novel that also spoke to me, like the times the rich man felt as if he were the student and the homeless man was teaching him when the wealthy man realized "....we'd enjoy life a whole lot more if we owned a whole lot less." Those words spoke truth and wisdom on so many levels.

Another passage that spoke to me was when the homeless man was describing the rich man's wife: "But it was the way she treated the homeless that made them accept her as their friend. She never asked em no questions, like how come you is here? Where you been? How come you done all them bad things in your life? She just loved em, no strings attached." Not only were those words powerful, but they made me think about the judgment that keeps people from helping others. The rich man's wife, Deborah, didn't have time to judge the less fortunate. All she saw were people who needed help. Her level of sincerity really moved me.

Because of its powerful message, I would definitely recommend this book to others.

This one deserves six stars!, July 14, 2006
Same Kind of Different as Me by Ron Hall and Denver Moore with Lynn Vincent is just too good for a five-star rating. This book is in a class by itself. In fact, I would say it's one of the ten best books I've read in my lifetime--and that's a lot of books! This poignant, gripping, heartrending story of the most unlikely of brothers is beyond amazing, and Vincent's writing is superb. From twentieth-century slavery to multi-million-dollar art sales and everything in between, the authors pull no punches when it comes to "telling it like it is." This is faith-in-the-trenches, love-in-the-gutters writing, and it will forever change the life of anyone who reads it with an honest, seeking heart.

Just ok for me, April 10, 2009
This is the story of two men, one a black man who was a sharecropper in the Deep South, the other a white man who was a self made millionaire. About how they got to be where they are and how their lives intertwined and mixed.

The story of Denver is a gut-wrenching story about a man raised in such complete poverty that I am not even sure that I can understand it.

Ron on the other hand starts with next to nothing and finds a calling in selling artwork and makes quite that life for himself and his family. His wife really drives him to get involved in a homeless ministry and to reach out to Denver.

This becomes a defining moment for each man, and the changes that come over them as they share life together. The outcome of all of this is quite remarkable.

As powerful as the story of each of their lives is, this wasn't the most enjoyable book to read. I really wanted to like this book, to be pulled into this moving story but it just didn't happen. I am not sure if it was in the alternating `voices' as each man tells their story in different chapters, or what it was. But it seemed that while this was a very moving story it was told at kind of a surface overly `spiritual catch phrase' manner rather then really exploring their lives.

So while I am grateful for the opportunity to have gotten to read and review this book it was overall just ok for me.

Life Changing and Truly Inspirational!, September 11, 2006
Like a lot of reviewers here, I couldn't put this book down. The story of Deborah, Ron, and Denver moved me beyond words. Deborah, a woman of great faith, was truly open to others and showed such grace and love in a world that often is so lacking and needing of unconditional love. For those that are turned off by words like faith, grace, and love- I must note that I'm a reforming cynic and books like this are part of my rehabilitation process. If like me you are interested in looking at the lives of individuals who are contributing to the betterment of this world, then I highly recommend you read Same Kind of Different as Me. The life of Deborah Hall portrayed in the book is powerful enough to soften even the hardest of hearts. Thank you for writing this book.

Different, but good., January 18, 2009
The Same Kind of Different as Me is the real-life account of the friendship that developed between two very unlikely men--Ron Moore, an international art dealer and a crusty, homeless black man, Denver Moore, who grew up a modern day slave in twentieth century Louisiana.

Slavery in this day and age? In America? I'm afraid so. Only in the 1940s and 50s (since the Civil War actually) it was known as sharecropping, where third and fourth generation black families were held captive in their poverty and deplorable living conditions by being indebted to the Man who gave them work and a place to live--for Denver a shack no bigger than a backyard storage shed.

Their encounter and subsequent friendship came about when Deborah Hall, Ron's wife, developed a passion to help the underprivileged in Fort Worth, Texas. As in all relationships, trust and a true bond didn't happen overnight, but when it did, amazing things began to happen. Trust. Unconditional love. Friendship that didn't last for just a season, but for a lifetime. God's moving in the hearts and lives of an entire community.

Several applications stand out for me.

Refreshing honesty by the authors.
A call to examine our own hearts and motives. Helping the disadvantaged gratuitously may not be the "caring for the poor and needy" that will make a lasting difference.
Am I guilty of prejudice or a judgmental attitude, even unwittingly?
Am I ready to pour my heart and soul into a committed effort to help the poor in my area?
God can do miraculous things when folks hear His voice and call upon Him to move. This speaks to me both as an individual and for us as a nation.
The glory for changing people's hearts and lives belongs to our sovereign God.

For entertainment value, I'd give this book a B. It was a fast read, and I was particularly fond of Denver. For provoking thought and issuing a call to action, I'd give it an A.
For the courage to take their story public and proclaim God's glory--An A+.
... Read more

Editorial Review

In this astonishing book, celebrated reporter and New York Times -; bestselling author Jim Marrs painstakingly explores the world's most closely guarded secrets, exposing clandestine cabals and the power they have wielded throughout time.  Defiantly rooting out the truth, he unearths starting evidence that the real movers and shakers covertly collude to start and stop wars, manipulate stock markets and interest rates, maintain class distinctions, and even censor the six o'clock news.  And they do all this under the mindful auspices of the Council on Foreign Relations, the Trilateral Commission, the Bilderbergers, the CIA, and even the Vatican.

Drawing on historical evidence and his own impeccable research, Mars carefully traces the mysteries that connect these modern-day conspiracies to humankind's prehistory.  The eye-opening result is an extraordinary synthesis of historical information -; much of it long hidden from the public -; that sheds light on the people and organizations that rule our lives.

Disturbing, provocative, and utterly compelling, Rule by Secrecy offers a singular worldview that may explain who we are, where we came from, and where we are going.

Reviews

Bankers, Politicians, Spies, Patsies, and Secret Societies, October 29, 2006
This book is extraordinarily interesting, broad, and paradigm-altering.

The table of contents provided enough detail to be an executive summary. The book is somewhat deficient on sources (heavily reliant on superficial "encyclopedic" references) but the alternative explanation of history and reality is not to be missed.

