Book Description
There are more than one billion Catholics in the world, and each one has a similar set of basic beliefs and practices that he or she follows. Some of the teachings of Catholicism are thousands of years old, while others are more recent. So what is the Catholic culture like and what do they believe? Catholicism For Dummies answers these and many other questions.
Whether you’re a Catholic or not, you may be totally clueless or just unaware of some aspects of Catholic traditions, history, doctrine, worship, devotion, or culture. No sweat. Regardless of whether you’re engaged, married, related to a Catholic, or just curious about what Catholics really do believe, this book is for you.
Catholicism For Dummies is not a catechism or religious textbook, but a casual, down-to-earth introduction for non-Catholics and reintroduction for Catholics. It gives commonsense explanations so that the next time you’re invited to a Catholic wedding, Baptism, funeral, Confirmation, or First Communion, you won’t be totally confused. You’ll also discover other important topics that can help you better understand the Catholic culture—from morality and devotions to worship and liturgy. This book will familiarize you with Catholicism by showing you:
- What it means to be a Catholic: traditions, prayers, beliefs, and holidays
- Who is who in the Catholic hierarchy
- How Catholics worship
- What the Seven Sacraments and Ten Commandments are
- The book regarded as the holiest to Catholics: The Bible
- The Church’s stand on some sticky issues
Catholicism For Dummies presents a rich tapestry and history of the Catholic faith—from devotions to doctrines. This intelligent and faithful look at Catholicism will open your eyes to this religion and answer many of the questions you may have about it.
Customer Reviews:
Wonderful Reference.......2007-08-25
My husband is in RCIA and this has been his "text book" ! Very informative, well written. Highly Recommended!
Read this..........2007-05-15
They bilk the parishioners, as the priest live in a lap of luxury surrounded by gold. Everyone knows the Vatican has Billions of dollars, but keeps it's book secret so we can not know how many billions they have. Meanwhile, in the churches where the victims want justice, they just throw up their hands and say "we are bankrupt". The Bible says that a Priest or "Bishop" MUST be a married man. The people who let these pedophile priest jump from parish to parish to get fresh kids should also be thrown in jail. The most serious problem however, is that the Catholic church has people fooled into believing it is a "Christian Church", it is far from it. They call their own shots calling themselves "Infallible", meaning whatever they say or do can't be wrong. I am somewhat puzzled by the people who still attend there. They rape kids, then covered it up, why are you still a part of that organization? You should never confess to a priest, that is putting someone between you and Jesus. Jesus is the only mediator, if you read the real bible KJV, it will tell you the truth. The catholic Manuscripts were created by the Alexandrians, another cult found in Egypt. To top things off, the current Pope even swore in before as a Hitler Nazi Oath as a youth. This church isn't Christian, it just pays "lip service" to let everyone think they are. The priest are living in the lap of Luxury, while the victims live without reparations. My heart goes out to all the victims of the Catholic Church. Please stand up for the victims, and do not continue to look the other way because you are also guilty of association if you say and do nothing.
Catholicism for Dummies.......2007-05-12
bought as a gift. The person just love the book has thanked me several times.
Catholocism for Dummies.......2007-05-07
This is a good book for looking up anything pertaining to our Catholic Faith. It is easy to find the topics and explains it well. I have bought several of these books as gifts and a few for our Parish Library. Highly recommend.
Just the facts.......2007-04-25
A well-communicated summary of Roman Catholic doctrine and tradition. A good start for anyone interested in getting past the basics in preparation for further serious study. A handy resource for those who simply want a basic understanding of Catholic doctrine and practice. The approach seems to be one of simply reporting the facts without much emotional attachment by the authors and in that respect it seemed to be lacking some of the impact it might otherwise have. But such an approach may be exactly what most readers are looking for in this genre.
Average customer rating:
- Great reference.
- the Bible for Dummies
- For those who are busy
- Good to have
- Interesting, funny, and understandable guide to the Bible
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The Bible for Dummies
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ASIN: 0764552961 |
Book Description
Ninety percent of Americans own a copy of the Bible, and while it’s the most widely read book, it’s also the least understood. Regardless of your religion, understanding the Bible brings much of Western art, literature, and public discourse into greater focus—from Leonardo da Vinci’s “Last Supper” painting to the Wachowski brothers’ The Matrix movies. People have historically turned to religion to deal with tragedy and change, and with the right insight, the Bible can be an accessible, helpful guide to life’s big questions.
The Bible For Dummies appeals to people of all faiths, as well as those who don’t practice any particular religion, by providing interfaith coverage of the entire Bible and the often fascinating background information that makes the Bible come alive. You’ll find answers to such questions as:
- Where did the Bible come from?
- Who wrote the Bible?
- How is the Bible put together?
Follow the history of the Bible from its beginning thousands of years ago as tattered scrolls to its status as the bestseller of all time. The Bible For Dummies covers these topics and more:
- Ten people in the Bible you should know
- The Hebrew Bible
- The Apocrypha’s hidden treasures
- What’s new about the New Testament
- Israel’s wisdom, literature, and love poetry
- The Bible’s enduring influence
- The prophets: more than fortunetellers
Discover the world’s all-time bestseller in an entirely new light. Whether you’re interested in broadening your spiritual horizons, uncovering the symbolism of Western culture, or gaining a deeper understanding of the book you grew up reading, The Bible For Dummies has all the information you need to navigate this ancient and fascinating book.
