2 stars (Try it at your own risk) - I certainly wouldn't be the first to question the wisdom of meddling with nature to the extent outlined in this book. Down the ages, commentators from Mary Shelley to George A. Romero have illustrated the potential negative consequences of achieving what this book shows you how to achieve; the "glory" can soon turn sour indeed. Credit is certainly due to the author for his revolutionary method of integrating the four "streams" to achieve a state of total animation. Now that this knowledge has been made so publicly available, though, we await with foreboding the terrible consequences for humanity... 5 stars (Waking the Dead) - This is a life changing book. It is very well written. The author is insightful and touches on how we can really live life. There are just a few books that I have read that have had a real impact on my life. This is one of them. I have the audio version and it likewise is terrific. 5 stars (Waking a Long Forgotten Heart) - I have had experiences with John Eldridge before in "Wild at Heart," but "Waking the Dead" awakens a many times forgotten side of Christianity. Eldridge brings to light the side of humans so often forced into hiding by society, sin, and religion. Jesus Christ came to sacrifice his all for our hearts which when turned over to Him offer a new depth to the Christian walk. Not only does the author offer therapy for a wounded spirit, but also he equips the reader with a strong exhortation in Christian warfare about which I often forget but about which Paul teaches us at the end of Ephesians. Live from your heart, but guard it as a fortress for God. All in all, this book deserves a read by any Christian looking for a new depth or perspective. Personally, I would recommend it for everyone! ... Nelson Books :: Spiritual Growth :: Religion & Spirituality :: Christian Living :: Spirituality - General :: Religion - Prayer & Spirituality :: Religion :: Christianity - Theolo :: Waking the Dead- The Glory of a Heart Fully Alive
5 stars (...Out of the dark night he leaps like a stranger to cripple and to bless...) - My guess is that readers who think they already have a good handle on life and Christian doctrine will probably be disappointed with this book. Likewise, this book will disappoint readers who want to see concepts like faith, hope, love, idolatry, grace, election, predestination, etc., expressed in religious language with which they are familiar, and not in language (and metaphors) in which people of our culture commonly express what is important to us and what drives us. Many thoughtful, ardent, traditionally-minded, well-meaning Catholics, Calvinists, etc., will not like this book. Readers, however, who are desperately asking questions like, "Why do I have to hurt so much? When can I finally get out of the situation I am in? Why am I so burned out even though I have done everything I know to be faithful to Christ? How can I be so lonely? Why does this addiction keep re-surfacing? What is God doing here?" will probably find this book a God-send. I re-read this book recently at precisely such a time in my life, and it was wonderful. It reminded me that God is not after my religious devotion and doctrinal comformity, he wants my *heart*, the deepest center of myself, and that he may well invade my life in a way that hurts me, that strikes me as ruthless and devastating, in order to get it. God is committed to my sharing and radiating his glory--nothing less. Amazing. In my view, one of the best aspects of this book is its emphasis not just on what God has promised to share with us (beauty, intimacy, adventure, glory), but *when* he will share it. Yes, we get a substantial foretaste now, but our deepest longings will be finally, fully satisfied only when we see him. Until Jesus comes back, God will mess with our lives and our idols in order to make sure that we don't get distracted by anything less than the awesome destiny he is preparing for us. As eloquently expressed toward th... Nelson Books :: Religion & Christian Life :: Christian Living :: Spirituality - General :: Spiritual life :: Religion - Christian Living :: Religion :: Christianity - Christian L :: The Sacred Romance- Drawing Closer to the Heart of God
