5 comments about The Case for Christ: A Journalist's Personal Investigation of the Evidence for Jesus.

1. I'm not your classic Doubting Thomas, but I certainly like primary sources and first hand evidence where possible. As an educator and a person formally trained in literary and source criticism of the Bible, I constantly struggle to make a case for many the tenets of faith it heralds. Given that preamble, I gladly agreed to read A Case for Christ at a colleague's recommendation.
   
   Lee Strobel, a former court investigative journalist, set out to tackle the tireless task of making a case for and proving the existence of Jesus, not as a man, but as the Christ. He relied on his investigative prowess to prove the case for Christ. Each chapter opens with a vignette from a criminal case within the justice system. Strobel then takes the role of litigator and begins to question expert witnesses. This proved to be a very compelling process, as the Bible itself is actually filled with legal and courtroom jargon. Along the way Stobel interviewed a variety of experts in fields from psychology to fingerprints, but only gave a slight nod of the head to archeology.
   
   In each case Strobel defaults to faith and written words that have been edited, redacted, translated, deciphered and used for political posturing for more than two thousand years. He leans heavily on the Apostle Paul. In the end, his strongest argument, one he defaulted to again and again, comes as he points to the Bible. The New Testament says the Jesus story is true, ergo it must be. Moreover, rather than delineate an iron clad case for Christ, the book reads like a personal testimony for Strobel's religious beliefs. His "expert" witnesses all used the opportunity in like manner, as each admitted to being a Christian.
   
   For many, myself included, the Bible certainly holds authority, but I need more than the one believer's veiled testimony in order to suspend understanding and rational thought processing in the name of faith. To stay with Stobel's motif of the justice system, Mr. Strobel did not make his case beyond a shadow of a doubt.



2. This book is presented in the guise of addressed serious questions of the Christian faith in an objective, thorough manner; as a lawyer would defend a case. Listen, if Lee Strobel was defending Christ in a court of law, Christ would be in trouble. No offense. This book may work well for the naive, but is doesn't answer any serious questions regarding the validity of Christianity. Also, notice how everyone he interviews is a "Dr." Something. That's to help him prop up his side of the argument. He's hoping that the reader will see the "Dr." and not question the evidence. It's downright insulting. If he had good evidence to answer the questions posed, he would need someone with a "Dr." in front of their name. He could just use the evidence.



3. This book is, as one would expect, completely irresponsible and one-sided. Any arguments against the "case" are facile and designed to fold under the slightest criticism. There is no real scholarship that proves his "case" because all of the "experts" are believers who do not subject their predetermined views to any real scrutiny.
   
   Strobel's "case" can be analogized to a trial of Hitler with Josef Goebbels as the presiding judge, i.e., no real evidence against him will be admitted for consideration. If you want a REAL adversarial challenging of the Jesus myth, you should read this book in conjunction with "Challenging the Verdict" by Earl Doherty.



4. 1 July 2008 - Great Book...a friend gave me this book years ago but after reading The Case for a Creator I read it and thought it was amazing. It was the abridged version.



5. This book offers a great (if introductory) challenge to anyone who is of the modern, rational mindset and questions the historical and authorial integrity of the New Testament. Christian readers who are unfamiliar with the issues surrounding the authenticity of the New Testament are likely to be pleasantly surprised by how reliable and trustworthy its documents are. Non-Christian provocateurs have their work cut out for them if they wish to undermine scripture's integrity. In fact, as some groups have unsuccessfully been trying to do for thousands of years, "wishing" for a scripture killer that does not rely on faith itself is probably their best bet. Just don't ask them who might grant such a wish.
   
   My criticism of this book is that it does not offer a great apologetic resource for individuals of a postmodern mindset. For those of postmodernity, claiming or demonstrating that something is "true" is not sufficient grounds to take up its cause. It must also be lived out in a way that harbors peace and reconciliation. This is surely an area were Christians need to improve on and remain steadfast in its application. Nevertheless, this text should lead honest inquisitors to ask, "If the disciples and related NT authors were accurately reporting on these events, what will we do with this information?" This represents the lion's share of opportunity for Jesus' message to continue changing the world. Believing in him requires more than mental assent to a list of propositions. We must also be committed to following his lifestyle to the best of our ability and let his grace cover the rest.
   
