Reader Views

Seder Stories: Passover Thoughts on Food, Family, and Freedom

“Seder Stories” by Nancy Rips is a square-shaped book.  It is a great book to read and it also makes a great Passover hostess gift if you are going to a Seder.  It is filled with 101 wonderful delightful short stories about Passover, preparing for Passover, and Passover Seders on 187 pages from actors, actresses, comedians, Rabbi’s, famous Jewish people and everyday people that celebrate Passover in a variety of ways.

The stories in “Seder Stories” represent a lot of different cultures and Passover Seders celebrated around the world.  These stories were written by young, middle-aged and senior citizens. The stories include memoirs of how people celebrated Passover stories, who they celebrated Passover with, the history of the Jewish people, and a few suggestions on how to celebrate for a Passover Seder.   Some of the stories are funny, while there are stories that are very thoughtful and touching.  There are stories from Seders in the army, Seders in jail, Seders on cruises, and Seders in homes. 

The famous quote “They tried to kill us.  We won. Let’s eat.” – Anonymous, begins the book and sets the mood of the fantastic short Passover stories.  The last three pages of the book include a glossary of the Jewish terms that someone not familiar with Jewish vocabulary will find very helpful. The glossary defines common Jewish words such as bubbe:  Grandmother, afikomen:  hidden piece of matzah, and matzah balls:  balls made out matzah meal and eggs and served in chicken soup to words that might be unfamiliar words such as mazon:  charity to help people who are hungry, Pirkeh Avot: collection of Rabbinical sayings and proverbs, tovu vavohu:  disorder, chaos. The stories ranged from being, funny, touching, and sincere.

 “Seder Stories” is written for adults of all ages and interests.  As someone who has celebrated Passover for many years, I thought this book was easy to read and very enjoyable.  I could relate with many of the stories, even if they were written from someone in a difficult country or culture.  The stories represented that Passover, although celebrated around the world and is celebrated by different cultures and levels of observant Jewish people, is actually all celebrated the same—teaching the Passover story, sharing the table with Jewish people and non-Jewish people and that most people have a relative that they think special about during Passover.   Of course, everyone has a special Passover story that they would like to share and reading the stories from “Seder Stories” truly represents that.   Future publications could include asking readers from this story to send in their Passover stories.  As a reader, of “Seder Stories” I would send in my story and definitely purchase the second book.   Thank you Nancy Rips for collecting all these Passover stories.

Seder Stories
Nancy Rips
Cumberland House Publishing (2008)
ISBN 9781581826432
Reviewed by Norma Freimark for Reader Views (5/08)

What Does the Bible Say About...?: Easy-to-Understand Answers to the Tough Questions

Ron Rhodes has honestly answered many of the questions I have about scriptures in the Bible. His easy-to-read, and understand, answers are supported by related scriptures and research from his own experiences.

The ease at which one is able to go right to an area to find specific answers regarding questions was very helpful. Not only did Mr. Rhodes support his answers but he also gives us the ability to explain his responses in our own words. I found that after reading his answers, I often had more questions.

This is not a book that one can read through quickly--it should be read over and over as new questions or thoughts come up. I can see how useful this would be in a Bible-study group. I also believe it is a good resource or those who are just beginning to study the Bible or have come newly into their religion.

In a day and time where many churches are spending more time on politics and raising money, I felt that Mr. Rhodes guides us all back to the real meaning of God and his word. Even if a person didn’t go to church regularly, they could take this information in “What Does the Bible Say About…?,” and get the spiritual guidance they need or want.

Ron Rhodes
Harvest House Publishers (2007)
ISBN 9780736919036
Reviewed by Carol Hoyer for Reader Views (5/08)

Lord Above

In “Lord Above” author Charles Keech asks the question, “If the Lord were to speak to you would you listen?” The book is a compilation of Scripture, including the apocrypha, topical observations, and thought-provoking questions that help the reader contemplate the laws of God, the only God, the God of Moses and the God of David.

These practical and anointed words become a guide for the reader seeking God with an ear to listening for His instructions, His admonitions, and His promises. Keech leads the reader into worship through the well-chosen Psalms, exaltations, and paeans of praise.

