Best Catechisms
Using the tradition of explaining what the Church believes (the Creed), what she celebrates (the Sacraments), what she lives (the Commandments), and what she prays (the Lord's Prayer), the Catechism of the Catholic Church offers challenges for believers and answers for all those interested in learning about the mystery of the Catholic faith. Catechism of the Catholic Church is the first new edition of the catechism in 400 years.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"it will help me increase my knowledge and faith."
"easy to read and to find interpretations."
"bought it for a friend hope he reads it."
"excellent service/product."
"Awesome resource for life."
"Excellent gift for confirmation."
"I learned things I did not know."
The New York Times bestselling author of The Jesuit Guide to (Almost) Everything and Jesus: A Pilgrimage turns his attention to the relationship between LGBT Catholics and the Church in this loving, inclusive, and revolutionary book. Adapted from an address he gave to New Ways Ministry, a group that ministers to and advocates for LGBT Catholics, Building a Bridge provides a roadmap for repairing and strengthening the bonds that unite all of us as God's children. “Martin has written a wonderful book that challenges the institutional church to be in dialogue with the LGBT community. Martin’s inspiring new book invites church leaders to minister with more compassion and reminds LGBT Catholics that they are as much a part of our church as any other Catholic.” ( Cardinal Joseph Tobin, Archbishop of Newark ). “If Martin’s book, with its biblical reflections on God’s loving creation of us and Jesus’ unconditional welcome, can help LGBT people and our families experience and trust God’s tenderness, he will have laid the foundation stone for social change and spiritual renewal.” ( Washington Post ). “A major bridge-builder is Father James Martin, S.J., whose new book displays guarded hope for change. “In this much anticipated new book, Father James Martin, SJ, seeks to end the ‘us’ versus ‘them’ mentality that has long divided LGBT Catholics and the institutional Church.” ( Crux ).
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"Excellent, easy to read."
"Then he takes equal time (3 chapters) to appeal to LGBT individuals to treat Church leadership with respect, compassion, and sensitivity. The last half of the book is an offering of scripture passages with questions for meditation and ideas for prayer."
"I wanted a more confrontational, get-right-with-Christ approach to this."
"I read this after seeing a ton of harsh critiques all over social media. As many people have stated, this is a great FIRST STEP into creating a much needed dialogue with the LGBT community. There is also a great section in the back aimed to help people who feel marginalized either because they are 1. Parents/Siblings/Relatives of gay people who feel uncomfortable with how they should talk to them about the Church. This book is not perfect, and it will not please everyone, but it is valuable that every person is treated with dignity and respect."
"Martin has written a book that truly brings Christ's love for all and is a wake up call for not only the church hierarchy and the LGBT community; but for each and every one of us in understanding and reaching out on both sides of the bridge."
"In the Bridge section, a chapter is devoted to each of the three virtues, respect, compassion, and sensitivity, from the perspective of both the LGBTQ community, and the Church. Showing compassion to the LGBTQ community is comprised of listening to them, standing with them, sorrowing and rejoicing with them. Martin points out that the bridge is desirable for trust, forgiveness, reconciliation, unity and love, and that it is all supported by the power of the Holy Spirit. Among the ten are such things as the Biblical importance of naming for honoring all Imago Dei; finding acceptance in knowing that all of God’s children are “fearfully and wonderfully made”; finding strength in God (Psalm 62); finding hope in the risen Christ; and examining one’s “darkness” in the “sunshine of God’s love.” Each meditation concludes with questions for reflection, geared both to LGBTQ individuals, Church leaders, and allies. The final section contains a Prayer for use by the LGBTQ community, particularly when feeling the sting of rejection and despair. However, the book is a valuable resource for bridging the divide, with plenty of completely Scriptural exhortation for both Church leaders, the LGBTQ community, and allies. Martin alludes to this in his Together on the Bridge summary: “Some of this may be hard for members of the LGBTQ community to hear. On the other side of the bridge, the Church must avoid singling out homosexuality as a more “disordered” sin than, say, divorce and remarriage without annulment, premarital sex, adultery, even the use of birth control. This is implied in the discussion about respect for the spiritual gifting of LGBTQ individuals, as well as in several of the meditations that relate to self-acceptance. On the other hand, he also advocates strongly for LGBTQ submission to and respect for Church leaders, tradition, and doctrine. It is worth pointing out that Catholic acceptance of LGBTQ as Christians hinges on their baptism/confirmation in the Church, not heterosexual identity. In the evangelical context, the vast majority of churches currently rejects LGBTQ Christians as a contradiction in terms. Although this is theologically erroneous from an orthodoxy point of view, it is nonetheless a reality that will unfortunately prevent most Evangelicals from finding any merit in the book. There may, of necessity, be limits to what that can look like in a Church, but there’s no Biblical warrant for complete exclusion of the LGBTQ community."
