5 comments about The Beginning of All Things: Science and Religion.

1. This was the first Hans Kung book that I have read, and I must say, I am rather impressed with his level of scholarship, clarity of thought, and vast scope of learning. His treatment of the interaction of science and theology was not bad, though I must confess that I did not think he was quite as good at it as Polkinghorne. However, I found that I was very dissapointed with many of the conclusions that Kung reached. In the majority of issues he discusses, he ends up reconsiling science and Christianity by having Christianity give up any claims it has in any area that science touches. Now, I am not advocating a literal six-day creation, or suggesting that we believe that the earth is flat, but I do think he has gone a bit far in denying that miracles happen. Whenever he perceives that Christianity and science can even potentially come into conflict, he always decides that (what he understands to be) science wins.
   
   For example, Scripture claims that Jesus performed miracles. Science tells us (according to Kung) that miracles cannot happen. What should we conclude? Well, according to Kung, we should conclude that the miracles did not happen. You would think that this would effectively undermine Christianity, but Kung tries to defend this position by making the absurd claim that the miracle stories in both the Old and New Testaments were not meant by the authors to be taken literally. It may be that Kung does not take them literally, but it is absolutely absurd to claim that the persons who wrote them, and the persons who originally recieved them, did not think they were to be taken literally. I found his section on miracles (pg. 151ff.) to be absolutely appalling, not because of his denial of miracles (though I do disagree with that), but because he actually tried to claim that this denial was in line with the thinking of the ancient people's who wrote and received the Scriptures. He could at least be honest and face up to the fact that his understanding of the historicity of Scripture is not the same as that of the authors of Scripture.
   
   Further, in his effort to avoid conflict, he banishes Christianity to the sphere of personal preference. He explicitly says that "no religion can dispute with others their way to salvation. Rather it is important in recognition of human freedom, especially the real freedom of faith, for each to respect its own path of faith" (p. 197). Christian teaching is no longer objectively true, but is instead a subjective understanding of the "other," which can neither come into conflict with science and history nor even competing (and logically incompatible) religions. I think his approach to the topic is well summed up in his conclusions about the resurrection, which is central to Christianity. He says that "I do not believe in the later legendary elaborations of the New Testament message of the resurrection but in its original core: that this Jesus of Nazareth did not die into nothingness, but into God" (p. 205).
   
   In short, Kung has a lot of good things to say about the compatibility of science and theism in general. He does a very good job of showing that science has not been, nor can ever be, the cause of the death of God. However, his sections of the relationship of science and Christianity are relatively useless for someone who holds to orthodox Christianity, as he promotes harmony by demolishing the claims of Christianity so that they cannot oppose what he understands to be science. I am emphaticly NOT saying that we should use Scripture as a science textbook, but I think denying both miracles and the historicity of the gospels amounts to denying the truthfulness of anything resembling historical Christianity.
   
   It may seem that I have had little good to say about a book I gave four stars. Let me emphasize that a good portion of this book is actually quite helpful. Those parts have already been written about in the previous reviews here. I simply wished to focus on the parts which previous reviewers have not. This is not a terrible book, as long as you understand what understanding of Christianity Kung is bringing to the table with him. If you disagree (as I do) with his liberal Christianity, then parts of it (the parts which I have mentioned) will be relatively useless and probably aggrivating to you, but there is still a significant amount of good, well thought out work to be had in it.
   
   Overall grade: B.



2. In this book Kung uses his broad familiarity with modern science to consider how recent findings and theories relate to the question of faith in God. He is particularly good in the area of physics, where he provides a wealth of excerpts from the writings of some of the great physicists of the 20th century as they consider fundamental questions raised by their discoveries. He clearly points out the difference between scientific and religious thinking, not hesitating to reproach religious as well as scientific thinkers for not recognizing the validity of the other's methods and points of view.
   Along the way he never hesitates to reproach Church authorities for the methods they have used and unfortunately continue to use in their attempts to maintain orthodoxy. As a Catholic scientist I find his tone somewhat harsh in this regard, but I support his steadfast refusal to accept their disciplinary procedures in his uphill attempts at making the faith comprehensible to modern men and women. He is definitely ahead of the curve and this makes for controversy.
   It is important to point out that in spite of his left-of-center theological opinions he remains a priest in good standing and is held in respect by his former colleague and friend from Tübingen, the current pope, Benedict XVI. In fact in the fall of 2005 he had a friendly dinner and extended conversation with the pope, on which occasion he presented him with a copy of this book and received the pope's appreciation for his efforts in promoting dialog between science and religion.
   Some of the questions covered in the book are: what is the nature of reality; what came before the big bang; what does religion mean by creation; is there a role for empirical science in the question of God; how did life originate; how did humans come to be; what is the relationship between the brain and consciousness; and many other flash points in the contemporary exchanges between science and religion.
   He concludes his book with a magnificent description of the end of life as not dying into nothingness, as many in modern science would have it, but rather as dying into the ultimate reality we call God. To quote him: "dying is a farewell inward, an entry and homecoming into the ground and origin of the world...dying into the light."
   A beautiful book!



