History: Fiction or Science? (Chronology, No. 1)

Book Description

Recorded history is a finely-woven magic fabric of intricate lies about events predating the sixteenth century. There is not a single piece of evidence that can be reliably and independently traced back earlier than the eleventh century. This book details events that are substantiated by hard facts and logic, and validated by new astronomical research and statistical analysis of ancient sources.

Customer Reviews:

Calculations are only as good as your numbers.......2007-08-03

Yes, we can all agree that mainstream history is nearly 100% BS due to politics, economics, ego, problems with dating techniques, and various conspiracies. Agreed. But, I've been researching the distinct possibility that human history (in terms of civilizations) are much more ancient than we've been told, so coming across this book was very interesting to me. I wondered how Fomenko could be wrong (if at all) because he is very persuasive in his presentations. Then it dawned on me. If at previous times in prehistory, due to the various catastrophies that are well documented (comets, asteroids, planetary disruptions, plasma discharge, pole reversals, etc) the Earth was in a different position in relation to the sun, different tilt on its axis, different orbit, different rotation (in terms of velocity and DIRECTION), and the continents were in different positions, then would this not cause the ancients to see the sky (constellations) differently? In other words, is Fomenko making erronious assumptions about the physics of the Earth in pre-history, which then corrupt his data with regards to dating the relevant astrology? The last event to seriously disrupt our planet occured roughly 3500 years ago, according to other good researchers, so is it possible Fomenko has been confused by this? The vastly different physics of our planet in the not so distant past may explain this confusion, which is not to say the "mainstream" version of history is correct; on the contrary. I am not an expert in these fields, but wanted to see if this idea could spark discussion.

Pants on fire?.......2007-07-19

Will people ever read before spamming? Yes, Jesuits could not rewrite world history alone, they had help. Anyway, Dr Prof Acad A.Fomenko does not point to jesuits as the driving force of world wide history manipulation in published volumes 1,2,3;, actually he barely mentions the poor devils. Check it with 'Search inside' feature, please. China is rarely mentioned either, in fact, Dr Fomenko is completely eurocentric. Right, his theory contradicts all mainstream schools of history, because in their actual state they are all built on blatantly erroneus chronology. You don't need a mysterious cabal (conspiracy) to falsify history, the falsification is its modus operandi. It is inherent to history(ians) to falsify (distort) events, as it is inherent to humans to boast as it is inherent to power (authority) to legimize itself by referrring to glorious past made to its own order. Dr Prof Fomenko and team have identified scores of instances of such manipulation in Russian, European, etc.. history, and delivered valid statistical proof thereof. His own 'reconstruction' is completely another story. Forget c14 as a valid method of dating. W.Libby has initially discovered a brilliant method of INDEPENDENT dating. Too bad, c14 method has become a joke after a forced marrige with dendrochronology with consensual chronological scale inbuilt. Radiocarbon method can't stand blind tests, but is so very productive as a rubberstamp.

Accepted History & Chronology Must Be Changed. .......2007-04-09

There is no doubt that history as most know it is a sham, & institution's version of History both University & Church is fradulent & inaccurate. Everything was established with an agenda, The real "Dark Ages" are now when we have access to incredible amounts of information past authorities & more important 'common folk' didn't have but our institutions & educators are slow to evolve because of what has ignorantly & arrogantly been taught for too long. This is on many subjects not just Chronology.

For anyone to question "Why would a Mathematician have anything credible to say of History?" The answer is from Dr. Fomenko's preface in the book: "It would be worthwhile to remind the reader that in the XVI-XVII century Chronology was considered to be a subdivision of Mathematics." These volumes could possibly be some of the most important works to date & should be read by everyone with an interest in History, especially professors & educators who have a duty to the public. I have read both books & must say that 'Chronology 1' has some very eye opening & revolutionary information. Even if these volumes are part true the implications are profound & opens the doors to further investigations & questions which must be done. I speak several different lanquages & must say the logic Dr. Fomenko uses with "inflection" of words & words being read from left to right in one region & right to left in another then written backwards, the removal of vowels & get down to basics of words, or different cities & locations having the same name etc. is correct. Vowel usage has always been optional & varied, actually complicating linquistics & study. The first thing one has to understand is that words never had a fixed spelling in history like we do now, the spelling of words was mutable & regional, as well as names & titles of people were vast, varied & changed, NOTHING WAS FIXED or understood linear. Matters of Life & Death as well as financial profiteering yesterday & today were & are made with ignorant, illogical & conspiratorial views of history & reality, it's time people get closer to the Truth & society collectively grow up.

Very Interesting.......2007-03-07

It is a good proposal and I believe it will mature into something even better in the future. I think it deserves to be read.

History as Science Fiction.......2007-01-10

Anatoly Fomenko has written a very intriguing book, full of pictures, charts, and computer 'proof' of his thesis: backwards of AD900 we don't really know what happened or when. Between AD900 and AD1600 there is more certainty, but there is still a lot of fuzzy ground, and things don't get reliable until we get past the 1600's where the printing press made it very difficult for the perpetrators of this timeline manipulation to change anything that had been committed to print. The Dark Ages did not happen. Books were burned for a reason. One organization has doubled the actual length of its existence by expanding the real chronology. Read why.

