5 comments about For Women Only: What You Need to Know about the Inner Lives of Men.

1. Wow...Wonderful book. Opened my eyes, I wish that I read this book on my wedding day! My marriage would not have been in crisis mode for years. I am so thankful to Shaunti for writing a book that is based on surveys and conversations from men - I highly recommend this book. My life, husband and marriage has truly been blessed by reading, understanding, respecting, honoring and loving my husband.
   
   Question? What is your husband's number 1 need? Did you know that approximately 81% men answering her survey stated this #1 need is not being met.



2. I was afraid to buy this book because I wasn't sure if I wanted to really know what men thought. I bought this book for the visual chapter. A year ago I went through a divorce. It ultimately ended because I was cheated on. My husband blind sided me because, despite our problems, I trusted him to the fullest. He convinced me he wasn't like other guys who looked at other women. I never caught him looking and he never said anything sexual about the opposite sex. This may sound totally stupid, but I never thought he had sexual thoughts about other women. So you can imagine my shock when I found out he cheated on me and a few other surprises that I thought were out of his character. Now I am happily in another relationship, but my boyfriend is more open about the opposite sex. He's not disrespectful, but I'm not used to it. I have to learn to emotionally deal with this "new knowledge" that men do look at women from scratch. I find myself feeling anxieties when a beautiful woman is in his line of vision. I feel totally inferior. So I bought this book for help. It was hard to read, but a huuuuuge eye opener. If I knew then what I know now, I may not be divorced today - honestly. I bought the book for the visual chapter, but as I was reading it, I realized everything I did wrong in my previous marriage. I didn't show respect, affirmation, and sex was minimal. No wonder. But, I am with a super person now and I can use this new knowledge and become a better person and girlfriend. I am not religious and I still found this book extremely helpful. Some of the lesser reviews on here said that this book was common sense. I thought it might be too, but each chapter had so much detail that I learned a ton from it. I will be giving it to my daughter when she's of age.



3. I bought this book from the recommendation of my sister in law - who said it made a big difference in her life. I was a little skeptical but considering my husband and I had been fighting a lot recently I decided it was worth a shot.
   
   This is probably the best money I have spent on a book in a while.
   
   I read this sitting on a plane - and was totally engulfed. I finished it within a few hours. I was totally amazed by the differences in logic and perception. What a difference this made! After I made it home I implemented some of the suggestions - and I must say it worked IMMEDIATELY. I wish I had read this book sooner! Thank you so much to the author!



4. This book is great for newlyweds that know little or nothing about each other or for couples that do not communicate. But we've been married over 11 years and we communicate great so nothing in this book was news to me. Not only I had read the same information "about men" in other books, I knew exactly how my husband would have answered her survey questions. We have read numerous books about being a couple and there are better books by Tim & Beverly LaHaye as well as Kevin Lehman.
   
   There's very little "Christian" guidance in this book. It's simply a presentation of the results of her survey of men with her own personal commentary.



5. This book was interesting, but did not have any information that you wouldn't know if you are a considerate person and treat a partner the way you would like to be treated yourself.

5 comments about Boundaries: When to Say Yes, How to Say No to Take Control of Your Life.

1. I knew that this book was written from a Christian perspective, and although I am not a theist, I can usually look beyond that to the substance. Case in point: I'm a big Dave Ramsey fan, which is how I heard about this book.
   
   However, I found that the Bible was the primary authority used for any and all the points in the book. There were an average of 2 Bible quotes per page, often taken out of context and molded in the shakiest of ways to fit the point being made.
   
   Much of the authority I would have allowed the authors on the strength of their experience as counselors was sabotaged by their reliance on quoted scripture for their authority. If they put so much credence into a series of writings with so much internal inconsistency and use it so arbitrarily, how can I trust their professional judgment?
   
   If you're a Bible believer, this review won't appeal to you, and that's fine. You may find value in the book -- and I do believe strongly in the basic premise that we should set honest boundaries in our relationships. But if you're not a fundamentalist Christian, don't waste your time.



2. This is a fantastic book. When it first came out I skimmed it but did not read it thoroughly. Over the years I have probably given away at least a dozen of them and recommended it to countless others. When recently asked to teach a series on the topic of personal boundaries, I finally sat down and read the book carefully. What a treasure! I highly recommend the book as well as the workbooks that are available to accompany it.



