4 comments about One Step Closer: Why U2 Matters to Those Seeking God.

1. I thought the book was fun to read. A friend of mine used it as a guide for a church group study on the Theology of U2. It was a hit. We ended up discussing really important issues like Justice, and Money, etc. We would read a few chapters and watch the videos and then discuss. The way the book is structured is what positively differintiates it from other U2 books.



2. Christianity, metaphorically, has many "keys." Many prominent voices play major keys, promising blessings and offering comfortable settings. Christian Scharen, the author of One Step Closer, introduces a minor key--the theology of the cross--that fits U2's voice.
   
   "The theology of the cross fits U2 because it avoids the all too common proclamation of faith, hope, and love that ignores the present realities of doubt, despair, suffering and injustice. It is a tradition that looks at the world and speaks the truth about what it sees: the good, the bad, and the ugly. In the words of the church reformer Martin Luther, the theology of the cross `calls a thing what it really is.'"
   
   This book helps "make sense of U2's style of talking about God, Jesus, the Spirit and the Christian life in a holistic way." It's an excellent resource for those wanting to understand the spirituality found in the band's lyrics.
   
   It also serves as a mini-lesson in theology, especially as it pertains to the cross and the different forms of communication found in the Bible. The author provides keen insight into the psalms, the wisdom literature, the parables, prophecy, and apocalyptic writing in the first section of the book. In each chapter a different pattern of speech is examined with examples of how U2 mirrors the style and content of that particular form.
   
   The second section focuses on the theology of the cross. With U2, it's a way of singing "truthfully and unflinchingly about God and the world God loves. It is a way of speaking that highlights faith over certainty, hope over despair, selfless love over the self-indulgent pursuits that tempt the church and its leaders to grab power and money for themselves." Once again the author provides specific examples from the band's music.
   
   The last section introduces the idea of living the truth as a way to live the cross. It provides an account of how U2 lives out their faith. For U2, following God means doing the truth.
   
   One can easily come away with a greater understanding and admiration for what U2 is all about. The band deserves credit for not succumbing to the popular self-fulfillment trends in the Church.
   
   What's especially valuable is the author's ability to introduce readers to the Christian tradition by illustrating from U2. His thoughts on cross-centered theology are rewarding and worth more than one read.
   
   This is a scholarly but easy to read work. The author displays a mastery of theology and U2. He more than adequately supports his contentions through Scripture (almost exclusively from The Message Bible) and an analysis of the band's lyrics and interviews. This book is a valuable edition to the growing volume of literature on U2.
   
   It would have been helpful if the author would have elaborated more on some of the controversial elements of U2. Though it may be a minor thing, their seeming indifference about drinking, smoking and swearing is hard to understand. Their critical attitude toward the Church and some Christians is understandable but a little troubling.
   
   Some Christians feel that U2 is not Christian enough. Ironically, you can see from reading this book that U2 follow in the tradition of the cross by speaking honestly and pointing toward sacrifice and service toward others. In so doing, they have turned it around and indirectly challenged the Church and individual Christians to be more Christian.



3. Inspirational. Well-written. Informative. This book is a must-have for any U2 fan. This book is also a fantastic tool for evangelism. Highly recommended.
   
   - Stratos



4. I am David edwards and had written and sold thousands of books and my Title was One Step Closer. In fact it is right under this one. I was surprised to see a book with the same title, usually publishers do not let that happern. A good book however.
   Dave

5 comments about Muhammad.

1. One problem that faces readers (and writers) of history are the cultural assumptions used in both comparing and explaining the events from the past. This book is a case in point. The writer is clearly a sound scholar on Islam and Muhammad. However, his French communist and atheist worldview permeate his discussions of the rise of Muhammad and Islam. It doesn't matter if the writer or reader is a Freudian, capitalist, communist, atheist, agnostic, or a true believer. Your way of viewing the world has to have an influence on how you tell your story, what metaphors and terms you use in your explanations, and much of what you consider normal and well known is actually less than clear to those unfamiliar with your view of things.
   
