5 comments about Celebration of Discipline: The Path to Spiritual Growth.

1. This is a great book for anyone desiring a more full experience of Christ. I will use it much throughout the years to come.



2. I had to buy this book for a class and I love it. It is an older book but it has essentials that modern discipleship has forgotten, like fasting. If you are looking for how you can grow closer to God, the methods in this book will help you.



3. This book is divided into 3 parts. Part 1 dwells on the inward disciplines, covering meditation, prayer, fasting and study. Inward disciplines are about practices by and on one-self leading to inward transformation. Part 2 is about the outward disciplines, covering simplicity, solitude, submission and service. Outward disciplines are about practices reflecting the outward life-style and interaction with the people around. Inward disciplines and transformations reinforce and enhance your outward disciplines and transformations. With inward and outward disciplines being focused on individuals, this leads to Part 3 which highlights on the corporate disciplines, covering confession, worship, guidance and celebration. Corporate disciplines are basically centered on groups of people or the church community, where you as an individual are a participant.
   
   Meditation heightens our spiritual sensitivity which will in turn lead us into prayer. We will then discover that prayer involves fasting as an accompanying means. From the base of these 3 Inward Disciplines, we can move effectively into study which gives us discernment about ourselves and the world in which we live. Through simplicity we live with others in integrity. Solitude allows us to be genuinely present to people when we are with them. Through submission we live with others without manipulation and through service we are a blessing to them. Confession frees us from ourselves and releases us to worship. Worship opens the door to guidance. All the Disciplines freely exercised bring forth the doxology of celebration.
   
   In addition, this book discusses on the differences between Eastern and Christian meditation. Eastern meditation is an attempt to empty the mind, where they stress on the need to become detached from the world and place emphasis upon losing personhood and individuality and merging with the cosmic mind. There is a longing to be freed from the burdens and pains of this life and to be released into impersonality of Nirvana. Detachment is the final goal of Eastern religion. On the other hand, Christian meditation is an attempt to fill the mind, where there is a need for detachment. However it goes beyond the notion of detachment, where we must proceed to go on to attachment. The detachment from the confusion all around us is in order for us to have a richer attachment to God.
   
   Through this book, Foster reiterates multiple times that the purpose of the Disciplines is freedom. Our aim should be the freedom and not the Disciplines. The moment we make the Disciplines our central focus, we tend to turn it into law (becoming modern Pharisees) and consequently lose the corresponding freedom. The liberation is the end; the Disciplines are merely the means. They are not the answer; they only lead us to the Answer.
   
   When we thought we have completed reading and deciphering this book, it actually marks the new beginning of a more in-depth spiritual journey. It will be a journey that spells the presence of the Holy Trinity and beyond believing and understanding the Disciplines, it will instill the desire and ways to be a faithful follower. We have to transit from being a believer to becoming a follower.
   
   The full benefits of this book can be reaped effectively when done in a small group of believers and put into actual practice (which is always the most challenging part!). From the discussions and studies, the book will help you to walk closer to God. However caution needs to be taken that one is firmly grounded in the Christian belief, otherwise one could be easily misled, for example the practice of imagination in the Discipline of meditation.
   
   This book has an accompanying "Celebrating the Disciplines Journal" workbook, which aids in your growth and transformation.



4. A classic overview of spiritual disciplines, Foster's book offers an understanding of Christian growth through prayer and discipline. A good book for beginners.



5. Foster lays the foundation for cultivating a life marked by the spiritual disciplines. He touches on the major aspects of all the basic disciplines--prayer, fasting, journaling, silence, meditation, etc. While he doesn't give a thorough treatment of each one (as this was not his goal), he shows readers the path to developing these vital spiritual habits of the heart. Highly recommended for all looking to deepen their relationship with Christ.

5 comments about The Jesus Storybook Bible: Every Story Whispers His Name.

1. This is a wonderful Bible storybook for kids. It literally does bring you back to Jesus in every story. I read it to my great-nephews whenever they are over. They love to look at the pictures and pick out a story and when we get to the end they now know that whatever story it is it will bring us back to Jesus. We are able to talk about Him and how much He loves them. I recommend it for all. I purchased two for our church preschool department.



2. I bought this book as a birthday present for my 6 year son. We read it everynight and he seems to really enjoy it. It inspires lots of questions from him.



