1 comments about All Loves Excelling: Proclaiming Our Wesleyan Message.

1. Excellent book! Clear and down-to-earth explanation of the Wesleyan doctrine of Sanctification. Dispels many myths and misconceptions about the practical application of Holiness to our day-to-day lives.

2 comments about The United Methodist Member's Handbook.

1. Recently republished, this is an excellent book for small group discussion. It restates and reinforces many of the concepts and issues for long-time Methodists, and is an excellent introduction for new members.



2. I am a new member of the United Methodist church. This book has been a good introduction to the beliefs and practices of the church. A large section of the book gives an overview of the history of Christianity and especially the Methodist history in Christianity. This has been very informative in explaining why the United Methodist Church does things the way they do. It also helps explain the variety found within the church. It does explain some of the more essential beliefs of the church and why it believes them.

No comments about The Methodists: Student Edition (Denominations in America).

2 comments about United Methodist Doctrine: The Extreme Center.

1. As a lay person I found this book to be an extremely thorough explanation of UMC Doctrine. Now, that may not sound too exciting and the book can be a difficult read at times. However, for anyone seeking an explanation of the postion of the Methodist Church on specific and general issues, this book will make an excellent reference. Dr. Jones has performed the research and has the authority to speak for the church on this topic and does so effectively in this work.



2. This book is both comprehensive and concise in explaining United Methodist doctrinal issues. While we did not use it in my Wesleyan theology courses in seminary, I think it would have made a useful addition and I found myself referring to it as I drafted papers for Commissioning as a minister. Yet, I think it is an easy enough read for a layperson who already has some background in UM theology and doctrine. It certainly isn't a "quick reference" but I expect that it would be highly useful for people wanting to go beyond simple excerpts and "soundbite" theology. In sum, it is quite accessible yet with enough depth that even a seminarian or pastor would find it useful.

4 comments about Yours Are the Hands of Christ: The Practice of Faith.

1. This must be a heavenly-inspired book. It's written in such a down-to-earth style for the average ordinary human. Howell tells us the stories of a man who was born 2000 years ago and makes us fall in love with this crazy radical called Jesus. He shows examples from those "saintly" lives like St. Francis and Mother Theresa and Augustine and Martin Luther as well as many, many others who believe 100% that Jesus is the Son of God and how it has transformed their lives. They believe Christ lives within them... and thus their hands do Jesus' work-which is that of loving and taking care of all those around us.

   In the self-absorbed century we just left, we have very much gotten away from helping our fellow man, haven't we? Howell suggests that perhaps we are just all too full of "stuff and things and material possessions". We need to get involved....to develop hearts that are impassioned for mankind.

   If you belong to one of those "tight Christian social clubs" where everyone in your church is homogeneous and you emphasize in reach more than out reach, this book is a much-needed wake-up call for you. Read and absorb... We are all mortals who will face that judgment day. How empty-handed are you?

   "We are put on earth a little space, that we may learn to bear the beams of love"-a thought-provoking quote by Wm Blake. What a perfect read to begin the year 2000.




2. I grew up with James C. Howell. In fact, he's my brother. I read this book and thought - how in the heck did my kid brother write this? I mean, I love my brother and I've always thought he was smart, but ...this book is inspired! It made my hands tingle. It opened my mind as to the limitless things I could do that would be an extension of Jesus.
   James is non-judgemental. He simply presents what he feels is the love of Jesus through other people in the ways they touch, heal, teach, or feed others. Who are these other people? Mother Teresa, for one - but my dirt poor grandfather is in there, as well as other "plain ole folks" that I've never had the privilege to know.
   James tells you how to be one of those who make a difference.
   Now, keep in mind that James is a minister. I would not call myself religious by any stretch, and yet - this book calls out to me in a way that no other ever has - and perhaps, never will.



3. This is a very beautiful work. James Howell takes us on a brief journey to discover how Christ's Hands are now are Hands, using all that Jesus did with his hands : Heal, Consol, teach, and, yes, die. This work would be a nice accompaniment with other more in depth works for devotional study. This is recommended to anyone regardless of where they are in their Walk with God.



4. One women's study group is using this book. They like it so much, a men's Renovare group and another Sunday School class are both planning on studying it also.

No comments about Gothic Arches, Latin Crosses: Anti-Catholicism and American Church Designs in the Nineteenth Century.

1 comments about Living Our Beliefs: The United Methodist Way.

1. I have read many books of this type, but this is the number one choice for me. The information is well presented, beautifully written,and succinct. I highly recommend it to any Christian, United Methodist or not.

No comments about Making Disciples.

2 comments about After Christendom.

1. Although this is not Hauerwas' best book, it is still an excellent read. Hauerwas challenges commonly held conceptions about how the church should interact with a democratic society. He then offers an alternative paradigm for the church, one that involves the discipline of a community to help people learn to worship God. In the last two chapters, Hauerwas explores some concrete practices that should accompany such an understanding of the church. Whether you agree with it or not, this book will certainly make you think about the way Christians should live in a democracy.



2. I found this book to be a heavy read, but it certainly got me thinking seriously about what it really means to be a Christian in a so-called Christian Nation.

1 comments about More Parables From The Backside.

1. Mr. Kalas' books are wonderful. He lets the reader see scripture from a new perspective. I have used his thoughts for sermons and SS lessons.