5 comments about Still Growing: An Autobiography.

1. Prior to reading this book, all I really knew about Kirk Cameron was that he starred in Growing Pains and later appeared in the Left Behind movies. Now, I have a newfound respect for Kirk Cameron. The entire book is a testimony of his faith in God. He doesn't need to apologize for having a good moral upbringing. Yet, he realized that he was still missing something--God. I was also surprised at his intelligence and wit and enjoyed the writing style of the book. The book covers everything it needs to without being a lengthy tome.



2. Yes, I was a Growing Pains fan growing up, but that is not why I wanted to read Still Growing. I wanted to find out how a devout atheist (who, in his own words, "pitied" the religious people he knew) became arguably one of the most outspoken celebrity Christians in Hollywood. Something radical had to have happened.
   
   Much to my surprise, not only did I get an answer to my question, but I got a candid look at the funny (see the section on a young Kirk's audition for Growing Pains where after reading he asks "Is this a drama or a comedy?"), scary (see the section where Kirk has to be the bait in a sting operation to catch a child predator who had begun stalking him), romantic (see the section where he flew to New York to surprise his future wife) and amazingly providential (see Kirks meeting with Ray Comfort and the start of Way of The Master).
   
   And while it is obvious that Kirk is a better actor than a writer, I stopped caring after the first few pages because of the engaging and conversational tone Kirk employs throughout the book.
   
   If you were a fan of Growing Pains, this is a no brainer. If, like Kirk, you struggled with the bigger questions in life, read this book. It will give you the only satisfying answer that there is.



3. Kirk Cameron's entertaining and inspirational autobiography is a must read for any young person interested in an acting career or anyone who is curious about what it is like to grow up in front of the camera.
   
   You will find out what it is like to have every kid's dream fulfilled-finding yourself on the cover of dozens of magazines, receiving upwards of 10,000 fan letters per week and the ultimate kid dream-having adults treat you with respect!
   
   Kirk's book exposes the pluses and minuses of fame. From the perks of show business celebrity to finding yourself cooperating with the police to capture a pedophile who uses your fame to hurt others.
   
   You will discover how Kirk's love of God and family has contributed to a happy and fulfilling wonderful life, after child stardom. By the time you finish reading Kirk's autobiography, you will know why he is still growing and still smiling- you'll smile too!



4. I was a fan of Kirk Cameron from the Growing Pain days. Well, the book gives you a great insight on his life and how he accetped the Lord Jesus Christ to be his savior. It also shows his erros and how he wished as a new Christian he would have done things differently yet, shows that being a christian doesn't mean your perfect... shows you are work in progress and you too see it in his life!!! Awesome book.



5. My favorite quote was, "You don't find God - He's not lost. You are, and He finds you."
   
   Kirk found the two most important things in life - peace and joy.

1 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!!!!

5 comments about Return from Tomorrow.

1. My mother who is 78 and just went through a health crisis, handed me this book after she was done saying just that it was interesting. I agree with her. I've been interested in NDE since before I went to school for Neuroscience. I read about some accounts as well as the view of science for these experiences, which is that as the mind shuts down neurons fire strangely causing people to have these hallucinations. I didn't find these explanations to be satisfactory, partly because they haven't been able to research this phenomenon well. How do you predict when someone is going to die, then come back to life? You certainly cannot risk causing this to happen. It's unethical. Plus as is often the case in medical research, those doctors come to the research expecting to validate their own preconceptions. For the most part, those who have reported NDE of their own, do not go into it 'expecting' to experience similar to what has previously been reported.
   
   George Ritchie went through this experience during WWII. This was prior to all the current interest in this phenomenon. The book itself was written during the 1970's, and is considered 'The' classic book on NDE.
   He felt the need to share this experience with others, and was probably surprised to find the amount of interest it has garnered. As with most young men, he went into this experience without expections or preconceptions...he basically hadn't thought of something like this happening before. Who does at age 20.
   
   Whether or not what he experienced is valid, the experience itself was life-changing for good. That alone is reason enough to look into this with an open mind. That which changes people in such a way as to produce good has significantly more promise than that which leads people to wrong-doing.
   
   The book itself, and the writing is quick and well-done. Ritchie is obviously a person of intelligence...he went to medical school (so has probably heard some of the scientific reasoning for this), and then became a psychiatrist (some of the biggest skeptics). At age 20, he wasn't very religious. He certainly didn't expect to die.
   
   Those who choose to read books such as this usually are those with an open mind. Each person has to decide for themselves what they choose to believe. I'm sure that this book offers comfort to many, especially those who know they are approaching their own deaths. Since this book has been printed over and over again for the last 40 years, it must 'ring true' for some reason to an awful lot of people. Readers need to approach this book (and others like it) without their own expectations or preconceptions to get something out of it.
   
