5 comments about The Torn Veil: The Best-Selling Story of Gulshan Esther.

1. The story shows how when we are really desperate for God, He reveals Himself in a very powerful and yet in a practical loving way by healing this sick lady.



2. This is a beautiful story of a Muslim girl who is healed by Jesus,and comes to know Him as her Lord and Saviour.
   It is wonderful to read of the power and compassion of Jesus,of how He spoke to her,of how He transformed her body,her heart,and her life.
   A beautiful testimony book not just for Muslims,but for anyone.



3. I was swept away of the Gulshan Esther's courage. A wonderful person recommended this book - I'm so glad he did because it was hard to put down. I was in awe of Jesus' faithfulness and promise to heal those who call on Him and believe in His name. Truly a powerful story which God desired for His people to read. Gulshan answered that call, not backing down for a moment; she's a beautifully healed soldier.



4. This book has changed the way I precieve God's work in people's lives. If you are willing to let yourself feel anothers struggles in a world you could hardly understand. And if you are willing to imagine God to be so great that He could do anything for the one He loves. Then prepare your heart and dive into a deeper relationship with God. Prepare to understand the heart of the lost muslim like never before.



5. If you want a glance into the lives and psychi of the devot muslim, this is the book to read. If your curious about christianity, buy this book- it's a true story. It is well written and once you begin it is difficult to set it down. This is not some freaky christian autobiography. Gulshan Esther does not give any hint of an effort to convert her readers. She tells us, merely what happened to her, what her life experiences have been, in one of the most beautiful narratives imaginable. This book will change your life and the way you view Christianity and Islam. I hope you buy this book. I know I have been changed because of it.

5 comments about The Unusual Suspect: My Calling to the New Hardcore Movement of Faith.

1. Over the years, I've been a bit skeptical about celebrities who become Christians and actively proclaim their faith in Jesus. I took this type of "show me it's true" attitude as I began reading Stephen Baldwin's book with the subtitle, "My Calling to the New Hardcore Movement of Faith." I have seen a few of his films and am familiar with his acting brothers.
   
   Page by page, this book wins over the skeptics, and the reality of Baldwin's genuine Christian experience rings true through these chapters. We learn about the youngest Baldwin brother, who was raised in a middle-class Irish Catholic family in Massapequa, New York. In the opening chapter, Baldwin talks about the depth of his chasing celebrity and a story about seeing Robert Downey, Jr. at the Playboy Mansion. Downey leads Baldwin to a beautiful wine cellar where four playmates are smoking pot. Since Baldwin had stopped drinking several years earlier, he saw the meaninglessness of the situation and left.
   
   Describing his life as blessed and lucky, Baldwin sheds light on his acting career and how it's given him a platform to talk to American youth --- and actually have them listen. Ironically, most teens recognize him from Bio-Dome, a film that the critics hated. As he writes, "God had me make this film to give me the platform that would later become my life's work. At the time, I just wanted to goof off with Pauly Shore for a couple of months. God knew that, and He also knew the plans He had for my life, plans He made sure came to pass."
   
   Baldwin's faith story is told in detail. His wife, Kennya, hires Augusta, a Brazilian housekeeper who only speaks Portuguese. Since Kennya is from Brazil, she can communicate with Augusta. But the housekeeper has one minor quirk: she walks around the house singing about Jesus. Because of Augusta, Baldwin's wife begins to read her Bible and occasionally attend some Bible studies. During a year of prayer for her husband, Kennya shows him Jesus; ultimately, during the ninth and twelfth months, he begins to listen.
   
   Baldwin describes his journey to grow in his faith and give control to Jesus. The Unusual Suspect covers the basics of faith for a new believer from Baldwin's perspective. His stories are unconventional, and his insights about the centrality of the Bible, the importance of prayer and the reality of love for the lost have a freshness that will resonate with many people.
   
