History: Fiction or Science? (Chronology, No. 1)

Book Description

Recorded history is a finely-woven magic fabric of intricate lies about events predating the sixteenth century. There is not a single piece of evidence that can be reliably and independently traced back earlier than the eleventh century. This book details events that are substantiated by hard facts and logic, and validated by new astronomical research and statistical analysis of ancient sources.

Customer Reviews:

Calculations are only as good as your numbers.......2007-08-03

Yes, we can all agree that mainstream history is nearly 100% BS due to politics, economics, ego, problems with dating techniques, and various conspiracies. Agreed. But, I've been researching the distinct possibility that human history (in terms of civilizations) are much more ancient than we've been told, so coming across this book was very interesting to me. I wondered how Fomenko could be wrong (if at all) because he is very persuasive in his presentations. Then it dawned on me. If at previous times in prehistory, due to the various catastrophies that are well documented (comets, asteroids, planetary disruptions, plasma discharge, pole reversals, etc) the Earth was in a different position in relation to the sun, different tilt on its axis, different orbit, different rotation (in terms of velocity and DIRECTION), and the continents were in different positions, then would this not cause the ancients to see the sky (constellations) differently? In other words, is Fomenko making erronious assumptions about the physics of the Earth in pre-history, which then corrupt his data with regards to dating the relevant astrology? The last event to seriously disrupt our planet occured roughly 3500 years ago, according to other good researchers, so is it possible Fomenko has been confused by this? The vastly different physics of our planet in the not so distant past may explain this confusion, which is not to say the "mainstream" version of history is correct; on the contrary. I am not an expert in these fields, but wanted to see if this idea could spark discussion.

Pants on fire?.......2007-07-19

Will people ever read before spamming? Yes, Jesuits could not rewrite world history alone, they had help. Anyway, Dr Prof Acad A.Fomenko does not point to jesuits as the driving force of world wide history manipulation in published volumes 1,2,3;, actually he barely mentions the poor devils. Check it with 'Search inside' feature, please. China is rarely mentioned either, in fact, Dr Fomenko is completely eurocentric. Right, his theory contradicts all mainstream schools of history, because in their actual state they are all built on blatantly erroneus chronology. You don't need a mysterious cabal (conspiracy) to falsify history, the falsification is its modus operandi. It is inherent to history(ians) to falsify (distort) events, as it is inherent to humans to boast as it is inherent to power (authority) to legimize itself by referrring to glorious past made to its own order. Dr Prof Fomenko and team have identified scores of instances of such manipulation in Russian, European, etc.. history, and delivered valid statistical proof thereof. His own 'reconstruction' is completely another story. Forget c14 as a valid method of dating. W.Libby has initially discovered a brilliant method of INDEPENDENT dating. Too bad, c14 method has become a joke after a forced marrige with dendrochronology with consensual chronological scale inbuilt. Radiocarbon method can't stand blind tests, but is so very productive as a rubberstamp.

Accepted History & Chronology Must Be Changed. .......2007-04-09

There is no doubt that history as most know it is a sham, & institution's version of History both University & Church is fradulent & inaccurate. Everything was established with an agenda, The real "Dark Ages" are now when we have access to incredible amounts of information past authorities & more important 'common folk' didn't have but our institutions & educators are slow to evolve because of what has ignorantly & arrogantly been taught for too long. This is on many subjects not just Chronology.

For anyone to question "Why would a Mathematician have anything credible to say of History?" The answer is from Dr. Fomenko's preface in the book: "It would be worthwhile to remind the reader that in the XVI-XVII century Chronology was considered to be a subdivision of Mathematics." These volumes could possibly be some of the most important works to date & should be read by everyone with an interest in History, especially professors & educators who have a duty to the public. I have read both books & must say that 'Chronology 1' has some very eye opening & revolutionary information. Even if these volumes are part true the implications are profound & opens the doors to further investigations & questions which must be done. I speak several different lanquages & must say the logic Dr. Fomenko uses with "inflection" of words & words being read from left to right in one region & right to left in another then written backwards, the removal of vowels & get down to basics of words, or different cities & locations having the same name etc. is correct. Vowel usage has always been optional & varied, actually complicating linquistics & study. The first thing one has to understand is that words never had a fixed spelling in history like we do now, the spelling of words was mutable & regional, as well as names & titles of people were vast, varied & changed, NOTHING WAS FIXED or understood linear. Matters of Life & Death as well as financial profiteering yesterday & today were & are made with ignorant, illogical & conspiratorial views of history & reality, it's time people get closer to the Truth & society collectively grow up.

Very Interesting.......2007-03-07

It is a good proposal and I believe it will mature into something even better in the future. I think it deserves to be read.

History as Science Fiction.......2007-01-10

Anatoly Fomenko has written a very intriguing book, full of pictures, charts, and computer 'proof' of his thesis: backwards of AD900 we don't really know what happened or when. Between AD900 and AD1600 there is more certainty, but there is still a lot of fuzzy ground, and things don't get reliable until we get past the 1600's where the printing press made it very difficult for the perpetrators of this timeline manipulation to change anything that had been committed to print. The Dark Ages did not happen. Books were burned for a reason. One organization has doubled the actual length of its existence by expanding the real chronology. Read why.

