Classic work of Andrew Murray who understood the heart of God. If you desire to live a holy life, but don't understand how, this is the book for you. Christ said, "My yoke is easy and my burden is light." If that is not your experience, this book reveals the secret.

I love this book. I pick it up every couple of years, and it continues to bless me richly with every read. Andrew Murray simplifies the teachings of Jesus down into three words: "Abide in me." If a believer will simply strive to abide in Christ, all the other benefits will result. Joy overflowing, fruitful ministry, answered prayer, etc. This book is an all time classic with great depth and simplicity in its theology. Buy it and a copy for all your close friends. They don't write them like this anymore.

Murray takes on ideas and weaves into a series of short essays you can read in one month. Perfect as a devotional tool, but richer then typical pop spirituality.

I found the book to be very informative. No matter which area of the United States you'll be travelling in, there are suggestions for fun things for the whole family to enjoy. It's really packed with information. I'm taking it along with me on my drive to Florida.

This book is exactly what it says it is: a great companion guide for Christian/family travel. It is intended to be used alongside a traditional guide, like Frommer's, etc. It is very fast and easy to use, with information arranged by region, state, and then city. Well worth the small investment if you're concerned about keeping your vacation spots fun for the whole family.

I highly recommend this book for American Christians who are going to Europe. The authors have done an excellent job of including the obvious sites of Christian significance (Notre Dame, Rome, etc.) and balancing them with relatively obscure sites (Austria's St. Florian Abby, for example).

Other things I like about this book:

* The "Country in a Capsule" section at the beginning of each country section provides an excellent introduction to each country -- very well done.

* The inclusion of even minor "countries" -- Gibraltar, Andorra, Malta (which I now want to visit!), Liechtenstein, Iceland, Monaco and of course the Vatican City (they left out San Marino, though -- its not even in the Italy section) is refreshing, and I found them to be very interesting. * The sprinkling in of some (well-selected) not specifically Christian sites. The authors seem to understand that even "Christian Travelers" will want to see some of the other major sites in Europe, too, and so they provide a valuable service in reporting on these places for us through Christian eyes.

Because "The Christian Traveler's Companion: Western Europe" does not include information on lodging, restaurants and transportation (trains, buses, etc.), they pack a lot into their 360 pages. Because of this, though, you will also need to purchase a more general travel guide book, too, to give you that kind of information. You will find only modest overlap between a general interest guide to Europe and this one.

Overall, well worth having -- I recommend it!

As a devotional, the book is inspiring. How can it not be? The old hymns my parents knew, and taught me to appreciate, hold an appeal unmatched by many of today's choruses. Reading the words of each hymn brings back warm memories of sing-a-longs in my parents church. To read the stories behind the hymns is a profoundly inspiring experience. For the one who is searching for a deeper relationship with God, the book is a wonderful devotional. For the music enthusiast, the book is a treasure of history.

This was a devotional I loved and needed. It is perfect for a 5 minute to 20 minute devotion. The Bible text is on one page and a very interesting discussion of the passage on the other page. Many of the discussions are historical and I had never heard or read of most of them. In addition, there is a poem for each day, a "word on words" (definitions), a notable quotable (from a historical figure of faith), and a Bible Networking scripture. Most pages have room for notes and I wrote my prayer requests or notes on the scripture for each day. I found it encouraging and easy to stick with. Buy the book and mark it up. bret

Written in the 15th Century and directed towards monks, this is a devotional for Christian living and Monastic life. While noting the time period helps give depth to the historical backdrop of when Thomas was writing this book, it is perhaps more important to know the audience. The intended audience for The Imitation of Christ was monks. This is obvious in the text and it should be kept in mind while reading this work.

This highly influential work has a very simple message: live like Christ. Presented in this book, it is a very strict message. Thomas takes a very strict interpretation of following Christ and the message is very much rooted in the idea of works. It is the actions that one must perform, and not so much the inner state (though he does stress that the inner state is important). This would be a difficult message to take or to give, but again, we must consider the audience: monks living in a monastery. They must live a harsher life and because of their vows, this devotional makes perfect sense.

This can be read as a historical document in Christianity or as a devotional. Either way, one can find great value and and some illumination of the words of Christ through this volume.