3. This is a good book for anyone who is having a problem with saying No. Life is full of people asking us to do something for them or someone else. These people can be from work, friends and from family menbers. Most of us get caught saying yes when we would rather say No. This book gives us excellent ways to learn to say no in the right way, taking control of our lives.



4. Everyone should read this book. Young, old, rich, poor and probably should start in highschool. It will blow you away!



5. This book should be a part of Christian discipleship and ministry training.....many "victims" need to learn a lot of the truths presented here to become free from cycles of pain and abuse and find the strength they may be looking for.
   
   Think of this as....Fundamentals of Emotional Gardening......

5 comments about 90 Minutes in Heaven: A True Story of Death & Life.

1. This little book was recommended by my orthopaedic surgeon which, in itself, is a surprise for most people. I don't read many books because of an eye problem but this one was a perfect size for me. The story by a minister who died and went to heaven before he was revived reinforced all of my childhood lessons of what we can expect to happen when we make that journey ourselves. I read the book in record time and passed it on to my children. It's comforting to think that people who impacted our lives here on earth and passed on will be waiting to greet us at the gates of heaven. Well worth the short read.



2. This was recommended to me, but I ordered another book at the same time
   that I am relating to more.



3. Don't read this book if you want to get an idea as to what heaven is "really" like. What Piper describes in about 7 pages is the typical, cookie-cutter kind of heaven everyone always talks about, but is most likely totally inaccurate. I think he was just having a dream or something.
   
   The remainder of the book describes his recovery in detail. It is extremely repetitive. Practically every page describes his immense physical pain and how difficult the recovery is.
   
   And the icing on the cake for me was the part when he was in the diner with his friend. And they looked around at all the other people in the diner and realized that basically everyone there except for them was going to hell because they weren't "believers".
   
   Now, I'm not an overly religious person, but last time I checked, it was God who determined who was and was not going to hell, and no human on earth should judge, which is precisely what he did.
   
   And right now, he's laughing all the way to the bank to deposit his millions.
   
   SHAME ON YOU PIPER!!!!!!!!!



4. I have spent more than ten years researching, reading, and writing about near-death experiences especially the role of light and The Light (God) in these experiences. I heard about 90 Minutes in Heaven on a television documentary and was delighted when my sister purchased a copy from Amazon and gave it to me as an ordination gift.
   Don Piper's description of Heaven as a "first class buffet for the senses"...powerful embraces by relatives and friends... "heaven's light, a warm, radiant light that engulfed" him..."vivid, dazzling colors...everything was brilliantly intense." (pp. 23, 25 & 27) is in the mainstream of near-death experiences.
   Then it was over and Don was back in his crushed, pain-wracked body- suffering that continues.
   But his experience of light, especially The Light ("brighter than the light that surrounded us, utterly luminous") that emanated from the "Gate of Heaven" changed his life forever. (p. 27)
   As Betty Eadie wrote in the bestseller Embraced by the Light, and as Morse, Moody, and Kubler-Ross agree, people of light, A Being of Light (who Don did not see directly because he was outside the "Gate of Heaven"), reluctance to return, and personality transformation are part of the experience of light that most near-death experiencers see, and which transforms them permanently.
   Don Piper sums up his experiences after heaven: "I don't have a death wish. I'm not suicidal, but every day I think about going back. I long to return. In God's timing, I know with utter certainty that I will. ... I have no fear of death. ... There's nothing to fear - only joy to experience. ...
   Although I long for my heavenly home, I`m prepared to wait until the final summons comes for me." (pp. 196-97)
   90 Minutes in Heaven is a great companion book for our journey through life to our final destination!



5. I've read a few reviews of this book in which the reviewer states
   that Don couldn't have gone to heaven. Think about it, folks: He was
   dead. His spirit had to have gone SOMEWHERE.
   
   I found the book to be very credible and very believable. The fact that
   the description of heaven doesn't occupy the whole book just makes it
   that much more believable.
   
   This is a story of trial and triumph. You are able to easily stay
   with the author as he describes the long recovery process because
   YOU CARE ABOUT HIM. He is a sympathetic author, and I couldn't put the
   book down until I had read every last word.
   
