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.

Food of the Gods: The Search for the Original Tree of Knowledge A Radical History of Plants, Drugs, and Human Evolution

Average customer rating:

Interesting Perspective
Stoned Apes
Great Book
AMAZING BOOK!
An in depth look into Mr. McKenna's view of the mind of modern man.

Food of the Gods: The Search for the Original Tree of Knowledge A Radical History of Plants, Drugs, and Human Evolution
Terence Mckenna
Manufacturer: Bantam
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0553371304
Release Date: 1993-01-01

Customer Reviews:

Interesting Perspective.......2007-09-21

I can't give 5 stars to this book because I know the history of Terence McKenna and his drug use. That said the book does pose interesting answers to age old questions.

"What was the fruit in the garden of Eden?"

"Why did our brains grow larger in ratio to our body weight than any animals in a relatively short amount of time?"

"Why is caffeine an acceptable drug to use daily? Should it be?"

I think people who read this should know it's an opinion given with historical facts to make his opinion seem like scientific and historical fact.

For instance he references what drugs were in use in certain cultures at what times then equates their overall temperament in historical events to the widespread use of those drugs. His claims may or may not have merit, we'll never know but it is an opinion none the less.

That said it is a very interesting read that is hard to put down. Attention keeping, he has one of a kind theories on lesser known early civilizations that could use a second look.

I was sorry to hear his library and personal notes burned up in a fire in early 2007, adding just more mystery to this one of a kind author.

Stoned Apes.......2007-07-31

I seriously was astounded by this book. Great historical knowledge on all sorts of drug and plant use from primates to Bush administration. McKenna really goes in depth about the evolution of language and consciousness. His theory that primates found psilocybin containing mushrooms growing in cow dung in the grasslands of Africa. Is represented quite well. He believes we may have literally "eaten our way to a higher conscious". McKenna really makes the war on drugs look like an absolute joke. He is subtly condescending of close minded politics yet brilliant and charming in informing readers of the power and potential of consciousness expanding drugs if taken properly.

Great Book.......2007-05-13

This book is very good if you are into evolution, shamanism, and the human life. I recommend everyone should read this book. You might get a new insight about life.

AMAZING BOOK!.......2007-02-04

I enjoyed this book and every single last bit of information with it! The information in here I highly agree with and realize is something that we as a nation need to start being a part of. We have learned from the 60's, but it was still a wonderful time. We can take that and modernize it, maybe even improve on some things. But first-we need to end the war on drugs. Overall-this book was great, I highly recommend it, one will learn so much.

An in depth look into Mr. McKenna's view of the mind of modern man........2007-01-11

I really did enjoy the honest and straightforward approach of Mr. McKenna's writing on the subject.

Not God: A History of Alcoholics Anonymous

Average customer rating:

A Complete Compendium of AA
helpful background
Not God
Inciteful history that provides a good read.
Excellent History and a Great Read

Not God: A History of Alcoholics Anonymous
Ernest Kurtz
Manufacturer: Hazelden
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0894860658

Book Description

The most complete history of A.A. ever written. Not-God contains anecdotes and excerpts from the diaries, correspondence, and occasional memoirs of A.A.'s early figures. A fascinating, fast-moving, and authoritative account of the discovery and development of the program and fellowship that we know today as Alcoholics Anonymous.

Customer Reviews:

A Complete Compendium of AA.......2007-09-23

Ernie Kurtz made a big research project for his doctorate and we are the recepients of a lot of history both written and in the oral tradition all put into one volumne. Not only a good read but a reference manual.

helpful background.......2006-02-17

in depth history of aa beginnings, including much insight into the formative reasons for the successes and failures of this program. very helpful for someone new to aa, trying to grasp the essence of the program.

Not God.......2004-08-29

Wonderfully insightful for all. Splendidly illustrates the history and formation of AA and it's painstaking growth through the early formative years of AA.
A great read!

Inciteful history that provides a good read........2001-03-24

Not God provides an inciteful and thoughtful study of the history of AA. It will provide the experienced 12 stepper further understanding of their program. Additionally, readers not already conversant with the subject will learn and grow from this introduction.