   For truth-seekers looking to explore further, I also highly recommend Paul Eddy's and Gregory Boyd's book, "The Jesus Legend."
   
   thanks for reading,
   -C. Lambeth
   
   Jesus Legend, The: A Case for the Historical Reliability of the Synoptic Jesus Tradition

5 comments about He Loves Me! Learning to Live In the Father's Affection.

1. We've already ordered more for family and friends! This is one book that everyone should read - Christian or Non-Christian...it'll change (for the good) the way you see and think about many things. It is refreshing and inspiring!



2. I have enjoyed the perspective of this author on several passages of the Bible that have confused me in the past. He takes a fresh look at them and brings clarity and understanding that is helping me to renew my relationship with God as a Father. It is really helping me to approach him openly, honestly and without fear. What a delight! Definitely a worthwhile read.



3. This is a must read for everyone, believer or non believer...but it is especially good for those who cannot grasp the father's love for them.



4. I wish I could Stay inside the truths shared in this book! Every Believer has need to read this book!



5. Wayne Jacobsen came to my attention through his relationship with William P. Young, the author of "The Shack." Wayne has been writing for some time and has had impact in different circles through different ministry roles and previously through an editorial relationship with Leadership magazine.
   
   I'm sorry it has taken this long for him to come to my attention. Through the influence of "The Shack" and another book that Wayne co-wrote, "So You Don't Want to Go to Church Anymore?", Wayne has had a profound influence in my thinking and views toward God and the Church. More importantly, in this book, Wayne does an excellent job of demonstrating the roots of those previous works in Scripture and practical theology in terms of the person of God and how He wants to relate to us.
   
   Christianity is rife with lip service as to the importance of Grace in underlying the foundation of a personal walk with God. In practice however, many Churches and Christians of all ilks and persuasions quickly move past that lip service into forms of legalism and phariseeism that make it clear that if Grace is the foundation of the beginning of a walk with Christ, it certainly has little to do with what comes after. Guilt, shame, manipulation and coercion quickly raise their heads and become the motivator for far too many of us.
   
   William Young, the author of "The Shack" recommends this book on the back cover as the best book he can suggest for those who have read "The Shack" to help everything begin to make sense. I can recommend no better than that myself.
   
   This is a deeply freeing book to read, to grasp but more importantly to begin to live the concepts present.
   
   I highly recommend it and will return to it myself many times.
   
   5 stars.
   
   Bart Breen

5 comments about Respectable Sins: Confronting the Sins We Tolerate.

1. Heart searching, convicting and brilliant! A great book for seeing yourself biblically and helping others to change too. Prepare to be challenged!



2. Much of what Jerry Bridges has written in "Respectable Sins: Confronting the Sins We Tolerate" is taken from his earlier book "Discipline of Grace." Both are excellent and should be read by everyone.



3. J. Bridges is an excellent writer who knows how to present his subject clearly and concisely. For those interested in a walk with God, that has vitality and growth, it zeros in on the sins that hinder this walk.
   
   Concentrating on the sins of society and the sins in others is so easy. Being willing to examine our own lives in the light of scripture is far more challenging and convicting but so needful. Excellent!



4. I cannot highly recommend this book. It's one of those that makes the reader opens his eyes and sees how acceptable some of these sins have become to us, yet remain despised by God. All of them deal with the heart in one way or another.
   
   Bridges makes it easy to understand. He zeros in on the Gospel at the very beginning, then follows up on each sin; he gets to the point concerning why this sin is still offensive to God and how to combat and confront that sin, using Scripture to get his point across.
   
   It is an easy read because it's meant for laypersons to pull the log out of their own eye before reaching for someone else's speck (See Matthew 7:3-4 for details.).



5. Author Jerry Bridges, whose previous bestselling titles TRUSTING GOD and THE PURSUIT OF HOLINESS gave Christian sojourners a wonderful resource for wrestling through some of life's toughest questions, now offers readers a text custom-made for today's sin-mollified believer. Bridges tells fellow Christ followers that there is a cancerous tumor growing unrestrained amongst and within many of the churches nationwide. He believes that evangelicals are quite adept at finger-pointing and clucking their tongues at "major" sins such as murder, adultery, stealing and the like while simultaneously ignoring (and often cuddling up with) "minor" sins like pride, anger, discontentment, unthankfulness, selfishness, impatience and judgmentalism.
   