   Thank you for writing this book, Rev. Piper!
   
   Judi Ludwig - author of The Twenty People You Meet In Hell

5 comments about Jesus of Nazareth.

1. As a main-stream Protestant I approached this book with trepidation; I was amazed by the depth of scholarship and intellect readily on display. Pope Benedict's deep analysis of Biblical passages and ready command of literary sources is only rivalled by his clear prose and caring approach. I have purchased multiple copies for my friends; I recommend this book as 'required reading' for all Christians and virtually everyone else who has ever wondered about the central figure of Christianity.



2. It took me several months to read this book so at least for me it was not a quick read. However just like you don't gulp don't filet mignon, this book is substantial and thought provoking that should not be breezed through but meditated on. Pope Benedict writes in almost a conversational style that is easily digestible (sorry about all the references about eating!). The Pope's argument that the gospels are the most plausible presentation of the historical Jesus, provides an effective counter to all the recent Gnostic writing (e.g. DaVanci Code) and the theologians that have gone off the deep end with an extreme historical-critical view (e.g. Jesus Seminar).



3. Nazareth was not around in the time frame that Jesus supposedly existed, therefore this book's title and everything in it is null and void.



4. This book addressed the subject in an academic manner. There were references to other lofty thinkers, whose works I am not familiar with. It is just not an easy read, nor is it "light" reading. In many instances, the revelations were not significant enough to me to make me continue on. A good book on this subject matter is Harrington's "History of Jesus". Easier to read and a good companion to this book.



5. Folks, I finally finished reading Jesus of Nazareth, by Pope Benedict XVI. I am not qualified to judge the substance of it because I recognized the mastery that Ratzinger the Theologian had over the subject matter. As a theology student myself, who likes to challenge my teachers to see things in new ways, would have found it very difficult to do so had the Pope been my teacher.
   
   Ratzinger the Teacher and Theologian come through in this book. His style is very conversational and his method elegant in its simplicity. First, the Pope talked about three or four parallel ideas and he developed them at length to the point I had to ask "where is he going with this"? Then, suddenly, he would bring a new thought that unified all parallel tracks and in the process, brought new light to the subject matter.
   
   Pope Benedict didn't discriminate against any scholar who had something to contribute, whether Catholic, Protestant, or Jewish, liberal or conservative. If that scholar had achieved a unique insight that the Pope thought was true and valuable, he brought it to bear. The final product was not obfuscated, but clarity itself.
   
   Jesus of Nazareth is a thoroughly biblical book. It breathes and lives the Holy Scriptures. The Pope took the Bible seriously as the principal source of Christology - of information about the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth and the appraisal given to him by his disciples, his contemporaries, and other scholars. From the Pope's analysis arises afresh the historical figure of Jesus as Son of God, Son of Man and mighty "I am," in all its originality.
   
   The Pope's work proves that theologians can avail themselves of every tool provided by modern biblical criticism, as well as all the insights provided by the Church Fathers, and still yield a Christology that is orthodox, concrete, unique, saving and life-giving.
   
   Jesus of Nazareth is a work that actualizes the apostolic kerygma or proclamation regarding the words and deeds of the Savior. The Pope succeeded in telling us that Jesus' message and example are intelligible for us living in this day and age.
   
   I think you should seriously consider adding this work to your personal library. With it, you will learn to theologize with the Pope as your teacher.

5 comments about Do Hard Things: A Teenage Rebellion Against Low Expectations.

1. Every teenager who wants to make a difference in their world and in their generation must read this book. Every teenager who doesn't want to change their world must read it, too. It will quite change their mind.
   And parents...you won't forget it anytime soon. Grandparents? You bet. Moms, dads, kids, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, sons and daughters should read this...and that covers everyone.



2. I don't mean to have a dig, but this book is so much more superior to any emerging church book written, and it is written by teenagers.
   
   Alex and Brett Harris discuss the issue of low expectations which are not just laid upon teens but is accepted by teens and teen culture of play and fun. For the Harris' enough is enough. They want to blow away the notion that teens are unable to understand anything complex or important - that they can't do things which is vital, or make a difference. The Harris', who have clerked for a supreme court have show that not only is it good to have higher expectations, but that it is biblical.
   