I had always wondered why Christ died about AD33 and yet men waited until the 11th century to form the Knights Templar, the Cathars, etc and go after the Holy Land by force. Why the 1000 year gap? Turns out there wasn't more than a 10-12 year gap and he proves it using astronomy. This also implies that the planet is not as old as we have been told, and current Christian and other creationist scientists are already championing that idea without being aware of Fomenko's book. The two groups, creationist scientists and the Russian mathematical analysts corroborate each other. Fascinating.

Of course, all this flies in the face of what we have been told traditionally is the 'proper' chronology of western civilization, and most readers will experience 'cognitive dissonance' in reading this book. It means that our history going backwards from AD1600 becomes progressively more incorrect and unreliable until it cannot be trusted at all... in the space of 700-800 years.

Naturally, the curious, open-minded reader will want to know WHO did this, WHY, and did any of the events we think of as really ancient ever happen?
Dr. Fomenko is a respected scientist/mathematician at Moscow State University who has already answered these questions to the satisfaction of his initially skeptical colleagues. Most of them are now believers, a few still refuse to believe (the usual diehards), and of course the western press has ignored Fomenko's work -- for obvious reasons when you read the book. The ones who perpetrated this chronology ruse have a lot to answer for. They are still with us. That's why this book is a well-kept secret.

I gave the book a 4-star rating because I was unable to check out some of his claims; those I checked were as he said. But if even 1/3 of his claims are true, this punches a big hole in what we think is our history, the meaning of western civilization, our educational process (for repeating the ruse as gospel), and the trustworthiness of the organization that perpetrated this ruse, well-intentioned or not.

This book relates to current research into a Young Earth paradigm, to John Keel's discoveries about our planet, and Fr Malachi Martin's insights (in his now out-of-print books). We are indeed sheep who are manipulated and kept ignorant -- for a reason. While knowing what these men have to say may be the "booby prize" (as in: 'what can you do with this knowledge?'), it will provide interesting reading. Didn't someone say: "...and the Truth will set you free."?? For you to judge if this book contains the truth.

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The Book That Changed the Course of History
William Wilberforce
Review: Real Christianity
Experienced minister Bob Beltz offers a revised and updated version of Real Christianity
Exceptional

Real Christianity
William Wilberforce
Manufacturer: Regal Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0830743111

Product Description

Just in time for the release of Amazing Grace, the movie about the life of William Wilberforce, is this edition of his classic book from 1797, Real Christianity, paraphrased in modern language and made more accessible to contemporary readers. This is the book that helped abolish the slave trade in the United Kingdom, and called Christians to live a more authentic life of faith more than 200 years ago. The timeless truths it contains will speak to readers in fresh ways today. Christians who eschew cultural Christianity in favor of a real faith in Christ will find the principles here thought-provoking and applicable. The social justice orientation will appeal to readers of Jim Wallis, Os Guinness, Charles Colson, Shane Claiborne, John Perkins, Bono, and Nancy Pearcy. Readers will also find the book is a good litmus test of the authenticity of their own faith.

Customer Reviews:

The Book That Changed the Course of History.......2007-09-13

This is a gripping and challenging book, holds your attention all the way through. It was the book that saved England from destruction and resulted in turning the tide of popular opinion and abolishing slavery altogether, even though slavery had been a way of life in many countries for millennia.
This book is totally relevant for today and is a wake up call, very challenging and life changing, individually and for our country.
It really touches the deep concerns of one's heart and makes God real.

William Wilberforce .......2007-07-28

Wilberforce forces us to assess our actions with a higher standard. He wants us to conform to what God's will is for us and not our misguided sense of what is "right".
My favorite sentence is: "Our behavior is so conformed to cultural standards that if we were put on trial as a Christian, the case might be dropped for lack of evidence." pg 89.

Review: Real Christianity.......2007-06-14

William Wilberforce was one of the leading forces of slavery reform in England. He is also the subject of the recent film Amazing Grace. Wilberforce originally wrote Real Christianity in 1797. Bob Beltz, one of the producers of Amazing Grace, has released a modern paraphrase of Wilberforce's book.

Through Beltz's modern version of Real Christianity, readers are able to understand Wilberforce's challenge to Christians to think through their beliefs. Wilberforce encourages readers to look at how we live our daily lives and filter our actions through Scripture.

Readers will find Real Christianity surprisingly applicable to modern life. Just as biblical truths transcend the eras, so do Wilberforce's thoughts on the Christian life. There are obvious parts that apply directly to British customs of the time period, but overall the lessons to be learned are still relevant today.

I would encourage all Christians to read this book. It will challenge you spiritually and point you toward a more intimate relationship with Christ. Real Christianity will also cause you to think deeply about your walk with the Lord and help you to understand how your actions translate to those who do not know the Lord.

Experienced minister Bob Beltz offers a revised and updated version of Real Christianity.......2007-06-09

Revised and updated by Bob Beltz, Real Christianity is a classic text originally written by abolitionist William Wilberforce more than 200 years ago in order to denounce slavery by appealing to human belief and redefining authentic Christian life. Now, experienced minister Bob Beltz offers a revised and updated version of Real Christianity in modern English (with brief notes) for contemporary readers. Wilberforce's core messages about the true standards of Christian behavior, authentic faith, and the nature of man are unchanged and throughly accessible to readers of all backgrounds. "To live our lives and miss that great purpose we were designed to accomplish is truly a sin. It is inconceivable that we could be bored in a world with so much wrong to tackle, so much ignorance to teach and so much misery we could alleviate." Highly recommended.

