This is an excellent book for the health care professional who is interested in learning about different Complementary and Alternative systems. Each chapter is written by a leader in the reviewed field and is quite comprehensive. I am an Osteopathic Pediatrician, and I found the description of Osteopathic Medicine one of the best that I have ever read. If you are looking for a book that includes specific treatments, however, this is not the book for you. It includes excellent chapters on History of CAM, ethics, how to evaluate the safety/efficacy of particular types of CAM, and overviews many types of CAM including Native American Medicine< Traditional Chinese Medicine, Naturopathy, Massage Therapy, Qigong, Orthomolecular Medicine, Meditation, Ayurveda, etc. There is also an appendix which includes suggested readings, organizations, an indications and precautions chart with clinical trials, and a glossary (which might be the shortcoming of the book - apitherapy is not defined, even though it is mentioned several times throughout the book, for example). All in all, a very comprehensive overview, and recommended.

This book is a good introduction to the field of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). I like that Dr. Jonas presents both the common features and differences between allopathic medicine and CAM. It's fascinating to see that healers have been effectively using CAM for thousands of years. The organization of the book is into three main parts is very good. The portion about safety is excellent. So many of our patients today use CAM, so it is important to know the affects. The chapter, "How to Practice Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine" addressed many of these ideas. The overview of 20 specific disciplines of CAM was very informative and will be a good resource for medical students and practicing health professionals. The chapters on Ayurvedic Medicine and Medicinal Acupuncture where especially enjoyable.

Looking at some reviews by other reviewers, I realized that not everybody has heard of Faust or of Goethe, and I was pretty shocked.

The first part of what I'm saying is about this translation. As Luke so graphically showed in his "Translator's introduction", there are many things that pull at the translator's central agenda: rhyme, metre, primary meaning, nuance, and so on, and the translator has to achieve a balance. Among the translations I've read and from snippets of what I've seen of other translations, Wayne's translation has the most smooth-flowing, elegant rhyme I've seen.

As positives for this translation: The elegance is unparallelled; the wit is sparkling; the metre is almost flawless; the deviation from Goethe is usually acceptable; and there is never, repeat, never, an obvious rhyme-holder word.

As negatives for this translation: There is in a few cases too much of deviation from the original; Wayne at times infuses his own interpretation and character into the work; and the English, though just perfect for, say, a 1950's speaker in England (and those of us used to that kind of word-flow), may be distracting for Americans in 2000.

An example of the latter: "What depth of chanting, whence the blissful tone / That lames my lifting of the fatal glass?" This is pretty representative: if "lames my lifting" does not sound pretentious or obscure, and if the elegance of it strikes you, Wayne's translation is the one for you. If on the other hand, "lames my lifting" sounds straight out of a mediaeval scroll (as I believe is the case with many Americans), then look elsewhere for a translation you will enjoy (read: Luke).

Another, more involved example is in the final lines of Faust II: Wayne translates "Das unbeschreibliche / Hier ists getan" as "Here the ineffable / Wins life through love". Now that, of course is hardly a translation; but it fits in with Wayne's scheme of things - and that IS the point; Wayne has his "scheme of things", which you may or may not like.

The second part of what I'm writing is about Faust itself, the Masterwork: as any German will tell you, Faust is one of the centrepieces of literature, and it is worthwhile learning German JUST to read Faust. Each person comes away from "Faust" having found that that he/she was looking for. Every person is reflected in Faust; "Faust" is the ultimate story of Man. What tempts us, what keeps us, what draws us on, what tears us, what defines us, what lies in store for us - it is all there. "Faust" is a journey everyone should undertake. There is nothing controversial here - no "God", no "Hellfire", nothing but Goethe's straightforward but not blunt, sensitive but not compromised, philosophical but not dreamy, analysis of the human situation. "Faust" is the Master thinker Goethe's sincere attempt at looking at it all; and it does not fall visibly short of the task.

Part I should be read by everyone; Part II is not strictly a sequel, but in many ways is, as Wayne shows in his Introduction. Part II requires some knowledge of Greek Mythology; and does in many ways "complete the story". Only, it goes way beyond that.

I never knew how enjoyable reading plays could be until I read Part I of FAUST. I enjoyed it much more than The Odyssey and Romeo and Juliet. It has an interesting plot and several lines that I will never forget. It also shows how able a man is to hold his morals under the worst circumstances. Buy the Philip Wayne translation. He translated the work without using any Old English, makes it very easy to understand by the word order, and most of all makes great rhymes.

MEPHISTO:I would have the devil take me instantly, but I myself am he.

wayne grudem's 1st peter commentary is power-packed. he fits a lot more into his tyndale commentary than most in the series. great scholarship, exposition, and price with little academic jargon make this book a good buy.

