2 comments about The Courage to Be Protestant: Truth-lovers, Marketers, and Emergents in the Postmodern World.

1. David Wells has been a deep well of refreshing insights, deep thoughts, and challenging comments for the church as it enters the 21st Century. Let's face it, too many churches are trying to define themselves through the lens of entertainment, secularism, marketing, and more...even "Superman" Preaching the Easter Message! Little, if any, doctrine, solid teaching, and biblical literacy can be found in many of the western churches, today. Speaking from experience, some church boards now think of "doctrine" as a word to be hidden and never discussed. In his final book (of his 5 volume series) Wells is quick to point our that the "gravitational center of Christianity" is no longer North America or Europe but is south of the equator in South America and Africa. Why has the Reformation by-passed North America in less than one century? It is because the church is failing to be the Kingdom of God and has sold out to the Emerging Church (which hand picks its doctrines) and the Marketing Church (which is more and more finding generational niches for itself, and losing the concept of the Body of Christ.) This title drew me quickly to pre-order the book based upon the other four volumes. The books races from the pole-position and quickly compares the Reform-Centered Church to the Marketing and Emerging movements. The first few chapters are superb, well researched, and good quotes and comparisons of the Emerging and Marketing gurus. But about 1/3 the way into the book, Wells takes a tangent to begin discussion of self-help, culturalism, recovery movements, and more and never gets around to tying them back into the premise of the book. The clear thesis turns fuzzy. He loses the reader in a mixture of studies, thoughts, and criticism without linking it to the two movements he has set out to expose. The last chapter returns to the character of the Reformational church, but it is too little, too late. This book was supposed to be a summary of the first four volumes. I strongly recommend reading the first four books and skipping this final book...or wait for the paperback edition.



2. My interest in reading good books came a little bit too late to read David Wells' four part series of books as they were released (No Place for Truth, God in the Wasteland, Losing Our Virtue and Above All Earthly Pow'rs). I now have the four volumes sitting on my bookshelf and have often thumbed through them wishing I could muster up the motivation to dive into the series. The problem is that I am intimidated as I look at them and consider that each of them weighs in at several hundred pages. I know that twelve hundred or more pages of dense content would prove quite the challenge to me and to my too-short attention span.
   
   This is the very reason Wells chose to write The Courage To Be Protestant. This is not a fifth entry in the series as much as it is, or as much as it began at least, as a summary of them. "Once this work got under way," Wells writes, "I found myself not so much compressing as recasting all that I had done and then updating it. The result is that this book is less a summary and more an attempt at getting at the essence of the project that has engaged me over the last fifteen years. And, hopefully, it will be more accessible than the previous books, not to mention less taxing on readers!"
   
   Wells gets straight to the point. "It takes no courage to sign up as a Protestant...To live by the truths of historic Protestantism, however, is an entirely different matter. That takes courage in today's context." The truths that Protestants have lived and died by have somehow become no more welcome within a Protestant context than in the outside culture. Those who would seek to live by the distinctives of the theology of the Bible must have courage to stand not only against the world but against much of the church.
   
   In an opening chapter Wells describes the lay of the Evangelical land and here he refers to three distinct constituencies into which Protestantism seems to be dividing in our day. These constituencies, though, are not drawn around issues of theology as they may have been in days past. "When all is said and done today, many evangelicals are indifferent to doctrine." What rearranges the evangelical territory in our day is the culture around us and our engagement with it. This is not a serious engagement with culture, but instead a pragmatic catering to it. "This quest for success, which passes under the language of `relevance,' is what is partitioning the evangelical world into its three segments." The partitions Wells refers to are classic evangelicalism, marketers and emergents.
   
   Having described how marketers and emergents arose out of classical evangelicalism, he provides a chapter called "Christianity for Sale" in which he shows how in recent decades churches became convinced that they must change their way of doing business or face inevitable extinction. This "church as business" model transformed the way churches perceived themselves and led to the raising of methodology over theology. "What began as a simple recognition by church marketers that parking should be convenient, signs evident, and bathrooms clean has somehow begun a migration." The migration eventually led to the transformation of not only the traditional church but also the traditional theology it lives by. The church began to look at the unchurched men and women around them as customers and those customers soon became their theology. The Bible fell out of favor as pragmatism took over.
   
