3 comments about The God of Jesus Christ: Meditations on the Triune God.

1. In these meditations Benedict presents well documented and carefully explained theology of the Trinity. This small book is full of wisdom and spirituality, but also explains the background and development of Christian belief concerning the Triune God.
   
   I will review just a part of Benedict's teaching.
   He asks us to consider what God is. Is he a being who looks for our mistakes and wants to punish us, or is he a being who is anxious to give us His love? God, Benedict explains, is love, the "protector of His people's rights." He protects the "powerless from the mighty."
   
   Further, God is a person, who has a face, a heart, and a name. In this book Benedict talks to us about God's face, heart, and name. He explains that humans sometimes put trust in and serve, like Gods, money, power, prestige, public opinion, and sex. But God is none of those things. God truly IS. The "present is His time". God Is the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
   
   We, like Job, cannot accept a God who punishes the innocent. Our pain is not the result of our sins, it just is. Accusations against God seldom come from those who suffer in this world, it comes from the well-fed, over indulged onlookers who have yet to really suffer. I must remember that the crucified Christ did not remove suffering from the world and never said he would.
   
   Being a child is "the very essence of being human". The term "Abba" implies child. A child is dependent and appeals to our love through defenselessness. A child possesses nothing on it own and is free precisely because it has neither power or possessions.
   
   "Christianity of the Spirit is the Christianity of the lived Word." The Word is the "location" of the Spirit. We can never know the Spirit accept in what the Spirit accomplishes. The only way to possess the Word is to keep it and live it.
   
   I have discussed only a few of the concepts in the book. "The God of Jesus Christ" was written in the 1970s. Benedict's two recent lettters clearly complement this book. God Is Love: Deus Caritas Est Saved in Hope: Spe Salvi I recommend this book, especially for teachers of the faith.



2. This is by far his best book. It is easier than his other books to read and ynderstand. As usual, he is a very insightful author and teacher.



3. I've been reading B16's writings for the last year or two. Have heard radio shows comment on some of them but haven't heard anything on this volume. Made me a little tentitive about picking it up yet very glad I did. Extreamly insightful meditations on the history of belief in God & Jesus (& the Holy Spirit). Why it's important to believe correctly. This is plain speaking pastoral teaching. This is not 'feel good' or sugary. This is a volume I will give away.

5 comments about God's Armorbearer Volumes 1 & 2 Serving God's Leaders.

1. These books are actually very insightful. The problem I ran into when teaching this course was that there are denominations that actually have the position of "Amorbearer" built into their structure. That makes it difficult for them to see the importance of this work.
   
   This is coupled with the preface which leads you into the frame of reference that people are raised up to protect the pastor. Friends, look at the TITLE of the book; it reads GOD'S ARMORBEARER. If you'll recognize that God has chosen YOU and honored YOU to carry HIS armor (not the pastor's) this book takes on a whole different meaning. Does God need armor? Of course not, but it is HIS armor that we are to wear (Eph. 6:11-18) and in doing so become His armorbearers. The one thing that should be coupled with this teaching is that of putting others above yourself. Actually, I think it IS in there. Phil. 2:1-11 talks about taking on the mind of Christ, and in doing so, making ourselves lower than our brothers and sisters in Christ. Placing their needs above our own. When you put these 2 thoughts together you have one awesome message. One that must be met. It gets the children of God off the pews and into God's service. And as we enter His service we find ourselves sheltered under His wing...in that secret place.



2. as a servant of god , this book give you a complete illustration of what it means to be a true servant of the most high GOD



3. I read this book as a requirement for a job application for a Christian ministry and was not really sure what to expect.
   
   I was pleasantly surprised by the book and really appreciated the insights given by the associate pastor who authored the book. I have grown up as "PK" or pastor's kid and have seen many rebellious and independent minded parishoners over the years wreak havoc in the church. They had an agenda and were going to pursue it no matter what leadership thought about it or what the church staff may have felt the leading of the Lord was for the congregation.
   
   If you are not an associate pastor or other lay person on staff at a church you may have to think a little harder how this book applies to you as you read it but it is worth the extra effort. The idea of honoring the very responsibility laden position pastors have with support, prayer and loyalty is a lesson for all of us. If we laid our personal agendas down and instead offered loyal service to our pastors we can fully expect God to honor us and fulfill our purpose here on the earth.
   