I had always wondered why Christ died about AD33 and yet men waited until the 11th century to form the Knights Templar, the Cathars, etc and go after the Holy Land by force. Why the 1000 year gap? Turns out there wasn't more than a 10-12 year gap and he proves it using astronomy. This also implies that the planet is not as old as we have been told, and current Christian and other creationist scientists are already championing that idea without being aware of Fomenko's book. The two groups, creationist scientists and the Russian mathematical analysts corroborate each other. Fascinating.

Of course, all this flies in the face of what we have been told traditionally is the 'proper' chronology of western civilization, and most readers will experience 'cognitive dissonance' in reading this book. It means that our history going backwards from AD1600 becomes progressively more incorrect and unreliable until it cannot be trusted at all... in the space of 700-800 years.

Naturally, the curious, open-minded reader will want to know WHO did this, WHY, and did any of the events we think of as really ancient ever happen?
Dr. Fomenko is a respected scientist/mathematician at Moscow State University who has already answered these questions to the satisfaction of his initially skeptical colleagues. Most of them are now believers, a few still refuse to believe (the usual diehards), and of course the western press has ignored Fomenko's work -- for obvious reasons when you read the book. The ones who perpetrated this chronology ruse have a lot to answer for. They are still with us. That's why this book is a well-kept secret.

I gave the book a 4-star rating because I was unable to check out some of his claims; those I checked were as he said. But if even 1/3 of his claims are true, this punches a big hole in what we think is our history, the meaning of western civilization, our educational process (for repeating the ruse as gospel), and the trustworthiness of the organization that perpetrated this ruse, well-intentioned or not.

This book relates to current research into a Young Earth paradigm, to John Keel's discoveries about our planet, and Fr Malachi Martin's insights (in his now out-of-print books). We are indeed sheep who are manipulated and kept ignorant -- for a reason. While knowing what these men have to say may be the "booby prize" (as in: 'what can you do with this knowledge?'), it will provide interesting reading. Didn't someone say: "...and the Truth will set you free."?? For you to judge if this book contains the truth.

Average customer rating:

Joseph by Chas. R. Swindoll
Wonderful lesson in forgiveness
Joseph Great Lives Series: Volume 3
"One of the two best on Joseph!"
Awesome Knowledge!

Joseph Great Lives Series: Volume 3
Charles R. Swindoll
Manufacturer: Thomas Nelson
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Religious | Leaders & Notable People | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

General | Christianity | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

General | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

ASIN: 084991342X

Book Description

No family today is more dysfunctional than Joseph's. No one faces greated temptation than Potiphar's wife offered Joseph. No faith is challenged more severely than was Joseph's on death row. Yet Joseph stood firm, exemplifying what is possible when ordinary people maintain their connections with God. Like an epic novel filled with intrigue, tension, and torrential emotions, Joseph's triumphiant story touches us all. This third volume in Charles Swindoll's"Great Lives" series presents a fresh look at one of the most intriguing characters in the Old Testament and focuses on the virtue of forgiveness in the face of deceit and betrayal.

Customer Reviews:

Joseph by Chas. R. Swindoll.......2007-08-16

The preacher of my church preached one Sunday morning about Joseph, the fellow with the multi-colored coat fr. his father. Before getting into Joseph's life, the preacher told of how Jacob came into Rachel's family, and about Rachel's dad, Laban. Fascinating to me it was. I wanted to find a book to read about "Joseph, etc."--read what an author has penned. Charles R. Swindoll does an excellent job and in an excellent style of writing. I found the book to be a full-fledged account. Joseph's life was awesome.

Wonderful lesson in forgiveness.......2007-01-11

This is yet another wonderful book in the series. Well worth the reading and study. Have ordered additional copies to give as gifts.

Joseph Great Lives Series: Volume 3.......2007-01-09

I really like the accuracy of the book. Charles Swindoll is one of my favorite pastors and authors. He didn't let me down with this book.

"One of the two best on Joseph!".......2004-04-26

Although my favorite Joseph book is 'With Joseph in the University of Adversity: the Mizraim Principles', by Dr. Parks, this one is a close second! If you want a pastor's heart in the telling of the story--this one is best! If you want sound principles for everyday life that you or a graduate can use, and really well-organized--go with Parks (if you can get your hands on a copy!). Swindoll does this as part of a series, and it's excellent! These are the best two Joseph books around.

Awesome Knowledge!.......2001-12-11

Once again, Charles Swindoll has brought a biblical character to life. I felt as if I was going "through" with Joseph! Mr. Swindoll makes it easy to relate what happen to Joseph with his family relations to today's family. If you're having difficulty relating to the trials and tribulations your family faces, read this book and get a revelation from God!

Average customer rating:

Is Tom Landry Really Like Elijah?
Elijah Great Lives
All right
Misrepresented
Pass the Bread, Raven

Elijah Great Lives, Volume 5
Charles R. Swindoll
Manufacturer: Thomas Nelson
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

General | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

Look Inside Religion & Spirituality Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 0849913861

Book Description

Elijah the Tishbite. He stepped out of nowhere to become a significant prophet of God. The rugged, gaunt prophet from the obscure town of Tishbeh became God's powerful instrument of confrontation.