Exceptional.......2007-05-14

Most definately the BEST book I have ever read on living authentic Christianity. I cannot recommend it highly enough..

Book of Five Rings: The Classic Guide to Strategy

Average customer rating:

Spirit of Zen
Classic.
Worthwhile Strategy
Good advice
A study of conflict

Book of Five Rings: The Classic Guide to Strategy
Miyamoto Musashi
Manufacturer: Gramercy
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0517415283
Release Date: 1988-05-28

Amazon.com

To learn a Japanese martial art is to learn Zen, and although you can't do so simply by reading a book, it sure does help--especially if that book is The Book of Five Rings. One of Japan's great samurai sword masters penned in decisive, unfaltering terms this certain path to victory, and like Sun Tzu's The Art of War it is applicable not only on the battlefield but also in all forms of competition. Always observant, creating confusion, striking at vulnerabilities--these are some of the basic principles. Going deeper, we find suki, the interval of vulnerability, of indecisiveness, of rest, the briefest but most vital moment to strike. In succinct detail, Miyamoto records ideal postures, blows, and psychological tactics to put the enemy off guard and open the way for attack. Most important of all is Miyamoto's concept of rhythm, how all things are in harmony, and that by working with the rhythm of a situation we can turn it to our advantage with little effort. But like Zen, this requires one task above all else, putting the book down and going out to practice. --Brian Bruya

Book Description

Translated by V. Harris. Japan's answer to the Harvard MBA...Written over three centuries ago by a Samurai warrior, the book has been hailed as a limitless source of psychological insight for businessmen-or anyone who relies on strategy and tactics for outwitting the competition.

Customer Reviews:

Spirit of Zen.......2007-10-19

This is actually a great book on practical Zen in a way of swordmanship in medieval Japan. Two heaven sword tehnique is described there but it is difficult to understand for people who doesn't use to martial art.

Classic........2007-06-18

This book is only a translation of the original. You may not find the extensive commentary you seek. While written centuries ago, Miyamoto Musashi, in my judgment, didn't write a book just about how to fight.

Reading this book with an open mind will surprise the reader. Deep thought and reflection will be needed. The areas to which the principles in this book may be applied (such as lessons in leadership and politics) and the success in said application are only limited to the amount of imagination and study put forth by the reader.

It offers a great deal of knowledge for every day life, and even if you never pick up a sword, or raise your fists, you will find his philosophy extends well beyond the realm of martial arts and battle strategy.

To some readers you will not be able to fully grasp all of the concepts and ideas presented after one reading. This book is invaluable and definitely invites repeated readings as new insight is to be found as your understanding deepens. I'm not sure if a single review could do this book justice because each time you re-read this book your thoughts are guaranteed to be provoked and you will definitely walk away each time with a new form of enlightenment and that is my reason for giving it Five stars *****.

Worthwhile Strategy.......2007-06-10

This is powerful book to read and UTILIZE in your life. While it can easily be taken for face value as a book on physical fighting strategy, it is more than that. One can take many of the thoughts and translate them to a more theoretical use on strategy. For example, a quote speaking of "the gaze" relating to seeing an enemy and their movements: "It is important in strategy to know the enemy's sword and not to be distracted by insignificant movements of his sword". This could easily be translated to business, sports, etc. Just substitute "sword" for the essence of the thought to apply to "business", "army", "team", etc.

The first 3rd of the book is a historical account of events of Musashi's life, and also includes many images of artwork created by Musashi. They are black and white however. The rest of the book is the actual "Book of Five Rings". It consists of 5 "books": ground, water, fire, wind and the void. It is to be noted Musashi after a time found he did not need to follow any particular "Way" and practiced many.

Regarding the layout of the book, I like the footnotes at the bottom of many of the pages which help describe words or thoughts you may not have easily or readily known otherwise.

---*** THE BOTTOM LINE ***---

A good book to have, with worthwhile strategy, although, regarding strategy I prefer Sun Tzu's "Art of War".

Good advice.......2007-01-09

The only good advice I ever got from a book came from this one: "Do nothing which is of no use" (p. 49). The Book of Five Rings has a lot of good advice, but that's the one that speaks most clearly to my condition. The Book of Five Rings must be read as metaphor, because life conditions today are so different from those of medieval Japan. But Mushashi was a wise and powerful thinker, and his ideas apply well beyond battle strategy. He lived integrity: unity and purity of thought, word, and deed, and his rare qualities are always worth studying and emulating.

A study of conflict.......2006-08-14

This book is great for anyone interested in personal development. It is a guide in focused self-discipline. It is also a guide to successful navigation of conflict.

This translation is the best I've read. It is free of superfluous footnotes and pedantic commentary. The commentary that is included before each chapter is brief and helpful.

Average customer rating:

Fantastic book
Somewhat plodding...
Good thoughtful listening
Must Read
Wonderful book, look for a better edition

The Practice of the Presence of God
Brother Lawrence
Manufacturer: Shambhala
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 1590302508
Release Date: 2005-10-11

Book Description

The Practice of the Presence of God is among the most enduringly popular of all Christian devotional works. It is a collection of conversations with a simple seventeenth-century French Carmelite monk who, through the simplest of everyday activities, was able to achieve a profound intimacy with God. Brother Lawrence's teaching has resonated with Christians for more than three hundred years, and it is fitting that it is now available in this beautiful edition with a fine full-cloth cover, a sewn binding, and a ribbon marker.