3. This is a thoughtful, respectful, intelligent book that you can share with ANYONE who has a remotely open mind.
   The only reason it gets four stars is that I was looking for something a bit more dense and challenging, but now that I think about it, how many people out there are geeks like me? Not many.
   This book is extremely engaging, using questions posed by REAL people and providing REAL answers with great insight. So, for what it lacks in philosophical depth (okay, you can read the stuff in the references if you must) it makes up for in accessibility to (almost) any reader.
   CAVEAT: This book is not for stupid or closed-minded individuals, whether they be Christian or Atheistic in their faith walk. But if you can't grasp the reasoning, you probably weren't pondering the questions in the first place.
   This book does not give you pat answers or smug circular reasoning. It does acknowledge the validity of some anti-Theist arguments and then gently and thoughtfully dissects them. Atheists, skeptics, agnostics, and thoughtful Christians alike will appreciate the fact that they are not being taken for a ride.
   The first half of the book examines arguments against Christianity, and agrees where agreement is appropriate. There is no whitewash, only reason and good arguments.
   The second half of the book gives reasons that support Christianity. It is very helpful, but not arrogant or over-the-top.
   You can purchase this book for any friend without embarrassment.
   Recommended.



4. I was so excited when I orginally read reviews about this book. My Daughter had out grown the toddler Bible story books and this look appeared perfect. Unfortunately, after I started reading it with her I soon found that the stories were not truely accurate to the Bible. The heart of the stories are there but the author embelishes the stories which when teaching a child is inappropriate.
   
   The child doesn't know that what is written is not authentic and that is unacceptable. I have wanted to write a review for a number of months but had put it off and tonight when I signed on to write the review I did see another user that had the same issue with the book as I do and I encourage you to read that review for examples but I will give at least one example. Here is an excerpt from the story of David and Goliath:
   
   Begin Quote
   "Chickens!" Goliath bellowed. "Your God can't save you! I'll rip your heads off and have you on toast!" His beady, greedy eyes glowered at them hungrily from under his horrible helmet - as if any minute he really might just gobble them all up. And he laughed his terrible laugh. "Ha-Ha-Ha-Ha" it boomed, echoing horribly around and around the dry, dry valley. Well, Goliath might just as well have been a green slimy monster with three heads because God's people froze with fear.
   End quote
   
   Most of what you read here will not be found in the Bible. You can recognize that most of it is creative story telling but even the quote of Goliath saying "Your God can't save you" that is not found in the Bible; in fact Goliath never makes a reference to God.
   
   I kept looking for a Bible book and have been happy with "First Bible Stories" see link below
   First Bible Stories



5. This Bible Storybook is wonderful, fantastic, awesome!! I think anyone with children should have it. I bought 5 so I could start blessing all the young families I have a reason to give a gift to and also so I could have one at my home (no children at home any longer.)

5 comments about The Five People You Meet in Heaven.

1. I would recommend this seller to anyone. The book was in great shape and came very fast.



2. Mitch Albom is a remarkable writer. I have enjoyed all of his works whether in the weekend "Parade" Magazine, his books or numerous other works. He is fantastic...humanistic, deep, thoughtful, even philosophical, yet down-to-earth.
   
   Regardless of the tone, he is guaranteed to touch your heart, your spirit and your soul with his writing. Here he doesn't disappoint his fans, and he makes new fans as well.
   
   What a wonderful, heartfelt *fantasy*. But is it a fantasy? The reader quickly believes that this fantasy is a reality for all of us. What a completely wonderful tribute to our elderly: a group that has become *second class* in our society, a group that has a unique and important stories to tell us about our past, our lives, our future. Why are we the only nation in the world that doesn't always respect our elders? Besides other important topics, this book really shows us how important history is: our family, our upbringing, our heritage, our background, our uniquely individual journey through life.
   
   The story surrounds a wonderful man named Eddie. A man who has had a very full life and is about to die at the ripe old age of 83. Although Eddie thinks his life is *mediocre*, he quickly learns that, at his death, he isn't the schmuck he always thought he was. He learns that he has contributed greatly to humanity.
   
   I don't want to ruin the story-line by divulging the plot and entire story, but I can say that I hope that Albom's philosophy about what happens when we leave this earth is true. Even if it is only 50% true, I would be happy. If you believe at all in angels, you'll be happily beside yourself while reading this book.
   
   I laughed and I cried along with the author. When I finished the book I was changed. Life is short. Life is precious. Love is eternal. Life and family is all that matters while we are on this earth. Don't sweat the small stuff. Bask and revel in your every day life. Seize the moment and the day. Be kind, be honest, be good.
   