I bought the book thinking it was about government secrecy. Not so. Much more importantly, this book is about the secret societies used by the 300-500 wealthiest individuals in the world, the ones that own the central banks that can cause financial panics, move inflation or deflation, all to the end of profiting, while "exploding the client," the individual "patsy" whose hard-earned wages are nothing more than a supermarket shelf from which these elites pluck extra funds to buy another castle. See my review of Mark Lewis's "Liar's Poker" to understand Wall Street use of individuals as *disposable* sources of cash, and my review of John Perkin's "Confessions of an Economic Hit Man" to get a sense of the larger global methods being used to loot the commonwealths. Also relevant is Jeff Faux, "The Global Class War : How America's Bipartisan Elite Lost Our Future - and What It Will Take to Win it Back" and many of my other reviews of books by others on the loss of government legitimacy and credibility with the people, combined with the predatory immorality of corporations that now own government.

Much of what the author attributes to a grand master plan can also be explained by the natural tendency of wealth to create wealth (compound interest) and for wealth to influence politics, but this book is deeper than that.

The author begins with an introduction of the Rothchilds, and gradually builds up a detailed picture of how they funded "barons" around the world, and in America, where the Morgans and the Rockefellers were their chosen instruments. The Bush family is second tier but right up there. Special attention is given to the Federal Reserve, which is NOT controlled by the government and has NEVER been audited in its history, and to the ease with which bankers make money from advance knowledge of changes in domestic and foreign policies that they often simply mandate.

The USA was until around 1837 a "value-based" economy in which real assets--gold, silver, land, labor--paid in full. There was no debt, no interest. From Thomas Jefferson to Andrew Jackson, bankers from Europe were rejected and considered "more dangerous than armies, swindling the future." Jefferson also believed central banks to be unconstitutional, since the right to create a national currency is reserved to the U.S. Treasury. The author notes that both Lincoln and Kennedy were unique for issuing debt-free currency, and for being assassinated. Reagan was shot by Hinkley, whose relative was dining with a prominent member of the Bush family the night before, and he suggests this was intended to move Bush, a member of the secret society world and leading pawn, into power years sooner.

An extensive discussion is provided of bankers themselves causing financial panics, wars, and other confrontations. The author refers to the Rothschild Formula as being to spawn wars and finance both sides. The book discusses the bank-rolling of Hitler, Trotsky, the US Civil War, the French Revolution, the Boar War, and on and on.

Credible evidence is provided that the terrorism in Italy, as part of a "Strategy of Tension" described in a captured document, was intended to create enough of a perception of leftist terrorism to justify a shift in the government toward fascism. The P2 Lodge behind the terrorism was a secret society on the right, not the left, and is said to have been guided by the Alpine Lodge in Switzerland, the "Gnomes of Zurich." George Bush senior is alleged to have been an honorary member of this lodge, while Henry Kissinger is said later in the book to be a member of the Alpine Lodge. Most interesting for me is the CIA connection. The "Strategy of Tension" was first devised by James Angleton to prevent a communist take-over in Italy following WWII, and is STRICKINGLY apt in considering the allegations that 9/11 was allowed to happen if not made to happen. See my review of "Crossing the Rubicon," of "9/11: Synthetic Terror Made in the USA," among other books (use my lists).

Summing up this book early on, I found it to be 1/3 wealth begets wealth; 1/3 corruption begets wealth, and 1/3 conspiracy begets wealth. However, once I entered the secret society segment of the book, I reverse the above order.

This book gave me a completely new perspective on Cheney and Rove as front men rather than the prime movers, intended to take the heat and be "sacrificed" without the public every realizing that it is Citi-Bank (the same bank said to have secretly received Yamashita's Gold from Douglas McArthur, as told in "Gold Warriors" by Sterling and Peggy Seagrave), and Chase Manhattan, the two owned sufficiently by the Morgan and Rockefeller families to be the hubs for their power. The author also discusses the 40,000 tax exempt organizations that serve as fronts for banks and foundations and corporations, all manipulating the individual citizen-voter without paying a cent in taxes.

On page 408 the author says "Whatever the truth may be, we must be wary of leaders who attempt--whether by force, manipulation, or deceit--to move whole populations in directions they may not wish to go and might not be beneficial to all."

On page 409 the author says "Knowledge is indeed power. It is time for those who desire true freedom to exert themselves--to fight back against the forces who desire domination through fear and disunity [enabled by secrecy." The author notes that there are more of us than of them (see my review of Jonathan Schell's "Unconquerable World.")

I have one word for what I plan to work toward: TRANSPARENCY. Collective public intelligence is going to survive and prosper. The times, they are a'changing.

The Paradigm Shocker, May 25, 2000
It may be true that there are other books out there by William Bramley, David Icke, and others that cover some of the same material that Mr. Marrs covers in this book but that isn't the whole story. Anyone that writes that you should save your money on this one has to make you think. I mean, I bought this book just because of the negative reviews I read to see if I would agree. After finishing the entire book I have to say this is a must read for the entire population of America. It seems to me that anyone saying it is just another boogie man story is either in denial or is following an agenda to keep this secret. It is a book of the facts that are out there for anyone to see. On some issues I simply couldn't believe the information I read so I searched out and found the book "Secrets of the Federal Reserve" by Eustace Mullins at my local library to confirm this authors claims. Several more times I found information I simply could not bring myself to believe and each time I found that Mr. Marrs is correct. There is no gray area here. Its black and white. Yes, Mr. Marrs quotes some of the more controversial authors, and yes, he shares his own views at times, but for the most part the entire book is a book of objective information interpretted just the way I would interpret it myself had I been the one who researched it. If you are the type that just can't let go of your own little paradigm of the Universe don't buy this book. It will shake you up. I have read books like this before but this is the best of the best to come out on this topic that I've seen. If you really think that our Presidents are elected and you think you have a pretty good bead on things you will be rudely awakened to the fact that they are selected, not elected after reading all of this information. You will realize as I did that the Mass Media is joined at the hip with the secret societies and Governments of the world. We've been deceived and the truth is starting to break the damn of secrecy down. Let us all hope that by the time the damn breaks it isn't too late. There is a boogie man alright, several families of them in fact, and they laugh at the citizens of the United States and the world all the way to the bank everyday. Read this book before it gets banned. It will rock your world.

See Reality In A New Light..., November 18, 2000
This is an excellent book. I have studied a number of works on this subject matter and found this one to be the most well-organized, comprehensive and understandable.

My daughter is a political science major and she is reading "Rule By Secrecy" also -- she told me, "If there really is a power behind the government running our world, I want to know about it!" Mr. Marrs book should be required reading in our schools. If anything, it will cause one to think and question which is vital to our personal sovereignty. And by the way, other books that support/corroborate the informaton in this book are "Trance-Formation of America" by Cathy O'Brien/Mark Phillips and "The Biggest Secret" by David Icke (though both may challenge your comfort zone even more than this one.)

