5 comments about Moments Together for Couples.

1. I have seen complaints about how the book only seems geared towards parents....and many of the devotions really are. Before we had our daughter (that took a long time due to infertility) those days were kind of a downer for me....but to get around the topic I tried to view it as an "if I were a parent what would I want to do in this situation".
   Now that I am a parent it is a non-issue....and regardless I just enjoy anytime that is mean't to draw myself and my husband closer to the Lord.



2. Since we received this as a gift for our anniversary 5-6? years ago, we have given it as part of our wedding gift to LITERALLY EVERY MARRYING COUPLE we've known EVER SINCE. Our oldest of four daughters is 16 and she has begun reading it as a teaching tool for how to be a great mate and what to RIGHTFULLY expect from her mate as a Christian woman. I STILL READ THIS EVERY DAY, and I give it to friends of mine, men and women alike with a note in the front that encourages them to remember that Christ is to be first, our spouses second, and our children third.



3. This devotional is great for married couples trying to find some sort of devotional they can do together as a couple. It's great for couples with and without children, but it does have quite a few devotions based on a family with children. You'll really enjoy it; it gets us talking about things we wouldn't otherwise talk about. And this is the place I got the best deal on it also!



4. This book has helped my husband and I make time for a daily time of devotion and prayer. The devotions are short but they always make you think and are good conversation starters. Great book for busy married couples!



5. I rated this devotional very high for the following 5 reasons:
   1. It brings my wife and I together in so many ways.
   2. It accurately delves into the Word of God and allows my wife and I to get into the topic and express our intimate and personal thoughts and feelings.
   3. It challenges both of us as parents, as a huband and as a wife.
   4. It allows us to see how eachother thinks and I have an opportunity to hear the things on the heart of my wife.
   5. Dennis and Barbara keep it real.
   
   If you are looking for a good devotional for you are your wife, If you are looking to improve your listening and communication skills in your marriage then I encourage you to give this devotional a shot. However, I must warn you this devotional is not for the CHARISMATIC Christian. This devotional is for those that are daily LIVING FOR CHRIST!

5 comments about A Hunger for Healing: The Twelve Steps as a Classic Model for Christian Spiritual Growth.

1. I read this book after I had worked through the steps, but I wish I had read it before. Miller does a great job breaking down each step and applying it to his own life. If you thought the steps were just for alcoholics, think again. This book will open your mind to behaviors that keep you stuck in the insanities of life. If your new to the steps or if you have lived them most of your life this book hits the spot.



2. First step - Get Real! It's time for the church not to be afraid to admit they're dysfunctional. read this book. Also get "A More Excellent Way" by Pastor Henry Wright. Let's get the church and the body healed!



3. In doing my own recovery work, this book has been an invaluable resource that has allowed me to inventory and begin to deal with my past. J. Keith Miller has great perspectives and anecdotes that you can relate to. I would recommend this book to anyone, even those who feel that they are spiritually and emotionally healthy. I can bet this book would allow anyone to find things about their past that they still need to heal and resolve. For those that feel as though they are at the bottom, this book is definitely for you. This is likely going to be a book that I am taking my time with going through the first time and will re-read again and again.



4. TIME magazine, Monday, Sep. 07, 1936
   
   
   "God-Controlled Dictatorship"
   When the followers of Dr. Frank Nathan Daniel Buchman wish to emphasize the fact that the Oxford Groups include all sorts of people, they often speak of their "former Communist" colleague, Scotsman James Watt. The Oxford Groups lay no claim to having a "former Fascist" in their midst, and German Buchmanite baronesses hedge when asked how the movement works in the case of German Jews. Last week, to a stray interviewer from the New York World-Telegram, brisk Dr. Buchman readily declared himself on Fascism, now No. 1 bugaboo to practically all U. S. churchmen.
   
   "I thank heaven," exclaimed Grouper Buchman, "for a man like Adolf Hitler, who built a front-line of defense against the anti-Christ of Communism. My barber in London told me Hitler saved all Europe from Communism. That's how he felt. Of course, I don't condone everything the Nazis do. Anti-Semitism? Bad, naturally. I suppose Hitler sees a Karl Marx in every Jew.
   
   "But think what it would mean to the world if Hitler surrendered to God. Or Mussolini. Or any dictator. Through such a man God could control a nation overnight and solve every last, bewildering problem. . . . Spain has taught us what godless Communism will bring. Human problems aren't economic. They're moral, and they can't be solved by immoral measures. They could be solved within a God-controlled democracy, or perhaps I should say a theocracy, and they could be solved through a God-controlled Fascist dictatorship."
   