Alone, Elijah faced off with over four hundred prophets of the false god Baal…and won. Yet, on another occasion, he became so terrified of a woman that he ran for his life. He was a man who God sent His ravens to fee. A man who God loved so much that He prepared a special chariot and horses of fire to transport him from earth to heaven. He was Elijah-the man in a whirlwind, the humble hero.

"Like a meteor, he flashed across the inky blackness of Israel's spiritual night."

-J. Oswald Sanders

Like Elijah, we're all subject to times of bravery and times of fear. One day we're able to face life with a smile; the next, we feel crushed by its oppressive weight. We vacillate from courageous to cowardly, from hopeful to hopeless. Like Elijah, we are ordinary people with seemingly overwhelming problems. And the answer is in God alone as the name "Elijah" indicates: It means, "The Lord is my God."

He lived courageously with his peers and walked humbly with his God.

Where are great leaders like Elijah today? Uncompromisingly strong, yet self-controlled. Disciplined, yet forgiving. Audaciously courageous, yet kind. Heroic in the heat of battle, yet humble in the aftermath.

We see a few such men and women, but the list is tragically short. Rarely does someone model these invaluable traits more obviously than God's mighty prophet Elijah, whose calling was anything but calm and free from conflict. Nevertheless, as you are about to discover in this book. Elijah exemplified true heroism and genuine humility amid the relentless pressure of battle.

Elijah: A Man of Heroism and Humility is the fifth volume in the best-selling Great Lives from God's Word series by Charles Swindoll. The series also includes such powerful biographies as Joseph, David, Esther, and Moses.

Exploring the depths of Elijah's fascinating life as a prophet of God, Swindoll does not gloss over his human weaknesses; rather, he presents an honest picture of this ordinary man who God transformed into His personal spokesman to confront idolatry and evil in the ancient world. You will find that it's a life worth emulating.

In a world that has lost its way, due in part to the lack of balanced, godly leadership, we are more than ever in need of a few Elijah-like men and women who are not afraid to live courageously among their peers as they walk humbly with their God.

"May this book establish deep within you a desire to stand strong for what is right as you bow low before Him who is worthy of your trust and obedience."-Charles Swindoll

Customer Reviews:

Is Tom Landry Really Like Elijah?.......2007-03-26

I liked this book; although I would not compare the boring ex-football coach Tom Landry to Elijah the Prophet. What is more like Elijah is when you send a fan letter to a female newscaster at a local TV station, get threatened by their corporate lawyer for it and God replies by sending an angel and causing a small earthquake in their studio during the 6pm news that very day! Some people know about God and some people actually know God! But another odd experience was listening to Radio Athens on shortwave to a seductive sounding woman announcer, have a mental vision of a metal band wrapping itself around some dark haired woman's throat and then the announcer starts choking uncotrollably over the air over 3000 miles away! This was in the early 90's!
But I did like the part that prophets like Elijah and Moses go through a time of testing with God. And in the case of Elijah, God sends ravens with pieces of food in their mouths to feed Elihah when he was on the run from the king. And I have seen God provide for my needs in ways I would not expect at times!

Elijah Great Lives.......2007-02-23

This book is a wonderful walk through the life and times of Elijah. Chales Swindoll has many insightful thoughts that stimulate deep discussion. If your looking for light reading then this is not it, but if it is spiritual challange and insight your looking for then your in for a good time.

All right.......2006-07-11

I received the book in good condition and in a fairly timely manner, but the book didn't come with the cover sleeve. I have the whole series, but this one is now the oddball without that cover. I don't know what happened there.

Misrepresented.......2006-03-11

When I ordered this book, I assumed it would have been written by a Jewish author and Published by a Jewish company. I am sadly mistaken. It comes from a Christian publishing company and the author is Christian. I havn't read the book yet and will be leary of details.
I would like to see better representation of books about Biblical characters.

Pass the Bread, Raven.......2004-01-12

I went into this read with little or no expectations. After all what else can be said about Elijah that hasn't been said already?? Well let me tell you that Swindoll found a way to breathe life into an old story. It was more than a book, more than a read. It was more like a sneaky way of writting a devotional that challenges your soul at the end of every chapter. I hated picking up the book for 2 reasons: It stirred areas in my soul that I had forgotten to take care off. And that with the reading of a new chapter I was getting closer to the end. I will be reading the book again but at a snail's pace so as not to miss a drop from this refreshing book.

Average customer rating:

Nana Upstairs & Nana Downstairs
Love This Book!
A book for every child...outstanding and very much needed!
MOSTLY A BOOK ABOUT LOVE
Wonderful!

Nana Upstairs and Nana Downstairs

Manufacturer: Putnam Juvenile
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

Picture Books | Ages 4-8 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

General | Ages 4-8 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

Look Inside Children's Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books

All 4-for-3 Deals | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 0698118367

Book Description

Tommy is four years old, and he loves visiting the home of his grandmother, Nana Downstairs, and his great-grandmother, Nana Upstairs. But one day Tommy's mother tells him Nana Upstairs won't be there anymore, and Tommy must struggle with saying good-bye to someone he loves. Updated with new, full-color illustrations, this classic story will continue to win the hearts of readers of all ages.