   Bridges writes that a curious misnomer amongst modern believers is that Christians frequently assume that the gospel is only for unbelievers, thinking that once a person trusts Christ for salvation, the gospel becomes a mute point. Nothing could be further from the truth, says Bridges, for the gospel (and its power) is what enables Christians to deal with the ongoing battle with sin in their lives. Expounding upon this premise, he spends his first six chapters building the theological groundwork for dealing biblically with those "respectable sins" so widely accepted in churches today.
   
   With a thoughtful, careful approach for which he is so well known, Bridges discusses society's tendency to "erase" the term sin from its vocabulary, thus minimizing its disastrous effects upon individuals and cultures alike. Rather than view the sins (as plainly depicted in the Bible) of impatience, pride, resentment, frustration and self-pity as a "diabolical force" that will eventually, if allowed to metastasize, kill its host, the church turns a blind eye towards them.
   
   To up the ante, Bridges informs Christians that God's simple view of sin is not to tolerate it. Once a believer, a person is forgiven. Still, to actively choose to sin --- large or small --- is to "despise" God. The author cites the famous story of Nathan confronting David after his adultery with Bathsheba and subsequently ordering the murder of her husband, Uriah, in order to cover up his sin. In this 2 Samuel passage, Nathan blasts David with the truth that he has "despised" God by his actions. In like manner, Christians today try to covertly cover up, excuse, or deny the existence of those "respectable sins" for which God hardily condemns and will discipline.
   
   After letting the hammerhead fall, Bridges's text turns a decisively positive and practical corner as he discusses the Holy Spirit's work in a believer's life, reminding Christians that they are both responsible and dependent. Writes Bridges: "[W]e live under the controlling influence of the Spirit as we continually expose our minds to seek and to obey the Spirit's moral will for us as revealed in Scripture. We live in dependence on Him through prayer as we continually cry out to Him for His power to enable us to obey His will." Readers will then glean the practical steps to dismantling those "respectable sins" by:
   
   * Applying the gospel
   * Depending upon the Holy Spirit
   * Taking personal responsibility
   * Identifying specific sins
   * Memorizing/applying Scriptures
   * Cultivating an active prayer life
   * Welcoming accountability with other believers
   
   Christians committed to honoring God in every area of their life will find Bridges's new work both enriching and robust, with timeless and accurate biblical truth.
   
   --- Reviewed by Michele Howe

5 comments about Jesus of Nazareth.

1. Pope Benedict XI's book gives a spiritual lift.
   Especially, the chapter on the Lord's Prayer gives a totally new perspective and meaning of Jesus' teaching and guidance for us about how we can get close to him.
   Every Catholic should read this book.



2. First, I am not a Catholic, but a Protestant. Second, I have read a vast array of Jesus books, over the last three years, by countless, great, respected: scholars, theologians, commentators, pastors, bishops, etc. I am doing research for a project, and therefore I have read quite a broad spectrum of material about Christ.
   
   "Jesus of Nazareth", by Pope Benedict XVI, is the greatest book on Christ that I have ever read, or at least have yet read. The depth and spiritual insight in this book is hard to describe except to say, it's incredible what you can get from just reading one page. The impressive spread of Ratzinger's knowledge of the scriptures, literature, the writings of the Church fathers, sermons, academic works, etc, will blow you away. It's staggering how much knowledge this man has, and how well and artfully he wields it. He draws beautiful and insightful connections between the scriptures and many outside sources.
   
   The most impressive thing in the book is just how deeply spiritual it is, and how much spiritual insight one obtains from reading it. Benedict reveals the intricate spiritual truths that connect major events in Jesus' life, as described in the gospels. The chapters on Jesus Baptism, the Tempations, etc, are packed so tight that it will take you hours to read just a chapter and reflect on it.
   
   Keep in mind, this book is not written in lofty, theological language. It is written for a layperson to read, quite easily - it is only the concepts and the spiritual truths, connections, and revelations that Benedict makes that force one to read slowly, to absorb and contemplate what Benedict is writing.
   
