A must for anyone with interest in the matters of life and death. Bache unravels his grasp of 30 years of psychedelic work, and where it lead him, with rare humility, grace and poise. This isn't a book that tries to hopelessly (albeit heroically) sell the future to the academic community; it's a substantial, juicy, and sometimes even heavy speculation piece. Inform you it will really not, but get you searching it will. Feels like a swift kick in one's karmic rear, if you pardon the pun.

All in all, a rare gem. Read!

Millions of sane, intelligent people living today seem to live in a world that modern, scientific cosmology tells us just doesn't exist. Either they are deluded, or what they have to say about the world calls into question the dominant cosmological myth.

Judging by a deluge of media reports and a growing body of respectable scientific literature, a great many people are having experiences that don't fit into our civilization's dominant cosmological map. You may be one of them: someone who has experienced, for example, powerful, even predictive, dreams; remarkable synchronicities; undeniable psychic events; or convincing mystical experiences.

But, according our culture's cosmology, none of these experiences is supposed to be possible.

In this book, transpersonal psychologist Chris Bache opens up a different way of approaching this conundrum - by exploring the spectrum of our consciousness and what it implies for a much wider and comprehensive cosmology. The personal and social consequences of such an expanded worldview are profound.

Cosmology orients us in the universe. It tells us where we came from, where we are, and where we are going. Implicitly or explicitly, it defines what is possible for us as human beings, and thus it channels, or limits, our highest ambitions.

Modern Western culture lives entirely within the confines of what Bache identifies as "daytime" consciousness - that is, it takes into account only what we can perceive through our outer, physical, senses, and of those perceptions it takes seriously only those we can measure. These data are then organized according to the rules of logic and reason (mostly mathematical). "Nighttime" consciousness - what we can learn about the world through, for example, dreams, intuition, psychic or mystical experiences, and other nonordinary states - plays no part in designing modern cosmology.

As a result, we are moving into a kind of cultural dislocation, in which the official cosmology fails to map many of the experiences that matter most to us.

Combining philosophical reflections with deep self-exploration to delve into the ancient mystery of death and rebirth, Bache emphasizes collective rather than individual transformation. Drawing on 20 years of experience working with nonordinary states, he argues that when the deep psyche is hyper-stimulated using powerful psychedelic techniques, the healing that results sometimes extends beyond the individual to the collective unconscious of humanity itself.

Bache presents one of the most persuasive accounts - based on many years of personal spiritual exploration and incisive scholarly work - of why our culture needs to take seriously the spectrum of nonordinary states of consciousness experienced by so many people.

If you want a powerful, at times dramatic, account of the sheer majesty and mystery of our multidimensional cosmos and how the psyche fits in, this book is a must-read. If you want a transformative approach to learning and eduction about who we are and our place in the cosmos this book will inspire you.

I've read this book three times. Chris offers a realistic, and yet optimistic reaction to the coming ecological crisis. He doesn't back away from what lies ahead, yet he compares the end of the 'world as we know it' to a birthing process. The coming environmental meltdown will be the 'near death experience' for the species. Chris' conclusions rank amoung the best spiritual paradigms for the ecological future.

"Once there were two bears, Big Bear and Little Bear. Big Bear is the big bear and Little Bear is the little bear."

Each of these Little Bear books by Martin Waddell opens in this delightfully familiar way. My two-year-old cozies in right beside me in anticipation of the beginning of one of these books (because once you read one, you have to read them all).

In "Good Job, Little Bear", Big Bear encourages Little Bear in all his exploring and yet, when Little Bear makes a mistep, Big Bear is there to help, support, and reassure... Little Bear is able to regain his confidence with the help of Big Bear's sensitive parenting (because, even though he looks like a big bear, he really is just a very good parent).

"Good Job, Little Bear" is a book that will remain behind on my bookshelves as my son grows. In the fine tradition of books that reassure about parental love, Waddell has captured the sentiments of parents around the world. The last line of the book, "I'll be there when you need me... always" gave me a catch in my throat and, I have to admit, a tear in my eye.