   I feel that many people out of fear believe that if they do not MAKE their ministry happen it will be lost but Jesus said we must lose our lives to find them. I think this is the essence of what Mr. Nance is saying an armorbearer must do.
   
   I know there are some negative reactions against this book but I caution that the author clearly states that this book is written for church members working with Godly pastors who are in obedience to the Word and not people operating completely outside of the Word of God and truth. Matthew 18 clearly lays out a pattern for church discipline and I do not believe that Mr. Nance is preaching the idea of condoning sin.
   
   The idea is to be loyal, supportive and willing to do spiritual battle for our leaders. Praying for them when they stumble and doing everything to restore them instead of tearing them down. Because after all, isn't this what we would wish for ourselves when we go through a tough time? How much more do our church leaders need this support!
   
   It is a very short book and easy to read but really full of wisdom and encouragement. I definitely recommend it!



4. There are chapters with information that help you understand how you can have a closeness with God. This book should be read from the beginning to the end and mark references as you read. This is a book that will keep you searching.It answers questions that like how can I please God; how can I love my enemies. After reading this book, I advise everyone should read it, especially if they want a closer walk with God.



5. The book was in EXCELLENT condition and arrived in the time it said it would.

5 comments about The Unquenchable Worshipper: Coming Back to the Heart of Worship (Worship Series).

1. Ever feel like no one else gets it? Like you sometimes can't connect with other people who although share your faith, seem to have a different taste for God than you do?
   
   In my opinion this is the book for you. I found myself finishing this book in a short time because not only did I feel challenged, but I realized that I'm not a complete failure simply because I struggle in my focus on my God.
   
   Matt lays out a very profound and understandable set of lessons that will help you understand what life long/ eternity long worship really is.
   
   This isn't the gospel according to Matt or any book of vague ideas. It's a great devotional on intamacy and thirst for our God.
   
   As a worship pastor/ youth pastor of a church I can't tell you what a blessing this reading really is.



2. We were taken back to the Heart of Worship!!!!



3. This book was recommended to me by a fellow marathoner. It reads quickly, and you will want to read in a single sitting. It speaks well of the heart and relentless desire of the worshipper of Jesus, to give Him endless and countless praise and worship for His work on the cross. It's also penned by a dude with amazing musical gifts. I will probably re-read many times,as it validates one's desire to worship even in the midst of the storms of life..........



4. I'm a worship leader in NJ and I've require all our musicians and vocalists to read this book. My philosophy is that everyone doing worship during a service is leading the congregation in worship. Not just the one who may talk or sing the most. This book by Matt Redman is a valuable help to everyone involved with a worship team or seeking to understand what worship is all about in a deeper way. Do yourself a favor and read this wonderful devotional type book by a very experienced composer and worship leader. It will enhance your own time with the Lord and make you a better worship leader for your church.



5. Very rarely do you find a book that leaves you desiring more of God. However, this one provokes a yearning in you to give yourself more to God in prayer, worship and time in the Word. It pulls you into God. An easy read, short in length and well written, Matt Redman does a great job of pulling your attention away from whatever or whoever and pushing you to concentrate on the Lord. The book provides a healthy Godly perspective on worship, provides principles that one can easily understand and apply to their lives and mix a few of Redman's personal stories in to lift you to a higher place of worship. I highly recommend to anyone who needs another boost toward God! If you're struggling at this season in your life to keep God the main thing, this is for you. If you're at a place where you just want more of Him, this is for you! No matter where you are, this is for you! Enjoy~

5 comments about The Practice of the Presence of God.

1. I highly recommend reading The Practice of the Presence of God. I just recommend getting a different copy. Here's why:
   
   Though the back of the book advertises a "7-point advantage," these features seem to have been haphazardly thrown together and are of little use to the book's target audience.The color timeline does not offer information about events surrounding Brother Lawrence's life. Rather, it is a grand historical timeline on which Brother Lawrence's life appears as little more than a brief footnote. The endnotes are intrusive and unhelpful, and the index is practically worthless. Endnote references are treated superscript in some instances and in others run right in to the text. This is probably the worst-edited book I've seen. The back cover advertises that the book is "one of a fabulous collection." Judging by this member, I think I'll pass on the rest of the Pure Gold Classics.
   
   Like I said, I strongly suggest reading the book, but I would spend a few more dollars and spring for a nicer copy as it is a book worth returning to.



