5 comments about 10 Things Your Minister Wants to Tell You: (But Can't, Because He Needs the Job).

1. Every fire-breathing, self-righteous, Bible-thumping evangelical on the planet should buy, read and commit this book to memory. (Normal, well-grounded folks would do well to read it, too) Thoroughly enjoyed this thoughtful, informative book. Highly recommend it.



2. I think the book provides some excellent food for thought and would have rated it five stars, even though I disagree with about 60 percent of what the author says; however, since the title is a blatant lie, I cannot rate it that high. I traveled the United States with my father as a teenager. He was an evangelist and we visited at least 250 churches. All 250 of these church pastors would have disagreed with about the same percentage of the book that I did. In fact, if these pastors preached (and they do) the 40 percent that I agreed with, there jobs would in no way be jeopardized. The title is simply false for the majority of Baptist, Independent, Charismatic and Pentecostal churches.
   
   As for the arguments in the book, they are weak at best. The author clearly did not intend to prove his case (at least I hope he didn't), but rather to preach a message to those who would already agree with him and possibly pull a few non-thinkers over to his side. Now, let me be clear: I'm not saying people who agree with Buzz are non-thinkers all; however, anyone who is persuaded to agree with Buzz based on the contents of this book is certainly a non-thinker.
   
   The author not only fails to mention very strong counter arguments to his position and rebuttals to those arguments, but he also fails to give any real evidence for his positions with just a few exceptions (such as end-time prophecy where he does provide a bit of proof). For example, he blanketly states that the "best evidence" of science proves that homosexuals and lesbians are born that way. This is debatable at best and still in the state of philosophy as opposed to science at worst. I don't pick this as an example for any reason other than the clear example it presents of the extreme type statements the author makes that cannot be supported with arguments nearly as strong as those that can support counter arguments to his points.
   
   In the end, I know that my pastor does not want to tell me these 10 things. I have, in fact, had telephone conversations with 7 different pastors in the last 24 hours to discover their thoughts on these issues and they certainly don't want to tell their people these things. Among the denominations represented by these pastors are Methodists, Baptists, Assembly of God, Vineyard, Nazarene, and Church of God. In fact, 3 of the pastors informed me that they had preached apologetic style messages related to point 1-How it all began, point 3-What is the Bible and point 9-Death and Beyond. They had argued against exactly what Buzz proposes and did so because their research led them to a different conclusion. Interestingly, they had not heard of this book.
   
   Apparently, this author was conned into using a cotroversial title for a book that is false when compared to its title (in that very few pastors want to tell their people these things or even agree with them). Too bad.



3. The Rev. Buzz Thomas is one of those rare birds we don't get to see very often -- a Southern Baptist preacher who embraces a modern understanding of Christianity. If militant fundamentalism -- of any stripe -- makes you shiver, this little book is just what the doctor ordered.
   
   Rev. Thomas begins his narrative with a quote from one of his mentors, a fellow minister who said: "Religion is what you live. The rest is little more than pious platitudes." From this simple beginning, we embark on a fun, factual and fascinating trip through the hottest religious issues of the day, including:
   
   -- Evolution vs. creationism
   -- Science and faith
   -- God's purpose for our lives
   -- Biblical "inerrancy"
   -- Miracles and their historical context
   -- The role of women in the church
   -- Homosexuality
   -- Death and heaven
   -- The end of times
   
   Each major point is backed up with citations not only from the Bible but also from Christian history, archaeology, linguistics and the author's extensive knowledge of how they all fit together. Thomas demonstrates in the clearest terms possible that one can be a fully functioning, fully engaged Christian without descending into fundamentalist hypocrisy or intellectual prevarication.
   
   Thomas main message is simple: God is love, so let's live our lives accordingly. To be a good Christian, you don't have to hate gays or Charles Darwin. You don't have to read the Bible like a science textbook or some ethereal document transcribed by angels. You don't have to treat women like second-class citizens. And you certainly don't have to be a "purist" (modern day Pharisee) who selectively adheres to some parts of the Bible when its convenient to advance a particular political agenda.
   