   Throughout the book, Bible verses are woven into the text in an appropriate and non-preachy manner. My skepticism turned to enthusiasm as I read about Baldwin's experiences combined with the skilled storytelling from writer Mark Tabb. Baldwin has had a true encounter with Jesus and is out to change his world. He doesn't claim to have all the answers, but he clearly understands that the love of God has to be balanced with the fear of God's pending wrath. Toward the end of the book, Baldwin includes some words that may startle the conservative crowd: "You can think all of this is a bunch of crap. That's your right. You can slam this book shut and say I don't know what I'm talking about. You can say that the God of love you believe in would never send anyone to hell. You can take that chance if you want. But keep this in mind: A day of judgment is coming. Don't blame me when the lever is pulled and you start falling toward hell."
   
   I found Baldwin's "tell it like it is" style refreshing and genuine. I wholeheartedly recommend The Unusual Suspect.
   
   --- Reviewed by W. Terry Whalin



2. can't help but love this guy! Pray for him as he ministers to his family...pray for his family too!
   
   Keys to Third Heaven...Using Third Heaven Revelation to Impact a World
   
   Seers Handbook



3. Stevie B's book I truely believe is inspired by God HIMSELF. What the Lord is doing in the Livin it Ministries is great. You can really see the power of God in Unusual Suspect and with the wonderful stories and teaching to the Young and old, married and unmarried alike. God is AWESOME!! I really pray that the Lord Jesus does a great and mighty work with this book and the Ministry to bring many into HIS KINGDOM.



4. I'm going to keep this really short and would like to thank Mr. Baldwin for writing such an inspirational book. I found this book to be challenging as well as encouraging to desire God more. Thanks so much Stephen.
   
   And,
   I really want the readers to really think about what he says in this book. I really seriously think you should ponder and consider alot of what he says. Don't expect to be life-changed when reading the book.
   God is in control of that.



5. This book has really opened my eyes to alot I did not know or understand.I really am glad that I have had the chance to read it.God Bless Stephen Baldwin.

5 comments about Samuel Morris: The Apostle of Simple Faith (Heroes of the Faith).

1. This fascinating telling of the brief life of Samuel Morris is surely an inspiration and a challenge for Christians everywhere.



2. I was crying all the way through this book as GOD saved and walked with this man. Great book to pull your heart strings. Simple and easy to read.



3. Samuel Morris : The Apostle of Simple Faith is simply written and convey the Christian faith to the reader. While reading this book, one feels living in Samuel Morris' era. The book makes you forget that this young African was living in the time when slavery was so deep in this country. Yet, Samuel Morris became the common denominator for both white and black people. His faith saved Taylor University. It is sad that he died so young and so full of promises. Jesus couldn't have a better disciple than this young man.



4. I was so amazed to read how the Holy Spirit could work and be manifested in and through young Samuel Morris' life. The same Holy Spirit made me shed tears as I browsed through the pages. The life of Samuel Morris would be a great impact on every heart and without doubt on young people. Well written and easy to follow. Praise The Lord !



5. This is the story of a young man who survived a tribal conflict by the hand of God, before he even knew Him. After finding out who Jesus was, Sammy, through simple faith and the love of Christ, changed the world around him. He was an African who came to America in the 1890's, to find out more about the Holy Spirit. But he taught more than he learned. If you don't believe that the love of God is the strongest force there is, you need to read this book. Everywhere Sammy went, he changed lives, dissolved prejudice and inspired Christians to live a more truly God-filled life. He was a prime example of how to be a living Bible.

5 comments about Church Boy: Franklin, Kirk.

1. I love Kirk Franklin's music. So does he - and he seems to love himself even more! Not only does this book drip of self-praise and egotism, it rings loudly of homophobia. Of all the horrible things that might have happened to Kirk as a kid (and he doesn't really tell you any!) the worst, in his mind, seems to be that he was called a queer. Give me a break.

   Kirk glosses over details, and pretty much everyone outside of his immediate, current, family have no names listed at all.

   Don't waste your time AND your money. Buy a CD and be thankful that its ok to love the message and not the messenger!