   They write on page 50 "We are convinced that the teen years are the primary time God has given to us for strict training....Prov 20:29, "The glory of young men is their strength."
   
   The book is very challenging - they ask questions such as "Are we doing things now that will equip us for the greater things God may have for us to do? These are the fundamental questions for this season of our lives."
   And the bulk of the book focus upon the five different kinds of hard things which they encourage teens to do:
   
   1. Things that are outside your comfort zone
   2. Things that go beyond what is expected or required
   3. Things that are too big to accomplish alone
   4. Things that don't earn immediate pay off
   5. Things that challenge the cultural norm
   
   Let me end with a quote from them:
   
   "We've noticed that the fence that keeps us from breaking out of our comfort zones is nearly always built of fear - fear of weakness, discomfort, failure, humiliation. We've noticed something else too: you can't live by fear and live by faith at the same time. As Paul wrote in 2 TIm 1:7 "God did not give us a spirit of timidity but a spirit of power, of love and of self discipline." And when we read the Bible heros who accomplished big, hard things for God, we discover the main job requirement: "Without faith it is impossible to please God." (Hebrews 11:6)."
   
   This is a book which we will give to every member of our youth ministry!



3. I am a mom of 4, so what am I doing reading a book by teen boys?
   
   Well, I have an "almost" teen age daughter. Hannah will turn 13 this year, and let me tell you, that life is wild for tweens and teens. They are crossing lines, dressing older, dating younger, and facing the challenges we may have faced in our late teens in their junior high years.
   
   I was very intrigued when I heard of thios book by two twin brothers who are 19 years old. What could they have to say?
   
   Well, a lot! And it is exactly what I want Hannah to hear. And I can guarantee that she will listen more to these two teen boys quicker than me.
   
   Do Hard Things is a must read for every mom or grandma with a tween or a teen. I am almost done reading it, and will pass it on to Hannah to read next, Then she and I can go out to dinner some night and talk about what she learned.
   
   This is a book that gets to the heart of the matter - living for Christ no matter what your age. As a forty year old mom, I learned a lot myself, about what teens go through, and about some of my own struggles as well.
   
   As a 40 year old mom, I want to know more about what is in my teenager's heart, how I can help her through these tough years, and point her to Christ.
   
   And, as a 40 year old mom, I want to Do Hard Things, Too!
   
   Trish Berg
   Mother of 4, Book Reviewer, Author
   [...]
   
   Rattled: Surviving Your Baby's First Year Without Losing Your Cool
   
   The Great American Supper Swap - Solving the Busy Woman's Family Dinnertime Dilemma



4. The Harris Brothers have written a book that is truly connected to the seeking hearts of the Millinial Generation. It is written by teens, for teens. My 13 year old son reads a few chapters then chews on what he's read. He's sharing with us (his parents) what he's reading. He is inspired to step out of his comfort zone and go against the flow of culture and society to do what God has put on his heart to do which is generally not "popular". Oddly enough, many follow his leadership because it is trustworthy and right - which is what this generation is craving - righteousness.
   
   As a parent I am so thankful the Harris brothers chose to live out their calling by delivering this imperative message to their generation. Parents, get this book for your teens.



5. "Do Hard Things" is written by Brett and Alex Harris. Both are only 19. And both speak the language that teens speak.
   
   I JUST got done reading "Do Hard Things" and it was one of the most inspirational books I have read. Alex and Brett's story is one that makes your jaw drop. But, then they tell the story of other teens who have done "Hard Things". The stories are incredible. It makes you realize that not only can teens make a difference but we CAN affect the world.
   
   The Harris' brothers approach the teen years with the mind set that most teens have. Most teens say, "Hey who cares? I'm a teen I'm supposed to be reckless!" Teens think that since we turn 13 that we can now throw our lives out the door until were 20. Alex and Brett correctly show that not only is that wrong but un-biblical. Teens were leaders in the Bible's days(but we weren't called teens). We are supposed to be the influence for the older and younger. These years make or break our lives!
   