"Children will want to hear this again and again." --School Library Journal, starred review

"A quietly touching story [that] depicts loving family relationships." --Publishers Weekly

Customer Reviews:

Nana Upstairs & Nana Downstairs.......2007-10-01

We were looking for a book to help prepare our 4-year old daughter for the death of her grandmother from Cancer. This book was recommended to us. We first checked it out from the library and had to renew. It helped us start the discussion of death with our daughter. She related to Tomie being 4 and his love for his Nana's. We bought this book because she did not want to return it to the library. She is so happy to have her very own copy.

Love This Book!.......2007-03-25

I had read this book several years ago so when my 87 yr old mother died last month, I bought a new Nana Upstairs, Nana Downstairs book for my grandson who is 10 yrs old. He told me that he will keep that book forever because it was so sweet and means everything to him now that his great-Nana is gone to heaven.

A book for every child...outstanding and very much needed!.......2007-02-01

From it's title and the cover, I wouldn't have picked up this book. There's nothing that "jumped out" at me. It's about grandmas, but so what - lots of books are.

FORTUNATELY, it was included on my son's [...]reading list. What we discovered is the most sensitive rendering of a young child's experience in coping with the death of a loved one.

If we read only one of dePaola's books, and this was it, I would say he is a genius in children's literature!

MOSTLY A BOOK ABOUT LOVE.......2006-09-03

This work was pretty impressive and this comes from one who is not overly fond of the "death and dying" genre of children's literature. This is a story of a young mans relation ship with his great-grandmother and grandmother and the love between them. The book is of course about the loss of a loved one, one who has been apart of your life for as long as you can remember. The subject is delt with in a loving and sensitive way. There are no real tears here, no real sadness, rather a justifiable feeling of loss at first, but then understanding. This is a situation faced by most children from time to time and in fact all of us have probably gone through this sort of expierence. This book is quite useful in talking to children about the subject of death and approaches it in a very positive way. This illustrations are great and the text is simple, to the point, and follows the illustrations quite well. This is one of those books that I think either the parent or teacher could well read with the child as is is bound to bring up some good questions. Recommend this one highly.

Wonderful!.......2006-03-22

This book by Tomie dePaola is wonderful! It evokes a bygone era. I defy anyone with a heart to read this book without some kleenex nearby.

David: A Man of Passion & Destiny (Great Lives from God's Word Series: Volume 1)

Average customer rating:

WE ALL HAVE OUR LITTLE SAULS' OR SALIERI'S IN LIFE
Well worth the reading
Great As A Teaching Manual!
best of the Swindoll series?
For the most part Swindoll misses the point

David: A Man of Passion & Destiny (Great Lives from God's Word Series: Volume 1)
Charles R. Swindoll
Manufacturer: Thomas Nelson
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

Religious | Leaders & Notable People | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

General | Christianity | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

General | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

ASIN: 0849913829

Book Description

David, unlike any Bible character before him, had the charisma to inspire a great nation. Yet in other ways he was a most ordinary man-often gripped by destructive passion, rocked by personal tragedy, and motivated by political gain. Yet, he is the one character the Bible describes as a "man after God's own heart." In this first volume of the "Great Lives" series Charles Swindoll shows how David proved his love for God many times over in an extraordinary life that left an enduring legacy of faith.

Customer Reviews:

WE ALL HAVE OUR LITTLE SAULS' OR SALIERI'S IN LIFE.......2007-02-23

What I do like about Chuck Swindoll's is that he brings that Old Testament to life for Born Again Christians and makes it relevant to adult lives and problems. This book on David as well as his study guide did give me much food for life when I was having non-legal problems with the government after I had applied for the Federal Civil Service in 1985. I heard on TV that Reagan had to approve in signature even applications for GS-9 position and I was on the list for considerations for such jobs when I was in grad school. I think they just wanted to teach young men like ma a lesson in life the hard way!
David had become a national hero by killing the Philistine Giant Goliath. Then the prophet Samuel had annointed David to be Israel's future king since Saul had committed an act of disobedience against him. Saul became paranoid how David become a military hero where "Saul has slain his thousands; David his ten thousands"! So, Saul in his madness set out to kill David.
What I found so some food for thought was that when David was losing heart about Saul persuing him to kill him and he had to live underground and off the land, that David decided to defect to the pagan Phillistine army-kind of like seeking Political Assylum with the Soviets or the North Koreans! When I was being persecuted on Park Street in North Toledo, I did seek assylum with several foreing nations. But nothing happened. I told myself who is "America's Philistines"-Russia, China, North Korea and Iran. I even sent them all resumes through my shortwave radio hobby. I had a big foreign address book called THE WORLD RADIO TV HANDBOOK! Plenty of people to complain to there!
Other things I liked about David was that he had a thing for the ladies; and I also like pretty girls, but never seem to make it with any of them. David had an entire Harem of seven wives. You cannot find the definition of the word "Harem" in my Bible Dictionary; so sexless and loveless is America's Christianity! He was such an opportunist that he picked up the wife Abagial from a dead enemy Nabal who denied him and his men food when they were on the run from Saul. God stuck Nabal dead with a heart attack for his stinginess. I used to say that my former father in law was liewise a hard man like Nabal-yet God did not strike him dead. And of course David was a Prophet and a Man of God. He wrote about 50 of the Old Testament Psalms, some of which prophesy of Christ;s crucifion on the cross and the coming Millennial Kingdom of God. God had taken David from tending the sheep to becoming Sheperd of Israel! David was a man after God's heart as David did what God had wanted him to do during his reign as King. I found that defining verse in Acts.
I liked the folk guitar in high school and in the Army. I read that David played the small harp, which was a forerunner of the modern folk guitar. Me and David liked music and pretty ladies. I was just thinking the other day that when I die and go to Heaven I will really like to meet this man, as though he was my friend!