   The bulk of the book looks to the five predominant themes arising from Wells' previous four books. The themes are truth, God, self, Christ and church. Each one is treated in a substantial chapter. Time would fail me to describe each of these chapters. Suffice it to say that this book is much like watching Sportscenter or another sports highlights show. It is a highlight reel of the previous books. Where during the course of a typical ballgame you can expect there will be stretches where you will witness little of great importance, during the highlight shows you need to pay attention as you'll see only the most important moments. This book is similar. Every page is important and every chapter is packed with fascinating content. Rare is the page in my copy of the book that is not stained with substantial amounts of highlighter.
   
   The Courage To Be Protestant marks the end of Wells' magnum opus--the work to which he has dedicated himself for almost two decades. It is an utterly brilliant book and one that I feel is a recommended read, and maybe even a must read, for any Protestant. Wells kept me glued to his text for page after page as he challenged me, as one who seeks to be a classical evangelical and who seeks to hold faithfully to the theology of Scripture, to display the courage it takes to be Protestant in the church today.

5 comments about The Search For Significance: Seeing Your True Worth Through God's Eyes.

1. I have to say that besides the Bible, this book changed my life. This book defines in a way that is easy to understand and grasp how much Jesus loves us and the truth about who we are to Him.
   
   This book helps you to understand the lie that satan wants us to believe. That our self esteem equals our performance and other people's opinion. Understanding this lie really changed my life.
   
   In addition, the book gives you prayers to memorize in times of the enemy challenging your thinking and behavior. How to not fear rejection, how to overcome the fear of not meeting people's approval. I recommend this book to anyone who is ready to get this burden off their back. The burden of having everyone else's expectations rule your life. Get your freedom back by really understanding, in depth, how much God loves you and get back the peace in your life that you've been missing. I love this book!!!!! A++++++++++++



2. We used this for a small group discussion, but somehow I felt it was more like a self-help book (for someone at an emotionally low level, pulling himself/herself up) than a book to seek self-worth (for someone who just wants to understand how to be more Christ-like). The way it was written might be useful for someone who has undergone abuse in the past, or someone who has very extreme personalities. Somehow I don't feel as connected to this as other in the small group, but I guess the workbook in the back could be very helpful for discussions. Overall, it's a great read, but again, I just don't feel very connected to its themes.



3. I came to a place in my life where I needed to find my significance in God, versus in man...As not knowing how to find my worth in God I found this book very helpful in my quest. Any words of wisdom based on scripture that helps one grow as a Christian is well worth the journey!



4. This book was mandatory reading for one of my classes in college about 15 years ago and it revolutionized my concept of self-worth and value. I have given hundreds of copies to friends and families over the ensuing decade and a half and have seen it change their hearts and lives as well. I doubt any self help workshops or seminars could begin to impart the knowledge and freedom that this book does.



5. I purchased this book as the basis for a short small group study. It has actually been one of the best Bible studies in which I have participated. For anyone who has ever questioned his/her own value or worth, this study provides many direct Biblical references confirming the truths that each of us is completely loved, completely forgiven, fully pleasing, totally accepted, and absolutely complete in Christ!

5 comments about Life Together: The Classic Exploration of Faith in Community.

1. I encourage anyone who snags a copy of this book to read the introduction of this book because it summarizes who Bonhoeffer was and what he went through - which is very incredible. Just reading the introduction made me curious and open to what was contained in the pages to follow.
   
   In this book Bonhoeffer is addressing life in the Body of Christ, the community of believers. Specifically, in the local body. For what he writes as to the purpose of community and how it should be played out in the lives of believers, every pastor and leader in a church should read this book, because it is a beautiful vision of what it is to live life together.
   
   The third chapter, titled 'The Day Alone' was worth the price of admission to me, on its own. In it he talks about one's personal walk with God, the time alone with God and in his Word and in prayer. It is really challenging, but at the same time encouraging .
   
   If I could, I'd have every Christian read this book and engage the material within. Bonhoeffer came from a situation foreign to most readers today, but most of what he writes is relevant to the modern setting. There were a few things he suggested (well, dictated, as is his style...) which raised my eyebrows. Not necessarily that what he said was biblically wrong, I just didn't quite completely agree with the practical practice he was outlining for a specific point. But that doesn't mean he wasn't making a relevant commentation - and his points are all excellent for believers to engage and think about, for their minds to stew over and then take back to the Word.
   