2. Kirk Franklin is one of the most talented and anointed songwriters I've ever heard of. To me, he's the absolute best. In this autobiography, Kirk takes you back to his childhood days. He also talks about what occurred between then and 1998 (when the book was published). -A lot has happened since then, so maybe he should write a continuation. Kirk tells it like it is in this book... there's no holding back. I think that people are sometimes scared of the truth and Kirk brings the truth like no one else. That is why he gets so much flack from folk. People should search their hearts and start focusing on the truth that God wants them to see. Truth that He can show them through a book or someone's life story. Give this book a chance -- it is definitely worth the read!



3. I actually ordered this 4 $1.25 discount. And once I got it in the mail and take a open of the book to see there were no scratches or anything I was not dissappointed. This is sure be a good book to read even tho I'm a fan to my all-time favorite artist in gospel, Kirk Franklin. This is a must if u wanna hear more from the man, y'know from behind his childhood, behind his dreams of coming a superstar in the gospel music area, why people think he's unholy or worldly to the Word of Christ, etc.
   
   I been a fan to his music since the beginning. Where be begin his group Kirk Franklin and His Family, God's Property and now 1NC (which stands for One Nation Crew). I'm professionally a trumpet player in the church band and a singer in the youth choir @ Hopewell which ya'll check out @ www.hopewellmissionarybaptist.org.
   
   Wish he'll put out a second one on the way pretty soon. God will continue your travel and thru your heart, Min. Kirk Franklin, u're still da bomb, man. Keep it up. I enjoy hearing and listening to your music. I sure come and work w/ you some day. God bless
   
   Henry "The Preacher" Cooper



4. Kirk tried to be frank and honest, but he was cautious. He tries too hard to convince the reader that he is not gay as being labeled by his peers. He tries to show the readers that he has slept with a lot of women but wasn't proud of it. This sounds like he is actually fighting a spirit of homosexuality. Kirk is in and out of the church quite often. He succumbs to his fleshly desires and gives into temptation very easily. Forgiveness is one thing, but yielding is another. He sounds like he is on the edge of reprobate, if not already. Playhouse entertainment is over. It's time to get live; it's time to represent. Check your soul, Kirk, it's in a lot of trouble son.
   
   Love Lami,
   Someone who cares about your soul



5. I've reviewed some of Kirk Franklin's music elsewhere and I'm fascinated in him as a Man of God, an artist, and an entrepreneur. He has taken gospel music in directions that others have not dared and that has made him a polarizing force in the music. Either you love him and think he's the last hope of gospel music or you hate him for "secularizing" the music and sacrificing the purity of the art form. "Church Boy" is Kirk's autobiography, but it is more an attempt to address both his fans and the haters about the motivating forces in his life.
   
   First, I applaud Kirk for not putting out an autobiography that feels like an "As Told To journalist" kind of work. If he was a sports star, he'd hire a journalist who would make his words and ideas seem profound. Instead he's written a work that sounds like his own voice plus minor editing.
   
   The flip side of that is that this book doesn't really follow standard autobiographical practices. It's not so much about what's happened to Kirk; it's more about how what's happened to Kirk allows him to address his fans and the haters. The book can get real preachy as a result. Some reviewers have mentioned that Kirk can appear homophobic at times. He certainly is not shy about asserting that his heterosexuality in the gospel business led him to sexual sin and fathering a child out of wedlock. Moreover, he unabashedly calls out the many homosexual artists in gospel music and states that homosexuality is a sin. That's a really bold statement to assert in print. If you agree with him, then that makes him a true minister of the faith. If you disagree with him, then that makes him a sower of anger and fear. Personally, as a heterosexual male who has enjoyed working with some outstanding gospel artists who were probably gay, I found this stance a little problematic. It's easier hearing about the problems with gay gospel artists from someone like Donnie McClurkin who has walked that walk a little more intimately.
   
   Readers would be wise to consider the context of this book. This book was designed to amplify the ideas in his recording "The Nu Nation Project". The end of the book states how his life and times have built up to that recording. Even his tragic, almost life ending, stage fall helps motivate him to rededicate himself to his ministry. The tragedy is that while Nu Nation is a great CD, I believe it represented the peak of Kirk's fame. Kirk struggled to keep all of the members of his coalition together organizationally and spiritually and he's had to take on more of a solo personality as of late that seems to go against many of the ideas of this book.
   