2. The lessons that God taught Brother Lawrence are, what I believe to be, the single most important aspect of our lives. Despite the very few references to scripture, it is obvious that our dear brother discovered the true hidded treasure of faith. The purity of his devotion was certainly 'other worldly', and I doubt that many 21st Century American Christians can relate to this kind of life, beyond a theoretical sence, anyway. Between this book and Tozer's The Knowledge of the Holy: The Attributes of God: Their Meaning in the Christian Life", I have found a wonderful 1-2 punch to pointing followers of Jesus in the right direction, and I read from both of these books almost daily in my devotional time. The more one hungers after God the more they will get out of this book, and if you want to hunger more after Him then this is a great place to start.



3. This little book is a must read for everyone trying to get closer to God. You don't have to commit a time for prayer, you can silently praise God throughout the day as you go about your work and in your quiet moments. The rewards far outweigh these simple efforts.



4. Brother Lawrence has given us a very practical approach to experiencing the presence of Christ moment-by-moment. He desribes in wonderful simplicity what it is like to walk in constant awareness of the love of God.
   
   Lawrence writes, "If I were a preacher, I would preach nothing but practicing the presence of God... I would urge everyone to be aware of God's constant presence, if for no other reason than because His presence is a delight to our souls and spirits."
   
   Lawrence shares of practical exercises that he found ushers him into the daily presence of God. What might seem ritualistic and unnatural... should become very natural and fluid. He covers the topic of effective prayer and helps us to break away from our religious concepts of the spiritual life. It is time to draw near to God as Person instead of the distant Father who demands work to gain favor.
   
   This little book will aid you in your pursuit of experiencing the depths and riches of Jesus Christ. It will help to bring about the much anticipated spiritual revolution that the church so desperately needs in our day. If you are ready to leave religion and are looking to find the natural faith of Christ... Brother Lawrence will help in that journey.
   
   I also recommend reading:
   
   EXPERIENCING THE DEPTHS OF JESUS CHRIST VOLUME 2
   THE SPIRITUAL MAN VOLUMES 1,2, 3
   The Release of the Spirit
   The Centrality of Jesus Christ (Works of T. Austin-Sparks) Volume One



5. Brother Lawrence's spiritual classic can be summarized in a few short steps:
   
   1. Have a mystical vision of the divine love of God. (Unfortunately, no hint of how this can be accomplished is given.)
   
   2. Renounce the world and everything in it. (Larry Bro apparently had no family, career, or other extenuating circumstances, so he joined a monastery as a lay brother and cook.)
   
   3. Pray ceaselessly, even while you're asleep. Don't worry about temptation, your neighbor, suffering, mortification, responsibility, complications, penance, formality, growth, doctrine, vocation, redemption, and anything else you can think of.
   
   After around four to ten years of tormenting doubt and fear (by his accounts) you'll be ready to bask in the warm glow of grace!
   
   The message of complete faith in God is indeed a great one. But the line between self-sacrifice and self-indulgence sometimes gets blurred. We are not given an account of any works of charity, love, or mercy that Brother Lawrence may have accomplished. Only that he went around happy all day. Somtimes he was so giddy with God's love that he would have to pinch himself to keep from giggling in front of other people. Then he derides normal people for not being drunk all day on spiritual consolations.
   
   What is truly ironic is that Brother Lawrence's path was, at the time, thought to be a great shortcut. Compared to the discipline required of monks in those days, I'm sure it was. Nowadays, Deepak Chopra Winfrey would probably be unimpressed. The great Saints would probably recommend that you pick up your cross and eschew the easy path.

5 comments about The Jesus Mysteries: Was the "Original Jesus" a Pagan God?.

1. I really loved reading this book, then I bought "Jesus and the Lost Goddess" by the same author, and it was good, but this one is better. If you enjoy this book, you should also read Freke and Gandy's book called "The Second Coming." It's very different, they seemed to be having more fun writing that one. I think they did all their heavy research in the earlier books and then decided to lighten up a little! I have to say, the "Jesus rant of 2000 years of pent up rage" at the end of the Second Coming book is worth the entire price alone!!!! I recommend reading this book, as well as the others they've written.