3. Hans Kung has been a formidable intellect in theology for many years having written over 50 books. His writing is characterized by breadth of learning. His book Infallible? An Enquiry (1978) led to loss of his license to teach theology in Roman Catholic schools but did not discourage him from pushing the theological envelope. For those who regard it as important, Kung's views were never found to be heretical. Now retired from his professorship at Tubingen University, Kung turns his attention in this volume to the question whether science and religion can coexist. His answer is that they do more than coexist; they are complimentary. Kung defines complementarity as a state "between science and religion in which the distinctive spheres are preserved, all illegitimate transitions are avoided and all absolutizations are rejected, but in which in mutual questioning and enrichment people attempt to do justice to reality in all its dimensions."
   
   Kung immediately engages the skeptic's question whether he argues for an unenlightened biblical belief in a being that created the world in six days. Kung replies: "Certainly not! I want to take the Bible seriously, but that doesn't mean I want to take it literally."
   
   Kung begins with an engaging and clear tour through cosmology. He leaves nothing out from Copernicus to Newton, Einstein, Big Bang theory, Heisenberg's indeterminacy and Godel's incompleteness. Kung's point is, not surprisingly, that science cannot account for everything. Kung draws us back to the fundamental questions about the origin of the first structures in the universe. Science may be able to explain the fine tuning of the first structures but the question remains: where did the minimal structure that already existed at the Big Bang come from? Why isn't there nothing? Kung offers God as a reasonable hypothesis that can provide intellectual answers to the questions of the beginning.
   
   In succeeding chapters Kung takes up the debate between creationism and evolution, life in the universe and the development of human beings. He includes discussion of the brain and the mind, the limits of brain research and the beginning of human ethics. Having started with the beginning of all things, his epilogue deals with the end of all things - hypotheses of the end of the universe and apocalyptic visions of the end.
   
   Kung does not set out new theories of science or religion and does not insist on one or the other as the final arbiter of reality (his term). Discussion today, like so much else, tends to polarize between those who view God as irrelevant versus the creationists and the left-behinders. Kung proposes to raise the level of discussion by invoking serious scientists and philosophers. The Beginning of All Things is a good starting point for clear and dispassionate descriptions of the interplay between serious science and serious philosophy/theology about the most intriguing and still unsolved mysteries of the universe and humanity.



4. First, my bias - Hans Kung is a genius. I have read the majority of his works and find them all to be great. I have often said that I am still a Catholic because him. For those of you not in the know, Hans is a Catholic and a theologian, but cannot call himself a Catholic Theologian. If this last sentence makes sense to you, than this book is for you.
   
   I read this directly after reading Dinesh D'Sousza What's So Great about Christianity. While many of their point are similar Kung has a much deeper understanding of the subtleties. It is not an easy a read as D'Sousza (I think this is probably due to the fact that is a translation), but it gives you a deeper understanding of the concepts. His argument that is it bizarre that scientist see no problem in the duality of light (wave/particle), yet squawk of the notion of the duality of Christ is sheer genius.



5. Kung is one of the clearest theologians thinkers writing today. There are a glut of books out there promising to weigh in on some pressing issue that concerns the science/ religion controversy. I personally believe that it is a bogus issue largely fed by the publishing industry. That said, I think Kung's book is one of the few on the subject worth reading. I have read Dawkins and Hitchens and am generally sympathetic with their views. But Kung points out that while science (and history) may have much to say about human beings and perhaps what drives religious movements, it has absolutely nothing to say about God. Kung reminds us of the often forgotten distinction between religious experience and religious organizations. This book lays out the fundamental issue more clearly than any I have encountered.