   Those readers not clearly aware of social assumptions of communism and the rather arrogant superiority of French socialism will find some of the text bewildering even in this fine English translation. This is unfortunate because much of the author's writing does help non-believers understand the life of this world religious figure. It isn't that the social-political stuff turns the facts into lies, it is simply that a reader uninitiated in these increasingly antiquated ways of viewing the world will find the author's points somewhat opaque because of the language the points are couched in rather than any complexity in the underlying point.
   
   For those of us who completely reject the socialist communist version of the world it is also quite irritating to read.
   
   So, beware.



2. I only give this book 2 stars because it does not give the true account of Mohommad's life. He had sex with children - that is a fact. Read the Hadith, it plainly states that mohammed had sex with girls at least 7-8 years old. If he were alive today he would be arrested and put in jail. I would then call mohammed a pedophile pervert.
   
   Why dont we hear the truth about islam and not this watered down version?



3. Hi. Can you give a reference that Muhammad did those things? Those allegations are pure propaganda. Without having read his life, and without knowing him, it is a crime to blame him for such things. So, if he were around, it wouldn't be him who would be in jail, but it would be you who would be put in jail, because of blaming him irresponsibly (unless he forgave you-and i believe he would, because he is the greatest man of all mankind). May God guide you to the right path. Peace.



4. This is one of the two best books on Muhammad, the other one being Montgomery Watt's two-volume Muhammad in Mecca and Muhammad in Medina. The difference between Watt's and Rodinson's works is that while the first focuses on presenting a chronological history of the life of the prophet of Islam, the second offers a more detailed view of the character of Muhammad taking into account his psychological setting and putting the character into the context of its seventh century Arabian society. Rodinson's book was written after those of Watt and in some parts of his book, Rodinson offers critical discussion of what Watt had to say on the historicity of some aspects in the life of Muhammad.
   Rodinson skillfully uses all the methodology that scholarship has to offer as he critically constructs the story of the prophet of Islam and often draws history parallels for instance when he compares Muhammad's inspiration with medieval accounts of Christian ascetics.
   The book's two last chapters are its conclusion. In an objective manner, the French author frankly expresses his disbelief in the divinity of Muhammad saying that - unlike other Western scholars - he does not want to guise his opinion with vocal tricks so that to hide his true opinion or soften it.
   Rodinson died a few years ago and his absence has been a serious loss for this discipline in humanities studies. His book will certainly stand for a longtime as a reference work after his death. On a last note, it is seriously sad to see Westerners more at liberty when studying and writing on the history of Islam and Muhammad while Muslim scholars being repressed when doing a similar job for the fear of being declared anathema and probably risking their lives.



5. This book was written much before 9/11. It is a great advantage as it is not tainted by a reinterpretation of what we know about the life and teaching of Prophet Muhammad in light of what 19 moslems did in 2001.
   The book provides a good background on the culture of Arabia at the time of Muhammad and why the teaching of the prophet became so attractive to his many followers. Rodinson write as a fair minded agnostic, and try to be as objective as possible when writing about religions. Rodinson shows also that Islam, like most religions, contain a lot of concepts and ideas, often contradictory. Evolving cultures reinterpret and selectively focus on some aspects of the original teaching to adapt to their surroundings.
   A good scholarly book, recommended to all who want to have a fair but not faith based view of the origin of Islam.

5 comments about They Found the Secret.

1. This is a very hard book to follow. The writing seems to jump around and at times it does not make a whole lot of sence. If you want a straight foward book this is not the one for you.



2. A very good book. Read it slowly so that the content can sink in. There is no secret, only a gained understanding of who you are in Christ, what that means, and how it affects your life.



3. The book I ordered thru Amazon arrived very promptly and it was in perfect condition. This is what I hoped and expected.
   Thanks,
   Kaye



4. For years I have read many biograpies of great Christians and found much help in them all. Here is a book that is concise and to the point in how these great Christians allowed the Lord to use them in their daily walk. It is a real blessing to find the secret as they found the secret.



5. This book is hands down the best book I have ever read on this subject. I have given it to many friends and relatives as gifts. If you are looking for a book with 20 great examples of how the Holy Spirit can change a persons life, this is the book for you. All of these men and women went beyond the simple salvation experience and there lives were changed forever.

5 comments about Five Silent Years of Corrie ten Boom, The.