Customer Reviews:
Great reference........2007-06-13
I found this book very easy to understand and I like the fact that you can start anywhere in the book and still get valuable information. I would recommend this book to any serious student of the bible.
the Bible for Dummies.......2007-05-13
My mother in law
loves it she said" I love the book
thank you again "
For those who are busy.......2007-03-30
I have tried to read the bible straight thru and never suceeded--life came at me in many directions. After 3 years of trying, i gave up and bought the bible for dummies. This book helped me UNDERSTAND the bible, not only read the words, both equally important in my opinion. Once i started reading this book, time opened up for me and i read it in a matter of 2 weeks! I couldn't put it down--the more i learned, the more i wanted to know and keep learning. I intend to reread it because for the first time in the 4 years i have been a christian, i truly understand the religion. I would recommend this book for everybody no matter where you are in your spiritual journey. Good luck and God Bless
Good to have.......2007-03-26
Even though I study the Bible regularly, this helps pull a lot of the key things together.
Great refresher or for the beginner it will get you right on track!
Interesting, funny, and understandable guide to the Bible.......2007-01-17
Both my husband and I have enjoyed reading The Bible for Dummies. It is like the Cliffs Notes version of the Bible -- making it understandable without having to attend a theology class!
Amazon.com
Like the many other Dummies books, Judaism for Dummies organizes a wealth of material into an easy-reading format with a warm, accessible voice. Readers can expect to find translations of common Yiddish words, the difference between Orthodox and other denominations, the meaning and rituals of high holidays, the origins of the Jewish people, and a stirring passage about the Holocaust.
The authors make this book especially engaging by deftly tackling those "I've always wondered..." kinds of questions about Judaism. For instance, what are the guidelines for kosher food? What's the Jewish version of sin? Was Marilyn Monroe really Jewish? (Yes, she converted.) And what exactly do Jews believe about God? The authors answer this last question with characteristic reverence and humor: "Some Jews see God as an external force, a Being outside of the universe.... Some Jews say that God contains the Universe.... Other Jews say that God is the universe.... The one thing that Jews won't argue about, period, is that God--whatever you imagine God to be--is ultimately unknowable and therefore un-nameable." They also note that Jews argue with God in order to know God better. They're called "Children of Israel" because of the biblical story in which Jacob wrestles with an angel and gets his name changed to Israel, meaning "one who wrestles with God."
The authors' lively voices give this stylistically formatted book a unique personality. Sometimes they sound as though they're telling jokes at a dinner party: "Have you heard the one about the two rabbis arguing over the Torah?" and "Yom Kippur means always having to say you're sorry." Other times they sound like fireside elders sharing the old stories of an ancient faith. This is an excellent book for someone preparing to become a bar or bat mitzvah. It could also be helpful for gentiles marrying into Jewish families, or any adult who is planning on converting. --Gail Hudson
Book Description
Judaism isn’t a race or even a particular culture or ethnic group. There are about 13 or 14 million Jews spread around the world, including about 6 million in the United States and about 5 million in Israel – so Judaism clearly isn’t “a nation.” So what does it mean to be Jewish? Here are the basics:
- Being Jewish (being “a Jew”) means you’re a Member of the Tribe (an M-O-T). The tribe started with a couple named Abraham and Sarah about 4,000 years ago, it grew over time, and it’s still here today. You can become part of the Jewish tribe in two ways: By being born to a Jewish mother or joining through a series of rituals (called converting).
- Judaism is a set of beliefs, practices, and ethics based on the Torah. You can practice Judaism and not be Jewish, and you can be a Jew and not practice Judaism.
Whether you're interested in the religion or the spirituality, the culture or the ethnic traditions, Judaism For Dummies explores the full spectrum of Judaism, dipping into the mystical, meditative, and spiritual depth of the faith and the practice. In this warm and welcoming book, you'll find coverage of
- Orthodox Jews and breakaway denominations
- Judaism as a daily practice
- The food and fabric of Judaism
- Jewish wedding ceremonies
- Celebrations and holy days
- 4,000 years of pain, sadness, triumph, and joy
- Great Jewish thinkers and historical celebrities
Jews have long spread out to the corners of the world, so there are significant Jewish communities on many continents. Judaism For Dummies offers a glimpse into the rituals, ideas, and terms that are woven into the history and everyday lives of Jewish people as near as our own neighborhoods and as far-reaching as across the world.
Customer Reviews:
Judaism for Dummies.......2007-03-17
Book gives a wide perspective on Judaism... Worth buying if on sale.
WOW!...I like this ALOT ! !.......2006-11-10
I can't imagine how I would have survived giving a presentation during the past High Holiday, Yom Kippur.
I was faced with a room of folks that thought they knew what it was to be a Jew or to be JewISH, and not a one of them had many clues.
It was nice to have this format so that I could highlight my way through what eventually became a great presentation, and a great gathering of learning women.
Maybe FOR But Never BY Dummies.......2006-09-12
Here to take its place in the greatest informational series this side of a bookshelf full of encyclopedias, Judaism For Dummies continues the "Dummies" tradition of educating and never boring the inquiring mind of its reader. In this volume, which tells everything that might possibly ever be asked about humanity's oldest and most profoundly world-changing religion, concise facts are presented in such a way that anyone, from children to adults, can grasp the informative answers herein. From biographies of the great figures in Judaism, to simple answers on customs, holidays, dietary requirements, beliefs, the Kabala, rabbinical laws, the hows and whys of anything Jewish, it's all explained here. There's even a delightful page dedicated to Jewish humor, which includes a sardonic joke about two Jewish men in an alley who see a pair of tough-looking men approaching. The one Jew turns to the other and says, "I think we should get out of here cause there's two of them and you and I are alone." Ha, yeah, pretty good... Judaism For Dummies is a fine source of educational material and it impressed me, as so far every book in this series has.