   Hearing the suddenness of Kirk's fame and the environment from which he came from helps me have a lot more compassion for him. When you were a runt of an outsider and needed to prove yourself, you can see how sudden fame might not have been the best thing for him to handle at such a young age.
   
   Kirk is such a strong songwriter, and I applaud him for including lyrics to many of his songs as chapter lead ins. I take him at his word that he's trying to tell his story more for the musical and spiritual benefit of his listeners than for the marketing benefits of this book.
   
   Ordinarily, I wouldn't recommend this book. It's dated in a lot of ways, and there are certainly better autobiographies on the market. However, gospel music has exploded due to this man. An inexpensive used copy of this book can offer the beginnings of vital insight into how God has used this music to enrich the lives of so many.
   
   Hope this helps.
   
   Blessings...
   
   [3 stars]
   
   --SD

1 comments about Al-Farabi, Founder of Islamic Neoplatonism: His Life, Works, and Influence (Great Islamic Thinkers).

1. i think this book is acomprehensive study of philosophical thoughtwiely presented within a sphere of the two thought structures. the western foundation of thought and the eastern foundations for islamic thought. considering plato and socrates , aristotle were from the caucases mountatins i wouldnt even call them western but my point is is a good study book to understand philosophy on a academic level . good read on efor the book list

5 comments about George Whitefield: The Life and Times of the Great Evangelist of the Eighteenth Century - Volume II.

1. Well, I finally saved up the money and sprung for this two-volume full-length account of the life of George Whitefield. I had whetted my appetite on the abbreviated volume "George Whitefield: God's Anointed Servant in the Great Revival of the Eighteenth Century" by the same author. I can honestly say this is one of the best investments I've ever made. Reading the life of such a great saint--this Christ-loving, gospel-centered minister--has served to rekindle my passion for the gospel and rejuvenate the love of God in my soul more than once. I most highly recommend it.
   
   This Volume: This is the SECOND volume of Dallimore's two-volume biography of George Whitefield. This is very important if you intend on buying one volume now and purchasing the other later. The information on the Banner of Truth (the publisher's) website is incorrect--the green volume is volume #1 (picture of Whitefield in a field surrounded by a crowd) and the red volume is #2 (picture of an older Whitefield in a church pulpit). I had to wait an extra few months to recieve the first volume before I could begin reading either. Each volume is about 600 pages in length and is chock full of stories, information and insightful commentary. Dallimore does not spare the details of the lives of those closest to Whitfield--including John Cennick, Howell Harris, Jonathan Edwards, and of course John and Charles Wesley. This second volume deals with the period of time from Whitefield's return to England in the wake of Wesley's controversial ministry, his reconciliation with the Wesleys and continued work in both England and America, and finally his death.
   
   The Subject Matter: Wow. Simply wow. I mean--who knew? I'd always heard that John Wesley was the sole founder of Methodism. In fact, the only thing I knew about George Whitefield was that he was attributed with a few neat quotes (ie. "Let the name of Whitefield perish, but Christ be glorified!", "I am weary in Thy work, but not weary of it", etc.) and that he once spoke at Jonathan Edwards' Northhampton church (at which time he left Edwards in tears). I fully expect that if it were not for this work of Dallimore, the name of Whitefield truly would be lost to persons such as myself. What I expected was another (Calvinistic) Wesley. What I found was a man whose zeal, love, holiness of life and passion for Christ seemed to equal even those I hold in highest regard (among whom are Martin Luther and Charles Spurgeon). Whitefield was a tireless worker for God and his zeal for the gospel was only matched by his selfless compassion for his fellow man. He was the first of the great open-air preachers and nudged both John and Charles Wesley into evangelistic ministry. Whitefield's life is a beautiful illustration of Christian ministry and evangelistic zeal. I cannot recommend this man highly enough.
   
   The Author: Dallimore was a Baptist pastor and semi-prolific biographer. This two-volume biography of George Whitefield is truly Dallimore's magnum opus. He has delved deeper into the mind and heart of this great evangelist than any of his previous biographers. It is both informative and inspirational. No space feels wasted despite the length of the account and the multitudinous strands of the storyline are brought together in a masterful way.
   
