Best Jehovah's Witness
In this remarkably candid part-memoir, part-history guide, former Witness Lloyd Evans comprehensively explores the religion of his upbringing, charting the organization's metamorphosis from unassuming 19th Century brethren to global brand in the modern age. Evans lays bare the circumstances leading to his "awakening" with startling honesty and reveals how the heartbreaking loss of his mother played a profound role in keeping long-held doubts suppressed. Evans analyzes the role of shunning (disfellowshipping) and the stigmatization of "apostates" in enforcing loyalty among Witnesses, and reflects on the indifference of society in general to human rights violations by high-control groups. -Scott Terry, author of Cowboys, Armageddon and the Truth "Insight only an 'insider' can bring to a subject difficult to understand for those who have never been part of this world, and unthinkable to contemplate for those inside its bubble. -Chris Shelton, author of Scientology: A to Xenu "A compelling and informative window on the world of the Jehovah's Witnesses that will be a vital and life changing resource for former members and many others too in forming an authentic understanding of this group, its beliefs, methods and effects on individuals and families."
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"Ex-JWs, like other escapees from very controlling groups, are often still dealing with serious issues that can undermine skill and judgement, so sometimes the books are uneven or strangely biased. Among other things, it gently highlights some forms of toxic and/or problematic thinking that are operational within the group, and models at least a few of the healthier alternatives. However, if it were to be republished in a future edition, a good publisher’s editor might 1) tighten up the few sections where the history of historical personalities affecting policy did drag just a bit), 2) ensure that all sources were appropriately footnoted in the main text, 3) reduce the font size and single-space quoted paragraphs, and 3) resize and clean up a couple of the exhibits in the appendix. The refreshingly honest self-revealing bits of the book may be uncomfortable reading for those who only frame their understanding within binary oppositions such as hero/villain or hero/victim, but I think it shows that the psychological path of self-development in this kind of context is almost always fairly difficult and complicated."
"I liked the neutral tone, the analysis of the matter at hand, not just throwing rocks with no real basis."
"powerful and poignant."
"Llyod tells us his story from his early memories of growing up in the Jehovah's Witness religion or as he has come to realize the Cult. The story gets somewhat personal at times but he holds nothing back in helping us to understand what it is like to grow up with the repressive rules and regulations of the JW's. We are taken through his teenage years and his early 20 and possibly to most trajic part of his life the death of his mother."
"Awesome book that exposes Watchtower's craziness."
"For so many years I was unable to put into words many of the feelings I had about my experiences with JW's, but the lens that Mr. Evans sees the world through, and expresses through the pages of this book, made my own vague ideas crystal clear for once."
"Great buy for those who are trying to know what Jehovah's witnesses are about and for those thinking of leaving JW's , faded, shunned, ignored, or have doubts, as well as current members looking to find answers they were looking for."
In this remarkably candid part-memoir, part-history guide, former Witness Lloyd Evans comprehensively explores the religion of his upbringing, charting the organization's metamorphosis from unassuming 19th Century brethren to global brand in the modern age. Evans lays bare the circumstances leading to his "awakening" with startling honesty and reveals how the heartbreaking loss of his mother played a profound role in keeping long-held doubts suppressed. Evans analyzes the role of shunning (disfellowshipping) and the stigmatization of "apostates" in enforcing loyalty among Witnesses, and reflects on the indifference of society in general to human rights violations by high-control groups. Rather than being a sensationalist rant by an embittered ex-member, The Reluctant Apostate offers a relaxed, good-humored tour of Witness history and teachings supported by extensive references (to be found in the "Notes" section). "A compelling and informative window on the world of the Jehovah's Witnesses that will be a vital and life changing resource for former members and many others too in forming an authentic understanding of this group, its beliefs, methods and effects on individuals and families." -Scott Terry, author of Cowboys, Armageddon and the Truth "Insight only an 'insider' can bring to a subject difficult to understand for those who have never been part of this world, and unthinkable to contemplate for those inside its bubble. -Chris Shelton, author of Scientology: A to Xenu "A compelling and informative window on the world of the Jehovah's Witnesses that will be a vital and life changing resource for former members and many others too in forming an authentic understanding of this group, its beliefs, methods and effects on individuals and families." More recently, in 2017, Lloyd published his first book The Reluctant Apostate - a part-memoir, part-reference work interweaving his life story with Watchtower teachings and history. In recent years, Lloyd has established himself as a passionate advocate against cults and religious fundamentalism, stressing the need for governments to properly address human rights violations by high-control groups.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"Ex-JWs, like other escapees from very controlling groups, are often still dealing with serious issues that can undermine skill and judgement, so sometimes the books are uneven or strangely biased. Among other things, it gently highlights some forms of toxic and/or problematic thinking that are operational within the group, and models at least a few of the healthier alternatives. However, if it were to be republished in a future edition, a good publisher’s editor might 1) tighten up the few sections where the history of historical personalities affecting policy did drag just a bit), 2) ensure that all sources were appropriately footnoted in the main text, 3) reduce the font size and single-space quoted paragraphs, and 3) resize and clean up a couple of the exhibits in the appendix. The refreshingly honest self-revealing bits of the book may be uncomfortable reading for those who only frame their understanding within binary oppositions such as hero/villain or hero/victim, but I think it shows that the psychological path of self-development in this kind of context is almost always fairly difficult and complicated."