The Hebrew words will swirl in your head.......2006-08-15
So, you'd like to learn something about one of the oldest religions in the world and instead of turning to any of the thousands of published works on the subject of Judaism you turn instead to the Dummies book on the subject? Well, it worked for me. Judaism for Dummies, written by Ted Falcon and David Blatner, follows the well-known style of the series in condensing even the most complicated of matters down into comprehensible formats that can be read through in a matter of days.
There are four essential sections to the book covering essential beliefs of Judaism, the Jewish lifestyle, Jewish history, and the Jewish holidays and their meanings. My only complaint is the relative weight given to each of these sections. I was hoping for theology, but found that the page count in holidays was nearly twice as long. The history portion was excellent. I can't say, however, that Judaism looks as much more than like a routine set of ancient rituals and routines as I'd hoped. Nonetheless, as the book makes clear, Judaism is about doing, not believing.
As might be expected, the authors have put everything together in a warm and witty manner, blending humor and personal anecdotes into their description to try to bring the humanity of Jewish practice into focus for the unfamiliar reader. They even include recipes and several pages of commentary on Jewish humor. They spend extensive time, similarly, in trying to showcase the differing viewpoints between the various forms of Judaism, particularly Orthodox and Reform. Though both practice the Reform version, I never had the sense that the authors were treating Orthodox beliefs as anything other than the honest (if apparently odd) convictions that they surely are. Overall Falcon and Blatner have served well as voices of their people to the world.
Light-hearted Introduction.......2004-07-29
If this had been the first book I had read about Judaism, I probably would have gotten much more interested much more quickly than I did. Judaism for Dummies presents all the basic concepts of Judaism in just over 300 pages of delightful commentary. With informative sidebars and appropriate humor, this book is an excellent introduction to the Jewish faith. Appendixes include a table of the holidays for until the year 2010, an introduction to Yiddish words as well as less well known Yinglish words and basic Jewish vocabulary, and a smattering of useful blessings presented in Hebrew, transliteration, and English.
I recommend Judaism for Dummies as a first-read for anyone interested in Judaism. The one downside is that that it may be a bit simplistic for people who are already on their way to discovering the joys of the Jewish faith.
Book Description
From the outside, Buddhism seems like a bundle of contradictions wrapped inside a paradox. It is a religion without a god, a belief system without rules, and a faith that encourages its adherents to question everything, including its own teachings. You could spend a lifetime studying Buddhist texts and following its observances and still feel like you’ve only just barely scratched the surface. Yet, over the past 2500 years, this lovely religion that preaches compassion, generosity, tolerance, selflessness and self-awareness has commanded the fervent devotion of hundreds of millions of people around the world who believe it to be the true path to enlightenment.
If you’re curious about Buddhism but feel intimidated by all the exotic jargon and strange trappings, this book is for you. Written by two leading American Buddhist teachers and scholars, it offers you a uniquely friendly way to explore the fascinating history of Buddhism and discover:
- Who Buddha was and his significance in world history and spirituality
- How the practice of Buddhism can enrich your everyday life
- How Buddha’s teachings combine to create a path to enlightenment
- Daily observances and meditation practices
- How to fulfill your highest potential through Buddhism
In plain English, experts Jonathan Landaw and Stephan Bodian define the important terms, explain the key concepts and explore, in-depth a wide range of topics, including:
- Buddha’s life and teachings and the evolution of the major Buddhist traditions
- How Buddhism works as a religion, philosophy of life and a practical approach to dealing with life’s problems, all rolled into one
- The idea that the mind is the source of all happiness and suffering
- How the practices of wisdom and compassion can connect you with your inner spiritual resources
- Meditation and other core Buddhist practices and how they can affect your everyday life
- How to apply Buddhist teachings at each stage along the spiritual path
Whether you’re a searcher of truth, a student of religions, or just curious about what’s got Richard Gere and all the rest of those celebrity Buddhists so excited, Buddhism For Dummies is your intro to Buddhism basics.
Customer Reviews:
Somewhat disappointing..........2007-06-24
Honestly, I was expecting more. These "dummies" books give the authors almost unlimited opportunity to explain something in detail, yet make it interesting and enlightening. What I would have wanted to see was more history on the story of Siddhartha and how he became Buddha. I also thought the book was biased toward the Tibet way of Buddhism and those looking for more about Zen are going to be disappointed. The book almost reads like a college textbook and that is just dry dry dry. Yuck.
A good intro..........2007-05-19
Being new to Buddhism, I found this book to be a very easy-to-understand source of information. It touches on many aspects of Buddhism, inviting the reader to turn to other resources, listed in Appendix B, for more in-depth information.
This book covers the main themes of Buddhism without becoming too overwhelming with technical terms.
While some people may not like the 'For Dummies' books, I appreciate the blend of serious information and touches of humor found in them. This was true in Buddhism for Dummies.
Fantastic.......2006-11-11
Buddhism has always interested me but it is only recently I began to read up on the practice. This book is fantastic for my education. It is easy to understand, well tagged, can be read is small stages, and an enjoyment to have at my bedside.
Could not really present a picture.......2006-09-11
The greatest failure in Buddhism for Dummies is that authors Jonathan Landaw and Stephan Bodian forgot the target audience. How this is possible with the words `for Dummies' in the title is somewhat of a mystery to me. It's not the case that this book is intended literally for dummies, of course, but it is intended for readers with little or no background on Buddhism and generally it is marketed in the English-speaking world. Thus, the authors would have been well-advised to arrange the material differently. What the reader will find after an extremely brief general introduction is a history of Buddhist development. While this need not be a bad thing, Buddhist history is made up largely of splintering of Buddhism into a variety of sub-groups with sometimes subtle differences among them. How should the brand-new reader approach all these new topics?