1. The life of Corrie ten Boom is in one word: amazing. She lived a life completely sold out for Jesus Christ, her Friend and Savior. Having gobbled up THE HIDING PLACE, IN MY FATHER'S HOUSE, and TRAMP FOR THE LORD, I had to know how the story ended. And in THE FIVE SILENT YEARS OF CORRIE TEN BOOM, Pamela Rosewell, the last companion to Tante Corrie, describes the final years of Corrie's life. The result is heartbreaking and triumphant.
   
   Rosewell begins her story when Ellen de Kroon is about to discontinue her service as companion to Corrie ten Boom, and Pamela takes her place. They travel the United States for some time, and finally settle down in Orange County, California. Corrie worked on a few book and film projects, and then the first stroke hit, leaving her without speech. The story is as much about Pamela's own growth in the Lord as it is about Corrie's final moments on earth. Be forewarned: there are moments that will evoke a lot of emotion. A handy tissue box might be a good companion as you move through the book.
   
   Definitely a wonderful addition to any Corrie ten Boom library.



2. Pamela Moore tells us in her own words of her experience as the end-of-life companion for the extraordinarily courageous saint, Corrie ten Boom. I was deeply touched by this little book and was inspired to trust God to take care of His beloved children every single day of their lives on this planet. He has not forgotten us, even in our old age and our lonely or declining years. Our God is an awesome God and this book will have your heart singing praises from the first page.



3. The incredible and indefatigable Corrie ten Boom who could and would not slow down was silenced by a series of strokes. This book was written through the eyes of her last companion, Pamela Rosewell Moore, who spent time with Corrie while she was living an active life of witnessing, writing and speaking in Southern California and stayed with her to her Homegoing. Truly these last 5 years were probably the hardest trials that Corrie had to go through. Corrie, the energetic and talkative one became silent and helpless. She could only communicate by gestures and simple yes and no. But even though she was incapacitated her faith remained strong, and she prayed alongside her companions. Sometimes when they could not figure out what she wanted, they would all pray and ask God for help. Minutes later, her friends would get the message and be able to render help to her. Corrie endured her imprisonment (this time inside her own helpless body) with her reliance on the Saviour who never left her. She remained a blessing and inspiration to all those around her and her story stays to bless us even further.



4. This book actually started me on the road to reading. It is inspiring. I actually read this book before The Hiding Place. It is written by her assistant who walked a journey with Ms Ten Boom that was filled with lots of miracles.



5. I read this book over ten years ago and purchased it later. It is written by Corrie Ten Boom's personal assistant/caregiver. During Corrie Ten Boom's last years of her life she was trapped inside a different type of prison; she was trapped in her own body from a stroke. My mother lived almost 2 1/2 years after a severe stroke (unable to speak) as well, so it was with even greater personal interest that I read this book. The author takes us into the struggles but also the inspiration and comfort that God provides during difficulties in life. This book is well worth reading.

2 comments about Disputed Truth: Memoirs II.

1. This is a truly fine book.
   
   The second volume of Dr. Hans Kung's memoirs is vintage Kung: encyclopedic, opinionated but fair, quite engaging in style, and fascinating in detail. Bowden's translation brilliantly conveys into English Kung's verve and intensity in German (I have to take this as the case based on opinions of friends who read German fluently) - translator and author are very well matched in talent. Highly recommended (indeed, required) reading for any student of modern religion, theology, Christianity, or the Roman Catholic Church. Kung's courage, honesty, and humanity come through clearly, as in his first volume, but here his style is even more relaxed. He is a towering figure in theology, a scholar of amazing intellect, and a great man, and there is much to take in and benefit from here.
   
   His dedication to the gospel message of Christianity is telling and present throughout the book, and his love for this church is readily apparent - he is an fine example of the value and tenacity of "the loyal opposition."
   
   This does come to the point: many readers will be curious about Kung's treatment of the controversy that has been central to his life, and this book is the one to read if you want his take on the events that made him a hero to those who love intellectual freedom and revere the true message of Christianity. Those people will also be angered by the decades of persecution Kung has suffered. It will also interest, but probably further enrage, those who hold very highly conservative views in the Roman Catholic church. I only hope that those in the latter camp will actually read the entire book and try to keep an open mind while doing so.
   