   So yes, I recommend this greatly. If you're a Christian, read it. If you're not a Christian, this has glimpses of what it means to love Christ and live with his followers and I'd encourage you to consider what is written on these pages. Though if you're curious about what Christianity is, I'd suggest something more along the lines of Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis.



2. A precious little book, with wonderful advice for Christians on how to live a fully-fledged Christian life, in community, as it corresponds to the Body of Christ, His church.
   
   Advice on prayer, specially when we are not in the spiritual mood to do so; on the importance of fellowship and solitude, each one at their right time, complementing each other. Even the smallest details are here, and very welcome ones: "when our thoughts wander (...) quite calmly to incorporate into our prayer the people and events to which our thoughts keep straying and thus in all patience return to the starting point of the meditation." Here you realize the enormous importance for Christians of living, praying, singing, encouraging, helping, praising, confessing in comunity. Iron sharpens iron.
   
   The book was written for the underground church during the nazi years in Germany. A most timely book for the times we are starting to live in. And by the way: the way it started is the way it will all end.



3. It's strange to say I both like this book and don't like it, but that's true. It's convicting me, which I know I need, but which doesn't always "feel" good. However, I like his central premise about Christ being at the center. What he writes about not knowing my brothers and sisters directly, but through Christ, changes the way I look at relationships. Regarding his writing about singing, I didn't really agree with it. But I reminded myself that Bonhoeffer wrote in a different place and time. I'm beginning to think that the best books are not those that make me "feel" good but that make me think differently.



4. This is a great little book, a classic that all Christians should read. At roughly 128 pages, this is a short treatise on Christian community that is very accessible. In the first chapter of this book Bonhoeffer presents his understanding of the reality of Christian community. Bonhoeffer's basic claim is that Christian community is a reality, both in the mundane realm and in the spiritual realm, and that this reality should inform the way we live with fellow Christians. The remaining four chapters deal with exactly how this reality should inform our lives, both as we live together and as we spend time alone.
   
   Bonhoeffer provides in this book a plethora of practical considerations for us to consider in light of the reality of our Christian brotherhood. For some reason, various reviewers have criticized Bonhoeffer's views found in the second chapter, "The Day With Others". In particular it seems that people are uncomfortable with Bonhoeffer's views concerning worship.
   
   Basically Bonhoeffer stands for the proposition that Christian worship should be limited to unison-singing. Although I am not sure that I agree with Bonhoeffer's particular thoughts on this subject, I think he is essentially correct that overall we should consider how these practical parts of our life together effect the fellowship. Bonhoeffer's concern is that modern forms of worship can lead to sin (or at least a less fruitful expression of worship) in the body; that we should be wary of allowing one group within the body to impose their personal preferences on the whole.
   
   This thinking is in-line with Bonhoeffer's overall point in this book: we should always be thinking of the body when considering the various aspects of our lives, both as we live together and as we spend time alone. Music is just one example. And I think that the people who have somehow reconciled themselves to criticize Bonhoeffer in this one area while at the same time praising the rest of the book are clearly not understanding the point of this book. They say, "If we resort only to unison-singing in worship my rights of self-expression will be violated... I find self-expression in other forms of worship." My response, and I think Bonhoeffer's response would be: the essence of Christian fellowship, and thus the essence of Christianity, is that we look to the interests of our brother before we tend to our own interests. Christianity isn't about my rights... it's about loving others with grace. This means, among other things, thinking practically about how our choice of worship style effects the body. And if we choose to worship with a more contemporary style, while offending other portions of the body (elderly people are a group that come to mind), causing those portions of the body to withdraw, how are we serving and loving the body? Bonhoeffer's point is that we aren't, and I think he's essentially right.
   