   First religious journal to plumb the implications of Dr. Buchman's plea was Zion's Herald, influential New England Methodist weekly which editorialized: "Just what would happen if Adolf Hitler, shorn of all his pagan power, were suddenly to become a St. Francis of Assisi? Would not such a conversion immediately mark the end of all bluster, swashbuckling, regimentation, coercion, intolerance, and persecution? Dictatorship would instantly fade away at the touch of Christ, whose whole method was teaching and persuasion.
   
   "God-controlled Fascism! The terms are mutually exclusive. As well talk of a God-controlled hell! When God controls, Fascism is thereby ruled out."
   TIME magazine, Monday, Sep. 07, 1936
   
   
   
   Note that both of the cofounders of Alcoholics Anonymous, William Griffith Wilson, and Dr. Robert Holbrook Smith, were enthusiastic members of the Oxford Group at this time. Neither of them quit the Oxford Group in protest when Frank Buchman thanked Heaven for giving us Adolf Hitler, and neither of them had a problem with Frank Buchman's raving about the joys of a world controlled by "Christian Fascist dictators" -- a "dictatorship of the living spirit". And neither of them objected to Frank Buchman's praise of the Nazis.
   In fact, Bill Wilson even praised dictatorships himself, and later bragged that Alcoholics Anonymous had "all of the advantages of the modern dictatorship".
   
   Bill Wilson would remain in the Oxford Group for another year before he was kicked out for refusing to follow orders to stop recruiting alcoholics. Dr. Robert Smith would remain in the Oxford Group for another three years before starting an independent unnamed Oxford Group meeting for alcoholics -- still the same religion, just minus the leader Frank Buchman, and finally, minus the name "Oxford Group".
   
   from: Orange Papers verbatim



5. Having worked and read many 12-Step books, Keith Miller offers an easy to read and much needed Christian perspective to many
   in the church today. I intend to recommend it to all my family and friends who want to grow in their faith journey.
   
   Carolyn P

5 comments about Su Mejor Vida Ahora/Your Best Life Now: Siete Pasos Para Vivir A Su Maximo Potencial.

1. I read this book and the way Joel Osteen sees things will allow us to enjoy God's love better and stop victimizing ourselves.
   As a catholic, I like to see how other faiths look at life and Osteen has maden a very interesting contribution to all of our faiths with this book.



2. Si tienes tiempo para leer un libro de esperanza, este es tu libro, no te detengas que Dios tiene mucho para ti, aquie el pasto Olsteen te guia y te ensena paso a paso como Dios quiere trabajar en tu vida.



3. I am extremely satisfy with the service provided. I will not hesitate to use this service again in the near future. I highly recomend this service.
   Thanks



4. I usually give Su Mejor Vida Ahora (or its English version Your Best Life Now) with friendship, catharsis and adrenalin blocker to depressed patients others give only Prozac type medicine. It amplifies Osteen's universal encouragement.
   Howard Long MD MPH



5. Su Mejor Vida Ahora/Your Best Life Now: Siete Pasos Para Vivir A Su Maximo Potencial
   
   Uno de los mejores libros que he leido!
   Cuando me lo regalaron y me dijeron que ya con ese iban mas de 20 que regalaban, yo que leo mucho, pense, " ni que estuviera tan bueno", estos pobres no saben lo que un buen libro es....
   
   Bueno tengo que decir que ya van mas de 20 que compro para regalar.
   
   Es un libro que todos deberian leer. te da fe en ti mismo, fe en dios, luz , seguridad, confianza, te hace crecer y creer.
   
   Necesitamos creer que podemos lograr lo que queramos, y Joel Osteen sabe de manera sencilla y amena abrir tu mente, tu corazon, tu alma, todo tu ser, a ese poder infinito, del cual todos tenemos una chispa, la luz de cristo y el poder dios, con el cual podemos lograr "mover montanas" y superar todo!, NO SE LO PIERDAN.
   
   Guille Velasco ( Mexico)

5 comments about Welcome to the Episcopal Church: An Introduction to Its History, Faith, and Worship.

1. Welcome to the Episcopal Church, is a very easy read and a fairly good representation of the Episcopal Churh of the USA as it is today. It describes well the 'middle way' of Anglicans in general, and does artfully skip around the specific political issues currently being discussed within the Church. The reader should be cautioned that there is wide variety within the ECUSA regarding some of the doctrines outlined and, depending on your diocese, actual experiences will be either more protestant or more catholic. For a more scholarly history of the ECUSA and the Anglican Communion, I would recommend Ye Are the Body, by Bonnell Spencer or the writings of Charles Chapman Grafton. Of course, if you really want to learn more about the ECUSA, pick up a copy of The Book of Common Prayer.