2. I came across this book during my study of the Quran, in Chapter 9 verse 30, where it is mentioned that `The Jews say, "Ezra is the son of God and the Christians say, "The Messiah is the son of god." Such are the baseless things they utter with their tongues, following in the footsteps of the former unbelievers.' This led to my research on the `former' prevailing religion at the time which was Osiris-Dionysus. I thank the authors from the bottom of my heart on writing such an insightful book, right on the subject. Although some of the issues in the book are very controversial and quite debatable but still the notes and references provided by the authors are plausible. I would recommend this book to everyone, a book one should always have in their personal library.



3. Some like to argue the sources for this book are older and not well known. Well compare this to Strobels, Case for Christ who's only written source is the New Testament.
   
   The arguements, claims, and opinions are made based on the best material available in the Jesus Mysteries.
   
   It seems they do take a harder line than necessary at times to prove that Jesus didn't exist.
   
   HOWEVER, this is so much factual historical evidence...it should help anyone make a decision on their own.
   
   Great read. Started with a chapter a day until Chapter 4...then couldn't put it down.
   
   I'm a non-christian but still spent time recently reading the Case FOR Christ, watching the DVD, and still read the New Testament.
   
   I mention that...because reading any topics in this area...one needs to have an open mind.
   
   This is a great read and I will be reading more of their books.



4. The authors offer nothing new. Rather, they spend a lot of time congratulating themselves on what a great job they have done and reciting the list of other books they have written that they think are just super and that you should also buy. They also seem to resent the amount of money other others (lesser authors, in their opinion) have made writing about the same subject. - It is not funny. It is not now. It's not much of anything. So save your time and save your money.



5. Everyone should read this book. The information explains so much about the foundations of Christianity. Most will be surprised to learn the origins of their belief systems, i.e., plagiarized stories and fables.

5 comments about Organic Disciplemaking: Mentoring Others Into Spiritual Maturity And Leadership.

1. If you want to make a lasting impact for Jesus Christ, this book is a must. McCallum and Lowery give Biblical, insightful, and practical ideas on how to promote and achieve Chritian formation in others. Not many have the gifting to lead thousands. Very few are effective at preaching to hundreds. Yet helping disciple one or two other Christians is something every Christian can do.



2. In the long tradition of The Lost Art of Disciple Making, Multiplying Disciples, and Disciples Are Made, Not Born, Organic Disciplemaking: How to promote Christian leadership development through personal relationships, biblical discipleship, mentoring, and Christian community is designed to do more than tell about the need for making disciples of Jesus. This is a book that painstakingly provides a path from start to finish.
   
   This book has the potential to be used by small group coaches to disciple and develop small group leaders. With today's small group ministries launching groups with leaders just a step ahead of their members, this could be a very helpful resource providing a pathway for mentoring.
   
   In its pages you will find more than stories of how it's working at Xenos. You'll also find the practical steps needed to begin a disciplemaking ministry in your own church. More importantly, you may find the inspiration to look for one life to pour into. After all, that is the point.



3. I really liked the book. It had the right theological framework necessary to grow God's people and care for the flock as well as providing very practical advise for helping those that want to engage in discipleship at different levels.
   
   I found the section on professional counseling rather difficult. I lean toward Biblical counseling which empowers God's people to counsel at different levels. I cringe at the advise most people get when they see psychiatrists. The problem is real, however. You were brave enough to speak about it. I would think something not so sophisticated speaking about this might be more appropriate for the readers of this book.
   
   Your section on quality conversation and friendship making will surely be helpful to some.
   
   It is a good basic book that helps people trying to make discipleship work in their cell groups.
   I already started talking about your book and will pass it on to some of our pastors



4. For a number of years now I've been working on a practical how-to book on discipleship. Dennis McCallum has beaten me to the punch with Organic Disciple Making. He's written the most practical book on how to disciple people I've ever read.
   
   Time and time again I find myself saying, "Yup, he nailed that one; that's how it works." For example, early on the book covers the subject of modeling and its key role in making disciples. Later it delves into the practical questions of how you counsel and disciple through various issues or how you deal with blocks in their development.
   
   For example McCallum distinguishes the difference between weakness and resistance and the appropriate response of a disciple maker. A disciple struggling with weakness generally needs encouragement, whereas a disciple who is resistant often needs confrontation and possibly discipline.
   
   I loved that the book had a whole section on coaching and I loved that its counsel is both biblically grounded and rooted in the everyday experience of someone who leads 250 home churches. I've read so many books on discipleship and few drill down to address the questions ordinary people have as they struggle to help their disciples grow.
   
