5 comments about The Yada Yada Prayer Group Gets Caught (The Yada Yada Prayer Group, Book 5).

1. This series of books is a MUST read. Excellent stories of love and faith. Very inspirational. I felt like I was there.



2. The Yada Yada books continue to challenge relational growth, by showing life experiences with diverse characters. Each book has new elements of change and development, which can inspire real life solutions to problems.



3. I simply gush when I talk about the ladies of the Yada Yada Prayer Group. I love each book. The stories are wonderful. Mrs. Jackson masterfully develops each story so that each book captures you. Then, the books build on one another. You will feel as though you have a vested interest in these wonderful, diverse and perfectly imperfect women. I thank Mrs. Jackson for this labor of love. The books helped me through a rough time in my life. The series helped me forgive someone who hurt me deeply with this line - "God expects us to fogive people. Even the ones that don't say 'I'm sorry'". I was able to move from resentment to forgiveness through that one line. YOU WILL BE BLESSED BY THIS BOOK SERIES!!



4. I have been in prayer doldrums recently and this series helped get me perking again. It is delightful and rewarding reading. I recommend this series to everyone. These gals are great! Peggy Touchtone Sholly



5. This series really helped me through a tough time. Reading how these women handled their everyday and not so everday problems ministered to me as I went through a serious illness with my husband. The women are down to earth and practical. Recommend for anyone.

5 comments about Kingdom Triangle: Recover the Christian Mind, Renovate the Soul, Restore the Spirit's Power.

1. I found this book to be full of useful and helpful information about what is going on in the church today. A good read for anyone who is keeping up with Kingdom activity.



2. J.P. Moreland, Kingdom Triangle: Recovering the Christian Mind. Renovate the Soul, Restore the Spirit's Power. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2007.
   
   J.P. Moreland is a highly esteemed, well-published, and extremely active Christian philosopher. For years I have profited greatly from his books and articles, and for fifteen years I have used his books as texts for courses at Denver Seminary. Unlike many Christian academics, Moreland maintains a passionate concern for the church, evangelism, and the state of culture at large. To that end, he divides his writing and speaking between the highly academic and the more popular or semi-academic. In so doing, he is able to build a bridge between scholarly pursuits and the questions and concerns of laypeople. Os Guinness refers to this area of endeavor as "intermediate knowledge." While proponents of intermediate knowledge are few, the need for such is great. Few non-philosophers are likely to read Moreland's book on universals, for example, but many thoughtful Christians will be drawn to his other books, such as Love Your God With All Your Mind (NavPress, 1997), which is a stellar apologetic for a robust and spirit-filled engagement of the intellect for the glory of God, the good of the church, and the winning of the world.
   
   
   Moreland's new work is both profound and controversial. The controversy will largely stem from his endorsement of the charismatic dimension of Christian experience. It is highly unusual to find an analytically trained philosopher with a Th.M. from Dallas seminary who endorses the "third wave" form of the charismatic movement!
   
   Kingdom Triangle is a passionate and knowledgeable summons to the church to engage God, the world, and the self in a deeply biblical and profoundly meaningful manner. To this endeavor, Moreland brings the resources of philosophy to bear fruitfully on the exigencies of the Kingdom of God. This is both rare and wonderful. The book is divided into two sections. The first explains "the crisis of the age" in America and the West in general. The second section gives the answer: a kingdom triangle of intellectual engagement, spiritual formation, and supernatural spiritual power.
   
   In explaining the contemporary crisis, Moreland writes that we have moved from the "thick" world of the biblical worldview to the "thin" worlds of naturalism and postmodernism. A biblical worldview provides the knowledge of God, existential meaning, and authentic drama to all of life. We are creatures of a good and holy God, placed on earth to manifest the virtues of the Kingdom of God. We are immersed in and engaged with a life and death struggle with the forces of evil, yet God is our strength and hope. We are not groping in the dark, but have been given knowable truth in Scripture and elsewhere.
   
   But both scientific naturalism and postmodernism--each in its own way--eviscerate the world of any objective meaning or genuine drama. Naturalism denies the reality of anything outside of what materialistic science can observe. The cosmos is reduced to merely material properties. All must be explained by impersonal change and necessity. There is no soul, no God, no angels or demons, and no afterlife. As Peter Berger put it, it is "a world without windows" because the universe is self-enclosed. Morality is not rooted in the Designer and in human nature, but is merely the result of natural selection. Knowledge is limited to what can be known through scientific methods (scientism).
   
   Postmodernism recoils from the aridity of scientific naturalism and tries to find meaning in the meaning-creation of communities and individuals. Like scientific naturalism, it denies that there is any objective meaning to life, but instead of trying to find meaning in science, it affirms the contingent constructions of human beings, variously situated. Each community--or person--has its own narrative or language game, none of which is superior to any other, but all of which are acceptable. However, there is no objective meaning to be found and no knowledge of objective reality to be had. While scientific naturalism is a form of realism (we can know something of objective reality, which is only material), postmodernism is a form of nonrealism (there is no objective reality, scientific or otherwise, to know). Both deny the knowledge of God.
   