Well worth the reading.......2007-01-11

Yet another great book in the series. Well worth the reading and study. I have ordered additional copies to give as gifts.

Great As A Teaching Manual!.......2006-07-27

This is a well written, thought provoking book. I am currently using it as a manual for a Bible study class. It's not one of those "deep theological" biographies, but it speaks to the layman, in a very easy-to-understand style. Recommended for study groups, or anyone, who wants to know more about the "man after God's own heart".

best of the Swindoll series?.......2006-02-24

All the books are good ... this one was great. It hit home for me.

For the most part Swindoll misses the point.......2006-02-19

We used this book for an adult Sunday School class that I taught. I was extremely disappointed by the superficial treatment of the text. I found myself using the Biblical text and other sources. For the most part Dr. Swindoll's book was a distraction rather than a help. For example, 2 Samuel 7 descibes
God's covenant with David that Christ, the True King, would be David's descendant. Swindoll uses this text as to how to react when God says no to our plans. (In this case, it is God's rejection of David as the builder the temple that Solomon eventually built) The covenant IS the point and Dr. Swindoll completely misses it.
If your looking for moralisms that you really already knew this is your book. If you want a serious study of the life of David
you would do well to look elsewhere or try something bold-- a careful reading of the Biblical text.

Average customer rating:

Ordinary girl to Queen
"For Such A Time As This"
Another Good Title From The "Great Lives From God's Word" Series by Swindoll
Esther the Ideal Woman
Not this one

Esther Great Lives Series: Volume 2
Charles R. Swindoll
Manufacturer: Thomas Nelson
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Religious | Leaders & Notable People | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

General | Christianity | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

General | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

Look Inside Religion & Spirituality Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 0849913837

Book Description

Everyone loves a transforming story. Rags to riches. Plain to beautiful. Weak to strong. Esther's story is that, and much more. It is a thought-provoking study of God's invisible hand, writing silently across the pages of human history. Perhaps most of all, it is an account of a godly woman with the courage, wisdom, and strength to block an evil plot, overthrow an arrogant killer, and replace with joy in thousands of Jewish homes. Through Esther's courageous struggle to help her people, Swindoll explains the power of divine providence in volume 2 of the best-selling "Great Lives" series.

Customer Reviews:

Ordinary girl to Queen.......2007-02-27

Chuck Swindoll takes what is seemingly a fairytale story and opens one's heart and mind to see how God is in control of all. What valuable life lessons he teaches us through this inspiring Bible book. I highly recommend using this book as a study reference along with your Bible. I appreciated the way he brought the story to life and made it's messages relate to my life as it is today.

"For Such A Time As This".......2007-02-11

This second book in the 'Great Lives' series is excellent! As a Pastor, I used this book for a small group Bible study. We studied one chapter a week. What strength we all can receive from studing the life of Esther! Here was a woman who had to make a decision to be silent and let her people die, or to stand up and do whats right. It's extremely interesting that God is never mentioned anywhere in the Book of Esther, but as Charles Swindoll points out, He is working "behind the scenes" in all of the lives involved in this powerful book. Use this book as a study guide with the Book of Esther.

Another Good Title From The "Great Lives From God's Word" Series by Swindoll.......2007-01-17

Swindoll continues his legacy of writing great books with "Esther: A Woman of Strength and Dignity". This is the second volume of the biographical series he has written on various Bible characters. In Esther, he describes the life of Esther and the Book of Esther which indicidentally, is the only book in the Bible that never mentions God by name. However, when you read the Book of Esther, you can defintitely see God working behind the scenes as the drama plays out.

Among the important points covered in the book are:

1. Be quiet and know that God is God and be convinced that He is at work.
2. God is not in a hurry and is not a slave to the human clock (I particularly struggle with this one).
3. Some things are important enough for us to stand alone on. One person can indeed make a difference.
4. Stand alone and be courageous no matter what the cost!
5. God notices us when no one else does. God is impressed with a humble heart that comes to Him on His terms.
6. 2 things to consider when discovering how God works.
7. 3 principles for being sensitive to God's interventions.
8. God can break down any wall. No one, no matter how stubborn or strong-willed, can resist God and win.
9. 3 principles from the Book of Esther that we can learn for our lives.
10. 4 things that happen when we wait on God.