   Alex and Brett prove to so many teens that have the "I can't do it" attitude that, YOU CAN! If God calls you to do something than do it and don't worry about the obstacles that will face you. Have faith and you shall overcome it!
   
   Alex and Brett correctly approach the Take A Stand attitude. They tell the story of one teen who insted of joing the group and seeing Beerfest, goes with his friend to see Invincible. That is the examples kids need. That is something that evryday teens can do. To say "No" isn't shameful but prideful in God's eyes! Go against the crowd!
   
   "Do Hard Things" is a book I will not only pass around but tell people about. Every teen, parent and/or church member should pick up this book. Join the Rebelution! It's never too late to do Hard Things.

5 comments about Epicenter: Why Current Rumblings in the Middle East Will Change Your Future.

1. Once again Joel Rosenberg has put together a book that everyone one should read. This book can be made into a class on Ezekiel chapters 38 and 39. Joel breaks this one down into a Bible study.



2. I could not stop reading Epicenter. It is well written and I would highly recommend it on the non fiction list.



3. This book kept me on the edge of my chair as I read the way that Joel has taken scripture and applied it to events happening in the World.



4. Well-referenced documentation on current events and the thoughts and considerations of world leaders. Rosenberg has, evidently, been in unique situations and opportunities within the political realm, and he shares his discussions and findings through this work. Outstanding!



5. I'm half way through this[ and as an avid reader of horror] I have to say this is the scariest thing I have read.I hope many others take the time to read this book and heed the warnings. It is also very informative on history I wasn't aware of, and would highly recommend it to anyone.

5 comments about Ten Prayers God Always Says Yes To: Divine Answers to Life's Most Difficult Problems.

1. With this catchy title, TEN PRAYERS GOD ALWAYS SAYS YES TO seemed perfect for a Sunday School class discussion. DeStefano uses interesting stories to make his points about the different prayers and backs up the prayers with solid Biblical references. His subtitles for each one made for a good handout to the class. It is a good spiritual growth book for anyone.



2. This book is practical, easy to read and understand. The author didn't give any fluff of "name it and claim it" mentality but was very direct on the things God will always say YES to and provides examples and Scriptures to back it up. Recommended.



3. This is an amazing book that should be read by everyone.
   
   When I say that it should be read by all, I do not mean just those who are Christians. This is a book that has life changing potential for believers and unbelievers alike. Prior to reading this, I thought that it might be one that is pushing the so-called 'prosperity gospel', the 'name it and claim it' nonsense. I am glad to say that it is nothing of the kind.
   
   The most relevant part to those who are not Christ followers is the first chapter. It focuses on a very simple prayer: 'God, Show Me That You Exist'. This is something that can be said by even atheists and agnostics if they are honestly wanting to pursue the truth. One would have nothing to lose by praying this, and if he/she is sincerely seeking, an answer will be forthcoming.
   
   Unless one is a believer, it is unlikely that he/she will pray any of the others. That is fine as the first one is certainly the most fundamental and critical.
   
   Beyond the first one, every other chapter focuses on different areas of life. These areas include such things as wisdom, suffering, forgiveness, and many other critical areas.
   
   Each succeeding chapter continues to build on the foundation of the first one. They are all really superb. The author has done a great job of footnoting the entire book to give one a quick Biblical references for all of the points made.
   
   I cannot say enough good things about this book. I believe that it has the potential to be life changing for virtually anyone who reads it. This is too good to read through in a hurry. It should be savored, pondered, and prayed about.
   
   I highly recommend it!



4. This book is so amazing that I bought 10 of them to give as gifts. It is very simple to read, nothing too deep that you really, really have to read and re-read to understand. I have read it twice because, believe it or not, I think it has made me a better person. I know I will read it many more times.



5. This book was less practical than what I would have wanted in a book about prayer. I was looking for a book that helped me to understand prayer better and to help me feel more comfortable about prayer. A better book for me wasSix Prayers God Always Answers. This book taught me how prayer isn't about praying the "right" way; it's about a conversation with God.

5 comments about American Heroes: In the Fight Against Radical Islam (War Stories).

