5 comments about Escape to God: A Desperate Search for His Presence.

1. This is a very personal search beyond hypocritical religion to discovering God in a profound and life changing way. But this search is framed without trying to "put a favorable spin" on the challenging and sometimes very humorous experiences of a "city family" trying to "make-it" in the wild and harsh wilderness of Glacer National Park.
   
   The beauty of God's character is highlighted while your own religious experience will be challenged.



2. This book changed my life & that of my family. I was so impressed with it that I ordered 10 of them to give to other family members & friends. I long to have the relationship with my Lord & Savior that Jim & Sally found. I realize not everyone can move to the wilderness but I now know that it can be obtained where I am. I found what has been missing in my life all these years.
   J Phelps



3. A truly practical guide to experiencing the presence of God in one's life. This is a page-turner. It makes a great gift. I have given a copy to my dad and mom, my sister, my co-worker. I plan to give additional copies as Christmas presents and you should too. You might change the direction of someone's life for the better.



4. Enjoyable to read. Full of personal experiences from the author's life that will keep your interest while at the same time serve as a "how to" guide to enhance your life. You won't be sorry if you buy it.



5. There are some good points made in this book, but I disliked it for two main reasons.
   
   The author moved to a mountain home in Montana to "escape to God". In the New Testament, the pattern for Christ's disciples is an active involvement in the world, not a retreat from it. Jesus ate with sinners and tax collectors. After their respective conversions, Paul, Barnabas, Timothy, Peter, et al. did not retreat to some mountain hideaway, thinking that they could avoid contamination by the world--they actively ministered and powerfully spread the gospel by staying in the culture in which God had placed them.
   
   The other pattern in the book I disliked was the way the author constantly listened to voices that he heard (which he presumed to be the Holy Spirit) telling him what to do. The great eighteenth century minister and theologian John Wesley said, "Do not hastily ascribe things to God. Do not easily suppose dreams, voices, impressions, visions, or revelations to be from God. They may be from Him. They may be from nature. They may be from the devil. Therefore 'believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they be of God'." In other words, Scripture, not our impressions (which may or may not be from God), should be our guide.
   
   The author does seem like a nice guy, but I wouldn't advise anyone, especially a new Christian, to read this book due to the fact that it seems to favor retreat from the world instead of active involvement in it and relying mainly on voices and impressions for guidance.

3 comments about The Reign of God: An Introduction to Christian Theology from a Seventh-day Adventist Perspective.

1. This introductory text to Christian theology is quite readable. Though the author understands his primary audience to be students of general-ed religion courses offered at Seventh-day Adventist colleges, the book also certainly appears to be suitable for the lay person and for anyone desiring to more fully understand Seventh-day Adventist beliefs. Pointing to the Bible as the authoritative source of religious truth, Rice proceeds to use not a proof-text-method (though relevant scriptural passages are listed on the title page of each chapter) but an approach to the study of theology which focuses on the reign of God. Readers are encouraged not to swallow the interpretation of the doctrines which is presented, but to ponder the issues carefully and determine whether they have been nourished in their study. Each chapter concludes with questions for review and for further study, along with suggestions for Bible study and for further reading, all of which can motivate the reader to seek a greater understanding of God and to further investigate His Word.



2. I got this book when I was going out with an Adventist. I wanted a scholarly text in Adventist theology and to understand what Adventists believe. The Reign of God is very readable, with short sentences and crisp prose. But I came away disappointed.
   
   Perhaps I was expecting too much. I've read a lot of advanced systematic theology, everything from Barth to Moltmann. I was hoping that Rice would be a little more challenging. Of course, it's a text primarily written for Adventist college students and interested lay people to introduce them to the theology of the Adventist tradition. Yet even for first year college students, the success of McGrath's Christian Theology shows that beginners can handle, and even expect, the challenge of something more rigourous intellectually.
   
   The most disappointing feature I found with Rice is that when he comes to many topics he just summarises standard positions without providing a really rigorous argument for them. Further, his treatment of the Apostle Paul is poor. If a student had only Rice to go by, she wouldn't know that there has been a revolution in our understanding of Paul in the last three decades due to the work of Sanders, Dunn, Hays, et al. Rice can legitimately argue for a traditional Protestant reading of Paul, but it isn't acceptable for a textbook written for college students not tell the reader of alternatives.
   
   This points to the main problem with The Reign of God. Much of it has a dated feel, and I have a feeling the text has been only very superficially revised from the 1st edition. One does not get a feel for the "state-of-the-art" in the field of theology from Rice, even of Adventist theology.
   
   The most valuable feature of this book is the detailed annotated bibliographies of Adventist writers and non-Adventist writers on different theological topics. Rice's "Questions for Review," "Questions for discussion," and "Suggestions for Bible Study" after each chapter are also consistently helpful. The discussion and Bible study questions are sometimes really thought-provoking. For this reason, the Adventist minister or student will want to have this book in their library.
   
