2 comments about Hidden Spring: A Buddhist Woman Confronts Cancer.

1. With only a slight knowledge of Buddhist principles,but with much experience working with people with cancer, I began this book with curiosity and trust. Trust because I came upon it at a Buddhist retreat a friend was checking out before attending a class in a few months. It was at the library and I couldn't leave without it for some reason. Now I know the reason. There is such grace in the journey Sandy began as she struggled to continue her practice under most difficult, even dire circumstances. I laughed, cried and finally understood at a deeper level than ever before how to truly "practice" Buddhism on a daily basis no matter what is happening in your life. I get it now, when no reading I'd done before ever truly connected except on a mental level for me. I'm grateful for Sandy for sharing this experience and I am humbled by her story.



2. I heard a review of this book on National Public Radio & had to see for myself if it was as great as it sounded. This is an inspiringly honest book. It would be a great read for anyone dealing with cancer, depression, or daily life.

5 comments about At the Eleventh Hour: The biography of Swami Rama.

1. If you must read about the life of Swami Rama, read Living With The Himalayan Masters. This book is very disappointing: The author obviously has a ghost writer, or is heavily edited as his "writing" reads very clinically and without character. If you have ever met or heard Rajmani speak, you will not be able to "hear his voice" in the book. Also, it reads like a poorly recycled version of Living With The Himalayan Masters.
   
   If Tigunait was truly a disciple of Swami Rama, there should be more intimate, first hand accounts of their relationship but there is not. A disappointing read.



2. I read this book after reading Swami Rama's autobiography. It was good to see him from a devotee's view as well, though I enjoyed the autobiography more. Worth reading if you want to know more on Swami Rama.



3. After reading "Living with the Himalayan Masters" by Swami Rama and "Walking with a Himalayan Master" by Justin O'Brien (Swami Jaidev Bharti), I was really looking forward to reading this book. Pandit Tigunait really goes in detail in his Biography of Swami Rama, the Sage from Mount Kailas. We come to see the uncovered facts about his life, his training, and furthermore, facts about his Master, Bengali Baba.
   
   Highly inspirational, and a guidebook to those who are sincere towards finding the ultimate Truth. Language is easy even for the Western Audience. Highly recommended to all*****



4. Swami Rama embodied Selfless Service to his Master. His was the Path of Enlightenment, the Path of the Sages. His story is told well by one of his former disciples, Rajmani Tugunait. The book delivers the clarity of Swami Rama's message: Know Yourself and Become Free From Fear.
   In this day, this message is profoundly appropriate, yet almost universally ignored. Swami Rama knew and embodied the realities of his Teacher's world: a world way outside the box of what our culture in the West believes to be the only "verifiable" truth. In Swami Rama's life, his master would disappear and reappear at will, manifest whatever was called for, be it sweet mangoes or large amounts of cash, so that Swami Rama could see what was possible for us as humans, now, on Earth.
   The story reveals Swami Rama's life from even before conception. The miracles show up in every chapter. The assumption we have that we are NOT miracle workers is busted by the story of this book. The Keys to Freedom from Fear are revealed in Swami Rama's story.
   His message is clear: it is then up to us to discover for ourselves our path to the Miracle Worker that we already are.



5. Pandit Rajmani Tigunait writes about Swami Rama's life. He has firsthand knowledge as well as input from others who knew the Swami well. From my reading of Swami Rama's book (Living with Masters of the Himalaya)it appears that Swami Rama has mastered many of the yogic techniques he practiced as a youth. With his mind and the powers of concentration he is able to heal the sick, predict the future, and defy physical laws. Compare these events with what Jesus did in the Bible. Since I have practiced Kriya Yoga for years, I found this book perfectly understandable and believable. It only emphasizes that most folks are the living dead; they have yet to come alive.

5 comments about The Faith Of George W. Bush.

