C.S. Lewis' works, insofar as I have read them, are philosophically and theologically well considered. Of course, that is an understatement. He shies away from no serious question or "problem". He was the most important apologist of the twentieth century.
The Joyful Christian is a collection of 127 readings drawn from his extensive body of work, varying in length from a few sentences to several pages. This reader found only a few discussions in which (I believe) Lewis errs. Most of this collection is very sound (again an understatement). At the same time I was reading this volume, I was reading the thoughts of another well-known 20th century theologian, who was in search of the "historical Jesus." Lewis' thoughts on the subject were much closer to being correct: "In the last generation we promoted the construction of such a 'historical Jesus' on liberal and humanitarian lines; we are now putting forward a new 'historical Jesus' on Marxian, catastrophic, and revolutionary lines. The advantages of these constructions, which we intend to change every thirty years or so, are manifold. ...for each 'historical Jesus' is unhistorical. The documents say what they say ...each new 'historical Jesus' therefore has to be got out of them by suppression at one point and exaggeration at another ...religion of this kind is false to history..."
Lewis on 'Prudence': "Christ said we could only get into His world by being like children... as St. Paul points out, Christ never meant that we were to remain children in intelligence: on the contrary, He told us to be not only 'as harmless as doves' but also 'as wise as serpents.' He wants a child's heart, but a grown-up's head. He wants us to be simple, single-minded, affectionate, and teachable, as good children are; but he also wants every bit of intelligence we have to be alert at its job... He wants everyone to use what sense they have."
Lewis on 'Hope': "The Apostles themselves, who set on foot the conversion of the Roman Empire, the great men who built up the Middle Ages, the English Evangelicals who abolished the Slave Trade, all left their mark on Earth, precisely because their minds were occupied with Heaven. It is since Christians have largely ceased to think of the other world that they have become so ineffective in this. Aim at Heaven and you will get Earth 'thrown in': aim at Earth and you will get neither."
Lewis on 'Apologetics': "The great difficulty is to get modern audiences to realize that you are preaching Christianity solely and simply because you happen to think it is true; they always suppose you are preaching it because you like it or think it good for society or something of that sort..."
'The Joyful Christian' is one of the best collections of theological thought and Christian apologetics you are likely to find.

"The Joyful Christians" is definitely a 5 star volume.

Contained in this book are 127 readings from many of Lewis' greatest apologetically works ("The Abolition of Man", "Mere Christianity", "Miracles", "The Problem of Pain"), and even a few from the fictitious "Screwtape Letters". Topics range from deep theological matters - such as prayer, Divine omnipotence, the three-personal God - to more applicable subjects like sexual morality, marriage, divorce, Scripture reading, etc. This is a superb compendium of Lewis' main arguments for many subjects pertaining to the Christian life. New Lewis readers will find "The Joyful Christian" very interesting and delightful, especially since the book is organized according to subject. If you're looking for a Lewis quote on a particular subject, this is an excellent resource. Great for new readers and old timers alike.

This collection of Lewis' essays is a good read. It's well-categorized and as such, makes for a good "bathroom book". You can open it randomly, read a bit on a given topic and set it aside.

And it contains some of Lewis' best work and pithy sayings and profound wisdom. Lots of quotable quotes and also includes ideas that can be life changing if you let them hang around in your consciousness long enough.

I love "Jack's" writings anyway and this book is just a good collection of his best ideas.

However, my #1 favorite Lewis book is "The Screwtape Letters" which should be read in it's entirety.

St. Athansius gives us the Orthodox understanding of the Incarnation of the Word and our redemption in Him. This book is essential reading for anyone interested in the Fathers of the Church or the Orthodox understanding of salvation.

This is a true treasure of Christian literature. For the modern reader, names like "Athanasius" can be a bit daunting. Surely his book would be too deep and complicated to understand fully. How relavent is it to our own day anyhow?
Like C.S. Lewis points out in his introduction to the work, often the men of ancient times put things more clearly and without the bothersome "-isms" of modern thinking.
This book is encouraging to the Christian and welcoming to those who do not yet know Christ. Athanasius' sense of God's love for man, and his logic that explains how God showed that love is quite breathtaking.