   Karen Sadler



2. Excellent book for someone wanting to broaden his/her spiritual and religious base. It is a Christian book, but goes beyond traditional boundaries. The author discusses relationships with Jesus and God that are more personal and of more consequence that conventional teaching.



3. I found "Return from Tomorrow" to be a moving, compelling little gem. I have been sharing it with many friends and feel that you could have a ministry from what George Ritchie reports in his book. It was absolutely life changing for me. I thank Guideposts and George Ritchie for his inspiring and riveting story.



4. I was originally loaned this book by a friend who made great claims about it. I was hesitant because most of us have heard the experiences of those with near or real death and then come back to tell about it. One day I picked up the book and starting skimming through it to the part where the death experience occurs, I couldn't put it down! its totally different than all the others I've heard about. In fact, once I finished the book I immediately started over from the very beginning. I bought this book to loan out to others and to re-read myself, it can be read in a few hours.



5. This is a fascinating real life-death account which I personally believe to be true. It gives great hope to those of us who are still alive and is a compelling and inspiring adventure.

5 comments about Letter and Papers from Prison.

1. I read this book several years ago at the behest of my Pastor when I was still a man of faith. And although I've essentially fallen out of that faith in the last few years, I still consider this one of the most inspiring true stories I have ever read. Dietrich Bonhoeffer, the German minister who openly spoke out against the Nazis-and allegedly even participated in the plot to kill Hitler-was imprisoned in 1943 and eventually hanged by the German government shortly before the end of the war. This is a collection of his correspondence with his family and friends during his two years of incarceration.
   
   
   
   The strength of this book is that Bonhoeffer was not only a truly courageous man who refused to abandon his principles, but as a Christian, he actually practiced what he preached. This seems to be rare these days and I think the reason that so many people resent Christians and Christianity is that they see so many of them as hypocrites. They constantly talk about God and peace, and righteousness, yet they are so quick to drop a bomb or condemn those that disagree with them. Bonhoeffer represents a pure Christianity of love and justice. This is my take at least and others might disagree with my assessment. With that said, this was a man who truly believed in his God and accepted with dignity whatever fate that God had in store for him. His courage and joy in the face of such a harsh fate is evident in his writings. So, even though I don't share Bonhoeffer's religious beliefs or some of his "ethics," I don't hesitate to recommend this truly inspiring book to believers and non-believers alike. My only warning is that there is a lot of theological discussion and those with little or no knowledge of the religion might find these parts a bit over their head.



2. I bought the book looking to know more about Bonhoeffer's theology..and ended up learning more about my own. Though at times I didn't agree with his thoughts, I found myself agreeing with the man. These letters mix profound questions with small daily details of life. It is authentic and transparent in a way that typical straightforward "theology" books can't be. There is honest, articulate, and earnest faith in these unselfconscious and private thoughts.



3. Dietrich Bonhoeffer's "Letters and Papers from Prison" is the account of an extremely intelligent German theologian and pastor who was thrown into prison during WWII. The correspondence Bonhoeffer shared with his family members during the time he spent in prision (over a year and a half)reveals his character in a remarkably honest way. The love and concern he has for his family and his selflessness, even while sitting in prison, are a great testament to the Christian faith regardless of your theological position.



4. Dietrich Bonhoeffer's Letters & Papers from Prison was a most edifying read, primarily because it stripped away the mystery and mythical aura that surrounded him, before and after his murder by the Nazis in 1945. The fact that his reputation is so universally well known is greatly due in part to his brother-in-law, the late Eberhard Bethge.
   
   Having been raised in a very German household myself, I would hear occasional stories from my own father, who grew up in Germany at that time, about the German pastor who was a part of the plot to kill Hitler, the one who was the moral conscience who aided the conspirators while they tried to rid Germany of the diabolical dictator and his vile atrocities that were sweeping throughout the land, for nothing was sacrosanct.
   
   Bonhoeffer, known throughout the Christian world for his books, The Cost of Discipleship and Ethics, among other treaties, pamphlets and sermons, was a great example in respects to how a man or woman can truly live an independent Christian life while working in the world and that heroism does not necessarily come from preaching the Gospel, but rather, living it or trying to. It also comes from incorporating nuances of those truths, big or small, into the daily activities of ones life and sharing that Christian goodness (in a healthy and practical manner) with people from all walks of life, irrelevant of class structure, education, ethnic background, et cetera.
   
   In this book, Bonhoeffer's theological musings move from the act of suffering to the meaning of love, whether human, religious or even material, and the insights that he shares with some of his correspondents, especially Eberhard Bethge, is sometimes profoundly compelling, and one can endlessly cite the abundant source material to back that up. But while he was accepting his cross of suffering, knowing in a way that it was a gift, he had an agony for those whom he was separated from, specificially his fiance, Maria von Wedemeyer-Weller.
   
