Opening to Channel is one of a kind. If you are interested either in trying to channel or learning about channeling/channelers this book is a great beginning. It provides a general overview of channeling as well as clear concise instructions for the more adventurous. It also includes a section regarding the authors' personal experiences with channeling.

I found it to be an easy and entertaining read, answering my questions as well as resolving my fears in a natural progression as I read through the book.

I originally borrowed the book but feel it will be a welcome addition to my library.

You don't have to be a psychic or a card reader to learn how
to access your spirit guide. After practicing meditation
and relaxation exercises, the authors naturally move you towards
asking for a guide and how to receive information. If this is something a person is really wanting to learn, I would certainly recommend this book above any of the others. It felt good to read this book and know that we all have a special 'guardian angel' that we can talk to at any time and Orin and DaBen show us exactly how to communicate with that entity. I loved it!!

I read this at the same time I was being taught channeling by another channel. It was right on the money with respect to feelings, processes and concerns I had during the time I was learning to channel. I've recommended this book to many people who are just getting started, and would like to do it safely and successfully.

An easy to read, extremely useful guide to effective business writing and "written business etiquette." The guidance relating to computer/email communications is particularly valuable, and should be read by anyone who communicates regularly on-line. I plan to order copies of the book for all my senior reports.

This was a terrific book which I would recommend to all of my clients, colleagues and friends -- but not to my competitors. It gives too many good ideas on how to get your message across effectively, succinctly and clearly.

The style is particularly effective -- bullet points with examples and real world examples of how to write more effectively.

As a securities analyst following technology companies, I am in a very writing-intensive business, where I need to get my point across as effectively as possible in as few words as possible.

At another level, I am alarmed by the caliber of writing that I see from people who we recruit -- people from major universities and graduate schools -- who are unable to write effectively. This book will be a useful tool for them -- better late than never.

In business, the adage holds - it's not always what you say but how you say it that counts. Writing That Works provides clear examples of how to write and communicate effectively and efficiently. This edition includes excellent tips on writing and controlling e-mail. Kudos to the author on his common sense advice to technical writers such as writing "like you talk" and skipping the latest business jargon. I keep this book on my desk as a reference guide and highly recommend this text to anyone in business, especially to those on my team!

the archbishop of denver has written an excellent overview of why he is a catholic, and why the faith is alive and real to him after 2000 years. the tone is one of a good friend and not preachy. he is well versed in modern thought so the analogies are very current as well as apt.

the topics are discussed in a fresh way, not requiring one to be a bible scholar to understand what he is saying and why he is saying it. the archbishop has published many articles and his speeches have been circulated beyond catholic circles. his sincere love for his church and his vocation as an ordained minister comes through clearly. a great read for catholic and non catholic alike.

If you've followed this bishop's talks and writings, you already know he's got a lot to say, and he says it very well. If this is your first encounter with his thinking, you're in for an inspiring read. Chaput has a friendly, vivid way of preaching and teaching that makes difficult ideas easy to understand. This is a great book for everyday searchers who want to make sense of the Gospel and the Church. It's the best introduction to Christianity and the Catholic faith I've come across in years. Highly recommended.

Archbishop Chaput, O.F.M. Cap. has written a five star book that tumbles me and splits me apart. I am the "cafeteria Catholic" he chides, the one who chooses to separate himself from the "structures of authority in the Church."

The subtitle to his book is "Rediscovering the Basics." I had high hopes that the basics would be in the realm of affirmation of life and a restatement of the love Christ said to us. I must give the man (Chaput not Christ) credit for saying lots of things that do the work of lifting my bruised spirit, but unlike Christ, Chaput takes back what he gives.

This is first seen only three pages into Chapter One when he says, "Becoming a Christian is never merely an act of loyalty to an institution, or agreeing with a body of doctrines." I like this--it sounds like Thomas Merton to me. But then two sentences later he takes it all back with this bit of orthodoxy: "We can't claim to be part of the People of God, but separate ourselves from the structures of authority in the Church." p.16

How do I give this book five stars? It does what a book should do for you, it gives you a workout. Traditional Catholics will get a rosy feeling reading this book, but the rest of us, the ones to whom Christ might have said "Get behind me Satan." will wonder what their Christianity is all about when they read the book. Chaput says "God is personal", but suggests over and over again that the Catholic Church, stepping in for God, is not.