   These two worldviews rob us of objective moral values, the dignity of human beings, and any concrete hope for our existence. As a result, instead of moral agents deeply rooted in objective reality, we find around us--or even within us--"empty selves" that are restless, easily distracted, infantile, and narcissistic. Moreland ardently argues that both worldviews are both empty and false. Christianity not only provides meaning and drama for life, but is true and rational and knowable. The knowledge of God is available to errant humans. While the book does not give a full-fledged apologetic for Christianity or against scientific naturalism and postmodernism, it does powerfully demonstrate the intellectual weaknesses of these two worldviews with respect to epistemology, metaphysics, and ethics.
   
   In the second half of the book, Moreland advocates the kingdom triangle as the proper response to "the crisis of our age." The first leg of the triangle is the recovery of the Christian mind. As a Christian philosopher and apologist, Moreland is in an exemplary position to offer advice. We must reclaim Christianity as a knowledge tradition; that is, we must not be content with leaps of faith or merely true beliefs about God and the Bible. To acquire knowledge we need to justify our beliefs (in various ways). Moreland provides a short but clear run down on various ways to know things and the importance of the mind to the Christian life. (On this, see also his book, Love Your God With all Your Mind, as well as James Sire's Habits of the Mind [InterVarsity, 2000].)
   
   The second leg of the kingdom triangle is the devotional life or spiritual disciplines. Moreland advocates the classical disciplines of retreat (such as solitude) and engagement (such as service) and speaks of ways one can understand the heart or affective side of one's personality. This interior understanding of the affect has become important to Moreland in recent years. From his own experience, he speaks of the need not only to apply the mind to the things of God, but also to bring one's emotions under the Lordship of Christ. Some may find his "heart meditation" a bit strange, since it emphasizes focusing on the heart muscle itself as a place of emotion. However, there is nothing necessarily New Age or otherwise dangerous about such a meditation if it is done prayerfully and thoughtfully. Nevertheless, this practice may not be appropriate or helpful for everyone. If so, one may ignore it, and I am sure Moreland would not mind. My lone criticism of this chapter is that it did not emphasize adequately the neglected discipline of prayer with fasting. If the essence of spirituality is denying ourselves, taking up our cross, and following Jesus, then there is no better way to deny ourselves in an age of over-indulgence and narcissism than to deny ourselves food in order to give ourselves more fully to the Lord.
   
   "The restoration of the Spirit's power" fills out the last leg of the kingdom triangle. Although Moreland graduated from a seminary that teaches that the supernatural gifts of the spirit (such as healing and prophecy) have ended (cessationism), in the past few years he has experienced some of these gifts himself and has reevaluated what the Bible teaches on these matters. He has come to believe that this dimension of Kingdom living is crucial if we are to respond effectively to the deadness and darkness of our time. I completely agree. While Moreland does not give a detailed exegetical or theological argument for the ongoing manifestation of supernatural gifts, he points out that the old cessationism has been losing its credibility among many, that Christians in the global south are experiencing these gifts in powerful ways, and that he himself has experienced or witnessed the miraculous dimension of the Kingdom of God in the past few years. What Moreland advocates is not classical Pentecostalism or the Charismatic renewal of the 1960s and 1970s, but the "third wave" approach of the Vineyard movement. This is an orientation that does not emphasize a second "baptism of the Holy Spirit" or insists on the speaking of tongues. It rather seeks God's supernatural agency for healing, prophecy, and other signs and wonders.
   
   Although I am also a proponent of signs and wonders as part of the dynamic of the ongoing manifestation of the Kingdom of God, I wish that Moreland had given a few more warnings about potential and actual abuses in these areas. Moreland alludes to the dimension of spiritual warfare, but one wishes he had fleshed out this aspect of Kingdom living in more detail, since the contemporary world is awash in false forms of religion that are inspired by "the god of this world" (2 Corinthians 4:4). But to his credit, he provides references to works that tackle this area.
   
   Kingdom Triangle has many strengths and no significant weaknesses. Moreland writes with a confident, compelling, and courageous voice. He does not avoid strong judgments when he deems them necessary. This may be off-putting to tender souls accustomed to terminal tentativeness in Christian writing, but it should not be. Moreland has paid his dues and knows of what he speaks. For example, as a robust proponent of Intelligent Design, he refers to theistic evolution as "intellectual pacifism," since it gives so much ground to Darwinism, a naturalistic understanding of biology that is not warranted by the facts. Likewise, Moreland has no patience with Christians who adopt postmodernist views of truth or knowledge, because such an approach marginalizes Christianity as merely another language game or perspective on reality. Christianity is, rather, a knowledge tradition that can and should be rationally defended according to objective principles of rationality. Moreland is not afraid to offer tough judgments against elements of popular culture--such as celebrity-ism and sports worship--when they reveal the hollowness and shabbiness of lives poorly lived (see Romans 12:1-2; 1 John 2:15-17).
   