   Many years ago Thomas' favorite poet -- Carl Sandburg -- was asked to name the dirtiest word in the English language. Sandburg said: the word "EXCLUSIVE."
   
   That's the clever segue into Thomas' bottom line: When we seek to exclude our fellow human beings from the love of God by building walls of hatred and doctrinal exclusion, we fail as Christians. When we claim to speak for God, we end up speaking only for ourselves. Kyrie eleison.



4. . . . that is, the book itself, or my review, doesn't matter!
   
   As a former evangelical with Theology degree from a well-known Bible College (back in the early 70s), I always felt something was not quite right with my evangelical world-view, but didn't have the courage to examine or question it. (After all, I would probably go to Hell if I jettisoned those years of training and indoctrination.)
   
   This book PERFECTLY expresses why a lot of those fundamentalist, evangelical doctrines no longer hold any water for me. Completely logical and well-researched arguments, expressed in plain english. This is not a book for scholars, but for the everyday Christian or searcher who senses there is more (or LESS!) to this faith than the Four Spiriual Laws!)
   
   The author clearly has a strong faith in God, without all the evangelical baggage that so many of us grew up with. Only read this book if you think you might not have all the answers. Those who have life and faith wrapped up in a nice little package, will not like this book, and will probably label him apostate and doing the devil's work!!



5. An absolute revelation!10 Things Your Minister Wants to Tell You: (But Can't, Because He Needs the Job) For millions of life long/thinking Christians who feel swept out of the church by the Evangelical (fundamentalist) flood of the last two decades, this book is the ultimate reassurance. In just a few pages, and with a clarity that most liberal theologians never approach, Rev/Counselor Thomas finally explains that knot in the collective stomach of main line parishioners, now marginalized by the new church of God Lite. Finally, a thoughtful believer unafraid to challenge the Jesus-on-a-tee-shirt crowd.... with the very biblical text they habitually misapply! In just over a hundred pages, the God box of contemporary, consumer driven American Christianity is torn open and the Creator is restored to the mysterious, awesome nature that rightfully and historically are God's realm. A very important and very enjoyable read.

5 comments about Focal Point: A Proven System to Simplify Your Life, Double Your Productivity, and Achieve All Your Goals.

1. When I read this book originally, I was very impressed with it. However, after reading "The Goal" by Eliyahu Goldratt, I realized my mistake. What if the idea that 20% of causes control 80% of effect is incorrect? What if only 1% of causes controls 99% of the effect? "Focal Point" seems to always assume the 20% part.
   
   Secondly, I found that the author is very unclear about how to get one to formulate what one really wants. What exactly is the problem with the way you do things now? He seems to have the same solution for all aspects of your life. However, what if you are solving the wrong problem? Instead, if you use the theory of constraints (invented by Dr. Eliyahu Goldratt) and the tools based on that, I think that you will be impressed with how well it manages to focus your mind on what you want. It allows you to discover the problem that you really need to solve in order to see the improvements you desire. I see the results myself.
   
   Also, "Focal Point" does seem to at least pay lip service to prioritization. However, by basically telling you that you should fundamentally do very similar things for all areas of your life, the book totally destroys the concept of prioritization. If you try to be good at everything, you will be good at nothing.
   
   Another thing I dislike about the book is this. The way I read it is that it tells you to come up with a plan for this or a plan for that, but says nothing about how to actually do so. It says nothing about how to prepare for the great likelihood that something will go seriously wrong with your plan. Never mind the fact that you may not even know what the actual problem is that you need to solve to see some measurable improvement. In short, I do not see at all how it addresses the question of how to convert wishful thinking into a robust solution.



2. As a longtime student of Brian Tracy's profound knowledge, I finally stumbled across this book while searching for Brian Tracy books, and have eagerly read it, page by page.
   
   Closely following the superb content found in his must-get "Double Your Productivity" DVD, this is a superb guide to staying focused on high-value activities.
   
   I am very grateful to Brian Tracy, and credit him with much of my entrepreneurial success (over 34,000 customers so far from my businesses, and growing!). A prolific, profoundly wise and imminently practical man, Brian Tracy is, as I told him in person at a recent Denver seminar, the "best business success coach ever". And he is. And then some.
   
