5 comments about Recovering Biblical Manhood and Womanhood: A Response to Evangelical Feminism.

1. John Piper, and friends, are true Godly people seeking to help us understand God's Word. This book does that and the commentary included on this book by others shows the unwillingness to submit to the authority of God's Word and His Son. God's Word, and this book, show a beautiful role of men and women that, if followed, help make for a better world. It does NOT in any way put women down. It DOES have specific roles for each, Godly roles, that have been time-test when followed.



2. The book arrived in great shape in a very timely fashion. Thanks!



3. Recovering Biblical Manhood and Womanhood is a much needed response to the 20 and 21st century evangelical church disregarding the clear commands of Scripture. It seems as though a whole cottage industry of Evangelical feminist publications has been established to try to argue against what the Bible so clearly states - that God created both men and women in His own image(so that they both have worth and equal value), BUT He also created them different and with different roles to complement each other and in the home and in the church God established that men should lovingly lead. God's created order is a good order, the feminism of our day has distorted that order, but God's command and order stands true in every generation, men are to lead in the family and men are to lead and teach in the assembled church (woman are not prohibited from teaching children or other woman). This book provides a good vision and defense of, what on the face of it, to most Bible readers is clear and a scholarly refutation of those who deny this order.



4. Please get yourself a copy of the DVD set - "Women in Ministry, silenced or set free" - by MMoutreach (available at Amazon or MMoutreach).
   
   For a TRUE and thorough Bible study on this subject, please view "Women in Ministry, silenced or set free" - by MMoutreach.
   Very thorough, and examines this subject from Genesis onwards......
   
   In these DVD's, many teachings and opinions from the Council of Biblical Manhood and Womanhood are clearly challenged, and absolutely refuted by thorough scriptural studies of the original manuscripts in the greek and the original grammar.
   
   These are done in absolute context, and are compared with the teachings of the entire Bible - so that the truth of this matter rings out loud and clear to anyone who will seek to know it.



5. Very interesting but lots of words-I am not done reading it yet. Well written and John Piper is one of my favorite authors so I know it will be great.

5 comments about It's Not About Me: Rescue From the Life We Thought Would Make Us Happy.

1. We are using this book in our Sunday School and have had some great discussions! Definitely recommend it to other groups.



2. I liked this book for about the first twenty or thirty pages. Then I realized that Lucado had nothing else to say, yet he continued on for over one hundred more pages. This book is far too redundant to be worth reading cover to cover.



3. A splendid book, that debunks prosperity ministry's, be happy ministry's, or any other theology puts function of the message above God. Creation is about bringing God the Glory. Church Ministry should be about bringing God the Glory. Christians should be content in God's will. The purpose is not Christian contentment but to bring God the glory. The Church is to bring God Glory; I am to bring the focus to God. Through Salvation of fallen men God is glorified. But even to that end the purpose of `church' is not to preach the word so people accept Jesus as Savior. The purpose of church is to bring God the glory.
   
   The author of this book illustrates this fact by demonstrating how man likes to believe he is the center of attention. He argues the earth is not the center of the universe or the galaxy. The earth revolves around the Sun. The moon does not have its own light but reflects the light of the Sun. Christians are to be Son reflectors. Not to show forth their own glory but the glory of Jesus Christ. Jesus brought glory to the Father so are Christians to bring glory to the Son.
   
   I used the phrase: Soli Deo Gloria as the title because it represents the phrase of the reformation that best represents this work. This book does not contain Latin phrases and is written so those not well versed in scripture can understand, but it underlying truth is still to God be the glory or to God be the Glory Only.



4. I never really got into this book. May have been me? I found it to be simplistic and slow, never really held my interest. I did finally finish the book, but to be honest, I didn't retain anything of a positive nature.



5. Somehow, I've managed to go this far as a Christian without ever reading a book by Max Lucado, though of course, I'm quite familiar with his name. I picked up this book because the subject matter sounded good. Unfortunately, Mr. Lucado's writing which was full of jokes, often inappropriate, as well as his quoting of The Message Bible (which is not at all faithful to the Word of God), soon turned me away. In addition, he seemed to say the same thing a thousand times and to just be padding the book, which is still only 140 pages!
   