I'm SO glad I bought this book! The art work is beautiful, the prayers are simple and eloquent and the brief biographies of the saints as well as the descriptions of the angels are inspiring. I'm particularly pleased that my all time favorite saint, Saint Rita of Cascia is included in the line up of saints. The book is a quick read, if reading is all you want to do with it, but I find myself returning again and again to look at the pictures, do a quick meditation on a Saint or angel or to just say a short prayer, thanking God for giving us all these wonderful guides. I'm pretty sure that God will abundantly bless the authors of this book.

This book is so beautiful to look at, to touch, to read and reap. I have witnessed the Power or Prayer and of these Grace filled Novenas. God Bless the Angels and the Saints who give Glory to God when we ask for their intercession. We should be praying constantly; this book gets us ever closer to our goal, our God.

This concise, yet varied collection of Novena prayers provides the reader with an opportunity for spiritual growth through the unique prayer experience of devotional petitions. With an open mind and sincere heart even the curious will experience a change in prayer life that goes beyond the specific Novena selected. The authors have presented a succint volume to be treasured, with beautiful illustrations and clear instructions. This book can be the beginning of a powerful and personal relationship with God through prayer.

Having read "Living With Joy"(more than once)I just knew this book was something for me. And as I read it I found out that it is in fact for every one who cares about how they live and react. I am 21 years old and have sometimes thought that this is not for me. I'm just suppose to live my life and not think about these things untill I've tried life, but this book depicts life and the way you can make the most out of it by learning to sense energy. I SAY AGAIN: THANK YOU ORIN AND SANAYA.

If "Living With Joy" lays the groundwork, painting with broad brush strokes the foundation for "life in the Higher planes", then "Personal Power Through Awareness..." is the firm and distinct swipe of color that fills in the gaps, making the painting come alive and vividly real for even the most casual of observers.

In other words, it's PRACTICAL. For example, are you having trouble connecting with some people and can't seem to stop the energy drain with yet others? This books tells you why. Have you ever wondered how you can sense someone's feelings even if they're miles away and/or long gone from your life (or so you thought)? This book tells you how those messages get through and why you can hear them repeatedly. What is Intuition *exactly*? How can I tell what's true Wisdom and what's not? Is telepathy for real or some sci-fi gimmick to make your skin tingle? Why does it seem that some people struggle for everything, while others barely break a sweat as their dreams come true? This book has the answers--and a whole lot more.

All sounds too good to be true? Read the book and judge for yourself. In his typical gentle but insistent manner, Orin (through Sanaya) walks you even further along the path of living a life of joy. Not only does he accurately describe the human thought patterns and how we get them, but with incredible compassion and insight, he tells us exactly how to get out of them. That is, if you want to. And if you don't, that's okay, too. The path will be there when you are. Period.

It's a fairly short book, full of easy-to-read words that almost anyone can understand and try to follow. Yes, simple words to describe the deepest of truths...but sometimes those are the truest ones of all.

Highly recommended.

This book helps you understand that life's ups and down are 100% in your control because it is all in how you perceive it. And that you can have enormous power in improving your life and others' by focusing on positive energy, and seeing the positive in the negative. It also helps you see how happiness comes from not allowing others to negatively affect you by recognizing that their actions are often motivated out of fear which should be treated with compassion (love) and not fear back. Read the book and you will see the light.

Father Romero has put together, in a readable and enjoyable format, a wonderful explanation of Catholic belief as rooted in sacred scripture.

Some of the topics include the Catholic understanding on: 1) How we are saved; 2) the authority of the Pope; 3) Papal infallibility; 4) the communion of the saints (i.e. intercessory prayer); 5) Mary's Immaculate Conception and many more.

The chapters are short and concise. They are filled with biblical proof-texts. Moreover, Father Romero's tone is very fair. In short, a protestant interested in knowing what the Catholic Church really teaches would not put the book down feeling as though he or she has been disrespected.

For Catholics, this book is a must because you will learn to defend your faith. For protestants, you will find out what the Church really teaches and why.

I wish I had this book 10 years ago. God bless & get the book.

THIS BOOK CONTAINS MOST OF THE ARGUMENTS USED AGAINST THE CHURCH AND SOUND ANSWERS TO THEM . IF SOMEONE IS LOOKING FOR A BOOK TO BUY TO LEARN TO DEFEND THEIR FAITH THEY COULDN'T DO MUCH BETTER THAN THIS BOOK. I ALSO SUGGEST CATHOLIC CHRISTIANITY BY PETER KREEFT, SURPRISED BY TRUTH BY PATRICK MADRID, AND THE NAB BIBLE.

I love this book!