   "Focal Point" does a sensational job of driving home those points that everyone needs to be successful. By identifying and concentrating your energy on highest-value tasks and priorities. And, powerfully, by identifying in his words the costs of wasting time on less important, less urgent tasks. Creating mental consequences for developing a successful mindset, through all his words.
   
   I had a pen out and scribbled all throughout this book, underlining key words here and there, taking notes in the cover of the book, and more.
   
   I've studied "time management" and personal productivity for decades. Been to dozens of corporate seminars.
   
   This book blows 'em all away. I eagerly devour (and have applied) Brian Tracy's knowledge and words, his values and mindset for success, to create an entrepreneurial empire, and Brian's the "go to" guy for much of that success.
   
   Highly recommended; I've bought all of Brian's books and this is by far (along with Advanced Selling) one of his top 3-4 to date.
   
   Buy this book and profit. The more I study Brian Tracy, and use what he teaches me, the more money I make, the more people's lives I touch with my companies, and the more successful I am. And so can you!
   
   Thanks, Brian - this one's very important, and valued.
   
   
   Regards,
   
   Ken Calhoun



3. Say I get married and afterwards my wife develops a debilitating disease. If I had known what I know now, I wouldn't have gotten married to her. Tracy's advice: dump her as fast as you can.
   
   Say I agree to help my friend move. When I arrive at his place I find out that he's a packrat and has tons of stuff to move. If I had known what I know now, I wouldn't have agreed to help him move. Tracy's advice: get out of your commitment to help as fast as you can.
   
   In both these cases, there is no regard for commitments you have made to other people.



4. I'm constantly reading books on small business trends and how to maximize productivity. A friend recommended I read Brian Tracy's book and I was impressed. This book is packed full of powerful techniques to grow your business and yourself. I recommend this book to anyone looking to take their work ethic or business to the next level. Byron Walker byron@UltimateResultsNow.com



5. Brian Tracy is my business mentor. I was pleased to see Focal Point go beyond his typical goal setting & business ethics focus and touch on personal, health, and spiritual goals as well. If you want to build a well rounded life, the Brian Tracy way, pick up this book. A great motivator and author indeed.

5 comments about Invisible Acts of Power: Channeling Grace in Your Everyday Life.

1. This is the most rambling piece of nonsense I have ever listened to (listened to the book on tape).
   
   The author seems extremely arrogant -- she makes a ton of assertions with absolutely no fact base (e.g., every prayer is answered, you absolutely can tell if there is a person in need nearby, even if you cannot see them). She seems to think she is a god or something - I found her tone to be very patronizing.
   
   This whole book is based an e-mail solicitation that the author put out to receive examples of invisible acts of power. Then she builds this whole idea up as if she has some sort of blinding, inspirational insight -- it really is a bunch of useless ramble.
   
   It seems that she just wanted the glory of writing another book so she tried to get some "filler" material.
   
   After listening to the first CD, I could not take it any more, there was no structure to her thinking and nothing of practical use or inspiration.
   
   I would not recommend this to anybody - as boring as it is, it is not even good for a sleeping aid, as the author's tone is so annoying.



2. I love this book. Just reading it has helped me relax more around people. I am more aware that I don't know how much a kind word or a smile can help someone around me. I got the book from the library, but I will buy a copy to dip into every so often. Also - Love how she explains the chakras - much much easier to understand and see where you are at, what your concerns are and which chakra they relate to. She demystifies chakras.



3. Take one part energy centers and mix in a little Chicken Soup for the Soul and you've got Invisible Acts of Power. Carolyne Myss has taken a number of stories from people who have been of service to others or have had their lives changed due to others' service to them and organized them into section that correspond to the seven chakras.
   
   If your belief system does not allow for the existence of energy centers within the body or mystical forces, then you're probably better off staying away from this book. However, if you are more open-minded, this is a good choice for just about everybody. Carolyne Myss takes a little time to introduce each chakra and what type of energy and service will resonate with it, then follows up with some stories involving that particular level of energy, and then usually finishes up with some poignant questions regarding said level of energy.
   