   The overall profile of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, as presented in this work, showcases an all too human man, sometimes short-tempered and impatient yet very religious, contemplative, moral, ethical and surprisingly creative. For an example of that, read his short fiction piece entitled: "Lance-Corporal Berg: A narrative" which is almost similarly reminiscent, style-wise, to that of the writer and author Erich Maria Remarque. His poems, however, were not that great, but it made him only more real.
   
   Though I am Catholic and my interpretation of Scripture is slightly different, much of what Bonhoeffer wrote spoke volumes to me, especially in tackling the day-to-day challenges and experiences that life has to offer. I think he speaks to many people, and that is good, for what he has to say, by his life, writings, choices, down to his martyrdom can cross all ecumenical boundaries. And that is indeed a remarkable witness.



5. Reading his words, we are saddened in knowing he is soon to die a martyr at the young age of 39 by the Nazis. Bonhoeffer fought for biblical truth, and against appeasement. He writes his thoughts (at times very deep and philosophical) from prison, when he entered in 1943 until extradition to another prison over two years later, just before the Allies' liberation in 1945. In his letters to his parents amazingly he is not bitter, but thankful and in good spirits. He was always hopeful. He finds joy in even the smallest of things. Some of the letters we will discover are slightly coded to get through the "checkers". The preface sums it up better than I can: "page by page, these letters show us a picture of life in a prison cell, as it was experienced in all its aspects, with the intimate details of an individual life fused into a striking unity with the disastrous events that were going on in the world outside, a unity produced by an outstanding mind and a sensitive heart."
   
   Much of Bonhoefffer's letters were written to his dear friend Eberhard Bethge. Bonhoeffer expounded with difficult theological questions for Bethge........I would like to hear his answers. Bethge as editor writes the foreword and preface, along with what Bonhoeffer experienced during his final days. The preface is a short biography and explains how the papers came to be.
   
   The two years Bonhoeffer spent in his dreary jail cell he consumed an immense amount of literature; he discusses his favorites. He also gives us a hint of what jail life was like: the solitude, the allied bombings (air-raids), the cell attendants, and his fellow prisoners, whom he does not justify their pathetic cowardly actions; he believed prison was no excuse for poor behavior. Other subjects he touches on is liberalism within the church, and a world that is increasingly existing without God. He believed his thoughts were somewhat odd and his poems needed work, but they were far from it.
   
   This is a book of hope for all who will believe. If Christ is a lie, think of the millions who then threw their lives away in martyr for Him.
   
   Wish you well
   Scott

5 comments about The Demonologist: The Extraordinary Career of Ed and Lorraine Warren.

1. This book is more than just a book, it is a recount of terrifying instances in several people's lives and is the scariest thing I've ever read because it is true. I really can't describe it. People who just want to be scared or are just looking for a thriller - do not buy this book, it's over your head, and I'm not exaggerating. People who are genuinely interested in the paranormal and have a desire to know the truth, whatever that may be, and who have an open mind, you owe it to yourself to read this book. It affected me in a lot of ways. I couldn't put it down. Even though I recommend it to anyone who is SERIOUS about the field of the paranormal, I kind of wish I DIDN'T know what I know now.



2. FREAKY!!!!!!!!!It took me a long time to read this book because I was too scared to read it during the night!! This is a real good book but not for young teenager's (not sure if this book would be for some young adults)! There are parts of this book that are extremely scary and you have to put the book down and walk away because you wonder how something so evil and demonic can exist. I think this book is also a good tool for reasons why NOT to get involved into the occult! These entities or demons can rip a person's life or family apart and the scariest thing is that you cannot see who or what is doing it! This book does explain signs and warnings to look for if you think something is not right! It is amazing the courage and knowledge that the Warren's have on dealing with these evil things because it is not for the easy hearted.



3. A very well-written and informative book, highly recommended for those interested in hauntings/infestations.
   I ordered this book in combination with Hostage to the Devil Hostage to the Devil: The Possession and Exorcism of Five Contemporary Americans, Interview with an Exorcist Interview With an Exorcist: An Insider's Look at the Devil, Demonic Possession, and the Path to Deliverance and An Exorcist Tells His Story An Exorcist Tells His Story. The Demonologist tells only part of the story in regards to negative paranormal activity. However, it is important to see their 'pastoral approach' to infestations, which is not addressed in the other Roman Catholic sources (which deal with severe possession). The Warrens, as devout Catholics, are not as interested in proving phenomenon as eliminating it, which they appear to be very effective at (for all the criticism of their work, I have yet to hear that they did not help the plaintiffs in their cases). In-the-know Catholics may have difficulty with some of their beliefs (the Warrens, in the book, confess a belief in reincarnation, which is against RCC dogma), but the RCC does not have a definitive statement regarding human spirits remaining in this world after death. Therefore, it is understandable that the Warrens, not having clear theological guidance in their work, might occasionally stray from sound doctrine.
   Anyway, this book is more of a novel than a handbook. In fact, there is no thorough treatment of the topic from a Christian perspective that I have been able to locate, but this book is a critical part of building a solid understanding of how these phenomena should be approached and treated.



