I wish it had explored more of the methods used by these corrupt pastors to suck money from their flocks and also the psychology
590065
Informative, but does not go deep enough.  I wish it had explored more of the methods used by these corrupt pastors to suck money from their flocks and also the psychology and motivation of the church members who seem so gullible.
2127606
I did enjoy the information it provided, but wished it was a bit more in-depth into the actual "religion." In that way, though, it left me wanting more and triggered me to do my own research.
3116200
Maybe if I had read this book when I first started my journey out of churchiness, I would have liked it more. I've had a few years under my belt now, and I just don't need anyone to give me "permission," don't want a list of things to do to embrace being "relig-ish," and reject how-to suggestions.  I quit reading halfway through the book when it occurred to me that Rachelle Mee-Chapman is actually formulating what she says we're all rebelling against: another religion. Perhaps I'm unnecessarily indignant--I'm sure someone will set me straight.
2131762
.. I was intrigued by the idea of an exorcism and thought that, because I've never seen anything paranormal or out of the ordinary, that this might be my 'ticket' - that participating in an exorcism will help me in a way, because I will see that the Devil exists, therefore having also the proof in God and Jesus by way of their power to get rid of the demon that possessed the person.

After reading this book and I am unsure that this undertaking would be wise or necessary. The second person that he performed the exorcism on, didn't seem to end well in the long run and the hassle that all this exorcism business put on Scott Peck is remarkable.

The honesty with which Mr. Peck writes is sufficient for me to believe that there is such a thing as a possession, however I'm not convinced that the methods he used were entirely efficient, since it seemed to take a long time and with only 2 cases on his resume, one would think that he would learn a lot more effective ways to deal with it. But at the same time, who would be crazy enough to do 20 exorcisms?

Anyways, I am very impressed with the book and with the expertise that Peck brings forward as a Christian ,a psychiatrist and just a good decent man. He brings a lot to the table, and introduces the taboo subject of the Devil in a God-less world of psychiatry. To quote Jesus: "He that has ears to hear, let him hear!"
767313
Through Book Sneeze, Thomas Nelson Publishers provided me with a complimentary copy of The Hole in our Gospel by Richard Stearns to review. Stearns narrates his journey from a business executive to president of World Vision. He encourages readers to give everything to God and show faith through works, particularly toward those in need.

I enjoyed the narrative portions of the book; I found myself glorifying God for the work He has done in Stearns' life and through Stearns' work in the lives of others. I think this book is helpful in exposing American Christians (including myself) and churches to our need to act.

However, I had some serious disagreements with his ideas. His theology, particularly his interpretation of Scripture, was troubling to me. I was suspicious of many of his "facts"-- some seemed to come from biased sources or sketchy surveys. He created false dichotomies and oversimplified issues.

I hope the book is effective. I think it has made my heart more tender to the destitute, and I am considering additional actions. I think the book addresses an issue that needs addressed. However, I cannot give this book the high recommendation that I would like to because of my reservations.
1827518
This book is to me a rehash of things that I have already read and heard in regards to the issue of faith and culture. As a pastor, I have read several books and gone to some seminars that have dealt with some of the issues in this book especially the dropping out of young adults. There were some new insights especially regarding the use of part-time staff in place. But overall it was simply a review of things I have already read and heard. It was overwhelming to read the first half of the book and I think that integrating parts of the first half into the suggestions in the second half would be more helpful to the reader.
2438682
I enjoyed the concept of this book the idea that we need to focus more on God and be more 'vertical' focused then worldly focus. But I felt that the book turned into a Christian self help book, as in how to get to be someone you aren't right now. Which yes is a good idea, but not the way I see the idea of the gospel or the cross compelling people to live. Yes, moral guidelines are correct but can we finally leave the elementary ideas behind? Furthermore for being a self-help book I don't see it giving any strong godly examples how to live life the other way, nor any ways that you could chase after it.
 I will say this it did do a great job of showing what areas are impacted the most by our current culture here in America; and how many times we don't differ from our culture that we live in to Christianity that we should be living out.
3754053
The description implies that the book addresses restoration of individuals who have had failures, but it is tightly limited to address pastors and church leaders who have fallen. I can forgive the author and editors for that.

After all, I, the buyer, should have been aware.

That said, I didn't find the book that insightful either. It's not a bad read. The flow of the text, the writing style and the depth of the exploration just didn't appeal to me.
1439895
As a 50+ person who attends church, I found I had more in common with the younger generation who no longer buys what The Church is selling (the topic of the book) than the author or his apparent intended audience.

Although I am not quite finished the entire book, I am disappointed that the author did not place much (any?) responsibility on the Church and its leadership for the apparent lack of interest in the church from the younger adults.  So far, the book has not addressed the pedophile priests inthe Roman Catholic Church or the highly-visible leaders in protestant churches who secretly engage in homosexual behavavior while publicly condemning the gay community.