Customer Reviews:

Fantastic book.......2007-08-04

This is one of my favorite books on the Christian life. Brother Lawrence provides an amazing example of the moment-by-moment faith which is set forth in the Bible (1 Thes 5:17, Jn 15:5, Phil 4:6,7, Gal 2:20,3:5, Gal 5:16,17, Is 26:3, etc.). It's also different than other books because it is written in the style of letters Lawrence wrote, or conversations which were had with him. I think this makes it even more effective as a teaching tool. At first it may seem like a lot of repetition -- and there is a lot, because of the style of the book -- but in each letter I have found a different jewel of truth to encourage me. Another great classic on moment-by-moment faith is Hannah Whitall Smith's "Christian's Secret of a Happy Life." A great book written with the same perspective on continuous faith, specifically in the context of trials is Living Through Crises.

Somewhat plodding..........2007-07-12

I'm finding it very difficult to keep up with reading this book. I thought reading the day to day life instances of a holy man would be little more engaging.

See other reviews to see if this book is for you. Maybe it just isn't for me.

Good thoughtful listening.......2007-06-05

This belongs in every library. It is a combination of two excellent discussions. The first is a collection of letters that tell of a monk's strategies for remaining in God's presence and thereby keeping himself "abiding" in Christ. The second examines the relationship between ones thought processes, and the resulting issues of life. Both are helpful in self-examination and deep meditation.

Must Read.......2007-06-02

This book is a collection of the letters and writings of a 17th century French monk named Brother Lawrence. Br. Lawrence believed he should offer every part and moment of his life to God as an act of worship. His tips on keeping one's mind in constant communion with God will challenge and even surprise modern people. We're not used to this degree of total committment. As a rule, modern concepts of "total" committment do not include all of life, but simply that part of life cordoned off as our spiritual life. Br. Andrew's insights can challenge even the most devout of us to a greater separation to God.

By the way, don't avoid this book on the grounds that you're not Catholic. I'm 100% evangelical/penticostal and found this book extremely worthwhile.

Wonderful book, look for a better edition.......2007-03-29

This is a great book, with practical application for the spiritual practice of all Christians of any denomination. This edition, however, is heavily abridged, cutting the much larger original down to about 95 pages.

Firstlight: The Early Inspirational Writings of Sue Monk Kidd

Average customer rating:

"Blessings he read and reread."
A pick both for religious collections and for the general-interest public lending library.
A Gifted Communicator
Contemplative, Sometimes Soft
Search for spiritual truth

Firstlight: The Early Inspirational Writings of Sue Monk Kidd
Sue Monk Kidd
Manufacturer: GuidepostsBooks
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0824947061

Book Description

In Firstlight, bestselling author Sue Monk Kidd offers readers an intimate glimpse into the early years of her journey as both writer and spiritual seeker.

Drawn from the author's early writings for Guideposts and, to a lesser extent, other publications, this selection of personal reflections and essays is organized around thirteen spiritual motifs and interwoven to create a compelling narrative about the author's spiritual awakening.

Included are writings about the author's multiple roles as mother, daughter, wife, nurse, and writer. There are recollections about her extensive travels and reflections on her childhood and marriage. And there are musings on a stream of ordinary moments--watching a bird feeder, a homeless man, a golf tournament-- all of whih added richness and meaning to the author's journey.

Customer Reviews:

"Blessings he read and reread." .......2007-06-06

In a word, this book is inspirational. The tone is evident even in the book's packaging: its beach-sunrise jacket photo and its airy page design. If you need an emotional lift --- or know someone who does --- FIRSTLIGHT will provide it.

Over her writing career of nearly 30 years, Sue Monk Kidd has endeared herself to two audiences. First, to readers of Guideposts magazine and devotionals, for which she wrote very concrete, first-person, anecdotal narratives. A sample: "Late one winter night it snows in South Carolina. When the sun comes up, a dazzling white quilt lays across our small backyard.

" 'Oh-h-h, Mommy.' In the bedroom both children cling to the windowsill speechless. It is their first snow..."

In memoirs published from 1988 to 1997, her spiritual journey reflected a more contemplative outlook and eventually a feminist theology that endeared a different readership. Then her fiction (THE SECRET LIFE OF BEES and THE MERMAID CHAIR) turned her and her unorthodox characters into conversational centerpieces all around town, coast to coast.

Now here's the trick. Can this new collection of "early writings" bridge her two audiences? I say yes, assuming a reader is not scouring for theological tenets but for feel-good inspiration that encourages faith in a slightly vague Divine.

Many of the untitled selections within the book's 13 chapters are from Guideposts publications, anecdotes about childhood, motherhood, marriage and Sue's early nursing career. But it seems that most of the chapter topics (with titles such as "Awareness," "Solitude," "Simplicity of Spirit" and "Gracious Space") are grounded in essays that are more reflective than anecdotal. A sample from the first chapter, titled "The Crucible of Story": "The inner story creates identity, transforming our vision of who we are. Creating story is an act of self-knowing...Knowing who I am hinges on remembering who I have been in the past and embracing the hope of who I may be in the future."