2. Being an Episcopalian for over 50 years, this author provides a very comprehensive overview from the founding to almost current day, very well written for a newcomer or for a refresher.



3. As a new comer to the Am. Episcopal Church, I had many questions about the method and rites of worship. This small volume has proved an excellent starter book in understanding some of the history & liturgy, as well as the beliefs and methods of worship of the Episcopal denomination without going into deep evangelical or philosophical treatise. It is not meant to serve as an evangelical tool, but as a beginning book of instruction. I highly recommend this little volume to get started in understanding the ins & outs of the Episcopal worship service and church.



4. This is my first "Welcome to.." book and I was very pleasantly surprised by how straightforward and easy to read it was. The author does a very good job of solidifying key concepts in different parts of the book so that you don't feel like you've forgotten information. I also really liked how tenderly he regards the Episcopal Church without coming across as overly biased toward it.
   
   This book is a very good read, and not at all boring as one reviewer said. I myself finished it in a day and I think it'll be useful in the future if I need to quickly look something up. Also, I might add, it has really good analysis questions at the end of each chapter. That way you think about what you just read and provide an answer that best fits your beliefs.



5. WELCOME TO THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH is a realtively short book (less than 150 pp.), but a useful one. It deals with the history of the church going back to the English Reformation, the style of contemporary worship, the importance of the sacraments of Eucharist (communion) and baptism, the significance of the Bible, and the primacy of the 1979 Book of Common Prayer (which, indeed, many Episcopalians simply call "the prayer book").
   
   The intended target for this book and others in the series (WELCOME TO THE BOOK OF COMMON PRAYER, WELCOME TO SUNDAY, and others) is probably a prior Protestant or Roman Catholic getting ready to join the Episcopal Church. This is not the place for in-depth history or theology, nor is it meant to be. I agree with the reviewer below who found the suggestions for further reading a little weak. An index would have been nice.

5 comments about At the Altar of Sexual Idolatry.

1. I have read several books that tell of the problem all men struggle with: sexual idolatry or at least lust. Christians are no different!In my opinion, every Christian man ought to read this book. This book grabs the bull by the horns, and in a Biblical way. You'll be fully satisfied with this book!



2. Everybody does it.
   
   This has become the excuse for sexual sin within the church in our current culture. Internet or video porn, chat rooms, phone sex...perhaps you've tried them. Perhaps your pastor has. Perhaps your husband has.
   
   God has one clear intention for human sexuality, and no matter how seemingly small or harmless, misuse of it is sin. And it can lead to addiction.
   
   If you are sturggling with getting control over your viewing habits, fantasy life, or other misuses of God's gift of sexuality in marriage, this book can truly help you. It helped me. It contains practical advice based on Scripture and personal experience of the author.
   
   We weren't made for darkness. Step into the light and be free from this body of death.



3. Now in a revised and expanded 20th anniversary edition, At the Altar of Sexual Idolatry is a guide for Christian men about the struggle to overcome sexual addiction through faith and spirituality. Author Steve Gallagher, founder and president of Pure Life Ministries, discusses his strict views on sexuality and means by which faithful individuals can overcome their base desires and live a more godly life. It should be noted that At the Altar of Sexual Idolatry emphatically condemns all forms of sex outside of marriage - including masturbation. "The devil can dangle a carrot in front of your face, but there is something inside you that actually wants that carrot. You aren't lustful because some demon comes on you. You are lustful because you have within you a desire for what isn't right." A powerful guide to finding inner peace despite the dual rampant onslaught of today's sexually charged culture from without, and the utterly selfish sexual cravings from within.



4. From my perspective this book can be helpful to men struggling with sexual idolatry. Mr. Gallagher provides great encouragement to those that are downcast and bound up by all forms of sexual lust. I know that I found what he had to say encouraging and convicting.
   
   However, one word of caution for those who are struggling with sexual sin. Steve Gallagher presents vivid stories about sexual lust, but those who are struggling with sexual lust will find themselves stirred up to lust by the stories because of the vivid detail. The stories, in my opinion, are too descriptive. He could have given readers the stories, but with less details to get his point across. So please be careful to read this book with a person that will keep you accountable.
   
   If you do not think that you can find someone to keep you accountable to read this book (or you do not find a accountable because of shame and fear (which is a form of pride)). I would recommend reading another book. I would recommend the following...
   