   Highly recommended. A+



3. You never know whose life you'll have the ability to change or positively impact by simply "knowing" them. The Five People You Meet In Heaven, weaves a story of how one man impacted the lives of so many people and yet, never realized it until he met and talked with them in heaven.
   
   The Five People You Meet In Heaven is author Mitch Albom's first novel. This is a story of Eddie, who at eighty-three feels his life has been a waste of time and energy. He dies while attempting to save the life of a child. In heaven he meets five people whose lives were impacted or changed because of having known him.
   
   In a sense, the end of Eddie's life is really the beginning of his journey of self-discovery.
   
   The Five People You Meet In Heaven started me thinking about my own life. Little do we know how our life touches and influences the lives of others. Honestly, how many times have you thought about how a simple "hello" to a stranger or a helping hand to a neighbor could positively impact the rest of their life? I believe we'll all be more conscious of our day-to-day encounters with the people we meet after we read this book. Believe it or not, everyone passes through our lives for a reason.
   
   This is the first time I've read a Mitch Albom book. Growing up in Michigan I thought of him strictly as a sports writer for the newspaper. The man has fiction writing talent! He was able to draw me into Eddie's life. Each story, flashback or snippet of Eddie's life has a self-development theme and lesson from which we can all learn.
   
   The overall theme: Your life has special meaning and that meaning can have a profound impact on others.
   
   Self-development lessons come in all shapes and sizes. The Five People You Meet In Heaven demonstrates the power one person has to affect many lives. All the people who have passed through your life go on to then affect the lives of hundreds and thousands of additional people. Each person you meet carries with them a sense of your purpose in life. The bottom line - you are important and your life has meaning.
   
   If you're feeling as if you've lost some of the meaning in life or your life doesn't have focus, this book is for you. If you're living a life without joy, passion or pleasure, this book is for you. If you're wondering if your life even matters, this book is for you.
   
   The Five People You Meet In Heaven is an easy read but it's not a simple book. It has a deep message if you are truly on the road to self-discovery. I have a question for you - Why wait until you're in heaven to discover that your life has purpose? Let's use the insight from this book to live our lives with meaning, purpose and joy.



4. Kept my attention. Just a little too weird for me. The whole carnival setting & characters I just couldn't relate to.



5. I absolutely loved this book. Mitch Albom is a fantastic writer. You will not be able to put this book down. I must read.

5 comments about Battlefield of the Mind: Winning the Battle in Your Mind.

1. This is an excellent guide for sustaining peace of mind while dealing with the challenges of life. This book provides good spiritual tools for your fight aganst the demons of the world and opens the door to self discovery. If you are on a journey with spirit, this is a must read!!!



2. Joyce has a way of explaining things that anyone can understand. This is an excellent book for a beginner to read and should read.



3. Honestly, this book radically changed my life in 2000 when I FIRST read Joyce's thoughts on this topic. I have re-read this book several times and EACH time I read it I find something else that touches my soul. I HIGHLY recommend taking the time to learn more about the battle being fought and tackle the devil HEAD ON when he tries to sneak into your battlefiedl! Forever grateful, Elaine*



4. She brings up scripture and explains meanings in ways I have never heard before. I always have considered myself a Christian but until reading this I realize that thought and behavior are key to the Christian lifestyle. She exposes some of the many tricks of the devil, gets you thinking and helps you learn to defeat him. Well written and not the least bit boring this will open your eyes wide to reflect on how you are living. I will be re-reading this along with my bible in order to focus on staying on track, we all know how difficult it is!



5. A friend of mine suggested that I read this book as I was experiencing a lot of stress and anxiety over the issues that life generally presents. This book is changing my life by teaching me how to change my thinking, how to obtain a positive outlook and how to better incorporate God and His word into my life. I highly reccomend this book, it is working miracles for me.

No comments about Multiple Blessings: Surviving to Thriving with Twins and Sextuplets.

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 Sheet Music: Uncovering the Secrets of Sexual Intimacy in Marriage.

1. I am getting married in a few weeks and bought this book for my fiance and I to read. I found this book to have numerous strengths: it is straightforward and detailed. I don't imagine that many readers will be confused or have more questions. Dr. Leman celebrates the sexual relationship of the married couple and paints a very healthy, though possibly counter-cultural, view of sex between a husband and a wife. And, along with this he does realistically acknowledge and thoroughly address the challenges of the sexual relationship (tiredness, kids in the next room, husbands generally wanting sex more than wives, orgasm issues, differences between men and women, the role of an emotional connection in the sexual relationship, etc.) This book was written by a Christian psychologist, so there are numerous references to Scripture, which as a Christian, I appreciated.
   