"Rule By Secrecy" is written in such a way that it is easily digestable and a great read for anyone who questions reality even a little bit. Skeptics find this work and others like it confrontive and threatening because they demand "proof". Well, that is an illusion because the "powers that be" manufacture proof on a daily basis through the media. Please consider that if you are addicted to a steady diet of newspapers and/or watching the news daily, you are perhaps being influenced by only a few (of many) very powerful forms of mind control. When you begin to wake up and question the way things are your heart will provide you real proof. The ability to think and discern using your intuition and feeling nature is the only true freedom there is.

I applaud Mr. Marrs for his courage. Reading this book will cause you to view our world in a new light -- buy it and educate yourself if you dare.

Very Good Overview of Conspiracy but....., August 31, 2000
After listening to Jim Marrs on a couple of talk shows promoting his theories and new book, I looked forward with anticipation to reading the book. I have two major impressions:

1. The first two thirds of the book are excellent in re-capping the history of various secret societies. His conclusions are pretty convincing. But, I have read similar theorizing from numerous other authors, (Holy Blood, Holy Grail; Ancient Plan of Secret Societies, etc.) that the author does a credible job of summarizing. Not much original but a great job of synthesis.

2. My dissappointment with the latter part of the book is the discussion of all the esoteric theories such as Alien control of Secret Societies. While reading this section, I did not understand why he shouldn't have thrown a section on the Kingdom Of Evil, run by Satan himself and his personal control of these societies. My advice: Take the last few chapters with a grain of salt but re-read the first half of the book.

If you really want to move to the next level of this topic get a copy of "The Hope of the Wicked" by Ted Flynn, which was just published recently by Maxkol. Also, if you have a brain for detail and arcana read: "Foucault's Pendulum" by Umberto Eco. Eco has done an outstanding job of telling the whole story of Conspiracy with historical facts about secret societies and their operations today. It is a novel but in Eco's unique manner the truth is hidden but available in the pages of the story. It is all there. The challenge is for you to find the TRUTH.

A WHO'S WHO OF THE INVISIBLE GLOBAL GOVERNMENT, June 4, 2000
If you want to know the who, how, and why of current events, you must read this book. Pages 26-27 alone, lists 29 public figures and their titles, all of which are involved in the secret societies which dictate our governments policies. The ultimate goal of this global conspiracy,(beyond the creation of mega wealth and power,) is one world government. Marrs takes us on a journey backward in time from our modern secret societies, such as the Trilateral Commission, the CFR, and Federal Reserve System, to the evolution of century old organizations. His fact laden commentary on the hidden agenda's of the elite, makes futurist authors such as Furland all the more credible. This is the best and most thoroughly researched book on the subject I have found. Do your own due diligence. Read this book. I would also recommend Icke, whitaker, and Furland.

Rule by Association, September 1, 2000
Not a bad book at all. Marrs provides succinct synopses of prior material, saving the intrepid voyager thousands of hours of wading through weighty -- and often all but unreadable tomes. His journalistic style also lowers the temperature in an area that tends to get heated by self-aggrandizement and fear-hype, enabling cooler thinking to engage with what is, after all, a difficult and often tortuous subject. His "Sources" section provides adequate citation for further reading, which is a big plus. All too many books in this area are long on speculation and very short on documentation and attribution. One would wish that a bibliography separate from Notes had been included, and more, that some deeply considered reason for why we should fear Global Government was provided. All in all Rule by Secrecy, while offering nothing new or particularly insightful in the area of global conspiracy since time immemorial,provides the neophyte or the seasoned veteran concise summations and profitable sources for further reading.

At the very least, it makes you wonder..., December 27, 2000
First off, let me say that one MUST have an open mind when reading this book, a trait obviously not possessed by some of its readers. I'm not saying you have to be an "X-Files" fan to read it...just be sure to go in with a completely objective perspective. Take everything in the book with a grain of salt, but remember to also take what you've learned in the past with a grain of salt. Personally, I believe the truth lies somewhere in between.

Marrs' descriptions and analysis of the relationships between the modern secret societies such as the CFR and the Trilateral Commission are mostly based on accepted and unexotic facts...his conclusions are hardly revolutionary, in that the facts speak for themselves, in ways that are immediately disturbing. Thankfully, the book takes no political side: personalities from both ends of the political spectrum are placed under scrutiny.

Towards the end of the book is where things get a little nuts. The possibility of humankind's origins being linked to extraterrestrials is discussed, but the argument is compelling, especially when one temporarily lets go of religious bias. The one weakness in this part of the book is the author's tendency to either wander from citing sources properly, or to present his own conclusions from undivulged research as fact...which one of these I do not know. It would probably be somewhat impractical in a book like this, but the use of footnotes as opposed to endnotes would have helped a lot, especially in my desire to look into some of these issues myself.

In any event, Marrs makes an extremely strong case for the true origins of modern religion, government, and who's running the show...and he ties it all together in a surprisingly neat little ball of relationships that easily overlay the history we commonly are taught in school.

Without a doubt, Marrs has with this book at the very least hit on some immensely strong possibilities which cannot be denied in their superior logic to commonly held beliefs, as well as a few things that one would have to do independent research on before deciding which side to take.

If you still think it's all hogwash, at least you'll be entertained.

A STUNNING TOUR DE FORCE OF INTELLECTUAL RIGOR, January 6, 2006
In researching my own web book, Outrageous Truth: A Mystical Paradigm, I have read and studied thousands of manuscripts of books, journals, research reports, newspaper accounts, newsletters, articles, and web pages. There have only been two books that have impressed me to the extent as this one, both of which are metaphysical, The Secret Doctrine, by H.P. Blavatsky, and The Secret Wisdom of All Ages, by Manley P. Hall. They share in common a quality that I can only label "Inspired."