Excellent History and a Great Read.......2000-10-27

Kurtz masterfully captures the early days of AA. This book is a must read for students of the 12 Steps and anyone interested in this spiritual program of recovery that has improved the lives of millions. -- Frank D., Author of The Annotated AA Handbook

Average customer rating:

A Diamond
Take a Cool Drink from a Limitless Well on the Path of Your Spiritual Journey
Mind blowing concept! That's the idea...
Buy this book. . .if you feel it!
Resonates with the Soul

You Are God. Get Over It!
Story Waters
Manufacturer: Limitlessness
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0976506246

Product Description

'You Are God. Get Over It!' is the eagerly awaited follow up to 'The Messiah Seed, Volume I' from author Story Waters. Story explains how in 'The Messiah Seed' he offered the fruits of view of life. In 'You Are God. Get Over It!' the reader is offered the tree from which those fruits grew. This amazing book of 'Unfoldings' gives a complete cohesive view of the nature of reality, explaining how we are each the creator of our reality how we are God. Through the Unfoldings the reader is guided to see through the illusion of duality to the shared unity that underlies all life. This is the realization of God within. This is beautifully captured in Story's own words: "Freedom is not superior to limitation; with that realization I am able to choose freedom. Happiness is not superior to suffering; with that realization I am able to let go of suffering. Abundance is not superior to poverty; with that realization my abundance flows. Nothing is superior to anything; with that knowing I step out from hierarchy, competition and struggle. In this state I do not judge life; therefore I do not feel separate from it. I am so glad of the diversity in the world, in its reflection that I see my own freedom to be whatever I wish to be. We are not here to be one, we are here to be many. Through seeing that beyond this illusion we are all one, we free ourselves to be the many. I am not tied to any singular path to be a certain way. I am diverse. I am ever changing. I am an explorer of All as truth."

Download Description

'You Are God. Get Over It!' is the eagerly awaited follow up to 'The Messiah Seed, Volume I' from author Story Waters. Story explains how in 'The Messiah Seed' he offered the fruits of view of life. In 'You Are God. Get Over It!' the reader is offered the tree from which those fruits grew. This amazing book of 'Unfoldings' gives a complete cohesive view of the nature of reality, explaining how we are each the creator of our reality - how we are God. Through the Unfoldings the reader is guided to see through the illusion of duality to the shared unity that underlies all life. This is the realization of God within. This is beautifully captured in Story's own words: "God is the infinite freedom to be from which all realities flow. Being that which underlies all that is experienced, God is both the creator and perceiver of all experience. It is that which creates itself - the creator and the created. God is that which you are - the unfolding creation of your own beingness. You are the infinitely free power of creation choosing to be you. There is no separation between your will and its realization into reality. To see through the illusion of time is to see that there is only the Now. The Now is the unfolding of the eternal moment of creation. To live in limitlessness is to feel the strength to take total responsibility for the state of your life, for it is to know that you are the creator of your life. It is to experience, through the clarity of love for your being, that you are God." "Embrace your choice to be here. Here is not inferior or profane. Here is the Now. Here is where your experience of the Now is. Here is where you realize you are God. Here is the most wonderful place you could possibly be. Here is where you are choosing to be. Here is where you are reading this book, and with these words you are being welcomed into your divinity. Here is Now, and Now is where everything you have ever wanted happens."

Customer Reviews:

A Diamond.......2007-09-19

This book beautifully summarized what I have learned during 40 years of studying the works of metaphysical authors such as J. Krishnamurti, Paramahansa Yogananda, Ernest Holmes, Joel Goldsmith, Deepak Chopra, Eckhart Tolle, Byron Katie and Abraham-Hicks.

In 33 short, three page chapters, Story Waters took me through an "Unfolding" that reminded me of watching an exquisitely crafted diamond as it turns in the light. The irreverent title made it all the better.

This is a piece to be read and re-read. The chapters are like meditations and could easily be used as a daily devotional reading, since each is so short.

I knew I was in for something wonderful after reading the introductory poem:

"Freedom is not superior to limitation;
with this realization I am able to choose freedom.

Happiness is not superior to suffering;
with this realization I am able to let go of suffering.

Abundance is not superior to poverty;
with this realization my abundance flows.

Nothing is superior to anything;
with this knowing I step out from
hierarchy, competition, and struggle.

In this state I do not judge life;
therefore I do not feel separate from it......"

I'll leave the rest for you to read once you get the book.

Take a Cool Drink from a Limitless Well on the Path of Your Spiritual Journey.......2007-08-07

About a year ago, I came across this book by Story Waters. Since then I have downloaded an audio version of his other books from Limitlessness.com. For me, his books have greatly accelerated my spiritual growth and brought me to many new understandings. If you are not sure about buying this book, please visit the Limitlessness website. You'll get a better of idea of whether this book is part of your path. You'll also get introduced to the work of Lee Harris.

Good journeying!

Mind blowing concept! That's the idea..........2007-02-07

Have no idea why, other than the title, that I chose this book. Once I started reading, I knew. If you are ready to take full responsibility for your life, this is the book for you. If you need encouragement to live your life fully, this book is for you. If you would like some of your knowing and feeling put before you in words, this is for you. If you already know this, it never hurts to be reminded. It is not blasphemy to claim what the prophets have all prophesied. A personal experience for Story and also for me.