In this day, when a Christian classic is often considered to be a book written 50 or 100 years ago, such as one of my favorites, "Mere Christianity," by C.S. Lewis, it may be a little intimidating for modern readers to consider a volume written during the 4th century by one of the acknowledged leaders of the ancient Christian Church. This is one such work that I've ashamedly ignored for over 30 years--until recently--despite the fact that I've been a huge fan of C.S. Lewis, who wrote the Introduction for this fine translation in about 1944.In both the introduction, and in the words of St. Athanasius, one can quickly see where Lewis developed many of his ideas for "Mere Christianity." Lewis writes here: "Measured against the ages "mere Christianity" turns out to be no insipid interdenominational transparency, but something positive, self-consistent, and inexhaustible."Another reviewer here refers to this book as Catholic, which, unfortunately, may possibly scare away some Protestant readers. However, one could also call it Orthodox (or orthodox), in the sense that St. Athanasius wrote at a time in history when there was only One Undivided Church, whether one calls it Catholic or Orthodox. He was responding to the heresies of his day (and I might add that many of those heresies are still around in one form or another). In doing so, St. Athanasius helped to codify what all Christians everywhere believed about the Incarnation of Christ in those days. As Lewis says in his introduction, some of the best devotional reading is in doctrinal books. This is one such book, but don't let it scare you away, like it did me for 30 years. It's well worth the read, and not as challenging as one would assume.An additional bonus to the St. Vladimir's Press 1996 edition is the appendix: "The Letter of St. Athanasius to Marcellinus on the Interpretation of the Psalms." In this gem, St. Athanasius provides delightful devotional and theological background to the Book of Psalms, which many call the Prayer Book of the Bible. This appendix alone is worth the purchase price of the book (but be sure you get the right edition).

"Dr. Peck...has assembled an engrossing account of the illnesses and injuries as gleaned from the journals of the captains and enlisted men...The best known medical compilation in book form is the widely cited "Only One Man Died:The Medical Aspects of the Lewis and Clark Expedition" by orthopedic surgeon E.G. Chuinard. "r Perish in the Attempt" is a major improvement in that it provides detailed differential diagnosis and critical commentary on treatments that Chuinard did not include...The strength of Peck's book is its delightful readability..."Or Perish in the Attempt" is an excellent contribution to the Lewis and Clark medical canon and a must for medical Clarkies. It is also a delightful and satisfying account of the journey."
JAMA (Journal of the American Medical Association) July 2, 2003

Just finished this book and found it fascinating. Being from and living in the Pacific Northwest puts another perspective on the Lewis & Clark journey. It was particularly interesting that the author shed light on early 19th century medicine through the Lewis & Clark journey. Peck made both subjects very interesting, and I felt used a unique and humanistic style of writing in doing so. In reading the book, you feel like you can really identify with those that made the journey, almost as if you're traveling on the journey with them. I highly recommend the book to anyone interested in U.S. History, Adventure and/or Medicine.

The debut writing of Dr. Peck reveals the Lewis and Clark expedition in a new light. Not only do we learn about the route taken and what was discovered of the flora and fauna and landscape, we are taken into the Corps of Discovery. Having been given the omnipotent view of the trials and tribulations that went with this adventure, we learn about primitive wilderness medicine versus modern medicine. To read this is to become enriched about how far North Americans have come from the treatment of blood-letting! This book of high adventure in the untamed West will keep you enthralled until the last page is turned.

"The Other Israel" is truly a gem and will probably be the best read of the year. Not only for the historic perspective given, but also for the way these writers have literally bared their souls on a subject they feel so strongly about.

In today's oversimplified coverage of the Middle East conflict that we see on the media, "The Other Israel" will take you on a journey to places you've never been before, and may very well make you doubt what you once believed.

These 37 essays are a contribution by Jewish novelists, historians, journalists, activists, as well as several military officers who have refused to serve in the occupied territories. All who hope that their voices will be heard around the world, and especially by their own people who, like most in America, will have their perceptions shaped by what the government tells them, what they see on the media, and often more than not, what they don't see.

As a collective, the essays represent a growing discontented movement within Israel itself that questions the morality of the occupation, the mindset upon which it has endured, the terrible hardship on the Palestinian people, and the effect on Israeli society as a whole.

