A good introduction to personal holiness.
348023
What we have come to expect from DeYoung: sound Reformed theology delivered in a conversational manner.
As with "Taking God at His Word," this book is targeted mainly at new believers. Some of the subject matter (sexual purity) pushes it into an older age group.
At times, particularly the chapter on union with Christ, the folksiness is forced and distracting.
Overall, a good resource for teaching the truth that God requires, enables, and supplies holiness in His children.
2501392
There is an ancient practice in Celtic Christianity called the soul friend.  Essentially, it was the earliest systematized form of the contemporary practice of mentoring where one Christian seeks guidance, instruction or discipline from another Christian.  In many ways, Tammie Heads book More functions like a soul friend.  Head, a Christian woman who has overcome a great deal of adversity in her life, including a teenage shotgun marriage and escaping the sex trade industry, does not offer a treatise on Christian theology nor does she offer an organized plan for spiritual growth.  What she does offer is a conversation, a conversation about faith.  She is honest about her faults and struggles, especially those about her marriage and pride in ministry.  She does offer some thoughts and reflections on some spiritual disciplines that have been helpful to her, like intercessory prayer and reading scripture.  However the bulk of the content comes in the form of stories collected over a lifetime of spiritual peaks and valleys.  The ultimate goal of her book is simple: God can redeem any messy person and turn him or her into a glorious spiritual miracle.  The chapters do not necessarily follow any particular progression but function more like informal conversations around a dinner table or in a coffee shop.  There is a lot of good stuff here, a buffet of stories and insights that can benefit readers in only one chapter doses or in reading the entire book at once.

As basic and conversational as this book is, there are a few faults that I had with it.  For the most part, these are fairly small details, however I think they are worth noting.  First, there are a few places where the author refers to her readers as daughters of God.  Now, I get itvery few men are going to read this book; it is written more for women.  However, as a male reader and as one who gets aggravated when male writers assume only men will read their books, I think Head does herself a disservice by assuming that only women will read her book.  As I mentioned above, there is a lot of good stuff here that can benefit any reader, regardless of gender.  Second, the author gets a little repetitious in some of her comments and stories.  This was not so much of a returning to stories in order to continue telling them as much as it was repeating stories as if that particular story had not been told previously.  Thirdand this one is a little theologicalthe author mixes or equates the roles of God and Jesus in a way that made me scratch my head a time or two.  From an evangelical perspective, I can understand the blurring of Trinitarian personalities because we teach them as one in the same.  However, from an academic perspective, this reflects a lacking in biblical and theological competency that is problematic, especially for skeptical, unchurched readers.

Overall, I think this is a good book that will a helpful read for those who are looking for some encouragement on how God can turn our messes into miracles.
3892655
For a beginner in spirituality..... a great introduction.
2235357
The focus of this book is one's relationship with God. The author specifically suggests that he is not trying to "teach" anything but only encourage your own exploration into your personal relationship with the Lord.

If you are not of a religious mindset, you might find this book somewhat preachy. For those who are looking for a religiously spiritual read that focuses on what God means to you, then give this a try. I found the personal exercises to be enlightening.
2080714
I can't think of a more timely book in the day we are living in then this one entitled Holiness by J.C. Ryle. Before I proceed, it's imperative that this book is not for every Christian. Rather, it is for those willing in deed rather than mere knowledge, to take up their cross daily and get on board with what holiness represents in actuality. J.C. Ryle will have you discover that holiness is much more then mental assent but a determination to press into the things of God while detesting the same things that grieve our heavenly father.

This comprehensive volume encompasses 20 papers written to provide a plumbline with which Christians can discover who they really are at the core. Discover, for example, that there are sins of omission and commission. "I am persuaded that the more light we have  the more we see our own sinfulness; the nearer we get to heaven  the more we are clothed with humility". Learn the distinctions between justification and sanctification.

The Christian life, you will discover, is one whereby we must pro actively fight the flesh, worldly influences, and schemes of the devil. This detailed read is best absorbed in small segments with much meditation. In an easy to understand presentation parallels will be drawn from Scripture and life events that will help cement the concept of what a "true "follower of Christ should exemplify.