Thomas a Kempis was medival monk and priest (1380-1471) who served as chronicler of the monastery at Mt. St. Agnes. During his long life of scholarship, he wrote several biographies of church fathers and a number of devotional works. The "Imitation of Christ" remains his most famous work and the one that has best stood the test of time. Indeed, one of the wonderful things about this work is that it reminds us that the life of the mind is not a creature of the Enlightenment. Even during the so-called Dark Ages there were brilliant scholars with a wide knowledge of both scripture and philosophy. Reflecting its vibrant insight into the human condition, the "Imitation of Christ" remains influential on both sides of the Reformation divide. It reportedly was, for example, one of John Wesley's favorite devotionals.

The "Imitation of Christ" is divided into 4 books, each undertaking a basic theme for development. They are, respectively, the Spiritual Life, the Inner Life, Inward Consolation, and the Blessed Sacrament (i.e., the Eucharist). In turn, each book is sub-divided into numerous chapters, each a page or two long. All of which makes the "Imitation of Christ" a useful book for daily devotionals. One can skip around freely within the book, dipping in as the mood strikes. Yet, I think one is well-served by reading it through at least once. Only then does one see Thomas' thought in its fully-developed form. Do be sure to get a good translation. I am fond of the one by Leo Sherley-Price.

Thomas a Kempis was medival monk and priest (1380-1471) who served as chronicler of the monastery at Mt. St. Agnes. During his long life of scholarship, he wrote several biographies of church fathers and a number of devotional works. The "Imitation of Christ" remains his most famous work and the one that has best stood the test of time. Indeed, one of the wonderful things about this work is that it reminds us that the life of the mind is not a creature of the Enlightenment. Even during the so-called Dark Ages there were brilliant scholars with a wide knowledge of both scripture and philosophy. Reflecting its vibrant insight into the human condition, the "Imitation of Christ" remains influential on both sides of the Reformation divide. It reportedly was, for example, one of John Wesley's favorite devotionals.

The "Imitation of Christ" is divided into 4 books, each undertaking a basic theme for development. They are, respectively, the Spiritual Life, the Inner Life, Inward Consolation, and the Blessed Sacrament (i.e., the Eucharist). In turn, each book is sub-divided into numerous chapters, each a page or two long. All of which makes the "Imitation of Christ" a useful book for daily devotionals. One can skip around freely within the book, dipping in as the mood strikes. Yet, I think one is well-served by reading it through at least once. Only then does one see Thomas' thought in its fully-developed form. Do be sure to get a good translation. I am fond of the one by Leo Sherley-Price.

It is nice to know that some of the great Christians may or may not have had storybook marriages. This was a great history read as well as a realistic look at marriage...personality differences, religious differences, or perfectly melded relationships. I could see myself and/or my husband in some of these stories and it gave good insight and brighter hope in cherishing differences but celebrating similiarities

This was an excellent book that should be in the hands of all young couples entering into ministry. What can make or break a Christian marriage is certainly exemplified in the lives of these outstanding men of God! Consider this as a vital wedding gift to challenge the newlyweds to read from this together and set guidelines in their ministry marriage!

What a book! I have found each and very chapter interesting, encouraging and something that challenges me! This book goes through the lives of many godly saints through the years, and shows the value of a marriage unto God. It also shows the tragedy that can occur if one does not abide in Christ while being married, or if one spouse, specifically the wife, refuses to submit to the call of God on a preacher's life. These are normal, everyday men and women who heeded the call and what really happened behind the scenes. DLMoody and his unending energies married to a calm, sweet woman that behind the scenes held it all together. Charles Spurgeon and his wife, near genius herself and how she reverenced him, supported him and did him good all the days of his life. These are just some of the wonderful stories you will encouraged by. This is a must have for any serious Christian library and worth every penny spent!

Any "booklist" type book is, by nature, highly subjective. And this does not puport to be a "best of" list, but a list of Christian books that have had the greatest impact in their time and even beyond. Indeed, the earliest book on this list, "In His Steps", has enjoyed renewed popularity in the past few years with the "WWJD" phenomenon. As an avid reader of Christian books, and a follower of the Christian publishing industry over the past 25 or so years, I was somewhat surprised to see some recent books included that I have never heard of until I saw them in this book, which makes me question those choices. I mean, if a book such as "Man in the Mirror" made such an impact in the late 1980's I think I would have at least known about it. Of course, there are many books reviewed that I'd never heard of, and that's part of the educational process one goes through in a work such as this, but some are just books for their time rather than timeless classics. For example, "Who Moved the Stone?" might have caused a stir in 1930, but that book was superceded on the evangelical scene years later with the publication of "Evidence That Demands a Verdict", also included. And Bishop Fulton J. Sheen may have been a popular religious figure in the 1950's, but his writings would have only historical interest today. Nevertheless, each reader has his or her own interests, and the summaries of these 20th century works provide a good starting point for delving into Christian literature that has made a difference over the past 100 years.

