ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS I HAVE EVER READ. I HAVE READ ALOT OF CHRISTIAN BOOKS AND THIS HAS BEEN ONE OF MY FAVORITES. I DIDN'T WANT IT TO END. THE CHARACTORS HAVE YOU LAUGHING ALOUD AND THEN CRYING. I LIVE IN THE SOUTH AND THE WORDS AND PHARSES SHE USES ARE SO SOUTHERN. IT IS A GREAT READ. I READ IT IN ONE DAY. HOPE SHE MAKES A BOOK 2.

I "enjoyed meeting" all the characters, they were very real, interesting and most of them were quite likable! I don't believe Esmeralda will ever allow her life to become boring. She may be a widow living alone but she does not allow herself to become "self-absorbed." I am hoping for a sequel or maybe even a series. I didn't really want to put the book down until I finished it. The author gives you a sense that "something is going to happen" but I was still surprised at what transpired in this quaint little southern town. A great book!

Esmeralda, the heroine, is an outspoken and feisty church member, never afraid of giving advice - especially to her timid friend, Beatrice and other not-so-Christian acting church members!
Once you start to read "Mercy Me" you won't be able to put it down! Not only is it hilarious but also contains many truths about church members' behavior! Many of the characters will seem very familiar to any Evangelical church goer. Highly recommended!

It has been one of the distinct pleasures of my academic life to read the works of Jürgen Moltmann. Each text I pick up I find myself enjoying more, and can measure the growth of my own theological development by how much better I am understanding Moltmann. It is, I am finding, impossible to read any of Moltmann?s texts just once and fully understand it. All the books interact and inform each other in a dynamic way. The Church in the Power of the Spirit is Moltmann's "contribution to messianic ecclesiology", an exploration into what the Church is and why the Church exists.

This book expounds on the idea of there being an intimate connection between Christ and the Church. The Church is not only believing in and pointing towards the risen Christ, the Church has Christ as the foundation of its entire being. Moltmann writes, "Every statement about the church will be a statement about Christ. Every statement about Christ also implies a statement about the church." Any theological discussion about the Church, he suggests, must then entail an accompanying discussion of the person and work of Jesus. It is also the case that the Church is not an isolated entity, but rather is a community of those who have been called to be light to this world, spreading the reality of the kingdom through multiple ways, reflecting the presence of God to this world. Because of this aspect, a proper ecclesiology cannot just look at the inner aspects of the church?s being, but must be in continual conversation with how the Church is indeed relating to the world as a whole. With this comes this understanding that the Church as filled with the One Spirit is also One, prompting the continual development of understanding not only how the Church is One, but actively engaging in conversation to discover how the Church could once again practically actually be united. Because God is not only active in "religious" arenas, but is seeking to save the whole world, Moltmann argues for a political dimension which is required of the Church, engaging it in not only the proclamation of future rewards but also the active work towards a present transformation of society.

These four dimensions are then framed within what can be called a Trinitarian outline. Moltmann begins by looking at the work and influence of Jesus, seeking to understand how Jesus did live, expounding on his emphases, and reflecting on the shape that his ministry took. Rather than seeking to simply let the proclamation be about Jesus, Moltmann argues that the proclamation should be that of Jesus. He follows this with a section exploring the kingdom of God, showing the work of God prior to, and even outside of, the Christian church, showing that the Church is not representing the fullness of the kingdom, but is in fact a participant, a living piece which is part of God?s whole plan to save this whole world. He then has two sections which connect the Church to the Holy Spirit, first focusing on how the Church is in the presence of the Holy Spirit, then showing how the Church is in the power of the Holy Spirit. It is the Spirit that animates, leads, expands, and matures the Church, giving content to our worship and power to our plans. Only at the end, in a last brief session, does Moltmann discuss the actual marks of the Church, showing how the prior sections reflect in an actual existence, taking up, as did Kung, the idea of unity, catholicity, holiness, and apostolicity. One of Moltmann?s distinctive emphases as a theologian is his attraction to a political theology. For him, the power of the Spirit in the life of the Church is not limited to the confines of the Church, but is active in redemption throughout various structures, demanding that we act in a way which reflects this redemption of what is usually called the secular.

While there is much to be agreed and disagreed with, this text is one anyone interested in the study of the Church simply must wrestle with.

To the editor, Actually I came to this area to know the publishing company and the place where the book published: The Church in the Power of the Spirit : A contribution to Messianic Ecclesiology.

Could you give me answer?

Thank you very much.

Kim Hyun Jin.

Moltmann challenges the reader to think "outside of the box" with regard to ecclesiology. His model for church is organic, freeing the reader to imagine herself as an ecclesiological architect. Anyone struggling with the confines of traditional church structure will enjoy the journey with Moltmann.