   All of us who have committed ourselves to following Jesus and representing his name need to learn how to make disciples. It was the last thing he asked us to do before leaving the earth. If you as a Jesus-follower feel like you need help in learning how to do this in a way that feels natural, do yourself a favor and get Organic Disciple Making.



5. We purchased twenty copies which we used as a text book for a 13 week class at church, mixed men and women. The thrust of the class was to help the students know what is involved in finding, mentoring, teaching, and releasing a disciple in a one-on-one long term committed relationship. The book made a good back drop for the course in so far as it gave us a track to run on, since none of us had taught this subject before. As the teacher, I found several of the chapters to be spot on target and I used them pretty much exclusively for about half the course. Other chapters however were either weaker in content or just didn't cut to the specific deliverable I wanted to get across, so I supplemented with independent material. Several of my students had gone to the church website (Xenos) to check it out and were a little worried about the "casual" approach to ministering. Our church takes a more conservative approach and some behaviors that are considered culturally permissible, like smoking, course language, etc. we tend to frown on and believe the Holy Spirit through the process of Sanctification will cleanse the mature believer of. We therefore don't condone or model those behaviors in an attempt to woo the non or immature believer into sticking with us. Fortunately almost none of this came out in the book. Moreover, the book (and Xenos fellowship) rely heavily on "cell churches" which we also do not subscribe to. This method did come out in the book and so I had to customize the content for my class when it did. This was not a problem though. All in all, I'm glad I chose the book because it lived up to its "organic" name. That is, it got right to the heart of mentoring one on one, as opposed to many books I've seen that are more "clinical" or targeted to my own discipleship and walk with the Lord. This book definitely got us into the messy "human-ness" of one man pouring his life into another man, or woman to woman.

5 comments about In God's Name: An Investigation Into the Murder of Pope John Paul I.

1. It seems to me that Mr Yallop has made no progress in his investigations since releasing this very same book over 20 years ago.He seems to be flogging a dead horse (no sarcasm intended).John Cornwell's Thief in the Night is a far more credible ,if not entirely complete, work.The Vatican is apparently initiated an investigation into Pope John Paul 1's untimely death.The cause for this Pope's Beatification and Canonization is well under way, so this may result in the eventual exhumation of theis Pope's body, thus facilitating a forensic or ragular autopsy. The release of this book seems to be wishful thinking regarding Pope Benedicr xvi---a little ghoulish. This book is not recommended , unless you enjoy crime fiction or the recent rash of CSI TV shows.



2. Fascinating read, although I'no not sure I buy in to all the conspiracy theories surrounging the death of Pope John Paul I. Still worth the read to stimulate thinking about the Vatican and its inner-workings. Makes you think.



3. From 1978 to 1983, the Vatican's strategy was to suppress the memory of the liberal 33 day pope and the true circumstances of his mysterious death. Then in 1984, David Yallop's `In God's Name' did a riveting job in proving this pope was murdered. In 1985, the Vatican recruited clergy in several countries to write brief biographical sketches that painted him out to be a man who ignored the issues of his day and spent his life on his knees. Nothing could be further from the truth, as for twenty years as a bishop he had been a rampaging locomotive running about the Vatican, the courts and Parliament of Italy struggling for human rights for the oppressed; the reason he had risen to the papacy.
   
   There have been several books written about this pope's unwitnessed death, of which I would give only two of them more than one star. Many of the others have been commissioned by the Vatican to spread the misconception that this man died of a heart attack. Only two of them tell the truth. This book 'In God's Name' and 'Murder in the Vatican' by Lucien Gregoire.
   
   Whereas, no one is going to walk away from either of these books without the firm conviction this man was murdered, there is a difference. Yallop claims the Pope was murdered because of his involvement in the Vatican Bank. Gregoire presents compelling proof that two Opus Dei bishops, who rose to high rank shortly after the Polish pope was elected, masterminded the murders of John Paul and his six closest friends in the fall of 1978. He answers the question, "Did John Paul's struggle for planned parenthood, the remarried, women, sexual orientation and others cost him his life?" Yet, the credit goes mostly to Yallop, for had he not written his book, all the others would have never written their books.



