This short and artfully written book was published after Hume's death. Hume did not wish to experience the controversy engendered by the arguments advanced in the book. It is likely as well that Hume was concerned also with offending some of the moderate Presbyterian clergy who were his personal friends and had been his partisans in other controversies. This book is primarily an attack on the idea that the exercise of reason and logic provides support for religion, and particularly that application of reason leads to strong evidence for the existence of a beneficient God. This line of thought had become particularly popular among liberal theologians in the first half of the 18th century and was a widely held notion among Enlightenment intellectuals across Europe and North America. This idea is still widely held today and can be seen in the writings of the so-called 'intelligent design' advocates of creationism. Hume's criticisms, then, are not only of historic interest but continue to have relevance to our contemporary lives.

The Dialogues are constructed as a 3 cornered argument between three friends. Demea, a man upholding revealed religion against the idea that reason provides support for the existence of God. Cleanthes, an advocate of natural religion. Philo, a skeptical reasoner who attacks the positions held by Demea and Cleanthes. For those who like Hume's sprightly 18th century style, this is a fun book to read. Hume artfully divides some of his strongest arguments between Cleanthes and Philo, and gives the Dialogues the real sense of a dispute among 3 intelligent friends. Philo is generally taken to represent Hume's positions but Cleanthes articulates some strong arguments and provides some of the best criticisms of Demea's fideism. Much of the book is devoted to attacking the argument from design, which Cleanthes attempts to defend against assaults from Philo and Demea. In many ways, the argument from design is the major idea of those supporting the natural religion approach to existence of God. Hume's critique is thorough and powerful. It even includes an anticipation of Darwin's idea's of selection, though the basis for Hume's critique is primarily epistemological. In the later parts of the book, Hume attacks also the comsological argument for the existence of God, though this discussion is relatively brief and a bit confusing. Hume's analysis is consistent broadly with much of his philosophical work. In many ways, his great theme was the limitations of reason, and this book is an example of his preoccupation with the relatively limited role of reason in establishing certain facts about the universe. He finishes with short criticisms of the idea that religion is needed for a stable and well ordered society and defends the usefullness of skeptical reasoning.

It is important to view the Dialogues as part of a critique of religion that Hume sustained in several works. His Natural History of Religion, the On Miracles section of the Enquiry Concerning Human Understacing, and other essays comprise a broad criticism of religion. Other pillars of religion, such as the existence of miracles and revelation, are criticized in his other work. While Hume denied being an atheist and was apparently disturbed by the dogmatic atheism of French philosophes he met in Paris, he was certainly not religous in any conventional sense.

This is a short and very readable book but the power of its arguments are totally out of proportion to its length.

I had a mental love affair with David Hume. I found myself intigued and captivated and frustrated all at once. And, in the end, there was something liberating and alienating. To believe or not to believe--that's something Hume leaves to the reader. Oh, by the way, technically, the sun doesn't rise, nor does it 'set' or fall. The earth spins around its axis--the side that is facing the sun is day; the side facing away from the sun is night. And yet, after reading David Hume, I might even doubt that explanation.

Actually, the rising sun example is often cited as something Hume was completely unsure about. (theoretically, of course) Hume was essentially unwilling to believe anything, be it materialistic or spiritualistic.

Gertrude and the Printed Page is an intriguing novel, incorporating equal measures of mystery, governmental takeovers, political espionage, interpersonal relationships -- and a large dose of morality. The author takes a peek into another lifetime and introduces us to a world where civil liberties and basic human rights are in jeopardy.

As a writer, Mr. Alpert reveals a genuine passion for books and freedom of the press and, with this story, truly pays homage to the printed page. Well-conceived and imaginative plot, with warm, likable, effective characters ... a valuable tale to read for anyone who doubts the importance of freedom and the integrity of the written word.

My co-author and I recently traveled to Sugerloaf, N.Y. for a leisurely day of shopping in the quaint little craft shops the town is known for. While we were there, we passed a table where a delightful gentleman sat, peddling his wares. It was, of course Stanley Albert, and we shared many thoughts about writing and publishing, as well as life itself. To make a long story short, My co-author bought "Gertrude and the printed page" from Stanley, and as we drove home, I began reading the story out loud as she drove. Comprised of short chapters, the book was easy reading. There were not a lot of detailed descriptions to get bogged down in. Just a simple, free-flowing tale of the last bastion of printed word in a country that resembles the USA. Laced with mystery and dialogue that is both simple yet realistic, Stanley weaves a tale of intrigue and disturbing social situations that culminate in an exciting, very satisfying ending. The perfect book to read at night before retiring, Gertrude and the Printed Page is a must read. Stanley states that he has two goals. "To contribute to humankind through writing about controversial and ethical challenges, and to write 100 books by his 100th birthday. We wish Stanley a long and colorful life, and concede that he has already achieved one of his goals.