Buy this book. . .if you feel it!.......2006-12-12

I won't tell people what they should do. . .but I will say that if you feel that this book is calling to you, then you might want to get it. You are looking at it for a reason. I was anyway. Loved it!!! I believe that if everyone really understood the beautiful words inside this book. . .the world would change, instantly.

Resonates with the Soul.......2006-10-25

I bought 'You Are God, Get Over It' because I was intrigued by the title. Like the old saying goes 'Curiosity killed the cat, but satisfaction brought him back' I am extremely satisfied with the content of this book. I shed many tears as I read it because it resonated with my heart. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is searching for the real answer. Since reading this book it is amazing how the universe has picked up speed :)

Plants of the Gods: Their Sacred, Healing, and Hallucinogenic Powers

Average customer rating:

Excellent, authoritative review lifted from Erowid
The plants are gods themselves
Buy this book. Its great.
****4.5 stars. A good introduction to entheogens
Informative

Plants of the Gods: Their Sacred, Healing, and Hallucinogenic Powers
Richard Evans Schultes , Albert Hofmann , and Christian Rätsch
Manufacturer: Healing Arts Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Accessories:

ASIN: 0892819790
Release Date: 2001-11-01

Book Description

World-renowned anthropologist and ethnopharmacologist Christian Ratsch provides the latest scientific updates to this classic work on psychoactive flora by two eminent researchers.

• Numerous new and rare color photographs complement the completely revised and updated text.

• Explores the uses of hallucinogenic plants in shamanic rituals throughout the world.

• Cross-referenced by plant, illness, preparation, season of collection, and chemical constituents.

• First edition sold 33,000 copies.

Three scientific titans join forces to completely revise the classic text on the ritual uses of psychoactive plants. They provide a fascinating testimony of these "plants of the gods," tracing their uses throughout the world and their significance in shaping culture and history. In the traditions of every culture, plants have been highly valued for their nourishing, healing, and transformative properties. The most powerful of those plants, which are known to transport the human mind into other dimensions of consciousness, have always been regarded as sacred. The authors detail the uses of hallucinogens in sacred shamanic rites while providing lucid explanations of the biochemistry of these plants and the cultural prayers, songs, and dances associated with them. The text is lavishly illustrated with 400 rare photographs of plants, people, ceremonies, and art related to the ritual use of the world's sacred psychoactive flora.

Customer Reviews:

Excellent, authoritative review lifted from Erowid.......2007-06-28

Plants of the Gods: Their Sacred, Healing, and Hallucinogenic Powers
by Richard Evans Schultes, Albert Hofmann, and Christian Rätsch

Publisher:Healing Arts Press/Inner Traditions

Year:2001 (revised and expanded edition)

ISBN:089281979-0

Categories:Book Reviews, Recommended Books

Reviewed by Jon Hanna, 6/26/2007

It may be a rare thing for a second edition of a book to warrant its own review, but such is definitely the case with the new edition of the Schultes' and Hofmann's 1979 classic Plants of the Gods. The updated version was produced as a German translation in 1998 by Christian Rätsch, and Healing Arts Press released the English translation of this in late 2001. It is a thing of beauty.

The primary and most dramatic improvement is the inclusion of numerous new photographs and art images. Although this second edition retains many of the same photos, it introduces a lot of new ones as well. In some cases, the item depicted-such as the statue of Shiva with Datura flowers in his hair (p. 11)-has been revisited with a higher-quality photo. Frequently, black and white images have been replaced with a similar image in stunning full-color. While this works superbly in most cases, there are a few situations-such as the replacement color photo of an aerial view of the Kuluene river (p. 24)-where the original black and white photo was much better. New psychedelic art is featured throughout from the likes of Pablo Amaringo, Walangari Karntawarra Jakamarra, Nana Nauwald, and Donna Torres. There are even some incredible watercolor paintings done by Christian Rätsch himself (think Codex Seraphinianus on acid)-where can we see more of his art!? A beautiful mural of an ayahuasca ceremony that graces a wall at the Cuzco Airport in Peru reminds us that some countries have a more enlightened attitude towards the use of psychoptic plants.

"Fourteen Major Hallucinogenic Plants" of the first edition has been altered to become "The Most Important Hallucinogenic Plants," and expanded to include new sections on Anadenanthera colubrina, ayahuasca analogs, Salvia divinorum, and Duboisia hopwoodii. There have been numerous expansions on the old chapters as well, including many additional species of the genera discussed. Six new plants have been added to the "Plant Lexicon," and this section has been vastly improved through the addition of color photographs. Previously, the majority of the plants described were depicted via illustrations, with only a few photo images; this situation is now reversed, with only a few illustrations. (It is a shame that there are any drawings remaining, although I suspect in some cases it might be hard to obtain photographs of the plants in question. Still, in other cases it should not have been difficult-photos of Banisteriopsis caapi, Lagochilus inebrians, Mandragora officinarum, Mimosa tenuiflora [= M. hostilis], Peucedanum japonicum, Scirpus atrovirens, Tabernanthe iboga, and Virola theiodora are all available via the web). The map of "Native Use of Major Hallucinogens" has been expanded to include Hyoscyamus sp., Duboisia sp., and A. colubrina, and the depicted range of Cannabis use has been increased.