   Despite what I see as many strengths of this book, I rarely read more than a few pages without feeling a little aggravated with Dr. Leman and what I perceive as his bent towards elevating the importance of the husband's sexual needs. First a caveat, I do believe that marriage is about sacrifice. I realize there will be many times when I may not want to have sex and I will sacrificially engage to please and love my husband well. Having said that, Dr. Leman goes a bit further than this, in my opinion. He repeatedly admonishes women to do everything they can, every time they can to please their men (unless it is degrading or morally objectionable to the woman). At one point, Dr. Leman points out that men may feel embarrassed to go buy KY jelly for the wedding night, so he recommends that women do that. It's small, but it is a perfect example of his bent. As an unmarried woman, I am not particularly at ease with the idea of buying KY jelly and condoms--why must I be the one to sacrifice at all times? At multiple places in the book, Dr. Leman suggests rather directly that if a man is having an affair, it is because his wife has not fulfilled his sexual needs. While this may be true, I feel that Dr. Leman paints an incomplete picture with this.
   
   My final critique is that Dr. Leman advocates that both men and women masturbate both in preparation for their first sexual encounter and as a means to address various potential problems (e.g., premature ejaculation and the woman having a hard time reaching orgasm, among others). Many reading this book may not have a problem with this, but as a Christian, I think many will wonder at Dr. Leman's suggestion that we can masturbate while keeping our thoughts pure and will wonder at the seeming contradiction to his simultaneous encouragement for the husband and wife to explore and learn sexually together.
   
   All in all, if you have no sexual experience this book is a good read. It will give you helpful and clear information. Just be aware that you will likely be offended or not agree with Dr. Leman at various points in the text.



2. Wow! Dr. Leman spares no details in this one! And even after 10 years of marriage, he helped me see marriage in general and intimacy in particular in a new way. Be prepared for what society would probably deem an "old fashioned" approach to love relationships, but don't knock it till you try it... cuz it works!
   If it did nothing more than remind me of how different my husband is from me (and how different our needs are) - it was worth it! It made me want to stop taking my man for granted. And who knows...it just might ignite "creativity" in the bedroom again. Thanks Dr. Leman!



3. Dr. Kevin Lehman is a prolific author, who has appeared on a number of well-known television and radio programs. In 'Sheet Music' Dr. Leman spends a fair number of pages on the mechanics of sex, including a few anatomical diagrams. But with 'Sheet Music' I would offer several caveats for Christians to keep in mind about this book:
   
   'Sheet Music' does not reflect an understanding of the primary authority that Scripture is intended to have for believers. Secular perspectives are commonly seen as having equal or even primary authority in comparison to Scripture.
   
   'Sheet Music' fails to present or even assume a full biblical context for Christian life and marriage. The book assumes that Christian marriage is monogamous, but provides little to nothing more in the way of biblical support - even failing to present or make reference to biblical passages would powerfully and dramatically support the author's point! The substantially secular viewpoint reflected in this book includes:
   
   · Recommendations that draw from a secular viewpoint, omitting biblical insights
   · Directing Christians specifically to resources outside the local church that have a claim to expertise that lies substantially in secular qualifications, but not spiritual qualifications.
   
   'Sheet Music' falls short of presenting or assuming the full set of biblical passages, such as:
   
   · Biblical passages that contain critical revelations from God, Who created marriage and designed sexual intimacy (including Ephesians 5:21-33; 1 Peter 3:1-7, etc.).
   · Biblical passages on the believer's position and condition, identification, walking in the Spirit, recognizing and dealing with the sin nature, and even basic biblical principles on topics like `anxiety' (Philippians 4:6; 1 Peter 5:7).
   · The difference between Law and Grace, and the huge difference it makes in all areas of life (sexual intimacy included) and even into eternity (Romans 5; 7:1-6).
   · By pointing believers to resources outside of the local church (counseling professionals, sexual therapy clinics, etc.) believers are then setting aside true biblical counsel within the body of Christ, much of the authority and primacy of God's word, and are telling believers to go to resources that are not grace-based, but are charging for their services (contrary to 2 Corinthians 2:17 & chapters 8, 9).
   · Believers are directed to the resources of this world (Galatians 6:14; Ephesians 2:1-3) and of the sin nature. With the best of intentions, believers are thereby instructed to walk according to this world's best understanding and in reliance upon the sin nature.
   