Beyond the confusing history the reader finds Buddhism in practice. But there, again, we find a heavy emphasis on the Buddhist monk and the lifestyle such a person adopts. While this can be interesting, it seems a funny choice of starting material for Buddhist practice. Eventually the authors do deliver some answers on the question, `what is Buddhism really?' While more comprehensible than earlier sections, I can't say that the ultimate explanations are very clear. If asked to explain Buddhism now I could say little more than I could prior to reading the book. While the authors are clearly enthusiastic, they never really bring it all together in a form that's remotely compelling. Granted Buddhism is very different from Western religions and philosophies, but I can't believe that this is the most comprehensible description and introduction possible in this format and length.
All I ever wanted to know.......2006-08-23
The study of Buddhism is ultimately rewarding once one can get past all of the variant traditions. This book does just that in a readable and fun manner. The title can be off-putting but the contents are anything but. The authors have done an amazing job of explaining the many paths of Buddhism in a clear and non-confusing manner. I highly recommend this book.
Book Description
Why are we here?
How should we live?
What happens after we die?
Why does evil exist?
Religion For Dummies explains how the world’s great religions answer questions that persist through generations. Authors Rabbi Marc Gellman and Monsignor Thomas Hartman are trusted religious advisors known as the God Squad. With wonderful wit and incredible wisdom, they host a daily talk show which reaches nearly 4 million homes in the New York area, and have appeared on numerous TV and radio shows.
This book is not a scholarly theological treatise; it’s a lively, practical, hands-on resource that will help you better understand your own religion and others. You’ll explore:
- Religion's role in the family and in the workplace
- The beliefs and practices of Christianity, Judaism, Islam, and other religions
- Religion's impact during major passages in life such as birth, death, and marriage
- How to join a religion and how to pray
- How religion can help you deal with issues in every day life such as conflict, adversity, marriage, divorce, and more
- Religious rituals and ethics
Religion for Dummies touches on lesser-known religions (such as, Zoroastrianism, Jainism, Sikhism). It explores how people of various faiths pray, celebrate life and death, and view moral issues. The book does not tell you what to believe, but rather encourages you to live as you believe and let your religion infuse every aspect of your life. It doesn’t give simple answers to haunting, complex questions; it helps you find your own answers and pursue your own spiritual path!
Customer Reviews:
Simple but good.......2007-02-09
I like this book.
It seems brief, but has core materials for comprehending religions.
About one member of the "God Squad".......2005-04-22
Rabbi Gellman and Monsignor Hartman are quite a team. Overcoming barriers, showing how Christians and Jews can get along in quite a jolly way. Except that there seems to be an ugly and bigoted underside to the dynamic duo. I just heard Rabbi Marc Gellman on the TV commenting on the election of Pope Benedict. He closed with the witty remark that he didn't think that "being Torquemada's successor" was the best qualification for being Pope. Isn't ecumenism partly about increasing mutual understanding and dispelling falsehoods and stereotypes? The fact is that Pope Benedict is no sense the successor of Torquemada. Ratzinger was Prefect of the "Congregation of the Doctrine of the Faith". That body was created in the 1960s after Vatican II to replace the "Holy Office", which in turn was the historical successor of the "Roman Inquisition". Torquemada was the infamous head of the Spanish Inquisition, an insitution completely distinct from the Roman Inquisition in its origin, structure, and methods. It shows great historical ignorance to confuse the two. Moreover, as a young theologian Joseph Ratzinger famously called for the abolition of the "Holy Office". By recklessly tossing about vicious and unfounded allegations against the character of the head of another religion Rabbi Gellman shows himself to be a sometime ecumenist. Shame on him.
A difficult subject.......2004-09-14
This book is taking on an enormous subject and has made a brave effort at giving a brief explanation of many religions and more details on Judaism, Christianity and Islam.
BUT! and it is a big but... in trying to give more information on just a couple of faiths it fails to give a proper, balanced, realistic picture. For example: the Christianity side heavily emphasises the Roman Catholic beliefs - the different Protestant beliefs are but lightly touched on and Anglicanism (Church of England - which is one of the world's biggest Protestant churches) is not mentioned at all. Some of the information is rather odd: for example it is claimed that Protestant Christians rarely celebrate the Eucharist. Well, not in my experience: in the UK most churches celebrate it several times a week!
The same criticism can be levelled at the description of Judaism: reading this book one would never guess how radically different the various Jewish groups are (and how much they are often daggers drawn too). And ditto Islam.
I accept that I am going to see this book differently from an American reader but I could not see why the other religions were so lightly touched on. In the UK there is a substantial population of Hindus, Buddhists and Sikhs: I had expected this book to give more information about these faiths and to expand my knowledge of them. It didn't. This book is too heavily orientated towards 'The Big Three' and there are other, better books that cover these.
I was pleased to see that Native American faiths were lightly touched on and a hint was given about Australian Aboriginal beliefs.
As I was aware from my own studies of several spectacular errors and a lot of small misunderstandings (which I accept are inevitable on such a subject) I became doubtful of the veracity of a lot of this book and did not feel that it expanded my knowledge of religion one iota. Why was the book not written by persons of the various faiths and then edited to match the 'Dummies' format rather than wholly written by a Rabbi and a Catholic Priest? The different faiths are not dealt with in separate chapters but mixed up all together: following a thread to get an overall picture of one religion is not particularly easy or obvious.
This book has made a brave attempt to cover a huge subject but the accuracy, detail and layout fail. Still, it would give someone with no knowledge of any faith to get a vague idea of what is what.