   The most important concepts throughout the book are those of sharing, being of service, and that there is absolutely enough energy in the universe for everybody to be of service to others. We can be supportive and not have to worry that there isn't enough good fortune to go around.
   
   The author also pulls all the information with a style that is easy to follow and makes a point without being dogmatic or preachy. I would definitely recommend this to just about anyone. Truly, just about everybody could use some portion or all of this book, but unfortunately, some will not be open to the information contained within.



4. I can usually rely upon Carolin Myss to produce a book worthy of not only a good read, but tools for everyday, spiritual living. I love her stories of others' and she also writer personal stories, as well. She is humble yet very wise in her approach to her subject; there is no ego to this woman. I usually come away from her book as from a great feast. I feel satisfied and
   happy. I also got my money's worth. Liz Roy-Broerse



5. I have both the CD and the book of this powerful program. Though the book is good, the CD program is amazing and this review relates more to the CD program than the book.
   
   I give this review four stars for the book... however, the CD program of the same title really is 5+ stars and is an absolute must.
   
   Firstly, the CD program is Caroline Myss presenting the topic of the book in a workshop format. This allows a more intimate understanding of how service is an invisible.... and, in fact, sacred act of power.
   
   More than that, the CD program gives you a deeper sense of how service is an act of power... and how service may be rendered in many differnt ways; some to ground the receiever, others to support and still others which show love and empower people... the greatest of which, in my mind, transfroms the reciever... and the giver.
   
   There are many levels of service, each one a powerful act in their own right, however, higher acts of service are transfomational in nature. This program shows you the way to embody these invisible acts of power to heal youself and others.
   
   It truly is a wonderful program.

5 comments about Forgiveness: How to Make Peace With Your Past and Get on With Your Life.

1. This is an incredible book! Take the time to complete the exercises, you will not be sorry. Some of the tasks seemed mundane but when I was finished, I felt lighter. For me, this book was more effective that 5 years of psycho-therapy combined with anti-depressants. I have FINALLY achieved freedom from my childhood traumas!!



2. This book is an invaluable aid to those who feel forgiveness is their best way to find healing, or for those whose personal beliefs demand this, but it's too simplistic to work for every trauma victim. Some victims find the pressure to forgive their tormentors to be an additional burden, or an addition to their pain, or an insult to their suffering. Therapy must be tailored to the individual and this method just doesn't work for everyone.



3. I am using the book as my personal reference and like the way it was written.
   Thanks!



4. This book is well written and it has given me a new perspective on forgiving. It has helped me understand the power of forgivness and why we forgive which was new to me. I now feel a new sense of freedom since reading this book. I highly recommend this book to anyone who feels stuck or wounded. I feel it has aided me in the gradual process of healing my wounds.



5. This book is clearly written. We found it a source of great help dealing with a very difficult time. We would highly recommend it. The closing sections really pulled the process of healing together for us.

2 comments about Women Loving Women: Appreciating and Exploring the Beauty of Erotic Female Encounters.

1. This is the first (illustrated) book I've found which encourages love making between two hetero women - and it's utterly fantastic!
   
   The cover photo - which resembles the timeless statue, "The Three Graces," by Antonio Canova -- was the first to catch my eye.
   
   Once inside, I found the text to be both informative and poetic. Making love to each other is described in a very natural, matter-of-fact tone (with taboos only mentioned indirectly).
   
   But it's easily the photos that are the most captivating. They are both breathtaking and sensual - without showing the most intimate places - or the most intimate contact (but pretty close).
   
   The author teases us through all of the steps - starting with attraction (seeing other women as beautiful), the senses (touch, smell and taste), knowing thyself (masturbation), toys (getting things flowing), lips (for kissing everywhere first) and then tongues - as the key to girl/girl enjoyment (for both arousal and pleasure) -- and finally concluding with threesomes (not what you might think) and places (where to go online to meet others so inclined).
   