4 stars (Oh Yeah!) - Great book for anybody who is burdened for the lost and believes they are being called by God to do more than the Christian next door. I recommend this book to everyone thinking of going into ministry or missions, or for anyone who knows someone already involved. Maybe it will help you understand why they act like they do. Peace! 4 stars (Where Do We Go From Here?) - McManus says it like it is. The church has become a tame, domesticated version of what Jesus seemed to introduce. Nearly every page of this book highlights invaluable concepts for the Christian life as it was meant to be lived. I can relate to the author; I was born and raised to walk the barbarian way--living my faith in a way that demands obedience at any cost. While others have tackled similar subjects, they often times seem to be full of bitterness and rebellion toward the church at large. McManus never gives off that sense of a grudge; instead, he wants to raise the church from its slumber. His "barbarian" way is a way of sacrifice and servitude. This is no mamby-pamby gospel that he's talking about. This is a commitment to a life lived for Jesus, no matter the cost. I loved everything this book had to say. My only complaint is what it didn't say. It didn't give us any practical ways to walk the barbarian way while dealing with the existing church. How do we make these concepts real without seeming divisive? Or, if we are to be divisive for a purpose, how do we go about it with Godly accountability? These are issues I've wrestled with for years. This book encouraged me to keep wrestling, but it failed to answer some of my deepest questions. For those who are still "civilized," this book might change your world. For those still trying to reconcile McManus' concepts with everyday church life, you will be inspired. The question remains, though...Where do we go from here? 5 stars (Insightful and quick read...) - Erwin McManus once again demonstrates how he underst... Nelson Books :: Religion & Christian Life :: Spirituality - General :: Religion - Prayer & Spirituality :: Religion - Christian Living :: Religion :: Christianity - Discipl :: The Barbarian Way - Unleash the Untamed Faith Within
4 stars (Understanding and Healing a Woman's Soul.) - If your a man and just can't seem to figure out woman, then this book is not necessarily for you. I would encourage you to read John Eldredge's, the co-authors other book, "Wild at Heart". It touches on everything in this book, and will also help you understand yourself better as a man, which in turn will help you come to a better understanding of what makes woman tick. If you are a male that is into counseling woman then I would recommend this book to you. From my interaction with woman over the years, I can see this book bringing healing to many a woman's life, as long as they give the book a chance and are honest with themselves. I do see some anger in some of the other reviews, but I really think these reviewers are just missing the point. As a man I do find the type of woman that the author tries to lead all woman to become, to be the only ones that I truly find Captivating. And no matter what some people would say, as a woman you are entitled to be Captivating. So buy the book and enjoy becoming all that you can be. 5 stars (Every man and women on earth should read this and Wild @) - Hello!! Jesus came and died for our sins. We have been released from the curse of sin and death, this includes the curse issued in the Garden. I believe that this book should be read in conjunction with Wild at Heart for we can not understand our roles as men and women unless we understand each other. John has taken on an incredible task - to understand a woman's heart. He did the only thing that he could do, he asked his wife to help. They have taken modern culture and showed us the desires reflected in unsaved and saved humanity. Then they showed us how to meet those desires - to pursue a romantic relationship with God. In order to give ourselves permission for this romance, they had to first show us that God needs us - no one else on earth can fulfill the purpose that God created us for. Then they showed us th... Nelson Books :: Religion & Christian Life :: Spirituality - General :: Religious life :: Religion - Prayer & Spirituality :: Religion - Christian Living :: Religion :: Christ :: Captivating - Unveiling the Mystery of a Woman-s Soul
5 stars (One of the most important books...) - you will ever read. I believe that this book is a revolutionary approach to church building. Thousands of churches have used this text to advantage - including my church. 5 stars (Even better the 2nd time!) - This book is one of the best books on churches that I've read...and as a seminary grad (twice) I've read a few. I recently pulled the book off my shelf, blew off the dust, and read it again. I think I've heard everything Rick teaches about church through other speakers and in other books, but the book makes me realize how prophetic Ricks words were back in the early 90's when he was putting this stuff in writing. Pastors and churches in North America are still trying to get it right...and still failing. Contrary to critics, I find Warren's book to be very biblical and right on target. Too many NA churches are trying to do church the wrong way. The Purpose Driven Church is a very easy to read, process book that pleads with churches to adapt methodologies to bring our culture the unchanging gospel message of Jesus Christ. From pastors to seekers, this book will help all realize what a New Testament church should look like in today's culture. 