Fr. Romero has put together Catholic answers to common Protestant objections to tennents of the Catholic faith in a clear, easy to follow, meaningful format. He uses a chapter of his book to focus on a subject. He first shows us what the Catholic Church teaches about that subject, he then presents the common objections (misunderstandings) Protestants have on the subject, clears up those misunderstandings using Scripture and finally shows what the early Christians (those who followed the Apostles) believed about those subjects.

This book was an excellent source for developing and teaching a class on "Understanding Your Catholic Faith".

I recommend it to Catholics and Protestants alike.

Read it then decide for yourself.

Walters has written a beautifully disturbing and liberating book. He makes mincemeat out of the comfortable spirituality and canned mysticism so popular in the religious marketplace today, and urges us to go into the inner desert with no provisions. Once there, he tells us that we'll die. That's the disturbing part. But Walters also argues (here's the liberating part) that in dying in the desert we discover who we really are and what's really important about God. If he's right, it seems a small price to pay. If you liked what Joseph Campbell did for the study of religion with his heroic journey approach, you'll like what Walters does for Christian belief in this book, because the whole book is really about the spiritual pilgrimage of Christians. But it also speaks to others (like myself) who don't claim to be Christian, but who are interested in mysticism and spirituality.

Soul Wilderness is one of the best books in spirituality I've read in the last ten years. Using Joesph Campbell's typology stages in the sacred journey, Walters shows how we can pass in and through our own inner deserts to discover and become one with God. The first and last chapters are particularly insightful: the first on the reasons we hesitate diving into our souls, the last on what it means to be a mystic/prophet. Reading this book could change your life. Its certainly in the same camp as anything Tom Merton or Henri Nouwen wrote.

This is the first book on spirituality I've ever read in one sitting (an all-nighter!), and I plan to read it again. It's a beautiful and insightful book, in spite of the author's modest claim that he's not a poet (he is, in this and his other books). Walters teaches us how to sink into the inner desert (the soul), discover our true selves and God there, and return to the world as prophets on fire with divine love. He says that human existence is a koan, a riddle that can only be cracked if we dare to go beyond the safe boundaries we've drawn for ourselves and jump into the desert. He's especially good at describing those "safe" places--all those "churchy" feel-good dens we burrow into to keep away from the fiery desert God. A frightening thought, but one (if he's right) that eventually frees us to become full fledged individuals. This book isn't for the timid--or maybe that's exactly who it's for. Reading Walters is a little like reading Kierkegaard. Be prepared to be shook up.

I can't recommend this book highly enough. This is the definitive reference manual for the Catholic faith. Excellent references are made to both the Sacred Scripture as well as church fathers, popes and councils.

During my spiritual journey to find a home, I came to rely on this excellent compendium of solid catholic theology during a time when I found most clergy and laity unsure of what it was they did believe -- or believed anything they wanted, despite centuries of belief to the contrary. As a resource document, it is without parallel after the Documents of Vatican II.

The documents of Vatican II are a clearer, wider, and more spiritual exposition of what the Church today believes. But sometimes, with so many mixed messages from pulpit and revisionists, the Documents of Vatican II can present difficulties to those uncertain of core beliefs.

That's where this book comes in. This book is systematic theology at its best. It posits the dogmas of the Church in a clear and unequivocal manner, and then goes about supplying the historical foundations for these dogmas. These foundations include ecumenical councils as well as writings of the saints. If a certain proposition is "de fide," it is of unquestioned belief. But there are other propositions that are not "de fide," that are provided to sharpen the core deposit from speculative ideas.

I refer to this book often when I come across propositions I find either doubtful or equivocal. Not only does it provide the clear and unadulterated truths of the catholic faith, but it provides the raison d'etre for those truths, making it a wealth of clear exposition of why catholics believe what they believe.

If I were the apostolic nuncio to the United States I would command all Catholic high school graduates in America to receive training in Ludwig Ott's book. It's the clearest, most concise, and yet comprehensive study of the dogmas of the faith.

The dogmas are given in a clear statement, with the level of certainty to which they are held in the Church, and must be therefore held by the Faithful. (eg. 'De Fide' is 'of the Faith' and must be believed by all Catholics. 'Sententia Fide Proxima' is a doctrine generally recognized by theologians but not formally pronounced by the Church, etc.)