"This book, while devoted to the divide between the Roman Catholic Church and the LGBT community, is so much more!"
Seeking to restore this ancient method of teaching to the regular life of the church, The New City Catechism Devotional is a gospel-centered, modern-day resource that not only summarizes important Christian beliefs through fifty-two questions and answers but also helps readers be transformed by those doctrines. All Christians would benefit from considering these questions and reflecting on the answers.”. — Andrew Wilson. , Pastor, Kings Church London; author, The Life We Never Expected and Unbreakable. The New City Catechism Devotional offers teachers, parents, and those young in their faith a tool that communicates basic doctrine in fifty-two straightforward steps. Harmonizing wisdom from voices both ancient and modern, it invites us to methodically internalize the categories by which we understand our faith, reechoing the good news for a new generation of believers. The New City Catechism Devotional is perhaps the most concise and accessible resource I have read—the questions are immediately relevant in every culture, the language is easily understood or translatable, and the brilliance of the gospel radiates in every page.”. — Gloria Furman. , author, Missional Motherhood and Treasuring Christ When Your Hands Are Full. This catechism is just as useful in family devotions or in workplace discipleship as in the pulpit or in church small groups.”. — Russell D. Moore. , President, The Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission. These commentaries (written by gifted preachers of today and those of previous ages), heartfelt prayers, and the theological precision of The New City Catechism will benefit all saints seeking to grow in their love and knowledge of God and his truth.”. — Jason Helopoulos , associate pastor, University Reformed Church, East Lansing, Michigan; author, A Neglected Grace ; The New Pastor’s Handbook ; and Let the Children Worship.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"It is organized by the 52 questions of the catechism and each chapter includes a short commentary and a short prayer."
"In most churches, they would list the four main methods of growth: Bible, Prayer, Fellowship, and Outreach. Some believers, having gone through all these conventional paths still find it frustrating when they feel they have not grown beyond their comfort zones. Catechisms are short question and answer format that are meant for new believers, new members, and those needing a refresher course on the fundamentals of the faith. Contemporary contributors include the popular Thabiti Anyabwile, Alistair Begg, Mark Dever, Kevin DeYoung, John Piper, and many more. Catechisms have always fascinated me because of its simplicity and effectiveness in bringing across basic ideas through an easy to understand Question-and-Answer format. Then encourage your fellow Church members to pester your pastor, teacher, or a teaching leader to hold a catechism class with this book. Collin Hansen is a regular contributor to The Gospel Coalition, and has previously written books such as "Blind Spots" and "A God-Sized Vision." Rating: 4.5 stars of 5. conrade. This book has been provided courtesy of Crossway Publishers and NetGalley without requiring a positive review."
"Our church has been going through the New City for 2 years in our corporate gatherings and it has been such a blessing!"
"Recently, a woman asked a question in a Facebook community - What ideas can you share about ways to teach our children the creeds and catechisms of our faith? For those of you who don't know, these catechisms are questions and answers about the Christian faith that some traditions memorize in order to better understand the basics."
"I love the format with short truths to memorize, a few paragraphs from theologians who lived in the past and a few paragraphs from a contemporary theologian."
"Christ centered and thought provoking."
"Excellent tool for family devotions."
"Easy to follow."
Best Sufism
The Essential Rumi continues to be the bestselling of all Rumi books, and the definitive selection of his beautiful, mystical poetry. Text: English. Original Language: Persian.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"One of best book of great Rumi."
"In September of 2012, I created a photographic gallery of Rumi quotations and used a few of the quotes from Coleman Bark's book with direct permission from the author - I thought it was so cool that he emailed me back and was gracious about it. The translation is great but the content is very hard to put into context.... it's like reading about another person's dreams.... they make very little sense except a few moments in time when something clarifying and brilliant happens."
"Great poetry that inspires and is easily relate able to modern times."
"One of my all-time favorite books which I can and will read over and over."
"I read this book daily."
"I have had this in book form and I need something I can just carry with me anywhere I go."
"Coleman Barks is one of the best for bringing Rumi to the 21st century!..not literal translations from Persian, I've heard, but renderings that do capture the taste of Rumi's message."
"Wanted it to go to when I wanted/needed his wonderful words to center and quiet me."
Best Ritual Religious Practices
Using the tradition of explaining what the Church believes (the Creed), what she celebrates (the Sacraments), what she lives (the Commandments), and what she prays (the Lord's Prayer), the Catechism of the Catholic Church offers challenges for believers and answers for all those interested in learning about the mystery of the Catholic faith. Catechism of the Catholic Church is the first new edition of the catechism in 400 years.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"it will help me increase my knowledge and faith."