   If read, pondered, preached, taught, and applied, the teachings of Kingdom Triangle could spark revival, reformation, and reform in the church, as well as in the world at large. This is a triangle that Christians must not ignore.



3. I heard Moreland speak to several hundred pastors at the National Pastor's Convention in San Diego. That was an impressionable experience for me. I now see why Kingdom Triangle is his most important book. (There are some wonderful audio add-ons to Kingdom triangle at the book's website: www.kingdomtriangle.com)
   
   Kingdom Triangle contains the necessary elements for a healthy, fruitful life as a Christian, including what is necessary for a Christianity to robustly engage the culture and its worldviews at large.
   
   Moreland is the best author for this sort of book. He is overflowing with valuable, wise, and insightful experience about life, ideas, and the culture at large. He has delivered the goods; now its our job as readers, leaders, and influencers of all sorts to engage his ideas in the crucible of our own individual and church experiences. Thank God for Kingdom Triangle!



4. First of all, let me explain the basics of the triangle Moreland has so keenly presented in this book. The book has 4 basic sections:
   
   1. "The Crisis of Our Age" (Chapters 1-4)
   2. "The Recovery of Knowledge" (Chapter 5)
   3. "Renovation of the Soul" (Chapter 6)
   4. "Restoration of the Kingdom's Miraculous Power" (Chapter 7)
   
   Chapters 1-4 describe in lucid detail the reason we need the Kingdom Triangle right now. Our culture is in a state of crisis, and Moreland explains the what, why, and how of it. With sharp awareness, Moreland has observed and studied our world and its history, recognizing what God intended, and pinpointing how we've gone against those intentions. Having failed as a race to follow God's intended course has resulted in a widespread crisis, namely, our abandonment of classic philosophy and life practice in exchange for modern substitutes. The inevitable outcome has been a pandemic case of human enslavement to "the empty self". We have exchanged the "thick" worldview of Christian monotheism for the "thin" worldviews of scientific naturalism and postmodernism. Moreland explains what is required for today's church to function as God intended, encouraging readers to effectively take action, penetrating the culture around us.
   
   Moreland brings the reader up to date on the relevant facts of the matter and writes informatively about the subject of knowledge. This is the heaviest and deepest part of the book, which Moreland admits. But he also encourages the reader that these things are essential for everyone in the church to understand. He writes as clearly as possible on these complex issues, sharing great wisdom in a way the layperson can understand.
   
   Having set the stage with the appropriate background, Moreland now moves on to explain the "triangle". First, he explains the importance of knowledge and its importance, recovery, and value for the Christian church. Second, he concisely explains the role of spiritual formation and discipleship in the inner life of a Christian, giving a brief overview of some classic spiritual disciplines. Finally, he completes the triangle with a thoughtful discussion of the role of the Holy Spirit's power in the life of the church, manifested in various miraculous signs, wonders, and providential acts. This section will be one of the biggest and most useful wake-up calls to many readers. Moreland sensitively presents well-informed ideas about the supernatural realities absent in so much of the Western church, while they thrive in other parts of the world.
   
   Moreland is one of today's greatest Christian philosophers and thinkers, and his years of experience spill forth in this book. He has gleaned rich knowledge and experience from various mentors and friends and from his own spiritual journey. The range of books he has studied is vast and his careful research is evident throughout.
   
   While reading, the value of this inspired book quickly became apparent to me. By the time I was done, there was no question: Kingdom Triangle has climbed to the top of my personal stack of "the greatest books of all time," sitting right there with my Dallas Willard collection. The book demands that the reader change his or her life for the best - which is my favorite kind of book. The challenges presented are very relevant for the current Western church, and Moreland argues for them masterfully. If I had to pick one part that most affected me, it would be the section where he explains a plan for living a life of self-denial, taking up your metaphorical cross (Mark 8:34-35), and living to love and serve others, after Christ's own example.
   
   I can't recommend the book enough. I think every Christian in our culture should read it, consider its truth, discuss it with friends, and apply its wisdom to a life of spiritual transformation. Pastors, grab a copy and start recommending it to others. This book is an honest and realistic call to participate in the life of greatness God has designed us for in his eternal kingdom.



5. Welcome to College: A Christ-Follower's Guide for the Journey
   
   J.P. Moreland's new book Kingdom Triangle (hereafter KT) offers a clarion call to the 21st century church. For at least the past decade, Christians have been lulled to sleep by a culture of self-help books and privatized beliefs. Far too many of us have been naturalized into believing that God doesn't do anything miraculous or supernatural in our sophisticated age. And a good number of us have not been intentional about cultivating a dynamic relationship with Jesus Christ and attending to the important task of Spiritual Formation. Moreland's book offers a passionate, sober, and biblical corrective to this lethargy.
   