   The types of practical considerations Bonhoeffer applies to music are the same type of considerations we need to apply to our entire lives, both our lives together and our lives alone. This is the point of this book, and it is a profound message for a time when people tend to focus more on their own rights, interests, and claims. While individual autonomy is the order of the day, Bonhoeffer calls us to love one another. This includes the hard work of dealing with practical problems, such as worship style. I think this is a great book because it challenges us to walk the walk, not just talk the talk. We all say we love the brotherhood, but are we actually doing it? What does it mean to really love? In this book Bonhoeffer presents a challenging picture of what loving looks like, and even though we don't need to agree with everything he says, his overall message is a necessary one. I hope you enjoy the read!



5. Biblical applications of Christ-centered faith in the Trinity, and the fellowship of Christians in home and common prayer accedes the test of time in Dietrich Bonhoeffer's "Life Together: The Classic Exploration of Faith in Community".
   As the Nazi regime began to take shape in Germany in 1935, the author wrote the book in Stettin, where he shared a common life in emergency-built houses with twenty-five vicars. For Christians today, "Life Together", transcends an age-old message to every group of people in fellowship: Christianity is community through and in Jesus Christ, alone.
   Bonhoeffer attests to the first community as that of the Trinity in the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Scriptural submissions follow as the author stresses that it is God's will that Christendom is "like scattered seed into all the kingdoms of the earth (Deut 28:25) as both a curse and a promise. "God's people live among unbelievers but are also the seed of the Kingdom of God in the world." The author submits that this has happened in Christ who died, "that he should gather together in one the scattered children of God." (John 11:52). Therefore, Christians need other Christians to speak God's Word to one another in both daily, and seasons of their fellowship.
   In his central statement that we need one another because of Christ, the theologian further explains that God's Word must be spoken among the fellowship of believers where there is uncertainty and discouragement, so that brothers and sisters in Christ can bear and proclaim the "divine word of salvation" to one another. Bonhoeffer further attests that the more sincere and authentic, and the deeper each community of fellowship becomes, the more visible and purely Christ is present among them. In this, says the author, Christian brotherhood is not an ideal, but a divine reality. A framework of a first, and foremost, Christ-centered focus, would be pivotal to contemporary small group ministries which may constrain this application to favor a blend of both the human and the spiritual.
   As the author puts it, it is the "undiscerning" who believe in this mix, with varied levels of community structure, such as marriage, family and friendship, "Where the human element assumes a central importance for coming into being, and where spiritual is only added to the physical and intellectual, the author attests that there's a danger of confusing the two spheres, when there is no such danger in a purely spiritual fellowship
   Bonhoeffer perceived "Life Together" as Christian family fellowship, groups in prayer, and in common worship as the body of Christ. He extolled passing on the Christian faith at home, as parents and children share in reading the scriptures and psalms, and in daily table fellowship, saying grace in "Come Lord Jesus, be our guest", which binds Christians to Jesus and to one another. The theologian also asserts that Christians should remember daily prayer, particularly in the morning. "At the break of light, the church remembers the morning on which death and sin is defeated and new life and salvation was given to mankind". He further states that those who gather together in groups at this time of day should bond in "common praise of God, common prayer, and common hearing of the Word".
   This book is "must read" for small groups, pastors, staff and the laity in general. As Bonhoffer submits, it is Christ who must be the focus of the group or church's mission and ministry . The first questions small groups and the church as a whole must ask is: What is Christ's will for this ministry? This humble submission frames our love in service to the neighbor.

5 comments about The Power of Positive Thinking.

1. Good little book to carry w/ youto use when feeling down. If it was maybe a little larger you could read it better.



2. Very helpful and insightful. Great way to start your morning on your drive into work. The concepts are simple, applicable, and memorable. There's a message for everyone no matter where you are in your life. I use some of the techniques everyday. Worth every penny.



3. I have found this book to be very stimulating. It is a true reflection of our capacity to think our way to destruction or prosperity. Believing in yourself and positive thinking truly get you on the road to success. The book is grounded in Biblical principles and a practical understanding of human nature. You can never read this book and remain the same! The author is also in agreement with the author of Breaking Free: The Key to Empowerment, Happiness & Fulfillmentwho believes that the proper mental attitude is important for success but one needs to take time to therapeutically work through past issues that are holding him or her captive.



4. Think positive! Well, that's easier being said than done...
   
   This book contains a great deal of wisdom about the mind and knowing how to control (or how to fool) yourself. Most people are caught within their own fears and act on them accordingly. Why?
   