4. Murder in the Vatican: The Revolutionary Life of John Paul and The Vatican Murders of 1978
   
   Yallop does a riveting job in proving this pope was murdered; something that most Europeans already know, yet, Americans find hard to accept.
   
   Anyone who takes the time to read `In God's Name' will find that Yallop's investigation is not based on assumptions or conjecture, but absolute fact. Yallop presents substantial evidence pointing to Cardinal Villot, the Vatican Secretary of State, and Paul Marcinkus, the President of the Vatican Bank, as being among the culprits. I followed Albino Luciani for many years and I have read every book about his death, and I have found that all of Yallop's copycats have concluded that these two were among the conspirators.
   
   Recently I found an exception. Lucien Gregoire's `Murder in the Vatican' presents equally compelling evidence that Villot and Marcinkus had nothing to do with the murder of John Paul - he points the finger in an entirely different direction and proves his case. In addition to giving you Luciani's death, Gregoire gives you his life - something that the others ignored. He proves you will never understand the mystery of John Paul's death, unless first you first understand the mystery of his life. You can get a glimpse of Luciani's life on JohnPaul1 org.
   
   Yet, anyone interested in this subject, should begin with `In God's Name'. There is a reason why it sold over six million copies. It's the tops, you know.



5. This is an erudite accounting of BOTH the putative murder of Pope John Paul I and Vatican finances. Written by an editor of the Wall Street Journal, this book reads like an arcane mystery or true crime book. It is a good reminder that the love of money breeds evil. A must read for crime buffs and good Catholics (I am one!)

1 comments about Why I Became an Atheist: A Former Preacher Rejects Christianity.

1. John W. Loftus has written an important book that should be read by every Christian who cares about truth and reality. This is not the angry rant of some disgruntled former believer with an axe to grind. Loftus is thorough, fair and convincing. As a former Christian minister and apologist who became an atheist, he knows both sides of the belief question very well.
   
   The insights and detailed information contained in this book make for enlightening reading. There is much for everyone, from believers who are courageous enough to think more deeply about their faith to nonbelievers who want to better understand the arguments Christians make in defense of their religion. I highly recommend this book.
   
   
   
   --Guy P. Harrison, author of 50 Reasons People Give for Believing in a God

5 comments about Always Enough: God's Miraculous Provision among the Poorest Children on Earth.

1. I could not put this short book down & neither will you. If you've ever wondered what Jesus really meant when He spoke of becoming like a little child, then this is for you because it reveals the result of two brilliant minds literally "laying it all down" to become childlike lovers & trusters of Jesus. This is THE most inspiring book I have ever read & they are the two happiest, most fulfilled people I know. Buy it, read it, pass it along.



2. I read this book while on a mission trip in Swaziland (borders Mozambique). The plight of African orphans was before my eyes daily during this time, while the great HOPE of what God has done in the midst of similar children's pain was evident by the reading of this book. The accounts of God's work in the lives of these children are supernatural and awesome. The Baker's ministry make it evident that love changes people. My prayer is that this powerful account will motivate those who have been called to orphan ministry to move with boldness into the field. It certainly has called me to be more involved in bringing the hope of the gospel to orphans. For anyone who is interested in orphan ministry, I also recommend Fields of the Fatherless by C Thomas Davis.



3. THANK YOU SOOOOO MUCH FOR THE FAST SHIPPING..THE BOOK LOOKS GREAT!! WILL DO BUSINES WITH AGAIN!! GOD BLESS



4. Very heart touching! My husband and I couldn't put this book down until we finished it!



5. An extremely well written book, that is hard to stop reading.
   All serious Christians need to read a book about surrender, humility, and love for
   God. As a result of the author's utter dependence upon God and their willingness to
   live with and help the "poorest of the poor", they saw miracle after miracle.
   Even people laden with disease and hunger and loneliness ran to God when Heidi
   visited them and spoke of a God who loved them and would take care of them.
   An important book which needs to be read. The average church today hopes to see
   miracles, but won't until it does what the author's did through the help of God
   who's just waiting for people to give up all for Him.

5 comments about When Jesus Became God: The Struggle to Define Christianity during the Last Days of Rome.