   The first section of KT seeks to analyze and assess where we are at as a culture. In a helpful analogy, Moreland discusses the difference between living in a "thin" world and a "thick" world. A "thin" world is one in which nothing ultimately matters (e.g., atheism would be a "thin" world). In this world, chemistry and physics exhaustively explain reality. On the other hand, if we live in a "thick" world, then objective morality exists (along with ultimate meaning, purpose, and value etc.). Christianity offers a "thick" world. In the next few chapters, Moreland highlights the inadequacies of postmodern and naturalistic worldviews. But he does not stop with analysis only. He prescribes a threefold remedy to counteract the prevailing winds of culture that are eroding the potency and vibrancy of Christians today. (1) Recover the Christian Mind (2) Renovate the Soul (3) Restore the Spirit's Power. I will briefly summarize each of these in turn.
   
   First of all, Moreland contends that knowledge is not the sole possession or province of the scientists in the white lab coats. While science yields important knowledge of our world, it is certainly not the only source of knowledge. Christians can and do possess knowledge of God, moral facts, and what a good life is (among other things). These are not private beliefs on the level of personal preference or pragmatism; rather they are bona fide instances of knowledge of reality--the way things really are. Not only is Christianity true, but it can be known to be true.
   Next, we are reminded how easy it is to allow our hearts to grow cold and calloused. If we are not intentional about examining the health of our souls, then we can become emotionally detached over time and eventually discover we are devoid of the vitality that God desires us to experience in our relationship with Him. We also tend not to cultivate a healthy community of relationships. This part of the triangle invites us to take our daily journey from brokenness to Christlikeness seriously (i.e., Spiritual Formation).
   
   Finally, Moreland reminds us that the Holy Spirit did not die with the last Apostle. And while we certainly don't want to drift into a mindless and wild-eyed sensationalism, I think many of us have shied away from the supernatural because we are either afraid we will look weird to our culture or we have been so conditioned by naturalism that we don't really (i.e., beyond lip service) believe in anything beyond the five senses. Moreover, stories of God's power and deliverance remind us of the supernatural world in which we live and can embolden our Christian lives.
   
   As I have read and reflected upon KT, I have been both challenged and encouraged. This is an important work which has something to say to all of us--regardless of our tradition or spiritual pedigree. I am grateful that J.P. Moreland took the time to integrate decades of ministry experience and study and then package it in an accessible format for the Christian community. If you have not yet read Kingdom Triangle, I encourage you to pick up a copy and read it carefully. While KT contains much that our "thin" world needs to hear, it just may be the timely catalyst you need for taking the next step in your journey with the Savior.

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

1. 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.



2. 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.



3. Somehow, I've managed to be a Christian for over a decade 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 Lord, 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.



4. this book is uplifting, and a nice reminder just who is in charge of our lives. it really is not about me, God is the center of all the choices I make and the reason I honor Him every day through my actions and words.



5. Here's a simple, sensible, and sound plan for re-programming your life. We've long acted as if our self-interest should shape our every decision. In this compelling missive, Max Lucado suggests, that is much like the flea in the elephant's ear taking pride and claiming credit for rattling the footbridge they just crossed. Following the clear message at the core of this book will lead to peace above all, and in all likelihood, to unimagined joy, an integrated and congruent life, and often, prosperity as well. What, or who, is at the center of your life, and why? With illustrations, personal stories, and much encouragement, Max Lucado asks those questions and supports the reader as he or she searches for answers.

5 comments about The Yada Yada Prayer Group Gets Rolling (The Yada Yada Prayer Group, Book 6).

1. I've read the entire Yada Yada series and I have to applaud Neta Jackson. They are well written and the religion and spirituality isn't forced -- it is natural, with scripture to back it up. The recipes in the novel are a little strange, but you can jump over them. The characters are realistic and I've learned from the series. Definately a good read for Christians... especially as you are finding your own walk in faith.



2. These gals are a hoot. Even got their guys going. What a great story line. I enjoyed every line of every book. Wish there were more - what about new grandchildren and new members of Yada Yada? Peggy Touchtone Sholly



3. I have enjoyed the entire Yada Yada series. I and my friends have been blessed.



4. this is an awsome read...just as goood as the first 5 in this series...can't wait to start number 7 and hope she writes more!!!!



5. Love love love these books. I am going to hate to see this series come to and end. Pleased with the condition of the book and was here very quickly.
   Thanks
   Connie in NC

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

1. 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.



2. 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.



3. 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!



