Computer Nerds Seeking God
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I found myself engrossed in the book because of the computer skills of the two leading characters. Jennifer is a software designer working for a company that develops very sophisticated systems for their clients. When a fellow designer goes missing, the police bring in their Priority Unit to try to determine what has happened to him. Harvey, the lead investigator who has better than average computer skills for a cop, becomes quite frustrated when they cannot find a single clue that will lead them to the missing designer. But the best part of the book occurs when Jennifer and Harvey decide to delve into the question of whether or not God really exists. The story takes on a whole new dimension as they talk together, attend church, start reading the Bible, and dig deep to see what they can learn. Jennifer has a certain shyness and insecurity so that she wants to know which way Harvey is leaning in their search but he tells her that she has to decide on her own. He does not want her decision to be based on his beliefs but to be totally hers. If you struggle with faith matters, this is a story that carries a powerful message wrapped in suspense, mystery, and romance.
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Today we often believe that faith, reason and imagination cannot co-exist. The scientist demands proof before belief. The Christian responds by saying understanding comes through faith. This book of essays, edited by David Hein and Edward Henderson, refutes both those absolutist positions.

This collection describes the work and life of a circle of friends that included C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien, Austin Farrer, Dorothy L. Sayers, Charles Williams and Rose Macaulay. These great thinkers of the 20th century not only believed faith, reason and imagination could co-exist; they thought each was essential to understanding our world.

In his essay on Farrer, Henderson tackles the question of faith and reason head on. This great Anglican theologian, Henderson says, believed imagination was fundamental to human knowledge--whether it be the imagination of the scientist who understands the world through experiments, the mathematician who understands the world through numbers or the Christian who understands the world through Christ's death and resurrection.

Macaulay, whom Hein calls a "voice from the edge" because she was not close friends with the others or always in agreement with the church, wrestles with the demands of faith. Like the central character in her main novel, The Towers of Trebizond, she believed neither faith nor reason was sufficient; she  believed no one could know the complete truth. But when she rejoined the church late in life, Macaulay prayed for illumination of her heart and mind.

The six essays vary in their emphasis of faith, reason and imagination, and not all explore the friendships of these writers and theologians. But taken as a whole, they reassure the Christian and enlighten the scientist.
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Author David Mills wrote in the Introduction to this 2006 book, "this book is intended for the 40 percent of Americans who, according to the New York Times poll, do recognize that there are good people (and bad people) in all religions---and with no religion. This book is written for open-minded readers who are not afraid to learn---in fact, who are eager and fascinated to learn---about the many conflicts between science and the Christian Bible... This book will put together all the pieces for you and clearly articulate why, in my opinion, ALL science and ALL logic indicate that we live in an Atheist Universe." (Pg. 16)

When asked by an interviewer the difference between an atheist and an agnostic, he replied, "The words atheist and agnostic have totally disparate origins. But the real answer to your question is GUTS. It is more socially acceptable to be an agnostic than an atheist... atheism... represents a more specific and firmly-held position than agnosticism, which ... can mean a hundred different things." (Pg. 40) He argues that people believe in God because "they were taught to believe as small children and because almost everybody they know believes in God also. We should recognize that all children are born as atheists. There is no child born with a religious belief." (Pg. 43-44)

About the age of the earth, he observes, "Creationists sometimes respond that the Genesis flood somehow 'reset Earth's radioactive time clock.' If so, then why do the oldest lunar and Martian rocks also test at 4.5 billion years (the same age as earth)? Did Noah's flood 'reset the radioactive time clocks' on the moon and Mars too?" (Pg. 152)

Responding to the argument that astronaut John Glenn was an intelligent man of science, he replied, "John Glenn is certainly no coward or halfwit. And clearly, there are MILLIONS of other highy intelligent, competent, talented, courageous and admirable people who, like Glenn, believe in God... And, for the most part, the evidence cited by these believers is real, rather than imagined. The Earth IS remarkably beautiful from space. Nature DOES show a degree of underlying order. But I also recall vividly that, at the very moment Glenn uttered his oft-repeated words about a Creator, the Shuttle was flying over Central America, where Hurricane Mitch had just destroyed the infrastructure of five entire nations. Thousands of people had just been killed and hundreds of thousands left homeless." (Pg. 181)

More focused on science than many other Atheist books, this book will be of considerable interest to atheists, skeptics, and other freethinkers---and perhaps also to those who just want to get a glimpse into the mind of an intelligent and popular atheist.
4135309
its great for my computer system
IF i rebirth , choice again!!!! this!
its great for my computer system
IF i rebirth , choice again!!!! this!
its great for my computer system
IF i rebirth , choice again!!!! this!
3599898
As a fellow Christian and a physicist, I was disappointed by the lack of mathematical rigorousness/depth even on the basics.  For example, anyone who studied a little number theory would know, "one plus one" doesn't have to be "two".  There is no way to "prove" or "disapprove" the existence  and/or the uniqueness of GOD, with any so-limited means we humankind possess today.  That's why GOD gives some of us the invaluable gift of FAITH.

