As grape soda is to Louis Roederer Cristal, so today's Christian books are to Edwards' "The Religious Affections". Espousing a theology foreign to most postmodern Christians, Edwards lays out the cornerstone of Christian thought of the mid-18th century.

As unflinching as his more famous sermon, "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God", this work develops the idea that what we feel and our true status in Christ are at war with one another, a constant battle that requires the searching of our souls by the Spirit of God in order to find the truth of our standing in Him. For some, the level of introspection and faithfulness demanded of the believer is higher than we might otherwise be prepared to endure. But only by complete surrender, the development of an inner craving for Christ, and spiritual examination can we rest in the assurance of our salvation.

This work also holds up a Christian faith that seems radically different - and more vital - than what we know. For this we should thank Edwards for allowing 21st century men and women a tie to historic Christianity, especially as seen through early-American eyes.

"The Religious Affections" is an extremely difficult book to read, not only because of the sentence structure and word choices of the 18th century, but also because of the loaded theology. It is a bombshell to the heart of anyone who earnestly desires to follow Christ. Impossible to ignore, Edwards' book demands a response. No one can read it and be unchanged. The level of discipleship it asks is shocking to modern readers, but ultimately necessary for our salvation.

One of the greatest theological works of the 18th century. Who better to describe the place of the heart (emotions) in the true Spiritual life, than one whose mind is so sharp and precise on both the specific revealed Word of God, and the general revelation of creation. If you have ever read any of Edwards' sermons, then you need to read this work as well. How can we claim to know God with only our minds, if not also our hearts? It is not the quickest read, but it is like climbing a mountain, worth getting the view at the end.

I'm a minister of music at an evangelical church. Almost every week, I have the conversation with someone "what are the role of emotions in our services and in the Christian's life in general?" (Nobody really asks it THAT way, but you get the idea.)

I've come to the point where I won't even begin the conversation without having them read this book. Seriously! Edwards covers ALL the issues in a thorough and practical way.

Strap on your thinking cap, but know it's worth it! I read this book every year and God never fails in using it to refocus my heart on Him.

This is a terrific story, placed in a prospective where characters come to life that you knew existed in the lives of the main characters but never came to know until Gene Edwards brought them to life in story. It is like seeing God's plan come into fruition before your eyes. Even a small child can comprehend the awesomeness of God as it is being read to them. It brings relationships between people into view that are so natural and normal that it makes you feel you are a part of story, like a friend standing right there in the midst of all the events. Mr. Edwards carrys an anointing that most good writers can't even imagine exist.

This is Book 5 of the Chronicles of the Door. It deals with future events, mostly from the viewpoint of the angels in heaven. I really enjoyed the entire series; my only wish was that it had been longer and more in depth. This is a great finale which finally brings to light the mysteries pondered by man and angels. I strongly recommend the entire series, which begins with, appropriately, "The Beginning."

To the reviewer whe referred to Christmas as "Xmas"or anyone else that may read that review,I am sure you were not aware of what you were doing as I was until someone pointed it out to me,but,please do not take Christ out of Christmas by replacing Him with an "X".Christ,and the contents of this book are what Christmas is all about.Thank you.

This is rework into usable language for all Christians to realize their callings and vocation are for service to their Lord.

Martin Luther in the Reformation returned the church of Christ to its proper understanding of work and vocation. Thus, to Luther even the common plowboy or in modern work a gas station attendant, is every bit as important as work as the missionary in Africa if done in faith in Christ.

This great restoration of Biblical teaching by Luther was furthered by Gustaf Wingren's classic "On Vocation." Veith was given this book, from whose reading comes this work.

Veith has the gift to put the complex in simple sentences and vocabulary. Wingren is difficult reading for most pastors, let alone the common layperson.

Classic quotes come from this,e.g. "But work done in faith has a different significance than work that is done in unbelief. The doctrine of vocatin helps Christians see the ordinary labors of life to be charged with meaning."

This will benefit those who read its treasures and apply it to their own vocations.

This book helped me realize my own strengths and weaknesses in my vocation. The message is especially inspiring to me, as I've struggled to understand my work in relation to God's call. I recommend it to anyone striving to serve Him, while living in the real world.