   In two of my favorite photos, one depicts a girl being passionately kissed about her neck - while her friend slips her hand down the front of the girl's loosened jeans; and the second one captures the moment of discovery - as a pretty girl peeks under her friend's undies - as they are gently removed by two sets of hands. In later chapters, the young women are all nude - and the touching depicted is much more focused.
   
   My favorite chapters - which were also the most instructional (and enthralling) - were those that dealt with oral sex. The author explains the power of the tongue for licking (and the benefits of kissing the same parts earlier) and how important it is to go slow - to allow your partner's arousal a chance to keep up.
   
   Of special note, one of the later sections is entitled, "Three's Company," which is about having a threesome (duh!). Surprisingly, the ménage a trois suggested - is not with three women - but with a couple (male and female) and another girl. The author takes us through two points of view, 1) one being the woman in the couple, and 2) the other being the girl on the outside looking in. Each has its advantages.
   
   Achieving a two-girl threesome - thus becomes another possible culmination for our same sex experiences - which is an idea I really liked. The difficulty of having a threesome, of course, is finding a single girl to play the third wheel - and helping her (or both women) to overcome their same sex inhibitions. Allowing women to "practice" by engaging in their own girl/girl experiences ahead of time is a great way to solve both problems. And as the author points out - making love to another female is also a great way for us to become more comfortable with our bodies - and with our sexuality as well!
   
   The idea of loving other women before getting married (or having serious long-term relationship with guys) is not a new idea. The acronym, "LUG" for "Lesbians Until Graduation" demonstrates that girls may have already discovered this pleasurable experience for themselves.
   
   To conclude, implicit in hetero women making love - is that doing so is not in competition with (nor is it a substitute for) making love with our men. I think of it as a very special and loving friendship. I hope that this beautiful tome, "Women Loving Women" signals - that we may have finally turned the corner. Please don't miss it.



2. This is a beautiful book printed on high quality paper. The substance is a little on the light side, but then again, this is more of a picture book than a how to book. I'd recommend the book to anyone who is generally interested in the subject matter (hetero girls getting together) and wants a pretty book of photography on that subject.

5 comments about Superbeings.

1. The Secret is becoming popular and taking your money in all media formats. Yes, they are becoming rich alright. Here in this little book called The Superbeings, you learn the exact same things The Secret is preaching. There are hundreds of other books out there that say the same thing, including the Silva Mind Control Method. Jose Silva made it more popular. My argument is that they are all suposed to be helping mankind, yet, they are making it rich themselves by selling all of these guides at too high of a price. Buy this book used, you'll treasure it like Gold. Share it and help save our humanity.



2. I've read lots of interesting spiritual books, but this was not one of them for me. I found the topics jumped around a lot and sometimes it seemed as if someone else had written certain paragraphs. I could not finish the book, even though it was very short. I would say there are other better books available.



3. I LOVE this tiny little paperback book, and it shows! The SuperBeings caused this reader to consciously behave with mindfulness, and to strive to be more of a super person. The reader is reminded to connect with the God-self, to the spirit. We are of the same omnicient energy as is our brother Christ. We are reminded to Be the most spiritual, the most SUPER being that we are capable of being while on this physical human journey. John Randolph Price never disappoints; each of his books offer up a fresh and intriguing perspective on what it means to truly be spiritual. If I could give 11 stars to this book, it still would deserve more. A wonderful addition to your library of books that make you think outside of the typical dogma.



4. There is a quote from this book that I have printed, framed, and have hanging on my office wall. I believe this says it all: "If one seeks to understand the whole universe, he will unerstand nothing at all. But if one strives to understand himself, then he will come to understand the whole universe."
   
   This book will help you understand.



5. This was the first book I ever brought on the subject of getting the things you really want out of life - that was about 20 years ago.
   
   The pages were falling apart and now I think I lost the book, so I will be ordering another one.
   
   As with any book one must follow though with this books suggestions on deliberately attracting what you want in life.
   
   We can all be Superbeings, but this is not a weekend job.
   
   Buy this book and make it part of your library.

5 comments about Mysteries of the Dark Moon: The Healing Power of the Dark Goddess.