1. The only three star book I've read that I consider a must read.
   
   I knew from the many reviews on this title that this book has hit on a lot of passions within the Christian, Jewish, and secular community. What I didn't expect to see was that many of the passions of my fellow Amazon reviewers would in fact reveal themselves in this book. Granted, no one is plotting murder, providing false witness (at least not to my knowledge), or threatened with being excommunicated from Amazon (thank God we are all more mature than that), but I was shocked at how history often repeats itself within us. Although in our case it's just the war of ideas. It's too bad the main players during this time period didn't do the same.
   
   I honestly feel that every Christian should read this book. Some pro-Trinitarians I have spoken with despise this book with a passion. I would ask why? The epistles clearly speak about false Christianities popping up long before the events in this book ever transpired. Should we be persuaded by the conclusions of the counsel of Nicea or any other counsel during this time? What if emperor Valens (the pro Arian) had not died? What if a pro-Arian faith developed that eventually looked more like modern day Unitarianism? Would we be calling Trinitarians heretics? The main players that lived during this period of time showed very little similarities (if at all) to the apostles of The Bible. The word of God is where every Christian should draw his/her conclusions from.
   
   Much has been said to Richard Rubenstein's ability to be unbiased. Well he's not unbiased. As a matter of fact no one is! The reader must be willing to draw from the facts written, and not confuse the author's conclusions as fact (though they are often very helpful). I have never read any work where the author has not at least attempted to draw conclusions, or sum up the main points concerning a particular event. No one says you have to come to his same conclusions. This should not discredit this book.
   
   Richard Rubenstein truly brings a religious conflict to life. Christians murdering Christians, false witnesses, scandals, and men running churches who no one in their right mind would trust to watch their dog. Many of the men from this time looked, resembled, and sounded more like the Pharisees and Sadducees that crucified our Lord Jesus Christ than holy men of God. This is a book that you should read, draw your OWN CONCLUSIONS from based on scripture, and use to recognize these same attributes in others. This is a worthy read.
   
   I give Mr. Rubenstein 3 stars for lack of clarity. This book is badly in need of multiple appendices not just a who's who in the back. The historical events happen so quickly as you move through the book it can be difficult to keep the minor players, and movements straight. A chart with a time-line is really needed. I could have moved much quicker through the book with a little more help. That aside Mr. Rubenstein gets the honor of being the only 3 star book I consider a must read.



2. 
   The only three star book I've read that I consider a must read.
   
   I knew from the many reviews on this title that this book has hit on a lot of passions within the Christian, Jewish, and secular community. What I didn't expect to see was that many of the passions of my fellow Amazon reviewers would in fact reveal themselves in this book. Granted, no one is plotting murder, providing false witness (at least not to my knowledge), or threatened with being excommunicated from Amazon (thank God we are all more mature than that), but I was shocked at how history often repeats itself within us. Although in our case it's just the war of ideas. It's too bad the main players during this time period didn't do the same.
   
   I honestly feel that every Christian should read this book. Some pro-Trinitarians I have spoken with despise this book with a passion. I would ask why? The epistles clearly speak about false Christianities popping up long before the events in this book ever transpired. Should we be persuaded by the conclusions of the counsel of Nicea or any other counsel during this time? What if emperor Valens (the pro Arian) had not died? What if a pro-Arian faith developed that eventually looked more like modern day Unitarianism? Would we be calling Trinitarians heretics? The main players that lived during this period of time showed very little similarities (if at all) to the apostles of The Bible. The word of God is where every Christian should draw his/her conclusions from.
   
   Much has been said to Richard Rubenstein's ability to be unbiased. Well he's not unbiased. As a matter of fact no one is! The reader must be willing to draw from the facts written, and not confuse the author's conclusions as fact (though they are often very helpful). I have never read any work where the author has not at least attempted to draw conclusions, or sum up the main points concerning a particular event. No one says you have to come to his same conclusions. This should not discredit this book.
   
   Richard Rubenstein truly brings a religious conflict to life. Christians murdering Christians, false witnesses, scandals, and men running churches who no one in their right mind would trust to watch their dog. Many of the men from this time looked, resembled, and sounded more like the Pharisees and Sadducees that crucified our Lord Jesus Christ than holy men of God. This is a book that you should read, draw your OWN CONCLUSIONS from based on scripture, and use to recognize these same attributes in others. This is a worthy read.
   
   I give Mr. Rubenstein 3 stars for lack of clarity. This book is badly in need of multiple appendices not just a who's who in the back. The historical events happen so quickly as you move through the book it can be difficult to keep the minor players, and movements straight. A chart with a time-line is really needed. I could have moved much quicker through the book with a little more help. That aside Mr. Rubenstein gets the honor of being the only 3 star book I consider a must read.