   1. Overcoming Lust in a Sex Crazed World by C. Matthew McMahon (Puritan Publications)
   2. Sex is not the problem, Lust Is by Joshua Harris
   3. The Purity Principle by Randy Alcorn
   
   These books provide not only practical tips, but they seek to form a theological foundation for understanding sexual desire, (which God created), which will help men and women to consistently put to death the desires of the flesh.
   
   This is not a bad book, but can possibly fill your mind with more sexual distortions (even though that is not the intent of the book) because of the overly detailed stories.



5. if you are a Chrisitan who is sincerely struggling against your sin but can't get an abiding victory, this is THE book to get you going in the right direction. the focus of the book is on besetting sexual sin and it is the best i have ever seen on this subject, but it has much wisdom to use against all type of besetting sin.
   
   this book is not a "fun" read at all, but it is good strong medicine that can change your life if you are serious about changing.

5 comments about Who Needs Theology?: An Invitation to the Study of God.

1. ""Who needs theology?" we ask. The answer is clear: All do" (p. 46). Defending this claim pretty much takes up the first half of the book. I must say, the authors do a great job of it too! This is an excellent book for people who find their eyes glazing over at the very word "theology." Grenz and Olsen have written an engaging and elementary book showing why theology is important for every Christian. The authors divide theological thinking into three categories: "dogma, doctrine, & opinion". Dogma includes teaching that is mandatory for one's salvation. Doctrine includes teaching that is considered important but not essential. Finally, opinion is catch-all category for everything that is left. This was a most helpful evaluative tool for this reader. Likewise, the authors note the various types of theology ranging from folk, to lay theology, to ministerial, professional and finally academic theology. Basically, the authors argue that folk theology and academic theology is useless to the church on the one hand and dangerous on the other. The authors also discuss the basic tools of the theology and the contextualization of theology. Finally the authors note that the goal of theology is impact in one's life. A short, easy & helpful book. Highly recommended.



2. Grenz and Olson wrote a superb book for "the rest of us." They do a great job convincing the reader that we are all theologians, of one kind or another. It helps the reader no longer be afraid of the word "theology." I particularly appreciated their discussion of different kinds of theologians, as it helped me to understand the basis for some of my own likes and dislikes of the field. This book is used in seminaries for beginning students, but is great for the layman. A must read for all Christians.



3. For the layman or the scholar, this book will teach you something you didn't know before about theology, and makes the subject much less scary (even to professional theologians) :) Great job guys.



4. This truly was a pleasure to read. It put into words the motivational factors I had for bring the study of theology into my church. Grenz and Olson lovingly invite any and everyone to rich discipline of "studying God" by delineating the following:
   
   1. Everyone Is a Theologian
   2. Not All Theologies Are Equal
   3. Defining Theology
   4. Defending Theology
   5. Theology's Tasks & Traditions
   6. The Theologian's Tools
   7. Constructing Theology in Context
   8. Bringing Theology into Life
   9. An Invitation to Engage in Theology
   
   They understand the many misconceptions, intimidations, and difficulties in pursuing knowledge of God, yet charitably demonstrate that it can be done to the gory his glory even by a child. Holding high views of Scripture, tradition, and culture, they set forth a non-threatening view of how God can be loved through faith seeking understanding.



5. One of the reasons I enrolled in seminary back in 1999 was to cure my theological ignorance. I was tired of being misled by autocratic pastors and high-sounding authors. After I began school, it didn't take long for me to see how naive I was about God. Although it raised all sorts of new questions, a seminary education was worth the time and money. That's because it forced me to continually ask myself the question used for this review's title, which Grenz and Olson claim is theology's fundamental query (94).
   
   However, not every Christian can attend a Bible college (or even wants to). Even so, he or she should have 1) a well-defined theology, and 2) critical thinking skills. "Who Needs Theology?" helps encourage the believer along this path. It is the authors' desire that Christians leave behind credulity and the half-truths of "folk" theology in favor of a more profound lay, ministerial, or even professional level of theology. Of course, there are some pitfalls of theological study. A student can neglect their heart and embrace what the authors call "academic" theology, which is so cognitive that it has no practical worth. However, we should not be afraid of such detours. They can be avoided by remaining in community with other Christians and maintaining a personal relationship with God.
   
   "Who Needs Theology?" isn't overly dry and dense. The authors write in an accessible manner, and even use examples from the "Peanuts" comic strip to drive home some theological points. Their explanation of the differences between Christian dogma, doctrine, and opinion helped me understand these categories better. Practical advice is saved for the last chapter, where study resources and methods are recommended. However, I wish the authors had spent more time emphasizing the value of the classroom. Studying alone is good, but ultimately it's like trying to learn karate out of a book. As with martial arts, the best way to learn theology is from a gifted teacher and by interacting with others. They do recommend teaching as a way to learn, which is a good point. But taking on that role prematurely can be perilous and should be done with care.
   