5 comments about Autobiography of George Muller.

1. I was so encourage by George Muller's life. Some real person like you and me lived a life so faithful and God also faithfully treated him. When our motivation is right with God, we can wait with assurance for his blessing.
   Wish more Christian be encouraged by this book.
   Wonderful book! The Binding is not so good though. Pages started to fall off after one read.



2. This book is a challenge on every page. It challenges you to pray expecting. It challenges you to pray. The answers to pray Mr. Muller saw is incomprehensible. I am moved by his committment and time spent in prayer. A must read.



3. George Muller set the example of how to depend on God and live by faith. Many of us ask God for monetary help and then set to work out our own deliverance. Churches and individual Christians could benefit greatly by reading this book.



4. This book is an autobiography of a man who ran multiple orphanages and a school by solely trusting in God to provide the support. This man never asked any individual for money. This book will encourage the believer to place all of your cares and burdens on the Lord. The reader will be challenged to seek after God for who He is and not for what He gives.



5. must read! not just for the bits about the orphanages, etc but that of his devotional life, prayer habits, and expositional teaching style!!! love bridget

5 comments about Nearer, My God: An Autobiography of Faith.

1. I wanted to get a glimpse of contemporary conservative thinking. After Mr. Buckley passing away I heard that he was a sort of beacon for modern Conservative political thought. There's no better way to get a lowdown on this than to get under conservative skin, i.e. going into the subject of faith, since this is a sort of underlying building block for conservative thought.
   
   Referring to the subtitle "An autobiography of faith", there is very little "autobiography". We get just a glimpse of Mr.Buckley's privileged childhood in the beginning of the book. But the major body of the text is a commentary on someone else's religious writings, filled with very generous quotations. From the initial premise of the book - "autobiography of faith" - I got an impression that it's going to be a personal account of how someone like Mr. Buckley comes to Catholic faith and what strengthens him in his beliefs. What you get instead is a very referential analysis of certain developments in the history of Catholicism and some current religious concepts. For example, Vatican abandoning the Latin liturgy in favor of modern languages (the author strongly disagrees with it), issues of contraception, the influence of church on the state, etc. In general, it leaves a strong impression that this book is written by a journalist, who wanted to mull over the current agenda, not by a person, who wanted to explore and share his personal relationship with God.



2. I am not a Roman Catholic and never have been. My review is by an individual who is critical of the Roman Catholic Faith. The author of this book, William F. Buckley is a devout Roman Catholic and believes in the teachings of his church. The title of this work makes it sound like a devotional; it is not. The cover of the book calls the book an autobiography of Faith; It is not. William F. Buckley does share some personal experience in his life interacting with the Roman Catholic church. He also discusses thoughts of fellow Catholics in his life. It is not explanation or presentation development of faith through life experience or study. This book is about Roman Catholic doctrine. The original working title of this book was Why am I still a Catholic. William F. Buckley felt this title made it seem like he was or should be embarrassed to be a member of the Catholic Church; something he surely is not. The author uses the same intellect and serious thought to his religious faith as he argues his political views.
   
   The Catholic church is the ultimate arbitrator of Truth. This book defends the Pope's obligation to make biblical teaching clearer and easier to understand. The author details the churches' position on developing doctrine. Difficulties between Arnold Lunn, then at the time not a catholic, and friar Arnold. Included in the discussion is papal inerrancy , the inquisition and slavery , eternal punishment, indulgences, difficulty with Biblical interpretation and Biblical literalism. In other places in this work the author defends Mother as the Mother of God, the praying to `the saints', miracles at Lourdes, issues of no woman priests, divorce - annulments, birth control, and remarriage. Obviously I disagree with most everything in the defense of Catholic teaching but is done well. Ordination of Michael Bozell is told about. The principles of being a God Father and how the application in real life is discussed.
   
   Included are observations and experience with fellow Catholics. An example of this is Malcolm Muggeridge.



3. Written in a gentle way without any super big words pushing you to the nearest dictionary. A statement of faith and belief. But spiritual questions remain which even the super intelligent can not totally figure out. This reviewer found the book enlightening.