Should be required reading - in my humble opinion.......2003-07-11
First of all, I'm not a reader, but I was compelled to purchase and read this book after "The God Squad" appeared on Imus in the Morning on WFAN/MSNBC. I'm glad I purchased the book and here's why: This book breaks the major religeons down to fundamental basics that the layperson can understand. After reading this book, I'm surprised there isn't more religeous strife going on in the world due to the sheer differences in beliefs and theological structures.
I've always been fascinated by religeon, especially since I am of the scientific/realist wing. I am, however, glad I spent the hours I did digesting this material. For the few bucks it costs - not a bad bargain.
I know other reviews are much more eloquent than this, but I wanted to toss my two cents in and give this book a "thumbs up"!
A Handy Reference.......2002-11-29
If you are looking for a theology course, you'll be disappointed but if you have questions about the world's major religions, Rabbi Gellman and Monsigneur Hartman have done a fine job providing the answers. Those reviewers critical of the authors' Judeo-Christian viewpoint are forgetting something - these guys are a Jew and a Christian. You expected them to write from the perspective of a frog worshiper?
Average customer rating:
- The Author
- Too Biased
- Should be called "Fundamentalist Christianity for Dummies"
- Good Book
- I thought the "for dummies" part was just a gimmick
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Christianity for Dummies
Richard J. Wagner
Manufacturer: For Dummies
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ASIN: 0764544829 |
Book Description
Get to know the beliefs and practices inspired by Jesus Christ
Discover what it means to be a Christian and follow the gospel
Curious about Christianity? This friendly guide helps you understand the basic teachings of the Christian faith, exploring the common ground that all Christians share, the differences among the major branches, the key events in Christian history, the key theological issues, and the many ways Christians live out their faith in today's world.
The Dummies Way
* Explanations in plain English
* "Get in, get out" information
* Icons and other navigational aids
* Tear-out cheat sheet
* Top ten lists
* A dash of humor and fun
Discover how to:
* Express the core essentials of Christianity
* Appreciate the life and teachings of Jesus
* Understand why the Bible is central to the faith
* Respect the unique roles of the Trinity
* Explore controversial issues among the branches
Customer Reviews:
The Author.......2007-03-25
I just thought I should make some clarification concerning the issue of "fundamentalism" and "bias". As I note in the book's introduction, "Christianity" sounds like a generic enough word to define, but even this term can mean radically different things to different people both inside and outside of the Christian Church. Therefore, when I speak of Christianity, keep in mind that I am using the term in three respects:
(1) "Mere" Christianity. Christian author C.S. Lewis used the term "mere Christianity" to describe the core essentials of the Christian faith that any believer, regardless of their background, could agree to. Christianity For Dummies focuses on this common ground across the Christian Church, be it Protestant, Catholic, or Orthodox. However, many important differences of belief do exist among these branches of the Church that can't be swept under the table. So when there is disagreement on a given topic, I attempt to point out these differences along the way.
(2) "Historical" Christianity. When I refer to "Christianity", I speak of Christian beliefs that have historically been upheld by the Church for some 2,000 years, not the latest fashionable flavor of Christian teaching that may be in vogue for the moment.
(3) "Biblical" Christianity. Christians have always maintained that the Bible is the literal, inspired, and authoritative written word of God. Following in this mold, this book will consider the Bible as being the legitimate "instruction manual" for Christians and "bottom line" for matters pertaining to the Christian faith.
So, rather than being "fundamentalist" and "narrow", I am simply embracing the orthodox historical/biblical teachings of the Christian faith that have been affirmed since the early New Testament church.
Finally, concerning the issue of bias, any author brings to a book his or her background, experiences, and a given set of beliefs. From the outset, I make it clear in the introduction that I am what could be described as an evangelical Protestant believer. However, my overriding goal for the book was to be unbiased, fair, and respectful towards all branches of the orthodox Christian Church (Protestantism, Catholicism, and Eastern Orthodox).
I hope these points help to clarify some matters raised in a couple earlier reviews.
Rich Wagner, Author
Too Biased.......2006-09-12
I am not a christian, and bought this book to learn more about the faith. Although this book does provide a basic outline of christian beliefs, the author lets his personal bias slip into his writing much too often. There are numerous passages where he says something to the effect of "many christians believe this, but it doesnt make any sense". So if you want a fair and unbiased book outlining christian beliefs, I would recomend that you look elsewhere.
Should be called "Fundamentalist Christianity for Dummies".......2006-04-05
Having been raised a christian, I was suprised by what I read in this book. Several times I asked myself "you mean christians believe that?" The author assumes that fundamentalism is mainstream christianity and occasionally throws in some information about Catholicism, Orthodox religions and non fundamentalist religions almost as an aside. Very one sided and disappointing. There must be something better out there.
Good Book.......2006-03-20
I'm a Christian and this book tells many facts about christianity. I read about a third of the book and i find it very useful to build faith. even if u r not a Christian, u can just learn about it. also, it answers a lot of life problems.
I thought the "for dummies" part was just a gimmick.......2005-08-25
Rather than being a well organized explanation of what Christianity is and of what Christians believe, this book is a rationalization of Christian faith that anyone with even rudimentary critical reading skills can dissect. The increasingly stupid analogies and pop-culture references combine to make the condescension unbearable. This book truly is for dummies.
Average customer rating:
- Informative and factual
- Islam
- It's for dummies. Which is why I like it.
- LOVELY
- Islam for Dummies
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Islam for Dummies
Malcolm Clark
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The Koran for Dummies
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Christianity for Dummies
ASIN: 0764555030 |
Book Description
Many non-Muslims have no idea that Muslims worship the same God as Christians and Jews, and that Islam preaches compassion, charity, humility, and the brotherhood of man. And the similarities don’t end there. According to Islamic teaching, Muhammad founded Islam in 610 CE after the angel Gabriel appeared to him at Mecca and told him that God had entered him among the ranks of such great biblical prophets as Abraham, Moses, and Christ.