You may believe you are called to a job or to a non-profit ministry, but do you think of yourself as called to every other part of your life? Skilled Author Gene Edward Veith points out that an idea presented in the Protestant Reformation, that of the priesthood of all believers, teaches Christians to see all of life as God's call to glorify and enjoy Him. As a citizen, a parent, a spouse, a worker, and a church member, you are called to certain holy responsibilities and benefits. Veith writes, "Every kind of work [including fathering and mothering] . . . is an occasion for priesthood, for exercising a holy service to God and to one's neighbor." Therefore, our lives aren't on hold when the boring parts seem to hold up the enjoyable parts or when business seems to hold up ministry. It's all part of our multiple calling. We have God-given vocations meant to honor and enjoy God in everything we do whether it's in the back office, in the discipling process, or on the ball field.

More than this, the author draws from Martin Luther's writing on vocation to describe God's hidden role in our work. The Lord works through our activity, even the most mundane, to further His kingdom and glorify Himself. Understanding this results in a comprehensive "theology of ordinary life." "Most people seek God in mystical experiences. . . To find Him in vocation brings Him, literally, down to earth, [and] makes us see how close He really is to us."

God At Work is inspiring. It's a well-written handling of an important subject, increasingly important as the world urges us to segregate faith from all public life. Veith argues that God didn't establish secular work apart of the sacred. He designed everything as sacred.

Mother Teresa did not write this as a book of daily reflections, rather it is a sharing by her, in speeches she has made, anecdotes she has related, of her life experiences. In other words, it is real, authentic and practical.
The readings take less than a minute a day, but the idea is one that can be chewed on all day long. I learned from Mother Teresa that the greatest poverty in the world in not want of food but want of love. I learned from her that love is unlimited, is diffusive of itself. When we give love we don't divide, we double. I learned from her not to give just from the tips of my fingers, but of my substance, and of myself.
What wisdom this great lady had, born of her love and her humilty. In summary, this book is a treasure.

Day by day, this book gives you a simple thought to carry around with you and put into practice for the rest of the day. It profoundly influenced me, shifting my focus from navel-gazing to other people. It gives perspective and improves the quality of life.

This book offers a quote of Mother Teresa's for each day of the year. It does a fine job of compiling her most inspiring words for daily reflection. Keep it at your bedside and read the day's quote before retiring.

After so many years of trying to live the Christian life, and after so many years of suffering the guilt and inability to do so, in steps Gene Edwards and revolutionizes everything! This book gets into the bedrock eternal nature and life of God. I never saw my life as being a "species from two realms"! Gene will walk you through the heavenlies such as no other author to date can. How many times were we told that in order to be a good Christian we must pray, read the bible, tithe, speak in tongues etc..? You wont find these cliche formulas here. Gene will take you to eternity past and get a glimpse of just how the Father lived the Christian life. It's simplicity and beauty will impact your life for as long as we dwell in our mortal tents! Be prepared to be confronted with what you thought was true! You may have to re-evaluate everything you've learned regarding the Christian life!

This awesome and dynamic book will open your eyes to what it really means to be a "Christian." I was so awestruck that I could not put the book down. If you are looking for meat you will find it here but be prepared to be shaken from your old thought patterns. You will not be the same again.

Next to the Word of God, no other book ever written has shown me more of our potential in Christ. The radical message presented cuts right through "Todays" Christianity to what is essential in your walk: HIM. This will be one book that you will find yourself buying numerous copies of to give out to those seeking for the truth. Read it and you'll never be the same!!!!

A totally absorbing "atmosphere" book. I literally couldn't put it down --- Its got everything a history, mystery and horror fan could want...Ghosts of Templar Knights, a forbidden bog, a town with a terrible secret, and a curious new clergyman trying to piece it all together in 14th century England. A great "escape" or vacation read.

not only is this is avery good historical mytsery, full of insightful and interesting detail, but it is also a rather chilling ghost story.

the writing is succinct and evocative (if not particularly artful). Doherty's prose is very readable, and the characters he draws are very real, especially Philip the Priest, the man at the centre of this spectrely tale.

The plot is great, and it has a couple of really nice twists and unexpected shocks. It moves very quickly, and doesnt get bogged down at all in any unueccessary detail. Every single sentence is germaine to the plot.

If you like authentic-feeling historical mysteries, this is a good book to choose. (Pleasingly, it is now merely one in a series of six similar tales.) And, if you like ghost stories, this is a good choice, especially if you want a nice spin to the story.

If you like murder mysteries as well as historical fiction, then you are in for a treat. Mr. Doherty knows the medieval period and uses it to good advantage. This is a takeoff of Chaucer's Canterbury tales where all the members of the party tell a story. This is the Story told by the Priest. It is a tale of treachery, greed and ghosts. This novel was wonderfully done and quite enjoyable.