5 stars (This book was not what I expected at all!) - I approached this book with a skeptical and critical spirit. (Too many "seeker sensitive" churches water down the truth in an attempt to reach people. And they end up with shallow church members that are lacking in genuine Christian faith.) However, this book really softened my critical spirit. Some of my opinions were based on misconceptions and misunderstandings. I was impressed by Rick Warren's reasoning and ideas. What surprised me the most is the high expectations of his actual church members. (And members must re-new their membership once a year.) If members don't meet the expectations, they are dropped from the membership roll! The book said that 500 - 700 people a year are dropped from the membership roll... Nelson Books :: Religion & Christian Life :: CHURCH AND MINISTRY CHURCH LIFE CHURCH GROWTH :: Religion - Church Life & Growth :: Religion :: Parish And Church Management :: Eva :: The Purpose-Driven Church
4 stars (Some excellent points) - I don't know that I agree with everything the author has to say, but he makes some excellent points. I think the hardest part is getting the clergy to acquiese to these ideas. I don't know any off hand who could actually pull this off. The ideas however are very pertinent and if the church could do this I think we would all benefit by more men in the pews. 5 stars (A must read for all church leaders) - I must admit, when I first ordered this book I was half expecting to get some shallow criticism of evangelical churches and Christians by someone with a hostile attitude toward both. Much to my pleasure and surprise, what I got was a well written, well researched analysis of the current state of the church and its effectiveness in reaching the men in our culture for Christ. The author has really done his homework. He lays out the facts in a very clear, easy to understand manner. He is painfully honest about where todays Christian churches are in relation to this topic. If you are a fan of the status quo or a male basher, this book probably isn't for you. But if you are a minister or lay worker who want the church to fulfill the great commission in the 21st century, you must read this book and take it very seriously. 4 stars ( Why Men Hate Going to Church ) - I think he's right on target. This is a "must read" for church leaders serious about reaching men. ... Nelson Books :: Religion & Christian Life :: Religious life :: Religion - Christian Living :: Religion :: Church work with men :: Church attendance :: Christianity - Christian Li :: Why Men Hate Going to Church
5 stars (Every man should read this book!) - Frankly, I do not understand how any male Christian could give this book anything less than 5 stars. Outside of the Bible, no book has impacted my life in the way this one has. From the first few pages on I was hooked because this book was speaking to something that I knew in my heart was true. John Eldredge has a deep desire for men to recapture a Godly, masculine identity that is lacking so much in our culture today. This goes way beyond just being a nice guy. He challenges men to capture the danger and risks that come from a deeper relationship with God. The author backs up these ideas with solid scriptural teaching and the simple fact that the truthes expressed in these pages strike a nerve at the very center of your heart. This book is a must read if you are a man and especially if you have had the feeling that there is something missing with the our current Christian culture's attitude toward true masculinity. 5 stars (Wild at Heart: Discovering the Secret of a Man's Soul) - At age 64, I have read many books, novels, autobiographies, et. al., but I have never read a book written in TRUTH and LOVE like this book is. EVERY man should read it, and then, should re-read it with his wife...and maybe even his daughters and sons....this is the most dead-on, God-filled book, save the Holy Bible, I have ever read!!!!!!! John Elredge should get a Pulitzer Prize for this book. It is his heart, his soul, his Lord! If there were 10 stars, I'd go a 10!!!!!! Blessings! Ken Skeen 5 stars (Wild at Heart-A Must Read for every Baby Boomer Guy) - At the urging od 3 guy friends I ordered Wild at Heart and I must say I could not put it downn. I'm a 52 year old "successful" Baby Boomer" who couldn't figure out why I was unsettled with my life. John Elderedge's Wild at Heart explains what we who grew up in the 50's and 60's missed out on-a sense of true masculinity conferred by our fathers. Prior to the 60's dads and sons were at "murde... Nelson Books :: Religion & Spirituality :: Christian Living :: Spirituality - General :: Religious life :: Religious aspects :: Religion - Christian Living :: Religion :: Masculini :: Wild at Heart- Discovering the Secret of a Man-s Soul