   Here's an example of the constant joking: "The moon is happy to do so! [to reflect the glory of the sun] You never hear the moon complaining. She makes no waves about making waves. Let the cow jump over her or astronauts step on her; she never objects. Even though sunning is accepted while mooning is the butt of bad jokes, you won't hear ol' Cheeseface grumble." p 6 I feel the sunning and mooning bit is inappropriate in any context. The example of the moon reflecting the sun's glory was fine, but all of the other joking distracts from his message. And there were numerous other examples in the 27 pages I read of this constant joking.
   
   Are you familiar with Psalm 29, which begins (in the NKJV), "Give unto the Lords, O you mighty ones, Give unto the Lord Glory and strength. Give unto the Lord the glory due to His name; Worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness." Well he quotes The Message Bible which begins the psalm, "Bravo, God, braco! Gods and all angels shout, "Encore!" In awe before the glory, in awe before God's visible power. Stand at attention! Dress your best to honor Him!" That is NOT the Word of God! And it doesn't even capture much of the meaning. How does worshipping the Lord in the beauty of holiness become about dressing our best to honor Him?????
   
   And those first 27 pages could have been condensed into 4 or 5 once you removed the joking and the constant repetitiveness. Each chapter really felt like a 1-page devotional desperately padded with fluff to make it into a whole chapter.
   
   Definitely pass on this book. Maybe other books by this author are more appropriate, but I don't expect to be reading any others to be finding out. I'm very disappointed.

5 comments about Cracking the Communication Code: The Secret to Speaking Your Mate's Language.

1. I've not read the entire book yet, but am anxious to do so. This, in my opinion, is a must read for every couple wanting to strengthen their marriage. Good basic "stuff" we all need to know.



2. After reading the book, I realize that marriage is a spiritual path. Marriage is a relationship that tests me to reach a higher spiritual plane and to connect with God. I really liked Emerson's prayer of commitment. I don't normally buy Christian books and I had to "decode" a few things for myself to so I could relate to it, but after reading it, I have more appreciation for the nature of man and the nature of woman and how to respect and appreciate our differences. I also have more appreciation for the teachings of Jesus. Thank you Emerson!



3. I read Emerson's previous book "Love And Respect" 7 times, just because it was so good and it touched my heart deeply. The principles in his book are so profound and important that it was no surprise that Emerson decided to write a follow-up book called "Cracking the Communication Code: The Secret to Speaking Your Mate's Language". The material in this book goes into great detail about the inner workings of conflict and Emerson picks apart typical marital arguments and shows the reader exactly the dynamics that are at play.
   
   I give this book 4 stars instead of 5 because it is rather long-winded in places and because this book comes across to me as Emerson's exhaustive exposition and commentary on the core principles and crux of the "Love And Respect" book. In other words, there isn't a lot of NEW material.
   
   Having said that, I don't want to discourage anyone from reading this book. If you haven't read either of these two books, then I'd suggest the "Love And Respect" book first, but if you buy this one, you get a "mini-Love And Respect" recap "book-within-a-book" in the first few chapters.
   
   Good job Emerson! I would love to attend one of your conferences when you are in my area!



4. This series (Love & Respect and Cracking the Communication Code) are very convictng and life changing. Highly recommended.



5. If you've attended Emerson Eggerichs' Love and Respect marriage seminar and want to recommend one of his books to a friend (or review the material on your own), but haven't read either Love and Respect or CCC, Cracking the Communication Code most closely parallels the marriage seminar (and/or the Love and Respect DVD of the seminar). I recommended CCC to a friend, rather than L&R because I could give her a more knowledgeable recommendation - in other words, if it's anything like the L&R seminar, it's going to revolutionize your marriage.
   