This is a very good exegesis of 1 Peter. It provides in-depth analysis of the major issues in the text, and it doesn't get bogged down in scholarly discussions. Grudem's appendix on the spirits in prison is worth the price of the book

Wonderful! This book will teach you how to focus on the most important part of the game....mental focus. It teaches you to restart each point and motivates you to deal with the most harrowing part of the game....yourself. Mental toughness never seemed so easy after reading this book. Thanks to Karl and Robert my game will never be the same.

This book by Karl Slaikeu is an amazing insight into the most essential aspect of the tennis game!! I am thrilled that I found it, and will recommend it to everyone in my league, club, etc.!! Fine work from a well-rounded, amazing author!!

The second in a projected three-volume series, this well-crafted tome brings together the early sources on Francis of Assisi (1182-1226), arguably one of the most popular saints among Christians and non-Christians alike, shedding light on his role as religious founder. The writings of Francis himself were collected in the first volume, as were the earliest lives of Francis and some liturgical documents. The editors represent the three branches of traditional Franciscanism, and together offer what are as far as I can tell all of the primary sources dealing with the first years of the Order, along with introductions and copious notes. While much of the material is repetitious, what emerges is a portrait of Francis from several different perspectives, not all of them flattering. The documents collected here represent that period of time in the life of the Order when the followers of Francis were trying to determine how to live the life that he had left them. They show various attempts to interpret his wishes for his followers. Even the different biographies were written with a view toward advancing one or another interpretation of the Franciscan Rule. Presented in roughly chronological order, the documents show the developing views on Francis and his legacy. The first, The Beginning or Founding of the Order, treats of the development from a group of companions informally gathered around him to the beginnings of what would become the Order of Saint Francis. The Assisi Compilation, dated 1244-1269, collects personal reminiscences of Francis, and offers a multi-faceted portrait. In introducing the legends and sermons by Bonaventure of Bagnoregio, the editors show how Bonaventure used the information at his disposal to a certain extent to his own ends. They note that Bonaventure's portrait of Francis became normative for a time, but was later contested. What results is a fascinating collection of documents illustrating the influence of this great man, and the struggles his followers went through in their attempts to interpret his rule in changing circumstances. Scripture quotations are put in italics, and the reference supplied in the margin. I did note one mistake: On p. 168, the reference is given as Rv. 4:12, a verse that does not exist. Surely the reference is to one of Paul's epistles. The editors have critically examined the documents, and indicate where one is dependent on another. The footnotes make reference to varying interpretations of certain passages, and relate the works to earlier Christian writings. An appendix has eleven maps, some showing the geographical or political features of the area, and two showing Assisi at the time of Francis. While the critical apparatus make this work especially valuable for scholars, all those interested in Francis of Assisi or the history of Christianity at the time will appreciate having all of these text gathered into a convenient volume.

No more bird bath type view of who Francis is. With the most up to date scholarship, Franciscan scholars have put together the best English translations with a commentary that can guide you through the medieval world in wich these early documents of Francis of Assisi were written. I find the commentary particularly useful in my own personal study as well as meditation so as to make Franciscan spirituality meaningful to today. The Volume Two focuses on Francis as the founder of the Franciscan movement of communities of lesser brothers (friars minor), poor ladies (poor Clares nuns) and the tertiaries (regulars and seculars). This is essential reading for Franciscans and franciscans-at-heart to find out what Francis has wanted his followers to do.

This book is worth reading. Dr. Keyser and Dr. Ballard bring a wealth of insight and scholarship to this rich text. One of the book's major strenghts is the unbiased approach brought to this discussion of OT Theology. The scholarship is evident, and the authors navigate the reader through a large portion of the most important testimony ever written.