This is a really good book for young kids. My 3 year old daughter loves it and laughs hysterically when Little Bear falls in the water. And it has a really sweet, comforting ending which is great right before bed. I also think it is a good length for little ones, not too wordy. I think little ones can really identify with Little Bear and the things he does in this one. Cute book!

After reading all of the little bear books, I would have to say that this is one of my two year olds favorite book. My son loves the little bear/big bear adventure stories.( Please write more) I would highly recommend this book to parents, teachers and fellow librarians.

Dr. Martin Luther King's collection of writings and speeches, "I Have A Dream", brings aspiration to light. The events that surrounded the life and death of this true hero reveals the shameful fact that no matter how great the United States of America is today, it is one country that was nurtured with inhumane machinery: slavery, racism, injustice, Mickey-Mouse freedom, and Mickey-Mouse democracy. I hate to think about it, but it is an honest fact, which we should all come to terms with. Nobody can rewrite history.
The 256 pages that is "I Have A Dream" was enough to highlight the wickedness and the violence that were deliberately sustained in America, for a full century, after a bloody Civil War ended her tenacity on slavery.
One question that will always beg for answer is: How on earth did U.S. Presidents who presided over the ruthless color-bar era qualified for those Nobel Peace Prizes that they received? Knowing what life was like in the U.S.A. just a couple of decades ago melts my heart. "I Have A Dream" is a big eye-opener!

"I Have a Dream: Writings and Speeches That Changed the World," by Martin Luther King, Jr., is a fine collection of texts by this important figure. The book has been edited by James M. Washington. Coming in at less than 300 pages, this is a concise but meaty book.

Washington includes King's most important texts: the "Letter from Birmingham Jail"; the "I Have a Dream" speech; his Nobel Prize acceptance speech; "My Trip to the Land of Gandhi"; "A Time to Break Silence," his 1967 speech criticizing the United States war in Vietnam, and more. These writings and speeches cover King's great themes: nonviolent resistance, the African-American civil rights movement, etc.

Those seeking a more comprehensive collection of Kings' work should seek out "A Testament of Hope: The Essential Writings and Speeches of Martin Luther King, Jr." also edited by James M. Washington. At more than 700 pages, this is a truly monumental collection, and includes much material not found in "I Have a Dream": the 1965 "Playboy" interview, transcripts of television interviews, and more. But for those who want a shorter text that cuts to the heart of King's life and work, "I Have a Dream" is perfect.

"I Have a Dream" reveals King to be a true Christian prophet, and a man with a global vision. As literature, these texts also show King to be the heir of such American thinkers as Henry David Thoreau and W.E.B. DuBois. Highly recommended.

In his famous "I Have a Dream" speech, Martin Luther King, Jr. used several techniques and devices that were central to the theme of the civil rights movement. One such device was his use of time-sensitive words such as "now" that served as instigators aimed at prompting immediate action. He asked his listeners to seize "the urgency of the moment" because he knew that his cause had garnered enough support to make the push toward total, unrestricted equality. He warned his opponents that they would not see rest until freedom was won; there were far too many people rallying for justice than could be ignored.

King also spoke about the importance of using "soul force" as opposed to physical force. He was determined to be guided in every action by the principles of relentless nonviolent resistance, similar to the ones lived and taught by Gandhi. He knew that his soul force, although seemingly tedious at times, would eventually triumph over every last obstacle of hatred standing in his way. Even though the country was still very much in a state of transition at his passing, King's soul force did indeed lead to the civil rights movement's success. To those members of our society still fighting for freedom even today, that success stands as a powerful testament that no matter how bleak the situation, nonviolent soul force can overcome unjust bias and discrimination. I believe that this is an important lesson, and therefore, I also believe that every American should read King's speech; it is clear that even today, we all still have something to learn.