1. I am so glad that other loving Christians have taken this book and one of our finest presidents to heart.
   Jesus may have said that we should turn the other cheek, but He certainly didn't mean that we should not seek revenge on the Saudis who bombed us on 9/11 by bombing Iraq and Afghanistan. Yes, thou shalt not kill, but only if someone else doesn't do it first. We are finally right in line with the teachings of Christ these days, thanks to compassionate religious men like G.W. Bush and Richard Cheney.
   Our nation's deeply held Christian values must be shared with the world, whether they like it or not. Sooner or later they will understand that there is only One God, and that He is Our God. When the Constitution talks about religious freedom, it means freedom to proselytize and keep military bases in almost every other country. It is clearly the will of God, and not the false prophets Allah or Buddha or Krishna, etc.
   Jesus would be so proud of our peaceful and loving Christian ways, and above all proud of His minion and faithful servant George W. Bush. Sure, he did a lot of cocaine but that was a long time ago, and he has been Forgiven, as he will soon forgive the millions who are in jail for the same crimes he was caught but never tried for. When your family is a little closer to God, good things can happen.
   While not quite as noble a President as Taft or Harding, GW will no doubt go down in history as a great man, a deep thinker committed to educating the world, and above all a committed Christian who has never lost sight of the compassion and love for ALL other people that Our Savior preached. If only Jesus would return before the end of Bush's term, He would confirm that our present foreign policy is not only deeply Christian but almost exactly what He had in mind when promoting peace, good will, and charity. Thank God Bush found Christ before he came into office; Lord only knows what a non-Christ-loving Bush would be up to.
   God Bless America, and George W. Bush. May his kind and loving Good Works continue to resonate in our markets and environment and national character long after he leaves office.
   Somewhere, Jesus is smiling at the picture of G.W. Bush on His heavenly desk.



2. Regardless of what you think about George W. Bush, in my humble opinion, Stephen Mansfield has written an insightful biography of the role of religion in the president's life. While some reviewers may indeed criticize some of Bush's actions, what right do they have to judge as to whether or not he truly has a personal relationship with Jesus Christ?
   
   Mansfield, while appearing to be a Bush supporter, does not hesitate to describe Bush's struggles in his early years (rebellion, drinking, smoking, women, etc.) that ultimately led to his now famous walk with Reverand Billy Graham on a Maine beach shore that challenged him to redirect his life towards Jesus Christ.
   
   Mansfield also shows how the president's faith has led to his stances on various positions: abortion, 911, faith-based initiatives, etc. Whether or not you agree with the president, you cannot argue the obvious influence that faith has on his life.
   
   Anyone who reads this book, Bush supporter or not, will find this read to be very enlightening and transparent. Read and enjoy. Highly recommended!



3. Hey everyone. I'd like to talk about how, as a Christian, I feel that I have been used by George Bush. It's not my place to say whether or not Bush is really a Christian or not. But the Bible does say that you will know a person by their fruits, that is, you will know whether a person is bad or good by the things that they do.
   
   The 2004 exit-polls showed that faith and religious beliefs were the sole winner determining factor in the election. Bush told everybody that he was a Christian and would be a Christian president and defend our beliefs and protect marriage but he hasn't done any of that really. Under his watch the Ten commandments were pulled out of a courthouse. Under his watch ga-ys and les-bians were married across the country. The only thing he has done in office was the War in Iraq and Afghanistan.
   
   Now the war on terror is very complicated. It would be wrong to say that if we just left Iraq that Muslims would become peace loving allies and everything would return to a utopia-like past that never really existed. Something has to be done. But the war in Iraq has made no sense form the beginning. If we are at war why aren't we fighting it like a war. Why are our soldiers over there standing around waiting to be blown up like sitting ducks?
   
   In the mean time it's politics as usual in our country as the Democrats and Republicans take any opportunity they can to bad mouth the other and say how perfect their party is. Bush alone isn't tearing America apart, all politicians are. They are all corrupt as far as I can see. When an all-powerful oligarchy has taken over the countries political system what hope does democracy have? When both candidates in an election are members in a strange fraternity organization, Skull and bones, who are we supposed to vote for? A third party candidate that is probably no better and has no chance of winning?
   