I love books of lists, especially when the lists are evaluated as these 100 books are.

Everyone will disagree with the Petersens over inclusions and exclusions, but I think that most people would be happy with at least 75% of what they find here.

The authors have included:
reference books such as The New Bible Commentary and the New Bible Dictionary
fiction, such as Sheldon's In His Steps and C.S.Lewis' Screwtape Letters and Chronicles of Narnia
apologetic such as Morrison's Who Moved the Stone? and Lewis' Mere Christianity
Bible translations, or part thereof, such as Ken Taylor's Living Letters
theological works, such as Barth's Church Dogmatics, Berkouwer's Man:The Image of God and Packer's Knowing God
personal testimony, such as Eareckson's Joni and Chuck Colson's Born Again
popular How-to books such as Peales' The Power of Positive Thinking and Warren's The Purpose-Driven Church
books written to provoke evangelicals to action, such as Henry's The Uneasy Conscience of Modern Fundamentalism and Ron Sider's Rich Christians in an Age of Hunger

It is a little strange that Living Letters is the only Bible translation included. I would have thought that several others had had as great an impact as Taylor's paraphrase.

The articles about each book chosen are short and to the point. Sometimes there could have been a little more detail, particularly about lesser-known works.

This book should get people talking about Christian books that have made an impact on them. Warmly recommended.

William J. Petersen presents the reader with an interesting view of the many different "cults" through out America. He has written or co-authored in many Christian books. This particular piece contains 272 pages & is broken down into 6 parts each explaining different cults or movements that took place err the early 1970s. Part One: "Why People Are Turned on by Those Curious New Cults" gives a brief ten page psychological look upon the cults. Part Two: "When the Forces Are At Work or Did The Devil Make Me Do It?" This section is broken down into six parts "Astrology," "I Ching," "Edgar Cayce and the A.R.E," "Spiritualism," "Witchcraft," & "Satanism." Mr. Petersen brings up some good point e.g. on Astrology "What about twins?.... Two babies born at the same time in the same place should have the same destiny. Yet one may die in the hospital and the other may live to be ninety," page 31. The author is very convincing in presenting his dogmatic views & actually gives an almost sold a base for his reasoning. However he fails to view his own beliefs in the same light as he views others. Hence he is trying to walk on water. Part Three: "Home-Made Religion of More Power To The People" is broken down in four sections "Scientology and L. Ron Hubbard," "Black Muslims," "Herbert Armstrong and His Plain Truth," & "The Children of God and the Jesus Movement." Again Mr. Petersen does a great job in presenting how & why people or kids turn to these movements. He states sundry times that teenagers have a need or longing to belong to something greater than themselves. Petersen also states many times that this inner polemic is a result of the "church" is not performing up to par or is too boring for the teenagers of today. Part Four: "Eastward Ho or Which Why Is The Guru Going?" is split into six different parts "Hare Krishna," "Zen Buddhism," "Transcendental Meditation and the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi," "Baba-lovers and the Meher Baba," "Bahai" & "Gurdjieff." Traveling into the eastern mind Peterson talks about why the American melting pot accepts the eastern beliefs & why this has become a homerun in the western mind. Also state is how famous American musicians helped to boast the popularity of the guru. Part Five: "Our Newest Cults," is divided into two parts dubbed "Guru Maharaj Ji and the Divine Light Mission," & "Sun Myung Moon." This is the last chapter in which Petersen tries to present his case. Part Six: "What Makes You Think Christianity is Any Different?" The title of this part hides the true nature of the author's motives. Petersen attempts to show how Christianity is different from all the other "cults" or religions. Again this part is built upon dogmatic beliefs & his logic is built on sand. In conclusion this book gives a great historical introduction upon a few of the many cults or movements that took place in America. However if you are looking for a solid philosophical book you better look somewhere else.