But if we want to talk to or even persuade certain kind of people, we have to speak their language well.  Math, with its many kinds of numbers and weird symbols, is the universally accepted and utilized language of science and engineering.
2990582
I confess: I am the mother of a pastor, a tithing Christian myself, and active in my own church, so stewardship is a topic I value. But I was stunned when, after reading AFIRE WITH GODs many-splendored table of contents, I turned to the back and started to thumb forward through the pages as I often do with non-fiction, to come across this statement: For a long time now, we have lived with the myth of scarcity.

Zounds! I had to jump up and start typing this review. I believe that many of the ills in our world come from this belief in scarcity, and that the selfish, me-first, attitude so prevalent today springs from this way of seeing the world.

Years ago, my Macroeconomics professor began day one in a no-nonsense tone, claiming: The basic assumption of economics is scarcity. Back then, I felt shocked at his words which jolted me into the realization that I held instead a basic assumption of plenty. My Christian Science mother had raised us with that worldview, despite times when material evidence of our life with her as a single mother of three claimed otherwise.

AFIRE WITH GOD explores divine abundanceGods creating, redeeming, and empowering love (110) and how Gods gifts can be multiplied in our personal, communal and religious lives. This book connects the organizational systems of the church with the intrapersonal systems of the individual human being, linking spiritual elements such as grace, gifts, mission/purpose with practical items such as budgets and timeframes.

Circling back to the apparent opposition of scarcity and abundance, AFIRE offers readers a third notionthe economics of conversion.car[ing] for all the things and relationships in this life, why we care for them: what we are trying to do in the world on Gods behalf as a way to transform the gifts we receive through Gods grace so they bless the world around us.

The book is highly recommended both for religious organizations as well as for individuals who want to ignite a richer appreciation of what it means to be stewards of the plenty we find when we look around usboth near and farwith gratitude in mind for Gods gift of life and all it offers. This sort of gratitude cant help but blaze up into a desire to share our time, talents, and money with others. AFIRE WITH GOD is a handy guide on how to increase the effectiveness of generous hearts; it points to one of my mothers favorite expressions: What blesses one, blesses all.
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Yes, I had God in too small a box in my mind. Mind you, I have walked with God for 62 years and I was thoroughly convinced He is almighty, omnipresent, immense and so forth. But to walk through the steps necessary to try to get a grasp on how large is this universe God created was eye-opening. Louie is talking to a young crowd with fine humor, but older folks will appreciate what He says. He also uses good pictoral/visual aids, including the golf ball. Can you imagine enough golf balls to cover the state of Texas...22" deep? I cannot, but it sure fires my imagination!

I watched the youtube segments, then bought the dvd and showed it to members of four church congregations on a weekday night. I heard no words of disappointment and many were still talking about it weeks later.
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This man encountered Moses and and Jesus. The scientific data they gave him, he has studied for 24 years.

His forth book "Aliens within Us" provides mankind with a total understanding of God and our existence both in philosphical, religious, and scientific equations.

He is not a businessman. He merely does the job he was assigned and hope others will care to listen to what God has to say today.

I rarely have orgasmic reactions to science books.
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I am impressed by this book.  Donald Knuth is a great computer scientist, maybe a giant with few peers.  How would I know that he is also a great Christian!  I have seen some excellent Bible interpretation books before and was wary before I started.  Then, I got hooked into it.

The explanation in the book is generally accurate, clear, and easy to understand.

Prof. Knuth explains thing so well that it becomes a joy to read the text.  The only possible shortcoming is its breadth.  If I want to prepare a talk, this book can be very useful.  But it alone might be insufficient.  One might want to use it in conjunction with a book like George A. Buttrick (Author), Charles M. Laymon (Editor) , "The Interpreter's One-Volume Commentary on the Bible," Abingdon Press, 15th edition, 1971.
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I'll admit, I've been an atheist for some time...until I bought the 571B Banana Slicer. Now I am certain an intelligence far greater than our own exists in the universe. Some days I just sit in the woods with it and ponder the magnitude of our limitless existence through this "simple" device. It has shown me metaphors that apply to my own psyche and life. If I can endure the pain of "cutting" through my self-centerdness, the "fruit" of my labor will be the "sweetness" that follows. I've abandoned my Bible, my community, and broke up with my boyfriend. I don't think Banana Slicer approved of those relationships. But it's fine because I'm happy now. Really, really happy.
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Rick Warren gets a lot right.

The meaning of life is all about God - not us. The search must start with Him and His purposes and, in that context, we find meaning, wholeness, fulfillment and purpose.
The basic tenents of Christianity are clearly explained and simply stated - a tremendous resource for those new to the faith.
Beyond that, however, the author runs out of gas. If he is walking in the gifts, fruits and fulness of the Holy Spirit, he doesn't write about it. The third person of the trinity is strangely absent and so are the power, gifts, and personality of the Holy Spirit. Not to mention the wonder-working power of God.
Instead, Warren pulls out a how-to-be-a-good Christian recipe that is one part small group, two parts church. With echoes of Hilary Clinton's "it-takes-a-village to raise a child" speech, Warren tries to sell the idea that only in full participation  in church programs can a Christian grow and mature.
I expect this book will become the manual for the professionals in the world of corporate Christianity. It suits their purposes perfectly.
4114394
Known for his "Father Brown" mysteries, G. K. Chesterton applied his witty pen to Christian apologetics, seeing the experience of joy in the midst of any situation as the greatest argument for the existence of God.  His was the simple call to wonder:  "at the back of our brains ... there was a forgotten blaze or burst of astonishment at our own existence."