1. I bought this book after reading all the glowing reviews. It read like a term paper to me. It describes a number of myths in a more or less engaging style, and incorporates a very interesting section on the overlap of astrological, historical, and cosmic lunar cycles, but the author fails to get past description to insight and meaning. She cycles around to the same two or three conclusions about the three part goddess and patriarchy, again and again, without ever saying anything I haven't heard elsewhere. There is, however, an extensive biography of her sources, which should make a good reading list.



2. I bought this book 7 years ago, and have referred to it time and time again. I teach Intuition classes. Part of what I teach includes understanding natural life cycles. I use Demetra George's book to show my students all the aspects of a moon cycle and to remind them that all parts of the cycle, including the time of the Void (Dark Moon) are important in life. This book also provides excellent information about the Goddess Hecate, the old wise women who helps us in the night. George's book is very empowering for women and attaches the female spirit to ancient women's knowledge before it was changed and distorted by conflicting religions and societal influences. I recommend this book.



3. While Ms. George does have some useful things to say about dark moon mysteries, it would be more interesting and engaging (and less likely to have readers throwing the book against the wall) if she did not use revisionist history and inaccurate mythology to support her conclusions. I can think of better books on the subject.



4. That such a simple, unpretentious book could be so healing. This book helped me to live through the mysterious, dark cycles of my life and emerge into new life with health and vigor and new love.
   
   The fact that I remember the lessons so many years later is quite a testament.



5. I was and am very pleased with this book.. It is well written with thouhtful insights. The history of the rise and fall of the Goddess with it reference to the Lunar Cycles really gives insight to where our world is heading today into this next century... Demtra George did a greyt job compacting a lot of information into an easy to read and understand book... It has been very helpful to me and given me much to meditate on... Anyone interested in learning about or Following the path of the Dark Goddess will love this book..
   PegM

5 comments about Who Will Cry When You Die? Life Lessons from the Monk Who Sold His Ferrari.

1. Robin Sharma, the Author says: "When you live your truth, your dreams beat a path toward your doorstep". A practical solution to create a sound Life and strikingly balance life filling in the gaps with humility. Robin refers to his father's words that a tree that has most fruits is that which bends to the ground. And though there are some exceptions he have found in his own experience that it is true-the people who know the most, who have achieved the most, and have lived the most, are also the people closest to the ground. In a word, they are humble. There is something special about being in the presence of a person who is humble. Robin sharma thinks that practicing humility shows that you respect others and reminds us that there is something for us to learn. It sends a signal to those around you that you are open to receiving the gift of their knowledge and listening to what they have to say. The book is door to exceptional life and live life to the fullest with a purpose and attain peace. The book is indepth wisdom with absolute life changing solutions to cope with life's trials, challenges, frustrations and so on. As Robin Sharma recently visited India in preparation for the production of 'The Monk who sold his Ferrari' as a major motion picture, Robin reminded in his speech that wherever in the world he went, he found human beings struggle with same challenges, same longings. All people are part of one great family with invisible ties. Thus, peace is at your own doorstep and Robin Sharma's books are real 'Gem Picks' - Yeah, sure you can surf his website too and hear his Gem voice too! Good Pick & Great Message.



2. I did not read the book but just flipped through it and I felt like stating my opinion.
   The book is just a collection of commonsense advices cloaked in quotations from scriptures. You don't need a $16 book to tell you
   1. Have a mentor (My Note: No you dn't need one)
   2. Carry a book with you all the time (My Note: meaningless advice)
   etc
   Better free advice is available online or in Project Gutenberg.



3. very good book. read it after reading the saint, surfer and ceo.



4. I thought the book was fantastic,. Very easy to read. Finished it in one shot 2 hours.
   
   Lots of good lesson 1. You dont have to finish a book just because you bought it! was the most useful to me. I always felt guilty everytime i bought a book and it was a bad choice.
   
   Loved almost all the chapters. Probably some of them are repetitive but felt good to be reminded again.