Whether you live or work alongside Muslims and want to relate to them better, or you simply want to gain a better understanding of the world’s second largest religion, Islam For Dummies can help you make sense of this religion and its appeal. From the Qur’an to Ramadan, this friendly guide introduces you to the origins, practices and beliefs of Islam, including:
- Muhammad, the man and the legend
- The Five Pillars of Wisdom
- The Five Essentials beliefs of Islam
- The different branches of Islam and Islamic sects
- The Qur’an and Islamic law
- Islam throughout history and its impact around the world
Professor Malcolm Clark explores the roots of Islam, how it has developed over the centuries, and it’s long and complex relationship with Christianity. He helps puts Islam in perspective as a major cultural and geopolitical force. And he provided helpful insights into, among other things:
- Muhammad, the Qur’an and the ethical teachings of Islam
- Muslim worship, customs, and rituals surrounding birth, marriage, and death
- Shi’ites, Sunnis, Sufis, Druze, and other important Muslim groups
- Islam in relation to Judaism and Christianity
In these troubled times, it is important that we try to understand the belief systems of others, for through understanding comes peace. Islam For Dummies helps you build bridges of understanding between you and your neighbors in the global village.
Customer Reviews:
Informative and factual.......2007-08-11
The coverage was very straight forward and provided basic information for someone who was not familiar with Isalm. It is a good book to become familiar with Islam and to understand basic beliefs. It is a good basic refernce book.
Islam.......2007-07-03
I thought this book was great for providing information on not only the religion but the culture of Islam. It does not try to prove or defend the religion, just provide information.
It's for dummies. Which is why I like it........2007-06-30
I read this book before deploying to an Islamic country in an effort to understand Islam better. This book was perfect for someone like me, who knew a tiny bit about Islam from briefings and history channel and didn't know any actual Muslims or ever read the Koran, etc. It provided a good starting off point to learn the basics of Islam. I was surprised to learn the author was Christian from reading the other reviews here; I could not tell the author was not Muslim from reading the book itself. He was very respectful of the faith. You're not going to find a book about religion that is going to be completely unbiased or an "incorrect interpretation/representation" to some of the more knowledgeable readers particularly if they are Muslim themselves. I'm sure not all the information in this book would be agreed upon by 100% of Muslims everywhere... but it was a great starting point for me. It was well organized by topics and chapters and included history and references to the Koran. One of my favorite features was the references listed at the end of each chapter for more information on a topic. This book covered the basics in each chapter and directed the reader to other sources for more details. This book is also great for providing recommended readings for works cited pages for college paper on this topic. I checked out some of the recommended readings and the ones I tried were very helpful. Since buying this book, I have studied Islam in more detail and spent some time in the Middle East. I still reference this book on topics I am hazy on or want further recommended readings for. When it comes to religion, you can't please everyone, but this is definitely a good book for dummies like me.
LOVELY.......2007-01-10
THIS BOOK IS LOVELY AND SO VERY HELPFUL TO ME AND MY FAMILY. I AM ALSO VERY APPRECIATIVE OF HAVING IT AVAILABLE TO ME AT ALL TIMES VIA INTERNET. I HAVE READ IT VIA INTERNET AND THE ACTUAL BOOK AS I HAVE A VERY BUSY LIFESTYLE.
Islam for Dummies.......2007-01-10
Gives a great insite to the islamic people in an easy to understand context. Answers questions you might be hesitant to ask of Islamic people.
Book Description
With the current turmoil in the Middle East, there is a growing interest about Islam—the world’s second largest religion and one of the fastest growing—and its holy book, the Koran (or Qur’an). Now, with this easy-to-follow, plain-English guide, you can explore the history, structure, and basic tenets of Islam’s sacred scripture.
The Koran For Dummies is for non-Muslims interested in the Koran as well as Muslims looking to deepen their understanding. Islamic scholar Sohaib Sultan provides a clear road map, revealing:
- The meaning of Koran and its basic message
- The Koran’s place in history and in Islamic spiritual life
- Explanations of its language, structure, and narrative style
- How to live by the Koran’s teachings
- The Koran’s role in key global issues, such as Jihad vs. terrorism
- Different interpretations of the Koran
No other book provides such a straightforward look at what the Koran says, how it says it, and how believers live according to its guidance. From how the Koran was received by Mohammed and how it was compiled to how it’s interpreted by Islam’s two main branches, you’ll see how to put the Islamic faith in perspective.
Plus, you’ll discover:
- What the Koran really says about women and civil law
- How Islam relates to Judaism and Christianity
- The Koran’s view of God, prophets, mankind, and the self
- How its teachings are lived and recited every day by devout Muslims
- Common misconceptions of the Koran
- How to raise a family the Koranic way
Complete with lists of important passages, Koranic terminology, famous quotes, and further reading resources, The Koran For Dummies makes it easy and enjoyable for you to grasp the teachings and significance of Islam's holy book.
Customer Reviews:
The Koran for Dummies.......2007-07-03
I did not find this book to be at all useful or helpful. I found it impossible to cross reference from the book to the Koran. None of my questions were ever answered.
Koran for real dummies who can't think.......2006-09-30
For the first time since buying a book on-line I was tempted to wrap it up and send it back, this book was that terrible. It went out of its way to avoid any negativity or criticism about the Koran or about Moslems, whether mainstream or fanatical. This is a very sanitized version of this holy book, and unobjective to the extreme. I was searching for true meanings of the Koran elements but reading this version was a complete waste of time.
