The author writes from a Roman Catholic Christian perspective and argues that adequate Christian ethics must place the words and actions of Jesus at its center. Spohn believes that Christianity confesses Jesus Christ to be the definitive but not exclusive revelation of God. "Morally, this confession means that Jesus Christ plays a normative role in Christians' moral reflection. His story enables us to recognize which features of experience are significant, guides how we act, and forms who we are in the community of faith" (2).

The first three chapters make the case for the sources and method that the author employs. The argument is that three particular sources shape Christian ethics: the New Testament, virtue ethics, and spirituality. The second half of the book addresses how one perceives God's reign and Jesus' compassion vision, as well as exploring the emotions and dispositions of the Christian life. When explaining the importance of compassion in the ethical vision introduced by Jesus, the author writes, "Luke's parable of the Good Samaritan shows that compassion is the optic nerve of the Christian vision" (87).

The author concludes that the Christian moral life is grounded in the person of Jesus, and this grounding is demonstrated through the regular Christian practices that shape the lives of committed believers.

This book is rich. It is beautifully written and a joy to read. Statements like 'The Synoptics make clear that God's reign comes into history through human responses; it is not a theophany that reorders the world by sovereign power' shows that we all are co-creators in this life. The chapter 'The Analogiclal Imagination' gives great hope, especially for social justice issues. My faith witness recommends this book to all who have hope in Jesus Christ

In "Good News of Jesus," Episcopalian priest and scholar L. William Countryman distills two thousand years of Christianity down to its utter essence. "You are loved. God loves you, no matter who you are, no matter what you do, no matter what you believe or don't believe. God loves you." Working from that central premise, he goes on to discuss what that means in terms of the community, the church, the Bible and the world.

Those who espouse a more legalistic view of Christianity will definitely have a problem with this book. But for others, especially those recovering from harm done in the name of religion, or those unsure as to the relevance and meaning of the Christian faith, this book will serve as a healing, refreshing and well-balanced look at some central truths in Christianity. A gentle and very sane book.

How many times have we heard the "good" news that,although God loves us unconditionally and proves that love in thedeath and resurrection of Jesus Christ, we had better "get our act together" or else face the prospect of eternal damnation? Reading between the lines, such "good" news really says: "In the end, God will give you what you deserve, and what you deserve is probably not very nice." Many persons who have thought about becoming Christians - and even many persons who already are Christians - recoil from this message, thinking that if this is good news, then who needs any bad news!

In this brief book, Episcopal priest and New Testament scholar L. William Countryman cuts through the double messages often presented as the good news of Christianity. He shifts the focus away from the self-centered preoccupation with sin to the God and Christ-centered nature of grace. "What God says to you in Jesus," Countryman writes, "is this: You are forgiven. Nothing less. Nothing more" (p. 3). In other words, what God says to us in Christ is that we get God's forgiveness and unconditional love not only when we are penitent, but precisely when we are least deserving (cf. Romans 5:6-8).

Over the next 100 pages, Countryman develops the implications of this message from the perspective of God's astonishing and unfailing generosity. He teases out the implications of the good news of Jesus for each of us as individuals and for our relationships with God and other persons. Countryman also applies the good news to how we should understand the authority of the Bible and the nature of the Church. Lest he be charged with soft peddling the serious nature of sin and evil, Countryman also addresses the profound difference that refusing the good news makes in our lives. Although Countryman fails to do justice to all of the theological and moral terrain he covers in such a short space, the book successfully raises profound questions and ideas for the reader's contemplation.

I found Countryman's shift in perspective from human sinfulness to God's grace profoundly healing, encouraging, and uplifting. In contrast to the many ways we reduce the gospel to a veiled threat of eternal judgment, this book brought to life the surprising and hopeful character of the good news. "God has chosen you in love, just as you are," Countryman assures us (p. 109). His book reaffirmed for me why I am a Christian, it made me want to grow in my faith, and it made me want to share my faith with others. The book also challenged me to let go of my judgmental tendencies by looking at other persons and myself from the perspective of God's graciousness in Christ. This is one of those books I find myself returning to again and again, and every time I reread it I find myself renewed in faith.

I enthusiastically recommend Countryman's book. It's a perfect introduction to Christian faith for persons interested in the possibility of becoming Christians, for Christians who could use a reminder of what the faith is really all about, and for Sunday school teachers looking for a readable text to use for their classes. If you're looking for a theologically sound yet readable introduction to the basic message of Christian faith and its implications for life, this book is for you.

I found this little gem in a gift shop after Christmas last year. I learned a lot about the roots of gospel music in the easy to read format.I think it will appeal to all ages levels. I have enjoyed the free CD enclosed as an added bonus. I played it all year long. I'm shopping Amazon for gift copies, as I plan to give several as gifts this year.