5 stars (A readers gift) - I purchased this audio cd & was completely taken away. I really loved the time travel it was a really important part of the story. There were some very poignent things said that I hope resonate with people. When he visited the area where goals & aspirations that didn't come to fruition, It moved me soo much that I said, anything that I set out to accomplish, i will. I don't want any of my goals to end up in an room where they never come to life. Overall, a very good audio book. I love audio cd's. You just get in your car & the road isn't so bad after all besides, radio sucks right now (smile) Sincerely, (...) 5 stars (Lovely piece of literature) - Well you can see how many copies I purchased. They are all for Christmas gifts and I am anticipating a moment of truth for all the recipients. Lovely book! 5 stars (In awe...) - I am overwehlmed with vision and faith after reading this novel. If I can get quiet enough and sit down long enough, I can hear my life's purpose. This book will always be near by and guide me. ... Nelson Books :: Self-Help & Success :: Personal Growth :: Success :: Personal Growth - Success :: Inspirational - General :: Inspirational :: General :: Fiction :: Conduct of life :: C :: The Traveler-s Gift - Seven Decisions that Determine Personal Success
2 stars (Uh... yes I will, actually) - One of the soundbite reviews on the back cover of SFGKW claims, 'For fans of 'Blue Like Jazz,' I doubt you will be disappointed.' Well, squelch that doubt, soundbite-reviewer man, for I was most certainly disappointed with this offering by Don Miller. Let me say, for the record, that I LOVED 'Blue Like Jazz.' That book, to me, did an amazing job of reflecting not only a relaxed writing style, but also a relaxed theology, less encumbered by Evangelicalism's general desire to fit God into its 'understandable box.' Miller is a great storyteller, and he allows his stories to communicate his ideas about spirituality. It works gangbusters. Yo. SFGKW, admittedly, addresses a subject which would be difficult to communicate wholly through narrative. But I found myself wishing that Miller would at least try! Any time he would begin to tell stories, I was hooked... and then the writing would spin out into a very orthodox version of evangelistic theology. Miller, again and again, criticizes the 'formulaic theology' so prevalent in the still-Modernistic American church. But one gets the sense that the author is not (yet?) willing to embrace a theology divorced from categorizing, step-outlining, and bullet point divisions. While Miller's loose style FEELS different, it represents seemingly little more than a stream-of-consciousness veneer on a familiar set of principled beliefs. The book does have some good things to say, by the way. Miller's lifeboat analogy, in which he describes our culture's obsession with the popularity/success cult, is helpful. His critique of misplaced energy in the chapter on 'Morality' charged me up for fighting the right battles (rather than the tired ones against homosexual marriage or abortion). But overall, I don't know that there's much new here. Perhaps the free-flowing format would appeal to new believers (and that may be Miller's intended audience), but, for longer-time progressives in the Church, 'Blue ... Nelson Books :: Religion & Spirituality :: United States :: Spirituality - General :: Religion - Prayer & Spirituality :: Religion :: Miscellanea :: Miller :: Donald :: :: Devotional :: :: Searching for God Knows What
5 stars (wonderful!) - This book was wonderful! I would recommend it to anyone, especially those who don't like Christians or for Christians to challenge them to go deeper and find real freedom. It's worth it, whatever the cost. 5 stars (One Man's "Garbage", Another Man's Treasure ) - This is one of those books that brings out the beauty and honesty of what it means to be a follower of Jesus. Don understands that the only way we can survive this world is through community in the body of Christ, and the only way that can happen is through honesty. Miller uses his testimony to tackle some tough issues like freedom and artistic creativity. He also reminds us through expereinces with his 'liberal friends' what Christ looks like when it comes to social action and where many follwers of Christ have been taking naps. "There is no holiness but social holiness". Miller is able to paint a picture of who he is in a way that, when you put down the book, you feel like you just had a conversation with him. This book isn't scripture, it's an autobiography [Which means it's about his personal life experiences :) ]. Donald Miller's testimony is one that has the potential to impact many people. Pick up this book today! 