In the context of modern times it would be easy to make these women ridiculous but Giselle Potter respects them and the courage of their choices. The book is a lovely, magical tribute to strong women who triumphantly defied male power and violence.

There is something so lovely about his book-- particularly in the illustrations. I adore the style of Potter. I wish it were more popular.

As a history Student at a secular University, this is a decent book to begin to get direction for research. It is well written and easy to read.

If you're looking for a good reference book for Catholic history, this is it! But beware this isn't a substitute for the Catholic Encyclopedia by a long shot. Bunson pacts in an fantastic amount of info into the 900 pages, and it's a great addition to any person library or Catechism class.

Very user friendly. A comprehensive, concise reference that is easy to read and understand. An essential part of the OSV reference series.

Authors Margaret Gammon and W.H. Church present in this volume an analysis of the Edgar Cayce readings and their many references to astrology and astrological influences.

Here we find, through the Cayce readings, the support of astrology as a study by which to understand ourselves, our spiritual path and development, and our life lessons.

Part One of this book explores the meanings of the planets and other astrological influences in the natal chart. In addition to supporting many of the traditional meanings of the planets, the readings explored in the book add greater depth and breadth to their interpretations.

As an example, Saturn's meaning was greatly clarified and expanded in this astrologer's understanding. Though at first glance, the readings seem to contradict the orthodox interpretations of Saturn, by holding both perspectives in the mind, we can more fully grasp Saturn's true nature. Traditionally considered to be a planet of restriction, caution, stability and the status quo, the Cayce readings indicate that Saturn actually is the ruler of change. By embracing both views simultaneously, we come to understand that Saturn is the discipline to implement change, to create progress, and represents ambition, patience, endurance and perserverance. Saturn is the Lord of Time - that which is eternal and ever changing. Thus it is the embodiment of the paradox that the only constant is change.

In reading "Astrology For The Soul," we come away with, perhaps, a new view of the astrological influences. Surprisingly, the readings specifically state that the signs themselves are of minimal importance, stressing instead the placement of the planets and their relation to the ascendant and zenith of the chart, as well as the significance (in many, but not all cases) of being cusp-born.

"...the constellations or...the zodiacal signs..., these are merely the wavering influences in the life [of the entity]." 8-1

The astrological influences are seen to be merely indicators, reflections of the spiritual experiences of the individual soul and its karma, and are not causative factors in and of themselves. Throughout the readings, Cayce emphasizes that we come into the physical at the time when the planets most reflect ourselves, that we create the conditions of our own charts, and not the other way around.

Certainly the signs' influences are mentioned and the authors include a number of them. Gammon and Church have done their homework, and describe the various references within the readings with clarity and the touch of seasoned astrologers.

According to Cayce, what the astrological indications DO offer us is an opportunity to discover what innate tendencies are available to us as individuals, which we may then choose to pursue, explore or develop. They also enable us to determine what ways in which we are likely to be led astray from our own developmental path, and to take measures to keep these in check, and to gain mastery over even our own "negative" traits.

A further look at the readings leads one to think that perhaps the constellations and signs are not emphasized because our current system is inaccurate.

"Hence the entity was born into the earth under what signs? Pisces, ye say. Yet astrologically from the records, these are some two signs off in thy reckoning." 5755-1

Indeed, the actual constellations no longer match the placement of the signs in present-day western astrology. The readings suggest that an accurate study of astrology would include the incorporation of the changing equinoxes. (pg. 80)

We are reminded, too, that our solar system is also in motion around a greater circle than accounted for in our present paradigm, and other influences may be important factors which we are overlooking. The authors point out, "the life readings are replete with references to Arcturus, the Greater Sun...with references to the Pleiades, Dog Star, Orion, the Great Bear, Polaris and others." (pg. 83)

Part Two of "Astrology For The Soul" is an exploration via the readings of the spiritual principles of the universe and how this "music of the spheres" relates the essential spiritual truths reflected in the various astrological indicators. This is followed by a very interesting exploration of sunspots and their cycles and potential influence on human life and events.

The authors present the material in an effective and thought provoking way, and support each conclusion with a generous sampling from the readings.

The Cayce readings, in discussing our relationship with astrology, remind us that we are creatures of free will and that our study of astrology can only enlighten us to our own potentialities. We must still make the efforts to develop our inclinations which lie reflected in our stars.

This book is an extremely engaging and informative collection of essays by a number of religious scholars chronicling the attempts of various North American religious denominations to negotiate the impact of modernity on the family. These denominational histories reveal periods of growth and decline in the denominations themselves and in their attention to family issues. They also show the range of voices within the various denominations. These stories thus debunk the "culture wars" typology, according to which denominations are labeled as univocally liberal or conservative.