4. I'm suprised he's a Mr. Buckley instead of a Dr. Buckley.
   His philosophical defense on Christianity are as complex and as detailed as other leading doctorate Christian Apologetic defenses by such professors as William Lane Craig and Peter Kreeft.
   His book is more than just intriguing; it's a work of deep thought and faith.
   Although the extravagant words that Mr. Buckley uses (Many of the words he use are unfamiliar to Microsoft Word!) can be quite confusing, it's logical structure is superb.
   Mr. Buckley must have some very good knowledge on formal logic.
   I personally like how he seperates his defenses of Christianity and Catholicism, allowing this book to be tolerated for even the most evangelical Christian.
   That's another great aspect of the book, in my opinion. (I am not an evangelical) Mr. Buckley is obviously a conservative Catholic, seperated by the popular Christian evangelism that is sweeping through churches. Buckley put's aside the evangelical dogma, and shows Christianity on how it really is.
   Not by saying that every religion is wrong except for Christianity - the evangelical approach
   but by saying why Christianity is the right religion, and how he possibly could be wrong.
   Christian apologetic books like this make Atheists, like Sam Harris, beg for a chance to slow down and let them organize their thoughts.
   So instead of having Rick Warren and Sam Harris debate on Newsweek, let's see Sam Harris and William F. Buckley bust out their beliefs. But I do believe Mr. Harris would plead for a Dictionary somewhere in the middle of such a debate.
   
   The book is superb and I recommend it for those Christians who feel their faith lacks intellectual and rational standing.
   
   Great Book



5. Interesting, but not riveting...I would say the best chapters are the first several - Buckley seems to lose his way through the book - what is he trying to convey to us in the latter chapters? He, himself says he took on and then abandoned the project (it sounds like a couple of times) before settling down to write it. His writing is always interesting - delightful 'turn of phrase' springs to mind...IMHO - not up to the Buckley standard (and admittedly - it is a high standard)

5 comments about Blessed Are the Bored in Spirit: A Young Catholic's Search for Meaning.

1. I was a Confirmation sponser for my nephew in 2007. One of the requirements was that we meet together once a month for a number of months. While his CCD class provided some outlines for the meetings, there really wasn't enough material for an hour of talk, especially between guys who don't want to particularly "share". I ordered this book from Amazon, and we used a chapter or two each month as the primarly basis for the meetings. There is plenty of material that speaks to way youth and adults live their life, many scriptural references, and mention of other similar books that you can check into later.
   
   I don't think that there is enough theology in this book to make it a primarly source for a year of CCD study, but it could be used as I described or in a class if it is backed up with the Cathechism of the Catholic Church or the Bible. It is an exhortation for Catholics young and old to live the Christian life.
   
   One last comment. If the emphasis of Confirmation - and perhaps even earlier years of religion classes - would be on living the Christian life ( as described in this book ) and on knowledge of the faith, and not on so much on the touchy-feely stuff that seems to be very present, maybe there would be more young adults knowing and living their faith. Perhaps there would be fewer young Catholics coasting through the years of religion classes - ending in Confirmation - without really learning anything substantial (as the author described of himself).



2. Mark Hart is just one clever guy. The book reads like a memoir of a typical cradle Catholic going through the motions. Many will relate to his anecdotes about his family's weekly trek to Mass and his misunderstanding of various Catholic nuances.
   What's really special though is that Hart shares pearls of wisdom throughout the whole book, right underneath your eye. As you reflect on your own personal upbringing as a Catholic-by-title, you learn just what all these strange traditions, rites, practices, and dogmas really mean. I especially enjoyed the chapter on Confession, which is truly the forgotten Sacrament.
   Hart could really be a stand up comic. As he bluntly shares childhood stories about his poor understanding of his religion, you can't help but picture him on stage. And yet he is a genuinely devout Catholic man. Perhaps more commonly known as the Bible Geek, Hart is a tremendous scholar and a vital part of Catholic Youth Ministry today.
   Read this book, and unpack the hidden treasure of your faith!



3. Blessed are the Bored in Spirit
   Mark Hart
   
   Wonderfully written, excellent page turner, I couldn't put it down. I would suggest this book for every Christian who is looking for a clear cut way to strengthen their relationship and experience with God. It is geared toward the Catholic youth of today, but adults and any denomination can benefit from its words as well. Mark Hart is a writer, who can portray the importance of the matter at hand and use humor without losing any of the value.
   