   I highly recommend this book to all Christians, non-Catholic, Catholic and everyone in between. This book is full of beauty and truth and you will truly feel close to Jesus, as if you are reading a book written about him by one of his close, personal friends who truly knows him.



3. I love B16's no nonsence teaching. I read the book and loved it so I bought the audio CD to listen in the car. What a mistake. I love the way the Holy Father brings so much of scripture into his work but here's the problem; when I read I can focus on his beautiful insights and know they are scriptural because of the citings.I can go back later for an in depth study. In the audio, I almost loose the focus of his teaching/ meditation because he uses so much scripture and the narrator reads every one as it is printed in the book. For me it makes the the listioning almost unbearable. I bought the recording to meditate on the message of Jesus and Salvation and I can't. Pope John Paul II's Crossing the Threshold of Hope is the same way. So again, this is a great book but an unfortunate audio production.



4. The Holy Father wrote a wonderful book on Jesus.
   It is not propaganda.
   It is a message of hope.
   Now people can understand the teachings of Jesus as a simple and loving human being with divine inspiration.
   I am Catholic but I never believed everything my Padre told me. In the book of the Holy Father, the teachings of our Lord are simple but full of hope for people of all faiths.
   
   Content/Subject Quality: Excellent book on the true message of Jesus.
   
   Product quality: Excellent quality. Very distinguished.
   Appearance: Excellent. Nicely printed.
   Delivery service: Excellent. No delay.Good service from amazon.
   Rating: 5 stars and plus.



5. This book is not so much a traditional biography per say but more of a biographical critical study. What made me buy it was an interest both in its subject and its author. The Pope, Joseph Ratzinger, is a figure who greatly fascinates me. He's a master's master and a scholar's scholar. Not that I'm a worthy appreciator of his skills as I am a Biblical ignoramus.
   
   While I did learn a ton from finishing this work what amazed me most was the Bishop of Rome's intellect. I knew he wrote voluminously but was astonished to see how well-versed he is in...well, everything. His talent as a scholar and teacher cannot be underestimated. Normal folks, and even ecclesiastical half-wits like me, can profit from his instruction. Of course, Jesus of Nazareth, was no page turner. It is very cerebral.
   
   And it was slightly incongruous to discover that the Pope even quoted Jacob Neusner and his A Rabbi Talks with Jesus, but I get the feeling that there is no truth Ratzinger will not examine in his attempt to understand God. Via discussion of the major elements of Jesus's life--such as the baptism, the temptation, and the gospel--the Pontiff succeeds in illuminating his essence.
   
   Basically, his narrative is a mixture of minor and major; detail and theory; the mundane and the sacred. In his words: The Kingdom of God is not to be found on any map. It is not a kingdom after the fashion of worldly kingdoms; it is located in man's inner being. It grows and radiates outward from that inner space.
   
   What more can I say about Christianity and this book than that it gives us hope: If you follow the will of God, you know that in spite of all the terrible things that happen to you, you will never lose a final refuge. There's not more we can ask for than that.

5 comments about Quiet Strength: The Principles, Practices, & Priorities of a Winning Life.

1. Loved the book, many lessons to be learned, a little too much football at times but if you can look by that it is a quick and enjoyable read



2. The autobiography, "Quiet Strength," of Tony Dungy is appropriately subtitled "The Principles, Practices, and Priorities of a Winning Life." Dungy recounts his life from its beginnings to the present as the Coach of the world champion Indianapolis Colts. A man of proactive faith, Dungy has been able to climb many mountains, from being one of the first black quarterbacks in NCAA college football to one of the first black head coaches in the National Football League.
   
   "Quiet Strength" details key formative relationships, those that helped him to become what he is today. They include his mother, The Most Athletic Dungy, who supported in him in a number of sports; his father who taught him what was most important - not the accolades and memories of success, but the way you respond when opportunities are denied; his high school assistant principal, Mr. Rockquemore, who took a great interest in him and Dungy claims things would have been different if he had not; and his first pro coach, Chuck Noll, who taught him how to win in the NFL and how to maintain family-career balance.
   