This book contains the best black/white images from the original complete collection. The portraits of Indian and the past moment of their daily life were captured with their character and dignity.

It is a marvelous image collection (Edward spent 30 years to make this 20-volume encyclopedia) of history. It represents the love of the dying population, and records the broken dream of native Indian.

This is an incredible collection of pictures. Piles on piles of pictures. But... The pictures are small. I was hoping for a collection of large pictures(i.e. 8x10) but the majority of them are approximately 4x5. It's a wonderful book, but don't expect full sized images. Irregardless it's a great buy for the price. You'll have a hard time finding a collection of pictures as big as this(even if the pictures are small) :)

absolutely stunning recollection of his complete photos. the reproductions are somewhat small, but easily viewable. such a complete set is so awe inspiring, anyone who has an interest or a love for native ameircan history/american history must have this book. absolute beauty.

This is about the third book I've read by Gene Veith and I enjoy his clear writing style very much. This book has a helpful overview of the main genres of literature and their place in the Christian worldview. The real gems in this book are Veith's discussions of Fiction and Fantasy. There would certainly be crossover into the realm of filmmaking for the thoughtful Christian screenwriter. I also found the end chapters on the development of literature throughout history, and how Christians interacted and critiqued the errors of their day a helpful corrective to much of the existential Christian nonsense which tries to pass itself off as "Christian literature" these days. My only disappointment is Veith's repeated use of Madeline L'Engle as a positive example of a Christian author. Certainly, she has some spiritual overtones to her books, but I don't think the worldview she presents could be called distinctly "Christian". The other slight criticism I have is that I would have liked to see Veith give more discussion to developing a model for how Christians can interact with their culture through literature. He kind of assumes too much here.

The only problem with this book is that it has the wrong title. It shouldn't be called a "Christian" guide to literature, but simply a guide to literature. I heartily recommend this book to both my Christian and non-Christian friends.

Mr. Veith clearly explains the importance of literature in our modern society. His description of the different literary forms gave me a new appreciation for some genres that in the past I had avoided. This book is important to both the avid reader as well as some one who would like to develop an appreciation for literature. It is most appropriate for anyone who has an interest in literature, not just Christians.

We live in a time which allows book lovers access to a tremendous amount of literature, but we often need help in sorting through the junk to get to the nuggets of gold. Veith has done an outstanding job of teaching the lover of reading what to look for (and look out for) in books. The author explores how to seek out quality works of fiction, non-fiction, and poetry in helping the reader develop a sense of good literary taste. The book also explains how literature has changed from the Middle Ages to the present, but in an entertaining way. Veith's writing style makes sometimes confusing literary concepts easily understood. A very enjoyable read.

This is another installment in P. C. Doherty's Chaucer series. The Franklin tells the tale of a young squire, Richard Greenele, sent on a mission by his Knight as he lays dying on the battlefield. Richard finds out that he is really a noble and begins a quest to unravel the mystery behind his father's downfall. This is a story of the coming of age of young Richard as well as a wonderful mystery full of murder and deceit.

P.C Doherty is in my opinion the best writer of historical mysteries out there. This book kept me riveted. I loved it.

Quite an excellent book. Doherty perfectly intermingles the pilgrim's conversations with the story told by the franklin. A page-turner and nearly impossible to put it down; I read it in two days! This book has all the classic murder mystery parts: death, sex, intrique, romance, and for those medieval fans, knights, ladies, verderers, castles, and of course those pilgrims. A five out of five stars!

Having read and enjoyed The Man of Law's Tale and The Knight's Tale, I was expecting to find The Franklin's Tale to be no less intriguing. My expectations were far exceeded. I was scarcely able to put it down, and, when I had finished it, I got my husband to read it, and HE couldn't put it down, either. This book is more "gothic" in flavor than the previous two, and perhaps that why I enjoyed it more. This has all the markings of a classic, one that I'll read again and again.

A close friend told me about this book, and I borrowed it and read it in one setting ... I could not put it down. A must read for all who wish to be inspired!

I just received this book recently. I found it to be an enjoyable and inspirational read. An interesting metaphorical musing that parallels the growth of one's spiritual walk, with similarities within the growth of creation itself. I enjoyed it!

As a Mother of 5 children finding time for myself is very precious to me, and some of my favorite moments are when I can curl up with a good book. This book definitely provided me an enjoyable reading experience. I definitely can use a lift, and this one touched my soul.