   Kung's treatment of Dr. Joseph Ratzinger (the current Pope Benedict XVI) is detailed, very fair, and full of insight into this man as a person and a scholar. I can only say that you must read the whole book to appreciate the care Kung took in writing about his changing and complex relationship with Father Ratzinger.
   
   One note: the Amazon Editorial Review is incorrect when it states that "This second volume covers the period following the close of the Second Vatican Council right up to the present day." That was Kung's intent when he closed volume one. But in this book he was only able to describe his life up to about 1980. There are only a few remarks about events after that year, scattered about the book and present in his opening and closing sections. He clearly state that, Deo Volente, he will conclude with a third volume that brings his life up to the present. I am glad that Kung made this decision, since, for historical reasons alone, we need the sort of detail he gives in the present book.
   
   I am basically a Protestant in my orientation as a Christian, which influences my outlook as a person and as a professional scholar of religion; I hasten to add that I have always deeply respected the Roman Catholic Church, and Kung's many writings, including this book, have only increased my respect, admiration, and affection for this great denomination. Kung has fought nobly to return his church to it's true gospel roots and greatness, and for the reuniting of all Christendom, as well as for religious tolerance and religious freedom worldwide. I find this volume, and his life, very moving. May God grant this fine man the health and years to write the third installment of his autobiography, and perhaps other books as well.
   
   This book is in the line of great autobiography, an Apologia Pro Vita Sua for our day. Five stars plus, Father Kung!!!!



2. Hans Kung's writing is like spending time with a great elder statesman, professor, priest who humbly shares experience, insights,personal history, triumphs, battles, faith, and freedom. In a world that has many who would return to the 1950's as if it were a better time-- Kung has always had the faith and courage to be a progressive thinker who in the slow process of reform does not throw the proverbial baby out with the bath water. That the hierarchy of the Roman Church stripped him of his teaching position for challenging policies like Papal Infallibility-- only makes a stronger case for examining the difference between faith and dogma. Or shall we call that the difference between faith and the snarfy "watchdog-ma" hierarchical system that emphasizes hierarchical power over the servant role of the priesthood. This book is also a wonderful contextual examination of contemporary European history. Wonderfully written-- albeit not a quick "throw away" read-- but well worth the time spent with Hans Kung. I've already bought the autobiography continued-- Disputed Truth: Memoirs II by Hans Kung--

2 comments about Surprised by God: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love Religion.

1. As a fan from her Yentl's Revenge, I found Surprised by God to be the fulfillment of the promise Ruttenberg showed in that book. This book showcases the writer's ability to blend the personal and political and to make it all so compulsively readable that you just can't put it down.



2. Danya Ruttenberg's latest book is a very moving memoir of a young woman's spiritual development. This is more than a biography, it's a guide to developing one's own spiritual path. Rabbi Ruttenberg brings stories and sources from various faith traditions which add to her gripping narrative. I truly couldn't put this book down. I highly recommend it.

5 comments about Jonathan Edwards: A Life.

1. Marsden, George M. Jonathan Edwards: A Life. New Haven: Yale University Press, 2003.
   
   There is almost a glut of material on Jonathan Edwards. That can be both good and bad. It is good that men are wrestling with Edwards's life and thought. A study of Edwards can renew intellectual life within the church. Furthermore, Edwards is being fairly studied by scholars outside the conservative world. This, too, is good. But there is always the question when a new Edwards book comes out: is there anything left to say? George Marsden thinks so. And Marsden takes his point of departure from other Edwards scholars. For all of the work on Edwards, the standard biographies (Perry Miller and Iain Murray) leave holes in some places.
   Thesis: Jonathan Edwards lived in the crossroads of intellectual and social history. He is a perfect representative of both streams of both European and American thought: he was a traditionalist who stood for authority, order, and stable values. Ironically, he also planted the seeds of the individualism that would later haunt evangelicalism. Even more paradoxically, the very cure (e.g., the Great Awakening) to the problem (e.g., spiritual decay and social stagnation) would later become another problem for religious America.
   