4. For almost 30 years I have believed that attaching a conservative political agenda to the Good News of Jesus Christ has been spiritual adultery.- The Church of Jesus Christ in bed with the Republican Party (a worldy philosophy)! I have believed that eventually, anyone who didn't embrace the political agenda would not be considered an authentic Christian. This has fully come to pass. I believe that there are many others across the land who have believed similarly, but have been shouted down within the Body of Christ and have either left the institutionalized church or have just sat down and shut up. Many churches have purged their congregations of those who do not accept political conservatism as part of Christianity. It has harmed the cause of Christ tremendously. Christian conservatives elected to office have supported and done some very wrong things. Greg is so articulate on these matters that I am hoping that authentic Christians across the land will begin to speak the truth of these matters in love and become the beginnings of a new movement towards vibrant, authentic Christianity alone- no political agenda attached!



5. I just recently finsihed reading Gregory Boyd's book entitled, The Myth Of A Christian Nation. I was given this book as a gift from a friend who happens to be a Freewill Baptist Minister. At last there is hope! This book should be a required reading for every church member. The people in this country are so ignorant of real history and of the true tenents of Jesus' ministry. This is not one of those books that attempts to label the forefathers as die-hard Diests, although their Diestic tendencies are mentioned. Boyd does a wonderful job comparing the differences between the Kingdom of the World and the Kingdom of God. This thought-provoking work will certainly find a permanent place on my shelf!
   
   Randall F. Hubbard
   History Teacher
   Springville, Alabama

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

1. .. 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..:-(



2. This book answers the question why some people can be 20, 30, 40, and even 80 and still feel and act like
   they are 2 or 13. The truth really does set you free; Peter Scazzero writes from experience, and he shows you how to grow up in Christ!



3. This book was an emotionally life-changing read for me. Scazzero does a great job of deconstructing the church's unhealthy understanding of the role emotions play in our spiritual lives and reconstructing a biblical understanding of how vital emotional health is to loving God and others.



4. This is a follow up to his Emotionally Healthy Church targeting more the individual Christian more than church leaders. I don't agree with some of his theological positions, but the overall concept of emotional health and contemplation are great. This needs to be tempered and discerned with the readers' personality, gifts, and way of learning. The best part are his applications of Sabbath. Worth the read. I also love the way he encouraged the reader to apply the principles as they see fit and are comfortable with. A highly recommend this book to any church leader, any Christian, parent, teacher, anyone!



5. In this book Peter Scazzero lays out a variety of thoughts and ideas that at it's best will completely have you reevaluate your emotional health by inviting Christ into the mix. I believe the strength of Peter's work draws from not just his experience but also that of many others (the saints of the past) who have given Christianity a go over the years.
   
   From inherited family sin to humility, Peter draws upon the power of scripture and Christ to release new revelation and strength to the reader. I am not sure what else a person could want to gain from a book.
   
   For me, this is one of those books that the first reading just will not do. Having completed it fairly quickly I will retreat to my prayer closet seek the Lord on some obvious things and attack it again. What a valuable resource for leadership in and out of the church. For so many years I have struggled to figure out why so many committed followers of Christ struggle with the basic concepts of "freedom". This book gave me some much-needed understanding of what it means to be "whole" in Christ.
   
   My recommendation is that you read this with your spouse or at least a really close friend. Better yet, read it on the way to a family reunion. (Seriously, that's what we did!) All the while ask the Lord what He would have you gain from such a wonderful written and well-articulated journey into Emotionally Healthy Spirituality.

5 comments about Reasonable Faith: Christian Truth and Apologetics.

1. This book is one of the best apologetic primers out there. However, I would highly recommend you seek out the audio version of the book as a companion to or instead of the book. The audio version is fabulously arranged and is not merely a reading of the book, but rather a course in and of itself.



2. An extraordinary work of contemporary Christian apologetics by a premier model of Christian scholarship and thought!
   
   The book's web companion, [...], is helpful for individual and group study and interaction.
   
   If you own the 2nd edition, this 3rd edition is superior, without a doubt.
   
   Thanks you William Lane Craig and Crossway Books!



3. Dr. William Lane Craig has taken a masterpiece and somehow made it even better. "Reasonable Faith" is a tour de force in Christian apologetics. Craig's newest version of "Reasonable Faith" includes updated material regarding the existence of God and other topics. If you have the second edition, the new material is so powerful that it is well worth the price to buy a copy of the third edition. As a Christian, if I could recommend any book ever written on the defense of Christianity, this would be the one. Craig also includes new material refuting the "New Atheists" such as Richard Dawkins and Sam Harris. A must read for believers and those who have read one side of the story, say, a book by Sam Harris or Christopher Hitchens or Daniel Dennett, and who want to be honest with themselves and read the other side of the story... this is your book.