3. Excellent book which shows how a paganised Church declared Jesus to be God over 300 years after his birth. It is quite obvious that Jesus was a man (a very special man - the Son of God) otherwise the early Christians who were Jews and fiercely monotheistic would not have been converted to Christ.



4. I came to this book, and the subject matter, from outside of Christianity and as such I do not have any background to discuss any of theological matters raised. Any comment on my part cannot have any value, (unlike many of the other Reviewers who have a lifetime of background on the various Theologies of Christianity).
   
   My first concern was to understand the basic concepts of Deity from a Christian viewpoint; from a viewpoint of Deity which has three distinct elements making up the whole (this is still a difficult concept for me to fully comprehend, as it appears to have been for millennia to others who were of the Christian faith - hence the current status of today's Church which is fragmented not on the basis of Jesus as God, but purely on doctrinal and ritualistic matters). As far as gaining some little understanding of the basic Theological concepts which is the basis of Christianity I find that the time spent reading this book was extremely well spent, Finally I have been able to learn, appreciate (if not fully to understand),the basic concepts which are the basis of a Christian Deity, and to understand its proper place in G-d's Universe.
   
   This is a wonderful little book, which is totally lacking in any kind of judgment; it clearly explains to the layman the difficult concept of Christian Theology, upon which personal belief is supposed to be based: Concepts and Faith which have shaped human Society for the past two millennia, and which even today continue to do so.
   
   Yet it is more than just a book on Theology past and present. Is is in fact a book on many levels, retelling the difficult period of conflicting approaches to Deity within the early Church. It clearly explains the origins of Christianity as we know it today from two distinct viewpoints; the Spiritual world of faith and belief as developed by the various factions of the early Church fathers, and the Material world of the here and now, and the present Church which has evolved as a result of the the early, and close, relationship between the various factions of the early Church Fathers, and the ruling Emperors of the day. There appears to be a distinct relationship between most of the organizational structures of the present day Church and the Imperial structures of the later Roman Empire. Is this mere coincidence?
   
   The most fascinating part for me, as a reader with no background of Christianity and the early Church, and of the period known as the late Roman Empire, was the re telling of a living society of the period; a historically "empty" period in human affairs, and the survival of the Roman Empire (and with it the Survival of the Church); this despite continuous Persian threats and never ending wars; and this at a time when mostly "Barbarian Legions" protected the borders of the Empire; a time of great "Barbarian" migrations toward what we know today as Europe, and the ever present internal threats which these "Barbarians" presented - this despite the fact that they were mostly, by that time, also of the Christian faith - as was the whole of the Roman Empire. The Church accepted their CITIZENSHIP as Christians without discrimination, unlike the Empire which used their fighting skills but refused them Roman Citizenship - a condition which created unrest and revolt. For a more detailed history on this matter read "Justinian's Flea."
   
   As a Jew I would be very much poorer, intellectually, if I had not read this book: as a human being I feel much richer in finally being able to vaguely understand, and to fully appreciate, the basis of my neighbors spiritual beliefs, and the spiritual and legal basis of our present society. The reading is easy, the subject matter is lofty, and the rewards are both intellectually and spiritually uplifting.



5. While it is true that the author is not a theologian, he is a professor specializing in religious conflict. What better application of his field that one of the earliest conflicts of the Christian era? The text neither argues for, nor against a particular religion.
   
   It is readable by someone of almost any religion (except the Church of Intolerance). It lays out some of the major trends and events that crystalized the central dogmas of Christianity, and it does so clearly and readably. It focuses precisely on the content defined by its subtitle -- "The Struggle to Define Christianity during the Last Days of Rome."
   
   My only disappointment with the book is that almost all of it covers the struggle between "Jesus is God" and "Jesus was created by God." Then, almost as an afterthought, it concludes with, 'and then the doctrine of Trinity happened.' I would have liked to read a longer text that gave more coverage to this transition, in addition to the material it covered. As it stands, it left me with the sense that I had read 10 chapters of back-and-forth between the two opposing camps, and then, in the final sentence it said, 'and so the conflict was resolved by going sideways.'
   
   A good read: entertaining in addition to being educational. Perhaps Trinity will be the sequel?