   There are two illustrations of Marsden's thesis from Edwards' ministry: the Great Awakening and the communion controversy, the latter will be examined in light of his political views. In both cases we see Edwards the traditionalist clash with Edwards the innovator. Edwards' instrumental role in the Great Awakening conflicted with other pastors in the region. Unwillingly, or unwittingly, Edwards inspired other men to rise up and carry on the revival, a task that also meant criticizing the status quo ecclesiology. Another example is Edwards' view on church-state relations (160). Was Edwards going to be the traditional Constantinian Protestant and favor a state-protected church, or would he encourage his people to be a holy congregation, called-out and separated from the world? It appears he wanted both. On p. 196 Edwards advocates a strong Constantianism. This clashed with his view on presenting spiritual evidences to the Lord's Supper. It is obvious why.
   
   Solomon Stoddard, Edwards' grandfather and the previous pastor, sought a mediating position with the Puritans demand for evidence of conversion alongside the painful fact that many people did not have that evidence. If they did not have that evidence, they weren't really in the covenant. So they posited a "half-way" covenant. There was still the nagging problem of evidence. Therefore, the parishioners would give evidence of moral sincerity whereas Edwards' demanded evidence of godly piety (368). It was Edwards' downfall (or heroic hour, depending on your point of view) to overturn this compromise.
   
   Evaluation:
   This book faithfully carries on the Edwardsean tradition. It presents a pastor who sought Christ-exalting power in the pulpit. Yet it is one of the first sympathetic books on Edwards to illustrate tensions in his worldview--tensions the Evangelical world is feeling today. Does a longing for revival and fresh power from the Spirit undermine certain stati quo in Reformed orthodoxy? Marsden's thesis leaves the reader wrestling and thinking on this question. Another fine point is Marsden's emphasis on the healthy sexual morality and love found between Jonathan and Sarah, especially in light of current confusion on sexual mores. I heartily recommend this book.



2. Above all, it's very nice that I can recieved this book very quickly with perfect condition (paperback).
   Among biography of Jonathan Edwards, this book is a masterfiece!
   I'm very satisfied with this order!



3. I was seeking information regarding religious teachings before the American Revolution and found a theologian's theologian. This was not a quick read since I was largely unfamiliar with Edwards' writings and teachings. I now have a "Great Awakening" anchor thanks to Marsden's treatment of Jonathan Edwards, his time, and his contemporaries. An important preacher at a particularly important time in the history of America. Brilliant presentation by Marsden.



4. This is certainly a good biography of the life and times of the great Jonathan Edwards. However, it does lack something of a the personal touch, especially about the days to day details of his life; his study and spiritual life. For a man living in the backwoods of America, lacking intellectual and spiritual companionship, he must have (and other biographies tell us) spent much of his days in his study, writing, thinking and praying.
   
   Although I am not of Edward's philosophical or religious persuasion, I found the description of his thoughts very illuminating, and at times, a little frightening. When everything that happened in his little town or in the turbulent times of US and world history are sourced back to the work of God; in most cases, God's judgements on the sins of the people, one wonders what sort of psychological damage he must inflicted in his poor flock! You almost feel, that for all his learning, he was still living in pre-scientific times.
   
   And you have to laugh where he refers to Hume's Treatise as a 'corrupt book'!But at least he read Hume and a number of other enlightenment philosophers; more than what can be said for the average pastor or preacher/'pop'writer today!
   
   This is a good readable work that does justice to a great, though in many ways, misguided, thinker.



5. This is a long book; the text alone is a little over 500 pages. In the ample space of those pages, Marsden very fully sets out virtually everything that is known about Jonathan Edwards. First and foremost, this is the story of a life. It is biography on a grand scale, in which Edwards' life is described, from beginning to end, in great detail.
   
   What is really marvelous about this book is how Marsden combines the professional objectivity of a historian with sympathetic understanding of his subject. This is very important, because Edwards is not the kind of person that just anyone could write about in a useful way. The events of Edwards' life are not very dramatic or significant. What makes Edwards important is his thought. He was a theologican and a philosopher, who stood on the point of transition between a world in which God still reigned supreme and the modern world of secular thought and scientiic belief. He was also a defender of Calvinism, in a world which was about to turn against Calvin.
   
   To write usefully about such a man, the writer needs to have a deep interest in theological and philosophic subjects, and Marsden does. I am not entirely sure what his own perspective is, because he keeps his own beliefs off stage, as is proper, but Marsden says that he is, and he plainly is, someone whose personal religious viewpoint is not too far away from that of Edwards. Marsden is someone to whom the issues Edwards wrestled with are still alive. He is thus able to bring alive Edwards' philosophic and theological concerns in a wonderful way.
   