1. If you want to know why we must fight and prevail in the war against Jihadist fascism, Oliver North provides us with a series of inspiring stories. This is a book for all Americans to read, and to remember. Bravo Zulus, Ollie, for once again giving us a ground-level sit-rep that we all must take to heart.
   John Weisman



2. This book is a great addition to the conversation about our troops overseas. Oliver North is such a class act and really understands the plight of the men and women serving our country. With the addition of Chuck Holton (a former Army Ranger), this book is a sure bet to giving a true depiction of our American Heroes.



3. With all the different opinions and false information shown in the media the war on terror has become something we are unsure and confused about. This book comes out and clears things up. A Must Read!



4. It has been a challenge to gather accurate, encouraging information and insight into this conflict due to the fact that it is an unpopular endeavor among leading media outlets. I know Chuck Holton personally and have been following his work with Oliver North so that I know how much time and effort has been invested in delivering this insightful book. It is very refreshing to get my hands on information written and compiled by men with integrity who are committed to truth.



5. This is a high quality book in the National Geographic style. Well illustrated with scenes of the young people that are doing the job and relevant articles about their heroics. Not all heroics is dodging bullets and bombs. Sometimes it's taking the time to comfort a child or give aid to a civilian. Even enemy combatants are cared for by the troopers after the shooting stops. I give this book my highest recommendation. This is money well spent.American Heroes: In the Fight Against Radical Islam (War Stories)

5 comments about The Reason for God: Belief in an Age of Skepticism.

1. Excellent answers to the questions we prefer not to admit we have, or have had, over the years.



2. The Rev. Tim Keller deserves credit for tackling the most common complaints about Christianity in his new book, "The Reason for God." Unfortunately, I found the book to be very unsatisfying on both a spiritual and intellectual level. Other readers may disagree, of course, but here's why I give it only two stars:
   
   -- The answers to huge questions seem very shallow to me. Yes Keller is clearly a passionate believer, but his "Readers Digest" approach to vast issues of good vs. evil, life vs. death, belief vs. doubt, just don't rise to the challenge. They work well as superficial "talking points" but not as a strong foundation for faith.
   
   For example, can anyone really explain the Christian position on "exclusivity" in 500 words? Can we really get a meaningful answer to "hell vs. salvation" in an essay that's shorter (in page-length) than "Pat the Bunny"? Can we even have faith based on reason?
   
   As a believer myself, I don't think so. Someone who's serious about answering these questions should be willing to spend a whole lot more time digging into the issues -- and debating both sides for greater clarity. I wouldn't object so much to Keller's book if the title had been more honest -- such as "Quick Answers to Common Questions About Christianity." By calling it "The Reason for God," he sets expectations pretty high...yet doesn't really deliver.
   
   -- Another trap Keller falls into is the tendency to sugar-coat the negatives. It's undeniably true that Christianity and most world religions have MUCH to atone for in their respective histories (massive violence, intolerance, torture, greed, fanaticism, etc.). At the same time, they have much to be proud about, from St. Francis to the local soup kitchen, from the sacrifices of Job to the wisdom of Solomon, from the beauty of Arabic architecture to the invention of algorithms in Muslim universities. It's not helpful to minimize these huge examples of light and darkness. We must live with the history of our tradition -- like it or not. (See James Carroll's new movie, "Constantine's Sword," for a moving take on this important topic.)
   
   -- Most importantly, Keller forgets the example of Jesus' own teaching style, particularly in the first half of his book.
   
   Christ was careful to avoid "reducing" spirituality and God to a superficial argument that the clever Pharisees could pick apart. He knew that much of what passes for "logic" is simply mean-spirited sophistry aimed at humiliation. That's why Christ often answered questions with more profound questions. His use of parables transcended the inherent limitations of language ("that's just semantics / that's just how YOU define it") to reach a higher plateau of understanding that still inspires a billion people today.
   
   I went out to Keller's church website to download about 10 of his recent sermons -- just to see if I was missing something in the book. He's an excellent preacher and seems like an excellent pastor. But his sermons seem to fall into the same mistake: raise an enormous question, then rush through a quick answer that doesn't really satisfy. For example, on the question of whether scripture should be "authoritative," Keller concludes that is "just has to be." He doesn't explain (in the book or podcast) what "authoritative" means or what role interpretation plays in Biblical study for the average person.
   
