This book by Welch is divided into two major sections. In Part One: Biblical Foundations, Welch begins by asking several questions regarding human behavior in a number of different areas which he will cover later in the book. Here it seems that his main objective is to get the mind of his readers to contemplate questions about subjects that may be new or unfamiliar to them. He does a good job of avoiding any difficulties which might have arisen from the rather technical nature of some of the subjects by asserting that, "What is needed is not necessarily more sophistication in understanding the brain. Instead, what is needed is a more in-depth and practical examination of Scripture that is relevant to these questions" (p. 19-20). In this chapter, he remains resolute in affirming the supreme authority of God's Word in understanding and applying the deluge of information which our secular society is bent on giving us. The rest of this opening section is spent with the following two chapters discussing the relation between the human mind and body. He leads the reader through some of the high points in this discussion, giving a general overview of the secular positions regarding the mind/body relation, as well as surveying the relevant Biblical passages which speak to the issue. Particularly helpful here is his emphasis on the fragile, yet integral, relationship which exists between the mind and the body. As he says, "Heart and body are both two and one. They are two in that the body cannot be reduced to heart or spirit, and heart cannot be reduced to body. But they are mutually independent. They need each other. Human life cannot even be imagined without both the inner and the outer person" (p. 47).
In Part Two: Brain Problems Seen Through the Lens of Scripture, Welch seeks to give some practical application of the principles gleaned from Scripture in the previous section. This latter portion of the book is neatly divided into three subsections. In chapters 4 and 5, we read about legitimate brain dysfunctions which are the result of Alzheimer's disease (and dementia) or serious head injury stemming from an accident. Here, Welch wants the reader to understand that there are indeed cases where the brain can suffer illness or injury to the extent that the behavior and mental capacity of the individual will be directly affected. He is quick to point out that though these conditions may harm the outer man, they do not necessarily mean that the inner man will also begin to dissipate. In chapters 7 and 8, we read about psychiatric problems such as depression and attention deficit disorder (ADD) which may or may not be the result of the brain's alleged deficiencies. Here, Welch seems to indicate that though there may be some relation between the aforementioned psychiatric problems and the activity of the brain, we ought to exercise caution when attempting to ascertain a solution to the given problem. He is also quick to point out that the depression or ADD may be the result of a spiritual problem and that the care of the individual and their relation to God ought to factor in the treatment every bit as much as medicinal treatments. In chapters 9 and 10 we read about two areas of human behavior which the brain is often held responsible for...homosexuality and alcoholism. In both cases, Welch is insistent that the brain cannot the cause of one's sinful behavior. As he says so plainly, "The ultimate cause of sin is always the human heart" (p. 169, emphasis added). He argues that when these behaviors are seen as proceeding directly from the brain's activity, then the connection that exists between human beings as morally accountable agents and a holy and righteous God is severed. What needs to take place is repentance from such sinful behavior in light of the promise of God's gracious provision of forgiveness which can be found in Jesus Christ. Though these sins present particularly strong forms of bondage, God's mercy can break even their stronghold.

Dr. Welch has provided the reader with a clear yet informed book on real and possible influences of the brain on behavior. He also takes a realistic look at behavior which is not caused by the brain. His expertise in neuropsychology is clearly an asset to this work.

A thought-provoking, thoughtful & educated look at brain influences on behavior.

Welch's experience in neuropsychology and theology make this book useful to one interested in the challenge of making sense of recent research on brain influences. His easy to read and personal style make what could be ponderous and stuffy into an enjoyable, challenging experience.

I liked this book. On the surface this book almost sounds like a cliche; love your fellow man, forgive & forget, etc. But the fact of the matter is that it passes on those very messages in an extremely contemporary and simple manner. It reminded me of Deepak Chopra's The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success. Heaven Can't Wait helps you, through a variety of ways, to step back, take a breath and (hopefully) be the bigger person. In a world as increasingly complicated and complex as ours, it's nice to have such a powerful yet simple reminder of what is really important in life.

