As a non-theologian, and simply a Catholic layperson, I found this book helpful for deepening my appreciation of St. Paul, enfleshing and rounding my understanding of his personality, trials, and work; and solidifying the importance of agape love in Christian life.

The author systematically studies the positions of multiple New Testament scholars in explaining Paul's argument for justification through faith, rather than law. He passionately hammers home the message that it is not adherence to a set of rules which saves us from sins' bondage- but rather through our faith in Christ. As God showed ultimate love in giving Jesus to humanity, and Jesus demonstrated sacrificial love in giving Himself on the cross, now we are free to show love to God and others, as to ourselves.

While acknowledging that all in life is not pleasant, the author reminds us that suffering can "have meaning and value", but that "suffering and death do not have the last word". Freedom to love was given to Christians, for their happiness in this life, and the next. If the author's ultimate hope was that his writing draw the reader closer to Jesus Christ, that mission was accomplished. We can demonstrate our faith, through acts of unconditional love, starting today.

submitted 31 December 2001

I am free from addiction! This book explains in great detail how the POWER alluded to in the 12 steps ONLY comes from Jesus , and once you accept His most graceful redemption, there is NO need to call yourself addicted anymore! Please get out of the SIN (sitting in negativity) and rejoice in His holy name. I've studied and read, '2 Tracks One Goal', Dick B 'Akron Genesis of AA'., 'The Good Book and the Big Book'.... NO other book spells out how to get free FROM addiction! Not information ABOUT addiction, not a man-made 'design' for living, not a program to modify behavior... a TRANSLATION into a new being. (II Cor 5:17) and (1 Sam 10:6). This masterpiece shows all Bible references to the "program"... whence the essence. If you are serious about recovery, this is the best book (besides the Word of God) I've read! Thank you authors for your obedience to His Word. My fellow recoveries.... I pray you will pick this up and open your heart to God's Words. I understand why they now have a workbook based upon this book! It is a lifelong mission to fully apply the precepts explained in this book into one's life. Hallelujah! Praise and Glory to God!

It may be almost 70 years old, but every thing in the book still makes sense. Everything is so logical. John Macmurray is a great philosopher. This is a great book.

Political liberals in the West have for years used a distorted anaysis of freedom and justice in an attempt to expand the power of the state. This book examines those distortions and argues for a concept of limited government as the best means to defend both freedom and justice.

A tough subject deserves the application of great minds. Two of the greatest of the 20th century --also unrepentant defenders of liberty-- provide damning philosophical and observational evidence against the "war on drugs". This is a must-have book for those who believe that individuals, not governments, should control their bodies. It is also an excellent source book for students who need a counter-point to the hysterial agit-prop produced by the government and others frightened by inanimate objects (drugs). An excellent companion book is Dr. Szasz's "Our Right to Drugs". (See also: "The Federalist Papers" to learn the views of the American founders on self-control as a property right.)

Still profoundly controversial more than fifteen years after his death, Robert LeFevre's The Fundamentals of Liberty is a deeply penetrating and insightful work that encompasses, in clear, step-by-step fashion, a unique and compelling vision of liberty and the freedom philosophy that resulted from over 25 years of study and thought in LeFevre's work as a newspaper editor, lecturer, author, and as the founder and president of Rampart College.

Widely regarded as one of the founders and pioneers of the modern libertarian movement, Robert LeFevre was a major influence on college campuses during the tubulent 1960's and into the 1970's. His philosophical vision regarding ownership, the nature of mankind, and the role of government was often controversial to say the least, and sent shock waves thoughout California and the rest of the world. Many who attended his lectures or his Freedom School in the Colorado Rockies were and continue to be deeply influenced by his views.

Some of the chapter titles in this impressive volume include: The Industrial Revolution; The Robber Barons; Epistemology; Property and Ownership; Early Man; Socialism; Communism; Wealth; Banking, The American Story; The Declaration of Independence; Freedom; Withdrawal of Sanction; and more! (34 chapters in all!)

The information contained in this rare volume covers, in clear, simple, step-by-step language, most of the concepts personally presented by LeFevre in his famous Freedom School, first in Colorado, and later in California. In an earlier form, it was distributed as a mimeographed home-study course. Completely re-written and expanded, this magnificent work, LeFevre's magnum opus, was completed in 1986, only a few weeks before his death. It provides an excellent and revealing introduction to key concepts and ideas, both for the new student and the advanced scholar.

This book is a must have for anybody studying the bill of rights. I was impressed by its tight organization, the quality of writing and the crucial commentary. Well worth having if you are interested in this most intriguing of subjects.

God And The Crisis Of Freedom: Biblical And Contemporary Perspectives is a thoughtful treatise by Richard Bauckham (Professor of New Testament Studies and Bishop Wardlaw Professor at the University of St. Andrews, Scotland) on a very serious question: Does faith in God necessarily require that one's freedom be limited? Proposing that true freedom only comes through dependence, belonging, community, and divine authority, Professor Bauckham takes a controversial standpoint and defends it well, investing heavily in deep theological discussion and persuasion for the case that human freedom is intertwined with the human relationship to the triune God of Christianity.

This book honestly looks at the meaning, implications and ramifications of the traditional view of God's omniscience and immutability. The philosophical and practical difficulties that arise out of the traditional view are demonstrated. Rice then offers a new view: The open view. I found his arguments to be persuasive, yet not completely compelling. The open view, while allowing for God's soverignty is also able to accomodate man's freedom. He also examins the ramifications of the open view for creation, providence, predestination, prophecy, the problem of evil and others. This book, I think really finds a compromise in the Calvinian/Arminian debate. It is also written in a nontechnical style which any person with a mere superficial understanding of the issue can appreciate.