Some problems that the original book had are, alas, retained or, in a few cases, exaggerated. The gutter of the book is too tight, causing one to crack the spine to get a full view; this was the case in the earlier edition as well. New layout glitches include shaded backgrounds for text boxes being placed too close to the edge of the text (in some cases touching it), and headlines that sit too close to the images. The problem of citing alkaloid contents as fixed numbers is still present (although in a few cases ranges are presented). Those with little knowledge on the subject might actually believe that all dried Trichocereus pachanoi plants have a 2% mescaline content, while this is actually the peak of the range that can be determined through a survey of the scant few published isolation analyses (which dips down to 0.33%, and even lower in published HPLC analysis), and may not be typical. In new cases when ranges are presented, such as the case with Mimosa tenuiflora root-bark said to contain 0.57 to 1.0% DMT, the information may not be correct. (M. tenuiflora has been reported to contain 0.31 to 0.57% DMT with specific analyses available in the literature of Gonçalves de Lima 1946 and Patcher et al. 1959, and there have been unsubstantiated counter-culture claims of 1% to 11%, see ER Vol. X, No. 3, 2001 and Ott 2001). Both the new and the old editions of this book are riddled with statements about alkaloid contents that are presented as if they were fixed amounts, when in reality alkaloid content can be highly variable.

Some new errors are introduced with this edition. Spelling mistakes are peppered throughout (they've misspelled author Hofmann's name on the back cover!), and awkward phrasings are not uncommon in those sections that were translated from German. In some cases, plants are presented as containing specific alkaloids that they do not have. For example, it is remarked that "The Turkey Red variety of the grass Phalaris arundinacea contains liberal amounts of DMT." This is in error, as this variety contains liberal amounts of 5-MeO-DMT, not DMT. Also, photographs of four cacti-Ariocarpus retusus, A. fissuratus, Astrophyton asterias, and Aztekium riterii-known in México as "peyote" are depicted, with the statement "They primarily contain the substance mescaline and other psychoactive alkaloids." This too is in error, as only A. riterii has been found to contain trace amounts of mescaline, and no mescaline has been found at all in the others. (It was interesting to see that Rätsch considers a heftier amount of mescaline, "0.5-0.8 gram" to be a dose, compared to the Shulgins' more conservative 200-400 mg dose listed in PIHKAL; I tend to agree with Rätsch.)

Any and all criticism of this book should be viewed as minor, as it is truly a marvelous work. Rätsch has taken a great book and made it better. Especially if you own the first edition, you owe it to yourself to pick up this revamp. It is visual delight, a joy to read cover-to-cover, and it will no doubt be revisited repeatedly for years to come.

The plants are gods themselves.......2007-02-05

I have read many books about hallucinogenic plants and put many of them in that container for recycle... The Revised and Expanded Edition of Plants of the Gods is the best I have seen covering this subject. I would not say that it is beautifully written, but it is ok. I do not agree with many aspects of this book and the author way of thinking but I would recommend it, hopping that many other books about it come up soom.

Buy this book. Its great........2007-01-13

Get this book! Its a must have for your library. It is fantastic for anybody who is interested in finding the divine. It is a real life piece of the puzzle in learning why your government doesn't want you to know about the true power of plants. Plants are one of our most valuable allies in changing the world, and healing "uncurable" disorders such as alcoholism and drug addiction. The authors credentials are impeccable, I might add. They are the leaders in this super important area and this guide is a must have.

****4.5 stars. A good introduction to entheogens.......2007-01-03

"Plants of the Gods" does what it sets out to do- it gives anthropological evidence of the historical and cultural usuage of healing and halluciogenic plants and fungi.

The book provides condensed, pithy information of the more potent and relevant plants-San Pedro, Salvia Devinorum and Ayahuasca-i.e. the ones one is most likely to encounter and most likely to induce visionary states. "

Plants of the Gods" is a good sarting point for the budding psychonaut.

Informative.......2006-12-24

If you have a genuine curiosity of the different type of hallucinogenic plants and their effects this is the place to start. Great pictures, illustrations and summaries. An excellent guide.

