A very subtle but eye opening look into why death is not something to be feared. I feel much better for having read this book.

Not much to say, besides that this book helped me in a low moment to go on with life, no matter what...it's true stories of people who were 'between a rock and a hard place'. If you know very low moments in your life, read this!

The year 2001 was an incredible year, filled with shaking world events, but also with much that united us in our common humanity. As September 11th forced us to realize, we all grapple with weakness and fear, even as we cling to hope and faith and joy. As I witnessed in New York after the September 11th attacks, suffering brought forth an incredible strength of character in many people. It gave me hope in the ultimate triumph of Good like never before. And I found this message reinforced and echoed in every page of "Be Not Afraid."
After the events of this past year, including the wars now raging in many parts of the world, I cannot think of a more timely, more important book than this work of hope by Johann Christoph Arnold. As the subtitle suggests, the central theme is overcoming the fear of death, and yet the book is overwhelmingly about life-about living with joy and faith, no matter what meets us.
Through a treasure trove of personal stories that make the book near impossible to put down, "Be Not Afraid" meets the age-old human fear of death head on, with a power and intensity that leaves one changed. Again and again, the reader encounters a great and loving Power, far greater than the need and fear and weakness of human beings-a Power that draws especially near to the suffering and dying. We see glimpses of a reality so wonderful it takes one's breath away. I came away convinced: Death is not the last word. And the great Power in control of all things is telling us: Be Not Afraid!
The people whose stories fill the pages of "Be Not Afraid" have faced staggering obstacles and extracted life's deepest truths from them. If you want a true guide for the New Year (and the rest of your life), read this book. It is an extraordinary edifier of hope and faith-one that has the power to banish fear, even of the "last enemy," death.

Several good books on the subject of sexuality, relationship and marriage have come out recently. But this one tops them all. Arnold writes with such clarity, such depth, such relevance. This book gets at the root. Interspersed with stories and personal anecdotes, Arnold reflects on questions we all think about, but rarely ask: Why are we sexual beings? Why do we long for married love? Why do we hurt so badly when relationships are severed? Why is sexual fulfillment and love so vitally connected?

Arnold reflects on why we yearn for love, why it is that the "dating game" is so dissatisfying, why it is we feel empty when sex is outside of commitment, and why it is that God brings a man and a women together. Arnold pulls no punches. He is brutally honest and yet is able to write with tenderness and compassion. If you long to know what it means to have authentic, truly free relationships where you experience the security of lasting love, then read this book!

In a society immersed in 'sex'. It would be good for the next generation to stop and think deeply about what God has in mind. How do man - woman relationships look when they are under the influence of the Good Spirit? Such reflections early in life help lay a foundation upon which a healthy marriage can be built. This book will help! The foreword by Mother Teresa was one of her last published writings.

Reading "A Plea For Purity", simply thrilled me. I did not expect that an Anabaptist author would be so courageous, and so explicit on this difficult topic. I highly recommend it for young, middle aged, and people who have been married for many years. It is also a very good book for single people.

If you want to read a more complete book check out Arnold's newest book on forgivness. "Why Forgive" This is all of Seventy Times Seven and much more. You have to get it.

Seventy Times Seven is a treasure trove...It is beautiful. Seventy Times Seven is simple, transparent, and caring. Everyone who reads this book will delight in it. It is simple and direct. An awsome Christmas and Anniversary gift.

This is an awsome book. A must for every serious reader. For it covers a subject virtually everyone of us wrestles with. Seventy Times Seven is full of honest and touching stories - many based on personal experiences of the author - These stories model forgiveness in a deeply and profound way. This book is available now and would make excellent Christmas gifts. I have ordered and received copies for every member of my family.

Arnold's vision of Christians living as an "embassy" of the Kingdom of God in today's world is thrilling. The church is empowered by the Holy Spirit to witness to the coming day when peace and justice will rule the earth. Arnold's words are as relevant now as they were when he wrote them 80 years ago. He gives hope and purpose.

Our minister passed out copies of this book to every family in the congregation. The following week we were invited to read our favorite excerpts out loud. This sharing went on for so long and with such feeling that it took over the whole service. We did the same for several meetings and I feel the spirit that was kindled by this sharing had a major impact on our relationships to each other.

True peace is controversial and hard-won, even attacked at times. The centerpiece for Arnold's book is the words of Jesus: "My peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give it to you." Unfortunately, the vast majority of us seek peace, happiness and fulfillment with a vengeance in all the wrong places. With hearts burdened by worry and care and a nagging sense of dread, our lives end up becoming a hectic morass of unpeace and disenchantment. The answer, says Arnold through the real life experiences of many friends, lies outside of ourselves. True peace is found by not trying to find it; by forgetting about oneself and devoting one's life to the service of others. Only the reading of the many personal accounts in this book will do these thoughts justice. Give yourself and others a true education, far above the din of saccharine self-help manuals and the watery spiritual soup served up in tomes everywhere. Read this book!