The question, “What doth the Lord thy God require of thee?” is countered with an assemblage of verses calling attention to each of the commandments given to Moses. The message is strong and clearly admonishes the reader to take heed to the danger of pride. In a logical sequence Keech calls attention to scriptures that warn of judgment to come and the destruction the wicked will experience as the result of sin.

This warning introduces the message of God’s mercy. I was filled with a sense of gratitude as I was reminded of God’s provision, salvation, healing, and peace. I found the selections on prayer not only a call to prayer but a pattern for prayer. These well-chosen verses are great for contemplation, reflection, and meditation as you prepare your heart for a time of listening for and to God.

Prophetic in his message Keech chose the story of Noah to challenge the reader to humility. He then introduced spiritual parallels using the eye, the nose, the mouth, the brain, the ear, and touch to demonstrate God’s amazing creation, to establish the existence of God and to suggest ways the senses can be used as expressions of worship. He goes on to show how God used creation, history, the weather, temperature, water, and land restoration to declare the His existence and how man cannot survive without nature.

The final selections call the reader to recognize the freedom of choice and offers an invitation to all, to the gentile, to respond to the question asked in the introduction, “If the Lord were to speak to you would you listen?”

“Lord Above” provides a powerful selection of solid scripture verses, with minimal commentary. These selections direct attention to the message God has for man. Although I would have liked some transitional remarks between topics, the strength of the book is in the verses selected and the progression in which they are presented for consideration. These selections can have a life-changing impact on the reader.

The book can be adapted for use as a Bible study guide for individual or group use. It is ideal for personal or family devotions. “Lord Above” provides for those who want to know more of the foundational teachings of the Old Testament -- an excellent resource guide.

Lord Above
Charles Keech
Infinity Publishing (2008)
ISBN 9780741445827
Reviewed by Richard R. Blake for Reader Views (05/08)

Understanding Reality Religion: A Mind-Opening Look at God, the Bible, the Church, and Faith

This well-written book examines the many aspects of creation and religion and really takes you through the author’s lifetime journey with religion. He addresses many of the questions that he had since he was very young in this book. How did it all begin? What was there before and what will happen when it ends? How can a good God allow so much evil in the world? And what he finds at the end of the day is Reality Religion.

There are many definitions of Reality Religion. The one that is used by Ward in this book is: Reality in this book means taking account of the whole situation. We do not speak of God in doctrinal terms. “We take the known facts, the record of the Almighty’s goodness and also his terror from the battlefields, genocides and all the wrath of God of Nature, the tsunamis, tornadoes, and floods. We maintain it is necessary to examine the negative, offensive side of God along with his goodness and mercies in order to better understand his nature and the course of his people.”

Ward does a good job examining the many faces of God throughout his book. I especially liked the chapter on “The Many Bibles We Follow: Creating Your Own Scripture.” The author encourages us to write our own bibles and find God in the everyday things. He finds God in inspirational readings, the opera and my favorite are his excerpts from his woodland journal where he meditates and observes nature with his dog, July 4. “For the creatures of the forest, insects and all, every day is a Fourth of July freedom day. My dog, with a stars and stripes bandana next to his collar, sits panting, also contemplating this thought. He has restraints, collars and leashes. But the creatures are totally free. Free to go about where they will: free to twist and turn, to spin in midair, to see new territory, to reverse their courses. They neither own nor cede property. They can seek new shelter, new dreams and new hopes. They can pray to whomever they want-- to the wood god, the wind god, the leaf god.” (page 80)

Throughout “Understanding Reality Religion” the author brings in many valid points that encourage the reader to think about God and come up their own definition of God and religion. This is a very thought-provoking book to read for those of you who are asking questions about God and evaluating religion.

Understanding Reality Religion: A Mind-Opening Look at God, the Bible, the Church, and Faith
Hiley H. Ward
iUniverse (2007)
ISBN 9780595453986
Reviewed by Cherie Fisher for Reader Views

Understanding Reality Religion: A Mind-Opening Look at God, the Bible, the Church, and Faith

This well-written book examines the many aspects of creation and religion and really takes you through the author’s lifetime journey with religion. He addresses many of the questions that he had since he was very young in this book. How did it all begin? What was there before and what will happen when it ends? How can a good God allow so much evil in the world? And what he finds at the end of the day is Reality Religion.