   This book was probably just another publicity campaign tool meant to make Christians think they should vote for Bush because he was on our side. But who were we supposed to vote for? John Kerry? Ha! Al Gore? Double Ha! In hindsight I would have to had voted for a third party candidate and thrown away my vote.
   
   Well, at least we know that whoever we vote for, we're going to get a lying crook.



4. This book is basically a biography of Bush's life from a more religious perspective. In it they compare how Bush's beliefs supposedly shaped his life.
   
   While the book seems truthful it leaves out alot of facts. It does not mention the scadals going on at the time or screw ups he had made.
   
   The other problem is that the book is dated as it was released pre his reelection. The author might be writing a totally different book about how religion screwed up his presidency with the scandal and blunders hes in now.
   
   In the end it was a decent read thoug for facts i would rather stick to a less biased source. As i said this author seemed very much like a buddy of Bush's putting a book out for him.



5. Should begin that I am fan of Bush. He is admirable and courageous man, with enormous pressures. In this fascinating book chronolicling his faith development and its subsequent playing itself out in his life as our two-term president, it is said that he felt freed by his faith to live as he believes God has called and led him.
   
   While my theology certainly doesn't match at all with what is here depicted of Bush, I certainly have respect for his faith and his principles which guide his life. Certainly one can appreciate the burden of his inheritance, and his own subsequent path through his beloved wife and friends who were major players in God's call into his current vocation.
   
   My only wish which led to four and not five stars, was that it centered more on his own theology, rather than this personal theology playing itself out in politics. It is not like he is leading a church body. He is leading a country, which is not a church. This is major difference likely in our theologies, but this is my review.
   
   Good and touching read of the real person, not the hyped up view the liberal media want to place upon him unjustly and untruly. I think he will go down in history as a man of conviction and purpose and drive, not just to be popular in his own time, driven by pollsters. While criticized severely now, history will vindicate, especially history of eternity.

5 comments about Jesus: An Intimate Portrait of the Man, His Land, and His People.

1. I loved this book. As a new Christian I found it to be amazing in helping me to understand the historical significance of what was going on 2000 yrs ago when Jesus walked the earth. It was amazing and heart breaking to know the horrors of crucifixion, and helped me to understand the politics of the time period . It helped me make sense of who Jesus was and what was going on in that part of the world when Jesus was in his ministry. It is not theology or doctrine. It is just what the title says.."An Intimate Portrait of the Man, His Land and His People, The 2 star review by Rodney Jay Buchanan, was unfair, and more than likely written by an individual who does not look at this book as a wonderful way to educate new believers and seekers.



2. An accessable informal account of Jesus' life. Some reviewers criticized it for not presenting a more in depth curriculum. That is for many other books not this one. The beauty in this book is its ordinary approach. Using straightforward narritive Leith Anderson takes you along a biographical journey. Harmonizing and synthesizing the four gospels from the Bible (from birth to death and to resurrection) in chronological order he molds beautiful description to bring a feeling of presence to the reader. Step into the first century; feel the wind, hear the children play as we listen to Jesus teach in dusty Judean towns. A raw dense feeling of what it was like to really be there among the people during that time. Immersed in the culture, sociology, and personal relationships that shaped His world. A fascinationg new approach to the ministry of Jesus Christ. Reading this book shall send you to those four original biographers and reread the New Testament in new air.



3. In "Jesus," Leith Anderson captures the profound beauty of Jesus' life. This biography is based on the four Gospels from the Bible. However, this is much more than a retelling of the parables and teachings of Christ. Throughout the book there is also an emphasis on history, politics and culture. While the parables seem to be a main focus there are also stories of Jesus having conversations with his family and friends. Leith Anderson also provides insight into what the parables mean.
   