   I, personally, do not yet know enough about Protestant thought to really be able to make sense of all of this. Much of Calvinism seems very odd to me. I am perplexed by such doctrines as the teaching that humans have absolutely no ability to merit grace -- not just faith alone, but the further teaching that what we believe and feel is not relevant either -- combined with the belief that we should exert ourselves greatly to be saved. If nothing we do makes any difference, where is our motive to work hard to accept God? I find all of this very perplexing.
   
   Marsden does not try to explain the larger Calvinist framework of thought to those, like me, who are bascially ignorant of it, so much of this material goes past me. One point that came across very strongly, however, is that Edwards -- in his own, odd Puritan way -- was a passionate mystic, as devoted to God as Saint John of the Cross or Teresa de Avila. I think, quite often, we find the Puritans repugnant, because their stress on God's anger is so foreign to us. While I still find that aspect of Puritan thought hard to sympathize with, I am glad to have someone show me that the Puritans -- in their own way -- were extremely sincere and zealous Christians.

5 comments about George Muller: Man of Faith and Miracles (Men of Faith).

1. In 1946, on my 13th birthday, my Sunday School teacher gave me a copy of this book. In 1992, I found it in my mother's home and re-read it. It was a life changing experience. I have bought and given away more than 200 copies since then.

   One thing that makes George Muller's biography's unique is the amount of documentation that his biographer's had to work with. Each year, he published a detailed report of activities, but more meaningful were the journals he kept in which he listed all prayer requests and the outcomes of those requests.

   Muller was born in 1805 in Prussia. As a young man, he decided not to tell anyone of his needs, but to rely solely on prayer. God taught George Muller faith and trust by continually testing him, but always providing what he needed. Muller was motivated in 1836 to start an orphanage for 30 street children in Bristol, England. Over the years, as a result of his prayers, the orphanage grew to house over 2000.

   Muller lived to be 93. In his later years, he was honored internationally and invited to visit and speak in many cities. Beginning in 1875 he made 17 trips and visited 42 countries, telling his story of faith, trust, and prayer.

   This is an inspiring book. It is filled with stories of many actual experiences that help the reader grow his or her own faith.




2. George Muller was the pastor of a small church in England in the early 1800s. In those days, churches were financed by pew rents. Families would rent the pew where they sat each Sunday and from these funds, the pastor would be paid and other expenses of operation met. The pews in the best locations cost more. Rev. Muller became convinced that pew rents were contrary to the will of God, and after several months as pastor on a salary, announced to the congregation that he would no longer receive a salary, but that they should place a box in the chapel into which they could place offerings to support him. He further announced that he would tell only God of his needs.

   In 1833, he became pastor of Bethesda Chapel in Bristol. There were many orphans on the streets, and Reverend Muller began inviting some to his home to eat breakfast each day and then taught them from the scriptures. In 1834 he established some day schools to help them get an education and conducted Sunday School for them on Sunday. In 1836, God moved him to establish a small orphanage in the neighborhood in a rented house. He added more rented houses, and then was moved by God to acquire land at the edge of town (Bristol) and build a modern orphan's home in 1849. He continued to add buildings for many years until there was space for over 2,000 orphans. Reverend Muller depended entirely on contributions to meet all the building construction and operating money and his personal living expenses.. Yet he had a firm rule, based on his personal belief that he should never ask anyone for a contribution - in fact, never even tell anyone who asked whether the orphanages were in need of funds. He asked only God in his prayers, and always was very specific in his petitions to God. God moved him to keep meticulous records of his prayer requests and there results. In journals he dated and recorded each request on the left hand side and then dated and recorded the results opposite on the right hand side. His biographers had a lot of material to work with.
   Reverend Muller undertook nothing, even the smallest expenditure, unless he felt it was the will of God. He was asked how he sought the will of God. This is his reply:
   1. "I seek at the beginning to get my heart into such a state that it has no will of its own in regard to a given matter. Nine-tenths of the difficulties are overcome when our hearts are ready to do the Lord's will, whatever it may be. When one is truly in this state, it is usually but a little way to the knowledge of what His will is.
   2. Having done this, I do not leave the result to feeling or simple impressions. If so, I make my self liable to great delusions.
   3. I seek the will of the Spirit of God through or in connection with the Word of God. The Spirit and the Word must be combined. If I look to the Spirit alone without the Word, I lay my self open to great delusions also.
   4. Next I take into account providential circumstances. These plainly indicate God's will in connection with His Word and Spirit.
   5. I ask God in prayer to reveal His will to me aright.
   6. Thus through prayer to God, the study of the Word, and reflection, I come to a deliberate judgment according to the best of my ability and knowledge, and if my mind is thus at peace, and it continues so after two or three more petitions, I proceed accordingly."
   Mr. Muller was asked how well this worked.
   "I never remember", he wrote in 1895, three years before his death at the age of 93, "in all my Christian course, a period now of sixty-nine years and four months, that I ever SINCERELY and PATIENTLY sought to know the will of God by the teaching of the Holy Ghost through the instrumentality of the Word of God, but I have always been directed rightly. But if honesty of heart and uprightness before God were lacking, or I did not patiently wait upon the Lord for instruction, or if I preferred the counsel of my fellow men to the declarations of the Word of the living God, I made great mistakes."