No longer able to ignore their moral convictions, and acutely aware of the turmoil beset both sides, these writers expose the failings of the past peace processes, the myths that have been perpetuated over the years, and the apartheid conditions the Israeli occupation of Palestinian land has created. They condemn what the occupation has done to the moral fiber of their military, along with not only the price they pay as a society, but with their standing in the world community as well.

None of these essays are terribly long, and some are amazingly short. But they are sophisticated in that they manage to convey complicated accounts of history along with deep personal perspectives in a relatively short amount of space due to the exquisite writing. Almost all are haunting. Some are point-blank in your face accusations and I was caught off guard, but I witnessed more in these pages then any documentary video I've seen on the subject. If these pages don't strike some deep nerve within you then nothing will.

As you read, it will become apparent that these essays took much courage on the part of the writers, knowing full well that they might, at the very least, be labeled as 'self hating Jews' and at the very worst, traitors by the hard right Zionist wing. The essays were written last year just falling short of the current roadmap process, but nonetheless will still give an incredible insight into what has been going on over there.

Often the writings depict the internal struggle within the authors themselves. On one hand there is a great need to be part of the greater Jewish solidarity, the wish for their country to live peaceably and prosper, while on the other as one essayist points out, the anguish that comes from "knowing all this, yet crying little, and keeping quiet too often."

Finally, a book written by insiders in regard to the Israeli/Palestinian conflict. Certainly a rare find. This book is actually a compilation of papers/essays/letters written by numerous authors all of Israeli Jewish decent. Noted authors include Uri Avnery who fought in the '48 war and served in the Knesset, Ishai Menuchin who is a Major the Israel Defense Forces reserves, Dr. Yigal Shochat who served as a fighter pilot in the Israeli Air Force during the War of Attrition, as well as numerous well-known and published professors of Political Science, all of whom teach at universities across Israel.

The book subverts many myths about Israeli politics in the OPT, but it does not do so in a black and white manner as so many other books do. It is a critical analyses of how certain decisions by those in power are creating a threat not only to Israeli citizens within Israel proper, but also a to Israel's democracy itself. This book criticizes key flaws in Israeli politics in regard to the Palestinian issue and provides solutions in their place; rather than simply attack Israel for all it's worth.

In addition to the logical, critical, thought-provoking, Jewish-perspective information this book provides, it also serves to effectively undermine anti-Semitic attitudes towards Israel. Many other books simply criticize Israel without providing alternate solutions given from Israeli Jewish perspectives.. those types of books end up in the hands of some anti-Semites who use the text (most often taken out of context) as metaphorical ammunition. This book is no such source for such idiocy.

To criticize one's own government is nothing new, but to do so in such a well-articulated manner, without ostracizing 1000s of years of Jewish culture, and all the while defending democracy while putting your public reputation on the line is not only genius; it's heroic. Read this book!

A book that challenges so much that one hears about the "justice" of Israel occupying Palestinian land is an important, necessary book. Although the title makes somewhat grandiloquent claims on the part of its individual writers (there is no risk whatsoever to these people, in terms of social position or even income, in writing these articles), it is important for Americans to hear other perspectives coming from Israel. Most of the articles are worth reading, although Anthony Lewis's contribution to the volume unfortunately shows his characteristic clunky prose and banality of polemic. But that is a minor quibble to make. This is a fine book.

This is absolutely the best book I have read on building a strong marriage. The "traditional" family structure had some problems, and the "roleless" backlash against that traditional family had even more problems. The answer is not in either of those imperfect systems, but in God's perfect design. Eight years after reading the book for the first time I am still working towards being the servant leader.

Of all the books my Finacee and I have read to prepare for marriage, this is by far our favorite! The authors challenge the myth of the roleless marriage and establish that God has given the husband and wife unique roles. The husband is a Servant-Leader, and the wife is a Helper-Lover. In doing so they fearlessly take on the "S-word", what submission really means. It's not her role (as if God created a woman to be a mere doormat!), but merely a response to her husbands Servant-Leadership as she embraces her own role as a Helper-Lover.

The authors provide a picture of the culture for which Paul was writing, and show that it is suprisingly cosmopolitan like our own.

Where others try to twist controversial portions of the scriptures to fit modern ideas, these authors uncover the ancient wisdom of God and bring it to life in the 21st century.