By "Inspired," I do not mean the definition that is overused to describe creative novelty, excitement and intensity. By "Inspired" I mean other worldly, that the writer had to have been informed from sources well beyond the material elements and limits of this earth and the human intellect. The indications of this special status include: awesome meticulous and exhausting detail, consistent and extensive cross references to other valid and credible works, the impression that he has remembered every detail of everything he has ever read or contacted. There is an impeccable logic of the story line's themes and contextual development. There is consistent validation among the book's information with credible links to widely documented real world events and sources descriptive of them. The esoteric elements of his book are firmly connected to ancient evidence whose validity is confirmed by multiple credible sources. These qualities well transcend the limited capacities of even pure genius

This book transcends the politics of any party or religion. The author begins with an accounting of those secret societies that operate today, and who the public figures are that, unknown to the general public, are linked to them. He then develops the antecedents of these societies and links them to world figures and events, Hitler, the Nazis, the wars of the 19th and 20th century, and the corporate holders of economic and political control of all sides of conflict who manipulate world events. The chilling links behind why and who orchestrated the Kennedy assassinations become stunningly clear. He identifies the foundation Principles that created their modern expressions from their earlier forms: the Alchemists, Freemasons, Rosicrucian's, and the Illuminati. He then traces the origins of these earlier secret societies back to the most ancient human societies and cultures, and their first written documents, particularly in Egypt, the Middle east, and especially Samaria. He shows how these links from the dawn of human consciousness have evolved to their current expressions today.

Major insight is provided regarding the placement of Christianity in world events and the activities that nurtured its growth and contributions to world events. Some of this information will shock many of today's Christian believers. I find that this information is consistent with other credible sources that address that topic. Across the ages, Marrs links every historical figure of prominence to their role in the evolution of secret power and control to their contemporary secret manifestations today, e.g., the Skull and Bones Society (Yale University), The Trilateral Commission, and CFR (Council on Foreign Relations,) and the German society, the Bilderburgers, and the Priory of Sion.

Few persons today can imagine the mystical connections of these worldly groups to their guiding principles that extend back before the pyramids. But from this book you will learn how and why the persons behind these groups arranged to profit from both sides of the Civil War, World Wars I and II, Korea, Vietnam, and how they now instigate to promote world wide violence to create a single world order controlled entirely by them. In pursuit of this goal they are completely ruthless and unprincipled. They cultivate and use support from any source that will help them achieve their goals, including the naive support of gullible religionists. You can come to recognize their skill at creating "plausible deniability" which are the watchwords that protect their identity and roles behind the success of all their actions when taken.

Here is a passage from the Introduction to Marr's book:
"Be forewarned. If you are perfectly comfortable and satisfied with you own particular view of humankind, religion, history, and the world, read no further.

If you truly believe that humanity has reached the peak of its scientific and spiritual fulfillment, and the corporate owned mass media is keeping you well enough informed, stop here.

But if you are one of those millions who look at the daily news, scratch you head in wonder, and ask, "What in the world is going on?" or if you entertain questions of who we are, where we came from, and where we're going, you are in for a joy ride."

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Joy ride" or not, the book is a demanding read. The fire hose torrent of information, of names alone, can be daunting even to an experienced reader conversant with many of the names and events of today and recent history going back to the 19th and 18th Centuries. I encourage you to simply skim over those parts of the book that cause you to glaze over. There are rewards for getting any part of this book that is accessible to you, and that will be most of it. That is why the rewards for reading it will be unsurpassed. For example, the election struggles leading to November this year, and in 2008, will be understood from an incredible fresh perspective that you cannot now imagine.

This book is such a stunning indictment of current politics and American social values, it is a wonder that Marrs has not already been murdered by the same corporate power structure that is largely in control of all of today's major social decisions. I believe that Marrs is alive because the power elite who own this country quake in their boots and fear that any such drastic act on their part will cause the book to become more widely visible. Because while it was published by HarperCollins, it was never seriously marketed. But in spite of being panned by other corporate controlled editorial reviews, it became a quiet best seller nevertheless. Should the book become publicly visible by an act of violence so as to make Marrs a martyr, then it would become sensational, then widely read by many audiences, and finally, acted upon. They must desperately hope and expect that this book and Jim Marrs will quietly fade away without any major social or political impact. I hope you will help to not let that happen. I have begun to read this amazing book a second time, and I will continue to study it and selected references in it that I am not already familiar with. I find, as they say, it's easier the second time around.

The Hidden Global Agenda & the Myth of Civilized History, September 27, 2000
The information in this book is mind altering. It will change your view of the future and the authorized history of the world forever. Read it and you will look at every headline, every issue and every politician from now on with different eyes and a wizened perception. What's so staggering about the premise of this book, is that the myth our culture is being fed is is so big, so huge and pervasive, it can't be seen even in the light of day by the majority of people. And when you finally realize its breadth and scope it's seems too perposterous to accept. Yet Marrs will show you the wall of deception, brick by brick, page by page. Funny thing is that most of us are already familiar with a great deal of the factoids, stories, rumors and tidbits of research. But like tiny pieces of a jigsaw puzzle, they don't make sense individually, not without the context of the big picture. Marrs has assembled all the tiles together in a timeline to form a huge panorama that vaults our entire history from present day to ancient origins of civilzation, only then does the true story and plot line of history reveal itself with fascinating clarity, undeniable motives and devastating plausibility. If you're a seeker of truths, this book is the reality check. It may not be 100% ironclad, as Marrs himself will admit, but the picture is still valid and what was hidden is now clear. And its far stranger and more gripping than any fiction we could dare to invent.

Mankind Aint So Kind, February 8, 2006
A fascinating, impeccably sourced examination of the secretive cabals, family bloodlines, corporate offshoots and "alphabet" government organizations which perhaps serve as ideological 'hidden hand' thinktanks determining and shaping the course of global and cultural shifts. If one world government is to be an inevitable step to bring humanity together, why the secrecy, the grand deceptions, the calculated slaughters and blatant discrepancies of power between haves and have-nots? Did the devil indeed make them do it?

The fact that such secret societies with uncanny, ancient connections exist is easily provable, the real mystery is just how much influence and impact do they have on foreign and domestic policy making? Which is to ask, is the bulk of our perceptions regarding government, its public relations media apparatus and deregulation policies, banking and the private Federal Reserve System, international corporations [military industrial complex], that is, the daily round of life as we know it, truly, as the reputable analysis of Establishment dissidents Chomsky and Zinn have demonstrated, a "necessary illusion," a form of what early twentieth century planners saw as the "manufacture of consent," and if so, to what extent? What's familiar is a smokescreen, so, what's behind it?