4. Iam an Exorcist, the book was great, a lot of information, God Bless you for writing this book, let the truth be known.



5. The Demonologist WILL--no question about it--be shocking and even perhaps stomach-turning to anyone of, let's say, naïvety or too much "innocence" when it comes to spiritual matters. I, on the other hand, having just finished Malachi Martin's formidable guidebook to exorcism (Hostage to the Devil), was so well prepared that I was easily able to power through the Demonologist with nary a feeling of dread or shock, and, anyway, I humbly accept that there are forces beyond the mundane, so, again, that helps with the startling information in the Demonologist. Additionally, if you're secular and haven't encountered this information of demons before, I guess it'd help to desensitize you to the information if you're a fan of horror movies, as much of the Demonologist reads like the stuff out of one's worst nightmares!!!!
   
   This tome is but a snippet of some of the more notorious cases of demon-infestation that America's most well-known couple of demonology--Ed (now deceased since 2006) and Lorraine (probably classified better as a clairvoyant)--have tackled in their decades-long career of morbidity. It's written by the author (Brittle) in a very fluid and fast-paced manner interspersing interviews and quotes from the Warrens together with academic talk on the subject and a case-by-case walkthrough.
   
   Demonology is the study of the diabolical; the demonologist (Ed Warren) is not an exorcist but more of a scientist in that he actively compiles a case-load of evidence that actually corroborates matters of faith, i.e., the existence of evil spirits et al. In all seriousness, the Warrens are collectors of the morbid occult, and their home is a veritable stockpile/museum of all kinds of accursedly infernal objects: dolls, full-length mirrors, etc.. Additionally, they possess recordings of demoniacal voices during exorcisms; suddenly materialized objects from hauntings, and other "goodies" like "psychic photos." In the book, Ed reasons that through this stockpile of cold, hard, objective evidence, he feels confident he could go to court and scientifically prove beyond the shadow of a doubt the existence of the demonic!!!!
   
   Somewhat like a worn-out cliché, the Warrens' lifework of battling demons happened accidentally: as a young, married couple, they actually began painting haunted houses and selling the work at art shows for income. Soon, this morphed into them walking through the haunted houses and discovering that in most cases, the root of hauntings wasn't very friendly at all.
   
   The Warrens assert that most hauntings are in fact devilish; that is to say, INHUMAN SPIRITS are incurring the domestic disturbances, not merely Casper the Friendly Ghost. The Warrens are meticulous in differentiating between mere ghosts (once-human spirits) and demons (absolutely inhuman) because of a few, lethally important reasons. One, ghosts are psychically very feeble and can't hurt people or influence the environment much; demons have the power to hurt folks by their unnatural power through psychic, physical attacks, levitation, object-manifestation, oppression, and then possession!!!! Two, ghosts really have no intelligence in that they come short of interacting with people since they basically just repeat psychic-imprint actions they did during their lifetime; demons, conversely, will always use subterfuge to trick people into permitting possession of them.
   
   Some of the cases include a fretfully bizarre one that'd make for an effective horror story: the case of "Annabelle," a life-size, Raggedy Ann doll!!!! Here, the demon wasn't inside the doll, but it was deviously moving the doll around a woman's apartment to the point where it tricked her into believing it was merely the spirit of a little, lost girl. That was merely the MO of the demoniacal as the permission the woman bequeathed onto the invading demon to remain in the apartment was the foothold it needed to begin oppression. Before long, her roommate's boyfriend was actually attacked via several, long claw slashes across his chest. This case ended when an exorcism was done.
   
   Another case is more disconcerting because it involves the ignorant invitation of the demonic along with verily unnatural occurrences. The Warrens repeatedly warn that in most cases of demonic infestation, the fault belonged to ignoramuses for inviting inhuman spirits into their homes/lives via occult materials!!!! Case in point: a teen girl is actually bought--for Christmas, no less!--a book on conjuring demons by her mother! So, she recites the spells, and at first nothing happens...but this will change furiously very soon. The diabolically unnatural phenomenon increases from mere cold spots (Ed claims demons make rooms cold as their presence requires energy, meaning heat, which sucks the heat from a room) and heavy breathing in the teen-girl's bedroom to all-out disorder. After a short while, this escalates into unseen, demon hands beating on the teen-girl; birds "singing" outside her parents' window AT NIGHT; footsteps relentlessly ascending/descending stairs; radios playing and turning on/off relentlessly by themselves; furniture being thrown all over the living room; and pet dogs freakishly running BACKWARDS.
   