   With the understanding that I do not recommend this book overall, here are some of the better quotes from this book:
   
   A couple's sex life is usually a microcosm of the marriage. Every now and then a couple has a great sex life with a poor marriage, but this is the rarity, something you see only every couple of years. Page 10
   
   You need to know that every day a woman internally asks her husband, Do you really love me? Do you really care? Page 10
   
   What warms a woman up is when her husband helps around the house, picks up after himself, helps with the children, makes arrangements for dates, and overall cares for her. If a husband consistently and graciously does this without acting like a martyr, he's going to find, six times out of ten, that his wife is ready and eager to enjoy an active and fulfilling love life. It will be a natural response to a lifestyle of sincere affection. Page 11
   
   Most of us men want to be our wives' heroes. Page 11



4. This was the best book. I have never blushed and giggled so much before. This book helped me realize that it is okay to have fun in bed with your husband. The fire is there like it has never been before. My husband even made the comment that He wished he could personally thank Dr. Leman
   Every newelywed couple should read this. Dr. Leman thank you for your wisdom. YOu have made my marriage come alive.



5. The book came super fast, within a few days! Book was in the condition promised, no complaints!

5 comments about Simple Church: Returning to God's Process for Making Disciples.

1. This book had a lot of good to say about the streamlining of the church-growing process, However, in my opinion, the authors would have been better served in saving the statistical info for endnotes at the end of each chapter or used the data as part of their appendices at the end of the book. Their endeavoring to weave the info into the body of the hypotheses they were presenting made the reading process more difficult and less streamlined.
   
   Since their stated goal was to make things simple, they should have followed Occam's Razor, which suggests that the simplest solution presented in the simplest manner possible is most likely to be the best solution to any given problem.



2. even if you don't agree with everything in the book, it is thought-provoking and challenging to those in church leadership. it appears to be a paradox in many ways--more work equals more results is what we've come to know and expect. the writers challenge us to do concentrated work--few things done better equals better results.



3. If you work in church life and you want to impact the lives of those around you as a church you must read this book!!



4. I have not finished the book, but it makes so much sense. Some church's try to do it all and spend so much time going in different directions. Simple Church brings everyone together and actualy does what God mandates. What a concept, do what the bible preaches.



5. Have you ever been to a church that has so many mission statements, purposes and visions that it feels like the congregation doesn't know whether it's coming or going? Have you ever opened a church bulletin and felt overwhelmed by the smorgasboard of events and options? Have you ever been to a church where there has been a ton of activity yet no tangible growth?
   
   If so, know that you're not alone. What you're experiencing and seeing is happening in all too many churches around the country. Fortunately, according to church consultant Thom S. Rainer and pastor Eric Geiger, there is a better way --- and it's found in the journey toward simplicity. In SIMPLE CHURCH: Returning to God's Process for Making Disciples, Rainer and Geiger reveal stunning new research that suggests the most vibrant, growing churches in our country usually take the simplest approaches to ministry. This book is a call for Christian leaders to return to the simple methods of Jesus. No nine-step plans. No multi-level outreach strategies. No slick, shiny marketing plan required. Promise.
   
   Instead, the authors believe that a simple church is designed around a clear, strategic process that helps people move through various stages of spiritual growth. The leaders, staff and members are all clear about the process and committed to making it happen. The process flows logically; it is easy to understand and can be implemented in every area of the church. Anything that does not fall into this progression is eliminated. Hence, the simplicity. So how does that play out in an actual church?
   
   Throughout the book, Rainer and Geiger look at real churches that have adopted this philosophy and what it looks like within a congregation. Immanuel Baptist Church in Glaslow, Kentucky, centers its community on connecting, growing, serving. As people visit the church, they are introduced to this concept, which is true not only for their spiritual life but also for their relationship to the church. They are invited to get connected with God and fellow members. As they do so, they are to move on to the next stage --- growing --- in the depth of their relationship with God and others.
   
   Then it's time to progress to the third area, serving, by getting involved and making a difference. While the church is vibrant and growing, the real focus for leaders and members is moving people along in the progression. The model is simple but highly effective. As Rainer and Geiger show, it is modeled in some of the largest, most successful churches in the country, including Northpoint Community Church in Alpharetta, Georgia, led by Andy Stanley.
   