This small volume contains a wealth of information about the formation and history of Black Christian religious music. It explains the Gospel and Jubilee forms of musical expression. The music quality is excellent. The selections familiar. It would make a great Christmas present for music enthusiasts of all ages

I have the screen saver and it is beautiful. Each day there is a soothing background, with uplifting quotes. There is also a more extensive quote available. It starts my day off perfectly, and we really appreciate it.

This is a book that made me feel as if it was written especially for me. It inspires as it soothes the soul. Its light reading and yet powerful. It touched me as no other book ever has and will always be by my bedside for those times when I need that special Hug. What wonderful book for a person who is being challanged emotionally or physically. Everyone should experince at least one Hug! Its a keeper.

Cynthia Bauman

One side-effect of the common lectionary used by Catholics, Episcopaleans, Lutheran, and various mainstream Protestant churches is the development of some excellent lectionary based resources. (A lectionary contains the Biblical readings for a given Sunday).

This series of three volumes for the three year lectionary cycle (each year concentrates on a synoptic Gospel - Matthew, Mark or Luke) contains music, poetry, art, etc. that in some way reflect on the Scripture for a given Sunday. The volumes are carefully multicultural.

An example: for the first Sunday in Advent, there are poems by Czeslaw Milosz, Sandra Cisneros and Janet Morley; a photo of a festive cross by Claudio Jimenez; quotations from Lamar Williamson Jr. and the Gelasian Sacramentary; a song by Arthur G. Clyde (contemporary); paintings by Rodolfo Abularach and Salvador Dali.

Each Sunday is equally diverse. You should always be able to find something that meets your needs and/or challenges you to reconsider your needs. Highly recommended.

Gorgeous book of art tied to the Christian lectionary. Poetry, paintings, photographs, sculpture, scripture quotes. A real treat!

Leaving Yesterday Behind is an easy to read and easy to apply book. The author gives great analogies and illustrations to make difficult concepts easy to understand. There is so much covered that no stone is left unturned when it comes to breaking free from the strangle-holds of the past and making living a liberated life in Christ a reality. Applying these concepts has truly turned my life around and allowed me to be freed from the anger and resentment that had burdened my life. I would reccomend this book to anyone who has trouble with past issues in his/her life and wishes to be free from that bondage.

The author of this book is named William L. Hines. Hope you like it! Thanks for carrying it. Bill Hines

This book made fasting so much easier as it reminded me of the enormous benefits of denying the self and resisting the urge to eat. Fasting brings the heart closer to all that is important and most of all, it clears our bodies of toxins and our spirits of toxins as well. A useful, practical, and inspirational book that is worth every penny!

This book is a must read. If you think fasting is a chore, then I highly recommend you read the book. It is so inspirational and encouraging. The book really explained the benefits of fasting with alot of inspiring testimonies.

What an extraordinary book about John William Smith's life. Each chapter is a story taken from his childhood, or as a father or a husband -- but most of all as a Christian man. He tells the good, the bad, the sad and many humorous stories that you'll want to share with your friends immediately or read to a loved one. A very special book -- important lessons that emphasize ways to build character by consistant dicipline and unconditional love -- for ourselves and our children.

My husband tells me I am one to enlarge a story, If I like something it's not a simple, I liked it. It is usually, I really really loved it....it was soooooo good. In the case of the book entitled, "My Mother Played the Piano.....it was the best book I've ever read.....I really really loved it....it was sooooo good! Not many books can touch your heart and make you a different person when you are finished but this book can and it did. Being a story teller myself it validated what I always tell my children...that every bad situation makes a great story later. I would love to personally e-mail the author to tell him what his book meant to me. I believe this is the closest I'm going to get. This is a book that anyone would enjoy.....but mainly parents. It should be mandatory for every parent to read before having children. Thank you Mr Smith for writing about your memories and allowing us all to be apart of your childhood. Debbie Jones Yakima, WA

A subtle work for advanced students. It seems destined to become a classic in the field, in my humble (non-expert) judgement.

William Alston is professor emeritus in philosophy at Syracuse University in USA. In this book he combines his knowledge of general epistemology with his interest in philosophy of religion. Alston focuses on experience as a provoding a strong basis for theist belief. He tries to show that in so far general perceptive practices are reliable, and Christian mystical practices may be shown to be very similar to general or "ordinary" perception, there is no reason to be a skeptic towards religious experiences. Like general doxastic practices, mystical perceptual practices may be shown to be socially established.

Alston projects his moderate foundationalism into philosophy of religion, in his model experience may be intimately conncted to experience of God, although it is never thought to be infallible. According to Alston theist belief is based on two pillars, natural theology and religious experience, where experience is the most important part.

The book may be read as a modern analytic philosopher's attempt to identify with the Christian mystical tradition, with its empahsis on direct awareness of God.