   The why-part is being described in this book in great detail and Norman Vincent Peale puts all his knowledge into teaching us how to become and stay positive. It really helped me for a while when I had a bad time at something and has been in my system ever since. It's a great gift to have; not only for yourself, but for the people around you as well!
   
   Then why do I rate this book four stars? I think the book is too much god-oriented and hallelujah praise The Lord. Even for people related to a religion this book can cause you to go for a prayer too much. That's not the way it worked for me, but you can find your own way around it.
   
   If you don't dislike reading about prayers, buy this book.



5. This CD book to me embodies what is required when working in the Information Technology Industry. The The Power Of Positive Thinking CD set helps in two ways -- 1. is during the negative economy we are in because it will keep you pumped and to help stay pumped the CD set is perfect for staying up while traveling.

5 comments about Amish Grace: How Forgiveness Transcended Tragedy.

1. Amish Grace.
   A sensitive & thoughtful discussion of the Amish tragedy & the difficult but necessary task of 'forgiveness'.I found it enlightening illustration of Amish theology & philosophy.



2. This is an excellent source of information about the Amish culture, about forgiveness, and how they came to terms with the Nickel Mines incident. It brings you to a much greater understanding of the lifestyle they have chosen, their spirituality and how they practice their faith.



3. While I am not 'religious' when one uses the term, as it is so often these days by the media, I am very much Quaker/Mennonite in my views, and the Amish no matter what sect, are much like Quakers and how one is taught from birth to forgive. One walks the talk rather than talk talk talk. Actions speak louder than words.
   
   Doesn't mean one forgets. One simply forgives, because its both biblical and because its healthy and ones body is the temple of God. To not forgive would almost be a sin. Although some will actually remind us that it is a sin.
   
   What I like so much about the book, is how its a great tool for enlightening those who dare read it. As Americans and I speak as one, we seem to live in a society that is so judgmental and wanting some type of radical even mean spirited action when we read, see or hear of something wrong.
   
   And from a Biblical point of view the author reminds the reader that forgiveness is rooted in the scripture going back to Joseph in the Old Testament when he was sold into slavery in Egypt. Or Christ who on the cross said 'Father forgive them for they know not what they do.'
   
   Also like the book because my family has been effected by crime. My husband was hit and later died, after being hit my a drunk driver who never in all the years since the accident/crime, ever said he was sorry. Yet, my husband insisted we not hold a grudge, and that we forgive and hope that the young mans life would be better, not worse.
   
   Like the author and the book, it came down to the Lords Prayer and 'Forgives us our sins/transgressions/failings as we forgive those who sin/transgress/fail against us'. How can we expect mercy and grace if we don't offer it ourselves?



4. This was a well written, informative, sensitive book. It didn't give the feel of some of "sensationalizing" a tragedy. Instead, it gently gave light to our fellow neighbors and countrymen, The Amish. It opened a door and gave us a glimpse of our commonality as Christians,our humanness as fallen man, our common struggle with forgiveness and trying to understand tragedy when it happens, and a glimpse at how the Amish distinctly handles tragedy.
   
   It gave much to ponder and think about, and I am very glad that I have read it. I would recommend it highly, especially to those struggling with forgiveness and justice.



5. The issue of forgiveness is one of the most difficult and one of the most important issues in Christian life.
   I was so impressed with the book that I read the book within 2 days. It continues to linger on my mind. It is a must read! It really deserves 4 1/2 stars. My only criticism is that it appears to be written in a hurry and that the different authors sometimes overlap and repeat the same issue.
   The positives far outweigh the small negative.

5 comments about Boundaries Workbook: When to Say Yes When to Say No To Take Control of Your Life.

1. Perfect condition and arrived ahead of schedule. Thank you!! Will do business again!



2. I received an miniature version of this book. Was not aware that that was what it was. I emailed them, and never heard back. I then looked up the order and it does say that. My bad



3. This workbook has a specific use and is not for general reading. It is a fine guide for a group discussing Boundries or segments of the book. I do not recommend this for the average reader who just wants to read the book, Boundries.



4. The workbook helps by making you think about what you have just read. You retain more of the valuable information. The questions and comments are great.