While the other reviewers have repeatedly mentioned the brevity of Ludwig Ott's book, be assured that his presentations are thorough and theologically deep. Each doctrine is given with its scriptural basis, its historical development in the writings the Fathers, the statements of the councils of the Church, the heretical counter arguments against each dogma, and the theological and philosophical arguments that form the Church's basic arguments for each doctrine. I was gratified to find that many of the clever and less than obvious scripture arguments for our Faith used by popular apologists like Scott Hahn, Gerry Matatix, and Tim Staples, are found in this old classic book, which draws its arguments from classical Catholic lines of thought dating from Trent and the Fathers and the Doctors of the Church.

One essential feature of Ludwig Ott's writing is his forthright clarity. He openly and clearly states if a doctrine has no explicit scriptural reference and has only implicit support. He states openly when the Fathers are divided on a doctrine, and states the philosophical arguments through which the Church resolves the issue. It seems to me that this book uses the only approach that can be truly ecumenical. Clarity in understanding the true Catholic position and the history leading up to it is the only way to proclaim the truth with respect for our smartest separated brethren. The new catechism, though beautifully and spiritually written, can often be vague in its attempt to avoid offending, and can sometimes mislead the lazy reader.

Be warned; Ludwig Ott's book is written in technical philosophical language and can be very hard to read if you don't know Catholic theological jargon. You have to know the meaning of words like: essence, nature, necessary, efficient cause, instrumental cause, simple, being, person, actual grace, sanctifying grace, etc.

In short, if you've ever been asked 'what does the Church believe' this book is the finest one volume answer you could ever get.

Garrison Keillor and Bailey White regale one with stories of whimsey and nostalgia that play in our minds like a sitcom. James Behrens in Grace is Everywhere goes beyond the stories of a secluded monastery outside Atlanta as he chronicles the events, the people, the visitors and the animals in his life. He sees the common threads that wind through all our lives. Nothing escapes his keen philosophical eye. What the common eye misses--he sees; what truth goes unnoticed--he points out; what unity exists in monk, child, single , married, friend or passer by -- he explains. No birdsong, spider web or kitten in a dumpster is without a message. He can hear the voice of God in a breeze, a raindrop, a chimney sweep, and in the laughter of a child. Fr. Behrens is a monk who lives in silence and yet he hears the messages of life we never notice. In our frantic world of sound and fury, Grace is Everywhere slows us down with a soft touch, a clear eye, and just the right words to make us stay and rest awhile.

James Behrens's Grace is Everywhere treats the reader to a delightful series of vignettes about real people and real events to convey powerful truths. Far from being a theological treatise or a philosophical discussion of ultimate concerns, the book's essence shows us simply and easily that God's love and grace are present at all times and in all places in our daily lives. What makes this book different from others with a similar theme or intent is Behrens's ability to relate concepts of such moment gently and clearly, at times even humorously, using his past and present as the backdrop for his insights. Behrens writes as if he were speaking with us; indeed, as if he's known us for years. Grace is Everywhere is a wonderful book. Read it and feel good.

Fr.Behrens has taken the events of everyday life in the Monastery and shows how they can relate to the everyday life of a lay person. With charm, and a keen sense of humor you follow the growth of a person as he lives the life of the Contemplative. This is a book that once you read it you will find yourself going back to it often.

This bible is the most accurate and best catholic bible that one can buy. All other bibles are to be compared to this one. St. Jerome who translated this bible was very careful in using the most accurate texts. The Ignatius bible which comes in a close second cannot be claimed to be more accurate than this one. The douay rheims has been compared with the greek text in which the Ignatius bible is based and has been found lacking. For instance in the douay rheims it states in the book of ecclesistaces that the number of fools is infinite. Yet this quote is nowhere to be found in the Ignatius bible. This is not to say the Ignatius bible is bad but it is not as good as the douay rheims. This bible is majestic and simply breathes authenticity and beauty of expression. This is indeed the word of God. One has to read this bible to see what I mean. An outstanding translation that will probably never be surpassed.

This is a faithful translation of Jerome's Vulgate, the official Bible of the Church until the New Vulgate was promulgated in this century. I would recommend that every Catholic own this Bible and use it along side of a current scholarly edition of the Bible such as the New Oxford Annotated Bible-Revised Standard Version, 1977; the New Jerusalem Bible; or the New American Bible. The dimensions, the leather cover, and the pages are nice, good quality. The notes are interesting and present good doctrinal exegesis which compliments current Biblical scholarship in modern translations. Though I would use the RSV as my primary Bible, the Douay is a classic that I would consult regularly.

The best, most accurate, safest English translation that you can use. A careful word-for-word translation of the Latin Vulgate Bible (the official Bible of the Church)--plus of the original New Testament Greek. This version is a joy to read, is full of surprises and really makes the Bible come alive! (Publisher)