I suspected I'd love this book from the humility apparent in the title phrase "SEEKING Peace": not "having" or "finding" but simply seeking. On the face of it, Johann Christoph Arnold's latest appears to promise less than the forgettable multitude of self-help titles which claim to offer easy methods of achieving peace--with their implication not only that peace is a commodity you can own, but also that once attained it will become a permanent attribute of your character. Arnold promises less, but what this book gives is something infinitely more valuable and original than a quickie peace fix.

This book offers and demands honesty with ourselves and others in our search for peace. Beginning with a section called "Paradoxes", Arnold recognizes that peace is a slippery concept that's easily warped by doublespeaking politicians, New Age gurus, or self-righteous activists. The center piece of the book is a section of fifteen "stepping stones" on the way to piece, including forgiveness, humility, honesty, conviction, and realism. The final section of the book expresses a vision of true peace: peace is creative force whose characteristics are justice, wholeness, and joy.

If I have one argument with the book, it is that the chapter on "Justice" might have been given a more prominent place in the structure of the book. A deepgoing meditation on the slogan "No justice, no peace", this chapter stands alone as an awesome statement of spiritual truth, which takes full account of the horrors of oppression while reaffirming the power of reconciliation. For me, this moment of synthesis is the heart not only of the book, but also of all sincere religious and social movements.

No one said it better than the author Jonathan Kozol, who is quoted on the back cover of Arnold's book: "SEEKING PEACE is a tough, transcendent envisioning of peace: neither fatuous nor sentimental, but arduous and courageous." Every person of good will, of whatever denominational or political stripe, owes it to themselves to embrace, and act on, Arnold's message.

I've already read the book through twice. The first time in one sitting. I ordered another copy for a friend, but I'm keeping mine to read again. This is a totally uplifting book. Definitely a five-star!

"Why Forgive?" brings a simple, but powerful message. Every time we experience something painful, it opens the door to choose either bitterness or compassion. If we choose bitterness and hatred, we give other people the power to ruin our lives. If we choose compassion and forgiveness, we find an inner peace that no one can take away from us. Arnold brings many stories to support this simple point. Some are tragic stories far outside the normal experience of most people. Some are almost mundane stories from the everyday lives of ordinary people. The combination illustrates how forgiveness is just as important in small grudges as in the dramatic life stories of faraway people. I'm totally inspired.

Thomas Martin Koblenz, Germany

Why Forgive? Hard as it may be this book shows in a simple and powerful way that the only way to true freedom is through forgiveness. While bitterness seems the roads to take and hatred towards those who have hurts us the excepted emotion, Arnold dares to tells us the true stories of people who choose the road less travel and in the end found the freedom to let go and change their world by forgiving. He also gives us a look into the lives of those who choose to be angry, only to destroy themselves. This book is moving and powerful, it is a striking lesson of something most people and talkshows refuse to speak about. I only pray that people out their struggling with bitterness and revenge read this book and know there is another way.

Why Forgive? Because if you don't, you'll be consumed by your own bitterness. That's Arnold's thesis, in a nutshell. And from my own personal experience, I can say he's right. But it's tough -- very tough -- to go from understanding the need to forgive to actually doing it, especially when you've been hurt badly in the past; at least that's my experience. The many stories Arnold recounts -- true stories of people who've worked through their pain to find healing through forgiveness -- helped me to see that there's never an excuse not to forgive. Why Forgive? Read this book, and you'll understand that your quality of life depends on it.

I have read many books about dying, but this is the one I would give to a person approaching death or facing bereavement. From start to finish it shines with hope. I want a copy beside my bed when my time comes." Paul Brand,M.D. author, Pain: The Gift Nobody Wants

A Little Child Shall Lead Them; Hopeful Parenting in a Confused World is really the best book that is out there about children, about parenting, about every and any aspect on children. We live in a very confused world. There is so little good and helpful stuff out there. Dr. Spock and Dr. James Dobson, Focus of the Family are getting a little out of date and stale. That is why: "A Little Child Shall Lead Them" is such a refreshing change. Boy your mouth will drewl when you get a copy and see how modern day educators are raving about this book. Get your copy now. It is available at l-800-521-8011 David Wipf

"I Tell you a Mystery" is a beautiful book of surpassing dignity and tenderness...I hope it will be widely read, not only by those who call themselves religious, and I hope it will be shared with children also. Although written with great simplicity of style, it is nonetheless a work of moral mystery." Jonathan Kozol, author of Amazing Grace

As a father of four teens and a youth counselor I would like to recommend this book highly to other parents and anyone who works with kids. Arnold not only draws on his own experience but weaves in dozens of stories told by parents and children from all over the world. He challenges many of the well meaning but potentially harmful norms that we parents fall into. We only have one chance with each of our children this book will help us make the most of it.

Good luck! This book is a real eye opener and also an encouragement to Parents like me! As the Dad of 7 kids (ages 9 to 18 years) I have to say that this is absolutely the best book on the subject of raising children, (I mean in real life, and Arnold must have had a bunch of em) that I have ever read. As a parent, some times I get the impression that I am the only one that's constantly struggling to find the right way with our Kids. No!, I am not alone. This book will make you realize that Parenting is a global struggle and for me personally it gives me a new determination to continue to fight for my own Children and for all Children. By reading this book I have learned a lot and been encouraged a lot, I only regret that I did not have it 19years ago. This is not a book that you can read once and then put away. If you are like me you will probably find yourself reading it several times to begin with and then keep going back to it for reference.