Stan Alpert, a master of creative fiction, writes this innovative novel on the subject of the first ammendment. This book foretells life without books, through depiction of a nation in which books are banned. Most interesting is that Mr. Alpert crafted this tale long before the internet became an integral and paperles part of our lives. An intriquing novel well worth reading.

Love, Acceptance, and Forgiveness changed the way I view church, ministry, and Christians as a whole. As a result of first reading this book ten years ago, and rereading it every year, I have discovered that people need unconditional love simply because they are humans.
The key concept is simply that people need to be loved and deserved to be loved because they were created in the image of God.
Acceptance should have nothing to do with stature or position, but simply with the fact that we are all humans.
Forgiveness should flow freely without strings attached because we can all receive that same gift.
I would encourage all people to read this book, embrace the concepts, and allow it to change the way you opperate as a person. In the simplest terms, in the most concise way to put it, it will challenge you to examine the way you view humanity.

Other than the bible, this is the most important book in my library. I read it on a regular basis and I read it over and over. This is not just another book on church growth. It's a book that gets to the heart of why we do church and how we can do it in a more Christ-centric way. Every pastor, every leader, every christian should not only read it but keep it as an ongoing resourse.

This book should be on the reading list of every Christian. In this day when people are searching for a return to simplicity in everyday life, this book boils all of the programs and rituals into simple terms to show the difference between being "religious" and living as Christ lived.

I wish every Christian friend I have could read it. My husband and I read it chapter by chapter aloud to each other and could hardly put it down until the last page was finished.

This excellent book tells in great detail and wondeful illustration, the history and tradition of the modern Native American Pow Wow. Readers will find great information on where to find Pow Wow's as well as how to act when they attend one. A must read for all those interested in Native culture.

This book provides an excellent overview of native ceremonies. You feel that Julia lives what she is writing about. An excellent book for those who want to get involved in native philosophy seriously.

Julia provides her reader with a straight forward and easy to understand guide to Pow Wows. She provides all the information they need to get the most out of their Pow Wow experience.

Robert Wilson and Stanley Marcus have created a highly informative as well as a thoroughly entertaining book in which they briefly discuss 81 different examples of "great" contributions to the development of American culture. Here are the first five: Tom Paine's "Common Sense" which helped to establish and then nourish a patriotic fervor without which the War for Independence probably could not have been won.; Charles Kettering's invention of the automobile self-starter which eliminated the need for a hand crank which had broken many arms; barbed wire ("the devil's hatband") which protected property as well as livestock and thus helped to tame the frontier; Alexander Joy Cartwright's design of the baseball diamond (in 1846) for a variation of the English game of "rounders," a design which established the same infield configuration wherever the game is played; and Harry S Truman's commitment to the Berlin Airlift during the Cold War ("We stay in Berlin, period."). Other subjects include the Coca-Cola formula, Coney Island, the Duke Ellington orchestra, the G.I. Bill of Rights, N.C. Wyeth's illustrations for Stevenson's Treasure Island, the New Yorker magazine, the Pony Express, tabasco sauce, the Underground Railway, and the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. All of the illustrations are superb. Several of the brief commentaries were written by various contributors such as Allen Barra (Black Baseball), David McCullough (The Brooklyn Bridge), Kevin Baker (FDR's Fireside Chats), and David Douglas Duncan (LIFE Magazine). This volume's size and appearance may suggest that it is just another "coffee table book." In fact, what editors Wilson, Marcus, and various contributors share attracts and rewards the attention of those, especially young people, who have little (if any) understanding of why each of the 81 subjects is so important to the society in which they now live. Ours continues to be an abundant and diverse culture. Hopefully it will continue to produce other American "greats" to join those which Wilson, Marcus, and their distinguished associates so brilliantly celebrate.

There is just too much from the Nation which we take for granted, and this book reminds up of just a tiny percentage of some of the innovations which helped shape our society.