   Dungy always viewed his work in football as a means to do something more as a servant of God. When he was fired as the head coach of Tampa Bay, the firing itself was not the cause of shock, but rather, the thought that God was allowing this great experiment of using him as a head coach in the NFL to end. He wondered, what's next? How will God use him, whether in the NFL or not.
   
   I am grateful that Dungy went on from Tampa to win the Super Bowl as coach of Indianapolis. More than becoming the first African-American to win a Super Bowl, this extraordinary achievement provided an excellent platform from which to tell this great story.
   
   Dungy's story is inspirational, challenging, and encouraging - reminding us about what really is important in a world driven by the love of material success. He shows that one can live their Christian faith in the workplace and succeed - even in the demanding fish bowl atmosphere of the NFL. He is a living testimony of one man's faith in God.
   
   "Do you your best and let God do the rest."



3. This book is fantastic - I couldn't put it down! I have been a big fan of Tony since he was the coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, because of his presence on the football field. This book is an honest and inspiring account of Tony's life and the trials and successes he has encountered. Thank you Tony for a great read.



4. As a Steeler fan who is old enough to remember Dungy as a part of the Steel Curtain defense (but not as large as I remembered!), as a Christian husband and father, and as a Patriots hater who cheers for any team against New England, I had three reasons to look forward to this book, and it was even better than I expected.
   
   Dungy's writing, with assistance by a co-author, reads as mild and humble as his (lets face it) nerdy appearance. Despite, or because of, this to-the-core character, Dungy has succeeded at the cutthroat business of professional football at the highest level. Remember, neither of the teams he has coached had any history of winning before his tenure, and he essentially won a Super Bowl with each team (Chucky Gruden won with Tony's players after Dungy was fired, and you can see what kind of success Chucky has had since!).
   
   One of the amazing aspects of Dungy's book is how wide spread his deep-rooted Christianity was amongst the "nasty" 70s Steelers--Dungy, Dirt Winston, Mel Blount, and Donnie Shell not alone made for one of the hardest-hitting defensive backfields in NFL history, but apparently one of its most mature and consistent Bible studies as well. It is encouraging to read about NFL players and coaches who focus on family and faith, not contracts and crime sprees.
   
   Dungy never sounds boastful or arrogant about his faith, usually demonstrating his life lessons from his own mistakes. My tears spotted the pages of the chapter when Dungy talked about his son's suicide and the rest of the way it was hard for me, and for Dungy as well, to focus on football. As he says in a later chapter, never confuse your goals (winning a Super Bowl) with your purpose (glorifying God).
   
   I needed reminding. Thanks, Tony!



5. What an inspiration Coach Tony Dungy is and this book was one I could not put down.

5 comments about The Five Love Languages: How to Express Heartfelt Commitment to Your Mate (Men's Edition).

1. Worth doing the full read & then understanding the score that your spouse ends up with.



2. For those who are clueless, ,which includes just about everyone, this book does show that our differences need not thwart our caring for one another. It is carefully researched and presented, and it is helpful if one pays attention!!



3. I loved this book because it taught me so much about how to understand and communicate with my significant other in his own language. I would never have been able to identify it on my own, much less know how to respond even if I could identify it. I have given the book to several other couples who have put it to good use. Of course, you have to have a significant other before you can put these principles into practice. Want to know how I found my lover? I bought Baby Boomer Bachelorette: How to Have Sex at Least Once More Before You Die and went into action. Even though I am well over 50, it only took me six months to find and become engaged to my fiance. We are so happy and, if you want to feel the same way, buy both these books.



4. I could have saved myself much heart ache and pain if I had read this book 20 years ago. I could have spaired myself the pain of being a victim of an affair and also the pain I caused my wife by becoming withdrawn and angery by her lack of attention towards me. If you truely desire to save your marriage, you must read this book. It will work miracles if you and your spouse will take a few minutes each evening and read it together. If they are unwilling, then read it yourself. It can still save your marriage if just one of you is willing to read and understand it.