   In the aforementioned, the kids were exclusively the targets of the demoniacal attack insofar as the parents were largely spared this distressing phenomenon. Ed purports that this is another MO of the demonic: isolate certain family members to sow confusion, despair and infighting among the family unit. In fact, the Warrens clearly enumerate certain cautionary factors that you, the reader, can employ to determine whether you're experiencing anything infernal.
   
   You may be the victim of demoniacal oppression if:
   
   1) You feel a pervasive sense of doom OR evil all around you
   2) You experience disgusting smells
   3) You hear unexplainable moans, screams, rappings, poundings, whispering
   4) You endure mysterious changes in room temperature or ghastly visions
   5) You experience levitation, materialization, de-materialization, and teleportations of people and objects
   6) You receive strangling sensations around the neck
   7) You have your arms grabbed from behind
   8) You suffer cuts, wounds, gouges, burns or sudden illnesses
   9) You experience vulgarities mysteriously being written on your walls
   10) You endure random outbreaks of fire
   11) You have inhuman voices calling you on the phone!
   12) You see demon faces appearing on your TV!
   
   If you've experienced any of these in any cumulative pattern, it's advised you contact your local exorcist, priest or ghostbusters immediately!!!!
   
   If this sounds even the slightest bit disquieting, then chin up! This is actually but a taste of all the sordid details of the devilish that the Warrens go into in the Demonologist, and one must really read this book to get a full sense of it all.
   
   Nonetheless, some of the purports by the Warrens are so ludicrous that they stretch the bounds of plausible believability and, miserably, undercut their credibility. For instance, they allege that in exorcisms, the possessed can become hulking brutes that actually go on mini rampages, but in Malachi Martin's seminal Hostage to the Devil, not one of the possessed in any of his cases displays that chaotic power. Secondly, Ed Warren's logic at times is absolutely absurd and contradictory to common sense. In example, whenever dealing with accursed objects that demons allegedly infested, the Warrens routinely...get ready for this...take home the possessed objects!!!! Then, they allegedly display these accursed objects in Ed's study with, presumably, the infesting, inhuman spirit still attached to said object!!!! C'mon!
   
   Also, some of the Warrens' tales do seem rather tall as in unbelievable. Case in point: once, when taking home a possessed mirror that was used for summoning demons, Ed claims he and Lorraine were unrelentingly followed by a demon-truck on the freeway, that kept dumping green ooze/slime on their car!!!! This occurred in full view, apparently, of other motorists in packed traffic. Next, a demon-driven, black car planned to play "chicken" with their car as they were driving across a narrow bridge. Grossly questionable stories like that really sound falsified and hurt the Warrens' otherwise credible-sounding experience with fighting the diabolical. The inclusion of photos supposedly taken during "demoniacal activity"--which really only show trashed rooms and broken furniture--begs the question, Who staged this scene? I'm of course assuming the Warrens are telling the truth with the pictures, but there's always the hazard of deception.
   
   All told, though, the Demonologist is money well spent as it'll satisfy you on a few levels. If you're religious, then it will obviously seem profound to you. Even if you're an atheist, it will at least come across as a very scary read that will rival some of the best horror-fiction out there. If you're approaching this from a purely intellectual level, it will give you tremendous food for thought as you weigh the probability of inhuman spirits being real. The question you have to ask yourself above all else is, Am I brave enough to make it through the pages of the Demonologist? Well, are ya, buddy boy?!

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

1. 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.



2. 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...



3. 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.



4. 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.)



5. I bought this book to share. I already have a ragged copy, and wanted one in good condition for my library. Paramahansa's life story provides an intimate look into India's culture, and spiritual and mystical roots. An historic read, it contains an enormous amount of information and inspiration.

5 comments about Redeemed: A Spiritual Misfit Stumbles Toward God, Marginal Sanity, and the Peace That Passes All Understanding.

1. I think what makes this book such a rare gem is that it almost seems like two completely different types of books, or genres, eloquently and unapologetically mixed into one. Most simply put it is a women's story of the almost accidental discovery of her faith or relationship with God. However, it is such an honest and hilarious account of her journey that you find yourself routing for her the way you do some kind of great anti-hero protagonist from your favorite novel instead of just reading a memoir. Most spiritual books take themselves seriously, but when Heather King finds God (and naturally herself as well in the process) she finds him while making dry, witty, sarcastic remarks under her breath. She not only admits to being lost but celebrates it with grace in a way that only someone who has done their spiritual homework can. Long story short, it's just as funny and serious and engrossing as the last best novel you read, but when you finish it the book sticks with you and as a result, your own faith that maybe there is hope for the rest of us is restored a little.