   I am very impressed with how balanced the presentation is - many marriage books I've read, and counseling my husband and I have received over the years, always reinforced my role as the more loving (and therefore better) spouse, and my husband was the one who really needed to change. The L&R seminar and CCC made me see how I also contribute to issues in the marriage (whether I mean to or not), and helped me understand my husband's point of view (reminding me that he is good-willed at heart - afterall why did we get married in the first place?), and helped me look for, see, and attempt to better meet his deepest needs. Our culture is very Love-based, and we seem to see a man's need for respect as a bad thing - arrogance, male ego, male chauvinism... etc, without understanding that being respected for who he is, despite his performance, is what makes a man feel valued, and makes him act more loving.
   
   Of course, I'm speaking as the wife, but my husband says, "For the first time in our marriage, I understand, and I now have practical tools I can use to better meet your needs."
   
   If you ever have a chance to view the DVD series or attend a seminar, you should try - Emerson is hilarious and so absolutely nails men and women and how we relate (or don't) to one another. It's definitely a "spoonful of sugar makes the medicine go down" delivery - laughing at yourself as you are stabbed to your core with the truth.

5 comments about The Myth of a Christian Nation: How the Quest for Political Power Is Destroying the Church.

1. This book should be required reading for all seminary students, whatever the denomination. I am passing it on to several people and will happily recommend it to others. As a professing Christian, it is my priviledge to work toward the coming of the Kingdom of God which resides in the hearts of men and women, not in the nation's capitol. God help us all to remember that.



2. I was intrigued by the title of this book so I sent for it. It is probably the most challenging book I have read for several years. Boyd presents starkly the differences between the Kingdom of God -- which if you are in doubt about what that really is - he cuts through lots of verbage and says that the Kingdom of God looks like Jesus-a good yardstick for self measuring one's actions-both goals and strategies -- and the Kingdom of this world. Using the Bible and specific references heavily, and laying out his own biases and conclusions - particularly where war and peace are concerned helps the reader to locate the genesis of Boyd's ideas. He covers many of the requisite "hot button" topics of our time-war, abortion,homosexuality, poverty in such a way that rather than "telling" the reader how to think, Boyd sets up a scriptural scaffolding so the reader is free to cling to his or her own belief coming in -- or to challenge those beliefs altogether -- or to change the behavior one has toward others who believe differently. Boyd's most striking challenge/reminder to me is that Jesus does not exert power over, - the way many in our society, and the way many Christians call for - but power under - He lifts, undergirds, and bleeds for the other. Long after reading this book, I find myself challenged by the question "Does this look like Jesus" - what is the "coming under" action, goal, strategy required here. On the other side of the coin, he reminds that no country is the Kingdom of God, no political system, no party. . . and in its own way that is comforting too.



3. This is an excellent book, that every Christian in America should read. It is eye opening and informative. It not only gives you much to consider and think about, but you are challenged in some of your beliefs in relation from political to the kingdom of God.



4. Greg Boyd has opened a new perspective on our role in society. Whereas many would have us walk boldly into the belief that having the power of the government will solve all the ills of society; instead the Lord calls us to wield a different sort of power. A power of service, self-sacrifice and loving concern for others. This is the type of first century belief that turned the world upside down. Something we are sorely in need of today as well. Thank you Mr. Boyd.



5. Boyd's book put into words what I have been feeling in my heart but could not articulate myself to satisfaction. Since I am a person of tender heart who wants to be good, I have often struggled with the guilt trip that the Christian right tends to impose--all the shoulds and should-nots--i.e. I should vote Republican and go to world view weekend and collect literature about the voilent muslims etc. I should support President Bush and tell others to do the same and if I question anything then I am a liberal and ought to "know better" For so long I have known in my heart that something was amiss here. Deep down in my heart I knew that such things were not the defining point as to whether one was "saved" or not. Deep down I knew that there have always been "liberal" Christians and it was not a matter of "us against them." Political ideology does not define whether or not one belongs to Christ. Deep down I knew that I ultimately had to follow my own heart and the love and depth of character that my God was slowly instilling in my soul through prayer and a deeper walk. I knew in my heart that it clashed with the version of Christianity that I had grown up with and had instilled in my mind. But a wise person once told me that one can be convinced of just about anything with their mind (or by rationalizing it) but I had to be convinced in my heart if I was ever going to be at peace with my Christian walk. Now that I had been convinced in my heart, I had no way to articulate this to others who insist on being convinced with their minds--until now. Boyd does a tremendous job of articulating the heart for the sake of the mind. Now, whenever someone tries to lay a guilt trip on me, my heart can send me back to Boyd's book to convince my mind. The problem is solved. No more guilt! Thank you Dr. Boyd!