   One of my theology profs had struggling students read this book and write a report for extra credit. That would have been a valuable exercise for the whole class, because "Who Needs Theology?" is a great introduction to the value of critical thinking and crafting a solid theological foundation. If you're curious about theology, or wonder why you should bother to study it, start here before diving into deeper waters.

5 comments about Wounded Heart: A Companion Workbook for Personal or Group Use.

1. There are some insightful points made in this book, but it seems to turn every issue the survivor has into their own sinful shortcomings. Whether this has any basis or not it leaves the reader feeling completely invalidated, condemned, and frustrated. There is very little said that is compassionate. Also, the author tries too hard to impress the reader with his vocabulary in a very unpoetic way that is irritating beyond belief. On the Threshold of Hope is much kinder to survivors and offers more hope for healing and restoration.



2. I am so thankful for this book and the workbook. God has used this book, in my life, to reveal things within me that I did not know were there. I now realize that I went through life constantly protecting myself and functioning in a way that was completely unhealthy. My recommendation, to you, is do not pick up this book, unless you truely desire to be healed from the wounds of your past. Sometimes, before we can be healed, we have to be strong and be willing to face ourselves in entirety. It will take courage and strength. I would also recommend this book for anyone whose spouse or friend has been abused. It will allow a deeper understanding into what they are going through. I also believe that this book/workbook would be helpful to someone who has not been sexually abused, but has maybe been exposed to other types of abuse (mental,verbal, emotional, neglect) in their childhood.



3. This book broke open my heart for healing! An incredible writing of truth and got me in touch with my past that I was in denial about and my life today! I recommend it for anyone who is the least bit suspicious of sexual abuse in their past childhood.



4. The condition of the copies I ordered were pristine, and the speed with wich I received my order was very fast. I would and do recomend this vendor and Amazon to everyone.



5. I highly recommend this book for anyone who wanting to work through past sexual abuse (REQUIRES A WILLINGNESS TO STRUGGLE DEEPLY) or to understand the struggle of a loved one. Dan Allender writes with authority and gentle understanding. This book and the accompanying workbook have been incredibly valuable to me in dealing with my past abuse and understanding how to support other women who want to find healing. This should be a must read for pastors, counselors and anyone who is actively ministering to people.

5 comments about Me and My Big Mouth: Your Answer is Right Under Your Nose.

1. I was giving this book by a spiritual mother. Joyce, in her tell it like it is manner, informs us of how we set ourselves up for the 'lesser' things of life.
   She gives a practical spin to the scripture 'life and death is in the power of the tongue". Its not about get rich scheme success or how to name it and claim it; this book teaches you how to train your ear and bridle your tongue to only speak what will manifest Godly character in your life. It also teaches us about the ills we do to poison our spirits and how to be liberated! PRAISE GOD!



2. We have watched Joyce Meyer's weekly (Mon-Fri) program for a few years now and overall find her to be a very good practical teacher on how Scripture corresponds with daily life issues. The product is formatted well and is designed to partner with her book of the same title. A worthwhile topic!



3. I purchased this for a bible study at my church and have been reasonably happy with it. I don't totally agree with some of her concepts, but the general idea is definitely worthwhile.
   
   A must for those who have the "I can't believe I said that!" moments!



4. There are few books that I have read more than once, and this is one that merits not only reading more than once, but in having it on hand for a constant reminder. It could not have had a more appropriate title. It catches the eye then captures the heart and soul of anyone who feels (or can fianally admit..because many of us do) they have a problem with their mouth. It also gives them hope that they are not doomed to the self excuse of "well, that's just the way I am. I tell people what I think and people admire me for it". Uh....no they don't. Once you discover that you don't always have to win, your life becomes so much more peaceful. This book has helped me very much to begin that process. I try now, not to let every thought work like a gumball machine....from the brain to the tounge then out of the mouth. I now think very hard about what I say, first. And, because of that I see now I don't always have to open my mouth. I've had some painful withdrawal episodes in the process, but it has been worth it. I like myself better, now. This book has truly been a God send. Thank you.



5. Great book, it was very informative and OH! so very true. Joyce Meyer is the greatest. A very profound visionary.

5 comments about Crossing the Tiber: Evangelical Protestants Discover the Historical Church.