2. I loved King's first book, Parched, which documented her upbringing in a puritanical New England town, her young adult descent into alcoholism, and her struggle back to the light - literally, because this woman spent serious time in some of the darkest dives in Boston. Sounds depressing, but it isn't, because King's writing is filled with a rare hilarity and humility that make the book a joy to read.
   
   In Redeemed, the reader gets to join King as she relocates to Los Angeles, specifically Koreatown, about as far as she could get from those cold and austere beginnings. As she struggles to make sense of her life, her career (a lawyer!), her marriage, and her physical and mental health, she finds a faith that grips her - and the reader - to the core. The contrast is both obvious and profound between the empty cross of her childhood church and the Catholic depiction of Christ on the cross, with wounded suffering on full display. Here King finds her home and her salvation, and we are all richer for sharing the ride. Highly recommended.



3. This is one of those books that came along just when I needed it. Heather King has a wonderful ability to make you laugh and think and just quiet down long enough to really hear someone else's perspective. You don't need to share her beliefs to be enriched by the honesty, humor and bravery, not to mention the beauty, of her writing. I've loved reading both of Heather's books, and I can't wait for more.



4. This book is a logical followup to Parched by Ms. King. Her sense of humor comes through at all times and even though I have never met Heather I feel she's a good friend. Along with the bumps and bruises in life she has obviously acquired a lot of knowledge. Books like this one give me faith in mankind and help me get through another day. Thank you Heather King and someday I hope we can meet!!



5. Heather King's book is a gem for anybody looking for grace in their own lives. I am a cradle Catholic and to read about Heather's embrace of Catholicism and reverence for its attitude towards life and mystery was truly refreshing. She shares her own story, struggles, obsessions, and insights with her readers. After reading her book, I felt more connected, understood, and whole as a person and as a Catholic. Heather has a tremendous gift of radical honesty and an eye for humor in what seem to be dark situations. She has an intuition for grace and a wonderfully poetic way of seeing daily life and expressing its beauty. Redeemed is a wonderful book in which I found part of myself and part of God.

5 comments about Plan B: Further Thoughts on Faith.

1. Traveling Mercies ranks as one of my favorites. Though my political viewpoint is quite different from the authors, her insights that illustrate how you could work around your own bias and experience the holy in your own human failings was totally up my alley.
   
   I was sorely disappointed by the venom that whacks you upside the head shortly after opening the book. I guess loving your neighbor as yourself only applies to those folks whose politics are not too far off from your own.
   
   I had to get it returned before it tainted my love of her other books. If it were not for those other writings I would have rated this book NO stars! I pray that her next offering will be more about faith than hate.



2. Anne Lamott is back in all of her glorious humor, angst, and wisdom. If you haven't discovered Anne yet, she is shock therapy for those of us who learned how to be religious before we learned how to be human.
   
   In Traveling Mercies, Anne shared her crooked journey through alcoholism, bulimia, and broken relationships to a connection with St. Andrews Presbyterian Church and Jesus. Now, in Plan B: Further Thoughts on Faith, Anne shares the new challenges to her faith: The Bush Administration, her aging mother, menopause, the losing friends to illness, teaching Sunday School, and raising her teen-aged son, Sam. While many of her crises in Plan B are stock milestones of middle age they are no less poignant when rendered by Anne's pen.
   
   Anne's power comes from her unflinching authenticity, a scarce quality in the self-serving industry of memoir writing. Anne describes her life has it happens, without bothering to airbrush away her neurotic impulses and imperfections. Her self-depreciating humor and honesty creates a picture of spirituality reminiscent of Dostoevsky; we are all simultaneously noble and depraved. As I read Plan B, I laughed with Anne at her foibles and became more honest about my own.
   
   Anne Lamott, along with Fredrick Buechner, might be the best living Christian Author that you can't find at a Christian book store. Anne elevates cursing to a literary art form. More significantly, Anne is openly pro-choice and pro-gay rights. She addresses God as a feminine being. Some readers might balk at her left-wing politics. However, I'd challenge any reader to see Anne as more than the sum of her politics and ideas. Reading anything by Anne Lamott creates the opportunity to remember that God wills and works through your bad attitudes, flawed character, and humanity. Wading through Anne's positions is worth any personal risk you might feel. Encountering her writing style is a joyous experience and you'll bump into God's grace as often as you will step in piles of human frailty.
   
   Anne is back and triumphant.