I'm 34 years old. This book was given to me when I was 8. It served as the backstop against all of the angst, fear, anger and confusion of pre-pubescent existence. When "bobby" threw a rock at me, I turned to this book. When "jenny" didn't return my affection, I turned to this book. When "Joey" violated my trust, I turned to this book. Nothing can bridge the gap between the teachings of Jesus and the adolocent existence. My dear people, if you do anything for you youth, do buy this book. Give it to them. And let them use it as they will - with God's help. Surely, you will benefit.

This is a wonderful tool for parents who are trying to find a way to reach their children during family devotions. Each story begins with a theme Bible verse, and then presents a story involving children and their parents related to the Bible passage. Afterward, there is a series of questions so that you can discuss the story with your children. For older children there is an extended Bible reading listed. Finally there is a concluding prayer.

Not only will this help involve your children in family devotions, but the questions also help to develop listening skills. These benefits flow into church on Sunday morning. I highly recommend this book for anyone trying to involve their children in family devotions.

When my boys were young and My wife and I were newly born Christians, we purchased these two books. They were loved by our children more than anything else we provided for their Christian growth. Those two books have since disappeared from my library and I am so glad to have found one and I will keep looking for the other. I want them for my Grandchildren and friends. I want them for myself as well! I have never found another pair of books with a short story and devotional thought for each day that fits in so well with a childs everyday living and learning experience. Everyone can relate to each story. Excellent.

This was the first volume in the whole IVP series I purchased, and because of it, I bought the "Dictionary of the Later New Testament." This whole series is a wonderful and insightful compilation of Biblical studies. This work is a concise, and yet thorough work on Paul's theology and termonology, and the novice student doesn't need to worry about a ton of theological jargon or a degree in Greek in order to read it, either.

I tend to prefer the more extensive "The Theology of Paul" by James Dunn, although this book may have a more logical orginization to it as a dictionary format. I usually sit down with both when I study, as they both have their strenghts and weaknesses as a resource.

I dont 100% agree with everything in this book, but I agree with a lot of it, and consider it a necessity in my library.

The best one volume book you can find on the complete writings of Paul. The book covers everything dealing with Paul and his writings, and not one stone is left unturned. Every article is brilliantly written, and informative. I found the articles on Textual Criticism and the various ones on Jesus Christ very helpful to my study. Along with the other three volumes (Jesus and the Gospels, Later New Testament and its development and New Testament background) it makes a good collection to the complete understanding of the New Testament. Go out and buy it, and you will not regret it.

Another extremely helpful dictionary from IVP and Dr. Daniel Reid. A tremendous work that provides a vast array of scholarly articles on issues related to the Pauline corpus. The sweep of this project has been enormous. This particular volume has been of great help to me as I continue to move through the Pauline epistles. The many articles relating to the law have been especially helpful. The editors have been careful to give the traditional as well as the new perspective on Paul and the law a balanced hearing. Some of the articles are thin, but the bibliographies (at the end of each article), provide primary sources. This is truly one of the best resources on my shelf!

Remember the Python routine about a "killer joke?"

This book came close to being a collection of such jokes. Nearly every story made me, and several of my friends, laugh until we almost couldn't breathe.

Over twenty five years later, it still has the same effect.

(GET THIS BOOK BACK IN PRINT!)

I had hoped that civilized society had seen the last of Dr. Fegg's nasty little pamphlet. This is a work a certified lunatic who is now a depleted geriatric living on the outskirts of the Scotish outer Hebrides..do not be fooled!!...the right and kind fellows of the English variety troop, aptly named Monty's Python had no hand in this. The true tale is that of a heartless killer has been trying to ruin the nights sleep of innocent children worldwide with this satanic bedtime treatise. Buy what is left of these books and burn them instantly!

...

I had this book as a child and it was my first introduction to 'Monty Pythonesque' humor. The sheer silliness of it was hilarious. All my friends loved it too. In fact, I believe one of them borrowed it on a permanent basis, without my knowledge, if you know what I mean...nudge, nudge, wink, wink. Anyways, I am now in search of a copy for my young daughter.

was left out as a co-author, please remedy this oversight.