"I liked the neutral tone, the analysis of the matter at hand, not just throwing rocks with no real basis."
"powerful and poignant."
"Llyod tells us his story from his early memories of growing up in the Jehovah's Witness religion or as he has come to realize the Cult. The story gets somewhat personal at times but he holds nothing back in helping us to understand what it is like to grow up with the repressive rules and regulations of the JW's. We are taken through his teenage years and his early 20 and possibly to most trajic part of his life the death of his mother."
"Awesome book that exposes Watchtower's craziness."
"For so many years I was unable to put into words many of the feelings I had about my experiences with JW's, but the lens that Mr. Evans sees the world through, and expresses through the pages of this book, made my own vague ideas crystal clear for once."
"Great buy for those who are trying to know what Jehovah's witnesses are about and for those thinking of leaving JW's , faded, shunned, ignored, or have doubts, as well as current members looking to find answers they were looking for."
Drawing from both her personal and professional experiences, Zieman provides aid, advice, encouragement, and insight into the many challenges faced by current and former Jehovah’s Witnesses who are struggling to extricate their lives from this all-controlling cult. She also studied for three years in the applied social science program at Concordia University in Montreal and gained formal training in several schools of therapy.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"This cold treatment just reinforces my reason for leaving which was my observation of fake friendships, my lack of intellectual freedom and coldness of it all. I kind of hate the idea of church now but mostly because I feel cheated by an religious organization I sincerely believed was build on Christian love. I also like the idea that we must show compassion for those who are required to shun us, its unnatural and difficult for them as well. Despite all this, I really love the freedom and joy I am enjoying now which I never had."
"All my life I have rested all my faith, dreams, thoughts, you name it, on the Watchtower Society. For two months I cried everyday at least once, like a child who's "Mother" abandoned him when I discovered all the lies, cover- ups, scandals. As a suggestion, I believe that these 4 books should be sold as a rescue kit for ex-JW's: Crisis of Conscience, In Search of Christian Freedom, Combatting Cult Mind Control, and this MOST excellent book!!!! This book gives practical, professional advice on how to deal with the psychopathic residue of this most deceptive cult. Having been a totally indoctrinated "true believer", I am critical about many books."
"The BEST book, I've read, so far by Ex-JW's!!"
"Another good book for exiting a cult."
"While existential guilt can serve as a healthy guide back to one's true self, neurotic guilt is unhealthy and damaging and is the type of guilt placed on doubting JWs by the Watchtower. If one does not understand the difference between the positive and negative types of guilt, the punitive part of one's mind (called the Superego) assumes one has sinned and deserves punishment, and one can end up unknowingly creating forms of self-punishment (e.g. depression, failures, accidents, chronic pain, illnesses, chronic anxiety, self-sabotage, etc.)."
"Excellent."
"This book is one of the best books out there on the jw cult,very helpful using plain simple common sense to getting out from such a repulsive woman hating and destructive organization.Thank you Bonnie Zieman for the truth about this brainwashing religion."