1. Steve had a problem. He knew Jesus was for real but he was beginning to find that his presuppositions about the church were not. This is the story of how he fought against the Tiber tide until he could fight no longer and gave in to that which he had persecuted for so long. ("Crossing the Tiber" or "Swimming the Tiber" is popular Catholic convert slang referring to the Tiber river in Rome with regard to joining the Roman Catholic church.) Steve is one of many Protestants who had realized their one defining principle was that they were not Catholic. Their search for the roots of their faith led them to see the internal contradictions in the Protestant worldview and the discoveries were frightening and life-altering. Steve was goaded on to the deep Tiber waters by his loving wife and it is clear that the changes have been a spiritual empowerment in their family.
   
   With extensive footnotes that do not distract from the primary text, Steve relays their story as he first wrote it down for friends and family. It is a heartfelt and appealing story that makes us want to join in the journey with them. The journey ends with their somewhat hesitant realization that Jesus was alive and well in the Catholic church they had distrusted. It was a conversion not far from that of the Apostle Paul in realizing the one whom they persecuted was calling them to His family.
   
   The brief overview of the Ray family conversion is just the beginning. Steve adds to that story an historical, scriptural, and enlightening study of Baptism and then of the Eucharist. Each of the three sections could stand alone in scope and depth of study, especially in light of the extensive footnotes and references. It is a conversion story that packs a theological wallop without skipping a beat. Emotionally and intellectually challenging and inspiring at the same time. You will not easily dismiss this incredible treatise of faith.



2. This is an excellent book, written by Protestants who, through their thorough Bible knowledge were led back home--(kicking and screaming at times!)--into the Catholic Faith. This story chronicles their gradual realization of the Fullness of Truth in the Church and her claims, as supported by Holy Scripture.
   
   Warning: Read with your Bible and pen and paper handy! You WILL want to cross reference and take notes. It also provides many excellent Scripture references for several of the major points of Catholic Apologetics.



3. One might expect a book which wanted to preach the superiority of Roman Catholicism, especially if it had scholarly pretensions, would at least want to be accurate. In this case, however, your expectations would be confounded.
   
   As early as page 15 (the first page of the main text) the author writes in a footnote:
   
   "the tradition and succession left by the apostles were the source of unity and theological orthodoxy CENTURIES before the canon of the New Testament was established."
   ("centuries" is in capital letters for emphasis - not in the original text)
   
   This is a not very subtle covert claim that the establishment of the Roman Catholic church pre-dates the establishment of the New Testament as we now have it.
   This would obviously be a major factor in establishing Roman Catholicism as "the one true church" - if it were true. Only it isn't true.
   
   In fact the canon of what became the New Testament developed quite quickly, as the various books appeared. One of the primary guiding lights of the process being a division between those texts which were perceived to be based on the experiences of the actual followers of Jesus, and later texts which couldn't possibly have been produced by eye witnesses, and which in many cases flatly contradicted what was already known about Jesus Christ's life and teaching.
   
   From this perspective, the first Council of Nicea (325 A.D.), which this author presumably believes *created* the New Testament canon, actually only confirmed the canon which had already been in existence for a couple of hundred years or more.
   
   Not a good start for someone claiming an indepth knowledge of "church history" :(
   
   But there's worse to come.
   
   In a footnote on page 23 we read "The Westminster Confession of Faith states that the pope is 'that Antichrist, that man of sin and son of perdition ...'"
   
   So, noticing that the quote uses the word "states" (present tense), if you went into a Protestant church today and the congregation spoke the Westminster Confession of Faith they would thus insult the pope. Right?
   No. Absolutely WRONG.
   
   Firstly the Westminster Confession is a feature of the Presbytarian church - it is NOT common to ALL Christians.
   
   Moreover, the author is quoting from a book printed back in 1931.
   
   The question, then, is: What is this author's purpose in repeating this highly contentious piece of text?
   
   Is he really unaware that the Presbytarian Church in America revised the Westminster Confession over twenty years ago (1983), at which time they REMOVED the reference to the pope?
   
   If he doesn't know, it doesn't say much for his research.
   And if he does know, why does he present the information in a way that seems to imply that this version of the Confession were the *current* version?
   
   Next, in a footnote on page 24 the author claims that Martin Luther added the word "alone" to Romans 3:28 - to make it read "by faith alone" - and that:
   
   "This has become part of the Protestant tradition, an example of how Protestants have added to the word of God 'Protestant traditions' that conflict with other truths that the Bible teaches ..."
   