I recommend this for individual and small group studies and dare say it is a must read for church leadership. Author J.C.Ryle(1816-1900) was the first Anglican Bishop of Liverpool. During his life he was a writer, Pastor and Evangelical preacher. There are several other works by him well worth exploring.
3429178
Stassen and Gushee offer a great introductory text to biblical ethics.  Using the Sermon on the Mount as a model, they derive a great foundation for which to practice ethics.  I found the model on page 59 especially helpful and find myself often returning to it.  They help the reader identify criteria to frame ethical thought.  They discuss several contemporary issues in light of the Sermon and other biblical contexts then give a fair assessment of both sides and their conclusion.  They use Scripture as a primary source and dialogue with other theologians and ethicists on each issue.
3342948
In this book Krystal lays out a simple yet beautiful introduction to the Christian life.
The book begins by discussing our innate believes and the reason for our being. From there the author builds upon the reality of God - his character - and the whys behind our trust and love towards him. The book concludes with a number of places to start on your journey towards knowing God more intimately.

I must say one of my favorite parts of this book was the author's use of Scripture. It was solid, consistent and visible. Everything she said was grounded in truth and I really appreciate seeing that.
Another plus was that each chapter ended with a prayer and some further thoughts. I always find it helpful when a teacher connects the head and the heart.

This is a simple yet solid read. I recommend it especially for new believers or if you are planning on leading a small group. Krystal does a great job of pointing to things and opening doors so that others are free to walk through them.
1896305
Excellent guide to holiness,

Simple an easy to read

Profound truths

Available for free with a great treasure in return
38916
Having been personally acquainted with several of those mentioned in this account, and since I've attended several UPC churches over the past 50 years,  I say this author has provided a very fair assessment. However, be reminded that similar situations can be found in many denominations, not just the UPC.
The writing is easy to understand, and offers good advice to those contemplating new directions.  While some may require strict guidance, Dan Lewis encourages individual study and reasoning.
1476355
I think this is a good introduction for people who are just beginning their spiritual journey. It gives basic concepts, such as love and understanding, great emphasis in a very poignant way
3173684
This book eloquently and coherently conveys the theology of the body from John Paul II's teachings in the context of Biblical and Roman Catholic teachings.  Mary Healy demonstrates an intimate knowledge of the topic, as she skillfully presents some complex ideas.  This teaching is rooted in Scripture and follows the course of the Pope's teachings.

I approached this book thinking of it as a book on marriage. I discovered that it is much more than a book on marriage. It is a book for all people to learn God's truths about who we are as humans in physical bodies; our bodies are called the "sacrament of the person."  This is certainly helpful for a better Biblical understanding of marriage, but it also helps us better understand being single or celibate.

The chapters address the redemptive-salvation history of God's relationship with people-- our creation, fall, redemption, future glorification.  Our bodies and relationships are addressed in this context of the revelation of God's love and grace.  We are called to follow God in expressing self-giving love through our bodies as Christ did in his sacrifice.  This book teaches how this might look in our lives. The reality of Christ's coming has changed our realities and responsibilites forever. We have been set free and charged to love as God loves.

For the married person, the teaching shows that we are to love our spouses as Christ loves the church; in fact, Healy writes "The cross of marriage is its glory." And for the celibate person or single person, the teaching shows that God's love is sufficient and that we can commmit ourselves to him fully.

I think the topics of the book are all substantiated by Scripture with the exception of the Roman Catholic teaching on contraception.  To me, this is something that is permissable rather than something contrary to Scripture. I think at the very least the use of contraception is what the wider church would call adiaphora --something nonessential to salvation and not morally mandated for Christian ethics. We are called to live by faith and not put stumbling blocks before other Christians.  Although I disagree with the teaching on this topic, I appreciated the writing and carefully thought out explanations.