5 stars (Not a 5-step guide to living the Christian life - just one person's perspective on life and Christianity.) - After reading some of the reviews posted, I decided to write one of my own. I'd like people to remember that this book isn't a step by step guide on how to live the Christian life. I don't think Donald Miller's intentions (if I may be so bold) are anything other than getting the reader to think about his or her own flawed thinking about Jesus and Christianity. Some of the reviewers (Garbage comes to mind) ironically fall into that fundamentalist, legalistic category that Miller has written about in his book. I think Miller just wants us to be as honest with ourselves regarding our beliefs and lives and direction, as he has been with hi... Nelson Books :: Spiritual Growth :: Religion & Spirituality :: United States :: Theology - Lay :: Spirituality - General :: Religion :: Miller :: Donald :: :: Christianity - Disciplesh :: Blue Like Jazz- Nonreligious Thoughts on Christian Spirituality
5 stars (Discerning God's will can't be done sitting still) - McManus does an excellent job in this book defining what "God's will" means. So often being in God's will is taught as a place of comfort and security when in truth (biblical truth) it's far from it. Being in God's will is being out of our own will (initially) and we are uncomfortable with the thought of not controlling, not predicting the outcome of our own future. McManus goes on to say that being in God's will is a "dangerous place to be". If you wonder what God's will for your life is or know someone struggling with that question this will serve as an excellent read! Consider this book along with John Ortberg's "If You Want to Walk on Water You Gotta Get Out of the Boat". I can't wait to read more of Mcmanus's work! 5 stars (rob) - To the reader who wrote this: "...anybody could be so gullible as to accept this gibberish! amazing...and to think ERWIN (who should find some time and do a little research first) is actually making money off you poor souls! oh, the pity. I give it a one, but only because it has print in it." I would say....what is the fruit of your life in the kingdom? Erwin lives what he preaches, and lives are changed because of it. This book totally changed my focus from sitting back, waiting on God to "find me" to moving out and seeking where God is already at work, and joining in. 4 stars (if you need a pep talk...) - This book was the right thing at the right time for me. As I was deciding to leave insitutional ministry and launch out and plant a church, I picked up Seizing Your Divine Moment. During one of the scariest times of my life, Erwin McManus took scripture and applied it in such a way that I was not only encouraged, but I was energized. I highly recommend this book to those who are thinking about their lives and wondering "What's next?"...and who might even be a little afraid of the answer. ... Nelson Books :: Spiritual Growth :: Religion & Christian Life :: Christian Living :: Spirituality - General :: Religion - Christian Living :: Religion :: Christianity - Christian :: Seizing Your Divine Moment - Dare to Live a Life of Adventure
1 stars (Bait and Switch) - Despite this book's title, the author provides no useful information regarding the art of angling with flies, and readers seeking advice on fishing the waters of Colorado, where the author lives, should look elsewhere. 5 stars (Excellent, insightful, and thought-provoking.) - This book blows the doors off of mainstream accepted taboos in our culture. After personally experiencing the highs and lows of traditional cell-based groups, I was at a point of wondering why change was not being made in churches. Then, I came across this book. In it, Ted delightfully shows how a church can face change and come out of it truly blessed. Thanks so much for sharing your results, and your honesty! We are all blessed, because of it. I exhort other churches to openly test their waters and see if this book and what it presents can be applied in their congregations. And... as we all know... this book, and the concepts it speaks of... will evolve as they continue to understand the power of God more fully in their midst. 5 stars (Everyone trying to do Small Group ministry should read this.) - It's refreshing, insightful, and helpful. I especially appreciated Ted's advice about not just overlaying some other church's small group ministry onto your church, but rather praying, wrestling, and struggling with what God wants at your church. What he's saying make a lot of sense, especially in our American free enterprise culture. ... Nelson Books :: Religion & Church Institutions & Organizations :: Evangelism :: Church Growth :: Small groups :: Religious aspects :: Religion - Church Life & Growth :: Religion :: :: Dog Training- Fly Fishing- And Sharing Christ In The 21st Century Empowering Your Church To Build Co