   While most of the book focuses on Jesus' life and teaching there are also interesting stories of how Jesus handles accusations. It is amazing to think of how many people hated Jesus (mostly those in power) when everywhere he went he showed love and compassion to the multitudes. For the most part he seemed well loved by the people but throughout the book there is an undercurrent of hate and dissatisfaction that festers until he is finally crucified for the sins of the world.
   
   "What good is it if someone gains the whole world yet loses his soul?"
   
   This question stands out as one of the most important ones in this book. If you have ever wondered why Jesus is called the Savior or the Son of God, then you can read Jesus' thoughts on the subject as well as the thoughts of his followers. As someone who has believed in Jesus since I was seven I can say that this book made me even more of a believer. I can highly recommend this book to anyone interested in Jesus' life even if you have heard his teachings for your entire life.
   
   ~The Rebecca Review



4. During his three-year ministry, Jesus frequently preached in parables and healed infirmities. But only once did he give his disciples a specific prayer to utilize. The story of The Lord's Prayer is recounted in two of the four Gospels: Matthew 6:9 and Luke 11:2. The disciples often had observed him in early morning prayer when they awoke; they'd seen him pray before he made important decisions, and around spiritual encounters. And although they had prayed with him, that day they asked for a lesson on how to pray on their own. Since then, Christians have clung to The Lord's Prayer, treasuring it as their Lord's directive.
   
   Leith Anderson's book "Jesus," includes a revelatory sidebar to the story of the Lord's Prayer. "The Lord's Prayer was probably intended more as a sample than a formula. The wording varies in the New Testament reports of what Jesus said, so it was not word-for-word the same every time. The purpose wasn't to memorize someone else's prayer but to learn a pattern that could be adapted and individualized. Most of the disciples probably heard this prayer enough times to memorize it, and they all made their own modifications..." (Pg. 184)
   
   Provocative and informative sidebars like this one abound in Anderson's narrative of Jesus' life. The biography unfolds with pages studded by historical footnotes, translations of terms, and pertinent explanations of the society's traditions, all of which flesh out the well-known story with new insights.
   
   Anderson has undertaken a daunting task here, and one whose potential success inherently is limited. Anderson, who holds degrees from Bradley University, Denver Seminary and a doctorate from Fuller Theological Seminary, brings academic credibility to the table. Interestingly, however, he has chosen to write to the average Christian. He treads no revolutionary ground; Anderson presents the Gospel accounts without theological or theoretical debate. Most scholars would question his lack of questioning. Instead, he attempts valiantly to weave the four sometimes conflicting, accounts into one linear storyline. No small feat, considering Matthew, Mark, Luke and John jumped between chronological and topical ordering. Here multiple reports of the same event have been merged into a single rendition, with quotes paraphrased and plausible enough emotions attributed to various figures. It's a literary device fraught with the tendency to draw the reader out of the story by wondering how Anderson arrived at the conclusion that Jesus or Peter or whomever, were feeling that way at that particular moment. Yet without the additions, the book would struggle to shed new light on an old story.
   
   American Founding Father Thomas Jefferson is noted for having taken razor blade and glue pot to his Bible, removing Jesus' miracles and attempting to make a sequential humanistic narrative of the Gospels. "Jesus" resonates with an opposing goal: retaining and trying to shed light on the miracles utilizing the context of Jesus' human existence. Anderson then gently amplifies the emotion of the events with cautious extrapolation. It's a tough line to walk, and though he occasionally falters, the reader tends to be forgiving of the noble effort, which most of the time sheds great light.
   
   It's an imperfect process yet it yields an enlightening result for the faithful Christian. Jesus and his apostles become real people with each turn of the page. The frustrating shorthand of the Gospels becomes a fleshed-out tale. The historical footnotes alone bring Jesus' actions into sharper focus. For example, when Jesus heals the 10 lepers in one of the Samaria-Galilee border villages, he instructs them to go show themselves to the priests. Anderson's sidebar explains: "The law required an examination and clearance before anyone cured of leprosy was allowed back into society. Most priests were never asked; leprosy was a life sentence." (pg. 232) Suddenly, we realize that Jesus was telling them to have faith not only that they would be healed, but also that their lives would return to normal within society.
   