"excellent service/product."
"Awesome resource for life."
"Excellent gift for confirmation."
"I learned things I did not know."
"Very pleased with my purchase."
Best Christian Prayer Books
Stormie Omartian shares how God can strengthen your marriage as you pray for your husband concerning key areas in his life, including... "No writer has made so positive an impact on the prayer life of this generation of Christians as Stormie Omartian.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"In years past, I’ve heard about “The Power of a Praying Wife.” The Holy Spirit led me to check it out. Each day I pray, the chapter’s topic just so happens to coincide with what my man is going through and/or addresses a pressing issue about his character. I personally appreciate this book because it is helping me to keep my focus/contentment on Christ, pray instead of nag, and address my own character flaws as I study the provided scriptures."
"The Power of a Praying Wife by Stormie Omartian is a wonderful book that every Christian wife should read. Each chapter includes a few pages of literature, a prayer written specifically for that topic and then several Bible verses pertaining to that topic. I really like how there are so many topics so you can pick and choose what you feel you need to read and then you can always reference other ones at a later point in time. I'm considering purchasing additional copies for some of my Christian friends and I highly recommend it for all Christian married women!"
"Definitely recommend this book to anyone who needs help praying specific prayers for their spouse, and marriage!"
"So glad we chose this book and the accompanying study guide."
"There is a prayer at the end of each chapter and there are 31 chapters!"
"Even though the perspective is Christian I felt the book was easily applicable to women from all religious backgrounds."
"This book not only provides prayers but tells of her story as well which strengthens my faith seeing I am not alone."
"Love how this little companion book is a compilation of all the prayers in the main book, "The Power of Praying for Your Adult Children" by Stormie Omartian."
Best Christian Hymns & Hymnals
Includes words and music to each hymn Special softcover, french flap cover design Ivory paper with brown ink Jagged-edge paper, giving it a classic feel Complete with hymn index Use for devotionals, teaching illustrations, introductory remarks for song leaders and music ministers. Rob Morgan is the pastor of The Donelson Fellowship in Nashville, Tennessee, where he has served for more than thirty years.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"Love the book."
"My wife, the musician will love it for Christmas."
"enjoying these songs and writings about them."
"So interesting to read and contemplate while singing the tunes in my mind."
"Great product, very happy with my purchase."
"Great Book, I have given this as a gift many times to people in Music Ministry."
"HERE’S WHY: The words and music are presented as sheet music, but each line is a separate image. If I enlarge the first line of words and music so I can read them in Kindle on my iPad mini, when I get to the end of the line I must then close that image and go through the process of enlarging the next line."
Best Worship Sacraments
To answer these questions, Pitre explores ancient Jewish beliefs about the Passover of the Messiah, the miraculous Manna from heaven, and the mysterious Bread of the Presence. Inspiring and informative, Jesus and the Jewish Roots of the Eucharist is a groundbreaking work that is sure to illuminate one of the greatest mysteries of the Christian faith: the mystery of Jesus’ presence in “the breaking of the bread.”. Clear, profound and practical – you do not want to miss this book.” – Dr. Scott Hahn, author of The Lamb’s Supper and Signs of Life “In Jesus and the Jewish Roots of the Eucharist Brant Pitre pairs together the Jewish Scriptures and the Jewish tradition to frame the actions of Jesus at the Last Supper, and to provide a fresh look at the heart of Christian practice—the Eucharist. Believers and non-believers alike will better-appreciate the rich cultural, traditional and scriptural wells from which Eucharistic understanding has been drawn and developed since Jesus of Nazareth first proclaimed, ‘my flesh is real food, and my body real drink.’” – Elizabeth Scalia, Managing Editor (Catholic) at Patheos.com and the blogger known as The Anchoress “Captivating, clear and compelling, this book shows how the Eucharist is at the heart of Jesus’ messianic mission. After guiding readers through ancient Jewish hopes for a new Exodus, a new Passover, a new manna and a new temple, Pitre demonstrates step-by-step how Jesus’ institution of the Eucharist fulfills those eschatological expectations.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"In his book, Jesus and the Jewish Roots of the Eucharist, Dr. Pitre draws on the Old Testament, additional ancient Hebrew Scriptures, the New Testament - specifically, Jesus’ own words and the writings of St. Paul, as well as the Early Fathers, to teach about the prefiguration of the Eucharist from the time of the Exodus."
"Yes, this book on the Eucharist was certainly a home run."
"Over the years, I have read the Old and New Testaments and have heard them through the readings at Mass and various Bible studies, but without a thought of how it was viewed by the Jews, (including Jesus) in the days that they were experienced."
"Pitre never assumes the reader's stance on the issue, and raises all the questions that so many of us may be asking about the real presence in the Eucharist."
