The Redemption of Desire
340622
A healthy antidote to the twin maladies in Western culture (the full-throttle pursuit of pleasure on the one hand; the puritanical/jansenistic suspicion of it on the other), "Fill These Hearts" takes desire seriously as a vitally important aspect of the spiritual life. Ignore or repress it, and life, prayer, morality and religion itself are reduced to dry and unappetizing duty. Gorge yourself with short-term satisfactions and you become a hamster on a wheel, turning every relationship, opportunity or experience into a means to the same end, the never-ending pursuit of a "more" that will always fail to satisfy the soul. There is a third way, West promises: desire rightly ordered keeps fire in the soul, even as it keeps the soul turned toward the ultimate good of communion with God.

This is a book about that rightly ordered desire. How do we recognize our deep desires? How do we respond to them in an enlightened and even passionate way without being driven blindly by them into destructive choices? How do we live "temperately, justly and devoutly" (Tit. 2:12) in this present age, when even a walk down a city street means encountering soft porn on billboards and bus shelters? Is it possible to live sexual purity passionately? (Yes! West says: "A properly disciplined eros is even more wild than its 'frat house counterfeit'.") What does all this mean in the relationship of man and woman?

West illustrates this highly readable book not simply with references to Scripture or to the writings of Popes and saints, but with abundant pop culture references to the insatiable (if often misinterpreted) hunger for God, the ultimate goal of desire. Thankfully, West also disproves the common contemporary suspicion (nurtured, no doubt, by the reduction of "devotion"--a word of passion--to "duty") that Heaven might be boring!
228518
With revealing and introspective first-person narration, the plot follows conventional methods. The characters are skillfully delineated in the exposition; the central conflict lies within the Tiffanie herself as she considers using her body to gain intimacy and only later realizes that this supposed sexual satisfaction is, in fact, exacting a heavy price. The reader is taken steadily toward a moment of truthfulness, when she finally reveals the reason for her pain. The story does not ends abruptly, though there is a denouement that satisfies and leaves one believing in the power confronting evil. Moreover, readers are left wondering if she has confronted the very thing she fears.

Despite intentions to remain emotionally removed from their story, Tiffanie and Damon move subtly into self-reflection. Each begins searching for understanding and meaning. Though, she languishes in sorrow and he embraces rationality, if only momentarily. This more honest tone takes over the story as Tiffanies mood becomes confessional, revealing pain and loneliness rather than a flat recounting. Murray wants readers to see that for this sexually unsatisfied Christian wife, self-awareness follows and is a consequence of impetuous, self-damaging actions. Enter Trey, the novels antagonist and a scholar of the streets and lust. Tiffanie is faced with the ultimate choice. The choice between the hearth (home) or the furnace (Trey), and uncharacteristic of a preachers grandchild, she wants both. While managing to only share the details with her best friend, she begins to recoil from the destructive desire she develops for Trey. When Tiffanie realizes her love for Damon exceeds the confines of sexual fulfillment, she realizes she is merely the victim of her mothers faults and almost curses the day she was born. Appearing to be a slave to lust and the mistress of repression, Tiffanie struggles between the two facets of her character. However, this pattern of restlessness, dissatisfaction, and emotional destruction continues until she finally realizes is happening.

What Murray seems to do in Lust is construct a kind of summary of sexuality, in which she attempts to integrate sex with other aspects of human experience. Moreover, lust is used here as a metaphor for the human condition. The human longing for relational passion is the central doctrine. It is a source of both aspiration and destruction, the most fundamental ingredient for survival and, in the struggle between license and restraint, the means by which human beings exercise their freedom.

Exquisitely and powerfully, Murray presents the story of a young womans effort to face a family secret that has held her emotionally hostage, preventing her from arriving at both sexual and romantic happiness.