Sure, when we see the Brooklyn Bridge, we marvel at its timeless beauty. We probably don't give barbed wire a second thought, though. Those old enough to recall FDR tell of the inspiration of his Fireside Chats, and the rest of us can compare (through this work) them to the Gettysburg Address. But this work takes us so much farther. The courage of Mohawk Steel Workers walking across the sky, the Tuskeegee Airmen bringing back every bomber they escorted and the inscrutable creativity of Navajo Code Talkers are all admirably chronicled.

Everyone, from fans of the Vette to those who prefer the Smithsonian; afficionadoes of Duke Ellington vs. Sun Records (or both) will find something here to contemplate and treasure.

This is an extraordinary compilation of the innovations, idiosyncracies, and icons of which this country should be proud. The editors exhibited incredible creativity and sense of adventure in choosing the "Great" items. I can't think of any book that comes close to giving Americans and others a terrific and positive view of this country's uniqueness.

My son and I have enjoyed reading this book together since he was born. He loves finding Freckles on the page. The illustrations are great with bright colors that hold his attention. The story is classic and softly teaches an important lesson. It is the perfect book to share together.

What a great book. The message is very good for kids and adults- to be principle-centered! Freckles the puppy gets lost and then takes up company with some wild and mean dogs. Freckles hangs out with them and has a sense of belonging to the group until he realizes the mean and unjust things the dogs are doing to the other forest animals. He then must choose between remaining with the wild dog "family" (thereby ignoring his conscience) or take a stand for just principles, risking being cast out of the pack to be alone in the woods again. Freckles ends up listening to his conscience and doing the right thing, but is cast out of the pack. Although he has been rejected by his own species for standing up for what is right, Freckles is embraced by the other forest animals and ends up with more friends than he could ever imagine.

The illustration by David Stanley is totally amazing. I can stare at the pictures all day. The old rusty pickup truck riding down the country road with all the puppies bouncing in it is a rich and dynamic scene. When I stare at it, as when I stare at the other frames, I feel more like I am watching an IMAX movie than simply looking at a 2-dimensional page. The expressions and personalities of all the characters in the book are magnificently represented with clarity and color. It is a visual feast. I enjoy reading it to my two-year-old daughter but find myself lost in staring at each page far too long to keep her attention.

My son and I both have fun reading Freckles. Although at 14 months he doesn't understand the lessons (and there are numerous lessons to be learned), he really enjoys the illustrations and trying to pick out the different Wild Dog characters. We both enjoy trying to make the sounds associated with all the different characters. The author hints at subsequent stories, and we are anxiously awaiting Freckles' future adventures.

This book was given to me by a friend when my daughter died, as I could not forgive myself, my husband, or God; and as time grew so did my bitterness for life and towards others. This book offered me a chance to heal at my own rate, instead of lashing out at others who offered help. I would often make comments, while reading, like, 'Yeah right! Who are you kidding! I have every right to be a -----!' Over time, and upon highlighting and re-reading this book, my heart began to change.

Mr. Charles Stanley is very straight forward and honest in his writing. It seems that he holds nothing back. He offers steps to help us forgive ourselves and others, based on biblical principles and he offers us reassurance and comfort such as, 'Regardless of what you have done, you have not stretched God beyond his limits. His love knows no limits.

This book has become my bedside bible. I want to buy a copy for everyone I know. As a new believer, it clarified so much for me about having a relationship with Jesus, and His ability to help me overcome difficulty. I would encourage anyone whose spirit is not at rest, or who is seeking to have or deepen their relationship with the Lord through Christ to buy this book. There were very practical steps to lead you out of bondage and into His grace. It is the only book of it's kind I have read cover to cover - God Bless you if a copy falls into your hands

This is a must for all Christians....A MUST!! Liberating...The book deals with past hurts..the effects of bitterness...Instructions on how to forgive...FOR REAL!!

What a masterpiece of arranging and translating. Mr. Cheney took 20 years to finish this project and it's a wonderful way to study the life of Jesus in chronological order with all the details from the gospels blended together. You have to read it to see it's value. It is out of print -- thus the high prices for used copies -- so it's too bad it couldn't be revised to bring the words a little more up to date.

As a student of the Greek and Hebrew I can say it's a very accurate translation though a bit uncontemporary in it's vernacular after 30+ years.

I don't think it was ever published in hard cover. It's paperback is extremely sturdy.