   There are three specific focuses of the book and they are:
   1. Our prospective
   2. Our approach
   3. Our self-offering
   
   
   Mr. Hart starts his book with a story of how he was changed in the way that he views and experiences God. He had to have a near death experience to come to this realization. He was on an airplane that had to do an emergency landing right after reaching cruising altitude, and during the whole frightening affair he started to notice his relationship with his maker and all the sins that he had committed.
   
   "The truth was that the crash landing didn't wake me up; it was the final step in an arduous journey that had begun years before. That morning was the jolt I needed in the ongoing process that carried me beyond conversion." Conversion is the starting point to transformation, which is where you totally surrender to God. Paul is used as a biblical example of a transformation, not just a conversion. Another aspect in this chapter is how do you see God, as a judge or father? There is an exercise to write out how you see God and then write out how God sees you. If they are too similar then it usually means that your vision of either is not completely realistic. Mr. Hart ends the first chapter with the words... "If you want something you have never had, you must be willing to do something that you have never done."
   
   Next the question of what are you most afraid of is asked. Trust in God is the key point of this chapter. It also describes fear of the Lord as being in awe, not literal shaking fear. The order as how you as a person views God is addressed, the Nicene Creed is used as an example here "the Father, the Almighty", and how you can invite God in your daily life with awe if you see him as father first then as a judge. "God gives us over four thousand promises in scripture." That puts the awe in awesome, and shows you exactly how much He loves you, and wants a relationship as a father to you.



4. I LOVE this book. I've read it a couple of times, I've written in it, I've taken notes, I've highlighted, I've passed it on. It's one of my favorite books ever. It's so inspiring and encouraging that I just love to read it over and over. Even though it's written for young Catholics it's been helpful to me, a 50 something mother and high school religious ed teacher. I'm thinking about purchasing copies for all of the graduating seniors this year. I'd recommend it to anyone.



5. As a high school Youth Minister, I am always on the look-out for books that my teens will enjoy and learn from. This book was brought to my attention by another youth minister in my area.
   
   I purchased a copy. Read it all the way through in less than two days. And, then promptly purchased enough copies for my graduating class. We are using it as a book study for our Senior Series this year.
   
   The teens LOVE Mark Hart. He is inventive, creative, and in-tune. He relies on the Holy Spirit. He practices what he preaches. Which says a lot in today's society.

5 comments about Hudson Taylor's Spiritual Secret (Hendrickson Classic Biographies).

1. This book is simply one of the most powerful books you could read to draw you to the Lord, in increased trust, fervor and understanding of His love.



2. This work regarding the testimony of God's faithfulness to Hudson Taylor is truly inspiring and amazing. Hudson Taylor was truly a unique individual that sought to pioneer the mission movement in inland. While other missionaries were content to stay in the large metropolitan centers of Asia dotted along the coastline, Taylor ventured forth with a firm faith in God with the purpose of bringing the Gospel to the Chinese countryside. The title of the book is somewhat of a misnomer as the secret is no secret. Taylor bowed his knee in simple obedience to clear biblical commands. The secret of the book is how it documents Taylor's account of how God used him. God said "Go!" and Taylor went, and the influence of that is still being impacted on Asia. The book shows the uniqueness of Taylor as God worked in his spiritual formation, mission philosophy and practice. The Hudson Taylor's spiritual secret is attributed to his radical commitment to live a life in which he completely trusted in God and the living out of the Great Commission.



3. Very informative and honest account of what it is really like in practice to trust in Jesus Christ to fulfill your needs when you are loving and obeying the Lord's Word (the Bible).



4. Very well written and worthy of commendation. I recommend in for all, especially to those who are seeking, with hope, a trophy of God's dispensations in the diverse and many operations of this world about them, and in them.
   There certainly is a refuge in the midst of the storms, who is Christ Jesus...but, sometimes, it is neddful to direct thy bow to face the storm, and to ride the waves right into the storm. It is there, that we may find an "eye" in the storm, with peace and tranquility our anchors and mainstay.



5. This got me an A on a college paper on Missionaries in China. It is a great primary source.

5 comments about Autobiography of a Yogi, 2nd Edition: The Original 1946 Edition plus Bonus Material.