There are many definitions of Reality Religion. The one that is used by Ward in this book is: Reality in this book means taking account of the whole situation. We do not speak of God in doctrinal terms. “We take the known facts, the record of the Almighty’s goodness and also his terror from the battlefields, genocides and all the wrath of God of Nature, the tsunamis, tornadoes, and floods. We maintain it is necessary to examine the negative, offensive side of God along with his goodness and mercies in order to better understand his nature and the course of his people.”

Ward does a good job examining the many faces of God throughout his book. I especially liked the chapter on “The Many Bibles We Follow: Creating Your Own Scripture.” The author encourages us to write our own bibles and find God in the everyday things. He finds God in inspirational readings, the opera and my favorite are his excerpts from his woodland journal where he meditates and observes nature with his dog, July 4. “For the creatures of the forest, insects and all, every day is a Fourth of July freedom day. My dog, with a stars and stripes bandana next to his collar, sits panting, also contemplating this thought. He has restraints, collars and leashes. But the creatures are totally free. Free to go about where they will: free to twist and turn, to spin in midair, to see new territory, to reverse their courses. They neither own nor cede property. They can seek new shelter, new dreams and new hopes. They can pray to whomever they want-- to the wood god, the wind god, the leaf god.” (page 80)

Throughout “Understanding Reality Religion” the author brings in many valid points that encourage the reader to think about God and come up their own definition of God and religion. This is a very thought-provoking book to read for those of you who are asking questions about God and evaluating religion.

Understanding Reality Religion: A Mind-Opening Look at God, the Bible, the Church, and Faith
Hiley H. Ward
iUniverse (2007)
ISBN 9780595453986
Reviewed by Cherie Fisher for Reader Views (2/08)

A Quest for More: Living for Something Bigger Than You

“A Quest for More” strives to show our lives as ‘little kingdoms’ in relation to God’s kingdom in hopes that we realize we need more than just a busy jumble of daily activities to be satisfied. Instead, Tripp focuses on transcendence – to rise above ourselves for something much greater. “This desire for transcendence is in all of us because God placed it there. He constructed us to live for more than ourselves.” He urges us to use this God-given drive for something other than gaining material possessions or personal success.

Paul David Tripp imparts some very weighty points for consideration and contemplation throughout his book. Further, he makes it easy to see how his information can be applied in a myriad of situations in everyday life. “A Quest for More” is extremely thorough and organized in examining a transcendent lifestyle while backed with plenty of biblical scriptures. Like his other books, Tripp writes with the gentle tone of fatherly authority. “A Quest for More” is encouraging and uplifting while holding firm to its heavenly principles of service to God.

“A Quest for More” is more than just an inspiring read; it’s a catalyst for action and inner scrutiny. I especially liked his points he makes in regard to today’s ‘Jesus is my BFF’ mentality: “In our comfortable, meet-my-needs, God’s-my-best-buddy form of Christianity, [fear of the Lord] is a very timely call.” I see “A Quest for More” as a jarring reality check for anyone who feels their method of worship has hit a plateau or gotten too easy.

Looking for more out of life? Paul David Tripp offers more in his appropriately titled new book, “A Quest for More,” but it’s not what our society views as the typical path to a bigger, better life. Scriptural foundations still have modern day applications and Paul David Tripp makes it easy to learn the how’s and why’s of living for something much bigger than yourself.

A Quest for More: Living for Something Bigger Than You
Paul David Tripp
New Growth Press (2007)
ISBN 9780978556747
Reviewed by Vicki Landes for Reader Views (1/08)

Another World: A Retreat in the Ozarks

Ever want to get away from your life for awhile? Need a break from the everyday grind to regroup and evaluate your life? Author and activist William Claassen has discovered you don’t need an expensive vacation or a laundry list of tourist sites to enjoy your time away. In fact, you barely need anything. In his book, “Another World: A Retreat in the Ozarks,” he tells you exactly how.