It's a different kind of writing --- less personal, less concrete. But the complementary styles work well together, the anecdotes illustrating the reflective points.

In the introduction, Sue explains how she warmed up to the idea of compiling these writings that are foundational to her spiritual and literary journey. At first she was hesitant: "I wanted to be read and known for who I am now." But eventually: "Opening myself to the creation of this book, so aptly titled FIRSTLIGHT, became an unexpected act of reclamation...a bridge...a gift of reunion."

My favorite piece in the book is a short "Availability" anecdote, recounting a visit to a homeless shelter and Sue's conversation with James, a resident who eagerly shows her his "book" --- a scrapbook featuring worthless incidentals (a restaurant napkin, a calendar, a few autographs) that "represented James's list of blessings. Blessings he read and reread."

Just as you, or I, might read and reread Sue Monk Kidd's FIRSTLIGHT.

--- Reviewed by Evelyn Bence

A pick both for religious collections and for the general-interest public lending library........2007-03-05

Stories and essays filling FIRSTLIGHT with inspiration come from the author's early writings for Guideposts and other publications and are centered around spiritual insights and 'firsts', following her early years as a spiritual thinker. Anyone with an interest in the life and thought of Sue Monk Kidd in particular will find FIRSTLIGHT filled with both autobiographical insights and spiritual inspiration, making it a pick both for religious collections and for the general-interest public lending library.

A Gifted Communicator.......2007-02-04

"If you cannot improve the silence, do not speak," (p. 168) similarly, if you have nothing of value to say as an author, don't write just to be doing something. Sue Monk Kidd has a collection of worthwhile reflective thoughts in this book that help you to live the self-examined life as a fellow traveler. For example, "God sometimes speaks in whispers so we will more closer to hear," she quotes a preacher in a story on page 166.

For those of us who, at times, tend to analyze inappropriately she pulls a quote from Beethoven which makes the point that you arrive at the meaning of a work of art by experiencing it, not trying to figure it out.

In spite of all the good in the book, there are a few troubling spots. On page 74 she's wrong! What she writes is NOT Scriptural. It isn't what the Bible teaches. She makes the statement, "The emergence of one's Authentic I awakens a fresh awareness of us all and we are one in God together." In contrast to this, the Bible teaches you must be born again to even SEE the kingdom of heaven and anyone who attempts to reach God through anyway other than Jesus is in error.

Another troubling part of the book is an incident she tells about where she was approached by a man after her presentation. It seems she was trying to be all inclusive and the man was standing up for traditional Bible-taught Christianity. God's Truth will stand long after the fads of new age all inclusiveness have passed. She's on the wrong side of this issue.

Contemplative, Sometimes Soft.......2007-01-17

Sue Monk Kidd provided one of my favorite novels in recent years, with "The Secret Life of Bees." She wrote with grace, spiritual symbolism, and an embracing of life's offerings, good and bad. Here, in "Firstlight," she shows those same abilities with the written word.

Collected from early inspirational writings, particularly those published in Guideposts magazine, these chapters reflect a lifelong journey of discovery. Kidd has been a nurse, a mother, a wife, and a writer, and these experiences have not only shaped her, they've brought about moments of clarity and widsom through seemingly mundane things. Kidd has a crisp, yet smooth, style that allows the lessons of life to jump from the pages. She finds examples of God's love and mercy in homeless people, butterflies, storms, and lightning bugs.

For those of us who enjoy the raw, in-your-face honesty of an Anne Lamott, "Firstlight" can seem a bit saccharine at times. There is very little time given to the struggles and questions of life, althought Kidd does admit to having them. Being a true Southerner, she chooses to focus on the good, packaging the thorny questions in soft cushiony thoughts. All in all, this is a great contemplative book. Not so deep as to be unfathomable, but rich enough to be mulled over for days.

Search for spiritual truth.......2006-12-27

Sue Monk Kidd is a very contemplative person who writes from the heart with beautiful and touching prose. This book contains some of her early writings which she has gently edited. At first she was reluctant to republish her earlier work, feeling that she has evolved to a new place in the ensuing years. However, she later decided that these works were part of her spiritual journey and she enjoyed retracing her literary and contemplative roots. Her stories begin with everyday occurrences from her life as a wife, mother, and nurse, but swell to a crescendo as she analyzes them in light of her spiritual beliefs and her willingness to open herself to "aha" moments of revelation and truth. She divides her book into timeless topics such as The Sacred Ordinary, Availabilty, and Compassion. She manages to prick the reader's conscience and yet instill hope for better days to come. Her work is always a refreshing breeze in a too-busy world.

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awesome
ONLY FOR ESSAY READERS
Knowing Christ
The Interior Castle
The House of My Father Has Many Rooms

Interior Castle
St. Teresa of Avila
Manufacturer: Image
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0385036434
Release Date: 1972-01-04

Book Description

One of the most celebrated works on mystical theology in existence, as timely today as when St. Teresa of Avila wrote it centuries ago, this is a treasury of unforgettable maxims on self-knowledge and fulfillment.

Customer Reviews:

awesome.......2007-07-26

it is very spiritual and rewarding...you can search your soul for your place in your spiritual beliefs...