In a word, amazing! Stephen captures in his first book what so many other like books have taken chapters and chapters to tell. I love it and have told everyone that I know about it, in fact it's one of my gifts to alot of people this holiday season. Definitely a must read for anyone that wants to improve on themselves, their lives, and to attain the dreams and goals that are there for the taking. :)

Using a less-is-more approach, the author captures your attention with meaningful messages and purposeful poetry. Anyone will love this book, and moreover will tell their friends.

This book is powerful in its simplicity. Stanton's journey is mundane, but from the people he meets and the sites he visits, we learn much about life and travel.Books on the pilgrimage are plenty now, but I would recommend this one for the everyday traveler taking the path.

This is a fascinating book, and will appeal both to those who love travel tales and those on a spiritual quest. No self-described holy man, the author is frank about doubting his faith and his ambivalence in making the pilgrimage. Yet you see throughout the book how the journey emptied then replinished him He draws vivid word pictures about the sights, smells and characters that he encounters. If you have a desire to drop out of the hustle and bustle of life to learn to listen to the great, glorious creation around you and the Creator above, then this book will make your feet itch to begin your personal pilgrimage. I enjoyed this book thoroughly, and was enriched by the reading. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

This is a great book and is a very useful guide to the pilgrimage. It is hard to find, and Amazon is doing a great service in trying to provide it for pilgrims. However extracts from the book with very useful information can be found at the Telegraph Online London web site in the TRAVEL section. Look search under Yahoo for Telegraph Online and then Browse the many pages and articles on the pilgrimage found under the travel section. The book is fully reviewed in the newspapers's travel pages, the site has many useful useful facts about the pilgrimage including a FAQ

A few sentences from the introduction describe the subject and emphasis of this book: "I fell in love with the great mystics and ascetics of our church.....I experienced the capacity of prayer and silence to reshape the human heart...". "But, I also learned that our tradition contains some assumptions about the mode of living required to cultivate an authentic spiritual life that excludes Christians living the ordinary life".
And, the author sets out to explain the ways that God can be experienced by those in family life, who can't go join a monastery. In each chapter she discusses a different way: birth, peacemaking, the practice of Charity, the meal-table as sacred, caring for the elderly family members, etc...
She gives the readers a spiritual perspectives on many things families commonly do, but see as drudgery. Usually it works, occasionally the language is too abstract and perhaps a stretch...

I do think I will remember this book too, and see many things I do in my family life differently. Good footnote references for further reading. Overall, a very worthwhile book, that could have great value for someone wondering 'how can I see in the chaos that is my home?'.

Like the other reviewer of this book, I found this book stayed with me. An example of one of the 'lessons' I learned was Wright's answer to the question, What can we learn from the Domestic Church? (That is, the part of the church that is oour family, at home..) Part of her anser was that 'it is about welcoming and letting go..'. She has tremendous insight on bringing church home- the living of it in families. I highly reccommend it.

I read this book about four years ago and it has stayed with me ever since. I am now purchasing it because it is such an excellent book. I would highly recommend its deep spiritual message. Wendy Wright speaks right to your heart as a parent!

I essentially picked up this book because I was interested in learning more about the experiences that children of gays and lesbians face while growing up.

I learned of Ms. Jakii and her autobiography on the Ananda Lewis show addressing the issues on Gay & Lesbian Parenting. I was eager to learn more about Ms. Jakii's childhood because 1, she is an African American female and 2, she was raised by a lesbian. Even though Ms. Jakii's opposition on the show for Gays and Lesbians to parent were weak, I still thought I would give her book a chance. I'm glad I did.

For the most part, I found 'Like Mother Like Daughter?' to be an excellent read; probably one of the most inspiring books one would ever come across who've ever experience a similar background. Ms. Jakii does an outstanding job in recounting her tragic childhood and the healing process she had to endure in order to forgive her mother and to love herself. This book is definitely a tear-jerker! I would encourage anyone who is trying to heal from childhood abuse to pick up this book.

But there is a 'But'...

Even though this is a wonderful read it falls short in one major area:

On the surface, it appears that Ms. Jakii's primary purpose in writing her book was to give personal insight on how children of Gay and Lesbians are negatively effected by their parent's sexual orientation. In my opinion I feel the reader is mislead into believing that Ms. Jakii's childhood was LARGELY ruined by her mother's lesbianism. But if you're smart enough to look past Ms. Jakii's (well understood) bitterness, hatred and homophobic attitude toward lesbians, you're able to see that her mother's sexual orientation is (relatively) circumstantial.