Any serious Tai Chi practitioner will know that Tai Chi is more than just movement. This book presents the original Tai Chi texts translated into english, which allow the reader to think and feel each movement in a new, more intense manner.
Each sentence is a lesson in itself. While some are easy to understand, others will not be so clear in the beginning. I am sure that you will read this book more than once, reflecting on the movements and thoughts behind each form.

I recommend this books to any Tai Chi practitioner who wishes to understand the roots of the discipline.

This book is a new translation of a number of classical tai chi texts. The translations are clear, and the language flows well. The translators also included brief explications of difficult terms withing the text itself so as not to disrupt the flow of words. The presentation of the book is well done, with many illustrations and pages of calligraphy. While fairly short, this book is very nice introduction to the classic Chinese texts on tai chi.

I find The Joker to be a fascinating fictional character, and this collection of short stories definitely manages (at least for the most part) to get at what I feel is the true character of The Clown Prince of Crime. This little overlooked book is probably the best portrayal of The Joker this side of Alan Moore's The Killing Joke.

The quality of the stories is uneven, ranging from brilliant to forgettable. Unfortunately, the very best stories are all weighted toward the first part of the book and sets you up thinking that ALL of the stories will be that good. My favorites are "The Man Who Laughs" and "On a Beautiful Summer's Day, He Was." The latter, while being the least "Joker"-y of the lot, is also the most disturbing. "On the Wire" is also excellent, and although "Jangletown" falls into the average group, it's memorable for its description of the Joker (which brought shadows of Grant Morrison's Arkham Asylum) and the hints at pederasty. Most of the others are average but still entertaining and full of dark, disturbing moments (Bruce Wayne's punchline in "Dying is Easy, Comedy is Hard," the opening of "Bone," and the patricide in "Best of All"). The only story I flat out didn't like was "The Joker's Christmas."

I thought it was an excellent decision to use horror writers for the most part to bring The Joker to life...I can't imagine a genre he more belongs at home in.

Do yourself a favor a grab a copy of this book. It's truly unsettling.

This book consists of several short stories, each written by a different author, and all of them about the Joker. The stories are too short for me to tell you much about them, and besides, part of what makes this book great is the different angles taken on the Joker. Each story focus on the Joker, but each shows a different part of the whole Joker.
I would recomend this to any Batman fan, any comic fan, or anyone looking for good short stories.

To me, this book defines The Joker; A mean-spirited, incredibly intelligent, completely psychotic mass murderer with a way beyond warped sense of humor. I first read this book in High School. Once I picked it up, it was so amazing/disturbing I couldn't put it down until I'd read the whole thing. I wrote a paper on it that got me into AP English. Now 10+ years later, it was so good I'm searching for it again. This book is a KEEPER. Be careful who you loan it to, they might think so too.

Hung by the tongue deplicts the rise and fall of a person just by the words they speak. By taking quotes from the bible and putting them into perspective,Martin shows that success and defeat is born in the mind. We as humans tend to speak what we believe. Martin shows that what we speak can bring on failure or victory. Very inspirational read.

Simply, James Allen outlined this when he wrote: "As A Man Thinketh". Mr. Martin, however, drives it home, because, thoughts create what we say, and then, what we do.

Put it to the test yourself - I convinced myself that this is not mere idle chat, and, chances are YOU will, too.

Excellent book...one that should be read by every Christian today. There is Power in the words we speak, I was not aware of how powerful until I read this book

la recomiendo para gente abierta que quiere salirse de los típicos autores que aparecen masivamente en todas partes. Me parece nuevo, refrescante y bueno

leí el libro de un tirón, me gustó y espero leer algo más del autor

Es un libro IMPORTANTE, no sólo porque crea que está bien escrito, sino porque se queda contigo, en la memoria y en el corazón. He aprendido mucho de este libro.