I recommend this book to all Christians, especially Roman Catholics who desire to learn the Pope's teachings better; however, in no way is the book's helpfulness limited to Roman Catholics.
1681958
Barbara Duguid has managed to apply the writings of John Newton to our daily Christian experience. Through the use of her own life and her many observations as a pastor's wife, she able describes the process of Christian sanctification, and the lifelong struggle with sin that all believers must and will endure. There is indeed extravagant grace. This is good material for the believer who, despite a long walk with Christ, is downcast and disheartened at the continued and very real presence of sin in his or her life. She does not deal lightly with sin, but places it firmly in the normal process of sanctification and as even used by God to transform his child. She does not excuse sin, or lesson the importance of obedience and holiness, but rather magnifies the grace and work of God. She is an easy author to read. Her references to Scripture are appropriate and sufficient to support her conclusions. She is especially transparent about her own struggles. If there are modern day Puritan writers, she seems like one.
4485152
This book by Thomas A. Kempis  Is a great read for those seeking to grow in Christian holiness and virtue.  Although the application in one's own life of the life of the cross of Jesus Christ contained within this book is not an easy one it is well worth it in the final analysis.  Kempis writes mainly for those of the professed Catholic religious vows of his time.  However if one ignores Thomas's occasional reference to religious setting one can place one's self in the place of the religious and it is as though Thomas A Kempis is speaking directly to the reader of any century or time. While very Catholic this book is very biblically based.
955401
I would definitely recommend this book by clyde cranford. the topic of personal holiness is one that is rarely mentioned in our churches in this generation muchless amoung our culture. if you are a believer that cares much about your soul, do yourself a great favor and read this book.
2445075
Saint Francis de Sales-patron saint of authors and writers and eminent Doctor of the Catholic Church-is quite deserving of his posthumous honors and titles, for with Introduction to the Devout Life (among his numerous other books and pamphlets), he gives to not only Catholics around the world but humanity in general, a religious, imformative yet readable work of theology that will aid in answering some of the fundamental questions of human existence. But more importantly, in the Introduction to the Devout Life, "St. Francis de Sales gives one of the clearest statements in religious literature of the theory and practice of the purgative way, the illuminative way, and the unitive way, the three levels of thought and conduct that are required for a completely moral and religious life..." Page 14. That is the gist of this work; for those individuals (which would indeed, unfortunately, be a large numer) who are not destined for a religious vocation or a life of monastic contemplation, the lessons contained within the Introduction to the Devout Life (if at least minutely adhered to) can become a moral and religious compass for individuals who are frightfully lost as a result of the freewheeling sexualization of society, unrepentant, insolent amour propre, the rise of unceasing materialism and other debasing wounds that can cause spiritual deadness and thus can become none too quick to heal. Written in a similar style to that of the Dialogue of Saint Catherine of Siena, the book, however, is in the format of St. Francis writing down answers to a female pupil named Philothea and not a one-on-one conversation as in the Dialogue, but Introduction to the Devout Life is similar in idea. One of the many pleasant aspects of this work is that it does not sermonize extreme ways for acquiring grace, but for people who have lived on the opposite side of the moral spectrum far longer than they care to acknowledge, bits of the book may seem very extreme. However, it is not meant to be interpreted that way, merely as a catalyst to a newer and brighter beginning. If there ever was a much required and sincere "how-to" guide to bring people back to God while also repairing the interior damage of the self as a result of environment, people and inborn human flaws, Introduction to the Devout Life would be and is, very high on the list, for as he gloriously writes on page 291: "Such are the joys that lure my sight,/All pains grow sweet, all labors light. Live, Jesus! to whom, with the Father and the Holy Spirit, be all honor and glory, now and throughout the endless ages of eternity. Amen."
4672402
Concise, simple, and profound. A good introduction to Merton's thoughts on religious life.
1306165
Excellent! This book does a very good job of addressing the "gap between our love for the gospel and our love for holiness" (pg 21). He covers some very challenging topics that are difficult to understand and some that simply challenge your way of life. This is a culturally relevant book that makes many references to the current state of the church and the challenge of Christians living holy lives in our current time. The real thrust of the book, in my opinion, is helping the Christian understand that "God wants you to be holy. Through faith he already counts you holy in Christ. Now he intends to make you holy with Christ" (pg 146).

I usually don't like too many stories in my theology books, but he includes a short and usually funny story at the beginning of each chapter that he then works it in to the theme and message of that chapter. They are not generalized but real (I would assume) stories about the author that are quite personal and help to understand the chapter topic in a more practical way. This is good in a book on sanctification. What is the point of knowing the theory of it if there is no practice of it in your life?

Finally, I think my favorite aspects are the bluntness of the approach and the Biblical references sited throughout.