1. If you have a problem with some of what Yogananda describes in the book, like mind reading, talking to animals, etc., don't blame it on the book. Blame it on your paradigm. (See, I told you "Mission Impossible".) So, before you pick up the book, be sure and drop your baggage.
   
   Originally I borrowed it from a friend to read (thank you Judi), but bought a copy so I would be able to read it again.
   
   Being able to experience what living in this physical world is like through the eyes of a yogi is a once in a lifetime opportunity. He did so much and kept a low profile. My kind of guy.
   
   And, as if that weren't enough, how many Spiritual teachers, not to mention yogis, have a surf break named after them? (Swami's just below Encinatas, CA is named for Yogananda's gold domed temple on the cliffs above.)



2. This book was highly recommended by a friend as something that would change my life. I expected something else. The author lost me in the first chapters with his descriptions of people seeing and talking to gods, reading minds, predicting the future, levitating, teletransporting, appearing in two places at the same time, fighting tigers with their bare hands, amongst other fantastic stories. Just a little bit too much for me, a long time atheist.
   
   Other people might have a kick out of it, not me.



3. Alright, this book is too cool. That's it, I'm going to India, to become a Yogi. or wait.... can I have those inner experiences here? hmmmm, maybe my India is right in front of my nose, all around me...



4. Great reading. Helped me deal with the passing of my Mother and gave me the perspective I needed to better understand life in general. Open the book anywhere and become engrossed in your reading. Yogananda certainly has no reason to make up the stories he relates...really heavy stuff about re-incarnation and the holy masters who have lived and are living in our time. I sent copies to many of my friends.



5. I have read Autobiography of a Yogi about a dozen times. I saw an unedited version was released, and so I bought and read this. It is very much worth reading.

5 comments about Leaving the Saints: How I Lost the Mormons and Found My Faith.

1. I found Martha Beck's book very healing. Having grown up near Provo Utah, I could really understand and identify with the situations and challenges she talked about. Seeing Mormonism from a more objective viewpoint I could let go of some of the guilt I have felt and understand why some of the beliefs just didn't feel good.
   Thank you Martha, I can't believe you really said that.



2. I'm always intimidated to write a review for a really good book because I'm afraid I won't do it justice. This woman is one hell of a writer. If her father had one half of her talent for language I can understand how, through the "apologies" he wrote, he would be able to keep people faithful to a religion that is KOOKY at best. I'm sure this story of Martha's successful journey through her dark night of the soul into true spiritual peace and understanding will be a beacon for others who have experienced any kind of personal tragedy or challenge. The insider's view of the history and workings of the Mormon Church is enough of a reason to read it.



3. Anyone who knows both Hugh Nibley and Martha Beck knows who is telling the truth--it isn't Mrs. Beck.



4. I am an active member of the Mormon Church, come from good old pioneer stock, was married in the temple and my Father is a former Bishop and Stake President.
   I absolutely LOVED this book. I grew up in Provo and Martha Beck has older siblings who were my age. How she described living in Utah, getting married in the temple and other aspects of being a Mormon couldn't be more accurate.
   I have also read much about SRA (satanic ritual abuse) and what Beck described in her book is identical to many other victim's memories who grew up in the Catholic Church, Jehovah's Witnesses and other religions.
   I have read John Beck's review and find it to be extremely bitter, distasteful and misleading. Martha is very kind, gracious, and complimentary to him and his parents in the book. Someone in the church (along with someone in the Nibley family) must have gotten to him. His review must have hurt Martha a great deal which I'm sure was John's intent.



5. If you've read the book it reads like a foolish tale of a pretty emotionally disturbed, possibly narcissistic and paranoid person. The Mormon Church wire tapping her phone, espionage, ex-CIA operatives, death threats left and right I mean come on please... I especially loved the part of when she wanted to cut her hair to show her uber feminist pride and the male hairdresser said to call her husband and ask if it's O.K. (because male hair dressers are so patriarchal and orthodox LOL...). I have no doubt that never happened at all. It's sad, Martha was probably dealing with her own conflicts over her homosexuality and found a crack pot therapist who implanted false memories of abuse into her brain (because most crackpot therapists immediately think only sexual abuse would lead a woman to therapy). This was thankfully a brief fad that was exposed quickly before too much damage was done, but unfortunately many families were destroyed (read the book 'Mistakes were made but not by me' for a great chapter on the damage done by crackpots and implanted memories).
   