The intended audience appears to be the church leadership who want to be told, "It's not your fault - it's the congregation's fault for not being sufficiently inviting and the younger generation needs to change."  The book will be successful in making the church leadership feel better about the decline of their calling but will not help in bringing back younger people to the mainline churches
2235466
After I read some of this book, it seems to be more for the church clergy than the chuch lay person.
3125985
I took some great things away from this book.  Her testimony that the poorest of people are closer in communion to God because they have to rely on Him for everything:  food, healing from sickness, etc. whereas in America we have such an abundance that we fail to look to God to provide.  We are too self-sufficient.  Katie's willingness to love people who are hard to love (dirty, infested with worms, bugs, disease) in a practical way is inspiring.  But I was hoping for some more personal testimony about her life and the overall theme of the book got tiresome:  we as Christians need to be helping the poor, the orphans, we need to be giving more.  Great message and a necessary one but I would have enjoyed the book more if the story read more like an autobiography and I felt that in her desire to relate the message of Christians stepping forward to help these ones, there were too many holes in the overall story of her life.  It didn't make sense to me that she had only planned on being in Uganda a year but was approved to adopt all of these children.  She always planned on fulfilling her promise to her parents to return and attend college so why is she adopting children almost as soon as she arrives in Uganda?  Still an inspiring read;  Katie is a modern day Mother Theresa.
3567686
While I had high hopes for this book, those hopes didn't really pan out. The authors did a good job of describing what Americans don't do for religious organizations, and what could be done if Christians all gave by the 10% rule, but they don't really explore why we aren't giving at that level.

I was raised in a church that strongly requested tithing, but not necessarily to the church or to church based groups. I currently come nowhere near to tithing with the church, but in overall charitable giving I exceed the tithe. The authors don't look at it from this perspective at all. They believe all charitable giving should be to and through the church.

If you are a minister or lay person in charge of giving, this book may be of value. I had the sense, however, that it was written more as a textbook for theological students and not for the consumption of the general public.
1354422
Only had a little of info that I was needing.  I was hoping for more of the psychology of domineering clergy and how we respond.  I did learn, however, that we tend to recreate our family of origin into every relationship.  Wow!  I suppose with God's help and tons of practice we can out grow some of those tendencies.
1800062
It is a bit too harsh, and in your face for my taste. Good points, but it could have been presented with more charity.
3728346
The step by step recommendations for getting out of debt at the end were the most useful. Much of the content is common sense, often with examples that don't make sense. WAY too much Bible reference. I know that's his "thing", but he could reach a wider audience if he could stop referencing his religion.
1866792
Overall, I think that David Sprinkle's book People To Be Loved is well worth reading but fell short of my expectations.

Sprinkle's book seems to be split into two parts. The fist part explores the treatment of homosexuality in today's Christian churches and takes them to task for not being sensitive enough to the plight of those with same-sex attraction. The second part is a straight-forward look at exactly what the Bible says in regards to questions of sexuality. It was the latter part that I personally found most informative and insightful. It was when the author stuck to "just the facts" and presented a scholarly interpretation of scripture from multiple points of view that had the most impact upon me. The author clearly approached his research into scripture in a fair and balanced manner without trying to push any type of personal or religious viewpoint. If the book had simply contained this material, I would have rated it much higher.

Where the book misses the mark with me is the author's moralizing about how "The Church" (why he uses caps to refer to a religion with so many contrasting points of view is itself puzzling) needs to essentially become more politically correct in order not to accidentally hurt anyone's feelings, lest they be driven to leave The Church or possibly even commit suicide. He seems to conclude through strict Biblical interpretation that homosexual acts are a sin, yet relegates it to one that should avoid being spoken about in the same manner as any other form of sin. His suggestion to pastors or Christians to skillfully avoid giving straight answers to those inquiring about your Church's stance on homosexuality to those with same-sex attraction in order not to hurt their feelings or possibly scare them off seems disingenuous at best and deceitful at worst. Suggesting that one should essentially do all of the listening and little of the talking when asked these types of questions may be driven by good intentions, but seems intellectually dishonest and misleading to me.

I firmly believe that it is possible to be honest with people while still being compassionate. Suggesting that The Church needs to "tone down" its message in order to be more approachable just does not strike me as the answer to addressing the fact that fewer people are attending churches these days or that some people may have their feelings hurt by Christian beliefs. I do believe that the author is genuinely attempting to be more compassionate and understanding towards those who have questions about Christianity. I do not agree with his specific approach though.

If you want to be more clearly informed on how scripture specifically addresses matters of homosexuality, I would highly recommend this book. If you are looking to this book for ideas on how to be more compassionate and understanding towards those with same-sex attraction I would steer clear though.
2556531
You can learn this information from well meaning pastor's who are working for the Lord. Instead filling this guy pockets with your hard earned money.