The Spiritual Self: Reflections on Recovery and God

Average customer rating:

A recovery classic
empowering, inspiring, comforting
Fantastic book on what spirituality REALLY means

The Spiritual Self: Reflections on Recovery and God
Abraham J. Twerski
Manufacturer: Hazelden
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1568383649

Book Description

Much is made of spirituality these days-in recovery and in the culture at large-but what, exactly, does spirituality mean? Is it something different to different people? How is it discovered, nurtured, expressed? And, perhaps most important, why does it matter? To the thicket of questions surrounding the subject, this book brings a clear vision and a thoughtful approach that will help us find our way to the very heart of spirituality. Writing simply and directly, Abraham Twerski shows how spirituality-independent of religion-is central to emotional and mental health, and is a key to being truly and profoundly human.

Founder and medical director of the Gateway Rehabilitation Center in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Abraham J. Twerski is a rabbi, psychiatrist, chemical dependency counselor, and the author of many books, including Addictive Thinking: Understanding Self-Deception.

Customer Reviews:

A recovery classic.......2007-05-27

Abraham Twerski has been a giant in the field of recovery for decades. This book may be one of his best. What's not to like?

empowering, inspiring, comforting .......2007-04-10

After accidentally ordering "Addictive Thinking" I remembered that there is no such a thing as "accidentally; I finished the book in few hours and started reading it all over again and right away decided to order two more books by Twerski. Coming from academic philosophy, it was refreshing to find a positive and un-complicated yet so thought-provoking writing about an issue so deep. Empowered by Twerski's "Life is too Short," I found new courage in me, and decided to begin working on a non-academic, practical writing on the subject myself. Yes, his words are THAT powerful.
One restrain thought: as a practicing Jew, though I could understand the rationale not to touch G-d from a religious perspective in his other books, I was a bit disappointed not to find anything "Jewish" about the Spiritual Self and G-d.

Fantastic book on what spirituality REALLY means.......2003-07-13

Twerski has a very interesting background and training. He was a son of a rabbi, but went to medical school instead and now runs a substance abuse center. This makes him very qualified to talk on the subject of spirituality in recovery, which he does brilliantly in The Spiritual Self. A short book, I consider it a must read for anyone in a 12-step spiritual recovery program (as I am). We always wonder what people mean by saying 'I want to get more spiritual'. Well, the answer is explained eloquently and simply in Twerski's book.

Coming Clean: The True Story of a Cocaine Drug Lord and His Unexpected Encounter with God

Average customer rating:

Selling your soul to the Devil
Interesting Story
New Beginnings
Very Spirtual
A compulsive memoir. Be prepared to lose a night's sleep!

Coming Clean: The True Story of a Cocaine Drug Lord and His Unexpected Encounter with God
Jorge Valdes , and Ken Abraham
Manufacturer: WaterBrook Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1578562945
Release Date: 2000-09-26

Book Description

All His Dreams for Wealth and Power Came True.
Then the Nightmare Began.

As a young man in his twenties with an insatiable thirst for money and power, Jorge Valdés worked his way up inside Colombia's powerful Medellin drug cartel. His key position as head of U.S. operations brought him into direct contact with presidents, generals, Hollywood celebrities, hired killers, and kidnappers. This Cuban immigrant, raised in poverty, was living the high life in more ways than one.

Then an incredible thing happened: Jorge Valdés encountered a person much more powerful than the strongest drug lord, someone who offered something more satisfying than women, drugs, money, prestige, or power.

Coming Clean: The True Story of a Cocaine Drug Lord and His Unexpected Encounter with God offers an insider's view of the drug industry and the greed that drives it. More important, it weaves a compelling story of forgiveness, renewal, and hope.

Customer Reviews:

Selling your soul to the Devil.......2007-02-22

What an amazing transformation. Jorge is man who has the intelligence to run a legitimate business at an early age. Dealing drugs offers him more money then he can fathom. His newly discovered faith turns him on the straight, narrow and happier path. The old saying is true, money cannot buy happiness.

Interesting Story .......2006-12-31

I had to go to jail for possession and happened to come across this book in the library there. I found it impossible to put down once I started to read it. If you get a chance I suggest to anyone to give this book a chance.

New Beginnings.......2003-11-16

From the very first page the reader is drawn into this first person account of the life of Jorge Valdez, former drug smuggler and money launderer.This is a compelling story of intrigue, corruption, power, and greed.

Valdez describes the culture, family life and values of a Cuban family trying to find their dream in America. Valdez emigrated from Cuba with his family when he was 10 years old. He was an honor student and was planning a career in banking and accounting.
A series of events changed his life. He became involved with a drug cartel. By age 20, Valdez was in charge of the entire U.S. operation that included smuggling, distributing drugs, and money laundering.
Valdez eventually got caught and spent a total of 11 years in federal prison. The account of his family's support during his trial and imprisonment is especially touching.

The story is written by author Ken Abraham. The reader is given insight into the world of drug dealers, the prison system, and Valdez's personal ethical values. The book is a well-written account of the dramatic change in the life of Jorge Valdez. This is the testimony of a man freed from the power of sin by the transforming power of Jesus Christ.