Upon delving further into the story, I believe it portrays a dissatisfaction almost inherent in the lives of women  the inability to experience passion and peace and the ephemerality of marital (or relational bliss) in the midst of emotional turmoil. The explicitness and concern with a womans sexual satisfaction, and subsequent relinquishment of her heart, exists in Lust, but Murray is less intent on rendering the reader into shock through blatant exhibitionism.

Murray renders, though will all the delicacy and appropriateness required of Christian fiction readers, the reader to see Tiffanie as one of us. She is not a warped, lustful woman wrapped in her own self-imprisonment; but, a woman (our sister, daughter, or best friend) whose initial avoidance of love reveals the tragic-comic dimensions of our own lives and the subsequent effect of lust.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
4949058
A cast of unusual characters is thrown together in this story of redemption. Amidst them all, a sex worker, Blaze, walks the path of facing the past, avoiding parts of the present and encountering celestial beings. The atmosphere the writing evokes is dark bordering the sense of freedom after forgiveness.
Recommended to all paranormal romance fans.
178692
C.J.Darlington has mastered the skill of building the climax. This story brings you in with the great character development and holds you attention with exciting sequences, filled with emotion and feelings. If you enjoy a good redemption story, then you'll love this one!
290482
This is one of the most intriguing STORIES of personal redemption I have ever read!
200652
Redemption is the companion volume to "The Point: The Redemption of Oban Ironbout" In the original volume two newlyweds, Goodwin and Hollie Macbreeze visit the Isle of Estillyen. Hollie wants to hear the series of twelve readings given by the monks on the subject of redemption. Goodwin is more interested in meeting the owner of the house on the point, Oban Ironbout. In that volume the twelve readings are given in summary form. In this volume the complete readings are produced.

The twelve readings are conducted by the monks of Estillyen, one monk being the reader and presenting the relevant scripture passages, the other playing the role of Satan. It's an interesting presentation, particularly the portrayal of Satan. The prose is often poetic, but it can also be difficult to follow.

The readings emphasize the importance of the connection between the medium and the message. Lecture Five, "The Word Became Flesh," is the clearest example of this premise. The opening of the Gospel of John has the words "And the Word was made Flesh." Jefferson uses this analogy to present his thesis that words are important, but not in and of themselves. Words are important because of the concepts they express and most importantly who says them. Jesus Christ is the perfect example.

I particularly enjoyed the section of each reading devoted to Satan. He is presented as a slimy, slinking character berating his followers and spying on what I AM is doing with the "Fleshies" he created. The depiction of Satan and his omnipresence is very well done.

I recommend this book if you read "The Point" and want a more complete set of readings. I also recommend it if you're looking at a unique way to look at the story of the old and new testaments leading to Christ and his crucifixion.

I reviewed this book for Handlebar.
3141616
In a wonderful fable, Jim captures a powerful message - that the path to redemption flows from confession to repentance and forgiveness.  What makes this message universal is that we all fail in one way or another and therefore we all need redemption.  Who would have thought that a tale about an old farmer, a bunch of talking sheep and three little boys could carry such a great story and message....!?
164704
Russ Shaw here, The principles in this book are not only about money. As a former sex addict I had some pretty distorted views on giving and receiving. Sex and money are so closely linked as a way to invest in rather then hoard. Randy's work here is profound and deep. Experiencing the joy that is reviled in the transformation of a heart once locked up like a taking scrooge to the truth of the treasure principle is reveled!
3433331
One of the best redemption stories that I have ever read. God never gives up & neither should we.... A lesson to take to heart & take to the throne of God as we lift up each of the unsaved we know.
1405900
This is a story of one man's acceptance of redemption offered by God.  It is well written and enables one to picture the cell that a prison ordered for a murderer.  A Different Kind of Cell
524321
Mythology and various forms of religious philosophy mix together for a fantasy tale of seeking truth, wisdom, and redemption.  I almost put the book down because I couldn't get into a woman suddenly appearing naked in a museum and working for this same museum for seven years without knowing who she was or from whence she came and then we add to that what appears to be a brooding manipulative rich Adonis. I went UGH your typical rich boy browbeats poor girl into loving him nonsense.  But, I read a little further and realized the author was intertwining facts and fantasy to lead us to a place of redemption.  The journey will have challenges and we all have choices to make, sacrifices to make.  The character Kallie met and overcame her challenges.  Plus, I got a book tour of some archeological sites in Egypt.  The other characters were a little vague but we had a happy ending for all. Overall, I liked the story.
447231
It is a great book to know the history of redemption of God. I strongly recommend it to read for the ones who want to know the history of redemption of God.
3619436
This little gem is focuses upon the theme of desire, or Eros, in the spiritual life. Far from seeing eros as something sinful to be supressed, the author reveals that the longing of sexual love is only one aspect of erotic love. Eors for God is that yearning which takes the lover beyond ethics. "The saints possessing divine eros have also been deified. All the saints live by the saying of Saint Ignatius the God bearer: 'My eros has been crucified.' The relation of the saints to God is erotic, i.e., desiring or yearning, not simply ethical. The grace of the deification shines in their faces, and is revealed in their bodies which smell sweetly, give forth myrrh, remain uncorrupted, and work miracles. The Orthodox Church is the place and fellowship of deification"
The Eros of Repentance is a tiny book with a needed message.