   I was so moved by what I had read, that I decided my children should have copies. I found paperback editions were available and ordered several copies to give to family and friends. I re-read the book several times, taking it on airplanes when I traveled and became convinced that if this book meant so much to me, I should give copies away. I ordered 100 copies. I gave copies to the members of my Sunday School class, members of church committees and to many individuals. At least one individual I gave one to, who is a member of a different church, began buying and giving copies to people. At the time I am writing this, I have given over 200 copies of the book.

   This book is truly an evangelistic tool.




3. I had heard of George Muller and how he was a man of prayer and faith but I really didn't understand the story of George Muller until I happened to read this short book by Basil Miller on his life. Truly, Muller searves as an example of a life of faith, prayer, obedience, and faithfulness unders whatever circumstances he found himself until his very last day.
   
   This short book (159 pages) offers the reader a short glimpse into the life of George Muller. Much like our Saviour (John 21:25), this book does not explore the true life of Muller. It does, however, give the reader a quick look at his life and it will indeed challenge your faith. Muller's prayer life alone should touch a nerve in every true disciple of Jesus and call us all to a deeper life of prayer. Muller demonstrated that he took Jesus' words serious when Jesus told us to pray and not give up (Luke 18:1) and that whatever we ask in faith we will receive for his glory and honour (John 14:12-14).
   
   Overall, Miller's work is to the point and a solid read. I greatly enjoyed the layout of the book which you would expect in a biography such as this. Miller covers George Muller's life from birth to death and he shows us the highs and lows of Muller all in between. I also greatly appreciated the fact that Miller reveals that Muller is just like you and I in the sense that he was a sinner in need of a graceful Saviour (Romans 3:23-24). Muller's life will have an impact on your soul.



4. More than 25 years ago, my older son Ken (an avid Bible student and teacher)called my attention to George Muller and later provided me with a book on Muller's prayer life, believing, and victory over problems by believing that God was his sufficiency. Also that God would provide what he needed to fulfill his service to the glory of God. I am currently writing an article on "Faith" particularly as the word crops up in Alcoholics Anonymous,and immediately remembered the Muller book. This title, plus Muller's own biography, buttresses the belief so rapidly vanishing in Alcoholics Anonymous that God truly can meet the needs of, and guide, the alcoholic in overcoming the myriad of difficulties he encounters after he gets sober. Alcoholism can be cured. The wreckage of the past provides an equally demanding need for help and strength. Reliance on God was a necessary part of the cure in early A.A. And it was a necessary part in my own cure 21 years ago. I believe that this Muller book, the Narrow Road book about Brother Andrew, the Revolution book, and the Megashift book present solid grounds for putting your faith in the Creator of the heavens and the earth, coming to Him through Jesus Christ, and knowing for a certainty that Yahweh can show the way and provide--just as Muller found in his own victorious march to serve and love.



5. This book was very well written. I found myself filling the side margins with notes and underlining quotations.
   
   It is inspirational and extremely beneficial to anyone who wants to read about someone who had their priorities in order.