4. The arguments presented really offer nothing new in the way of apologetics, whether by Cardinal Newman, G.K. Chesterton, C.S. Lewis, or St. Thomas Aquinas; the fact remains that in order to believe one must suspend disbelief, and wanting something to be true-- no matter how strongly-- does not make it so. There is absolutely no evidence for faith in the supernatural, and all efforts to provide rational arguments for doing so are either incomplete, misguided, or outright sophistic-- (theodicy, anyone??? [...])... Just because science does not have all the answers does not necessitate the automatic default to religion. Religious mythology has many recurring motifs, across many cultures and many eras (even pre-Mosaic and pre-Christian), whether exoduses, virgin births, or resurrections; and while these narratives can evoke wonder and emotion through sheer literary value, these qualities do not make them true. Any claims to the contrary are unsupported and unprovable. The inability to disprove something does not make it true-- if that were the case, then no one could prove that Santa Claus or even the Easter Bunny, do not, in fact exist; and there have been far more sightings of them recently-- especially at shopping malls during the holidays-- than of any other saint or deity.



5. A review of Bill Craig's third edition of Reasonable Faith by Michael Haney
   
   Since every picture is taken from a specific angle, here is `my' picture of Philosopher William Lane Craig's new third edition of his most distinguished book Reasonable Faith: Christian Truth and Apologetics. Since Craig's new ministry website (www.reasonable faith.org) offers what is new in the third edition of this book compared to the second edition, this review will just proceed forth as if this is the first edition of this book to be released to the public.
   Introduction:
   
   Craig offers a working definition of the term `apologetics' and states why there is a need specifically for it within the Christian context. He argues that Christian apologetics play three vital roles. First, they have the ability to shape our post-Christian culture. Second, they have the ability to strengthen those who are already convinced of the truthfulness of the gospel of Jesus of Nazareth. Third, they have the ability to help in the process of sharing the good news with non-followers of Jesus. Ending this section, Craig explains the two different types of apologetics: offensive and defensive. Offensive apologetics seeks to present a positive case for Christian truth claims. Defensive apologetics seeks to nullify objections to those claims. Craig claims that his book Reasonable Faith: Christian Truth and Apologetics falls under the category of `offensive' apologetics but he states that he hopes to write a book in the near future defending the claims of this work and objections brought against it.
   
   How Do I Know Christianity Is True?
   
   Craig deals with the question of Christian epistemology. More specifically, he asks the question: how does one `know' that Christianity is true against other truth claims found within other religious contexts? After discussing a couple of key thinkers of the past and how they worked through the issues of faith and reason and how they interact, he distinguishes between `knowing' Christianity to be true and `showing' Christianity to be true. Ultimately, Craig argues that we know Christianity to be true by the self-authenticating witness of the Holy Spirit. In other words, our knowing Christianity to be true is not based upon arguments and evidence but by the work of the Holy Spirit. To thoughtful readers, this might appear to be `too subjective' at first glance but Craig addresses several objections to this type of epistemology. Regarding showing Christianity to be true, Craig argues it is here where arguments and evidence come into play when considering the truth-hood or false-hood of various religious truth claims.
   
   The Absurdity of Life Without God
   
   Craig simply offers what the title of the chapter seems to imply: a universe with no God behind it is a universe with ultimately no meaning. In other words, if there is no God, human life becomes directly and indirectly unlivable. But, if the Jewish/Christian worldview is true, it provides "the two conditions necessary for a meaningful, valuable, and purposeful life for man: God and immorality...If God does not exist, then life is futile. If the God of the Bible does exist, then life is meaningful. Only the second of these two alternatives enables us to live happily and consistently." (p.86)
   
   The Existence of God: Part One and Part Two
   
   Craig simply offers various sophisticated and well-argued arguments for the existence of the Jewish/Christian God. All these arguments are updated in light of new philosophical and scientific knowledge. Craig is right when he says that "the conventional wisdom is that it's impossible to "prove" the existence of God and that, therefore, if we are going to believe in God, we must "take it by faith" that God exists. But the last half century has witnessed a remarkable resurgence of interest in natural theology, that branch of theology that seeks to provide warrant for belief in God's existence apart from the resources of authoritative, propositional revelation. Today, in contrast to just a generation ago, natural theology is a vibrant field of study." (p.93) Craig works through various arguments in this chapter: ontological, cosmological, teleological, moral, etc. The catch is that he puts new philosophical and scientific knowledge into these arguments and even deals with a ton of objections against them. Again, two chapters are devoted to this particular section in the book so Craig obviously thinks it is an important issue to discuss.
   
   The Problem of Historical Knowledge
   
   Craig deals with the question regarding past events: how can we really `know' what happened in the past? It is often assumed that human beings cannot really know with any real certainty what happened in the past because of the belief that all history is written from a particular perspective. In other words, it is believed that there is no such thing as an objective recording of past, historical events. The charge is that everyone is too bias to record real, actual events without any spin. Craig directly deals with these charges and offers the hope that even though we cannot have 100 percent accuracy in this area we can still know with a good deal of certainty what actually probably happened in the past. More specifically, Craig argues that the biblical narratives, once tested, are overall a good telling of what actually happened in the biblical past. In the end, historical relativism gets smashed to pieces under the hammer of Craig's argumentation.
   