   And just in case we missed the point, the author comes back to it only a couple of pages later:
   
   "As a Fundamentalist I was quick to accuse the Catholic [sic] Church of teaching what I perceived as a 'gospel of works' and not the true gospel of 'faith alone'."
   (page 26)
   
   Reading those comments one might surely be forgiven for assuming that if you picked up a "protestant" Bible today you would find that Romans 3:28 does indeed include the word "alone". But you wouldn't.
   
   In the NIV translation (copyright 1978) the passage reads:
   
   "... a man is justified by faith apart from observing the law."
   
   And the same passage in the 17th century KJV reads:
   
   "... a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law."
   
   Where, then, is this alleged rewriting of the passage, following from Luther's first German translation of The Old and New Testaments in 1534; this alleged adding to God's word in conflict with the truths of The Bible?
   
   NOT in translations of The Bible today! In fact NOT in a translation of The Bible over 300 years old!
   
   So why did this author feel it necessary to make this claim in such a misleading way?
   
   If he had been a life long Roman Catholic we might suppose that he was simply ignorant of the facts. But he wasn't. He was raised a Baptist and was at one time a Bible Studies teacher in an evangelical church (according to the back cover blurb). How, with that background, could he be unaware that Luther's editing did not survive?
   
   And what does this say about the rest of the author's much vaunted "studies"?
   
   BTW, I've made three references to the footnotes in this book - simply because, for some totally incomprehensible reason, a very large portion of the text is quite needlessly shunted off to the bottom of the corresponding page. For example:
   
   Main text:
   
   "I want to challenge reality, ask questions, and find answers; I want to know and understand."
   
   This sentence ends with a reference to a footnote:
   
   "I remember lying in the grass as a young boy, looking up at the clouds with my dad. I asked Dad if there was a 'real' reality, or if this was all just a dream or creation of our imagination."
   
   So, what was the point of shunting this folksy little tale off to the bottom of the page, thus breaking the reader's concentration?
   
   If it was worth including at all, why not include it in the main text, where it would have fitted comfortably?
   And if it wasn't important enough to appear in the main text, why include it at all?
   
   This book is yet more evidence that Amazon should allow a zero rating.



4. I thought I was part of a vast wave of Of "Born-Again" souls when I became a Christian. I thought the Catholic Church was old, stale, lackluster and for old mindless minions of Rome.
   
   The Holy Spirit took the scales off my eyes and I joined in the exodus of souls returning home to Christs Catholic Church, His visible body on earth. This book aided me in overcoming the lies I had been told about Catholics whilst I was a Protestant. It aided me in knowing the difficulties with family and friends and pursecution I would suffer for the truth in Christs words and my desire to obey His word - not mine or my preachers word or wahtever we believed in that day or that church. As a Protestant, my beliefs just drifted in the wind. They went wherever the wind blew them.
   
   God and His Word never change. That makes it old fashined. Mordern reinvention of His word is manmade. I chose to come home to Rome because it stays loyal to God and His Word without changing it or morphing it. Heaven is not a democracy.
   
   I used to pick churches based on location or size or the stage show or a dynamic preacher. Now I pick a Church because it is the one the Christ founded , preserved and continues to protect. A Church that gave us the Bible and preserves and protects His Word in its origional unchanged meaning.
   
   If your open to the truth, read this book.



5. "Crossing the Tiber: Evangelical Protestants Discover the Historic Church" by Stephen K. Ray is a fascinating and infuriating read. It is fascinating because it is the testimony of an "evangelical protestant" and their conversion to the Roman Catholic Church, but it is equally infuriating because much of the content is confusing or misleading.
   
   The book is divided into three sections. The first is called "Crossing the Tiber", which recounts the journey of Stephen and his wife to the Roman Catholic Church. The last two are related to sacramentology: "Baptism in the Scriptures and in the Ancient Church" and "The Eucharist in the Scriptures and in the Ancient Church." Minimal review is needed of the later two sections because they are pretty straightforward and I would say worth the price of the book. They consist of a collection of a Scripture verses and quotes from the Early Church Father that seek to demonstrate the sacramental nature of the baptism and the Eucharist/Lord's Supper. This is essential reading to Protestants because they are oft confused on the sacraments, including the Catholic position, and in their historical understanding of these issues, including seeing the Scriptures through the lens of a Roman Catholic and why and how they arrive at their views. I am very sympathetic to his understanding of the sacraments, although maybe needing nuancing, but these two sections are a great one-stop treatment of the sacraments both Biblically and historically. As any good Augustinian would say, tolle lege.
   