5 comments about Nine Things You Simply Must Do: To Succeed in Love and Life.

1. This is the best book I have read for finding success in life - hands down. Any of these "Nine Things" can bring about a great improvement in the reader's quality of life. All of them together is a great foundation for building a life of legacy.
   
   Read it, study it. It's worth the time.



2. This takes some study and time to read, but the basics rules of life in the book come from decades of counseling and therapy work by this fine doctor.
   
   My favorite and most difficult to achieve? To do the right thing, even though others may become angry or upset. So hard if you are raised to be polite and always try to please. But totally necessary to accomplish what you must in life.
   
   Good job, Dr. Cloud.



3. Cloud does a good job on how to have a successful life. First, you must find what you would like to do as a career. Second, deal with problems by fixing it or eliminating it. Third, create a well thought out plan step by step all the way to reaching successs. Also think about options and see if they will hurt you or help you in the future. Fourth, be proactive, be a person of action. Fifth, be dilligent and industrious by doing something and make progress, no matter how small the progress is. Sixth, Be sure to fix what you hate in a positive way. Seventh, do not seek justice for yourself, seek rather to give mercy and forgive. Eighth, study and grow in humility. Ninth, realize that you cannot please everyone.



4. This is a MUST read for 2007. It is very good, and very practical and really makes you think. It's is beautifully written. Hands down, amazon is by far the cheapest.



5. Anyone who is living in this world and wants more out of life should read this book. It is amazing at the simple things successful people do that seem so small and that you don't even notice that are really huge oaks in their lives and make them so successful over long periods of time and through their life. This book can help you in every area of your life and especially if you are finding life difficult, a living death, a hard road to walk... this book will give you great insight on how to live LIFE to it's fullest in practical way and get results that you didn't think were possible. I could go on and on about it, but I promise you, get it, read it, and you will never look back.

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

1. I recommend this book to everyone. It taught me so much about our countrys history and the very important part God has played in developing our great country. A must read for all concerned citizens.



2. Once again Newt knocks the ball out of the park. One of the largest single issues facing America right now is the left's desire to take us on a path divergent to what our founders desired. One of the most important pieces of this nation's foundation is the morals and values brought by our religious heritage. This was extremely important to our founding father's and Newt points this out concisely.



3. 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.



4. 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



5. 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!

5 comments about Crazy for God: How I Grew Up as One of the Elect, Helped Found the Religious Right, and Lived to Take All (or Almost All) of It Back.

1. I wanted to hate this book, as I still feel some sort of disingenuous loyalty to the evangelical right, as I was part of the whole American Jesus Movement in the 70's which eventually led to my sojourn to English L'Abri in the early 80's, Arriving at L'Abri with a head full of Hal Lindsay, CS Lewis and of course Francis Schaeffer, and meanderings from road trips I had taken to est, the Human Potential Movement. and Transcendental Meditation and of course drugs, my heart was confused and furious at the Christian right, in which I felt obligated to pursue, but my intellect and common sense told me that I felt more leanings towards the New Left. Falwell, Pat Robertson, James Robison, and all the phony TV charlatans made me ill, and I hated their narrow minded approach to God and their ridiculous homophobic and sexist dogma. What was I doing in their camp anyway? I felt horrible that I had no opinion about the "Right to Life", because as a gay male, the subject just never was that important to my life. And I also did not feel that Francis Schaeffer was my mentor in life, although I truly appreciated his relationship to art and culture, something the Farwell's of the world would never appreciate. My small born again church with good people were the folks who encouraged me to set sail to Greatham England for a 3 month study adventure. Maybe I could feel that I belonged in evangelical circles!
   