Vignettes of fellow prisoners help the reader understand the consequences of bad judgment and wrong choices. The story takes you behind prison walls. The contrast of life in prison before and after Jorge's conversion give solid evidence of a man changed by the power of Christ.
While in prison Jorge earned an undergraduate degree from Southeastern Bible College and most of his credits for a graduate degree from Wheaton College. After his release Valdez completed his graduate studies at Wheaton College and went on to Loyola University to earn a doctorate in New Testament theology.
Valdez has made himself vulnerable in this honest portrayal of his strengths and weaknesses. It is a story of depravation, faith, forgiveness, and a new start. I am looking forward to another installment relating the miracles of Coming Clean Ministries in Tyrone, a nondenominational Christian ministry. This ministry seeks to intercept youth who are on destructive paths by redirecting their lives to become productive members of society.

Very Spirtual.......2003-09-30

I am not a book reader, George gave me a copy of the book when I visited him in Atlanta and the following week I was on vacation in Florida picked up his book and read the entire book could not find a stopping point may God continue to bless his works as he is now touching so many lifes. It took Jesus Christ plus a lot of courage George to write this book.

A compulsive memoir. Be prepared to lose a night's sleep!.......2003-06-09

When I saw this book on the shelf at my local library, I assumed this would just be some preachy, manipulative work in which a drug dealer tries to make his past vanish by finding God. As a lapsed Catholic I found this concept rather weak, but I picked up the book with a (reasonably) open mind, and started reading.
By the time he was in his twenties Jorge Valdes was a cocaine dealer on the rise, dealing to the rich and famous, the living embodiment of wealth and power and luxury; leading a life most of us can imagine only in our wildest dreams. The life of the rich with all the negative excess that goes with it: drugs, pornography, prostitution, infidelity, murder, double-crosses, torture, kidnapping. Enough drama and suspense for a Robert Ludlum novel. The only difference is, this is the real deal. But, as Valdes soon disovers there is a price to all this; and he finds the courage and committment to steer his life onto a new, positive path.
Reading this stirred my intense interest in the good and evil that all human beings are capable of, what Karl Jung called "the shadow". Obviously some of the content of this book is tough to take (Especially Valdes' graphic account of him and an associate being tortured by police for refusing to leak info), but the honesty with which Valdes tells his story and the glimpse the reader gets into his former life makes for fascinating and sometimes horrific reading.
Even though I gave up my religious faith long ago, I still found myself moved by Mr Valdes's committment to his beliefs and how dramatically his life has changed for the better because of his faith. COMING CLEAN is quite simply a remarkable story. I challenge anyone to read this book and finish it without feeling affected. A very moving and powerful work that could only have come from the pen of someone who has lived and breathed the life... and survived to help prevent others from making the same mistakes he did.

To An Unknown God: Religious Freedom On Trial

Average customer rating:

First Amendment Struggles Brilliantly Told
A complex and engaging legal narrative
A concise analysis of one of a critical legal case
Don't miss this book
Humanizing the Law

To An Unknown God: Religious Freedom On Trial
Garrett Epps
Manufacturer: St. Martin's Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Constitutional Law | Law | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0312262396

Amazon.com

To an Unknown God: Religious Freedom on Trial is the story of one of the most important Supreme Court cases of recent years involving religious freedom--the case that resulted in the passage of one of the most sweeping civil rights laws since the 1960s, the Religious Freedom Restoration Act of 1993. Author Garrett Epps writes with the simplicity and suspense of an investigative journalist (he was formerly a reporter for The Washington Post) and the precision and authority of a legal scholar (he teaches law at the University of Oregon). Both skills are necessary for bringing to life this strange and complicated tale, in which a routine unemployment dispute grew into a showdown regarding the right of Native Americans to worship God with the use of peyote. In addition to the book's deft analysis of the many legal questions the case raises, To an Unknown God describes a cast of memorable and intriguing characters, principal among them Al Smith, a 70-year-old drug-and-alcohol abuse counselor to Native Americans, and Dave Frohnmayer, a Harvard-educated politico who balanced his prosecution of this case with his commitment to caring for three children with a rare bone disease. Like A Civil Action and other classics of investigative journalism, To an Unknown God examines questions that arise in peculiar circumstances, and frames them with such skill and sensitivity as to make their universal relevance unquestionable. --Michael Joseph Gross