   BOTTOM LINE: If Christ were on a stage tonight debating Richard Dawkins or Christopher Hitchens, I think he'd steer clear of these traps and leave us much more satisfied than Keller's new book. Ultimately, we don't need superficial answers to debating points. We need love, faith and humility -- even love for those who disagree with us.



3. This book was written so that a layman could easily understand the points being made. I found it very informative and very interesting.



4. A truly insightful book by a truly gifted teacher. This book is "Brain Food" for the thinking person! Thanks be to GOD!



5. The best apologetic boook I have read so far. Keller does a solid job engaging the culture and communicating why and how the Gospel of Christ is relevant.

5 comments about A Civilization of Love: What Every Catholic Can Do to Transform the World.

1. Carl Anderson provides a well thought-out approach to making our world a better place for everyone.



2. I love what Carl had to say about the importants of family. The book also put further light on what our Lady of Fatima said on July 13th, 1917 about the errors of Communism. Adding also facts about Nuremberg, and Nazi lawyers ahead of Roe vs Wade. There is truly much to learn about true justice in this book.



3. A very good synopsis of Catholic teaching on social justice, highlighting the writings of the last two popes, and clearly differentiating Catholics from the secular culture. At times it has an air of preaching to the converted, as much will be relatively familiar to serious Catholics. The chapter titled "A Continent of Baptized Christians" was very illuminating. I had never really though about the commonality of strong Christian tradition in North, Central, and South America, especially compared to modern secular Europe. Unfortunately our Christian brothers to the south are often thought of only in relation to the immigration problem (a familiar theme to many ethnic Catholics)and Mr Anderson really highlights the importance of Hispanic culture for the future of Catholicism. Perhaps our shared spiritual experience can bring us together, rather than building walls and retreating into isolationism.



4. Carl Anderson's book provides a Christian framework for anyone questioning their purpose in life. He inspires you to a vocation of love and to radiate the presence of Christ in whatever circumstances you find yourself. Your personal gifts become realized, as well as the absolute value and worth of every person around you. Each individual life becomes a living brick in the civilization of love.



5. This is a real gem. The author is learned, balanced, and other than managing to not recognize all the other religions in the world, has written an excellent testament for those of any faith who wish to follow in Gandhi's path, in Bonhoffer's path.
   
   I am reminded of a Shi'ite that asked a question of me at the last Hackers on Planet Earth, he told me that Shi'ites in Saudi Arabia who seek to get government jobs, have to answer questions that put them into hell. We cannot go that route. Reconciliation at the community level, one man one bullet at the Dying to Win Logic of Suicide level.
   
   The author provides reflective questions or suggestion actions for reflection at the end of each chapter, and these make the book worthy of more than one reading.
   
   I like the other reviews so after a handful of notes I am going to do my duty by adding links.
   
   + Knights of Columbus an insurance business that is also committed to charity and unity
   
   + Vocation to love is the only power up to the tasks facing us. Here I want to link to The Unconquerable World: Power, Nonviolence, and the Will of the People and A Power Governments Cannot Suppress
   
   + Human self-knowledge is not possible in the fullest sense without recognizing or receiving Christ. Here I would point to The Faiths of the Founding Fathers.
   
   + Popes have recognized that reconciliation is essential but from where I sit, the Catholic hierarchy in particular wants to have it boths ways: secret blood money from the Mafia, and Holier Than Thou on the pulpit.
   
   + The author explores the moral view of human dignity and I am totally with him. I like this book. As blatantly Catholic as it is, this is a thoughtful author who has done his homework can can hold his own with anyone.
   
   Other books I recommend:
   The Lessons of History
   Fog Facts: Searching for Truth in the Land of Spin
   The Cheating Culture: Why More Americans Are Doing Wrong to Get Ahead
   Web of Deceit: The History of Western Complicity in Iraq, from Churchill to Kennedy to George W. Bush
   Obama - The Postmodern Coup: Making of a Manchurian Candidate
   
   Two DVDs:
   Bonhoeffer
   Gandhi (Widescreen Two-Disc Special Edition)
   
   Am loading a few images from Earth Intelligence Network. There is plenty of money for peace and prosperity, we just have to eradicate government and Wall street and prison-medical industry corruption first.