   A chilling realization occurs with one particular piece of information: "Jesus had witnessed a crucifixion when he was eleven years old. A man named Judas the Galilean led an insurrection against Roman rule. He attacked the imperial armory at Sepphoris, only four miles away from Jesus' home in Nazareth. The Roman response was swift and severe. Sepphoris was burned to the ground, and all of the citizens were sold into slavery. The two thousand rebels were crucified on the same day on crosses that lined the road near Nazareth. Jesus' memory had been etched with the horror of crucifixion." (pg. 148) Having that piece of knowledge makes Jesus' crucifixion all the more poignant.
   --Lisa Bowman of The Religion Network (www.TheReligionNetwork.com)



5. Superb! Brings amazing depth to the times, life and death of Christ. Anyone looking for a captivating read on Jesus...look no further. I can't seem to put it down!

4 comments about More Than I Could Ever Ask The Story Of A Woman, Broken And Defeated, Who Found That Dreams Really Do Come True.

1. I originally bought this book only because of my infatuation with the whole Jim & Tammy/PTL/Heritage USA saga. Being a devoted supporter of the Bakkers, I was somewhat skeptical of "Jim's new wife". However, I must confess that I now have great respect for Lori. Her story is thoughtful and moving and really shows just how powerful the forgiveness and love of Jesus Christ is. Her ministry to post-abortion sufferers is so deperately needed in today's society. She is a woman of great faith and courage and a true inspiration to all who love Christ above all else. This book should be read by all priests and ministers who will ultimately deal with this kind of emotional pain in their ministries.



2. Lori captures the essence of growing up (too fast) in Phoenix and living life in the fast lane. One chapter leaves you crying, another laughing and yet another pondering. I couldn't put it down!



3. This book is a must read for any woman who has suffered through a bad marriage, bad men, phyiscal abuse, or had an abortion. Lori offers a rare insight into the pain so many women live with --with some real answers. The book has it all -- it is at times funny, other times heart-breaking, inspiring, and down to earth. Its an easy read ...but leaves the reader with much to consider.



4. This book makes you laugh and cry in the same chapters. It is a real story that will relate to many, many people. It is a must read for those who like to read about real life romance a fairy tale come true. A story of what happens behind the headlines even down to her wedding night with Jim Bakker. This book will give hope to the hopless.

3 comments about Mountain Rain: A Biography of James O. Fraser : Pioneer Missionary to China (An OMF book).

1. "Mountain Rain" is the amazing story of what the Lord can do in the life of one man who is willing to surrender everything and follow Him. In 1906, James O. Fraser was twenty years old, a student with a bright future in engineering and a brilliant pianist about to give his first London recital, when a booklet from a fellow-student challenged the plans he had made for his life. "If our Master returned today to find millions of people unevangelized, and looked, as of course he would look, to us for an explanation, I cannot imagine what explanation we should have to give. Of one thing I am certain--that most of the excuses we are accustomed to make with such good conscience_now_, we shall be wholly ashamed of_then_." Through this booklet and the Lord's leading, Fraser embarked on a course of faith that led him to the remote valley of the Salween River in the western province of Yunnan, China. Here he would spend years at work among the tribal Lisu people, bringing them the message of salvation in the name of Jesus Christ alone. The remarkable story of his work there and in other regions of China is no less striking than the record of God's working in his own heart, and the deep and loving lessons that the Lord taught him along the way. The Lord taught him the power of the prayer offered in faith as he saw and felt the answers to the prayers of Christians for himself and his work, and the vital necessity of resisting the devil and being filled with the Spirit. Much of the book is in Fraser's own words, taken from journals and letters to those praying back home. His absolute determination to follow the Lord_whatever the cost_, the force and clarity of his writing on living a life of faith, forceful and impassioned because it was what he himself was experiencing, his longing to be filled and led by the Holy Spirit, and the depth of his knowledge and his love for the things of God are amazing. It was not that J.O. Fraser was a great man in himself, but that he had surrendered himself to be used by God, and his abilites and accomplishments are not a memorial to the greatness of a man, but to the inexpressible greatness of the God he served.
   That same God is ready and willing to use each of us who realize that we have sinned against Him, and who place our only hope of forgiveness and salvation in His Son Jesus Christ, crucified for our sins and raised from the dead that we too might live with Him forever, to do great things if we will only surrrender and follow His leading.
   