   The keen Adventist student, however, will come away frustrated from Rice. She will feel that he is often too superficial and brief. For more meat, I direct her to the Handbook of Adventist Theology in the SDA Bible Commentary. Although it is uneven because it is co-authored, it does provide a lot more depth, and is at times brilliant. As yet, I haven't found an Adventist systematic theology up to the standard of a Stanley Grenz, Alister McGrath or Robert Jensen. Because of his reputation, I hoped that Rice would be what I was looking for. My search continues.



3. The book was received in good condition and in a timely manor. Thank you so much for your honesty and promptness.

No comments about Prophetess of Health: Ellen G. White and the Origins of the Seventh-day Adventist Hearl Reform, 30th Anniversary Edition (Library of Religious Biography).

3 comments about For His Honor: From Schoolroom Failure to Whitehouse Honor Guard, Terry Johnson's Witness for Christ.

1. This was one of the first, definetly the best, testimonial that I have ever read. I loved that the author let you get away a little and then pulled you right back in. I would recommend this book to anyone who is struggling in or wants to strengthen their religion!



2. Terry Johnson struggled through grade school because of a dyslexia problem that wasn't diagnosed untill later. Staright out of High School he was taken by the Air Force. His plan was to become a chaplian but at the end of basic training he was thrust into the police acadamey. Now normally that wouldn't be a big problem but Johnson is a Seventh-Day Adventist and believed that he should not kill another human. He went through weapons qualifying anyways and missed the target every time no matter the range. He was held bac for a second round of qualifying. During that time a friend was trying out for the Presidential Honor Gaurd. He asked Johnson to come along as moral support. To make a long story short Johnson was forced to try out. He didn't think he stood a chance becuase he couldn't even march properly. He ended up making it, becoming the first handicapped (dyslexic) person to serve in the Honor Gaurd. Also he was the first black from Oregon to and the first Adventist to serve in the Honor Gaurd. This is his inspiring story of his time in the Honor Gaurd, interspersed with stories from his child-hood. If you like this book try "The Unlikeliest Hero" also from Pacific Press.



3. This is a wonderful testimony about faith and determination. I personally know Terry, have served with him on a church mission trip to Mexico in 1995. I know how well liked he is and how he devotes himself to the ministry to youth. This story tells it just like it is.....and I am pleased to know Terry Johnsson.

5 comments about God's Nutritionist: Pearls of Wisdom from Ellen G. White (Squareone Classics).

1. I am so excited to finally see a book that backs up my beliefs and shows the Bible advocates not killing & eating animals. I hope everyone reads this book and sees the dangers of eating animals and drinking their milk.
   Thank you!



2. I didn't know what to expect from this book. I was a little leary of it, because I am an agnostic, and I don't take kindly to people who tell me what God thinks. How do THEY know?
   But I loved this book! It is not at all preachy. Instead, it is full of common sense, wisdom and reason. It has a large number of quotes from Ellen G. White, who was writing in the 1800's, interspersed with quotes from modern peer-reviewed medical journals. It is amazing how right-on Ellen G. White is. You would think she was writing of our current sorry state of dietary affairs in many of these quotes. Obesity, heart disease, cancers and many other lifestyle related diseases, the animal suffering caused by mass production of livestock, the health benefits of olive oil, I could go on and on...she was so prescient! She was an amazing woman. And Robert Cohen truly deserves thanks for bringing the writings of this wise woman to our attention. I hope people will take notice.



3. Obviously the copyright has expired on this book, so Cohen felt free to rip off Ellen White. Don't bother with this book, it's a total piece of garbage.



4. Since a switch toward vegetarianism is not only an important individual choice today, but also a spiritual imperative and a societal imperative, necessary to revitalize our religions and move our imperiled planet to a more sustainable path, I hope that God's Nutritionist is widely read and widely heeded. The 500 statements on proper nutrition from Ellen White's prolific writings provide advice that is badly needed today at a time when there is an epidemic of chronic degenerative diseases, and Cohen reinforces the correctness of her statements by interspersing over one hundred quotations and references from scientific journals that illustrate how a shift to plant-centered diets can greatly reduce disease. Hence, this book has the potential to produce healthier people and a more humane and environmentally sustainable world



5. Firstly, I am not, nor have I ever been, a member of the SDA church. I do not stand in judgement either, that is not my place. My comments are strictly about this one publication.
   
   Having no idea what to anticipate with this book, I was prepared to read it with an open mind. I have taken pains to avoid much of the junk "food" found in our supermarkets, and continue to seek out quality reference materials regarding diet and nutrition. I did not expect a book that was so blatantly against meat in any form yet offered no substantive information regards vegetarian dishes or menus. "Fruits, nuts, and vegetables, wisely-prepared" are frequent terms, but what is "wisely prepared"? A large measure of the book is also highly critical of eating flesh, as the conditions of its nurture and general health are unknown. We recently have had contaminated canteloupe, spinach, and other fruits and vegetables. What then are we to eat that is safe for consumption? Being a vegetarian does not guarantee good health. Many nutritionists tell us that essential proteins that we cannot make for ourselves are available only from animal sources. Mrs White does not appear to mention it, but one of Mr Cohen's inserted references specifically includes the value of fish in one's diet. Does "flesh" include fish or just red meat?
   