Marrs' book digs in and lays it all out, much like the exhaustive earlier research of David Icke's books {"...And The Truth Shall Set You Free"}, sans the spiritual meditations that color Icke's views -- which I enjoy and believe to be central to what's taking place, but realize some don't and just prefer the facts. Also, Marrs likewise presents the evidence without the familiar tone of fist waving evocation and urgency of fearless NWO crier, Alex Jones. That's not to criticize Jones, because I understand his perspective and agree. It's just that comparatively, Marrs appears somewhat less caustic in how he presents his rationale in these quite irrational times we're existing in. ... Read more

Editorial Review

What if you could grow closer to God and improve your health in just 21 days? Susan Gregory, “The Daniel Fast Blogger,” has a plan to help you do just that. Widely recognized as the expert on this 21-day fast inspired by the book of Daniel, Susan has helped thousands of people discover a safe and healthy way to fast. The principles you learn from The Daniel Fast will change the way you view food, your body, and your relationship with the one who created you. Includes 21 days’ worth of Daniel Fast recipes! Visit www.daniel-fast.com ... Read more

Reviews

Better. Fast-er. Complete., January 6, 2010
I love what she says on page xii. "[People] don't just want to know about fasting, they also want to know how to fast." This is exactly what she has accomplished. Great book on the ins and outs of fasting. I have had it about 3 days. I walked into the local Christian Bookstore and asked them about a devotional book that would be short (about 21 days : ] ) and they really didn't have anything that fit the bill. So I looked at another author's book on fasting for the journal part and they didn't have it.

I really didn't like the other author's book because he tends to approach fasting from a "what do I get" mentality. However, this book's author approaches it from what I consider to be an appropriate viewpoint. It is about growing closer to God. THAT is why we fast. Anyway, after starting to feel like there was nothing that would meet my needs, the person suggested one of Dr. Colbert's books on fasting. Well, wrong book, but right section. I started looking through the books and then noticed The Daniel Fast. I picked it up b/c I had been on her blog once or twice and recognized the name. In the back of the book as I thumbed through it was a 21 day devotional guide!! Sweet! (like sweetleaf sweet!)

So I instantly grabbed it and rifled through it. Search over. Purchased and am still reading parts of it. My wife even wants to make some of the recipes for the rest of the family b/c they sounded so good.

In short, thanks for writing this book! It came out the very day that I needed it.

God's joy,

Dave

Great Daniel Fast Resource, January 9, 2010
I received a review copy of this book and wasn't sure that I'd be excited about reading about fasting. But, I was pleasantly surprised. Gregory divides her book into two sections. The first covers the history of the Daniel fast and ways to prepare oneself for the fast. The second section is practical application. Recipes and a menu plan are included as well as a 21-day devotional guide to use during your fast.

The personal experiences that Gregory shares make the fast seem doable. While it may not be easy, the results will be worth it and ones walk with the Lord should surely benefit.

This book is a complete resource for the Daniel Fast. I'd recommend it to anyone who wants more information about both the purpose and benefits of fasting in general or those looking for a daily guide for their own fast.

The Daniel Fast, January 8, 2010
This is just a wonderful book.All the work and prayer Susan Gregory has put into this book shows.
A true guide book for christian prayer and fasting.
I highly recommend this book.

Daniel Fast-Susan Gregory, December 30, 2009
Just bought this book (kindle version) Absolutley love it. I will be starting my 2nd Daniel Fast on Jan 1st & I am very excited. The author's personal experiences stir a desire in me to learn, grow & fast more.

Sometimes You Are So Hungry, the Only Way to be Fed is to Fast, March 25, 2010
Fasting is a Christian discipline that is rarely talked about in the Christian church, so I found the book, The Daniel Fast by Susan Gregory, to be refreshing and enlightening. America has been plagued by an epidemic of obesity - we love our food -and for some they love their food more than they love their God! Fasting was a part of the Jewish culture and great men and women of God through out the Bible, participated in fasting and prayer. Our ultimate example is Jesus our Savior, who went into the wilderness for 40 days to fast and pray.


Have you ever gone on a fast? In the last few years I have begun to practice this spiritual discipline. Sometimes it's been with my Good Morning Girls group, often it's with my husband and once with an old friend from high school who now lives in Texas! The support through out the day of emails, texts and prayers has gotten me through some rough days of fasting - (I do love my Diet Coke! I know for others giving up coffee is a struggle!)


What is so great about this book is it provides a step by step plan - including how to prepare, some recipes that follow the restrictions and daily devotions for doing a 21 day Daniel Fast. I have not done a fast that included food so this sparked my interest - maybe I can do this!


Susan Gregory says in The Daniel Fast, "The definition of a biblical fast is to restrict food for a spiritual purpose." Susan explains there are three types of fasts - an absolute fast, a normal fast, and a partial fast. The Daniel Fast is a partial fast - abstaining from some foods but not all. Daniel abstained from all foods except foods from the seed and water. So this book explains how to follow his example.


Do you wish you had the deep faith of Daniel? One that could lock the jaws of lions in a den? I think we all wish we could have that type of walk with God and yet are we willing to do what Daniel did in order to have what Daniel had? Fasting is not so you can impress God with your "super" Christian ways - but it is for you. It is done to draw us nearer to God and without the aspect of extra prayer and time in the word - it is just a diet.

Fasting was created by God as a tool to bring us into closer relationship with Him. If you are interested in doing a 1 day, 3 day, 7 day, 10 day or 21 day fast - go to Susan Gregory's website to learn more about the Daniel Fast here. You can also read a past post I wrote on fasting here ([...]) .


"Sometimes you are so hungry, the only way to be fed is to fast."Susan Gregory


Walk with the King!
Courtney
[...]

A must read for novices and the experienced! Expectations exceeded!!, January 26, 2010
This book is so easy to read and covers any questions that you might have about the Daniel Fast. I love that Susan goes into depth about the spiritual side of fasting. The recipes are so good that I will make them long after our 21 day fast is over. This book is a definite keeper. My only regret is that it wasn't published before I first learned to fast last year!

The Best Fasting Book I Have Ever Read, January 23, 2010
I love books on fasting. I haven't practiced it much, but the times when I have fasted, I have seen the miraculous power of God move in my life like no other time.

The thing that I liked about this book is that not only is there a section on fasting, but it also explains in great detail what the Daniel fast is and what it isn't.

On top of it being very informative, the book also lists for you foods that are acceptable to eat during a Daniel fast and also recipes, meal plans, and a very special 21 day devotional to help you through your very first Daniel Fast.

If and when I ever get to the point of doing a Daniel Fast, I will be using this book quite a bit.