Other books of interest may include:&nbsp;<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/A-Different-Christianity-Early-Christian-Esotericism-and-Modern-Thought-Suny-Series-in-Western-Esoteric-Traditions/dp/079142572X/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">A Different Christianity: Early Christian Esotericism and Modern Thought (Suny Series in Western Esoteric Traditions)</a>, by Robin Amis;&nbsp;<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/The-Origins-of-the-Christian-Mystical-Tradition-From-Plato-to-Denys/dp/0199291403/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">The Origins of the Christian Mystical Tradition: From Plato to Denys</a>,<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/Roots-of-Christian-Mysticism/dp/0904287440/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">Roots of Christian Mysticism</a>, by Olivier Clement;&nbsp;<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/The-Mystical-Theology-of-the-Eastern-Church/dp/0913836311/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">The Mystical Theology of the Eastern Church</a>,<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/Exploring-the-Inner-Universe/dp/0964347822/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">Exploring the Inner Universe</a>, by Roman Braga and&nbsp;<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/Penthos-The-Doctrine-of-Compunction-in-the-Christian-East/dp/0879079533/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">Penthos: The Doctrine of Compunction in the Christian East</a>. Enjoy!
1661999
I received Redeeming the Past as a Christmas gift, and truly amazing gift it was.  Fr. Michael leads the reader on a journey of faith and redemption.  The book is basically structured in three sections.  The first is autobiographical, covering his life as a young priest, fighting against apartheid in South Africa and by becoming a liberation advocate within the ANC and within his church community.  The second part deals with his personal journey through physical, spiritual, and psychic healing following a near-death experience.  The final part deals with his taking his personal experience of grief, pain and suffering and finding a way to help others address similar issues in constructive, sound ways that transform lives and rebuild communities.  His interweaving of these themes presents a portrait of commitment, faith and love that inspires and challenges us all.
3697532
I expected Redemption to strengthen the way that I do ministry and help me develop a plan for healing the brokenness in our church community.  I did not expect it to confront my idolatry.  But it did.

One of the things that I often pray is, "Break me where I need broken and heal me where I need healed".  There are certain books that have a tendency to be used by God to do both.  Wilkerson's book confronts our idolatry (breaks us) but it also displays the beauty of Christ and provides substantial healing.

As stated earlier this is an adaptation of what Mars Hill uses for their redemption groups.  Their redemption groups are an interesting concept.  Rather than having specific groups for various addictions they have one specific group.  But what is even more interesting is that they not only combine the various forms of addiction, they also have those that are victims go through the same material in the same group.  This book is essentially what they use.

How can something possibly tie together victims and addicts?  The thread that holds these two together is the biblical theme of Redemption.  In this book Wilkerson uses the biblical story of the Exodus as a framework for God's pattern of redemption.  One thing that addicts and victims have in common is a desperate need for redemption (freedom).