5. I taught this class and required the Participants Guide, but recommended the Workbook. If I were to do this again, I would more strongly recommend the Workbook, as it goes much further into study and is much more helpful and rewarding. The very nature of this study - is on a schedule (it tries to keep its boundaries!), means that it often brushes over very complex and valuable information, whereas the Workbook really causes the reader to think about the information and digest it more completely. I would recommend this book, even without the class.

5 comments about Changes That Heal: How to Understand the Past to Ensure a Healthier Future.

1. This book will help you recognize the necessary steps one has to take to be happy and content with yourself and others. Everyone has some problem that needs to be dealt with and this shows how to gain a better understanding of what has to be done to beat an addiction, get over esteem issues, deal with problem people, perfectionism, etc. It will help to open your eyes to the keys to growth. We just have to be willing to do the work.



2. Great book. Dr. Henry Cloud is an excellent teacher on how to apply God's word effectively to heal our past.



3. This is a Very Good Christian Self Help Book for anyone Needing To Make Changes in their Life and heal past Issues. It is very Good and Follows behind the Boundaries Book. I myself thought it was MUCH Better than Boundaries and I would HIGHLY recommend it to Anyone Suffering from Domestic and Sexual Abuse issues....You need to Read it! Also do the Study Guide in the Back of the Book.



4. Excellent book by a respected author...the profound counsel within these pages is fabulous; I have earmarked and underlined and highlighted numerous passages. This one is a good "look in the mirror" and complements the "Boundaries" books quite well. I highly recommend this one! I have been a co-dependent person my entire life; now middle-aged and divorced, it is time to heal and discover ME. Thank you, Dr. Cloud!



5. Thanks for the product, it was as advertised and was posted to Australia in very quick time. I was amazed how quickly it got here actually! It beat other books i had ordered before this one!

5 comments about The Complete C.S. Lewis Signature Classics.

1. C. S. Lewis held such a brilliant God-given imagination, that ALL his works tickle the mind in places that one didn't even know existed! His writings will have you laughing until you hurt one minute, and the next minute so full of spiritual sobriety that the on-going, unseen (yet very "felt") battle raging around us becomes crystal clear.
   
   It is far and few between when a book will call me back to it when I walk away. It is not often that I find such joy and delight when I can finally pick it up again--almost feeling a guilty pleasure when there are so many chores to do and work to be done!
   
   What a brilliant mind this author had. What a blessing he was to our planet! My children love his works.
   
   Carrie Lynn Jones
   Author of: It All Began... When Jesus Gave Me Sneakers



2. I would highly recommend this book for anyone interested in C.S. Lewis!! Very handy to have all of these classics in one volume. Easy to read print also makes it hard to put down!! If you've long enjoyed the works of C.S. Lewis, or if you are new to him (like me!), you will not be disappointed with this purchase!!



3. This is truly a life changing book. What an incredible mind C S Lewis had. It has been an honor to have the opportunity to read this collection. I won't stop until I have read everything I can find about, or by C S Lewis.



4. While it seems that many of C.S. Lewis' works have been compiled into collections since their initial publications, this particular collection might be one of the best available at the moment. That is, this collection might offer a comparatively larger bang for one's buck. Each of the titles contained within this single volume are more than worth their weight in gold, making the collection as a whole priceless. One should realize, however, that if the collective work is approached as one large, continuous reading, it might be seen as a tremendous undertaking. As large as the actual book might be, one should not be intimidated by its size, and feel comfortable tackling each of the separate texts as if it were independent from the larger collection if not only to avoid rushing in an attempt to reach its end.
   
   To avoid an unnecessarily long review, one might be best served, if at all interested, to examine the reviews available for each of the individual titles contained within this compilation. Beyond this it should be mentioned that while these are appropriately dubbed Lewis' signature classics, much of his work is omitted from this collection. A few additional suggestions if one is interested in this author are The Four Loves, Surprised by Joy, Letters to Malcolm, and God in the Dock among many, many others. Again, this collection is a legitimate bargain considering the wealth of knowledge it contains and the comparative price of purchasing each separately...or never inquiring at all.