The Daniel Fast, January 14, 2010
The Daniel Fast Blogger ([...])Susan Gregory has written a book about the Daniel Fast. As a person who has practiced the Daniel fast for several years, at the beginning of each year, I was interested in reading this book, to gain more insight into the Daniel Fast.
One huge plus about the website and this book is that Susan includes a extensive group of recipes to be using during the Daniel Fast. She also lists some sample menus, a menu planning worksheet and my favorite part of the book is a 21 day Daniel Fast Devotional. This book is a great tool for Daniel fast participants.
I just wanted to share something I particularly enjoyed from the book, and that was the five steps for a successful Daniel Fast (found in Chapter 5 of the book) Pray, Plan, Prepare, Participate, and Praise and Process. Definitely a book for participants of the Daniel Fast to read, the book closes with common questions asked about the Daniel Fast. 263pages, $13.99 US 4 stars.

This book was provided for review purposes only, no payment was received for this review.

Good Cookbook, Not so Great Theology, January 14, 2010
When I joined the Tyndale Blogger Network, the first book they sent me was The Daniel Fast: Feed Your Soul, Strengthen Your Spirit, and Renew Your Body by Susan Gregory.

Whenever I see a book that claims to have a "bible-based" diet or nutrition guide, I am usually skeptical. It was no different for this book. After reading Gregory's book, I have two basic thoughts that emanate from the text.

First, the book is valuable for those wanting to find a safe way to learn the art of fasting as a discipline. Those who read the book will be glad to find not only her biblical outline for how the fast relates to Daniel's refusal to eat the kings famous meal, but also how we might carry out the fast in modern day America. The book is filled with lots of recipes for a very limited diet (it is more stringent than even a vegan diet).

Second, the book falls prey to the kind of individualizing and popularizing of biblical texts into "five step" programs and it's as easy as "x, y, and z" to have a better walk with the Lord.

The chapter that I had the hardest time getting through was the chapter 4 (The Daniel Fast for Body, Soul, and Spirit) where Gregory takes us on a hardline trichotomist walk through scripture. Not only does this take away from the central focus of the book, but it puts too hard a nose on a grey subject. The lines between body, soul, and spirit are not simply "one thing" in scripture. They cannot be easily separated, and Gregory does a poor job of showing the differences in thoughts about the body and the soul between the modern mindset and the Hebrew mindset. The book would have been better without this chapter.

All in all, I would recommend the book for those who want to learn the basics of fasting and who would like all of the good recipes that go along with the book. I would highly recommend NOT reading it for a theological understanding of fasting as there are other books written by Dallas Willard and Richard Foster which do a much better job of introducing the disciplines.

The Daniel Fast, July 2, 2010
I have had this book for a while (too long really). I'm more of a fan of the fiction novels than I am of informational books. That's probably why it took every fiber in my body to read this book and complete it. I must say that it is eye opening!


The author, Susan Gregory, wrote The Daniel Fast based on scripture that is found in Daniel 1 and 10. The Daniel Fast is what I would call a "partial fast". It focuses on eating only pulse foods and vegetables and fruits that come from seeds (reference Daniel 1:12) and staying away from meat, sweets (oh no!!) and wine (reference Daniel 10:3). In the scriptures you will find that it is for 21 days, and the book gives a plan for 21 days also, but obviously you can do this for as long as you feel like.


She teaches you how to fast in a healthy way, follow a 21 day plan (or longer), create healthy meals, participate in a group and learn how to listen to God. There are hows and whys listed all through the book with great scripture references and she also shares menu plans with a ton of recipes to help you along with this fast.


I would highly recommend this book to anyone that would like to grow deeper and find their purpose in life. You can read the first chapter HERE. You can also go to THE DANIEL FAST WEBSITE to find out more. ... Read more

Editorial Review

Editorial Review

About the Book

A Formatio book.

Do you long for a deep, fundamental change in your life with God? Do you desire a greater intimacy with God? Do you wonder how you might truly live your life as God created you to live it?

Spiritual disciplines are activites that open us to God's transforming love and the changes that only God can bring about in our lives. Picking up on the monastic tradition of creating a "rule of life" that allows for regular space for the practice of the spiritual disciplines, this book takes you more deeply into understanding seven key disciplines along with practical ideas for weaving them into everyday life. Each chapter includes exercises to help you begin the practices--individually and in a group context. The final chapter puts it all together in a way that will help you arrange your life for spiritual transformation.

The choice to establish your own sacred rhythm is the most important choice you can make with your life. ... Read more

Reviews

Best book on spiritual transformation I've read recently, January 21, 2008
To be honest, I've gotten a little weary of books about spiritual disciplines. I always end up feeling guilty that I'm not more disciplined and perpetually struggle with having a consistent quiet time, after many years of being a Christian. Ruth Haley Barton cuts through all of that putting "discipline" (or "rule" or "rhythm" whatever you want to call it!) into the context of "desire," that we deeply long for God's transformation in our lives. She stresses that we cannot transform ourselves, only God can do that. But, we can arrange our lives in such a way that makes the conditions for transformation optimal. This book is extremely practical, gracious, and FREES you to seek God, rather than bind you to a set of rules. I highly, highly recommend it.

Handbook on Christian spirituality, October 16, 2008
I borrowed a copy of Sacred Rhythms from the Pauline Bookstore sale shelf where I work (and live). I loved Barton's voice; her gentle style. The book itself is a kind of handbook on Christian spirituality: prayer, discernment, creating a spiritual "rule of life" (and even the examen of consciousness!). All very solid, very real-life oriented and very readable. But what was particularly interesting to me (a Catholic sister/nun) is how Barton, who was brought up in the Baptist tradition, makes this traditionally Catholic spirituality so approachable for non-Catholics, to whom the language may be much less familiar. Her writing is not so focused on a Protestant audience that a Catholic would be distracted or unable to relate. It's just a good, solid and balanced treatment of key issues in our life with God.
Barton deserves kudos for her treatment of the Sabbath in our Christian life, and her helpful explanation of how to create a "rule of life" that sets our life on course in a way that coincides with our life with God, not setting "prayer life" and "real life" on parallel tracks.

Literary Encouragement For Spiritual Cynics, January 4, 2007
I have to confess that I'm just getting over a horrible "Been There, Read That" attitude when it comes to books about spiritual growth. That's why it came as a delightful surprise when (a) I couldn't put this book down, (b) I read several chapters again and again and used them to spur journal/prayer entries, and (c) I'm going to take it with me on my next overnight silent retreat. I especially enjoyed the reflections on discernment and self-examination. Thank you, IVP and Ruth Haley Barton, for this gem of a book.