5. I love this book and rank it high on my list (along with Winning Nice - another great read I just did a review on)...I LOVE this book because it's so easy to read, you can flip through the tips (they are all about 1-3 pgs long) and the insights he offers are amazing and so easy to use in your everyday life. I buy this book for everyone I know when they are coming on a landmark event in their life or need some inspiration. Get it!

5 comments about Alcoholics Anonymous - Big Book Special Edition - Including: New Personal Stories for the Year 2008.

1. THIS BOOK IS NOT PUBLISHED BY, NOR IS IT ENDORSED BY ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS IN ANY CAPACITY!



2. This book is NOT the "same" Big Book. It is not published by AA World Services, and is not approved AA literature.
   
   The 4th Edition of "Alcoholics Anonymous" is the current textbook for the new way of living found by millions of ALCOHOLICS. Please don't let the message be watered down!!!



3. I am very disappointed in this book. Who published this material?
   Without a copyright, author or publisher, we have no idea where this material came from. Without knowing the source, we need to be suspicious.
   Anyone who is in a program of recovery must be able to trust the source of information they receive.



4. This is NOT the Big Book, nor is it AA. If you do not have an authorized AA book, ask AA. They have a web site. Try the following:
   Alcoholics Anonymous: Big Book, Original Edition
   Father Fred and the Twelve Steps: A Primer for Recovery
   As Bill Sees It: The A. A. Way of Life ...Selected Writings of the A. A.'s Co-Founder
   The Spirituality of Imperfection: Storytelling and the Search for Meaning



5. What a great addtion to the Big Book and the updated stories are a real bonus.

5 comments about Sacred Ceremony: How to Create Ceremonies for Healing, Transitions, and Celebrations.

1. There are books during our lifetime that we just know the minute we open the dust jacket and read the intro, that we will be mesmerized by it's content from beginning to end. Sacred Ceremony happens to be just one of those books.

   Dr. Farmer's has perfectly relayed personal and professional experiences throughout this terrific book, to enlighten the layman to the experienced, of the power of ceremony and it's benefit of self healing in your life for yourself and others. Whether you are performing a drumming ceremony or a wedding ceremony, Dr. Farmer leads you into the heart, the soul and the dynamics of the experience with great understanding and ease.

   I HIGHLY recommend this book for those who are drawn to using the elements of nature and their powers to assist, heal and transform your life. From page one to page done, you will be captivated I assure you!




2. Steven Farmer invites you into the conscious sacred space of ceremonies with an easy and gentle presence. He has done his research and practice and now invites you into his collective wisdom. The grace is that everyone can find an abundance of useful ideas and practices for themselves and others in these celebrations of the sacred. Use it as a foundation and then improvise for all the sacred ceremonies that living and dying has to offer. Steven invites you into his journey of sacred space so that you might learn how to more fully enter your own with others. This book is a gift and blessing. I look forward to reading more of his writings.



3. Steven has written the ultimate "how to" book for creating ceremonies. I appreciated his clear, easy-to-follow suggestions and examples. This book (the only one you'll ever need on this subject) excites the imagination to create a ceremony for every important event along life's path. As you can tell, I love this book and if I could, I would give it more than 5 stars!



4. *****
   This is a great book on all aspects of ceremonies---design, planning, facilitation, and practicalities. It also includes many examples of various types of ceremonies chock full of great ideas and inspiration. I read this book all in one sitting, and enjoyed every minute of it.
   
   If you are planning a ceremony, this book will be invaluable. Or if you are a minister or facilitator of ceremonies, it will also be invaluable.
   
   Note that although typical Christian ceremonies are referred to, this book primarily deals with ceremonies that are creative or different from standard cultural celebrations. It doesn't focus on any one alternative tradition, but includes all---for example, Native American, Celtic, secular, etc. It would primarily appeal to the person who is wanting to design a meaningful and memorable ceremony of their own from any or no religious tradition.
   
   I loved this book---it is definitely a reference book, but also a very enjoyable read. When you're done, you'll definitely understand how to plan and why you'd plan most any ceremony!
   
   *****



5. This book arrived in mint condition. I have used it already in planning a service; it could have been more helpful if it had more ready made ceremonies in it, but I am happy with it.