5. Talk about something running out of steam. Was this guy being paid by the word? There was some incredibly repetitive stuff, and somehow it got moreso as it went along. I also object to the frequent Bible references. Cite some other things. Sure, even people who do not share the Christian faith might agree that Jesus was a great teacher. However, he's not the only teacher. The only footnotes throughout were to offer chapter and verse.
   So, okay, there's decent ideas here. They could have been delivered more concisely. Additionally, why include a chapter about the five love languages and children? There's a whole additional book dedicated to that topic that the author is happy to sell. Not everyone is interested.
   Yes, I'll find a way to adapt a few applicable things I've learned in my reading. One wants an investment of time to be worthy. I'd have felt the read was a more rewarding experience had I the meat to read, not filler, and would have been done reading it and onward to something else enriching. Or spending the time putting some of these ideas to use.
   The questionaire at the end, useless in Kindle format. Miniscule text in low-contrast faded text. It cannot be read at all.
   Overall, a high price to have paid for something that should have merely been a Readers Digest article. The book editor did not earn the paycheck.

5 comments about The Five Love Languages of Children.

1. This book is a must have for those getting ready for marriage all the way to those who have been married for years. I use this book counseling and believe it would be a good addition to your library.



2. This is a great book for anyone. It opened my eyes to why my child reacts the way she does to a lot of things. It also made a light come on to my husband's love language. Also, since I have a niece and a lot of nephews, it helped me talk to them in their own language. LOVE IT! A must read!



3. This book was recommended to me by a dear friend. Arrived in excellent condition. Can't wait to read it.



4. A terrific book for all families. You will use this info again and again, not only with your children, but your spouse, family, and yourself.
   
   Very good basic info on how to read your child (or anyone really) and provide the love they need.
   I love this book and refer to it often.



5. Ordinarily, the follow-on books are kind of flat. The Elizabeth George "After God's Own Heart" books seemed this way, although the first one, "A Woman After God's Own Heart" was excellent.
   
   I was expecting the same sort of flatness from this book. I found a lot to apply in the original Love Languages book, and I'm still sneaking it into my marriage. It's one thing to tell your Quality-Time husband that you are a TOUCH wife, and a whole different thing to gently convince him to touch touch touch touch touch touch. It has brought me to a whole new level of positive reinforcement.
   
   So I figured this one for kids would be a couple of hundred pages of telling parents that kids need *every* love language. And indeed, there was some of that.
   
   But the book was full of clues for how to recognize your child's love language, how it may change over time, and how to communicate.
   
   The book offered a lot. I thought the chapters on conflict were very worthwhile, and even on how to discipline in the different love languages. My kids are so different that I needed all the pointers I could get. And surprise -- thinking about love languages across generations has helped me communicate better with my parents, too -- off to a good start, anyway.
   
   I read this 6 months ago. My eldest started talking more, to me and to other people, NOTICEABLY more, and it's bringing me some relief from one of my biggest parenting worries -- how remote this child has been. That has been the biggest and most immediate change in our family recently, and I can trace it to this book.
   
   I would recommend you read the first Love Languages book first, and then this one to think specifically about your kids.
   
   Oh, and for moms, definitely read A Woman After God's Own Heart by Elizabeth George. It's family-enhancing.

5 comments about Rediscovering God in America: Reflections on the Role of Faith in Our Nation's History.

1. Newt Gingrich's "Rediscovering God In America" (2006, 160-page hardback) is a great walking personal tour book for finding Christianity in Washington DC's monuments and government buildings. The final 18 pages presents a walker's map of DC and over 40 photos of the book's locations.
   
   This is a great tour book. Speaker Gingrich describes the historical backgrounds, religious foundations, and architectural presentations for the National Archives, Washington Monuments, Jefferson Memorial, Lincoln Memorial, Viet Nam Veterans Memorial, the Capitol Building, the Supreme Court, and much more. The author's research also offers interesting colloquial stories for each location. Gingrich is an intuitive and persuasive historian.
   
   Everyone visiting these sites will want to have this pocket-sized text with them. This book is recommended to all interested in America's religious foundation, our nation's capitol, government architecture, and those soon to tour Washington DC.



2. Well, I liked the book. I have only been to Washington, DC twice, and each time I saw different monuments. But this book covered the monuments I have and have not seen, and with a perspective of showing the Godly influence on our nation. It makes me want to go spend a few more days in DC. I think Gingrich did a good job at drawing together speeches, historical context, and a walking tour of DC monuments. What would you expect from an historian?
   