"Joy is the reaction to the fact that there should be such a thing as existence at all." (Nichols describing Chesterton's apologetic.)  Chesterton appeals to the intelligentsia and to us all to cast aside our age-encrusted pride, and accept - with the simplicity of a child - the awe and wonder of God and the joy of existence itself.

I received this book free from Sophia Institute Press as part of their blogger review program.
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Have you lost sight of the glory, majesty, and wonder of who God is?  Of who Jesus is?  While we cannot fully know God, we can know Him truly in how He has chosen to reveal Himself in His Word.  Sadly, however, much of our society has grown self-reliant, not needing God.  Even preaching abounds today that offers a hurting, broken world a feeble, small god.  For these reasons, God Is, by Mark Jones, senior pastor at Faith Vancouver Presbyterian Church (British Columbia), is a seriously important and needed book on many levels.

The book is comprised of 26 chapters, each dealing relatively briefly with a singular attribute of God.  I say relatively briefly because each chapter could indeed be lengthier, but for the purpose of readability at a non-academic level, the chapters are digestible in as little as 10-15 minutes.  Each chapter is further broken down into three sub-sections: (1) Doctrine; (2) How Christ manifests or displays the particular attribute; and (3) Application for believers.

Some Practical Uses  (certainly not an exhaustive list):

First, God Is has the God-Man Christ Jesus at its center.  Many best-sellers fall flat because they never truly address the Lordship of Christ or our need for Him.  Many simply treat Him as a genie in a bottle, here to make your life more comfortable.  This book will energize and renew your confidence in who Jesus Christ is.

Second, God Is could be used to direct ones personal Bible study.  Anyone who chooses to dig deeper into the attributes of God would be helped by using this book.

Third, God Is could just as easily be used to direct a small group Bible study.  The chapters are short enough and readable for the average person to be helpful.  While there are numerous theological words throughout, Jones handles them very simply.  A small group could easily handle reading, studying, discussing, and praying through one attribute (chapter) per week.

Fourth, God Is is a WONDERFUL tool to direct ones personal prayer life.  As I read each chapter, I found myself praying in thankfulness that God has revealed Himself to be as described in the particular attribute.  Praying with these attributes in the forefront of my mind as deepened my prayers.

Finally, God Is is well researched, providing biblical and historical support for the views explained.  Jones leaned upon several authors (John Owen, Herman Bavinck, and Stephen Charnock, to name a few), which inspired me to want to read those authors works as well.

In our society, even those within the church have a difficult time when someone may correct their theology, even when done correctly and gently.  Many say, Well, who are you to say who God is?  We cant really know Him anyway.  Who says Im wrong?  I appreciate how Jones summed up such a reproach: What do we really say when we speak of God?  It is a wonder that we can say anything about Him, and yet he commands us to do so and to do it truly and well (Loc. 2951).  In other words, we may not know God fully, but we must know Him truly as He has chosen to reveal Himself.  After all, a poor doctrine of God leads to a poor understanding of Christ, and vice versa (Loc. 2969).

Rating: I give God Is 5 out of 5 stars.

Disclaimer: I received the Kindle format of this book free of charge from Crossway in exchange for my unbiased review of it.  All opinions are mine.
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The problem is ancient. We believed the devil and imagined ourselves to be like GOD. We are image bearers, not replicas.
So, quite frequently, we humans construct a new box to keep GOD in. And, like the tower of Babel, He comes way down to examine our handy work like a scientist with an electron microscope.
Drew does an amazing job of busting up a few of those boxes. Jesus flipped the money changers tables because they polluted a house of prayer. Drew's book is in that spirit. We should not worship anything less than the infinite Living GOD. Beware all false gods in boxes.
Great book, an easy read (which I realize is very subjective) but well worth the time and money.
939671
Excellent begging tool for students studying Theology/Religion
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God is searching for such worshippers. Something is happening on our planet. The Holy Spirit is on the move and while we shouldn't replace the Bible as our weapon, sound teachers are producing the right fruits for kingdom warriors. Great book!
588847
Understanding what is being presented in this book is a bit like looking at an autostereogram. The image is there clear as Day... but if you don't know how to look you won't see it.

As a former atheist (who was a former baptist) who spent years on the internet advocating atheism/agnosticism, attending Atheist conferences in order to meet the men pushing the ideas being taken to task here, and still holding a warm regard for the chance meeting of Daniel Dennett while waiting for an airport bus... I can confirm it would have been impossible for me to see the image a decade ago.

For the past couple of years though it's become impossible to miss and that change came about by being ardently skeptical of my skepticism. The journey continues but now I see the clever face emerging out of the background noise winking at us all. ;)