   There was a study where psychologists interviewed 10,000 holocaust surviors who were children at the time of the holocaust. Not a one had any repressed memories uncovered later about the trauma they endured, not one. In fact it was the opposite, they remembered the trauma in frightening detail, the smells, the heat, the colors of rooms from when they were only three years old. Repressed memory syndrome doesn't exist without corresponding brain trauma... No I'm not LDS, in fact I've been called an "anti-Mormon" more than once, but let's call a spade a spade here, Martha Beck has some issues and being ritualistically raped by her father isn't one of them.
   
   The book screams of unbelievability, like the entire spiel of her wondering if her new Therapist Mrs. Grant is related to a past General Authority of the same name, and this causes her great distress and she's worried she won't be able to tell her story (she worries about this often but always ends up telling everyone who will listen, rooms full of people). but in reality the womans name isn't Mrs. Grant at all, it was changed for the story making this entire diatribe completely nonsensical (the real womans name is not that of any General Authorities at all). the entire book is full of nonsense like this, from beginning to end.
   
   The near death experiences, the white light, and being filled with peppermint flavors that she knew was God, being a leaf in a stream blah blah blah come on now. This woman had so many otherwordly mystical experiences and one on ones with the all powerful God of the Universe it has to tip the reader off to the fact that the author is either pulling someones chain or disturbed. It screamed of a new age crackpot and an emotionally disturbed angry person. That's what killed me, she writes like she's at such peace with herself and the Universe, but there is this seething anger underlying everything she writes, even when laying underhanded compliments to the people in her life she is really insulting and incredibly angry at everyone. And what exactly was the faith she found? Do whatever you want and there aren't any consequences for any of your actions?
   
   Don't waste your money, I can't believe I actually finished it...

5 comments about God's Generals: Why They Succeeded and Why Some Failed.

1. God's General's is one of the most inspirational books that I can remember reading. In addition, it gives the history of some of the most powerful men and women of God since New Testament times. This book is a must read!



2. A balanced, thoughtful, entertaining and useful look at some of God's major powerplayers over the past 100 years or so. Concerning the likes of Kuhlman, Wigglesworth and Branham, most writers either choose to vilify them or worship them. Author Roberts Liardon chooses a more accurate middle road that exemplifies a love for the truth combined with his own helpful Pentecostal insights.
   
   This is a VERY interesting read that Spirit-filled Christians particularly will find both fascinating and useful. Useful because there is much to be learned from the successes and failures of these saints -- much that can be applied to our own lives.



3. I Have two things to say about the purchase of this book: First, that it was delivered to my house in a timely fashion and in perfect condition. Secondly, the book itself is a wonderful look into God's hand on people's life in history. The Bible says that God created each and every one of us with a purpose. Sometimes, that purpose is to live a quiet life of ministry and love. Sometimes God uses us for extraordinary purposes. This book is an encouragement to all people that God can do anything, no matter who you are, if you put your trust in Him.



4. Here they are. The 20th century legends of Christianity. One of them, Wigglesworth, has been the target of numerous writers. Why are we so fascinated with these people? Because they are heroes, every one. They had the courage to step out of the boat and walk on that H20. They were God's Generals!
   
   Perfect people? No! They made mistakes. Some of them sank into the waters. But each and every one of them loved God and dared walk in the supernatural. Signs, miracles and wonders followed them wherever they went. They won multitudes to Christ, healed the masses and brought God's good news of deliverance to their generations. They were flawed, some had serious problems. But they didn't let that stop them. They were serving a mighty God!
   
   If you want to get inside the minds and hearts of some heroes, read this book. Mark it up, highlight the key principles. Heed the warnings. And follow in the footsteps of these faith giants. Their successes inspired me to produce the Super Heart Living film series. And their walks will inspire YOU to do great things.
   
   Want to know their SECRETS? How they were able to heal the sick, raise the dead and persuade thousands to follow Jesus Christ? It's all in the pages of this one powerful book. Right there for your learning. Dive into each chapter and listen to these great men and women whisper "Follow me as I follow Christ!"
   
   You'll love Dowie's boldness in the heat of opposition. Wigglesworth's daring in the face of dreaded diseases. And McPherson's great love of the crowds and desire to entertain them with God's Word! God's Generals is moving, insightful and life-changing. I dare you to study these lives and develop their SUPER HEARTS!