Book Description

Told with the grace of a novel, To an Unknown God: Religious Freedom on Trial is a modern legal epic chronicling the six-year duel between two remarkable men with very different visions of religious freedom and of America. Neither man sought the conflict that would erupt into one of the most provocative and influential Supreme Court decisions.Al Smith, a nationally known counselor to Native people suffering from alcohol and drug abuse, wanted only to earn a living.Dave Frohnmayer the Harvard-trained Attorney General of Oregon was planning his campaign for governor and tending to his three desperately ill daughters.But a series of miscalculations transformed a routine unemployment dispute into a constitutional confrontation.Before it was over, Frohnmayer and Smith would twice ask the United States Supreme Court to decide whether the First Amendment protects the right of Native Americans and others to seek God in the form of peyote, a form of worship some scholars believe to be more than 10,000 years old.And the Court would finally answer no; it would say, for the first time in the history of the Constitution, that the Bill of Rights provided no protection for obscure and minority religions if the legislature chose not to recognize their needs.The Court's decision produced a fierce backlash from religious leaders and ordinary citizens culminating in the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (1993), one of the most sweeping civil-rights statutes of the past 30 years.Now that the Court has invalidated the Act, some say it will end to a Constitutional amendment and a radical change in the American law of church and state.In the tradition of A Civil Action and Gideon's Trumpet, Garrett Epps tracks the case from the humblest hearing room to the Supreme Court Chamber, skillfully building the suspense and tension so much a part of litigating a great case.Expertly weaving together a fascinating legal narrative with dramatic personal stories, To an Unknown God is a riveting look at how justice works-and doesn't work-in America today.AUTHORBIO: Garrett Epps, a former reporter for The Washington Post, has written for The New York Times Magazine, The New York Review of Books, The Nation, and The New Republic.The author of three novels, he is currently an Associate Professor of Law at the University of Oregon.

Customer Reviews:

First Amendment Struggles Brilliantly Told.......2001-04-06

The very first part of the essential, very first amendment to our Constitution says, "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof." This ringing phrase, so seemingly simple and obvious, has been the focus of an enormous amount of controversy and clarification. It is a great legacy, but what does it really mean? We are still struggling to find out. In _To an Unknown God: Religious Freedom on Trial_ (St. Martin's Press) by Garrett Epps we learn how one of the latest struggles is turning out. It is a fine book to show in detail how a specific constitutional decision came to be made.

On one side of the story was Al Smith. Smith was born into the Klamath tribe, but was pulled out of it to go to Catholic boarding school. Rather late in his life he was introduced to sweat lodges and Native American religion. He was also introduced to Alcoholics Anonymous, and eventually became a respected counselor, speaker, and organizer of treatment centers for alcohol and drug abuse. As he traveled to different reservations to set up recovery programs, he came across peyote religion. It seemed to give some of his clients spiritual strength, and they seemed to do better in overcoming substance abuse if they participated in its religious ceremonies. He began to consider participating in peyote religion. He was told that taking peyote at a ceremony would violate the rules of the treatment center in which he worked, and so he did so. He was thereupon fired, and he filed for unemployment compensation. That filing set the stage for a subsequent battle within the Supreme Court and beyond.

On the other side was Oregon Attorney General David Frohnmayer. He had tried in his political offices in Oregon to mend fences with the tribes of his region. He was, however, very worried about the dangers of drug abuse, and so he felt he was doing the right thing in trying to squelch community acceptance of drugs, ceremonial or not. He approached the Supreme Court proceedings with the mantra, "Drugs are bad. Slippery slope." Not only was peyote illegal, but it was used in a minority religion; if it were allowed, then surely someone would be asking to use other drugs for religious purposes. But he did reflect sadly to his legal team, "How did we get to be the Indian bashers?"

Epps is not only a journalist and lawyer, but also a novelist. His ability to describe personalities and anecdotes serves him well, for although this is a legal story, the human stories within it are what make it live. He has used process of the legal arguments as a springboard for an examination of many connected subjects: the history of the Bureau of Indian Affairs; the story of Alcoholics Anonymous; the tale of Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh and the Oregon town that was taken over by his devotees; the saga of the Road Man who is the ceremonial leader of the peyote religion. These set pieces are fascinating, and strengthen the main story. It is disconcerting that there is no pat final resolution, but Epps writes, "The law of religious freedom remains unsettled." Thus may it ever be.

A complex and engaging legal narrative.......2001-03-16

Epps' book is one of the best in recent memory to explore a Supreme Court case. Examining the case of Oregon v. Smith, Epps deploys his skills as both a journalist and a novelist to plumb the depths of Indian rights, religious freedom and states rights. The only quibble one can have is that the book spends too much time on the minutae of Oregon Attorney General Frohnmeyer's life. Other than that minor matter, this is an elegantly told tale. As an aside, Epps presents a concise yet complete recouncting of the Rajhneesh cult saga of the '80's, relying to good effect of the work of Oregon Magazine Editor-in-Chief Win McCormack.