Best Protestantism
The Christian church has a long tradition of systematic theology, that is, studying theology and doctrine organized around fairly standard categories such as the Word of God, redemption, and Jesus Christ. His Systematic Theology provides the core theology content for all my classes and most of the other undergraduate theology courses at the University.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"arrived in great condition, completely satisfied with the purchase."
Best Messianic Judaism
Features include: - Twenty-five contributors (both Jewish and Christian), including John. Fischer, Patrice Fischer, Arnold G. Fruchtenbaum, Walter C. Kaiser, Jr., Rabbi Russell Resnik, and more. - Thirty-four topical articles ranging from topics such as the menorah. (or candelabra of God ) and repentance (t shuvah) in the Bible, to Yeshua s. Sermon on the Mount and the Noachide Laws (the laws given. by God to Noah and subsequent generations) and their applicability. to Gentiles. - In addition to these topical articles and detailed study notes, there. are twelve tracks or themes running throughout the Bible with 117. articles, covering topics such as Jewish Customs, the Names of God, Shabbat, and the Torah. - New Bible book introductions, written from a Jewish perspective. - Bottom-of-page notes to help readers understand the deeper meanings. behind the Jewish text. - Sabbath and Holy Day Scripture readings. - Offers the original Hebrew names for people, places, and concepts. ".
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"The cover is gives the appearance of being slimmer than the book really is so when you open it you're surprised that it is as wide as it is. There are colorful introduction pages for each book which again reminds me of new chapters in a textbook which I enjoy. Each introduction gives an outline of the book."
"I was pretty excited to see The Complete Jewish Study Bible. The introduction of each book is colored and both the English and Hebrew names are included for each book. In the back of the Bible: Glossary of Hebrew Words (with pronunciation into English: its transliteration only. Scripture Reading for Shabbat and the Festivals, Feast & Fast: The scripture reading is broken down by the Parashah, Torah, Prophets, and the B’rit Hadashah. Topical Articles Index: helpful articles to help you understand the Jewish context for the Scriptures, in the Tanakh (the Old Testament) and the B’rit Hadashah (the New Testament. Theme Articles Index: 117 articles covering topics like Anti-Jewish Scriptural Interpretations, Covenants, Jewish Customs, Jewish-Gentile Relations, Holy Days in Israel, Sabbath, and other topics. Works Cited and Further Reading: list books and people who may help further your studies."
"Explanations are from a Hebrew point of view and you'll find some words translated from Greek to English missed the mark."
"From the perspective of one who has read through the Bible many times in a variety of translations I consider this gem a modern day masterpiece that hits the mark of communicating effectively and accurately to the audience of our time."
"The CJB Study Bible is a very high quality product which stands alongside any top rate study bible in the market."
"When I was reading Romans 6 when I got to verses 20-23 I was hit so deeply and hard in my sprit by the HOLY SPIRIT that I cried."
"Puts the scripture in Jewish context."
"This Bible provides excellent context."
Best Christian Science
In the Christian Science textbook, Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, Mary Baker Eddy explains the scientific laws behind the teachings and healings of Christ Jesus. She established her church "to commemorate the word and works of our Master, which should reinstate primitive Christianity and its lost element of healing."
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"I wanted a version of Science and Health that has page and line numbers so I can look up specific references. For navigating, go to "Search this Book," then enter the page number and line number together with no spaces."
"The best book I ever purchased in my life."
"Healing is the most important aspect and such an important one for this day and age. It covers marrage; reasoning and logic; quantum physics; medicine; what is man; what is God; how to pray; how to care for infants."
"A perfect edition for marking up and underlining."
"More than I expected."
"Wonderful bible study from Christian science perspective."
"The last hundred pages are testimonies of people who have been healed from every disease and condition imaginable."
Best Mormonism
Talks include: Thou Shalt Be Nice Real Life Be Who You Are My Soul Hungered Break Up with the World I Love My Friends 5 Temptation Killers Running Down Your Dreams Scripture Power Wake Up from Your Phone.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"If you want 10 cds that are uplifting, funny, and share great messages, this is the perfect choice."