5 comments about Opening the Dragon Gate: The Making of a Modern Taoist Wizard.

1. Great disservices to people whom are searching for information and enlightenment on Taoism. The authors used a map of china and a few books on Taoism to take the reader on an almost 300 page fairy tale coated to read like a biography. The characters shift personality quicker than a chameleon does color. I think there is a story in the book but the contrived situations get in the way.



2. This was a very good perspective on Taoist miracle working. It briefly mentions many techniques, without explaining them, so this is not a manual for learning Taoism. Some of it is unbelievable, but as a story it is excellent. It mentions many books, mostly from the last thousand years. It provokes the reader into more study.



3. This was an exciting look into the life and training of a Taoist master in China living through the Communist Revolution. While offering a compelling tale of cultivation and growth, this book also gives the reader insight into the practice and attainment of Way. It allowed me to reflect upon my own life and inner journey and gain new perspectives for my own qi gong practice. I was truly humbled and inspired.
   
   If you practice any type of inner art or are interested in doing so, this is a great book to read.



4. Amazing story.Hard to put book away.Truly inspirational.This is not book for beginner on Path of Tao.Greatly recommended for those seriously studying Qigong Meditation or Taoism .One of most influential books had joy to read



5. This is a wonderful book that I would definitely recommend to anyone interested in Taoism and esoteric taoist practices. This book is a must have for people currently practicing or interested in practicing meditation and mind cultivation as it explains in depth the secrets of the mind. Martial Artists should definitely purchase this book due to the in depth explanation of the internal systems which compliment and enrich the external styles.

5 comments about A Full House of Growing Pains.

1. I must say that you going to be very surprised by this book! It isn't only what you probably think it is about, but oh so much more. Barbara is more real and honest with her readers than most people are even with themselves. She shines a flashlight in the dark corners of her life for all to see without apology because as the saying goes..."the truth shall set you free". Let's just say that she has faced her demons and won! Not only do I hope that all the people who read this book let it touch them, but I pray that all people start revealing their secrets in order to be set free, as well. I have and though it was hard, it was worth it because when you have nothing to hide, you have nothing to fear! Way to Go Barbara---Your truth has made a difference!



2. This wonderful book by Barbara Cameron explains the comings and goings, trials, tribulations, success's and heartbreaks of a Hollywood family. It's refreshingly honest with no spin at all. Mrs. Cameron had her shares of ups and downs in her personal life, all the while being a supportive mother who kept her "star" children in line and the "non-star" children were really the stars at home.
   My heart went out to poor Bridgett who is the real star of the family!! But their amazing transformation into Born Again, on fire for Jesus Chrsit and their passion that none should miss out on Heaven is so honest, and pure, and indeed rare in a Hollywood where it's hip to be anti-Christian, anti-morals, and whatever goes is OK. Praise God for this family and I know that He is indeed Blessing us with this most excellent book. Thank you Ray Comfort for inspiring Mrs. Cameron. Thank You Mrs. Cameron for sharing your life with us, and thank you Jesus for loving and dying for all of us so that we may be saved!



3. This book is so well written. It has such an even flow. I love reading the story of their lives. It is so interesting and I am so proud of the way Barbara has managed her life in Hollywood and as a Christian. I haven't finished the book yet, i really dreading to finish it. I want the story to go on and on, it's very enjoyable! Please purchase this book it is so interesting and easy to read. You won't want to put it down! God Bless~



4. A great memoir about a woman doing her best to be fair and good in a system (Hollywood) that can corrupt the best of us.
   
   What makes Barbara Cameron's story exceptional is that anyone can relate to her. We're able to see her adult relationship with God begin with her simple belief that He is our Creator who helps us when we pray. Then we're able to see Barbara's realization that He is Everything and there is nothing without absolute Trust in Him, and the changes in her life that ensue.
   
   The feelings and emotions described in this book are the feelings and emotions so many of us deal with everyday and are left wondering how to deal with issues of faith and submission to God.



5. I really liked this book by Barbara Cameron. She was very honest about the ups and downs of show business, motherhood and marriage. I'd also recommend her son Kirk Cameron's book "Still Growing: An Autobiography" which is also an honest and funny read!