(Note: I got the book at our public library, but have since purchased it as a gift for my sister and just ordered Barton's other book from IVP on solitude).

Dream a Little Dream of Rest, June 22, 2008
Ruth Haley Barton presents a clear and compelling description of the spiritual disciplines of solitude, lectio divina, centering/breath prayer, Ignatian examen (of consciousness and conscience), discernment, sabbath-keeping, and the Benedictine "rule of life." She opens the book with an invitation to explore the deep longings of your soul and name your desires before Christ. And she offers a wonderful chapter on the spirituality of learning to live in and care for our physical bodies. It was a powerful and life-chaning book for me -- particularly the chapters on solitude, honoring the body, and sabbath-keeping. Barton has a gentle heart and a gracious approach to the disciplines that is so inviting. This book was my part of my devotions for the last few weeks and I find that I will miss Barton's voice and vision and the possibilities that they have stirred in my soul. I recommend this book highly to anyone who is struggling with exhaustion or burn-out and wanting permission to dream of rest.

a blessing, June 24, 2008
This was one of the most helpful books on the Christian spiritual disciplines I have ever read. Barton leads her reader through the astonishing basis for all spiritual disciplines, the foundational principles for each discipline she discusses, and an extremely helpful step-by-step practice of each discipline. It is a book one should slowly work through, rather than read quickly. Barton helped me revitalize my spiritual practices.

Great candidate for Personal Book of the Year., July 30, 2007
I have been refreshed and instructed by Sacred Rhythms. I am encouraged to explore developing (or discerning) a Rule for Life that will cultivate trust in God and love for others. Well done.

Useful Guide for those Seeking Spiritual Transformation, June 17, 2009
The subtitle of the book sums up the aim for readers - how to arrange our lives around the goal of spiritual transformation, and why this is a worthy pursuit. Barton's style is very conversational and straight-forward. It covers some deep material in a very clear and encouraging way. She starts off describing a bit of her own spiritual journey and longing for spiritual transformation. We're not alone in finding that spiritual disciplines (or any activity) done for the wrong reasons can take us in the opposite direction we seek, further away from God and discouraged. Yet there is another way, seeking the presence of God and opening ourselves to His work in our lives that can truly transform us.

Barton covers seven vital spiritual disciplines and for each describes a fresh way to engage. For example, for scripture reading she describes an ancient practice of devotional reading (lectio divina) that is quite different from your average quiet time. Other disciplines include solitude, prayer, honoring the body, self-examination, discernment, and honoring the Sabbath. The author also points out the downside of not engaging in these practices. It is easy in our busy schedules to avoid solitude and Sabbath rest, but it is to our detriment. The final chapter is a highlight of the book. She discusses a "rule of life" (as it is classically known), which she terms `cultivating rhythms for spiritual transformation. This addresses the practical question of how to put these things in practice, how to make them a natural and inviting part of your life.

The appendices provide some very helpful additional material. There are notes on how to take this journey with other people, lead a small group exploring these disciplines, and how to choose spiritual disciplines that fit our needs. These together help us focus our efforts better, and there is definitely great encouragement and support in practicing these disciplines and discussing them with others on the journey.

Decent book, some chapters better than others..., May 8, 2009
Not a bad book. I enjoyed some chapters more than others - I think my favorite was the Sabbath chapter. I do think we're in a culture of go-go-go, and it was good to be reminded that it's important to take time for ourselves. To take a nap, take a walk, do what you want to do on your Sabbath. No errands, no busyness - just time for yourself and your family.

My main problem with her was that she applied a lot of her experience to everything, as though each person's life will be similar to hers. Sometimes it overrode the message of the chapter, and made me want to skim ahead.

Still a decent book, though. Highly recommend the chapter on the Sabbath, as well as the one on honoring the body.

Sacred Rhythms, March 2, 2009
An incredible book for those desiring to understand and practice Christian disciplines. I love the way Ruth Haley Barton includes a Practice for each of the disciplines in this work. I have purchased this book for our church library as well as for friends. Highly recommend.

Beautifully written, August 7, 2009
I've read a few books on the spiritual disciplines, but this one took a slightly different view of the disciplines. It is beautifully written, with practical suggestions to deepen ones relationship with God. I especially enjoyed the divine reading section. Whether you are new to a relationship with Jesus or have been a Christ follower for years, this book will inspire you to want to really know and understand God's love for you. ... Read more

Editorial Review

"We've got some difficult days ahead," civil rights activist Martin Luther King, Jr., told a crowd gathered at Memphis's Clayborn Temple on April 3, 1968. "But it really doesn't matter to me now because I've been to the mountaintop. . . . And I've seen the promised land. I may not get there with you. But I want you to know tonight that we as a people will get to the promised land."

These prohetic words, uttered the day before his assassination, challenged those he left behind to see that his "promised land" of racial equality became a reality; a reality to which King devoted the last twelve years of his life.

These words and other are commemorated here in the only major one-volume collection of this seminal twentieth-century American prophet's writings, speeches, interviews, and autobiographical reflections. A Testament of Hope contains Martin Luther King, Jr.'s essential thoughts on nonviolence, social policy, integration, black nationalism, the ethics of love and hope, and more. ... Read more

Reviews

An important collection of writings, June 1, 2001
"A Testament of Hope: The Essential Writings and Speeches of Martin Luther King, Jr.," edited by James M. Washington, is an impressive volume. This book brings together essays, speeches, sermons, interviews, and excerpts from King's books. Together, these many documents offer insights into the life and philosophy of a giant of the civil rights movement in the United States.

The book includes the "I Have a Dream" speech, the letter from Birmingham jail, the "Playboy" interview, and more. There are even fascinating transcripts from two television appearances.

This is a thought-provoking collection. I was fascinated by King's strong critique of that part of the white Christian establishment which opposed his movement. It is also intriguing to read that, apart from the Bible, King would choose Plato's "Republic" if he were to be marooned on the proverbial desert island with only one book. Also noteworthy is the emergence of King's multi-faith, global vision of humanity.

This is an important volume for those interested in African-American studies, 20th century U.S. history, or progressive currents in Christian theology. But more than that, "A Testament of Hope" is truly a testament for all people.

Essential reading for human rights advocates, January 20, 2003
I learned more about Dr. King and his philosophies by reading his actual words than I could have learned reading a history or biography.