From Jerusalem to Gaza is an extremely special book. I don't say this because I am a student of the co-author (though it does help), but because it is such an apt guide on the theologies found in Old Testament literature. Both authors are very learned scholars in Old Testament studies and have a lot to offer from an intellectual standpoint, but there is a familiarity felt when reading the book as if the writer were sitting next to you explaining his views and convictions based on his knowledge. The titling of the book could not possibly be more fitting. Based on a paradigm passage of Peter and the Ethiopian Eunuch, the book lives up to its title, covering the boundaries and beliefs of those in Jerusalem (the Israelite center of worship), Gaza (one of the five Philistine city-states), and everywhere in between. Additionally, because the book is such an easy read, it would appeal to a Biblical Scholar or a simple lay person trying to get a grasp on the God of the Old Testament. In more ways than one, the title speaks of the overall goal and spirit of the book.
Dr. Ballard and Dr. Keyser make it a point to contribute a chapter in From Jerusalem to Gaza to each of the main theological issues that are addressed in the Old Testament. Each chapter begins as the book does, with a "paradigm passage" that directly addresses the issue at hand and will be examined to draw information about that issue. The book begins with more broad topics such as the Israelite God YHWH and His relationship with the inhabitants of the Earth, and moves toward topics that would entice those who are in all ways striving for a closer relationship with Him, such as the way He expects us to live our lives. As the book progresses into the second half, it is filled with such beneficial advice and encouragement (for both the Christian and Jewish reader) that it could almost be read strictly as a devotional piece. The warmth in which the book was written transfers to the reader and he cannot help but to be convicted and challenged to seek more diligently to live according to the way God has commanded us to live.
One thing about this book that jumps out at the reader is the tendency of the authors not to be timid in addressing things that would cause discomfort among many readers. Dr. Ballard and Dr. Keyser admit that some of the things found in the Hebrew Bible are a bit fuzzy and clearly wish to get to the bottom of the questions that arise when reading the text. For every subject that arises in the conversation on any topic, the authors are faithful to provide differing views of the Old Testament scholars who have addressed that particular topic. As a matter of fact, much of the book is made up of various quotes from the books of well-known scholars in the field of Old Testament study such as Robert L. Cate and Robin Cover. This lets the reader know that the authors have done their homework not only on the text, but other scholarly applications of the text. Though the authors usually state which view they support, the reader would be hard pressed to find any bias or preconceived notions in the thoughts of the authors, seeing as the authors provide ample space for the reader to examine each of the angles represented and come up with his own view of the text. To take it a step further, there are many times in the book where the author will recommend resources to those "readers who would like to pursue more" information on the topic being discussed. They also will give you their own take on the book, citing whether or not the book is easy reading or should be reserved for one with a firm grasp on Old Testament Scholarship.
I would recommend this book to anyone with a desire to dig deeper into the theological issues addressed in the Old Testament. I'm certain that the aim of Dr. Ballard and Dr. Keyser is to make this book so rich in scholarship that the Biblical scholar will appreciate it, so full of important information that the college student will value it, and so full of warmth and sincerity that the devotional reader will cherish it. If so, then the goal has been accomplished. This book would be beneficial to anyone, no matter where they are on the journey of religious liberty... from Jerusalem to Gaza.

Anyone who is about to become (or already is) "Older Than Dirt" should read this book. I enjoyed every page. Plus it gave me some usefull tips on how to deal with The IRS !!!!!

Grandpa was reading this book when he died...At least he went with a smile on his face. Some of my friends who read it weren't even offended. This will probably win a Pulitzer Prize, provided the Pulitzer people enjoy high quality booger humor. I am buying this book for all of my friends who are old and still having birthdays.

If you are facing the question: Do gender sensitive translations distort Scripture in places where those who have concerns about such translations claim they do? You must read this book.
The book by Carson ("Inclusive language") and Mark Strauss ("Distorcing Scripture") defend the possibility of certain kinds of gender sensitive translations as a matter of translation theory, even though in principle it does not hold to the possibility of such rendering. The book by Poythress and Grudem, using a truly independent work, prove that most of what such translations do is flawed, and they clarify the issues in the gender-neutral Bible debate.
In fact, The Gender-Neutral Bible Controversy examines all aspects of that question, from global considerations right down to the fundamental aspects, remembering all the time that we need to realize the final form in which Scripture is authoritative is its written form.
This is the best book on its theme!

Gender-neutral "translations" of the Bible have been on the market for more than a decade, but with the recent introduction of the TNIV by Zondervan and the International Bible Society, they are suddenly getting much more attention and scrutiny. Poythress and Grudem are very scholarly and thorough in their approach to the gender-neutral translation issue.

I must say that unless a person has an INTENSE interest in this subject (as I do as a pastor), purchasing the small booklet "What's Wrong with Gender Neutral Bible Translations?" would be a much better investment of money AND time. (It is available from the Council on Biblical Manhood and Womanhood for a modest fee.)

This book describes how the modern feminist agenda has influenced the translators of the Bible, compelling them to mute the patriarchalism inherent in the ancient texts. It may be polite and politically correct today to avoid using the "generic he" and other masculine language in written documents. The authors assert, however, that translators cannot avoid masculine overtones and at the same time accurately translate the Scriptures.

This volume identifies and describes in detail the numerous arguments used by scholars who support gender-neutral language in Bible translations. It then proceeds to show the fallacies present in their reasoning. Poythress and Grudem are far from intellectual lightweights -- they each hold degrees from both Harvard and the University of Cambridge.

I recommend this book highly to any pastor or scholar who is interested in a superb intellectual rebuttal to the gender-neutral Bible translation rationale that has been promoted over the last decade.

The first thing a teenager sees when they look at a Bible is how long and boring it is. Actually, that is not true. I once thought the same thing until I bought the God's Word for Students Bible. This book inspires a close relationship with God by including 365 devotionals (one for everyday of the year). When I got the Bible and began to do the devotions, I found myself trusting Jesus more and more. Reading His word is a key to a successful walk with Him.

The translation is also extremely easy to read and is written clearly, so you arent' overwelmed by the looks of it. It is a "must-have" for any on-fire-for-God teen.

This is a Bible written with youthful readers in mind. It is written in modern English and in paragraph form that kids are used to. It helps them to put their religious beliefs into action. There is an index that allows the kids to look up topics of interest (ie. dating, drinking, popularity) and to find out what the Word of God has to say about it.