Good but missing a few points.......2006-05-24
This is a very good book but I believe it is missing a few points to understand the Quran clearly. When a person having no background in Arabic reads the translation of Quran he finds the writing to be boring and dull. He also fails to see consistency in text, one time the text says one thing and then it abruptly changes to something else.
Considering the first part of the question why a user finds Quran to be boring and dull, the basic reason is that the style of Quran is spoken (more precisely extempore speech) not written. It actually talks to the reader. If care is not taken while converting this vocal style to written then the whole text loses its charm.
The listener will even better understand the speech given at a particular time if he has some idea of the circumstances under which it was delivered. But if that same speech is broken down into small chunks and then translated into another language it will loose all of its beauty and charm. The same is with Quran. The translation must have to be so good that it should preserve its extempore style, otherwise the reader will find it dull and boring.
As per my knowledge there is only one translation in Urdu by Maulana Moududi that addresses this issue. There seems to be no translation available English that compares with it.
So in essence till such time a better translation ( I don't mean word by word or verse by verse) is available in English, to get to the sprit of Quran one must have a basic understanding of Arabic language. On internet there are several courses available that claim to teach Arabic within a very short span of time.
Now coming to the second part of the question when one reads Quran he fails to find consistency in the text as the topics change rapidly. It is basically due to the fact that Quran is not like any other book. If a user knows these three questions: What is its topic? What is its main subject? And what is its aim and purpose? He can find the consistency in thought and theme.
The topic of this book is us, the humans. It explains the purpose behind our creation and it also explains in detail the gauge of our success and failure.
Its main subject revolves around correcting the misconceptions humans have about this life and hereafter.
Its aim is to call upon everyone to the righteous/lawful way of their Lord which mankind has obliterated/lost.
Whosoever reads Quran keeping in view the abovementioned points will clearly see that its all seemingly different subjects revolve and refer to the main topic in a very consistent and coherent way. You may envisage it as all kinds of pearls, diamonds, rubies and emeralds enhancing the beauty of a necklace.
To be considered very carefully........2006-03-14
This books gives an insight into the Qu'ran and the Islamic religion. It is broken into sections that explain various aspects of life using the spritual and life practice guidance of the Koran. The author repeatly explains that the laws and language of the Koran is misinterpreted yet one cannot help but feel he is rationalizing. Still, I believe we get a good sense of Islamic law and the Koran, and frankly, some of the core concepts make much sense as the true words brought forth by Abraham, Moses, Jesus and Mohammed. I have bought a translation of the Qu'ran and following the reading of Dummies, will begin to tackle it. I would suggest to readers to find other sources to compare and contrast opinions; The complexities of the Islamic tradition need to be examined through the eyes of more than one source.
My thoughts on the koran.......2006-02-08
I agree with the reviewer below...the koran is a dud of a book. I can't believe people are willing to kill, rape, and destroy over this turgid tome. It has NO STRUCTURE! The suras are all jumbled together with no cronological sequence or order at all. There is no consistancy in thought or theme - one minute the text says one thing then it switches to another subject that has no relation to the previous statement. From what I have read of Islamic history...mohommed (though he claimed to be a prophet) did not or could not even predict his death (unlike the prophets of the Bible and the teachings of the divine Buddha) so the koran was not even in a organized state when he died. So if this book was supposed to be handed down from heaven perfect to mohommed...why did it take so many years after he died to fix the koran in the state we find it today.
Book Description
Kabbalah For Dummies presents a balanced perspective of Kabbalah as an “umbrella” for a complex assemblage of mystical Jewish teachings and codification techniques. Kabbalah For Dummies also shows how Kabbalah simultaneously presents an approach to the study of text, the performance of ritual and the experience of worship, as well as how the reader can apply its teaching to everyday life.
Customer Reviews:
Amazig book .......2007-10-01
Truly this is an amazing book comparison with Idiot's guide to Kabbala which was terrible. This book has been informative and made me have even a closer understanding and relationship to G-d and His Mitsvot. Idiot's guid book divorces Judaism from Kabbala and all the mitsvot while this book places Kabbala in prospective. Its easy to read and will get you closer to Hashem. I highly recommend it.
Great Beginners Book.......2006-12-13
This book is very informative, well writen, and basic for new students of kabbalah and individuals interested in the subject. Kabbalah is a difficult topic to understand and learn. The author did a wonderful job by making it kabbalah easy to understand. I have read over 20 kabbalah books and would sometime have questions about the books I have read. I did not have that issue when i read this book, my questions were answered.
I also love the fact the author teaches you how to pronounce many of the jewish words. I will now pronounce the words correctly with the group of students I study kabbalah with.
As a kabbalah student I now understand the Tree of Life (Ten Sefirot) more from the book. I finally learned how to connect to it and the meaning about each sefirot.
I highly recommened this book, add it to your shopping cart right now. :)
Average customer rating:
- Really liked "Spirituality for Dummies"
- Great introduction to spirituality!
- This book was EXACTLY what I was looking for!!
- Good Book - Bad Music
- Gets a point across
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Spirituality for Dummies
Sharon Janis
Manufacturer: For Dummies
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ASIN: 0764552988 |
Amazon.com
Spirituality for Dummies is for smart souls who know that we are all really beginners when it comes to understanding spirituality. Like all books for dummies, the layout is filled with lots of information boxes, bulleted lists, humorous cartoons, quick tips, and pithy quotes (from Marcus Aurelius to George Carlin).