I don't mean to undermine Ms. Jaskii's experience with having a lesbian mother (she seemed to suffer greatly) but, her childhood seemed to be largely impacted by a loveless, irresponsible, hurting mother who, herself, had also suffered at the hands of her parents.
Like any dysfunctional family, the cycle of abuse, neglect and lack of responsibility was the underlying cause of Ms. Jakii's unhappy childhood. This is what I found prevalent in her story. Her mother's sexual orientation and frivolous lifestyle heighten that suffering and even made Ms. Jakiis' childhood painful. But for Ms. Jakii to place blame solely on her mother's sexual orientation grossly simplifies the events in her childhood and in the end, only adds to the misrepresentation of Gay and Lesbian parents and their children.

Even though I wouldn't recommend this book to other Gay and Lesbian parents (...Unless I knowingly believe they are a spitting image of 'Dorothy') I do, in some respects believe Gay and Lesbian parents could take heed to Ms. Jakii's story. There is some validity in her approach.

In the preface, Ms Jakii speaks about the hardships that children of Gay and Lesbian parents have. She goes on to explain that "there is always a certain amount of shame and gender identity questions which linger in our hearts and minds...The homosexual community may never admit it, but the damage stemming from their actions can be profound..." I think Ms. Jakii was right on point. Gay and Lesbian parents do have a greater responsibility to their children--as do any parent whose children will face prejudice and prosecution due to being "different". The shame that Ms. Jakii speaks of can be conquered with (honest) continuous education, lots of unconditional love and affection, and a willingness to be the best progressive parent possible.

I essentially picked up this book because I was interested in learning more about the experiences that children of gays and lesbians face while growing up.

I learned of Ms. Jakii and her autobiography on the Ananda Lewis show addressing the issues on Gay & Lesbian Parenting. I was eager to learn more about Ms. Jakii's childhood because 1, she is an African American female and 2, she was raised by a lesbian. Even though Ms. Jakii's opposition on the show for Gays and Lesbians to parent were weak, I still thought I would give her book a chance. I'm glad I did.

For the most part, I found 'Like Mother Like Daughter?' to be an excellent read; probably one of the most inspiring books one would ever come across who've ever experience a similar background. Ms. Jakii does an outstanding job in recounting her tragic childhood and the healing process she had to endure in order to forgive her mother and to love herself. This book is definitely a tear-jerker! I would encourage anyone who is trying to heal from childhood abuse to pick up this book.

But there is a 'But'...

Even though this is a wonderful read it falls short in one major area:

On the surface, it appears that Ms. Jakii's primary purpose in writing her book was to give personal insight on how children of Gay and Lesbians are negatively effected by their parent's sexual orientation. In my opinion I feel the reader is mislead into believing that Ms. Jakii's childhood was LARGELY ruined by her mother's lesbianism. But if you're smart enough to look past Ms. Jakii's (well understood) bitterness, hatred and homophobic attitude toward lesbians, you're able to see that her mother's sexual orientation is (relatively) circumstantial.

I don't mean to undermine Ms. Jaskii's experience with having a lesbian mother (she seemed to suffer greatly) but, her childhood seemed to be largely impacted by a loveless, irresponsible, hurting mother who, herself, had also suffered at the hands of her parents.
Like any dysfunctional family, the cycle of abuse, neglect and lack of responsibility was the underlying cause of Ms. Jakii's unhappy childhood. This is what I found prevalent in her story. Her mother's sexual orientation and frivolous lifestyle heighten that suffering and even made Ms. Jakiis' childhood painful. But for Ms. Jakii to place blame solely on her mother's sexual orientation grossly simplifies the events in her childhood and in the end, only adds to the misrepresentation of Gay and Lesbian parents and their children.

Even though I wouldn't recommend this book to other Gay and Lesbian parents (...Unless I knowingly believe they are a spitting image of 'Dorothy') I do, in some respects believe Gay and Lesbian parents could take heed to Ms. Jakii's story. There is some validity in her approach.