Read, enjoy, and be encouraged to know that God loves you and knows what you're going through even when others do not!

Recommended.

Esther the Ideal Woman.......2003-11-05

Recently I read this with a group over a period of 8 weeks.
It found it quite insightful and encouraging to the group and believe that there were many good principles that Chuck had to say. You do feel very encouraged after reading this book. It's main focus is on God's providence and soveriegnity over our lives. Esther is the ultimate example of that.
However, I do have a few critisms that would benefit anyone who plans to get the book. First, Chuck does tend to derive alot of principles from the text that you may not necessarily have looked for when you read the book of Esther. I understand why he does this, to allow the reader to sympathize with Esther's character. Second, at times it seems Chuck is making Esther an ideal that we all should follow, that's okey to a certain extent. Third, he really didn't spend much time on the historical background of Esther's time, which I think would allow the reader to understand where she was coming from. (We supplimented that information in our meeting.) Fourth, he did not need 12 chapters to write about principles from Esther. The last two were good, but not too necessary.
With that said, I think this book is a great read for Christians who want to learn about applying God's word personally to their lives, and as a good read for those times when you can't get into a heavy study in the Bible. Esther is a refreshing book that offers much hope and encouragement to those who read it.

Not this one.......2003-07-07

The book has an attractive cover and is well-marketed. Beyond that, it's not worth the investment of time nor money. The well-meaning author writes in a folksy narrative, with flagrant grammar flaws and overuses exclamation marks. The organization and chronology are likewise poor. Worse yet, substantively, the book reaches far and states assumptions which are not Biblically sound. Unfortunately, the author is not clear to point out those incidences when he may be speculating versus citing fact, which makes for some unsound theology. Read the Biblical book of Esther and see how vastly different it is from this book. This read is heavy on extras and tangents that are irrelevant to the theme.

Great Lives: Fascinating Stories of Forgotten Lives Workbook (Great Lives)

Average customer rating:

Great Lives: Fascinating Stories of Forgotten Lives Workbook (Great Lives)
Charles R. Swindoll
Manufacturer: Thomas Nelson
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Look Inside Religion & Spirituality Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 1418506028

Book Description

In concert with the million-selling Great Lives series of books, comes the newest addition to the Great Lives study guides. Focusing on a dozen of the heroes and their stories of leadership, trial, and tribulation found within the Old Testament, renowned pastor Charles Swindoll illuminates the lives of such characters as: Lot, Abraham, Noah, Solomon, Jonah, Deborah, Isaiah, and Ruth.

Modeled after the other workbooks in this series, feature sections include Digging Deeper, an examination of Christian belief and practice; Taking Truth to Heart, guidance for personal reflection and living a Christian life; In Other Words, a selection of quotes and questions from a variety of authors for meditation and application; Treasures from the Text, including directed study from the Scriptures themselves and Nuggets of Wisdom, specific encouragement from the Pastor himself. Versatile enough for use in small groups and as a church curriculum, as well as individual study.

When the Great Abyss Opened: Classic and Contemporary Readings of Noah's Flood

Average customer rating:

When the Great Abyss Opened: Classic and Contemporary Readings of Noah's Flood
J. David Pleins
Manufacturer: Oxford University Press, USA
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Ancient | History | Subjects | Books

General | Christianity | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

General | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

Science & Religion | Religious Studies | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

Fairy Tales | Genre Fiction | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

Look Inside History Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books

Look Inside Fiction Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books

Look Inside Religion & Spirituality Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books

All Amazon Upgrade | Amazon Upgrade | Stores | Books

History | Amazon Upgrade | Stores | Books

Literature & Fiction | Amazon Upgrade | Stores | Books

Religion & Spirituality | Amazon Upgrade | Stores | Books

All Titles | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 0195156080

Book Description

The story of Noah's flood is one of the best-loved and most often retold biblical tales, the inspiration for numerous children's books and toys, novels, and even films. Whether as allusion, archetype, or literal presence--the American landscape is peppered with "recreations" of the ark--the story of Noah's animals and the ark resonates throughout American culture and the world. While most think of Noah's ark as a dramatic myth, others are consumed by the quest for geological and archeological proof that the flood really occurred. Persistent rumors of a large vessel on the mountain of Ararat in Turkey, for instance, have led many pilgrims and explorers over the centuries to visit that fabled peak. Recent finds suggest that there may have been a catastrophic flood on the shores of the Black Sea some 7,600 years ago. Is this then the reality behind the ancient tale of Noah? More to the point, why does it matter? What does the story of the Flood mean to us and why does it so stir the collective imagination? When the Great Abyss Opened examines the history of our attempts to understand the Flood, from medieval Jewish and Christian speculation about the physical details of the ark to contemporary efforts to link it to scientific findings. Unraveling the mythical dimensions of the parallel Mesopotamian flood stories and their deeper social and psychological significance, J. David Pleins also considers the story's positive uses in theology and moral instruction. Noah's tale, however, has also been invoked as a means of justifying exclusion, racism, and anti-homosexual views. Pro-slavery advocates, for example, used the story of Noah's Curse on Ham's son Canaan to rationalize the enslavement of Africans. Throughout this expansive and lively book, Pleins sheds new light on our continuing attempts to understand this ancient primal myth. Noah's Flood, he contends, offers a unique case study that illuminates the timeless and timely question of how fact and faith relate.