It is a well known statistic today that 1 of 2 marriages ends in divorce. One of reasons could well be a confusion on the roles the Bible prescribes for marriage. Although this book presents the idea of the husband as the head of the relationship, it does not present him as the "boss" or as a modern-day Archie Bunker. Instead, men are strongly encouraged in this book to take the lead in serving, in supporting, and in sustaining the other members of the family.

The authors begin by defining the confusion over marital roles today, and the resulting chaos. They then outline the husband's role as servant-leader, and describe his core concerns. The wife's role is then outlined as helper-lover, and her concerns are also presented.

Two chapters are devoted to the idea of submission, dispeling many myths regarding it. Common problems are addressed, and practical applications are provided. The book closes with two helpful appendices recounting the breakdown of gender roles in ancient Rome, and the impact that Paul's words had on that generation.

I recommend this book wholeheartedly for both husbands and wives desiring to gain a better understanding of a Biblical-oriented marriage.

We have all had that one relationship where we knew it was bad but refused to see it because it felt so good to be in love.

Joan Lewis allows us to revisit this experience with nostalgia and humor. We want to scream at Jane to get out before she gets hurt but know she wouldn't listen anyway - just as we wouldn't listen when we were told. At the same time, Joan's presentation of Billy Joe makes it easy to understand the tantalizing charm of the bad boy.

Readers will enjoy this one!

In His Corner
Will the Real Billy Joe Please Stand
By Joan Moore Lewis

This is a magnificent story about a very lovable young lady, Jane Moss, barely out of high school with innocence dripping from her every word and gesture as she ventures into real life. She is only a babe in the woods.

Jane grew up in Overton, a small southern town in central Georgia, in a very loving and caring family and community with many friends and a very caring but very strict father. Being the oldest child, this created a greater than normal desire for Jane to want to gain her freedom and independence to do it her way. She wanted to start her own life in the bright lights of Atlanta during the post World War II boom years of the mid 1960's. In Jane's case, this even turned into a "Damn it, stop me if you can attitude." Her confidence and drive is almost unbelievable for a young lady of her age in that day. This hurts Jane's father but he finally becomes reconciled, in his own way, to the fact Jane is a grown woman and there is nothing he can do to stop her.

Once in Atlanta, Jane very soon bumps into a slight acquaintance but older man, Billy Joe Billingsley, whom she had a small crush on in junior high school back in her hometown. This was just after Billy Joe returned from prison. Was this for a minor crime, or only a schoolboy prank that Billy Joe was sent up for? Jane doesn't really know or care to know, but she immediately falls blindly in love with this very cool, handsome, polished, very kind and tender man, in Jane's eyes. But, inside isn't he simply a mentally disturbed released convict, now a polished full blown con man, thief and mobster with a very strong need for Jane's affection? Is this need for affection only his desire to be forgiven by someone from his hometown? Does he really want Jane as his lover and some day for his wife? Or is his need only for her to act as a younger sister accepting and trusting him only because she is from his hometown? Jane is very intelligent, but is she so blinded by her love for Billy Joe that she only thinks that he is in love with her? He never shows his affection in this manner. In addition to his affection needs, is he actually using her as a cover for many of his wrong doings and can't admit this even to himself?

Here is where the brilliance of the talented author Joan Moore Lewis grabs her readers by their own conscience immediately with a direct challenge to the very inner core of their own morals by making them have to choose between right and wrong in forming an opinion about this strange friend of Jane's. She then holds their attention throughout the book, making them wonder if their opinion about Billy Joe was the one they really should have made. Some may even change their opinion several times during the read but they won't lose interest. They are hooked until the last word is read. In her clever way, the author lets Jane fulfill her desire for excitement and fine clothes by tagging along and flying to her dear Billy Joe on weekends at his every beck and call all over the southeast, eating in choice restaurants, staying in the best hotels, gambling at the strips in Biloxi and Las Vegas and meeting friends of Billy Joe's from prostitutes, pimps and mobsters to rich politicians and elected state officials. Billy Joe knows his way around. He knows his job and has been groomed and taught good taste and manners on high style living, which he gladly teaches Jane. Jane hangs on his every word. How will this all end?

This is a great read for everyone. The author presents the book in such a vivid manner that one can't help from wonder if this isn't a true story lived by the author instead of a novel. Then again, Joan Lewis's hometown of Fayetteville, Georgia was home for another great storyteller, Dr. Ferrol Sams. Might it be something in the water or was it transmitted through high school English teaches? If you remember, Dr. Sams wrote, "When all the World was Young," "Run with the Horsemen," "Whisper of the River" and others. No, it's not something in the water. Truth or fiction, it is simply the shining talent of this fine author Joan Moore Lewis breaking through the clouds to be seen again many times in the future.