   The Reader: Who should read this book? I would recommend it most highly to pastors and other evangelical Christians whose zeal for God and spiritual wells have begun to run dry. Evangelical Calvinistic Christians will get the greatest benefit from this read. But it may also prove of great interest to those of the Methodist heritage. Also, all who are called to the ministry of evangelism (teaching and preaching) could not but benefit from this work. Whitefield's zeal is contagious and his meekness humbling. The mere historian might enjoy the factual aspects of the book, but it was written from a distinctively evangelical Christian perspective.
   
   "Weary in Thy work, but not weary of it." -G. Whitefield



2. The best history / biography I have ever read. George Whitefield's life is exceedingly interesting and Dallimore covers it and all the history of others surrounding it, exhaustively!



3. Few recent books have so wide and so deep an impact as Arnold Dallimore's magisterial biography of George Whitefield. The first volume, stretching from Whitefield's birth in 1714 to his section visit to American in 1740 was published in 1970 and has since been reprinted six times. The second volume, which stretches from 1740 until Whitefield's death in 1770, was published ten years later in 1980. It has been reprinted three times. Together the volumes comprise some 1200 pages of detailed biography. Rarely have I had a biography recommended to me by so many and by men of such distinction. Rarely have I benefited more from reading about another man's life.
   
   I have noticed a strange phenomenon with this biography. Where most books of this one's scope and impact have been widely and thoroughly reviewed, this one seems to be an exception. As I attempted to write a review I may have found out why this is: it is very difficult to adequately sum up so much content in just a few words. And, as with any biography, it is difficult to measure and summarize the impact of such a book. Instead I am left doing what others have done--writing thoughts on the book that somehow seem disconnected and inadequate. Even Gary Gilley, a reviewer who is rarely lost for words, can write no more than this: "It would be difficult to lavish too much praise on Dallimore's two volume biography of the famous eighteenth century evangelist George Whitefield. This is the definitive work of Whitefield's life and ministry, dispelling many misconceptions while showing the true character and impact of this most remarkable man. Along the way the reader also receives valuable insight into the lives of the Wesleys, Jonathan Edwards and the Moravians. This is one of the greatest biographies ever written."
   
   The Foreword to the first volume is supplied by no one less than Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones. The Doctor suggests that he waited decades to find a thorough and authoritative biography of Whitefield, a man he regarded as a historical hero. This book, he felt, which appeared on the bi-centenary of Whitefield's death, achieves the excellence Lloyd-Jones knew had long been missing. Reflecting on the life of the subject he writes "May the reading of this book produce in us the same spirit of utter submission, ready obedience, and unshakeable reliance upon the power of the Holy Spirit that characterized his life and ministry. Whitefield never drew attention to himself but always pointed people to his God and exalted his Lord and Savior. May he, though now dead for nearly 200 years, do the same for countless thousands through the reading of this book!" The intervening years, almost forty of them, have shown this to be the case.
   
   This book's subtitle, The life and times of the great evangelist of the 18th century revival, is important in understanding the book. Whitefield found himself one of the sparks of the the Great Awakening and the revival of the 18th century. While other men played important roles, Whitefield was the pin at the center of the wheel. His tireless itinerancy took his preaching ministry to almost every corner of the United Kingdom and to almost the whole of the settled portion of the United States. But for illness he would also have extended his ministry to Canada. Perhaps one of this book's greatest contributions is in helping people separate the life and contributions of George Whitefield from those of John Wesley--a man who Whitefield always loved but who so often opposed him. This biographies shows conclusively that it was Whitefield's ministry that sparked the awakening.
   
   I was grateful to see that Dallimore deals fairly with Whitefield's shortcomings in these volumes. This is no hagiography--worship of a saint that is free from difficult examinations of the subject's failings. Though Dallimore has to confess that he finds surprisingly little fault with the man, he deals frankly and forthrightly with those areas in which Whitefield showed immaturity, poor judgment or poor discernment. He questions Whitefield's decision to marry and the unusual circumstances surrounding his first rejected proposal of marriage. He does not shy from discussing Whitefield's role in justifying and even promoting slavery in the colonies. He does not allow the passing of the years or his deep respect for his subject to mislead him or to excuse sin. Experience shows that this quality is surprisingly rare in such biographies.
   