Average customer rating:

The Children's Blizzard
A Fascinating Tale
a moving tribute to victims combined with history and science
Read It In January
mother nature's wrath

The Children's Blizzard (P.S.)
David Laskin
Manufacturer: Harper Perennial
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | World | History | Subjects | Books

Natural Disasters | Earth Sciences | Science | Subjects | Books

Reference | Outdoors & Nature | Subjects | Books

Look Inside History Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books

Look Inside Outdoors & Nature Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books

Look Inside Science Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 0060520760
Release Date: 2005-10-11

Book Description

Thousands of impoverished Northern European immigrants were promised that the prairie offered "land, freedom, and hope." The disastrous blizzard of 1888 revealed that their free homestead was not a paradise but a hard, unforgiving place governed by natural forces they neither understood nor controlled, and America's heartland would never be the same.

This P.S. edition features an extra 16 pages of insights into the book, including author interviews, recommended reading, and more.

Customer Reviews:

The Children's Blizzard.......2007-09-09

If you like history and weather and pioneers, this is the book for you. A lot of my historical society friends read this after I recommended it and they all felt they learned a lot and appreciated the author's attention to detail. A little advance warning and knowledge about weather fronts could have prevented quite a few deaths. Most of the towns must have had a telegraph and some of the townspeople could have spread the word, but it didn't happen. As a result, children died.
Excellent writing and research!

A Fascinating Tale.......2007-07-24

David Laskin brings the subject to life with his well-researched personal stories. I highly recommend this book.

a moving tribute to victims combined with history and science.......2007-05-29

Mr. Laskin builds the story slowly by telling us the history of a number of immigrant families whose blizzard experience forms the core of the story. We learn of their hardships in traveling to the US and earlier hardships they faced on the midwest prairies. He gives the background of the Signal Corps that was charged with weather reporting and forcasting and the politics that affected their structure. He also explains weather phenomena and terminology as it was known then and now.

He reveals how the mild weather before the blizzard lulled many people into going outside and permitting their children to walk to rural schools.

The speed and intensity of the blizzard was astounding and he vividly describes the impact on people and the uncertainty they faced: do we try to get home or wait it out where we are? When the blizzard ended, the searching began and he describes how hard it was to find the lost victims -- in some cases it took 5 days to locate people that were buried in drifts just a few hundred feet from a pioneer home.

Added to the actual stories and histories of some victims, he also describes in detail how hypothermia affects the mind and the body.

It is a moving story that brings out the harsh existence and the tragedy that these settlers faced.

Read It In January.......2007-05-01

I'm nuts about gripping non-fiction. This book is a freaking gem. The blizzard took place in 1888 and killed hundreds. The book covers the immigrants who settled the plane states, this part is interesting to me because I'm from the Midwest. I know nothing about weather forcasting but I learned more about weather from this book than I have in my life. He descibes the body's response to cold weather too and that is pretty interesting. The description of the blizzard is brutal and you could read this book in Mexico in July and it would make you shiver.

mother nature's wrath.......2007-04-20

After reading this account of a great tragedy, I can't help but think about what these early settlers endured. I find myself thinking about this book everytime I complain because there's a little snow on my walkway!! Very compelling and detailed telling of a sad story.

Average customer rating:

A Pencil in the Hand of God: Moses
God Teaches Through Hard Times
Selfless Leader Serves As Example
Moses and me
Excellent Book About a Biblical Leader!

Moses Great Lives Series: Volume 4
Charles R. Swindoll
Manufacturer: Thomas Nelson
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

Inspirational | Spirituality | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

Look Inside Religion & Spirituality Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 0849913853

Book Description

Charles Swindoll presents the Bible's real Moses-the Moses who tried to decline his assignment from God; the Moses who dazzled Pharoh; the Moses who received the Ten Commandments; the Moses who was disobedient and weak; the Moses who was the greatest leader of God's people in all of history. Through his faith and selfless dedication, Moses continually chose to follow God's will through difficult and seemingly impossible situations. This is the fourth volume of Swindoll's "Great Lives" series.

Customer Reviews:

A Pencil in the Hand of God: Moses.......2007-03-17

Mother Theresa of Calcutta used that phrase to describe her work. Moses was a reflection of that statement.

You cannot outwit God. Herod tried to kill all the toddlers but Moses was saved by a warning in a dream. The Court of Egypt banished him into the desert but he returned to set the Israelites free. Pharoah's magicians tried to avert the 10 plagues but God's will won.

Moses was a pencil in the writing of Exodus. Christianity and Islam both acknowledge him for the great mission he played.

I agree with another reviewer, Michael Taylor, on whom God uses and why. God will use anyone and anything in his Divine plan.