   The Problem of Miracles
   
   Craig specifically deals with the concept of the miraculous intervention of the Jewish/Christian God within history. He states that "before we can examine the evidence to see whether the Creator God of the universe has revealed himself in some special way in the world in order to offer us the promise of immorality so necessary for meaningful existence now, we must deal with the problem of whether such divine action is possible in the first place. And if it is, how can it be identified? That is to say, we are confronted with the problem of miracles." (p.247) Craig ends this section by arguing that the deistic presupposition "against miracles survives in theology only as a hangover from an earlier Deistic age and ought now to be once for all abandoned." (p.278)
   
   The Self-Understanding of Jesus
   
   Craig argues that Jesus of Nazareth was the Son of God, God in the flesh. He asks the specific question: who exactly to Jesus of Nazareth claim to be? According to Craig, this question is very important for "the Christian religion stands or falls with the person of Jesus Christ. Judaism could survive without Moses, Buddhism without Buddha, Islam without Mohammed but Christianity could not survive without Christ. This is because unlike most other world religions, Christianity is belief in a person, a genuine historical individual-but at the same time a special individual, whom the church regards as not only human, but divine." (p.287) In the end, Craig argues that "explicit use of Christological titles like Messiah, the Son of God, and especially the Son of Man, combined with implicit Christological claims made through his teaching and behavior indicates a radical self-understanding on the part of Jesus of Nazareth." (p.327)
   
   The Resurrection of Jesus
   
   Craig asks the question: was Jesus of Nazareth really raised from the dead by God and if so, what exactly does it mean? More specifically, he states that "God and immorality: those were the two conditions we saw to be necessary if man is to have a meaningful existence. I have argued that God exists, and now we have come at length to the second consideration, immorality. Against the dark background of modern man's despair, the Christian proclamation of the resurrection is a bright light of hope. The earliest Christians saw Jesus' resurrection as both the vindication of his personal claims and the harbinger of our own resurrection to eternal life. If Jesus rose from the dead, then his claims are vindicated and our Christian hope is sure; if Jesus did not rise, our faith is futile and we fall back into despair. How credible, then, is the New Testament witness to the resurrection of Jesus?" (p.333) After working through a lot of historical and textual evidence, Craig ends by stating that "in conclusion, therefore, three great, independently established facts-the empty tomb, the resurrection appearances, and the origin of the Christian faith-all point to the same marvelous conclusion: that God raised Jesus from the dead...Given the religio-historical context in which this event occurred, the significance of Jesus' resurrection is clear: it is the divine vindication of Jesus' radical personal claims." (p.399)
   
   Conclusion: The Ultimate Apologetic
   
   Craig ends his book by offering what he believes to be the most effective apologetic for the Christian faith: a life lived out by aggressively loving God and loving others. He ends by stating that "more often than not, it is who you are rather than what you say that will bring an unbeliever to Christ. This, then, is the ultimate apologetic. For the ultimate apologetic is-your life." (p.407)
   
   My personal take:
   
   Craig's book is by far the best Christian apologetic book one could possibly find on the market today for it covers a bunch of the core questions relevant to examining the truthfulness of Christianity all in one book. And now, this wonderful book is updated for a third time by Craig offering new philosophical, historical, and scientific knowledge where needed and even dealing with a host of old objections from new faces and from new places. The only two beefs I have with Craig is that he did not mention or even appear to consult Philosopher Paul Moser's new book The Elusive God: Reorienting Religious Epistemology nor Greg Boyd's and Paul Eddy's fairly new book The Jesus Legend: A Case for the Historical Reliability of the Synoptic Jesus Tradition. Moser's book, I believe, would have really strengthened his case for the Holy Spirit epistemology found in chapter one. Also, the book by Boyd and Eddy would have really strengthened chapters five, six, seven, and eight. These two books, in my opinion, are way too good to leave not consulted. In light of desiring to leave out of the book arguments for the historical reliability of the NT, he could have at least consulted Moser's book. In a post-post-modern culture becoming increasingly post-Christian, I think the epistemological questions regarding knowing spiritual truths (or knowing anything for that matter) are very important since a lot of college and graduate students (and even lay-people) are becoming more and more exposed to post-modern philosophy without being also exposed to adequate criticisms of those philosophies where needed. Overall, I would definitely add this `third edition' to my personal library, especially if you are the type of person who likes to work through arguments and their objections. I believe Craig has done us a favor by addressing some of these objections instead of ignoring them even though he originally claimed he was not going to do so in the introduction.

5 comments about Jesus Calling: Seeking Peace in His Presence.