   It was good. I would have liked it to be longer.
   
   I thought the section on FDR was remarkable. As was the section on the Viet Nam memorial.
   
   My favorite quote of the book: "The rights of man come not from the generosity of the state, but from the hand of God." -- John F. Kennedy



3. I highly recommend this book! This is a great book for the coffee table, commute, green room, waiting room...anywhere, anytime. Gingrich conveys the rich faith of our founders and their intentions on recognizing God for His providence in the affairs of this blessed country. REDISCOVERING GOD IN AMERICA takes the reader on a concise historical journey of previous generations' marks of faith impressed on Washington, D.C.'s iconic institutions (i.e. White House, Jefferson Memorial, Capitol Hill, etc.) EVERY home and classroom in America should have a copy of this book! It will serve to offset the sweeping, and wholly inaccurate, historical revisionism that happens in most textbooks in our public schools and inform the next generation what a great country this still is and why. NOTE: Apparently there is now a corresponding DVD--which I'll be purchasing next. If it is even a shadow of the book, it will be a wise investment!



4. I learned so much about our country and our monuments from this short, easy to read book. Since reading Rediscovering God in America, I have visited our Nation's Capital with my family. I believe that reading this book helped me to appreciate all of the sacrifices and depth that the monuments represent.



5. Great book!!! It backs up what I already know, that this country was founded by men who were inspired by God.

5 comments about Crazy Love: Overwhelmed by a Relentless God.

1. If you are an "underliner," be prepared to use some ink! Often I had to tell myself that I couldn't underline everything on a particular page -How crazy is that? More than just a well written book about an important subject...walking fervantly in the passion of God's crazy love for us... Francis takes time to encourage you to truly ponder the truth he hands you in each chapter until it transforms you. Many times I felt the book too hot to hold as I examined my own heart and life in the light of the Glorious Gospel he so clearly articulates. In the forward of this book Chris Tomlin writes, "Francis leaves you wanting more of Jesus" ... and that was definitely the case with me!



2. If you can read just one book this year, let Crazy Love be the one book.
   
   It's that good. It's beautiful, hard-hitting, easy to read, convicting, life-transforming.
   
   Remember a time when you had fallen in love? How everything in your life seemed to change? You did some crazy stuff. THAT'S exactly how our lives should change, if we truly fall in love with God.
   
   Here is a summary of each chapter of the book, to give you a preview. I'll say it again, READ THIS BOOK!
   
   Preface
   This book is to convince you that by surrendering yourself totally to God's purposes, He will bring you the most pleasure in this life and the next.
   
   Chapter One
   Our problem isn't working harder, but realizing who God is, how "crazy" his love for us is, and falling in love with God. Because when you're wildly in love with someone, it changes everything in your life.
   
   Chapter Two
   On the average day, we live caught up in ourselves. It's crazy that we think today is just a normal day to do whatever we want with. Do you live with the fact that perhaps today you will die? Life is all about God and not about us at all.
   
   Chapter Three
   The greatest good on this earth is God. Period. God's one goal for us is Himself. Do you believe that God is the greatest thing you can experience in the whole world?
   
   Chapter Four
   Remember the parable of the soils. DO NOT ASSUME YOU ARE GOOD SOIL. Most American churchgoers have thorns that choke any seed that is in them. A relationship with God simply cannot grow when money, sins, activities, favorite sports teams, addictions, or commitments are piled on top of it.
   
   Chapter Five
   Jesus clearly states over and over he wants all or nothing. We can not give him leftovers, we cannot give him only what doesn't hurt us or only what doesn't put us at risk.
   
   Chapter Six
   To change our hearts, what we value, what we risk, how we act, we don't need more guilt or more rules, we just need to be in love with God. Because when you're wildly in love with someone, it changes everything.
   
   Chapter Seven
   Something is wrong when our lives make sense to unbelievers.
   God wants us to trust Him with abandon. He wants to show us how He works and cares for us. He doesn't call us to be comfortable. He calls us to trust Him so completely that we are unafraid to put ourselves in situations where we will be in trouble if He doesn't come true.
   