A concise analysis of one of a critical legal case.......2001-03-16

This book is one of the best looks at a Supreme Court case in quite some time. Examining Oregon v. Smith, one of the most important yet unheralded legal battles of our time, Epps' book plumbs the depths Indian rights, religious freedom and states rights in a manor which devestates the intellectual pretensions of Court conservatives such as Justice Scalia. The only quible one can have with the book it that it has too much detail on Oregon Attorney General Frohnmeyer. Other than that minor matter, this is a top rate book. Of additional note, the book provides an exceptionaly concise yet comprehensive overview of the Rajhneesh cult afair in Oregon, relying to good effect on the journalism of Oregon Magazine's Win McCormack.

Don't miss this book.......2001-02-27

This book could easily have been a bore--yet another detailed legal explication of a Supreme Court case you know you should be interested in, but aren't, because you can't follow the jargon. But in Epps' hands an amazing story comes to life. This is serious constitutional law, with enormous consequences for our country, and it reads like a novel. Anyone concerned with religion and free expression should read it. Or you could just read it because it's a great read!

Humanizing the Law.......2001-02-25

I was lucky enough to read an early copy of this book, and I found it astonishingly good. I had loved Epps's work as a novelist (his "Shad Treatment" is one of the best first novels I know) and I had always wondered if he could apply his writerly powers to non-fiction, as well. "To an Unknown God" draws on all the creative gifts that fans of Epps's earlier books will remember. He takes an important Supreme Court case about religious freedom (he's now a law professor) and tells the story through the remarkable personalities who were involved in the case: Al Smith, the Native American member of a peyote cult who was the plaintiff, and David Frohnmeyer, the all-American Republican wunderkind attorney general of Oregon, who argued that peyote use wasn't protected as an exercise of religious freedom. Epps deconstructs these billboard identities to provide a rich and very moving account of the real people and the heartbreaking pressures that shaped their actions in this legal case. This is a rare book--taking the sometimes dry subject of law and filling it with life. I hope it's a promise of more books to come from Epps, who is a vastly talented writer.

Thirst: God and the Alcoholic Experience

Average customer rating:

Must read!
An in-depth guide into addiction and recovery
Wonderful Book

Thirst: God and the Alcoholic Experience
James B. Nelson
Manufacturer: Westminster John Knox Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Alcoholism | Recovery | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0664226884

Book Description

Here speaking as a "public alcoholic," a recovering person willing to speak about chemical addiction, prolific and much respected ethicist Jim Nelson offers his personal and theological reflection on alcohol addiction and recovery. Drawing on the foundational ideas of liberation theology and weaving together scripture and Christian tradition with contemporary medical and sociological insights, Nelson demonstrates the healing significance of story telling for the recovering alcoholic and explores all addictions' roots in the spiritual thirst for God.

Customer Reviews:

Must read!.......2006-07-26

The author is knowledgeable and has first hand experience.
Takes one to know one....Expand your knowledge and growth...
Buy it and read it....

An in-depth guide into addiction and recovery.......2006-07-20

An insightful book about the connection between spirituality and addiction. This book gave me a great deal of insight into addiction and recovery that will prove to be quite useful to me in my career. I appreciate the author's openness about his own addiction. I cannot say enough good things about this book. It broaches a very difficult subject and does it in an engaging and respectful manner.

Wonderful Book.......2005-08-31

A very welcomed addition to addiction liturature! The theology presented gives new insight into alcoholism.

Sex, Food, and God: Breaking Free from Temptations, Compulsions, and Addictions

Average customer rating:

Helpful and Biblical
A good tablespoon of truth

Sex, Food, and God: Breaking Free from Temptations, Compulsions, and Addictions
David Eckman
Manufacturer: Harvest House Publishers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Eating Disorders | Mental Health | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0736917853

Book Description

People from all walks of life give in to temptations and adopt patterns of secrecy and shame. David Eckman reveals how appetites can dominate the lives of men and women, and addictions to sex, pornography, food, chemicals, and even work can take hold. This is a much–needed Christian look at fighting addiction that should be in every church and home.

With research support and biblical principles, Eckman shares

why unhealthy appetites take root in people
how to trade shame for a new identity in Christ
why commitment to prayer, confession, and growth protects us

Readers will discover how to break the pattern of out–of–control desires and extend grace, not judgment, to those facing such struggles.

Customer Reviews:

Helpful and Biblical.......2007-09-10

Dr. Eckman does a wonderful job of uncovering what is happening under the surface when it comes to all types of addiction. This book is not only helpful for those facing battles with drugs or alcohol...it would be a helpful read for anyone facing any type of addiction. He points to the family background and its long term effects and simple processes and patterns within addiction. He points people to a new understanding of what it means to be a child of God and find our security and meaning through our Creator. It's well worth the price and time to read. I highly recommend it.

A good tablespoon of truth.......2007-01-05

Great book, truthful insights...but can we trust David Eckman's own Biblical Translations of the Bible?

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