As a professional who works with children, I must say that this excellent book boldly confronts many of the problems children face today. Some of the issues are age-old, such as the child who does not fit in, while other issues like Ritalin and school violence have grown in recent years. In a hopeful, yet realistic way the author gives sound advice for all of us who interact with children. I will treasure and use this resource in my work, as well as in my family as my own child grows. Parents and anyone who works with children, I highly recommend this book!

Arnold's book begins: "Are you afraid of dying? Have you ever worried about growing old, about becoming a burden to your children? Do you wonder how you would survive the loss of your spouse, a parent, a child? Is someone you love facing illness or death? Whether consciously or subconciously, every person inevitably faces these questions at one point or another. It is in search of answers to them that I have written this book."

Arnold searches for these answers in the stories of ordinary people he's known who have faced death. He tells each story well in that he doesn't over dramatize the circumstances or struggle to justify God's ways. Instead, he lets each life speak for itself and allows that death is a great mystery indeed.

After losing my father, I read several books about pain, loss, grieving, and death. I enjoyed this work because it featured many perspectives, allowing that death is very much an individual experience, shaped by upbringing and personality. It was instructive and comforting to read about how other Christians have faced tragedy and illness. I also like the way he included photographs of the people because it made me feel closer to them.

This is a quiet little book that you can read in a few sittings or savor bit by bit. It will leave you pondering life, death, and God's plan for creation. I appreciate Arnold's perspective because his sadness is tempered by his knowledge that the universe is ruled by a loving and merciful God who has not left death as the final word.

Sometimes it is hard to know what words to say when a friend is suddenly facing terminal illness or the loss of a loved one. A gift of this book is one way of saying 'I care'. We will all face tough things in life and eventually the end of our life, the stories in this book are about ordinary people who faced these moments with faith and courage.

I Tell you a Mystery; Life, Death, Eternity" with a foreword by Madeleine L'Engle is the best book that I found on the market dealing with Death, Dying and Bereavement. My family experienced a lot of death and we were hurting. We did not know how to deal with it. It seems like death and bereavement is something no one wants to talk about it. And even when one looses a beloved one like a parent or brother and sister one is expected in our Society to act normal within a few days. This all changed when we got a copy of "I Tell you a Mystery." The stories contained in this book everyone and anyone young and old can have real empathy with. I highly recommend this book to all ages. Even little children just love to read the stories which this book contains. Paul and Betty Winter

Cries from the Heart was my first introduction to the writings of Johann Christoph Arnold. Arnold has a deep faith, which probably comes somewhat naturally to him. His father was in ministry and his grandfather began a Christian community that stood up to the Nazi regime and had to flee Germany. By training, Arnold is a pastoral counselor, but in truth he is a more than simply a therapist, he is also a believer. He shares both his ministry and faith in this wonderful book. Arnold talks about the reality of pain in our world and offers stories of people who have had to cope in the midst of great tragedy and loss. His book also offers examples of people who suffer with everyday losses and tragedy. Arnold offers hope to people whose lives have been touched by pain, suffering, and hardship, but the hope he offers is not a feel good sort of hope but the assurance that in even life's most tragic and difficult times, people can live with hope.

I began to read this book early in 2002, when the priest sex abuse scandal was first rearing its ugly head in Boston. This was a time when many people of faith had more questions than answers. Even those who are not survivors of child sexual abuse felt hurt and betrayed by all that has happened. While this book did not give answers to the crisis, it did highlight the role of faith and belief when facing life's challenges.

Cries from the Heart was my first introduction to the writings of Johann Christoph Arnold. Arnold has a deep faith, which probably comes somewhat naturally to him. His father was in ministry and his grandfather began a Christian community that stood up to the Nazi regime and had to flee Germany. By training, Arnold is a pastoral counselor, but in truth he is a more than simply a therapist, he is also a believer. He shares both his ministry and faith in this wonderful book. Arnold talks about the reality of pain in our world and offers stories of people who have had to cope in the midst of great tragedy and loss. His book also offers examples of people who suffer with everyday losses and tragedy. Arnold offers hope to people whose lives have been touched by pain, suffering, and hardship, but the hope he offers is not a feel good sort of hope but the assurance that in even life's most tragic and difficult times, people can live with hope.Arnold's suggestions are both practical and helpful and can easily lead a person to prayer and reflection.

I began to read this book early in 2002, when the priest sex abuse scandal was first rearing its ugly head in Boston. This was a time when many people of faith had more questions than answers. Even those who are not survivors of child sexual abuse felt hurt and betrayed by all that has happened. While this book did not give answers to the crisis, it did highlight the role of faith and belief when facing life's challenges which I found to be very helpful.

This book is one of my favorites by J. Christoph Arnold. The stories are all about real people that suffered extreme pain and heartache. It helped me reflect on the heartaches in my own life that I never thought I would overcome. Christoph Arnold has an uncanny way of reaching people through his books in such a simple and profound way, that he reaches our souls with his words. I have recommended this book to everyone I know!