In the preface, Ms Jakii speaks about the hardships that children of Gay and Lesbian parents have. She goes on to explain that "there is always a certain amount of shame and gender identity questions which linger in our hearts and minds...The homosexual community may never admit it, but the damage stemming from their actions can be profound..." I think Ms. Jakii was right on point. Gay and Lesbian parents do have a greater responsibility to their children--as do any parent whose children will face prejudice and prosecution due to being "different". The shame that Ms. Jakii speaks of can be conquered with (honest) continuous education, lots of unconditional love and affection, and a willingness to be the best progressive parent possible.

What's it like for children to be raised by a gay parent or gay parents? How do these children feel? What effects does the homesexualtiy have on them? Written by a woman who was raised by a lesbian mother, this book gives the reader a unique look at a growing cultural movement.

This is a great book on marriage and the family. Taking it from a Biblical perspective, Jay Adams does a great job of going through the husband's role, the wife's role and how they interrelate. If you want to find the Biblical formula for a successful marriage, get this book. If you think that the world has a better way and that true, Biblical roles are "archaic", don't buy this book, get a psychology book and get ready for divorce. I use this book for pre-marriage counselling. It works very well by going over one chapter each session.

Adams's Christian Living in the Home is still the best book on its subject after all these years. I first read it before I got married, and my wife (who is from here in Taiwan) refers to its Chinese edition--the best book on its subject in her language--often. We both notice that we feel like the other spouse is more loving right after that spouse has reread this book recently. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED especially for its teaching about marriage, it is also very practical for dealing with children (we have three sons now). This book is my favorite extra thing to give as a wedding present at every wedding to which I'm invited.

Edwards did a lively job of telling the stories of Abraham and his successors. I enjoyed the quick read very much, but felt a great deal was left out too. The viewpoint of the angels makes this series unique. The author uses creativity while holding to basic biblical teachings. I wish the story had been longer and a bit more in depth, as there were some issues during this period of time that are complex and have been interpreted many ways. This is not a series for the serious Bible student, but it is certainly an enjoyable journey that ends too soon. I'll definitely complete the series.

I love to read. I love to read and study the Bible. The Escape made everything about the life of Abraham, in Genesis to the book of Joshua come alive on whole new level. The book is seen from the angels point of view. What a view! It was as if I were there when these events took place. From the call by God to Abram, to the meeting of Abraham and Melchizedek, to the sacrifice Isaac, to the encounter of Jacob with the Angel,to the Jews being freed from Egypt, the crossing of the Red Sea, to the water coming from the Rock, I could go on. I saw God in The Escape. It was so incredible how Gene Edwards captured the power of the events. It was truly the Holy Spirit inspiring the words and flections of the conservations of the angels, especially Michael and Gabriel. Actions of God, the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. I have read 4 of these Chronicles, and they all affected me the same. My eyes were opened to see!

...If you are well grounded in the faith, Steadfast and immovable (Col1:22-23) read this book to sharpen your discernment. In studying these men we get a better understanding of what we are up against presently. When you discover the full scope of Calvin's destructive doctrines, his five points, and how everything ultimately concludes with 'unconditional' eternal security, you will see the handprints of Satan in every tenant. These men planted the seeds of modern day easy believeism, although unaware of their negative influence, the things they taught will ring throughout eternity in the ears of millions of lost souls who bought into their security in sin message.

The sermons of Edwards are a cornerstone of religious faith in this country. His ability to reach common man led to a national revival. This "calvinistic" doctrine is what our nation needs now! It is both a comfort and a fearful thing to know that our eternal lives are in the hands of a loving God and a just God who can be angry at sin!!! I'm sorry some people feel threatened by Calvin and Edwards but if you are seeking enlightenment this book can help point you there.

120+ pages of simply restating that ministers should pray and not just study. That's it. The entire book! No suggestions on how to pray or how a layman should approach prayer. Very disappointing.

There are many good resources on the subject of prayer; however, once you've understood the basics, I've discovered the greatest way to learn to pray is simply to pray. "Power Through Prayer" is packed with inspiration and motivation to get you started and to keep you praying. Bounds' primary target is the minister of the Gospel. His aim is sure and his words will certainly penetrate any sincere but prayerless preacher's heart. E.M. Bounds was a tireless man of prayer, whose words ring with authenticity, passion, and conviction. I have the entire series of Bounds' eight short books on the subject of prayer. "Power Through Prayer" is by far my favorite and a book I regularly go back to when my own prayer life is losing its fire. For a dose of prayer motivation, inspiration, and passion there is no better book than this classic 128-page work, "Power Through Prayer."