3. I adore this woman for her faith, her wit and her unbelievable ability to keep on "keepin on" but the politics in this book just about drove me over the edge. I know, I know... to love Annie is to expect her political rantings. I kept reading and I did gleam little nuggets here or there of the Annie I know & love. It was worth the read, if only I could fast forward some of the politic heavy chapters.



4. I love Anne Lamott and this book is no exception. As always, she writes with honesty and humor about her everyday experiences. She helps me see the lighter and darker side of Christianity and life in general. I can relate to her foibles and rejoice with her in her human triumphs. I'm glad for Christian writers who I can relate to-not holier than thou, never make a mistake writers. I won't mention names. This book was a blessing.



5. I like Anne Lamott's writings but she continuously bashes the President in this book. I think this is uncalled for. Seriously. She hates the President instead of praying for him (and as another reviewer noted she should "love thy neighbor") it totally turned me off in this book. Thank goodness I got this one at the library and did not waste my money on this book. Very disappointing.

5 comments about The Camino : A Journey of the Spirit.

1. I love this book. Shirley Maclaine is an excellent writer. I have never read a book as quickly as I read this one and I am going to read it again. This is a phenomenal book and I highly recommend it.



2. I've read this book twice. I don't know if I believe everything that Ms. MacLaine claims but it was a fun read and I enjoyed every bit of her journey.



3. Interesting read until she got into her dream visions about the beginning of time and adam and eve and paradise, etc... I mean, yes, possible but it sounded too cookie cutter to me. Like she made it up and tried to make it fit into a mold we already know and threw some sparkles in there for good measure. I like Shirley and have believed what she's been through in the past but now I have my doubts. I think the experience of the camino and her dealings with her environment there is a much more interesting read. She should have stuck to that.



4. Since marrying a Spaniard, most of our vacations have been to Spain. As a result, I tend to key in on books dealing with Spain. When I picked up "The Camino", I anticipated a quirky tale on hiking the Camino (i.e. an entertaining quick read). The book initially met my expectations. She explained her Camino decision and within a few pages was starting her pilgrimage on the trail. As expected, she meets some "unique characters" along the way and provides insight into the trail conditions (or lack thereof). However, the book slowly turns into a "vision quest". As you progress through the book, descriptions of the trail and modern day pilgrims are replaced by detailed descriptions of dreams and visions as well as her run-ins with the Press. The ending is anti-climatic and rushed. If I had paid full price for the book, I would be kicking myself for the purchase. Fortunately, I found the book in the bargain bin. Ignoring the purchase price, was the book worth reading? I did gain insight into the Camino trail conditions. However, I paid a high price for that insight. Only my determination to not leave a book half read got me through this relatively short book. All in all, I cannot recommend this book.



5. As a longtime reader of Shirley's book's, this was the next one for me. I learned alot and at this time, learning is very important to me.

5 comments about Not the Religious Type: Confessions of a Turncoat Atheist.

1. This timely and well-written book is a quick, satisfying read (and for only $11). Dave Schmelzer is the pastor of a thriving, hip, intelligent, and artistic church in Cambridge, MA (fair disclosure: I attend the church. So sue me for thinking it's great! But I actually don't know Schmelzer personally.). These short chapters are the fruit of Schmelzer's 10 years of working with, and preaching to, a largely secular (even if 'secular Christian') audience, culled from the vibrant, multi-racial/ethnic communities of greater Boston and the halls of Harvard and Boston Universities.
   
   I won't summarize the book chapter by chapter or point by point (much, but not all, of the content can be discovered by clicking on the 'Look Inside' book image above), but I will re-state a couple of positive things that stuck out to me:
   1. This is not a bland refutation of the so-called 'new atheist' movement (though the sometimes ugly elitism, caricatures, strange rhetorical tactics, and even tacit racism of the new atheist crowd falls under the purview of Schmelzer's comments!), but rather it is a relational, idiosyncratic, and very often funny engagement with the issues that draw us to faith and the barriers that push us away.
   2. Here's a great example of Schmelzer's technique: He doesn't give a theological discourse on 'The Cross' or the atonement, etc. Rather, he tells a moving, personal story in the book of how he (literally!) crashed into a cross while searching for God...
   3. Schmelzer promotes a 'relational universe', where 'God is good. Religion is bad'. This is not new age drivel, as Schmelzer presents it, but rather, it is a move toward the center of Jesus's relational call to faith, a call that transcends the popular churchy language of 'insider' and 'outsider'.
   4. Schmelzer adopts a multi-stage faith-development model that charts the way many of us move along the faith journey, where we often get stuck at the 'rules and regulations' stage or the 'rebellion' stage. Schmelzer argues that Jesus waits for us beyond rules and beyond rebellion, in a hazy and often messy place of trust and even miracles.
   5. Those familiar with the so-called 'Emergent' movement will find that Schmelzer emphasizes many of the same things as the emergent cohort--but Schmelzer seems much more comfortable talking about wild miracles and having a 'chatty' relationship with God. Schmelzer is quite creative, and often theologically sensitive, but his tone is the opposite of elitist.
   
