This book is brilliant. Unless I had read it I don't think I ever could have conceived of a plan of Divine government that was so ingenious. The basic concept here is that God governs the human race by allowing people to do as they wish. It reminds me of the saying 'He governs best who governs least.' Therefore God governs in a way that is basically invisible, and yet He still governs.

According to this book God maintains 'control' in myriads of subtle ways, and yet the system is set up in such a way that people really are free. That is, people can acknowledge or not acknowledge God, they can obey or disobey Him, they can think and do as they wish. I think this is a pretty good explanation of the existence of evil. It exists in potential as an opposite of God, dictated by the principle of freedom - but not created by God. I thought this was brilliant. It explains why bad things happen to good people, at least it does to me. That is, bad things are not caused by God but by the principle of freedom itself.

The best part of this book, however, is its articulation of the means God uses so that bad things will stop happening to good people. According to Swedenborg, God is guiding the human race in subtle and miraculous ways towards a happier future. It happens slowly and invisibly so as not to impinge on human freedom. The principle method is information. As people gather knowledge, the knowledge eventually has a great impact on how they act. Knowledge of God is called the Word of God, and it very gradually shapes human actions - but only insofar as people understand, accept, and willingly act on it. I find it easy to believe that information is that powerful.

The purpose of all of this, according to this book, is to bring people to happiness, both in this world and after death in heaven forever. Not a bad purpose.

A work of genius. I would call it Divinely inspired.

This book demonstrates through stories from real people who have made big mistakes and have been forgiven and restored to a right relationship with God

I count my backdoor blessings every day with this fantastic book. As a public schoolboy and a Sandhurst veteran I have been lucky to avoid the outrage and indignity of violation a la greque - no mean feat, owing much to vigilance and a fierce right hook. Excellent book.

So often authors are afraid to lay a claim on creation, especially in a manner which is accessible for young children. Le Tord, however, does so and in a magical way. Her simple language and elegant illustrations make The Deep Blue Sea a treasure. There is no Darwinian sense of conflict in this beautiful creation about creation. I do not have children yet; however, I know that with the help of rare authors such as Bijou Le Tord, teaching spirituality and faith will be much easier.

This book is a collection of well-crafted, highly useful essays on the important twentieth-century thinker Austin Farrer, an Oxford don and priest of the Church of England. Anyone interested in philosophical theology, in British theology during the era of C. S. Lewis, in modern understandings of divine providence, or in the relationship between theology and spirituality should examine this work carefully. Very nicely done.

These books are a wonderful guide to how this life relates to the next and how God directs all life. They answer questions about why bad things happen, the purpose of life, and order in the universe, in a philosophical way that is practical and easy to understand. If you are looking for something deeper than scientific answers, I highly recommend Divine Love and Wisdom and Divine Providence!

"In essence, in our letters we have tried to embody in our dialogue the prophet Micah's admonition that the Lord requires us to treat each other justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly wt ur God (6:8)." (p. 200)

This is exactly what one finds in this book. Two scholars, Chris Hall (Eastern University) and John Sanders (Huntington College) discuss issues surrounding the nature of God and his relationship with human affairs. Presented in back-and-forth dialogue exchanged via email, this book presents its intentional discussion based upon Christian love and thoughtful understanding rather than reducing theological debate to useless rhetoric and characturization that is often seen in theological disagreements.

This book is a great read for those who are well versed in the issues Openness raises as well as those who are relatively unfamiliar with theological topics of this nature. Both of the authors do a fantastic job of bringing together solid academic with a meaningful, real world, lay understanding. It is obvious that both of these gentlemen have a strong passion for the Church.

Many different topics are engaged in this book - I will not try to recount them here. Know that these authors cut quickly and meaningfully to the heart of the issues, challenging each other to present a solid position. (For those who might not understand, the title derrives from the issue of divine timelessness and impassibility. In other words, does God experience emotion or time...hence, does God have (experience) a future?)

This book will be noted as how theological dialogue ought to be handled. There is pointed argumentation, humorous asides, personal examples, facetious rhetoric, and above all...Christian humility and love.

Both of these theologians admit that they do not have all of the answers, but that they are constantly looking. "Faith seeking understanding."(Anselm)

I read this book to my two boys, ages 5 and 9. They enjoyed learning about such a great man. Of course, we unlike many Americans, knew something about Roger Williams before we read this book. We are descendents of his, through his son, Daniel. I was very proud to read about such a great man, who did the courageous things that he did at the time that he did them and to be able to call him Grandfather, was a treasured moment. Thank you to the Author for writing the book. What most people do not know is that Freedom of Religion and Separation of Church and State were ideas that he was the first to fight for in America. So whether you are Baptist, Catholic, Muslim or Buddhist, you should Know that the men who wrote the American Constitution, got some of their ideas from a man who lived 150 years before their time; and that he fought for you to be able to worship as you choose.

Merlin Carothers shares incredible insights regarding facing and overcoming fear. He draws on his own experiences, which are uniquely relevant and compelling, to help illustrate how to employ the techniques he outlines. I would encourage you to purchase one for yourself and one for each loved one, for this short book is encouraging and uplifting.

Endorsed by the likes of Joni Eareckson Tada, Billy Graham, Dr. Paul Meier and many others, "GOD IS NOT FAIR" is currently in 12 languages.

For 19 years I have served as chaplain for the NBA Washington Bullets/Wizards professional basketball team and I pioneered & pastored three churches during this time. I am a board certified counselor.

This book came out of personal pain. Also I have worked with many people as they have walked through the grieving process. I get a lot of mail from readers of this book from all over the world. It seems to tap into the universal language of suffering.

Here is the review about this book from Bookstore Journal: "Many books similar to 'God Is Not Fair' have been written recently, but Freeman's work is especially noteworthy....Rather than easy, pat answers, Freeman offers solid biblical responses. And at each chapter's end he asks pointed questions that would help readers come to grips with their feelings and reflect on the truth of God's Word. In easy-to-understand terms, 'God Is Not Fair' explains a profound theological mystery. After finishing this book, readers will have the courage to face life's seemingly unfair circumstances and to have faith in God's absolute wisdom and justice."

Some of the chapter titles are: "I Never Want to Hurt This Bad Again", "Buzzard Bait", "How to Balance Your Fuss Budget", "Innocence Lost, Purity Gained", "Skyscraper Theology", and "Don't Lose Your Spit and Vinegar".

Feel free to contact me: (freemaninstitute@erols.com)