This book is in a word brilliant. Bounds just goes for the throat and shows how prayer is so important to Christian growth, preaching and evangilism. It was very convicting to me and God used it to show me how important prayer is. There are no shortcuts in here, just the truth. Prayerful saints become prayerful through time not right away.

An important history of thought is provided in the first part of this book, which briefly outlines the transistion from Modernism to Postmodernism. Essentially the modern era began with the Enlightenment, and claimed human reason and science could determine all truth. Postmodernism does not have such a clearcut starting point in history, although Veith gives examples of when various stages of postmodernism began. Postmodernism essentially abandons the modernist ideology of rationalism, and the existence of objective truths. He then makes an important distinction between the postmodern era and postmodernISM. He identifies postmodernism primarily as relativism, which is the philosophy that truth is relative to the individual, and therefore there are no objective truths.

Although few people are conscious of this belief system in today's society, it is subtly pervasive. Veith's four part analysis of Postmodern Thought, Art, Society, and Religion ranges from interesting to startling to mildly cynical. While I found his discussion of postmodernism to be very revealing and largely accurate, I question whether modernism is as "dead" as he suspects. Perhaps the best example I see of an extant modernist philosophy is that of methodological naturalism: a necessity for evolution. (Philip Johnson does a great job of explaining methodological naturalism in his book "The Wedge of Truth).

However, for the most part, Veith hits the nail on the head in his diagnosis of postmodernism, especially with recognizing the trend in Christianity (but perhaps in religion in general) toward consumerism and empty spirituality (lack of truth). At times the book is repetitive and somewhat pessimistic, yet Veith also has hope for the postmodern age. Christians can build their thinking and live their lives on the foundation of Christ, and share this with society, as the postmodernism's self-contradictory relativism will inevitably collapse.

In daily conversation I notice the tenets of postmodernism cropping up all the time. People who have no idea what "postmodernism" is are nonetheless deeply influenced by it, mouthing its words, speaking its assumptions, believing its claims because they have been so deeply inculcated with it without even realizing it. I don't think people realize just how distinctively different a philosophy of epistemology it really is, compared to historical norms.

That said, Veith's book is a good introduction to the subject, and worthy reading for every person who is seeking a well-rounded education. From a Christian perspective (more specifically a Lutheran, not protestant, one) Veith traces the rise of Modernism from a biblical worldview, and the inevitable transformation from Modernism's empty claims to certainty to Postmodernism's notorious uncertainty and relativism. Between the two Veith charts a path that seeks to avoid the errors both of pompous Modernist dogmatism and Postmodernist denial that truth can be reasonably ascertained.

Veith's book conveys understanding and insight, if not a straightforward guide to helping others out of the morass of Postmodernism. Ultimately Postmodernism fails because it is so internally inconsistent (how can one argue rationally for it if rationality itself is suspect?) Rather than point to the internal inconsistencies, I suspect a better route will be to present a positive epistemology that is more consistent than the Modernist ideology that Postmodernists abandoned; in short, the biblical worldview.

Dr. Veith's own spiritual travels from non-Christian through Evangelicalism to his current Lutheran orthodoxy, as well as his academic background, make him a great source for beginning to understand the end of the so-called Modern Era and the Postmodern Era which appears to be replacing it.

Veith gives a broad view of the origins of Postmodernism, an often chilling view of the new (non-) thinking. He possesses a light touch in dealing with often heavy philosophy and he challenges Christians and society in general to find effective means of communicating with postmodernists and of dealing with the excesses and perceived liabilities of Postmodernism.

The careful reader will be given new eyes with which to view the surrounding world and will have opportunity to take advantage of Veith's wisdom in dealing with the challenges of Postmodernism. Area pastors think so much of the book that it is going to be the topic of discussion at our next year or so's monthly meetings. From this beginning, we hope to sharpen our own perception and better focus on a Christian response to the current spirit of the times.