   Criticisms: The subtitle ('confessions of a turncoat atheist') may have been a marketing ploy by the publishers; if so, or even if not, it's a little weak, since most of us think of 'atheists' as hard-core, Christopher Hitchens types, not brooding teenagers or college freshmen (as Schmelzer was during his atheist days, as he says in the book). However, it should be said that the author is only telling the story of his journey to faith, which does literally move from atheism to faith, so it's valid in that sense. (And besides, would anyone deny that children and teenagers can have true faith? If not, why should anyone deny that they can be true atheists? But anyway.) Also, some of the writing style is highly quirky, and thus will be hit or miss. But such is life...
   
   But anyway, my best personal endorsement is this: After a long period of going to various churches, and periods of atheism/agnosticism, anger, and doubt, I've been able to move into a place of prayer and faith, and relative peace, and this book encapsulates the attitude and freedom and ambiguity and honesty that helped get me there.
   
   There's a lot of bad 'Christian' writing out there, but this is clearly something different. I would give it 4.5 stars, but why don't we just round up...



2. If you've read any of the last few rounds of atheist books, you'll note one common approach: they're joyless books without any ray of sun. In fact, they're more like amusement parks rides: you strap yourself in, ride the ups and downs, and return to the place you started once it's over. The author remains tirelessly in control.
   
   By contrast, Not the Religious Type is a less of a polemic and more of a conversation starter. It's a book best discussed more than read by one's self. And Schmelzer even chats himself up -- arguing one conclusion for a chapter and then backing up, taking a contrapositive stance, and re-approaching the issue.
   
   It's breezy, accessible, and while it doesn't buttonhole conclusions in a 7 or 21 step fashion, there is course charted in the book that is not merely the playing out of a well-written first chapter. For that reason, perhaps the book is best read with a companion on the journey.



3. Great reading for just about everyone - believers, unbelievers, with faith, no faith, you name it! Dave's conversational tone is inviting. He is witty, yet quite profound and thought provoking. Like Jesus, Dave offers a non judgmental religious perspective. He successfully depicts a God who is pretty much alive and available to all who simply believe and seek Him.
   After reading this book you will know that following this God is much easier than a lot of religious and preachers impose. (Thank God for such a guilty free, pleasant "religious" perspective for a change!)



4. This book is a pleasure to read. Dave Schmelzer used to be a playwright and atheist, and he uses his skills to play out thoughts on the universe, God and happiness. As a now-pastor of a large church in Boston he understands the need to treat with respect those who hold different views from him and lay out his thoughts in easy language and relevance for everyday people.
   
   At the beginning of his book, Dave starts with a theory of Owen Barfield on the progression of human society. Initially, humans were caught up in "Original Participation" where we saw the entire world connected to us, including the gods in the sky and in the bushes. Next, we moved to "non-participation" where we got outside of the world and looked onto is as objective, dispassionate observers. According to Barfield, we will move to a third phase, the "final participation", which merges the first two stages and engages the rationalists with a universe that is personal and active.
   
   Dave builds his argument on this insight: people are much more interested in being "on to something" that is satisfying than ending up in discussion on what is right and wrong (which both his opponents - religious people and skeptical atheists - major on; and for which they pay the price of self-righteousness and sort of a gloomy vibe). Dave adds his insights from pop psychology (M Scott Peck's 4 stages), sociology (bounded vs centered sets), and movie theory (Joseph Campbell's hero myth) to his conversational writing and his many insights into Boston's academic culture.
   
   The strength of this book is in the mix of smart concepts presented in a fun way, paired with a lot of personal stories of how they work and the focus of "being on the something". For Dave, this a shockingly positive and loving God that is accessible and helpful to ordinary people. While smart books in the past (CS Lewis, GK Chesterton) were good in adding perspective and helping to dissect arguments, Dave moves on to propose a life that adds valuable experience to good thoughts. While great books help us see the world in a new light, this 174-page fun-read actually proposes something we can do (not in a self-help 7 step way) and therefore is the best book yet I have read on faith journeys in an intellectual environment.



5. This is a book for everyone. Whether a person of faith, or a person who doesn't feel as if they have ever spent time thinking about faith, you will be engaged (as I was) by the insights Dave Schmelzer shares. His perspective of having been an atheist for the first half of his life offers a unique perspective. The faith that Dave Schmelzer talks about isn't about being right/wrong or good/bad, it's about a connection with a communicative Jesus that offers a life that is more "joyful, purposeful, and connected"...something that I definitely can say I'd love to sign up for and have more of.