ONLY FOR ESSAY READERS.......2007-03-08

This is mystical theology. If are a researcher like I am, this is an awesome book

Knowing Christ.......2007-01-10

An excellent book that deals with the process of knowing and surrendering ones life to Jesus Christ. One is struck by the deep passion to have an intimate relationship with Jesus and what a person is willing to forsake for that relationship. One will not agree with all that is said but will be challenged to describe what you do believe and how does it apply to your own life. It is a book that needs to be read several times to mine the riches of the truth.

The Interior Castle.......2006-11-09

This book is excellent! Very helpful in drawing the reader closer to God.

The House of My Father Has Many Rooms.......2006-08-12

St. Teresa is one of my personal favorite saints. As a Carmelite nun in the 1500s, she was gifted with a vision from God to write this beautiful book. In this book, the soul journeys through seven rooms, each with a lesson of spiritual wisdom that draws us closer to God. In a ringing refutation of Pascal's bargain, she says that, "the most essential thing is that we should love God without any motive of self-interest." Love of God is an end unto itself, and we should not love God because we dread the pains of Hell and the loss of Heaven. The similarity of the Interior Castle, the controlling metaphor, to Jesus's quote that the "Mansion of My Father has many rooms," is beguiling and appealing. The only thing that bothers me is the subtle comparison to alchemy texts, such as the Christian Rosencrantz text, but this can surely be set aside in the light of such a beautiful book.

Fr. Carlos

A Practical View of Christianity (Hendrickson Christian Classics)

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A Practical View of Christianity (Hendrickson Christian Classics)
William Wilberforce
Manufacturer: Hendrickson Publishers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 1598561227

Book Description

Wilberforce's classic work, A Practical View of Christianity, is concerned with convincing those who call themselves Christians to pursue "the real nature and principles of the religion which they profess." Christianity is not a mere morality, to be held in private. Christianity is revelation from God, bringing new rights and correspondent duties. It is an entire way of life that requires diligence and study and that should affect every aspect of the Christian's public and private life.

This addition to the Hendrickson Christian Classics series has been completely retypeset. An index, explanatory notes, scripture references, translations of Latin phrases, bibliographic information, and other helps ensure that this work will be as valuable to today's reader as it was to those readers who made A Practical View of Christianity a bestseller for fifty years.

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Most helpful "self-help" book I've ever encountered!

Timeless and Crucial Reading for Those Who Care.

Outstanding book

Good Ideas Presented

Kidding Me?

The Art of Living: The Classic Manual on Virtue, Happiness, and Effectiveness
Epictetus , and Sharon Lebell Epictetus
Manufacturer: HarperOne
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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A Manual for Living (A Little Book of Wisdom)

Handbook of Epictetus

Enchiridion (Dover Thrift Editions)

Epictetus: A Stoic and Socratic Guide to Life

Meditations (Penguin Classics)

ASIN: 006251346X
Release Date: 2004-05-04

Amazon.com

"Happiness and freedom begin with a clear understanding of one principle: Some things are within our control, and some things are not. It is only after you have faced up to this fundamental rule and learned to distinguish between what you can and can't control that inner tranquility and outer effectiveness become possible." The Stoic philosopher Epictetus was born on the eastern edges of the Roman Empire in A.D. 55, but The Art of Living is still perfectly suited for any contemporary self-help or recovery program. To prove the point, this modern interpretation by Sharon Lebell casts the teachings in up-to-date language, with phrases like "power broker" and "casual sex" popping up intermittently. But the core is still the same: Epictetus keeps the focus on progress over perfection, on accomplishing what can be accomplished and abandoning unproductive worry over what cannot.

Book Description

Epictetus was born into slavery about A.D. 55 in the eastern outreaches of the Roman Empire. Sold as a child and crippled from the beatings of his master, Epictetus was eventually freed, rising from his humble roots to establish an influential school of Stoic philosophy. Stressing that human beings cannot control life, only how they respond to it, Epictetus dedicated his life to outlining the simple way to happiness, fulfillment, and tranquility. By putting into practice the ninety-three witty, wise, and razor-sharp instructions that make up The Art of Living, readers learn to successfully meet the challenges of everyday life and face life's inevitable losses and disappointments with grace.

Epictetus's teachings rank among the greatest wisdom texts of human civilization. Sharon Lebell presents this esteemed philosopher's invaluable insights for the first time in a splendidly down-to-earth rendition. The result is the West's first and best primer for living the best possible life -- as helpful in the twenty-first century as it was in the first.

Customer Reviews:

Most helpful "self-help" book I've ever encountered!.......2007-08-23

While some reviewers might object to the "updated" terminology of Lebell's adaptation of Epictetus' philosophy, I must say that the reason this edition is so effective is largely because the "abstract", "scholarly", "dry" language that one usually encounters (with conventional translations of Epictetus' philosophy) is here replaced with a pleasing approximation of how Epictetus himself would likely speak TODAY (assuming his native tongue were English).

IMPORTANT NOTE: Though I certainly do esteem my copy of this excellent, conventional-book edition, I must say that the alternative AUDIO edition is infinitely more powerfully effective for ME. Indeed, since discovering the AUDIOBOOK edition (an excellently judicious abridgement of this conventional-book edition) some years ago, I've found myself listening to it over and over and over, and I expect to do so for the rest of my life! I certainly can't say THAT about any other audiobook (with the possible exception of the audio edition of "How to Stop Worrying and Start Living" by Dale Carnegie). If everybody would listen to that audio while commuting to/from work (and/or at bedtime or upon waking), this would likely be a kinder, saner world.

