Renewal

If you got here, you probably have an idea what are looking for. Diener & Diener is the most hermeneutic architectural bearau in Switzerland and the way they use architecture as an art media is breathtaking. This volume, perfectly set out and printed, brings one to the heart of the architectural metaphysic of our days. Distant categories are involved - poetry, philsophy and visual arts - to draw a translucent scetch of the directions of thought one needs to be definately urban architect. Some buildings shown are built and their expression proves the force of the theoretical thoughts inscribed in the volume. Martin Steinmann's introduction is on the verge of criticism and cooperation and takes you into the Diener's world in an eye-blink. One of the most impressive architectural books I ever read and seen. Altough it's very temporal, it has all issues to be a handbook for generations of urban architects.

Itzkoff's solutions will draw up fire from the masses. One of his suggestions is basically that unintelligent people be discouraged from breeding, and intelligent people have most of the country's children. This is wise, and objections to it stem from ungifted humans' selfish desire to keep their bloodlines alive. The only other solution is genetic engineering, but nobody seems to want that either.

Itzkoff's other suggestions, such as school vouchers, are perhaps more politically correct. Overall, America needs more intelligent people, a goal worthy of acheivement, even if brings the "bigot" label to us.

Decoding the Church seeks to present a biblical ecclesiology that emphasizes the organic and biotic images rather than static or institutional images. Just as DNA determines what a living organism becomes when appropriately developed, the authors contend that the church has DNA or genetic predispositions for its identity and health. In addition to the historic descriptions of the church: one, holy, catholic, and apostolic, this book seeks a broader perspective that reveals the "missing half" of the church's genetic code that the church is also diverse, charismatic, local, and prophetic.

Viewing the church as a complex organism, this book affirms small actions, interrelationships and structure, uniqueness, and "emergent structures." Emphasizing the church as organism in community, this book focuses on the DNA of church structure, the DNA of mission, and the DNA of public discipleship. To recover the dynamism of the New Testament Church, Scripture must be our primary source along with learning from the history of renewal movements and utilizing an ecological model that emphasizes interrelationship and interdependence. Christian mission emphasizing community, simplicity, and humanity must provide creative alternatives to the effects of globalization. The authors call for public discipleship built on love and grace and active in issues of economic justice, responsible earth-keeping, and prayer for governments and global concerns.

Decoding the Church is a valuable resource combining several themes from Snyder's earlier writings regarding church renewal, mission, church ecology, culture, and futurism. Readers may not agree with every insight or critique but should appreciate the rich combination of biblical and historical insight with cultural awareness and church life. The material is presented in a helpful format that provides insights, implications in principle and practice, the ongoing story of a fictitious though realistic Heartland Evangelical Church, and questions for group discussion and personal reflection. This book will be especially valuable for North American pastors, educators, and church leaders seeking a biblical ecclesiology giving primary attention to the biotic images of the church.

Robert Cueni has an encourging outlook for mainline renewal. You will find this book beneficial if you are a layperson or clergy of a mainline church of any size. Very practical, very positive, very uplifting. I plan to share this book with my entire church board.

This book really opened my eyes up to the views of Wesley on the gifts of the spirit and many other Charismatic view points. I would never have believed that there was such a book but the authors come from a non-attacking view point of those who have come against the charismatic movement. It is very impressive to have a book that is so against the Weslyan grain and not be attacking but simply pointing out errors in a Christ-like way. I would definately recommend this book for those who are interested, questioning, or even trying to come against the new move of God

In Dynamics of Spiritual Life, Lovelace gives a scholarly, yet non-technical, analysis of the elements of revival (which Lovelace correctly dubs normal "spiritual life"). The book looks at scriptural principles, examines past revivals, and establishes a theologically sound model for implementing the lessons learned from the scriptures & the wisdom of the past. Drawing much upon Jonathan Edwards, Lovelace proposes that the elements of revival are: conviction of sin, deep understanding of justification, movement of the Spirit, prayer, community, missions, & social compassion.

Richard Lovelace is an under-recognized great Christian thinker. This volume is scholarly, insightful, and surprisingly devotional. The principles are applied and oft quoted by Tim Keller of Redeemer Presbyterian in New York. Redeemer has grown and planted about a dozen churches over the last decade. I consider this a must read for anyone who wants to understand how God works radically in normal "spiritual life."

Great look at today's youth potenial. Mr.Shames did a great job with the views and the shots really catch how our kids see things.

The author is a clergyman in Portland, Maine who writes in his preciously few spare hours. This one is a winner. It is a superlative study, and will no doubt change lives. The incisive analysis of what it is to be a faithful churchgoer in a turbulent time in world history is, without any doubt from any source that could be mentioned, other than the obvious ones that any reviewer would have in mind, provided that reviewer were theologically trained in one of the mainline institutions, such as Union, Devoeux, or Sibley, were not such pillars of sanctity and ceremony as the Western institutions, in any event never ceased to be. No more really need be said. First-rate.

This is one of the most gospel-centered books I have ever read. Bishop Hanson explores "witnessing" but doesn't make me feel guilty because I "don't witness." This book is very pastoral and should be read by every person who has ever had doubts about God's whereabouts. And then re-read it. Keep it handy, and highlight as you read. The chapters on Worshiping, Equipping, Changing, and more, are equally as pastoral as Witnessing. Because it is designed to be used for discussion, it is Bishop Hanson's hope that ". . .every congregation . . . will gather around these themes for conversation and prayer, to seek togther to clarify a vision of what this church might be in mission." Your yoke will be lighter.

i read this about two months ago, so take this with a grain of salt. then again, maybe it's better, cause here's what's stuck with me. it was a good book, but it really helped that i was into salvador minuchin already before reading it. if you don't know him, he's quite an icon, and i recommend watching some of his videos, because they really point to his genius, and for me, were the inspiration to want to delve deeper into his work.

this book tells a lot of minuchin's history, his development as a doctor and therapist, some early strengths of his as well as foibles and weaknesses (interesting stuff!), and just a fair amount of stuff you'd expect in any 3/4ths of the way decent autobiography.

anyway, my mind is shot so i'll leave this book in your hands. if you're interesting in minuchin, i don't think you'll regret reading this book, but i wouldn't recommend it as an intro to him or his work...