Fortunately, author Sharon Janis put a lot of research into this informative discussion on spiritual growth. As a result, she maintains a solid voice that transcends the cluttered and sometimes superficial format. Spiritual practices, such as yoga and mediation, are briefly explained along with how to cultivate spiritual values and rise above suffering. At times she offers the kindly voice of experience: "When I'm able to give something to another person, I know it is God giving through me. Then, rather than expecting anything in return I am grateful for having been of service." At other times she is the voice of a well-educated teacher: "Ex means 'out of,' while status is a 'fixed condition.' This means that, in a way, the more fixed conditions you have to move out of, the more ecstatic you can become. Therefore every trouble in your life is really a beautiful gift to be unwrapped." --Gail Hudson
Book Description
A quiet voice within is telling you that there is more to life than what you can perceive with your five senses. Sometimes you feel that the material world, with all its cares and vanities is a veil of illusions beyond which lies a truth that transcends race, gender, ethnicity, status, family, job and worldly ambitions. Christ, Buddha, Muhammad, Lao-tsu, Plato, and other spiritual teachers down through the ages dedicated their lives to the pursuit of that that higher truth, and their words live on to inspire us. Because it extends beyond matter, spirituality cannot be fully expressed in words, but the spirit exists inside you, and hearing the right words may trigger your own awakening to higher perception.
A book that will exhilarate your mind and inflame your soul, Spirituality For Dummies puts you on the path to living a more spiritual life. Author Sharon Janis simplifies not-so-simple concepts from an array of spiritual disciplines and shows you how to:
- Incorporate spirituality into your everyday life
- Uplift relationships with all the people in your life
- Strengthen the connection between body and mind
- Fulfill your dreams through affirmations
- Grow through adversity
- Use spiritual practices to bring meaning into your life
In plain English, Janis explores spiritual ideas from a variety of religious and philosophical texts in combination with relevant psychological and scientific research. Topics covered include:
- Uncovering your own spirit and expanding your awareness
- How science and spirituality fit together
- Spiritual practices to energize your body, empower your mind, and nourish your spirit
- Cultivating compassion, truthfulness, humility and other spiritual virtues
- Moving from greed and worldly attachments to spiritual freedom
- Seeking spirituality in every moment
Spirituality For Dummies also includes a bonus audio CD featuring more than 60 minutes of inspirational music, including:
- Gospel songs from the Agape international choir
- Eastern songs and chants performed in their native languages
- Christian chanting by the Desert Fathers
A journey of a thousand miles begins with the first humble step. Spirituality For Dummies brings spirituality down to earth to help you on take your first humble steps toward higher consciousness.
Customer Reviews:
Really liked "Spirituality for Dummies".......2007-06-22
Sharon is humorous as well as informative and wise...definitely this book is a keeper. That's all I have to say for the spitiual seekers out there.
Great introduction to spirituality!.......2007-06-08
This book is a great introduction to spiritual concepts which has helped me begin a spiritual journey. The book presents a different way of looking at the world, which is helpful to me since I was raised in a traditional Christian environment.
This book has given me enough background information to understand more complicated texts, which is exactly why I bought it.
The author does a great job of incorporating traditions and sayings from many different religions. It is well written and easy to understand - even humorous!
This book was EXACTLY what I was looking for!!.......2007-02-07
After years of wondering what the meaning of life was, and what my purpose here on earth is, I found this book! It helped me uncover the world of spirituality, which in turn helped me answer some of these most fundamental questions!
The book is such an easy read, and the author has a brilliant sense of humor. I often reference the book over and over, for information on certain specific subjects, which is very easy to do in the "Dummies" format. It is also written to embrace all religions, non-religions, races, genders, etc. It truly is a book for everyone!
I recommend this book to anyone seeking to grow spiritually, and I hope you enjoy it as much as I did (and still do)!
Good Book - Bad Music.......2006-11-04
I found this a good read in better understanding of the subject. It is a good beginning.
BUT the CD is worthless. The music is an insult to all the wonderful types of music that could have been included to support the search for a more spiritual life. Where is Mozart, Japanese flute, or Tibetan, etc.?
Gets a point across.......2006-09-13
While I was hoping for a more traditional, religious description of spirituality in Spirituality for Dummies, the end result that I found was also fairly illuminating. One of the common themes in many religions is a quest for what we call spirituality, roughly meaning a sense of universal connection and enlightenment. Author Sharon Janis has described this phenomenon focusing on spirituality directly rather than as an aspect of some particular religion or by comparison to any theology, though she does relate it somewhat more to Eastern traditions than to Western ones.
From the start her focus is on the ordinary, individual practitioner. In the context here, spirituality is a somewhat new-age experience (however old the traditions are elsewhere in the world). It relates to a notion of letting go of physical and material attachments. The word `attachment' is key, and Janis reiterates the common notion that anything in moderation is probably unproblematic. It boils down to the notion that if one never expects anything, one is never disappointed. Put another way, you can't take it with you. Put another way, ... the list of well-known sayings is quite long and familiar. Janis organizes her words well, and tries to relate an abundance of suggestions and ideas to a wide variety of issues in life. She does fall into the common-enough habit of `reminding' the reader of how unhappy he is with a `materialistic' or `consumer' culture. We can infer then that the target audience is one that has already accepted, implicitly or otherwise, that several aspects of Western Civilization are known to be flawed, harmful, or unproductive of overall happiness. Anyone satisfied with his or her own life is unlikely to be swayed by the book. On the other hand, many of these sayings, expanded and commented upon here, can provide some concise reminders that we should occasionally step back and examine our priorities. Sometimes thinking about our position in the universe and our relation to other people can serve as a reality-check. That much I think is accessible to any reader. For the rest, I'd venture to say that the reader will get out of Spirituality for Dummies as much as he is already ready to take in.
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- Epicenter: Why Current Rumblings in the Middle East Will Change Your Future
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