   Review by Emily Potter



2. This book teaches so much about all aspects of missions work. Through letters, antedotes, and short snipets, the missionary's daughter brings his travels to life. The book teaches much about leadership and true surrender to Jesus.



3. This is an excellent book about a true man of God. The book tells of James Fraser missionary to the Lisu people. It emphasises the power of prayer both by those on the field and supporters at "home". By doing so it also offers a challenge to us all in our responsibilities to pray for those who have gone overseas for the Lord. The book deals honestly with Frasers struggles and doubts. Overall the picture is painted of a man willing to sacrifice everything for God and the spread of the gospel to the people he was so burdened for. This book should inspire us to rise above our mediocrity and be willing to give all for Him who gave all for us.

5 comments about E.W. Bullinger: A Biography: A Biography.

1. This book is very helpful, if you are a Bullinger fan, in putting his life into it's historical and cultural context. It helps one understand the man better, and his passions. I was very sad to read that he died before he completed The Companion Bible, because one can almost feel where he stopped in that Bible. Very good reading.



2. Anyone who is a fan of E.W. Bullinger's work will appreciate this book! The author does an exceptional job portraying E.W. Bullinger's life from youth to the masterful bible scholar that he became. The book gives helpful insight to the man that gave biblical truth's to a Christian world that was severally lacking biblical accuracy and understanding.
   
   E.W.'s work inspired many people including myself, to study God's Word with great care and great love. I've read many of his books, but knew very little about the man that wrote them until I came across this book. Naturally, I was very excited to find out that a biography has been written about him. And after reading this biography, I have even more appreciation and respect for the man whose books taught me the spectacular accuracy of God's infallible Word. A must have for anyone who is familiar with Mr. Bullinger's works!!



3. This book gives great detail and care to the historical surroundings of a great era of Biblical truth. If you do not know who Dr. Bullinger is, don't worry because your Seminary professors all do. He stood for the fundamentals of the faith and is counted as faithful to the Word of God.



4. A must read about a great man.



5. I read this book some years ago. It is a very good work that gives insights to the life of this man and encouragement by seeing his example. He died almost a century ago, yet his work is still alive. It is good to read his books but it is also good to know the life that produced them. After all, it is not only a matter of the work but most a matter of the life that produces the work, and this book will give useful insights to it

5 comments about Play of Consciousness: A Spiritual Autobiography/Chitshakti Vilas.

1. In Play Of Consciousness: A Spiritual Autobiography, Swami Muktananda vividly and candidly describes his spiritual initiation which awakened the hidden power known as Kundalini Shakti and the astonishing process of inner transformation that followed. Muktananda reveals many mysteries describing the rigors of spiritual practice and the mystical, metaphysical alchemy of the awakened Kundalini. He offers inspiration for all those seeking the ultimate personal and metaphysical freedom that is spiritual enlightenment. Play Of Consciousness is recommended reading for students of eastern philosophies, yoga, metaphysical studies, and personal spiritual enlightenment.