   Eminently readable despite its length and depth, this biography only reinforces my belief that biographies can be among the greatest catalysts to spiritual growth. It is a classic and one that takes its place among my favorite biographies along with such great titles as Marsden's Jonathan Edwards and Dallimore's own Spurgeon. It will prove valuable to pastors or evangelists as they see the example of a man who labored tirelessly for the gospel; it will prove valuable to all Christians as they see the example of a man who labored tirelessly to grow even and ever closer to his Savior. Whitefield is a man who stands as an example to all of us. Dallimore has done us a great service in opening up to us the life of this great man of God.
   
   Together these two volumes represent a financial investment that is not insignificant. Purchased together they are likely to cost at least sixty or seventy dollars. But I can testify, as can a long list of people of far greater wisdom and discernment than I, that they are well worth the investment.



4. "Justice has at last been done to the greatest preacher that England every produced." This was the judgment of Martyn Lloyd-Jones concerning the first volume of Arnold Dallimore's biography of George Whitefield. This is perhaps the most authoritative work to date on the life of Whitefield, surpassing the older work of Luke Tyreman in both breadth (since Dallimore had access to far more material than Tyreman) and objectivity (Tyreman was a Wesleyan who was somewhat unsympathetic with Whitefield's theology).
   
   The two volumes together are divided into eight parts, which help give some navigation to understanding Whitefield's life. The sections are: (Volume 1): I. The Years of Preparation; II. The Youthful Ministry; III. The Period of Transition; (Volume 2): IV. The Controversy; V. The Calvinist Evangelist of Two Continents; VI. The Helper of all the Revival; VII. The Years of Failing Strength; and VIII. Death and Commemoration.
   
   Volume 1 traces Whitefield's life from birth to conversion through the early years of the Great Awakening which came under his preaching in England, Wales, and the Colonies of North America. It is full of details about his travels, excerpts from sermons and journals, and is exceptionally well documented. Special attention is rightfully given to Whitefield's relationship with John Wesley, and several mistaken notions concerning the two men are corrected with careful research supporting the conclusions.
   
   The second volume begins with an introduction that gives more attention to the mistaken conceptions about Whitefield's relationship with the Wesleys. Chapter one then steers the reader back into the narrative, picking up where volume 1 left off with Whitefield's return to England from America in 1739. Several chapters are then devoted to the controversy between the Whitefield and Wesley. A broad-brush coverage is given to Whitefield's work in both Great Britain and America, with occasional detours detailing events such as the Cambuslang Revival and the contributions of other prominent figures in the revival such Howell Harris and John Cennick.
   
   Dallimore writes with an obvious admiration and appreciation for Whitefield, yet he does not whitewash his faults. Whitefield's respectable, though less than ideal marriage to the widow, Elizabeth James (who had also been courted by Howell Harris - an interesting love-triangle there!) is discussed, as well has the enormous load of debt he carried for the Orphan House founded in Georgia. While there was nothing in Whitefield's life to tarnish his integrity, his humanity is clearly evident in more than one instance.
   
   The interest and usefulness of this excellent biography is enhanced by the thorough index (at the end of volume 2), thirteen appendices (six in volume 1, seven in volume 2), thorough documentation (with hundreds - maybe thousands - of footnotes), nine-page bibliography (volume 2) and over sixty illustrations.
   
   But the true value of the two volumes lies in their soul-stirring account of the great work of God in and through Whitefield's life. A Christian could hardly ask for more delightful reading. To quote Lloyd-Jones again, "To read the wonderful story of his life is to be reminded again of what is possible to a truly consecrated Christian, and how even in the darkest and most sinful ages God in His sovereign power is able to revive His work and shower blessings upon His people."