5. This has been a truly awe insiring book to read. To see that God moves today as He did in the first century is so wonderful. It gives me strenght and courage to seek, with a renewed fire, the One who is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow. This book also shows that God is no respecter of persons when it comes to those He calls to work through. The author is very good at keeping an open mind about all the different things he researched.
   Making clear that he was not judging anyone, he did stop a few times to interject Biblical truths so that we may understand why certain things happened as they did. In doing this I believe the author is showing the readers what patterns to be watchful for and what pitfalls to avoid while walking in their own calling.
   It is also shown throughout the book that, no matter what your upbringing was or what your background is, God can use anyone who is willing to accapt their calling. It is also evident that if one who is willing to accept their call wants to finish the race strong it is their responsibility to maintain a balance in the spiritual, emotional, and physical being.

1 comments about Why I Became an Atheist: A Former Preacher Rejects Christianity.

1. John W. Loftus has written an important book that should be read by every Christian who cares about truth and reality. This is not the angry rant of some disgruntled former believer with an axe to grind. Loftus is thorough, fair and convincing. As a former Christian minister and apologist who became an atheist, he knows both sides of the belief question very well.
   
   The insights and detailed information contained in this book make for enlightening reading. There is much for everyone, from believers who are courageous enough to think more deeply about their faith to nonbelievers who want to better understand the arguments Christians make in defense of their religion. I highly recommend this book.
   
   
   
   --Guy P. Harrison, author of 50 Reasons People Give for Believing in a God

5 comments about A Mother's Rule of Life: How to Bring Order to Your Home and Peace to Your Soul.

1. I purchased this book for my daughter in law after reading several reviews.
   She LOVES it !! And she has already shared it with several other young women at church.
   What a great gift it has turned out to be.



2. I LOVE this book. The way she describes herself in the beginning as being a burned out, over worked, homeschooling mom, was me in a nutshell. At first I was very sceptical about whether or not taking the advice of this book would actually help me. I read the book and learned a bit about myself and my vocation as a wife and mother, but I still wasn't ready to conform to a strict schedule. Almost a year after reading it, I finally decided that what I was doing wasn't working, so I might as well try her idea of a schedule. It has completely changed my life. As soon as the first day of using our new schedule, my 10 year old son told me how much happier he was to know what to do and when. He looked at is as knowing when he would be able to sit and watch a ballgame on t.v. LOL!
   
   My advice for people that intend to read this book is to not get caught up in how structured the authors day is. She is more organized than anybody I know. I would never be able to plan my day in 15 minute increments, but she gives the tools needed to get a general outline of your day for you to set up what works best for your family. We ended up dividing the day into big chunks of time for various activities. I'm still trying to perfect the schedule, and I know that it will always be a work in progess, but it is really nice knowing where my day is headed and how everyone is going to get there. I highly recommend this book.



3. This book had some practical ideas that aren't very new. Such as having a schedule and such. But I had a hard time, as I was reading the book, believing that her ideas on a schedule were realistic with nursing babies and homeschooling. Certain personality types will struggle with this book, others will probably love it. I didn't feel very encouraged or excited or motivated by reading this book. I suppose it just wasn't written for my personality. I learned alot more and felt more encouraged by other books such as MOTH (Managers of their home) and Emily Barnes books. Good luck!



4. Very easy to read--a mix of personal testimony and stories and advice. I recommend this book to lot of moms--it's obviously very religious in nature, so I wouldn't recommend it to a mom with little or no religious faith. I think even though it's written by a Catholic, Protestant women can overlook the Catholic references and substitute their own faith practices and experiences, thus a good book for all Christian moms (and not just homeschoolers like Holly). I find when I follow the suggestions in this book, my life is more orderly and peaceful. The hard part is sticking with it!



5. This book is very unrealistic--both in its suggestions to mothers and to fathers! It has some good points--make time for yourself, your kids, and your husband & do things for love of God. BUT it is written for only one kind of personality/spirituality and wd not be realistic for anyone with a pregnancy, a nursing baby (she gives a bottle) or any kind of chronic illness. That covers a LOT of women!
   If you think it would be helpful or realistic to try to impose uptight military discipline on yourself and your household, then borrow this book from a friend and see what you think. But if you want some down to earth advice on how to get organized, look elsewhere.