   The first section, despite being intriguing & fascinating, is infuriating, because, although he regularly claims that Protestants have represented "bogeymen" of Roman Catholicism, I think he is guilty of a something quite similar of Protestants. First, too much of the book is in the footnotes. Other reviewers say "read the footnotes" and with them I agree, but the footnotes aren't really footnotes. In most instances, they seem part and parcel of his argument and should be in the body of the book. Second, it needs to be pointed out that Mr. Ray comes from a particular brand of "Protestantism"/"Evangelicalism" known as fundamentalism. He acknowledges that he was a fundamentalist and states that it "believes in the sole sufficiency of the Bible, the imminent rapture, eternal security, blood atonement, the invisible unity of the Church, denominationalism and so on." Yet, on the same page, he treats Lutheranism, which do not hold to the above doctrines (at least in the same `spirit' or understanding as fundamentalists), and Reformed (at least those that hold to the Westminster Confession of Faith) as fundamentalists. Yet, in most instances, if you talk to those of these camps that actually know their beliefs, then they would distance themselves from fundamentalism, which as he appropriately points out is a response a response to modernism. He also provides in a footnote the fact that the WCF holds/held to idea that the Pope is the anti-christ, yet, except for a very small minority, this has been reformed in most bodies that use the WCF. On the next page, discussing Luther's "new ideas", he says, "Christ completed the work of atonement, and the Judge of the universe makes a legal declaration that those who simply believe and `accept Christ as their personal Lord & Savior' will be eternally justified." Yet, this might be his experience in fundamentalism, but this is not Luther or Lutheranism, especially if one considers the Book of Concord. This is the sort of "bogeyman" he laments Protestants use in their attacks on Rome & that he was a part of, but it is unfortunate that he continues in this vain. These sorts of errors could be multiplied, but that is flavor of what one encounters in the book, but won't be satisfactory to those that know history, including the "historical protestant church". If, as a Christian, my options were fundamentalism, including solo Scriptura (opposed to sola Scriptura), then I would by on a raft over the Tiber or breaking out the compass to Constantinople.
   
   Yet, despite this type of complaint, I am sympathetic to elements within his story and find myself on a similar trajectory, although, because I find that the Reformed Church, which sought to reform the Church and not restore the church (he seems to suggest that protestants are more akin to restorationist theology rather than reformers and, unfortunately, many branches are), solves most of his complaints I don't see a need to cross the Tiber myself or find my way to Constantinople.
   
   Finally, even though the book is directed at Protestants, Mr. Ray's decision to join Rome opposed to Constantinople is extremely dissatisfying. He gives a lengthy quote from Thomas Howard and prefaces it with "when we first read the postscript to Evangelical is Not Enough, we considered it something of a weak sidestep, an attempt to avoid the issues in a tough decision...now, having struggled with the same decisions, Janet and I acknowledge and accept the wisdom of his words." Yet, in the quote, Mr. Howard admits that "on this point [Rome or Constantinople] I must dodge behind a manifestly flimsy shield". Just as Mr. Ray claims that "sola Scriptura" doesn't work, since you have two groups (perhaps more) claiming "and tradition", then an individual is still left deciding what Church to go with. This indeed is a manifestly flimsy shield.
   This is a good work for Protestants to read, especially fundamentalists, because it will bring greater clarity to the issues at hand and let them know that many within Rome, even those that took the Road to Rome, do indeed love Jesus Christ, trusting in him alone for salvation & that many of the complaints are in fact bogeyman. A Protestant that does not know his history will be greatly challenged, even those that do will be as well, but hopefully this book will help Christians understand each other a little better, so when we confess that we believe in "one holy catholic and apostolic church" that we better understand what we mean and this book will help that.

5 comments about Breaking Free: Understanding Sexual Addiction & the Healing Power of Jesus.

1. There are a lot of other books out there chopping down the weeds but Willingham gets a shovel and digs out the roots. This book nails it!



2. Great Book!!!
   I Would recommend it to anyone who deals with sexual addiction!
   Read it with your spouse and get more out of it and revitalize your marriage.
   If u want to overcome sexual addiction this is the book!
   I've read it 3x's,its an awesome book!!



3. This book brings incredible perspective and hope to those that struggle with sexual sin. It has completely opened my eyes to new ways of looking at addiction. Breaking Free does not simply tell you how to stop, it teaches you why the problem exists in the first place. I would not recommend this however to atheists or those who find it uncomfortable to put their faith in God. For Christians however, this book is an amazing tool for those who are sexually broken and those who are married to men struggling with sexual addiction.



4. A great book that gets right to the issues at hand. I would recommend it to anyone I know, even if they are not directly affected by sexual addiction.



5. This is a great book! Everybody should read this to really connect with God in a big way. It's also a great tool to use with a small class. Thanks