The two major forces that appear across these denominational accounts are the tension between individualism and community and the influence of market forces on family life. The stories show how these broad social forces, more than any one social movement have produced many changes in families. Feminism is usually cited as one of the forces that has impacted the modern family, and it has spurred action and/or inspired reaction in virtually every denomination. Likewise, the recent focus on fatherhood in a number of denominations demonstrates the continuing importance of social and cultural change on churches and families. The most powerful insights from these various denominational narratives are the need to negotiate with, rather than reject modernity, and the important point that the mere presence of conflict on issues like the family does not necessarily indicate failure.

Whether the conflict is over tradition and innovation, individualism and familism, public and private, ideals and reality, or protective withdrawal from or prophetic engagement with the surrounding culture, the essays in this volume show how the family has been an important locus of the reconciliation of religion and modernity in American culture.

Anthony and Joan both could not put this book down! Anthony read it first, then read parts of it to Joan, then Joan read it. In the spirit of The Work and the Glory series by Lund, Standing on the Promises, combines factual history and characters with an outstanding story. The characters really come alive and the reader can truly imagine themselves right in the story and experiencing the events portrayed. The actual events and research are documented after each chapter and provide a wonderful historical review of the evidence. After, becoming acquainted with Elijah, Jane and Isaac in other publications, being able to read their stories was truly inspiritational. We are eagerly awaiting the next book in this series!

Opening the cage is a collection of autobiographical writings where women record their life experiences. These women all have a Christian background which many found inhibiting to their personal development. Their explorations of their faith journeys to new forms of spirituality make inspiring reading. The frank disclosures of challenges faced through life experience are authentic and heart warming. They will resonate with many readers who have faced discrimination and recognise the constraints of gender. These women generously share their learnings which celebrate their humanity.

This is one of those books that you keep in the library as the perfect reference. The curious minded reader can browse these pages for hours. As the title indicates it is an Encyclopedic work set up in alphabetical order by name. Most entries have biographical information with note of the feast day. The twelve Appendices are a great addition and sort the entries in a range of catagories from Popes, US Martyrs, Mystics, etc. There is a Glossary of terms and a Calendar of Feast Days as well as an Alphabetical Index. Text is broken with the occational black and white engraving. A very comprehensive and complete work on the saints both famous and obscure as well as significant beati.

This plainly written book can help you overcome the daily struggles that prevent you from developing a strong relationship with God.

First the author identifies the eight objects of self-centered thought we must learn to control: food, sex, things, anger, dejection, acedia (spiritual dryness), vainglory, and pride. She then describes how these thoughts, when uncontrolled, progressively undermine our spiritual awareness to the point of becoming soul-deadening obsessions. Finally, she explains how we can overcome these distracting thoughts and instead center on thoughts in harmony with God's will. By doing so, we are able to experience the joys of hope and freedom, no longer enslaved by our appetites.

Funk does an excellent job of translating some complex spiritual concepts into plain English. And, to illustrate good and bad thought patterns, she cites examples that will sound (uncomfortably) familiar to people of all ages and vocations. It's hard to imagine people reading this book and not wanting to seriously reevaluate their attitudes toward toward their own thoughts.

Based on the classic ascetic practises of the patristic era, and on their application in the Rule of Benedict, this book sets forth clear, solid, far-reaching insights which would enrich the life of anyone seeking to grow in the spiritual life.

Sister Mary Margaret expresses the principles simply yet with great depth, and, in a style enormously refreshing for the "self-esteem" era (her comments on that concept are very telling), does so with great honesty. She does not qualify the wisdom of two millennia in an attempt to be unwisely "relevant" to the reader. She has no qualms about showing that the Christian ascetic vocation is an endless period of growth, though her expressing how practising discipline of thoughts leads to results unaware will undoubtedly be strengthening during times of struggle.

The only aspect which those new to the topic must keep in mind is that this volume, short though it is, is not meant to be skimmed nor read hurriedly. It is the stuff of the lectio divina to which the early chapters refer - intended for quiet, reflective, prayerful reading. Much of the best material (for example, the sections regarding sex and vainglory) can be missed if one is reading only "key words," without attention to the overall picture which places it into focus.

I have had a deep interest in ascetic theology for thirty years, and am well acquainted with many great writings in that area. I can honestly say that this book is one of the best of contemporary treatments of the subject.

Thoughts Matter challenges the serious reader to examine the nature of the thoughts that are constantly playing through the mind - like a non-stop tape recording! While we can't always control the thoughts that pop up in our heads, we can certainly decide which ones we want to spend time with and which ones can only do harm to ourselves and others. I would love to read what Sr. Mary has to say about renouncing our thoughts about God.