I was surprised to learn that Dr King's journey was a long one even before civil rights movement, that he studied many schools of philosophical and religious thought. I was deeply impressed by his gifts with language, the ability to convey ideas in ways anyone can understand, and to inspire. Any writer could learn by studying his work.

If you are interested in human rights questions, I recommend reading this piece by piece, though it is a large volume. So much of what King said isn't limited to the movements of 50 years ago, but to the ongoing struggle for human dignity and equality.

An Indispensible Collection, November 30, 2005
A Testament of Hope is indispensible for a complete understanding of MLK Jr. the man. He was so much more than a monolithic figure of the Civil Rights movement. He was a pastor, theologian, philosopher, diplomat, husband, and father. A Testament of Hope helps the reader to grasp the multifaceted life of this icon of the twentieth century. This book lets the reader into the very human life of MLK Jr. Nowhere have I discovered a more cogent explanation of passive resistance than in the various speeches and essays contained in this book. If you are engaged in the struggle for civil rights or if you seek to better understand modern humanity more completely add this book to your library and consult it often.

PAX

Erik

"There are just laws and there are unjust laws..." *, April 5, 2008
Yesterday, the 40th anniversary of MLK's assassination, I spent the better part of the day thumbing through A Testment of Hope. The book is an old friend of mine. I've read and reread it for nearly twenty years now, both privately and with students in at least a dozen classes.

What I like so much about editor James Washington's collection is its comprehensiveness. In a single volume, one finds MLK's thoughts on nonviolence, civil rights and integration, the Vietnam War and poverty, Christianity and social responsibility, and justice and morality. His ideas are conveyed here through essays, sermons, interviews, and lengthy, meaty excerpts from his five books. Everything that one could want is here, including what I personally take to be his very best work: "Letter from a Birmingham Jail" (1963), "Love, Law, and Civil Disobedience" (1961), "A Christmas Sermon on Peace" (1967), "A Time to Break Silence" (1967), the "I Have a Dream" speech (1961), and Stride Toward Freedom's masterful discussion of the tactics and principles of nonviolence (1958).

Today, four decades after his death, the country is still struggling to grow into MLK's vision of reconciliation and nonviolence. One can only imagine how sad he would be at the post-9/11 turn toward militarism the nation has taken, the current wave of sentiment against Latino immigrants, the constant economic disparity between white households and African American ones, or the upswing in hate crimes against Muslims. In re-reading A Testament of Hope, I was reminded yet again of how very much we need a present-day prophet of King's caliber, vision, and courage, and of how very grateful I am that we once had King himself.
________
* "And I submit that the individual who disobeys the law, whose conscience tells him it is unjust and who is willing to accept the penalty by staying in jail until that law is altered, is expressing at the moment the very highest respect for law." From "Love, Law, and Civil Disobedience," p. 49.

An Essential Resource, February 8, 1999
MLK so upset the racist materialist militarist power structure, they may never be done with crucifying him. We need to ignore the controversy that surrounds the man and read his own words. Words of grace, healing, brilliance, and a passion for justice. This book is a is wonderful resource and an essential compilation of his writings, sermons, and interviews. It is a road map for the 21st century. I read the full volume, and contrary to the observation of another reviewer, there are only a handful of typos. Thank you James Melvin Washington for this book.

The Best Reading In a Decade, March 20, 2006
I thought that I knew a lot about Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., but this book has really opened up to me his true character. As I read his precious speeches, articles and books I am so happy that I purchased this compilation of Dr. Kings' works and I have been given a special glimpse into the life of such a genuine and extraordinary individual.

Every American should read this book, November 1, 2003
At a time when national leadership is scarce, trust is shallow, and American liberties are threatened by our own government, Dr. King's words again call for our active and essential advancement of freedom and goodness. Read each entry, and when the spirit moves you read your favorite passages aloud. Dr. King and his teachings embody and continue to celebrate the most noble and vital aspects of the real American Spirit.

Required Reading For All, June 2, 2008
I was totally humbled by this book. If it could be made manitory reading for all.....they should pass a law. You will not be the same after reading this book.

A Legacy of Hope - Mighty and Powerful and Beautifully Crafted, September 21, 2007
As a Hispanic-American increasingly involved in speaking out about social issues and looking for inspiration, I stumbed upon this incredible book.

I have since learned to love the writings and speeches of Doctor Martin Luther King. They are mighty and powerful and beautifully crafted. Biblical in their content and style, they are tremendously moving. They simplify the complicated and elevate the important!

His words ring out as loud and clear today as they did some forty years ago. For example, in one of his last and most radical speeches, "Where Do We Go From Here?" Doctor King exhorted:

"Let us go out with a 'divine dissatisfaction!

Let us be dissatisfied until America will no longer have a high blood pressure of Creeds and an anemia of Deeds!

Let us be dissatisfied until the tragic walls that separate the outer city of wealth and comfort from the inner city of poverty and dispair shall be crushed by the battering rams of the forces of justice!

Let us be dissatisfied until those that life on the outskirts of hope are brought into the metropolis of daily security!

Let us be dissatisfied until slums are cast into the junk heaps of history and every family is living in a decent sanitary home!"

This book is recommended for anyone looking for wisdom and inspiration and wishing to learn more about Doctor Martin Luther King and America's civil rights movement.

Buy it! Read it! And get involved in the battle for social justice for all Americans.

The great American voice for Freedom "I know one day we as a people will reach the Promised Land", November 22, 2006
Martin Luther King Jr. the great American Civil Rights leader was a voice not only for black people in the United States, but for Mankind as a whole. He dreamed but he did not dream for black people alone but for every single American, and every single human being. Essentially his message was one of hope.
He was perhaps the most powerful speaker the United States had in the twentieth century. His 'I have a dream' speech on the Mall in Washington at the height of the Civil Rights movements was a call for and affirmation of human dignity and freedom.
He spoke in the language and rhythms of the Bible.
In his Nobel Prize Speech he articulated his faith in nonviolence as a means for human liberation. While it might be possible to question the validity of the non- violent option when confronting the most ruthless forms of totalitarian Evil it nonetheless is tribute to the spirit of King's deep Christian faith that he so passionately preached the 'non- violent doctrine'.
This book is a testimony to one of the truly great Americans of the twentieth - century. A man who by his example , by his deeds, ( And his words too are great deeds) gave hope and freedom to so many.
This work could not be recommended more highly. ... Read more