This book is a must read for every parent and grandparent of a daughter or granddaughter and I suggest they get a copy for these young ladies to read before their graduations. It might save heartaches down the road.

In His Corner: Will the Real Billy Joe Please Stand
By Joan Moore Lewis

This is a wonderful story of two people, Billy Joe Billingsley and Jane Moss, who met by accident. Jane, young and innocent, immediately lost her heart to Billy Joe, an ex-con.

Joan Moore Lewis has weaved a well written story around the life of Billy Joe and Jane with all kinds of unsavory characters coming in and out of their lives. The people around Billy Joe refuse to forget the wrong he did when he was a teenager. Jane was the only exception. Solid as a rock in her belief in him, she proves love is blind when she chooses not to see the bad in Billy Joe.

The suspense builds as you wonder if Billy Joe will stay in the wrong crowd, namely the Dixie Mafia, or will his gentle side win out and take him down a straight path so he and Jane can finally allow themselves to fall in love.

The setting for this book is in and around the Atlanta area. As a former resident of Georgia, I saw many names and places pop out at me that I had long forgotten about. It is obvious that Ms. Lewis knows her way around Atlanta and the State of Georgia. Real names and real landmarks give realism to this story.

This gentle and intriguing romance/suspense story is one that romance lovers will savor. The sensitive romantics will find more than once that they will be shedding a tear over the concern Billy Joe and Jane Moss have for each other. You will find yourself pulling for them on every page.

I am a born romantic, and I loved it!

Reviewed by Bobby Ruble, the award winning author of Have No Mercy.

Rancher Noah Garfield can't visit Las Vegas without thinking about sex--and when he thinks about sex, he thinks about Keely Branscom. She was the bad girl he wanted growing up--the one who he managed to resist when she was 16 and too young, but who then posed for a centerfold and left home. He can't believe it when he sees her in Las Vegas and resolves to do everything he can to save her.

Keely has never forgiven Noah for spurning her advances at 16, and this is her chance for revenge. She'll treat him to a weekend of sex he'll never forget, then move on with her life. At least she doesn't have to return to the dreary and conservative land of ranches and nosy people. The one thing she can't risk, though, is falling in love with Noah--again. But surely she's out of that now--isn't she?

Author Vicki Lewis Thompson writes a sexy story. Noah promises himself that he'll keep his hands off the beautiful Keely, but he doesn't have a chance when Keely turns up the heat--and boy does she turn up the heat. A Vegas wedding adds to the emotional impact of the moment as both Keely and Noah review their thoughts on what marriage means and their hopes or fears for their own future. NOTORIOUS was the launch book for Harlequin's BLAZE series--and it delivers both the sexy premise (he thinks she's a topless dancer and possibly a prostitute) and follow-through that BLAZE is built around.

Blaze picked the perfect book to launch its new series. I have two copies of this book as a failsafe in case I ever misplace one! To be honest, I haven't read a romance novel since which has measured up to the anticipation, passion, and satisfaction that this book offered. The prequel story in Midnight Fantasies about sister BJ is wonderful as well.

Excellent Blaze. Highly Recommended. Keely is such a wonderful character. It's nice to see the heroine corrupt the hero for a change. Noah is a fab hero. The sexual tension between these two is so high that when they finally have sex it's hot!hot!hot! Thanks Vicki, thanks Harlequin. Would love to read more like this. (...)

I learned a lot about pruning from this book. The illustrations make it very easy to see exactly where you should cut. I wish the author would have included more plant varieties.

I am a very biased reviewer :-). The author of this book is my beloved Great Uncle Lewis of Greensboro, Vermont, and I adore him and his wife Nancy. Lewis' understanding of all things green and growing baffles even me. It's as if he was born knowing how to caretake the earth. He also has a marvelous sense of humor -- in person, as well as in writing. So enjoy this superlative book, and all his and his wife's other books. You are buying a lifetime of horticultural knowledge when you buy any of Lewis' books. God bless!