"Hank Smith is irreverent at times but when he gets serious, beautiful connections and lasting imagery is distilled on the listening soul."
"He has a great way of drawing you in and keeping you interested as he teaches about life and the gospel."
"Even though I've heard the stories over and over, they never fail to make me laugh."
"I think teens and adult alike will enjoy laughing, listening, and laughing some more."
"Ever since then, they back to listen to Hank Smith anytime we are riding in the car."
"I don't have to listen to fighting or the same movie playing in the DVD player over and over again. Hank has a great way of explaining the gospel for every one to understand and is very funny to keep you interested."
"Hank makes you laugh, he helps you make gospel connections with your own life and leaves you wanting to do and be better. I leave the collection in our car and 9 times out of 10 my kids will get in the car and immediately say, "Turn on Hank!""
Best Mennonite Christianity
Limited Time .99 cents. Book 1 of the The Amish of Ephrata Series. Twenty-five years later, she now splits her time between her husband and children in the NYC Metro area and a home that she shares with an Amish woman in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania where she retreats to reflect and write.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"I think not only this book but the whole series is a must read for all kids."
"After reading so many books about the Amish you would think the material would begin to repeat itself. I love the thread of faith that runs through each book and enjoy learning more about the Amish....Anxiously waiting for book3 in the PLAIN AERIES. Now on to book two in this series."
"I hope to read more Sarah Price books soon ."
"The story carries the reader into the world and life of the Amish and the beautiful simplicity that can become complicated even in a way that all can relate to as the story developes."
"I've read several books by Sarah Price and. always look forward to the next one."
"Each novel has a slightly different take on how miscommunications gets resolved but all illustrate that living one's faith day to day (and not just one day a week) is solid rock on which to find solutions. In the context of belief <> family, how did her family avoid her signs? Did the community (the bishop, her parents, Polly's family) do right by leaving Priscilla sink or swim until the end? I do hope you will address Esh's distinction of two types of pride, self or about non-self. Jon. PS Now that I've figured out (I think) how to leave recommendationsI'll go back to your other novels as time allows."
"Another beautiful book from Sarah Price."
"I recommend reading the series."
Best Amish Denomination
Based upon Ephesians 5:33 and extensive biblical and psychological research, Dr. Emerson Eggerichs reveals the power of unconditional love and unconditional respect and how husbands and wives can reap the benefits of marriage that God intended. Emerson Eggerichs, PhD, is an internationally known communication expert and author of the New York Times bestseller Love & Respect .
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"This book changed our marriage for the first time, because it helped me understand that my husband is just plain wired differently and MUST feel respect. Finally, as I changed my interactions with him, he felt respected and calmed down."
"Good book, not a fan of his writing style, but he has good things to say!"
"Good book to help husband and wives understand how the other think."
"This book changed my life opened my eyes big time."
"One of the best books for marriage!"
"made the mistake and got the workbook, but it turned out well."
Best Christian Orthodoxy
For its acumen, for its saliency, and for its wit, this cool and stringent defense of orthodox Protestantism is, I think, the best popular argument produced [in the controversy between Christianity and liberalism].” / ― Walter Lippmann in A Preface to Morals / “It is my conviction that Machen’s book can still speak today. J. Gresham Machen (1881–1937) was professor of New Testament at Westminster Theological Seminary in Philadelphia.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"Text arrived overseas in Korea in just 2 weeks--New book--very good service--. The text gives an excellent definition of liberalism vs."
"He gives a brief exposition of Machen's main thesis and the way in which he unpacks it through the book, but such an explanation is almost superfluous as Machen's argument is so clearly presented that it is almost impossible to misunderstand him."
"It is so applicable to today's church and so well written that it is easy to forget that it was written almost 100 years ago!"
"Machen's message is still as relevant to the Church today as it was in his day."
"As you probably know, one of the neat features of the Kindle is that when a passage is highlighted, that text is available on a web page. It is thus very easy to capture this text for posting to a blog for further commentary."
"Timely even as we head for the 21st century."
"Understanding the direction of scholars and church leaders in the early days of the debate on Science and Religion could not be more timely in light of the recent Bill Nye and Ken Ham debate."