   Temperance is also stressed, and this point can hardly be argued against when looking at it from a medical perspective. Nor can overeating, or gluttony, depending upon your choice of vocabulary. Abuse in both of these areas will cause health and medical problems; that is well documented.
   As to the 500 "Pearls of Wisdom" contained in God's Nutritionist, if one were to delete all of the repetitious pearls, the book could easily be reduced by anywhere from one half to two thirds without any loss of content.
   Mr Cohen has selected short quotes from scientific journals to validate some of these pearls, and these are well chosen. Having worked in the medical field for over 40 years, it would be just as easy for me to find solid references that repudiate many of the pearls and quotes here assembled. This does not, however, destroy the validity of the dietary wisdom gleaned from Mrs White's writings. There is a lot of common sense if one seeks it out, and wisdom, too, if you could but find a way of putting it to practical use. In a world where genetically engineered and irradiated foods are flooding the supermarts, "plain" and "wholesome" foods are almost a relic of the past.
   This book is very well written, and does contain some solid dietary information. I simply feel that the strong bias against eating flesh, and the incessant repetitions of content are serious detractions. I would also have preferred some practical information rather than simply a philosophical statement. Will it be discarded? Probably not - but it won't be pulled off the shelf very often either.

No comments about Food For Thought: Words To Live By From Ellen G. White.

5 comments about See With New Eyes: The True Beauty of God's Character.

1. This is truly an awesome book. It shares a picture of God's character that encourages a person to fall in love with Him. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who is truly seeking to get a better picture of God.



2. A wonderful book. In particular, it deals with the questions of God's mercy and justice in a well-thought out manner. It presents the character of God in a very positive light, and offers a perspective on how to consider the judgment in a way which is consistent with how God's character is revealed in other contexts (at the cross, for example).

   I would recommend this book as highly as possible.




3. Having trouble lining up the picture you have of God from the Old Testament and the one you've formed from the New Testament? Since the beginning of time there's been this lie that Satan has pushed about the nature of the only true GOD. This book helps dispel any myths people still have about God's nature, and reveals the truth that Satan doesn't want you to know. Once you know the truth about God - you cannot help but be drawn. Powerful information!



4. This book is soooo wonderful! I have read it several times. I have also sent it to probably 12 people over the years, many of whom have let me know that it's message was a real blessing to them, as well. I wish I had the money to send it to every household in America, not to mention the resources to have it translated and sent to all corners of the world! People need to hear this message of God's love and truly beautiful character. I hope you will read it, as well as Ty's more recent book, An Endless Falling in Love, which is also awesome and eye-opening. I promise that you won't be disappointed! :)



5. I have read this book many times as well as his others and have also shared this book. This book and all of Ty's books really made a huge spiritual difference in my life. Ty has a easy to read and understand style that is always biblical. All of Ty's books are outstanding! This review could be for anyone of his 6 books. He also has them on Audio CD's in the form of sermons. You can get the CD's from his website online store at [...]. His books are well worth any price you might spend. Can you put a price on spiritual health?? I suggest them all!!

1 comments about Seeking a Sanctuary: Seventh-day Adventism and the American Dream.

1. Seeking a Sanctuary is an unbiased look at Seventh-Day Adventist society, covering everything from Desmond Ford to Desmond Doss (and even Rook).

1 comments about The Seventh-Day Adventist Hymnal.

1. This Hymnal contains music from the older hymnal and some newer songs. I love it. I am always singing special music in my church and this hymnal is fun and easy for my to sight read.

5 comments about Weimar Institute's NEWSTART® Lifestyle Cookbook: More Than 260 Heart-Healthy Recipes Featuring Whole Plant Foods.

1. a solid good cookbook for those aspiring to the vegan diet. the only drawbacks being that some recipies require hard-to-locate ingredients such as vegan gelatin and smoked yeast. Other than that a very worthwhile purchase for those wishing to eat healthy, etc.



2. The recipes in this book are some of the best available if you are serious about eating a healthy diet. They are not only vegetarian but they eliminate the refined oils and sugars which are such a major factor in causing diseases like atherosclerosis, heart disease, adult onset diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol levels. They are the recipes used at the Newstart lifestyle program where they get excellent results with just diet and exercise. The recipes are delicious; we use them in our home all the time. I highly recommend this cookbook to my patients.



3. Wonderfully Healthy Recipes...... use it all the time!



4. This book contains recipes that nutitionally conscious people will love -- while using commonly available ingredients. As exciting as the recipes are, the nutritional information makes this a MUST READ cookbook. LOVE IT !! By incorporating these recipes or ideas into my diet (we still eat meat) and beginning moderate exercise (1hour 3xweek) I have cut my diabetes oral medication by half in less than one month !! Doc says 6mo - 1 year to be medicine free !! (after 3 years of gradually worsening diabetes) This cookbook could save your life !



5. adhealthandwellness recommended this as one of the books that was essential for life. Piper de Vries is deep.