   At L'abri, I read Franky's book Addicted to Mediocrity, which shamed the bumper sticker American Christians who proselytized with slogans such as "Christians Aren't Perfect, Just Forgiven", and encouraged Christians to get involved in the culture not reject it. I noticed that Franky was treated with suspicion in the community because of his strong opinions that may have not walked the evangelical party line, even though he was appearing on dismal shows like 700 Club and other evangelical horrors with Dr Schaeffer. I loved my time at L'Abri and I found Frank's sister Susan and her husband to be warm and caring.
   
   This book is a thoughtful depiction of a young man who was ignored under the shadow of a very powerful depressed father, and an extremely narcissistic mother. Frankie points out his struggles and so thoroughly describes the trials of growing up under the headlights of an evangelical star, and so clearly describes his pain and loneliness during that time. No wonder, folks at the community described Frankie as being a spoiled brat, but I see that he was more a neglected brat. The descriptions of his boarding school experiences, the eccentric way his family lived, his father's dark suicidal moods and his mother's need to discount her husband due to her fierce competition to be the true evangelical star and the physical abuse his mother sustained, all contributed to the confusion that Frank Schaeffer must have felt in those early years and later in his own ministry with his father where he sacrificed his artistic talents to pursue his father's dreams. This book would be a great movie, a sort of John Knowles meets Augustine Burroughs.
   
   Other critics including Oz Guiness, another evangelical writer, think that Frank Schaeffer is angry, but I see him as being truthful and extremely open. He had the unfortunate placement in that family as being the baby, and he got most of the insanity, although his sisters still were affected deeply by the pain of trying to create a Christian community, in spite of their own personal demons. I applaud Frank Schaeffer for addressing the hypocrisy in the church and sharing his often tormented life. This may be the catalyst I need to finally make a clean break, as I still feel that I have an evangelical monkey on my back!



2. I became an evangelical Christian in 1984, and one of the first heavy-hitter apologetic authors I discovered was Francis Schaeffer. His son, known at the time as "Franky," was also writing books, and as my first Christian mentor said to me, "Franky's a bit more radical than his father." I liked both authors, since at the time I was big on Christian conspiracies and rigid theology as promulgated by such fundamentalist luminaries as Jack Chick and Bill Gothard. I dove deep into the evangelical world, attending various churches, serving in many ministries, and even graduating from seminary with a Pastoral Studies MA degree in 2002.
   
   However, during the last year it all came crashing down, ironically after walking the 500-mile Camino de Santiago pilgrimage trail in Spain. During my trek I had plenty of time to think about the last two decades, and in the end I came to a decision. Yes, as an evangelical I'd made a few good friends and had some positive experiences. But the bad far outweighed the good. I'd had enough of trying to jam theological square pegs into the round holes of rationality. Plus, I could take no more cult-of-personality pastors, egotistical theologians, holier-than-thou legalisms, guilt trips, and plain goofiness. So when reality intruded on my faith, I either had to acknowledge it or shut my eyes even tighter. I chose the former option and abandoned evangelicalism.
   
   As part of my journey I read the "new atheist" books by Hitchens, Dawkins, Stenger, and so forth. Although I found them challenging and relevant (along with abrasive and polemic), these authors have probably never bought into any religious belief. I wanted a story written by an intelligent, high-level Christian, someone who had originally dedicated their life to the evangelical church but ended up leaving for conscience's sake. With "Crazy for God" I found exactly what I was looking for. Here was fundamentalist firebrand Franky Schaeffer, now reborn as Frank, telling his fascinating story of living, as the cover blurb says, to "take it all (or almost all) of it back." I could barely put it down.
   
   Mr. Schaeffer pulls no punches when it comes to evangelicals, family, and even himself. The most sympathetic figure is his father Francis, who seemed trapped in a joyless fundamentalist world he didn't create or desire. As for the author, it appears that his biggest problems with Christianity were its failure to overcome the baser instincts of human nature, and the ever-present stifling legalism he endured: witness the pious evangelical leaders who used the Schaeffers to advance their ministries (and themselves), his three sisters, who put up false fronts of stability while burning out and breaking down under Mrs. Schaeffer's relentless perfectionism, and young Frank, who goofed off, partied hard, and fornicated with abandon in plain sight at L'Abri, the family ministry center in Switzerland.
   