God Teaches Through Hard Times.......2007-02-24

I have both this book and his study guide on Moses. I found these books to be instructional to me because God uses hard times of the school of experience to teach us things.
"Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father?" (Heb. 12:7, NIV)
Further Paul says:
"No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest in righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it." (Heb. 12:11, NIV)
Moses was miraculously delivered from a genocide against the male Hebrew babies living in Egypt when they were slaves. Moses exprienced the best of Egyptian life as he was adopted by Pharaoh's daughter.
But when Moses had felt sympathy for a fellow Hebrew who was being beaten by the cruel Egyptain slavedriver, he killed the man: and in so doing this the act backfired on him. He must have thought he was causing a revolution against the Egyptians, but instead found himself running for his life out of the country.
He was reduced to working as a shepherd in Midian. He married the priest's daughter and worked as a shepherd for him for 40 years!@
"Can you believe it? A man with advanced knowledge in hieroglyphics, science, literature, and military tactics was now eking out his existence on the backside of the desert, living with his father-in-law, raising a couple of boys and watching over little flocks of sheep."
There were groupings of 40 year periods of time in Moses'life-40 years in the Pharahoah's household, 40 years "living on the lam" in Midian and his 40 years leading the Hebrews throuth the desert to the land of Canann in the Exodus.
God wished to humble Moses, a former murderer and fugitive so as to make him into a suitable vessel or conduit of God's miraculous power which he would used in his confrontations with the Pharaoh and during the Exodus.
God appeared to Moses in the burning bush and sent him to his people and to the Pharaoh with the ultimatum LET MY PEOPLE GO! God worked mighty miracles through Moses and his brother Aaron to make the Pharaoh obey God. What I did notice was how at first the Pharaoh was conviced to obey God's command. Yet God himself with harden the Pharaoh's heart (make it hostile towards God and Moses again_ so that God had more moral justification to inflict more damage on Egypt. God had "stacked the deck" with Pharaoh, so to speak. Finally, it took the Destroying Angel killing all the firstborn of Egypt to make Pharaoh let his people go.
The last thing I found of interest in Chuck's study of the life of Moses was that when the Hebrews rebelled against God that God simply wanted to wipe them out and make Moses the new father of Israel. Then at Midian when Moses stuck the rock to make water gush from it instead of speaking to it, Moses disobeyed God and lost his right to enter Canaan. I think if I were in Moses' shoes I think I would have just let God wipe the whole ungrateful nation out!
Moses was the greatest prophet of the Bible, short of Jesus Christ, of couse.
What I like about some Chuck Swindol books is that you realize that the heroes of the Bible are some rough men who are at odds with society at times. Some have been to prison for their beliefs, too. Some have been executed for what they stood for. Some of the churches and teachings I have heard from some, make me think that the church in the suburbs is like some postive-thinking suburban girl's finishing school! That is sooo-unbiblical!

Selfless Leader Serves As Example.......2006-04-13

Swindoll takes references to Moses from both the Old and New Testaments and weaves them together with observations and reflections into a relational, nonacademic read that gives the reader a grip on not just what Moses did, but on who Moses was as a person--and how he became that person by God's grooming. Through his conversational, anecdotal style, Swindoll invites the reader to personally take note of and apply divine principles as fleshed out by Moses--for ex, total surrender to God's will and timing, enablement for service, challenges of opposition from without and within, standing alone with God, passing on the baton, etc.

Moses and me.......2006-04-03

Swindoll has done a great job in this series putting YOU in the the sandals of heroes. You may start asking yourself ... "What would Moses Do". I started encouraging Moses ... "Think it through Moses!"; "Moses!, what are you thinking!" as he bumbles along like me. God's Grace prevails. Good bedtime reading.

Excellent Book About a Biblical Leader!.......2003-06-29

Contrary to what the first reveiwer says, I believe "Moses" is excellent and consistent with Swindoll's other titles - warts and all. Indeed, since the Bible does not gloss over a person's sin, then why should books about Biblical characters overlook their flaws? We can learn important lessons from people's failures, specifically: how not to repeat them!

Among the important points Swindoll mentions in his book are:

1. God can use "losers" and "accidents" for His glory.
2. Let God operate His will in your life in His time and way.
3. There are no shortcuts to maturity.
4. God prefers to use broken people instead of the proud and self-sufficient.
5. Be willing to surrender every detail of your life under the authority of Jesus Christ.
6. We do not know how to live until we learn to die.
7. When we try to make things happen, things are forced. When God is in something, things flow smoothly.
8. You cannot scoff at God forever. His judgments may take time, but they are decisive when they happen!

Instead of belittling Swindoll's book, I much prefer to honestly anayze my Christian walk and be ever mindful that should I become too proud or self-sufficient, I stand to experience failures like Moses did.

Why should we always read the Bible or a Christian book with the intention of feeling better about ourselves? Sometimes we have to be convicted by the Holy Spirit before He does a great work in our lives. Indeed, two of the Holy Spirit's roles is to convict us of sin and to keep us from falling into sin. Before we can be used by God, He must first refine our character.

I highly recommend Swindoll's book - be honest in your walk with the Lord and always remember, He can work great things through us not because of ourselves, but in spite of ourselves - a perfect picture of His unmerited grace towards us!

Read the book and be challenged and encouraged!

Books:

Books Index

Books Home

Recommended Books