   Chapter Eight
   People who are obsessed with Jesus care more about the Kingdom than their own lives being shielded from pain or distress, live lives that connect them with the poor, will do things that don't make sense in terms of success or wealth, will seek humility, take joy in loving people, will be known as givers, not takers, will orient their lives around eternity, and will be characterized by committed, settled, passionate love for God.
   
   Chapter Nine
   There are people who really do live with a crazy love for Jesus, and if you look at their lives, it will eliminate every excuse for not living a radical, love-motivated life for Him.
   
   Chapter Ten
   How you live your days becomes how you have lived your life.
   Love. Risk. Listen to the Spirit. Be committed to live each day as if it is your last before you meet Jesus.



3. Francis Chan is a thinker, a dreamer and pastor of Cornerstone Church in Simi Valley, California. A frequent speaker at Passion Events, he's a dynamic communicator committed to making the love of Jesus come alive in people's hearts. In his writing debut, CRAZY LOVE, Chan challenges readers to fall in love with God in a way that is truly transforming.
   
   Written for those who want more of God yet are frustrated with organized religion, Chan manages to avoid the pitfall of making pot shots at the church. Instead, he challenges followers of God to take risks in their spiritual journeys and consider their understanding of God. At its crux, Chan believes the issue of lukewarmness among Christians is because we have an inaccurate view of God. When we understand God for who He is --- in all of His majesty, holiness, beauty and honor --- then it will naturally transform the way we live and respond to those around us.
   
   On a very practical level, Chan asks what it looks like to be overwhelmed by God. How does passionately pursuing a relationship with God affect and infect us? For instance, he asks what it would look like to do more than just tithe? What does it look like to give God our best rather than just the leftovers? These aren't just challenges that Chan sets out --- they're ones he's trying to live out in his own life and church. Cornerstone Church began 13 years ago and originally gave about four percent of its budget away. Today, the church is committed to giving away 50 percent of their budget under the belief that when Jesus instructed us to love your neighbor as yourself, he wasn't kidding.
   
   More recently, the church considered a building program that would have cost millions of dollars. Instead of moving forward with the plans, the church has decided to build an outdoor amphitheater that will save the church about $20 million and enable them to give away more. That kind of simple yet radical thinking underlines the book.
   
   In one of his most focused chapters, Chan takes a look at the "Profile of the Lukewarm." He examines what it means to be lukewarm in a direct way. He writes:
   
   "Lukewarm people don't really want to be saved from their sin; they want only to be saved from the penalty of their sin. They don't genuinely hate sin and aren't truly sorry for it; they're merely sorry that God is going to punish them. Lukewarm people don't really believe that this new life Jesus offers is better than the old sinful one."
   
   The words sting in the best possible way.
   
   Chan isn't shy about challenging readers to become all they can for God. While the writing throughout the book is simple and clear, his dynamic communication style does not translate fully to print. The layout and, at times, random placement of stories and text without transitions or fully unpacking the ideas is a sign that Chan has much more to offer. Hopefully, his ghostwriter and editor will pull the very best out of Chan on his next writing project, because this amazing communicator has it in him and needs to be heard.
   
   CRAZY LOVE is definitely worth reading, and Francis Chan is a guy you're going to want to listen to and learn from every chance you get.
   
   --- Reviewed by Margaret Oines



4. Francis Chan wants more Jesus! It's easy to believe in Christ, it's more challenging to live a life for Christ. Great read for Christian brothers and sisters!



5. A challenging and insightful look at our relationship with the Creator of the universe. Helps us see the difference between a religious list of do's and don'ts and a passionate love affair with God through Jesus Christ. As the quip on the back of the book says, "Because when you're wildly in love with someone, it changes everthing."

1 comments about St. Paul: Jubilee Year of the Apostle Paul Edition: A Bible Study for Catholics.

1. Father Pacwa is a biblical scholar of remarkable depth, but he's also a preacher who can communicate to ordinary people. He has produced something remarkable here: a profound synthesis of St. Paul's thinking on a variety of subjects, but in a form that's digestible for parish groups and home Bible studies. His special focus is the Church's sacraments, but he also touches upon other doctrinal, moral, and disciplinary issues. With this overview, we can recognize our present-day parishes in the congregations of so long ago. The Church is one, not only throughout the world, but through all time. This is the best introductory Bible study to Paul I've seen.