5. As a freshman in college, the concept of religion can be a very distant one. A man who is a leader of a spiritual organization on campus highly recommended CS Lewis, beyond the Chronicles of Narnia, and finally I decided I would see what the interest was about. I cannot believe I waited so long to experience such a fantastic author and truly wonderful books. If you are a life-long Christian, someone open to the concept of religion and looking to explore, or just someone who wants several great stories to read, this collection is unbeatable. Over 750 pages and seven stories that will challenge the reader, both spiritually and intellectually. I highly, highly recommend this book.

5 comments about Become a Better You: 7 Keys to Improving Your Life Every Day.

1. For someone so young (mid 40s), he is actually a very good pastor. Some people simply do not "receive" God's prophet (in the NT, this refers to someone who preaches/proclaims God's word) because they aren't ready for him yet.
   
   If you enjoy Charles Spurgeon, then without a doubt, you will adore and come to love Joel Osteen. Osteen and Spurgeon are much alike. You see, I believe that they are both anointed by God as encourager prophets, speaking God's truths and promises. "The main thing is to get a blessing"- sound like Osteen? Spurgeon said that when speaking about seeking after and expecting God's blessing. However, we must be open to receive God's grace, faith, and therefore, His blessing.
   
   Joel Osteen said, "a merry heart is good like a medicine." Sound like the Biblical wisdom? Well, that's what it is.



2. Joel Osteen has been an inspiration to me since his first book. "Become A Better you" made me relize that I have more to give then what I thought. For a long time I would feel that I was not going to amount to no more than what I was currently. That is until I read his book.
   
   I have had a bad marriage and a few dead end jobs. Joel showed me that it was ok to fall down. But I could get up, shake the dust off, and become much better person then I was with God. To get the full effect of the book, it does take seven weeks. Reading a chapter a week. Each chapter is brokendown into seven sub-chapters. I do strongly recommend the journal as wel.



3. I like the way it teaches lessons through the bible, however, everything is said over and over. If you read the first couple pages (if even that) of each chapter, you know what it is about.



4. Very inspirational. I listened to these cd's while commuting to work and was amazed at how focused I remained on the lessons. The lessons are witty, thoughtful and well organized. I found myself deep in thought after each listening and sometimes laughing out loud. Well worth the purchase with a cross-denominational appeal.



5. Joel's book sends the right message. Although it has quite a Christian base to the words, it is very similar to The Spoken Words of Spirit: Lessons From The Other Side. Many of the insightful and uplifting words of direction and encouragement are parallel. Congratulations to Joel Osteen for helping so many people with his advice.

5 comments about Boundaries: When to Say Yes, How to Say No to Take Control of Your Life.

1. I knew that this book was written from a Christian perspective, and although I am not a theist, I can usually look beyond that to the substance. Case in point: I'm a big Dave Ramsey fan, which is how I heard about this book.
   
   However, I found that the Bible was the primary authority used for any and all the points in the book. There were an average of 2 Bible quotes per page, often taken out of context and molded in the shakiest of ways to fit the point being made.
   
   Much of the authority I would have allowed the authors on the strength of their experience as counselors was sabotaged by their reliance on quoted scripture for their authority. If they put so much credence into a series of writings with so much internal inconsistency and use it so arbitrarily, how can I trust their professional judgment?
   
   If you're a Bible believer, this review won't appeal to you, and that's fine. You may find value in the book -- and I do believe strongly in the basic premise that we should set honest boundaries in our relationships. But if you're not a fundamentalist Christian, don't waste your time.



2. This is a fantastic book. When it first came out I skimmed it but did not read it thoroughly. Over the years I have probably given away at least a dozen of them and recommended it to countless others. When recently asked to teach a series on the topic of personal boundaries, I finally sat down and read the book carefully. What a treasure! I highly recommend the book as well as the workbooks that are available to accompany it.



3. This is a good book for anyone who is having a problem with saying No. Life is full of people asking us to do something for them or someone else. These people can be from work, friends and from family menbers. Most of us get caught saying yes when we would rather say No. This book gives us excellent ways to learn to say no in the right way, taking control of our lives.



4. Everyone should read this book. Young, old, rich, poor and probably should start in highschool. It will blow you away!



5. This book should be a part of Christian discipleship and ministry training.....many "victims" need to learn a lot of the truths presented here to become free from cycles of pain and abuse and find the strength they may be looking for.
   
   Think of this as....Fundamentals of Emotional Gardening......