Therefore, IN ADDITION TO (or, initially, instead of) this conventional-book edition, you should absolutely purchase the "audio download" edition of this book so that you can have it as either a conventional compact disc or as MP3 files (for your iPod, MP3 player, computer, etc.). [As of this writing, you can find Amazon's "audio download" edition by first "searching" on the ISBN number of the CASSETTE edition (1574530887) and then clicking on the "Also Available" audio download edition link near the top of the page.] The price for the "audio download" edition is remarkably low; indeed, it may well amount to the greatest "self-help" bargain you'll ever encounter!

Regarding this TEXT edition, be aware that only the latest (2007) edition [ISBN: 9780061286056] includes two RECENTLY WRITTEN essays by author Lebell: "Epi-Who? How a 200-Year-Old Dead White Male Changed My Life" and "Why Would Anyone Want to Be a Stoic?". These helpful and gratifying essays (appended to the reprinted text of the prior, 1995 edition) should prove helpful/entertaining to most readers, especially newcomers to Epictetus' teachings. Oh, btw, the latest edition also features all-new cover art.

Timeless and Crucial Reading for Those Who Care........2007-04-01

The Art of Living is a great compilation of wisdom as it was once expressed by Epictetus and has been presented by Sharon Lebell. I use this book for various purposes: to read when I need inspiration; to be confronted with the simple wisdom that is captured in daily occurrences, and as material to guide my students in management courses at various levels toward enhanced acceptance, understanding, and respect for life and the living.

This book has also determined the direction of my books "The Awakened Leader: One Simple Leadership Style That Works Every Time, Everywhere," and "Spirituality in the Workplace: What it is; Why it Matters; How to Make it Work for You" (co-authored with Dr. Satinder Dhiman and dr. Richard King).

The values presented in "The Art of Living" are not merely timeless. They are crucial for our sense of humility in a world where it's all about appearances and impression establishment.

The values of this book have been richly incorporated in both, "The Awakened Leader," and "Spirituality in the Workplace," with the intention to provide contemporary readers with useful material to remain a successful member of society, while not becoming victimized by it.

Outstanding book.......2007-03-27

This is one of the most valuable books that I own. The ideas in this book are remarkably incisive and perceptive. I've always found ancient philosophers like Socrates and Aristotle to be interesting, but none other seems so directly pertinent to everyday life. Many of his ideas show interesting parallels with Buddhism too.

As far as this paraphrased edition goes, I like that too. I have read other translated versions. Yes, it is not translated to the letter but it skilfully preserves the essence and meaning. The concepts are the same. It is also a lot more readable than any other version I have seen before. If you read this and feel inspired, then go consult a more literal translation. But read this one first.

Money spent on this book will not be wasted. These ideas are worth their weight in gold.

Good Ideas Presented.......2007-01-12

I appreciate the review, "Even Watered Down Epictetus Is A Treat." This version is perhaps watered down by academic standards, even errant in its conception. I like the book immensely, however, precisely because it is geared for contemporary audiences. I like the writing style and the risks Lebell takes in interpretation. She's no fundamentalist. The words are alive for our time, not for the sake of preserving academic sawdust.

Kidding Me?.......2006-10-31

This book is sham. Epitectus' name should not be on the cover. The author essentially wrote a self-help book and put a famous philosopher's name on it to move copies. Loose translation or not, I'm pretty sure Epitectus never used the world 'silly' and I doubt the Greeks spoke of 'celebrity' often. I feel like it's unethical for an author to riff off the great work of another, and then use their fame to sell books.

That aside, the author does a mediocre job at best. I'd say 40% of the rules are the same rule, just worded differently. "You don't control what happens, just how you happen to react." Great, that's good advice, but it's pretty much cut and dried.

And no matter how this thing looks on Amazon, it's about a 100 pages...and most of the pages have no more than 2-3 sentences on them. Condense it down, you're looking at 60 pages of writing--and not a word of it directly from Epictetus.

Do yourself a favor--out of respect for a great philosopher--and buy the primary text. Don't reward this hack of an author, who wastes people's time, money and emotions.

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Excellent translation and
Brilliant piece of literature
Ultimate Truth
The greatest of Indian Scriptures
Truth revealed through stories

The Concise Yoga Vasistha

Manufacturer: State University of New York Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 087395954X

Customer Reviews:

Excellent translation and .......2007-05-04

The Vedic texts are so full of wisdom and profundity that they take a real time commitment to appreciate them. The full text of the Yoga Vasista is no different. That is why I appreciate this condensed version so much. The meaning and nuances are all there, yet it is written in an accessible style. Make no mistake, this condensed form will take time to read also (perhaps one verse per night before sleep), but it is so sublime and so easy to use.

Brilliant piece of literature.......2007-04-05

Glittered with stories, this book invokes a deep understanding of our universe. Can be read multiple times in different light. Profound exposition of many ideas floating about in the Samkhya philosophy and Vedic literature.

Ultimate Truth.......2005-08-04

This is the epitome and crux of Hindu philosphy. A must read for a person looking for ultimate truth and liberation. After knowing the truth presented in this book, there remains nothing to be read further. The author has done a super job of putting this great ancient work together.