This book is second only to the American Horticulture Society book on pruning (which might be too much information for some anyway). The illustrations in this book are superior to other books I've seen on pruning which is why I bought it as a companion to the AHS book. I don't know why other books won't give you a close up view but this one does and I liked that so I bought it. If you want just one book on pruning go ahead and make this the one, you've made a good choice.

While not written at the level of technical philosophical detail as Aquinas or Pannenberg (as another review here stresses), this text is still set apart from most general theological treatments by its philosophical clarity and coherence. This is in addition to the virtues of its serious treatment of the range of Scriptural data concerning each topic, its apologetic engagement with differing views, and its practical counsel for life and ministry. It is a great resource for thinking through major theological issues and positions. I recommend it highly.

Drs. Lewis and Demarest were two of my professors at Denver Seminary. I was particularly close to Dr. Lewis. He is one of the most intelligent yet humble and gentle men I ever met. And these characteristics come through in his theology.

This theology covers the full range of theology. Each subject is dealt with in-depth. Supporting Scripture verses and the implications of the viewpoint presented are given. It also overviews contrary viewpoints and explains why they do not adequately fit the Biblical material. The reasons for the disagreement are presented in a very fair and straightforward manner. No harsh language at all is seen in this theology.

The theological viewpoint presented is Baptist-Reformed. I agreed with the Baptist perspective before I went to seminary and moved into a Reformed view while at seminary. I present the same perspective in my book "Scripture Workbook: For Personal Bible Study and Teaching the Bible."

So I would highly recommend this theology. And if you want to study even more Scripture verses that support each position given, see my book. It presents dozens or even hundreds of supporting verses for each topic covered.

I am writing another review, as I have continued to develop myself "intellectually" over the years. I think that this book is still great because of its very good historical overviews, presentations & evaluation of many views (incl. liberal, Eastern, etc.), its strong Biblical scholarship, its attempts at relating the ideas to modern situations, etc... However I have come to see the book's major weakness. The Biblical topics deal with many philosophical issues, although not presented in the Bible in a philosophical way. Systematizing, analyzing these issues is even more philosophical (Greek), and in this perspective the authors are way too simplistic, the treatement of the topics too often very naively neglects the philosophical perspective that is necessary for understanding, solving many questions. I still very much recommend this book, but I want to say that it is certainly not sufficient for a real analysis, understanding and for giving answers that are sound enough. I think that this book would be well complemented by St Thomas Aquinas' Summa Theologica, the deepest and biggest Christian work ever written. However, the Summa is an ancient text that itself requires a lot of study, time and devotion. So alternative recommendation I can make as a completement is Wolfhart Pannenberg's 3 volumes Systematic Theology. Pannenberg is a German (Lutheran) theologian, (and not liberal in comparison with many German theologians), and yet the world's leading theologian. His huge 3 volume systematic theology has a deep philosophical perspective. Pannenberg's work is clearly more academic, difficult than Lewis's present work, yet definetely more accessible than Aquinas' work for those who are not read in philosophy.

This is the first Oh, My Goddess I've read. Urd is the new female with attitude along with Ryoko. If she wasn't there,the manga would lose something. Get this volume!

As I'm sure we all know, the oldest of the Three Norns is half demon, half-god. Urd's father was God, and her mother was Hild, the queen of the Netherworld. Naturally, Urd is less than pleased with her half nature and struggles to forget the demon inside her. But her old pal/enemy Mara is determined to keep Urd's demonic heritage fresh in everyone's minds. So, she creates a clone of Urd and splits the divine demon's personality in half, filling the clone with the demon half and leaving the divine in Urd's original body. Thus, Urd becomes, well...schizophrenic. Her two halves battle, and all her sisters and Keiichi can do is watch.

Can Urd recombine her soul before her demon half does something she will regret?

There's nothing funnier than Japanese Bathhouse Humor. Keiichi and the Goddesses win a free trip to a traditional bathhouse (little do they know it was set up by their demonic nemesis, Mara).
Things go from bad to worse. First Urd decides to conduct her usual, "Big Sister Bust Size Check." Then Keiichi runs into Mara herself on the men's side of the bathhouse.
And then there's the Karaoke war!
And just when you thought it was safe, Mara has gone and made a demonic clone of everyone's favorite sake swilling Goddess, Urd.

Hilarious Hijinx and Hottub humor. You gotta love it.