   As one might expect in such a context, parts of this book are quite harsh - it's plain that the author is still nursing past wounds. Mr. Schaeffer is brutally transparent about everything from the voracious sensual appetites of his youth to the familial abuse within his household. In addition, he spares none of the evangelical royalty that his family encountered, including the "power-crazed" Dr. James Dobson, the "very weird" Billy Graham, and Pat Robertson, whose wacky exploits get more airtime than I can quote. He even rakes his radical "Franky" persona over the coals, offering a mea culpa for his entire ministry and political activist period. One glaring omission: despite some tantalizing glimpses, he doesn't seem to delve into whatever specific theological problems he had with evangelical Christianity. I struggled with doctrines like eternal damnation and predestination, and I'd hoped to get Mr. Schaeffer's insights on these and other troublesome topics. No such luck.
   
   After such a wild ride, it's nice to see that Mr. Schaeffer has come to a calmer and more stable place in life. However, he inadvertently demonstrates that we can never entirely escape ourselves. He has transferred his evangelical zeal to patriotism, exemplified by his devotion to United States Marine Corps where his son honorably served in harm's way. I'm glad he's pro-America, and the USMC deserves good publicity. But as one who spent six years as a jarhead, I'd like to caution the author that the storied Corps, much like the Church he now eschews, is an imperfect institution where high ideals are limited by human frailties. As for Christianity, given the tone of this book I found it surprising that Mr. Schaeffer still bothers with God at all. However, awhile back he joined the Greek Orthodox Church and has found a semblance of peace within its walls. But as for the evangelical camp, he and his house are staying far away, thank you very much.
   
   As a former evangelical, I heartily recommend "Crazy for God." Be forewarned that it's rough on evangelicalism, and a person of faith will certainly struggle with the author's profanity, sensuality, and negative conclusions about evangelical Christianity and some of its glitterati. But it is Christians who need to read this book the most, so that they can engage with the uncomfortable revelations of a former evangelical star, and either come to a clearer-eyed place in their faith - or leave it altogether for their own sake.



3. I loved this book. It is smart, funny, sad, and a terrific read. I particularly enjoyed the stories Schaeffer tells about his childhood. This book is for anyone who is serious about faith and religion. Schaeffer's honesty and humor are inspirational!



4. An outstanding book. I had a hard time putting it down. During my bible college days some 30 years ago I read most of Francis Shaeffer. At age fifty three I find myself at a time were I am reviewing my own spirituality and what faith means to me. This book about Franky Shaeffer's honest journey was most helpful. It confirmed for me much of the craziness that I see in the Christian right today.



5. I loved this book and HIGHLY recommend it to anyone who has been a part of the evangelical movement and has felt at odds with its inherent assumption that all good Christians are Republicans. This book will make you think!

5 comments about Emotionally Healthy Spirituality: Unleash the Power of Authentic Life in Christ.

1. I absolutely love this book and everyone I know is reading it. I heard it was out of print. I hope not, cause I might want to order a few more for friends.



2. Scazzero offers a useful book in "Emotionally Healthy Spirituality," though I couldn't help but think that it could have been so much more. What he does best is cut through some of the Christianese insider language to identity some serious problems with the way that many of us think and talk about our faith, specifically in the context of emotions. He diagnosis a real problem with some of our most common, unspoken assumptions (that Christians are always supposed to be happy, that a meaningful relationship with Christ will produce emotion-free bliss, etc.). In fact, the first several chapters of the book, in which he lays out this diagnosis, are the strength.
   
   My critique is two-fold. First, I felt that Scazzero made a serious logical misstep when he goes to great lengths in the first half of the book to illustrate that the faithful practice of spiritual disciplines will not insure or produce emotional maturity. However, towards the end of the book, his prescription for emotional well-being essentially boils down to the faithful practice of spiritual disciplines, though they are somewhat unorthodox in the contemporary evangelical community (what he calls a "Rule of Life"). This solution would have made sense, had he not taken great pain to suggest that spiritual disciplines are not the answer to emotional immaturity.
   