The greatest of Indian Scriptures.......2005-04-20

Among the great scriptures of Indian spiritual thought, Yoga Vasistha is the the most beloved of mine. It is not a dry, wise and scholarly representation of Upanishadic thinking. It is a witty, surrealistic, out-of-mind story-telling to break the grip of one's logic-dominated mind. How to grasp with human mind what essentially is beyond it? Read it and either you will jump with joy or you will not understand anything beyond the stories. Are you ready? Or are you asleep with your eyes wide open?
Shantu Dand

Truth revealed through stories.......2004-12-08

This book is a dialogue between Sage Vasistha and Rama. Vasistha reveals the "Truth" to rama by narrating a series of stories. The book is divided into six major parts, each part consisting of several short stories.

1. On dispassion.
2. On the behaviour of the seeker.
3. On Creation.
4. On Existence.
5. On Dissolution.
6. On liberation.

The original scripture of 'yoga vasistha' is in the form of verses and has several repetitions. Some stories stories are within other stories. However in this book Venkatesananda does a good job of writing the stories in prose form which is very readable. Also, in the "concise" form of yoga vasistha, venkatesanda takes out very similar sounding stories and keeps the book within 500 pages without taking away any flavour from the original teachings. The book is worth reading several times, and each time it reveals something new. This book is not something that you can expect to read and gulp over night, It has to be chewed slowly and digested. Reading one story a day is immensely satisfying and reminds one of the truth every day.

The Imitation Of Christ (Hendrickson Christian Classics)

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Conversations with our Lord & Savior
Imitation of Christ
Landmark of Spiritual Growth
A Strong Walk with God
The Imitation of Christ by Thomas A. Kempis

The Imitation Of Christ (Hendrickson Christian Classics)
Thomas a Kempis
Manufacturer: Hendrickson Publishers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 1565634365

Customer Reviews:

Conversations with our Lord & Savior.......2007-06-08

Any inspirational book, and this is truly a great one, is welcome today, to help us stay focused on our goal, that is our Lord, to help us navigate on these rough seas that are our hectic lives. Thomas A Kempis brings us a lengthy prayer, a conversation between Jesus Christ and His disciple. We can identify and feel humbled because the words of Christ are a succession of His quotes from the New Testament, only put in the context of a conversation. This way we learn real wisdom, biblical wisdom, but also we see the other side: that of the struggling follower, the man who has trusted Christ with his faith and now wants to grow more and more in Him, because once you've known the Lord you can't help but loving Him more and more. A classic for any Christian's book shelf.

Imitation of Christ.......2007-05-10

I read this book for the first time over 40 years ago. Recently picked it up again and was so impressed that I gave copies to each of my daughters at Easter. You can open to any page and find a message of profound value for your life. It bears repeated readings and reflection on its truths.
Sincerely,
Dianne Luzzi

Landmark of Spiritual Growth.......2007-05-05

Thomas' work is a call to the experience of God in the tradition of medieval spiritual writings. He calls the reader to the disciplines of obedience, humility, and self-denial. If we suffer in this world, we are only to take it as a reminder that our hope and our reward are not here (I.12). We should avert ourselves from the pleasures and conceits of this world to focus on silence and solitude (I.20). Jesus is to be loved more than anything in the world (II.8).

Book three, by far the longest of the four, focuses on renouncing the world for the sake of inner peace. Here Thomas sounds a hint like a Buddhist, unflappable and unaffected, but rather than hoping for the destruction of self as an end in itself, he is hoping for another world that makes this one pale in comparison. Written as a prolonged dialogue between Christ and "The Disciple," we are told, "I desire to have you wholly divested of self" (III.37). Like many works of monastic or medieval spirituality, we seem to receive a lot more on what we are to give up than on the benefits of doing so. In a rare break with the flow of the text, Thomas gives us a rhapsody on the beauty of love (III.5). Aside from that, the primary benefit of self-denial seems to be freedom of conscience.

Book four concludes with a praise of the sacrament of the Lord's Supper, the importance of preparing one's heart for it before receiving it, and the power of being brought into the presence of God through it. This is apparently either the source of or a supreme example of our union with Christ, experienced as we take his body into ours to become his body.

Overall, a powerful call to humility and self-denial that are the prerequisites for the experience of the presence of God.

A Strong Walk with God.......2007-04-11

Have you ever desired more God in your life? The Imitation of Christ provides readers a strong example of a pure and holy Christian walk. Touching on many specific subjects you can feel the connectedness Thomas a Kempis felt with Jesus and his deeper understanding of spiritual truths. This book is great for daily meditations and a inspirational example of a man walking closely with Christ and in harmony with those around him.

The Imitation of Christ by Thomas A. Kempis.......2007-03-15

The Imitation of Christ is a classic and this edition was very good. One problem was that it is a Roman Catholic book, yet the introduction to this edition focused on Martin Luther in a very complimentary way. I did not expect to find that and I was disappointed because I had purchased 40 copies for the young adults in the youth group of my Roman Catholic Church for Lent. I am happy that Lutherans want to read it, but I felt that it was inappropriate to reference Martin Luther since he had nothing to do with it. Perhaps he read it when he was a Roman Catholic monk, as do all Catholic religious and many of the laity.

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