   While the book is clearly based on research, one of its weaknesses is the layout of the data presented (clearly not the authors' fault). Most of the tables are not titled on top; instead they are labeled in the lower portion, which is difficult to understand, and the importance or meaning of the study is often lost. Hopefully, the publisher will be certain that reprints make the information and data more accessible to the reader.
   
   Overall, SIMPLE CHURCH is a must-read for all pastors and church staff members. Expect to hear buzz about this book for years to come.
   
   --- Reviewed by Margaret Oines

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 Shepherding a Child's Heart.

1. I have a feeling that people like Jo Ragan didn't really read the book, but glanced (if not just read the Table of Contents) and hastily decided that it was nothing more than a pages of utter trash.
   
   Now, I'm not a parent, but have had sufficient experiences with children and contacts enough to know a little bit about spanking. (Edit: and child-rearing) But first of all, we need to descry that spanking is not what Tedd Tripp advocates solely. Just declaring this book to be a 'spanking manual' is a gross generalization and a telling evidence that people need to be more cautious in reading books. Especially a valuable read like this. (And mind you, I don't know anything about Tedd Tripp nor am I his fan or associate. I'm a perfectly neutral third-party who has read the book.)
   
   If Tedd Tripp indeed advocates ONLY spanking, then why is there any need for him to mention God? And why do other chapters in this book discuss other methods and examine them? Mz. Ragan clearly did not read or pay attention while she was reading.
   
   Parents are tools that God uses and Tripp makes that quite clear enough. Parents are given AUTHORITY to exercise their stewardship; to guide their children to know the Lord (fear, love, seek, etc). NOT to be GOD themselves! (I guess reading between the lines can only go too far)
   
   People who dislike spanking and criticize the book for that reason only are missing Tripp's point as well. He clearly states in chapter 11, what the parents' reasons for 'the rod' should be; an instrument of 'wisdom', the fear of the Lord.
   
   If any true Christian has read the books of the Bible like Proverbs and TAKES THEM SERIOUSLY, he/she should not have qualms with Tripp's claim that 'the rod', or corporal punishment, does that quite effectively.
   
   Scripture:
   
   Prov 3:11-12 (NIV) My son, do not despise the Lord's discipline and do not resent his rebuke, because the Lord disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in.
   
   And the discipline the children can receive need not be directly from God himself (often in forms of serious suffering) but can be learned from parents as well, who are not separate authorities, but derivatives of God's authority.
   
   We Christians must remember that God is not just God of mercy, compassion, abounding in love and faithfulness, maintaining love to thousands (generations) and forgiving wickedness, rebellion, and sin.
   He is also the God who 'does not leave the guilty unpunished. He punishes the chilren and their children of the parents to the third and fourth generation.'
   
   If all Christians are preaching nowadays is universalism, pluralism, or modern/post-modern, humanist, secular understanding of humans, then Jesus has no place in anyone's lives and no Christian is Christian. The books of the Bible are not historicized fiction, fictionalized history, or some mythology or folk-ID forging. It is the Word of God, living and active, not like the rip-off Qur'an or any other human invented trash that God finds disgusting and revolting. It is the highest authority anyone can look to, not just some religious fanatical writing as many blind fools would like to believe.
   
   And I know that Tedd Tripp has done quite a wonderful job in addressing the Word of God wisely in terms of parenthood, an important aspect of Christian stewardship.



2. This is a good book but if you want an invaluable resource for raising children To Train Up a Child by Michael Pearl is even better. It is clearly the best resource a parent can have if they truly love their children. I am well aware that many people who do NOT do their homework say it is bad but if you ask them if they have read the book they almost always say NO! If you train the child with love you will DISCIPLINE 90% less than if you do not.



3. I had no idea how many things I was doing wrong!!! And everyone thinks I am a good parent. By the worlds standard, I suppose I am. By Gods standard I was falling way short! Ted Tripp has shown me how to be kind and loving to my children. To explain to them why we do what we do, not just because I want it, but, because God calls up to do it! What a concept! IF YOU ARE A CHRISTIAN PARENT, THIS IS A MUST READ! I am enjoying parenting so much more, now that I am in line with Gods will!



4. The Pearls are Christians that advocate beating children. Tedd Tripp's book is more insidious than that because it seems reasonable, but it's the same idea dressed in sheeps clothing. The theology is basically "beating the sin" out of your child- which isn't Christian at all!! I recommend something more along the lines of "Grace Based Discipline".



5. Not only does this book give you insight for raising Godly children, it challenges you to become a better example to your children and correct the things in your life that are not Christ-like.