5. I won't reiterate what I wrote in my review for the first volume. The second volume has some very interesting chapters on Whitefield's impact on history and the measure of the man. Although, it may be argued that he started Methodism, the Wesleys are more associated with that denomination. Whitefield concentrated on his preaching and stepped down from leadership roles. In spite of that decision, he was crucial in starting two universities in North America (Princeton and Dartmouth). He was instrumental in the spiritual awakening on both sides of the Atlantic. He started open air preaching and shook up the Church of England from its slumbers. He preached the Gospel until literally his breath gave out. No matter what you think of his doctrine or decisions, you have to respect his dedication. His death is well written in this volume and it is a painful read for an asthmatic.
   
   These volumes should be read by all preachers so they can learn from both the wisdom and folly of Whitefield.

3 comments about Father Solanus: The Story of Solanus Casey, O.F.M. Cap..

1. The story starts out rather slow and monotoneous, but before long you will find yourself completely emmerced in the psyche of this modern day saint. A touching story of one man's decision to say yes and to compleely surrender his life and his will to God's plan for his life. This humble man possessed those attributes that we all desire and seek, but somehow find elude us. This is a story of struggle, hope and the fullfillment of God's will in the very simple things of our lives. We are all drawn to this mindset and you will see the hunger and desire that we all have a hunger for by the unlikely attention that this man of God draws to himself without the desire to do so. If this beautiful story of real "life" brings a tear to your eye, you will have crossed that wonderful divide that seperates the spiritual from the secular, and you will in a very real sense find the hidden beauty of inner peace in the simple. I highly recommend this book for I believe it has set the roadmap for the true longing of the human spirit. The final words of Barney Casey are words that reverberate through the Centuries and words that should be readily on the tips of each of our tongues as we draw our last breath.



2. Catherine Odell has done a wonderful job telling the story of the life of Father Solanus Casey who was declared "venerable" in 1995 by Pope John Paul II. The story of his life as a Capuchin priest who served as a porter is so inspirational, reminding us all that no matter what our calling in life, there are many ways in which we can all serve God. Many people sought healing and counseling from him and this humble man was truly an instrument of God on this earth. Father Solanus tells us that we should not pray for tasks equal to our powers, but for powers equal to our tasks. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in learning about a modern day person who may very well become a canonized saint.



3. This is a truly inspirational story. It not only shares his story of becoming a Capuchin Monk, but also about his early life. It is an interesting story about a man that we can all relate to in some way. Something really different about him is that he is not some person from another country that we only heard about because of the news. He is from the USA, he lived and worked in Detroit as a Porter and a priest. This is a wonderful story that everyone should read.

No comments about The Life of Anthony: The Coptic Life and the Greek Life.

3 comments about Finding the Monk Within: Great Monastic Values for Today.

1. FINDING THE MONK WITHIN - is an excellent read. For anyone wishing to get a good understanding of the history of monasticism, this book is for you. It is an interesting and easy read. I loved every minute of this book. Pam Nashville, TN



2. An entertaining and well researched history of Western Monasticism traced though the spiritualities and personalities of its leading figures. On a minor discordant note: Be prepared for some preachy interludes about empowering the laity, including (and ordaining?) women in church leadership and a puzzling if only passsing reference to the Islamic world's justified suspicions of Christianity due to Bernard of Clairvaux's preaching the Second Crusade.
   The book does not describe modified monastic practices for the modern person living outside a monastery, but rather a spirituality for engaging the world.



3. This book is absolutely wonderful. The title caught my attention, and I hoped that the book would answer some of my questions about living a more contemplative life. A mixture of textbook and spiritual guide, this is a must read for ministers of any kind, and for those wishing to balance life in today's culture with a very prayerful interior life. I find that I am carrying the book around with me even though I've finished reading it, and have begun reading it again after only about a week. Very simply, I highly recommend this book!

1 comments about Confessions of an Adulterous Christian Woman: Lies That Got Me There; Truths That Brought Me Back.

1. After the Bible, this is one of the most remarkable books I've read. I highly recommend it to married people, divorced and separated people and those contemplating divorce. I truly think this short book can have a profound and life-changing impact on many, many readers.