I got my first copy in 1980 at a Goodwill store for $.99!! I've gotten many, many fine books from the thrift shop book racks.

Unbelievers never tire of alleging contradictions between the Gospels. Yet if one actually takes the time to read the Gospels, it becomes obvious that the discrepancies between them are, in any case, so trivial that they do not undermine the veracity of the accounts in any way. Otherwise, one would have to discard all newspaper accounts for comparable "contradictions" between news accounts. Since the Gospel writers wrote independently, it is inevitable that there are superficial discrepancies between the Gospels. Cheney beautifully shows how the different Gospel accounts flow together once one realizes that the writers "saw" things from different angles, so to speak. Cheney correctly calls this supplementation.

Cheney's harmony is a must for the bookshelf of any serious Bible student. This work, which accounts for every word in the original language texts, demonstrates the sequential consistency and compositional integrity of the four Gospel accounts and brings them to life in a special way. What a shame that its out of print!

Dr. Stanley provides insights that help a Christian to tap into the abundant life described by Jesus in the Gospels by showing them how to apply priciples that work. For example, he writes "you will enjoy exercising your gift. You will look forward to the responsibilities you are given that call on you to use your gift" (p. 137). In other words, being all that God intended you to be is an exciting adventure of discovery. It enables a person to discover who they are and the God who made them.
In making a point about God's sovereignty, Dr. Stanley notes "the Holy Spirit decides who gets which gifts" (p. 134). As a result, the person is seeking to discover what God has already put in place in his or her life. The adventure continues as one uses those gifts for the kingdom of God and His purposes.

The Wonderful Spirit-filled Life by Charles Stanley is one of the most important training books you can have in your private library. It's simple, clear, lucid teaching. It is NOT fanatical or extreme in its presentation of how to have a Spirit-filled walk. It is very direct. Very accurate. If you follow the basic steps, by book's end, you'll have an empowered Christian life. As a Charismatic, there are a few doctrinal points Stanley made that I don't agree with. However, they were not large enough to deter me from growing through this book, nor ordering extra copies to give away. Overall, a very balanced presentation that can take you to a deeper walk with the Master.

I bought this book for two main reasons. First, I want to know more about the Holy Spirit, and the role it has in my Christian walk. Second, I have heard Charles Stanley preach before, and he seems like a reliable source for helping further my Christian development. This book confirmed both my reasons.

In his book Dr. Stanley does an outstanding job of explaining how the Holy Spirit works in our lives. Although I do not agree with all of his conclusions about the Holy Spirit (most specifically when he talks about the limited availability of speaking in tongues for all Christians), overall, I think this book is right on target. Whether you are a new Christian, or have walked with God for years, I think that this book can help bring new light to a subject that is often misunderstood.

Using a lot of scriptures, and his extensive research on the subject, Dr. Stanley has greatly increased my understanding of the Holy Spirit. I liked the book because he offers a lot of practical advice about seeking God's Holy Spirit. I really enjoyed the fact that Dr. Stanley shares his own struggle with grasping everything that the Holy Spirit has to offer us as Christians. I think that many Christian leaders in his position would perhaps be too proud to discuss their own journey towards a greater understanding of God's spirit. Lastly, I think that this book has helped further my quest for knowledge about the Holy Spirit. Dr. Stanley includes a list of the resources he used while writing the book, at the end of each chapter which will serve as an excellent guide for me in the future.

I highly recommend this book to any believer who is wanting to learn more about the Holy Spirit. If you are like me, you want to learn the truth from a reliable source. I think this book will meet your need, if that is your desire.

...and quite possibly the best collection of quotes from the broadest range of leaders in the field that I have ever devoured. I started reading it with a highlighter to cover the best advice. Excluding the front and back covers and the title page, the book is now entirely yellow. From veterans to fresh meat on the hook, this is the bloody book to read if you want to take your craft seriously. What more can I say to rave about this? Buy it. Read it. Then read it again. Keep it within reach of your desk for inspiration when the words just don't seem to flow. It's like a horror convention in your brain!

This book is so inspirational it amazes me. It is quote after quote by famous authors on different topics that apply to horror writing. I think this is one of the most inspirational books on horror writing. I love this book!

As an aspiring writer, I was especially interested in these writers' basic influences, fears, and drives. After the first chapter, I was glued to this book, absorbing the thoughts of writers such as Stephen King, Jack Ketchum, Anne Rice, and many others. This is a great gift for a horror fan.