1. This is an awesome daily reflection. I highly recommend it to anyone and will purchase more as gifts.



2. An all time favorite daily devotional and often purchased for a gift.
   Written beautifully as Jesus himself were speaking directly, intimately, lovingly. References scripture for each day for additional reading.
   Simple yet profound, easy to read, comforting, and applicable.
   A true treasure for the journey.



3. This is the best devotional I have ever had. It's truly annointed and I highly recommend it. In fact, I've probably given 30 or 40 of them away and I hear rave reviews from everyone to whom I've given it.



4. 
   I'm always on the look out for a good spiritual book. This one was recommended to me.
   
   While I totally agree with the premise the author is writing about, I don't feel that there is enough variety- kind of repetitive.
   
   I guess I'll give it as a gift to someone. Anyone having a birthday soon?



5. The first time I opened this book, the words spoke directly to my issue. Reading this daily helps me to recognize that Jesus is with me always. If you desire a closer walk with Jesus, this is definitely the book for you.

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

1. My husband and I have been married for 10 years this month. Just about 3 months ago things between us had escalated to the point that my husband almost walked out the door. After going through an in depth personal evaluation and realizing places where I need to change, and coming to terms with certain struggles in my life, I began to focus on my marriage and what I could do to begin the process of improving it and repairing the damage. This is not to say that everything in my marriage is my fault - I know very well that it takes two to make a marriage and two to break a marriage. However, I also know that the only person I can change is me - and that is a great place to start. I found this book, Love & Respect on Amazon.com and after reading the reviews decided to purchase it. I am so glad that I did. I think the book is very well written. It gives really great advice to both the husband and the wife and give specific ways for you to begin showing each other love and respect. There are a lot of ways for which I have not respected my husband in our marriage. Now I have found a source to help me rebuild my marriage. It can begin w/ me showing my husband unconditional respect. This book stresses that the respect you show your husband must be unconditional, regardless of whether the way he is treating you at the time feels unloving. If you press on, always working to show unconditional respect for your husband, a wife has the awesome power to begin changing the way her husband responds to her. If he feels respected by his wife, he is going want to respond in a loving way to his wife and comfort her and support her. This is also written for the husband - to show his wife unconditional love, regardless of whether she is giving him respect. If two people in a marriage are good-willed people, they are bound to respond to each other positively by giving their spouse what their spouse needs most. For a husband, he needs to feel that his wife respects him. For a wife, she needs to feel that her husband truly loves her. In the short amount of time that I have read this book and started to put the unconditional respect rule into motion w/ my husband, I have already seen positive results. We have a long way to go to rebuild our marriage, but so far I feel like we are on our way. This book has great advice and good insight into what a husband needs and what a wife needs. Well worth the time and money!!



2. A majority of the book is spent telling women what they are doing wrong. I felt as though this book was written for women not both genders.



3. This book can change your marriage! It helps husbands see that their wife's greatest need is for love; and wives see that their husband's greatest need is for respect. Dr. Eggerichs reveals three cycles in a marriage that helps you understand how love and respect compliment each other.



4. Don't be fooled by those who down-talk this book. The book was right on point. Some reviews say the author talks down on women and say it's their fault men don't love them. They fail to mention that it teaches form men to make peace humbly in order to defuse the disagreement and it promotes unconditional love and a stronger relationship with God as the reward for faithfully trying to reconcile the marriage whether or not your spouse is willing to do the same.
   
   While reading this book, I could see myself as well as my fiancée in the stories and illustrations he gives. I know my fiancée loves me but I feel joy when I know she looks up to me and respects me and uplifts me to her friends and co-workers. I also can feel a warmness from her when I stroke her face, look in her eyes, play with her hair, talk with her about her problems without being Mr. Fix-it.
   
   This book goes over all this and more. Everything is backed up by scripture - something none of the negative reviewers can refute.
   
   Have an open mind and more importantly, an open heart when reading this book so that God through this book can reveal your true self and counsel you to a blessed marriage. I'm convinced that the negative reviewers did not have this mindset when reading this book. Else they would have focused on the truth and not the rinky dink things like his mentioning of PMS-ing or their belief that he was blaming women for the reason men being the way they are.
   
   Get the book, its worth it!



5. Although Part One (of three) in this book is slow reading (and 100 pages long!), it is well worth slogging through it to get to Part Two (how men can show their wives how they love them) and Part Three (how women can show their husbands they respect them).
   
   For the people who complain that the book takes too strong of a stance on the differences in roles, expectations and positions of men and women (which the author supports with Biblical references), I would say - wait until you've lived a little longer, then set aside your notions and truly OBSERVE the truths about the differences between men and women - we are NOT the same!
   
   I plan to give this to several friends, even the ones who probably wouldn't admit that it will improve their marriages. A lot of people in my age group have been married for 10 to 20 years and are struggling with a lot of the long-standing issues (the Crazy Cycle) detailed in this book. This book WILL save some marriages, but only if it gets the attention of those that need it most! Pass it on!