Wilkerson uses the story of the Exodus to both break and heal sinners in the name of Jesus. The book is eight chapters long.  Stories of real people is interwoven with the real biblical story of the Israelite Exodus.  God redeems people today just as He redeemed the Israelites, and he does it through Christ.  Wilkerson shows his firm commitment to the Scriptures and solid biblical scholarship.  But he also shows that he is a physician of the soul as well.  He shows how the gospel heals real life sinners.

I heartily recommend this book to everyone.  In fact I am trying to figure out ways to use this book in our congregation.  Immediately after reading it I told my wife to put down all my other book suggestions (I have a tendency to suggest way too many books for people to read) and to focus on this one.  In the coming months we are going to slowly go through this book and use the discussion questions at the end of each chapter.

Crossway was kind enough to provide a free copy of this book in exchange for a review.
2859783
Scot McKnight's *Embracing Grace* is a redeeming book and the object of redemption is "the gospel."

The USAmerican (or "western") gospel is a shrivelled specimen of the gospel presented in the Bible and lived and proclaimed by Jesus, the apostles and early church.

One line in the book captures a boatload of truth. Scot writes about the younger generation of Christians who are aware of a bigger gospel than the previous generation could imagine. Scot states, "That gospel comes in the shape of a community."

Think about that. The gospel comes not in the shape of a sermon or a pamphlet or 3 steps to this and 4 steps for that. A community.

Weaving together the grand story of God's redemptive purpose, McKnight brings together the broken strands of God's creation design for humanity. Sin shattered the eikons of God, that is, sin corrupted men and women who bear God's image and who exist to live a life of love with God, with each other and with creation itself. This design includes being content within ourselves as well.

The western monkey-wrench that clogs up the process of God's gospel of restoration is our renegade worship of the idol of "individualism." Sin made Adam and Eve primarily individuals which was a devastating crack in God's majestic Eikons. We've been in a deep, gooey mess ever since.

In McKnight's unfolding of the marvels of the biblical gospel we appreciate the wonder of the forgiveness of sins. Forgiveness is breath-taking, no doubt. But forgiveness is the foothills of the Rockies. Restored relationships are the peaks of the gospel. Sin destroys relationships as well as muddies up our lives. The gospel is about restoring relationships with a joyful, divine Community called God the Father, Son and Spirit. The gospel is about restoring us to one another in a wholeness of life called Shalom. "Any gospel that stops short of Shalom distorts the gospel." The gospel is about restoring us to creation (which to this day is groaning because of sin). Get Embracing Grace and read it. I feel I'm flailing to describe it.

A community of restored Eikons loving God and people for the sake of the world is what Jesus' redeeming work is about. Heaven when we die? Yeah. Sins forgiven? Yeah. But to reduce the gospel to the foothills of redemption is a sad reduction, indeed. Jesus Christ is a much more majestic Person and had in mind a much more majestic Purpose than to prop up the sappy, reduced gospel prevalent in the West.

Scot is right. There is a young wave of Christians who will not settle for the foothills where it's quite comfortable and safe and clean and boringly painless. They would rather hazard the climb to the peaks and adore a more beautiful and mysterious God, breathe a cleaner version of salvation air and see more expansive vistas of God's wonderful and wounded world. And they will do this even if they die trying.

Scot McKnight's *Embracing Grace* helps them (and all of us) in that climb.
4169841
The supernatural meets the mortal in this tale of redemption. When Rachael marries Tony, she believes that life will only get better for her and her two children, but nothing could be further from the truth. Something doesnt want them to live happily ever after, in fact, it doesnt want them to live at all.
D.L. Finn does an excellent job of delving into some of our deepest fears and greatest hopes. At several points in the story, I found myself stuck at the crossroads between sympathy and contempt for some of the antagonists. To me, this is the mark of well-rounded characters.