"I greatly enjoyed this book."
"Everyone who appreciates the gift Jesus gave us at the Last Supper will appreciate the Eucharist even more after reading this book."
"Brant Pitre did an outstanding job bring light to a very difficult subject."
"Clearly this book has enriched a cornerstone of my faith and brought clarity to my understanding."
Best Christian Monasticism & Asceticism
It tells of the growing restlessness of a brilliant and passionate young man whose search for peace and faith leads him, at the age of twenty-six, to take vows in one of the most demanding Catholic orders--the Trappist monks. Thomas Merton (1915-1968) was born in France and came to live in the United States at the age of 24.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"fantastic copy of the 1st edition, excellent condition -- and the book/story is riveting."
"This is one of the very best books out of many hundreds that I have read."
"The 50th edition of The Seven Storey Mountain has added information pertinent to understanding Merton from the publisher Giroux and Shannon."
"Truly inspirational for me at a time of deepening spiritual faith."
"Fascinating read!"
"I found the early narration rather tedious trekking from home to home, in and out of schools with mixed anecdotal commentary on Merton's early life and adolescence."
"This famous autobiography chronicles the author's life from childhood up to the point as a young man he makes the bold decision to enter the Trappist order. Eventually his love for God becomes a passion of awesome proportions, enabling him to bring his life into a wonderous balance, inspiring him to write some of the most influential religious reflections of our age or perhaps any age."
Best Christian Rites & Ceremonies Books
With scripture and new personal reflections, the #1 New York Times bestselling author Sarah Young, brings Jesus’ message of joy—for today and every day . Reaching out with joy-filled reminders from the Word of God, these devotions will intimately and gently connect you with Jesus—the One who meets you where you are. Sarah’s writings include Jesus Calling ® , Jesus Today ™, Jesus Lives ™, Dear Jesus , Jesus Calling ® for Little Ones , Jesus Calling ® Bible Storybook , Jesus Calling ® : 365 Devotions for Kids , and Peace in His Presence , each encouraging readers in their journeys toward intimacy with Christ.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"For the past several months, I've been attending a mom's group at church and one day they were giving away the Jesus Calling devotional by Sarah Young. When I started searching Sarah Young on here, I came across the Jesus Always devotional as one of the top results since it is a new release. After traveling for awhile and dealing with illness, Sarah Young strives to find joy in her everyday life so she wrote this particular devotional with that in mind. It's the perfect size to stick in your purse if you need something positive and uplifting to read when you are at work or out and about and it makes a great gift."
"Very good for the soul, every one should read it to make an informed opinion for themselves."
"Sarah writes in the voice of Jesus in the same way A. J. Russell did with his classic devotional "God Calling" whose writings inspire Sarah. Using the voice of Jesus personalizes Scripture for readers in ways that other devotions do not and Jesus’ words are always italicized."
"Her other books have been good, but this one speaks to me as much as "Jesus Calling"."
"It is always good to start the day with God."
"So beautiful to read each morning and start your day with a great reminder that God's got your problems and you're blessed to have His word to guide you."
"Another great spiritual book from Sarah Young."
"I am really enjoying this devotional."
Best Christian Meditation Worship & Devotion
Offering more than a rush of caffeine, best-selling author Paul David Tripp wants to energize you with the most potent encouragement imaginable: the gospel. “We have always resonated with Robert Robinson’s hymn ‘Come Thou Fount,’ especially the line, ‘Prone to wander—Lord, I feel it—prone to leave the God I love.’ We feel the pull daily away from God’s goodness and toward a pursuit of our own, away from God’s gracious acceptance and toward the exhausting, impossible weight of trying to tip the scales in our favor. If you’re prone to wander, this book is for you.”. — Matt and Lauren Chandler. , Lead Pastor, The Village Church, Dallas, Texas; President, Acts 29 Church Planting Network; and his wife Lauren, writer; speaker; singer.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"The wisdom, depth (yet retaining humility and simplicity) and biblical truth of this book make it trustworthy and applicable to life."
"Every day speaks such truth to me and, along with the recommended Scripture for each day, allows me to recognize areas that are holding me back in life or lies I've fallen into believing."
"This devotional is appropriate for all moods and it challenges me to change my perspective for the better everyday."
"But at the beginning of this year, I decided to give it one last try and bought "New Morning Mercies" by Paul David Tripp."
"He offers such practical & powerful teachings that I've given this devotional to 4 of my friends who've recently started walking with Christ so I'm not concerned it will be too difficult for them to understand."
"It really is so full of wisdom and the way it is worded is easy to understand and just solid teaching!"
"This is a daily devotional that has depth, and is challenging yet encouraging."
"Wonderful!"