   The other problem with the book is that it was rather dry. In contrast to an author like John Ortberg, who weaves story after story in the midst of his text, Scazzero didn't seem very inclined to use narrative as a way to engage the reader. As a result, I was sometimes bored, though his content was quite compelling.
   
   Overall, this book is fine, and I'm glad that I read it. Chapter 8 (on the Daily Office and the Sabbath) was a high point that any Christian would be well-served to read. But the logical disconnect and the dry writing style prevent me from recommending it too highly.



3. I purchased this book based on the recommendation of a trusted friend. Wow! This is one book every Christian should read, regardless of denomination. It not only explains so much, but it talks about how to fix it and actually GROW in our faith. Truly a wonderful book.



4. Peter Scazzero does a good job of mapping out growth in the spiritual life. It's a great mix of right thinking and the necessary practical behaviors that one would expect of the spiritually and emotionally mature person. Very encouraging. Inspiring.



5. .. A friend of mine suggested I read this book and I could not get into it.. I tried it just wasn't for me-. Way to wordy..:-(

5 comments about Jesus Calling.

1. Absolutely, utterly, over-the-top wonderful!!! Everybody I know is reading this book. Written in the first person, as Jesus talking, it cuts right to the core....this book is a treasure.



2. I received this book from a friend last year. It has been such a blessing that I ordered another one to give my daughter. It seems like God is talking directly to me through the words this author has chosen for each day.



3. I loved the books, but I am disappointed that I could not reach anyone re "free Shipping" It was about my third order of 6 books that I have not been given free shipping as advertised. Please check on this and give me credit for the shipping on my credit card. I enjoy ordering but I do like to get what you advertise. Thanks



4. My sister-in-law shared this book with us because she had never had one so tuned in to her daily life. This book has an annointing on it. Each day my husband and I look forward to reading it together and we are still astounded how the reading is completely in sync with the events of our day.
   
   In the introduction of the book, Sarah Young explains how she waited for the words during her listening time with the Lord. Thank you Sarah for listening and transcribing.



5. It is as if Jesus himself is encouraging you each time that you read it. Biblically sound. Great help for our daily living in this 21st century

5 comments about Love & Respect: The Love She Most Desires; The Respect He Desperately Needs.

1. My husband and I both loved this book and gave it to both sets of in-laws



2. This book will grab your attention early on and keep you glued! Some may be shocked at the twists,turns and topics addressed and be tempted to put it down. Set it aside if you must for a few days and catch your breath, but let me tell you, you need to read it all the way to the end because there are surprises and treasures along the way that you don't want to miss! This is a book that is answering hard questions, helping heal hurts, challenges one's thinking, and makes you come away with a whole new perspective of who God is, what He is like, and how He views us.



3. This book is well-written and can help you save your marriage. We all go through the 'crazy cycle'. This book has excellent bible based solutions to challenges we all face in our marriages. We liked this book so much that we bought a copy for every member of our family. You don't have to have a troubled marriage to find this book useful.



4. Maybe this book isn't the first one out there to focus on the "respect he needs" and the "love she desires," but this book definitely puts a new spin on the idea that I haven't seen anywhere else.
   
   Dr. Eggerichs puts into words what I and other men I know haven't been able to articulate, but it all rings true. I've heard a similar response from women readers. I've read dozens of relationship texts over the years and this is, by far, the most insightful and practical text I have come across. Dr. Eggerichs uses one verse from the Bible and demonstrates how simple the idea of love and respect is. In practicality, marriage isn't easy, but if you're seeking wise, straightforward, and understandable advice, then check this one out.
   
   You'll hear this throughout the book: "not wrong, just different." This book is different than the rest, and definitely not wrong.



5. This is an awesome book for any married couple (or anyone in a relationship for that matter). It helps to understand the needs of your partner and why someone may be reacting the way they do. I would highly recommend this book to others.