2. I first read this book in the `70's. It knocked my socks off. I recently recommended it to someone and thought, "Hmm. Maybe I should read it again." It blew my socks off again. Play of Consciousness is the spiritual autobiography of Sw. Muktananda, an Indian meditation master who died in 1982. In POC, he breaks Hindu tradition by talking about his experiences. He does this for one reason: To serve and guide his students. This is a handbook for meditators, in many ways a survival manual. Muktananda had many of the experiences recounted here -- some of which were terrifying-- without knowing what they were. Here, he lets his students know what to expect in advanced meditation. The book is written in sections. The book opens with a tightly written and comprehensive guide to Hinduism and kundalini yoga. Muktananda lays out the turf-- quoting many major Indian saints and scriptures. This alone is worth buying. The second part describes his spiritual experiences, his sadhana. If you ever thought that meditation was a passive, dopey thing popularized in California, this will change your mind. Muktananda's experiences were big. Explosive. Gorgeous. They read like sci-fi, but you have the sense of their utter authenticity. The final section explains what Muktananda wants from his students. How he sees the universe, and how a good yogi/yogini should live. This is a masterpiece in mystical writing. POC is not an easy read. First, it may induce culture shock. This is not a Western book. It was translated from Hindi or one of the Indian languages and written by an older man, a Hindu monk. The language sounds it-- flowery, exquisite, complex, and somewhat antiquated. Muktananda talks about gurus and disciples. The word "guru" has been maligned in the West. For thousands of years, Indian people have had gurus the way that we have accountants. "Guru" means "teacher", with the root meaning, "bringer of light, taker of darkness." The guru's function. POC is a hard read for another reason: Muktananda's experience roars through it. If you do not know what devotion and love are by the end of this book, there's no hope. His energy permeates POC. You may find yourself nodding off or falling into meditation. You may only be able to read a page to two at a time. That's fine. Just keep reading.



3. Orginally published and edited undr the title GURU in the 1970's , this work must be on any seeker into Eastern wisdom. this work plus Autoboigraphy of a Yogi, and the Gita are must reads. We are given a detailed look inot the world of Kashmir Shaivism and the potential of that mysterous force barely known to psycholiogists called Kundalini. The only danger in the presentation is that it may casue the reader to seek out a teacher to place full dependency upon and we have learned well from the past thirty years that this can be a great error as most teachers are subjected to human flaws such as rock star syndrome READ THIS BOOK



4. Truly this is the greatest work of liter- ature of any kind I have ever been exposed to. The immense power of Swami Muktananda's state of realization seems to have infused each word with an amazing spiritual force, so that I can usually only read a paragraph or two before I have to put the book down and revel in the presence of his Shakti (spiritual energy). If I were to be left on a deserted island, I often reflect, I would only need this book with me to be completely happy for all time. This is not really a book, it is a doorway God has opened into the mystical realm of His Presence. I have heard of people reading it, and becoming immediately transformed beyond measure...



5. A must read for anyone seeking spirituality. It changed my view on life and took my meditation to a new level. Startling secrets, which I have not seen anywhere else, were revealed.

5 comments about My Life Without God.

1. Great Book I highly recommend it. William Murray gives insights about
   his life with his mother Madalyn Murray who claimed to be an atheist,
   but used that title for her own personal gains. Her disrespect for
   what she insisted she stood for and disrespect for what others believed
   led to her horrible demise.



2. What is remarkable about this book is the insight it provides by someone who lived in the tyranny of atheism. This aspect of an insider account of an atheist is particularly valuable. This is especially important since such people are constantly hiding from the public all of the inconsistencies and sin in their lives which would discredit what they preach in public. She went to laws school but failed the bar. She never practiced law. She was one of those demonic personalities that proliferated in the 1950s & 1960s. Why did the 1950s & 1960s produce so many degenerates (e.g., Bill and Hillary Clinton, Larry Flynt, Abby Hoffman, Hugh Hefner, jim Jones, serial killers, Alan Dershowitz, Mayor Bloomberg)? Bill attempts to answer this question. It shows what motivates atheists and how they live. The fact it is the testimony of Madalyn Murray O'Hair's son makes it particularly trustworthy. She went to porno movies, she encouraged evil. She sold drugs. She wanted to drag everyone around her, even her family, down to hell with her. She cheated on her first husband, cheated other atheists and cheated children out of their inheritance. She was very egotistical. Everything she did inevitably served to stroke her ego. She had a false sense of grandeur since most people were appalled by her. She was hypocritical and involved in every sort of sin you can imagine. She was also a control freak. Bill's brother and daughter went to their death because of her. She hired a convicted murderer because she liked unrepentant degenerates around her. She was a devil. There's no question about it. However, the nature of her death may have been a blessing in disguise because it may have driven all three of them to cry out to Jesus before their death. As the old saying goes, when you're on your back you have no choice but to look up. Quite frankly, she acted like she was demon possessed. Bill Murray shows that his mother was not merely engaged in ideological argument about abstract concepts, but lived a debauched life. There was nothing pretty about her lifestyle. Her life was egotistical, selfish and hypocritical. What is strange is she not only perpetrated sin, but was adamant in encouraging sin. When her son became a Christian, she denounced him in the harshest terms and called it a postnatal abortion. She was pure evil.



3. After hearing the author speak, I began to read My Life without God. In fact I read it several times. It is an absolutely intriguing account of how the author's childhood experience effected a change in the U.S. government, schools, and our society. The author gives great insight into the forces that halted prayer in our schools, but the insights don't stop there. The book is full of good information. A compelling read. Author, With Great Mercy.



4. I read this book in a couple days. I was curious how a man raised as an atheist could find Jesus. His life story was fasinating and his conversion quite amazing in my opinion.



5. I've actually just finished reading this book for a second time, the first being 8 years ago. Found it again in my church library and read it in two days. An amazing story and worth the read.

5 comments about John, Son of Thunder.

1. I loved this book. It really gives you a feel of what it would have been like to be one of Jesus' deciples. It helps you to understand that even they were not perfect. Highly recommended.



2. I love and have read several Christian Fiction books. This book "John" is the best I've read. The biblical facts seem very accurate, and what she adds to this character seems very plausible. I found myself referring to the Bible and digging deeper. I love this author! Although this book is Biblical "fiction", it gave my commitment to Christ a little deeper meaning.



3. Most of us think of John as the lucky disciple - the one who didn't die a martyr. Ms. Traylor makes the point that his lot may have been the hardest of all in this fictionalized account of the life of the young man who stood at the cross with Mary and the old man who wrote the book of Revealation.

   Living to be an old man meant, for John, the horror of seeing everyone he ever loved die - not only Jesus but his earlier mentor John the Baptist, his brother James, best friend Peter, adopted mother Mary and even the young disciples following Paul. It isn't until the end of his life that he comes to understand, through what he learned from Christ, that it's our souls and not our bodies that count. Only then is he given the rather dubious gift of the vision of the Apocalypse, ad he finally understands why he was meant to survive his loved ones.

   The book is quite biblically sound, with the possible exception of the notion that Mary sister of Lazarus was the love of John's life - and althought it's not mentioned in the Bible there's no real reason why it couldn't have been true. All the characters are well written, so you feel awful when John looses them even though you know what's going to happen (I especially liked the charming portrait of Peter's brother-adoring and painfully shy "little" brother Andrew and the powerful, heartbreaking depiction of John the Baptist's last thoughts). A good addition to your biblical fiction library




4. I just recently made a decision to read and turn off the TV. The first book that God led me to was John Son of Thunder. I know it's a fiction book and that certain liberties are taken, but Ellen does an awesome job of sticking to the Bible. I really felt like John. I felt his love for his two mentors (John the Baptist and Jesus). I understood why he got the title "Son of Thunder". I felt his horror and confusion at the crucifixion, and his important part in the first church.
   I was in tears the last few Chapters feeling for John and praying that I might know what it means to give as much of a sacrifice for Jesus.



5. From the banks of the river Jordan-to the End of the World on Patmos Island! This story of an angry Jewish teenager who becomes best friends with the Son of God is a monumental work. Filled with action, danger, romance, sorrow, and the everlasting friendship with Jesus of Nazareth, this is an epic for all ages. Please, read it and enjoy!