“The retreats are not an escape, but rather an opportunity to come face to face with my shadows and with my light.” Claassen emotionally describes his time at a Missouri monastery, living day-to-day as the Trappist monks do. Without modern conveniences or annoying tour guides, these getaways bring his life events flooding back to his memory, give his inner soul a voice, and allow him to see his existence in a unique and altered light. “Each retreat day I peel back yet another layer of consciousness and, in so doing, reach a deeper level of awareness and vulnerability.”

“Another World: A Retreat in the Ozarks” is an expressive account of a lifestyle that most of us don’t even know exists amid our modern society. Claassen writes in such a way that it places you there while experiencing everything in the monastery – walking outside in the crisp, cool air, sitting in deafening silence on a wooden pew, or hearing the hypnotic chanting and praying. Each seemingly insignificant action becomes much more fascinating and even spiritual in this setting.

Author William Claassen is an appealing writer for religion and spirituality book enthusiasts as well as travelers who enjoy finding destinations off the beaten path. Further, as a Missouri resident I had no idea that a place like this existed in my state; I think other Missourians would find this book – and the abbey itself – to be very intriguing.

Up before dawn, no room service, and outings consisting of walks in the woods – not what we normally think of when planning a vacation. But for William Claassen, the daily life at a monastery brings peace of mind and a deeper knowledge of self. “Another World” is just that – a spiritual journey into a completely different plane of existence.

Another World: A Retreat in the Ozarks
William Claassen
Sheed & Ward (2007)
ISBN 9781580512220
Reviewed by Vicki Landes for Reader Views (2/08)

Bible Marvels, Oddities and Shockers: Amazing Stories from the World's Most Amazing Book

A man has 700 wives! Thousands fed on a meager food supplies! Queen falls from a window to a certain death! King consults with a witch in order to make decisions! Imagine a horse who talks and his name is not Mr. Ed! These are just a few of the news stories which might have graced the headlines in Biblical times. There are a host of amazing and unbelievable things which happened in Bible times. Paul Kent has written a book which covers these headlines and many more. In his book “Bible Marvels, Oddities and Shockers” you are certain to learn many new facts.

With each specific chapter covering a specific story complete with Scripture references, you can be encouraged to check it out in the number 1 selling book --The Holy Bible. Some of these stories you may have heard of and others you may not have. Surely you have heard of Jacob and Esau as being twins but did you know there was another pair and one twin had his wrist tied with a scarlet cord so he would gain the birthright?

Bible scholars of all ages will enjoy Paul Kent's work. This book is enjoyable for everyone who wants to learn more about the Bible and the many unique ways God used unusual circumstances to make others learn more about him and rely on his strength. If you ever thought the Bible was just another boring book with nothing extraordinary, you are in for a certain surprise! You will definitely marvel the amazing ways God has been there for His people throughout the years! God's love is everywhere; you just have to know where to look. “Bible Marvels, Oddities and Shockers” is there to help you!

Bible Marvels, Oddities and Shockers: Amazing Stories from the World's Most Amazing Book
Paul Kent
Barbour Publishing (2006)
ISBN 9781597891240
Reviewed by Lori Plach for Reader Views (1/08)

S.O.S.: Saving Our Sons – Confronting the Lure of Islam with Truth, Faith and Courage

As Americans, we enjoy so many freedoms without even thinking about them – the ability to say or write what we feel, the independence to pursue what makes us happy, and the luxury to worship in the way we see fit – and usually, we take for granted what our forefathers fought so hard to obtain. One of the ways we do this is by not paying attention to issues that have the potential of threatening those liberties until it’s too late. Unfortunately, this has developed into more than simply protecting our borders; we are now seeing homegrown terrorists as a very real danger. Editor Carl Ellis knows the enticing allure of Islam snaring many African-American men in our society and hopes to bring light to this disturbing trend in his book, “S.O.S: Saving Our Sons – Confronting the Lure of Islam with Truth, Faith and Courage.”

“Saving Our Sons” is a call for all African-American Christians to take the quiet threat of Islam very seriously. Assisted by Don Davis and Pastor R.C. Smith, Carl Ellis recounts the history and background into how the Islamic religion progressed from its inception, the different sects that have developed over the years, and why it is so attractive to African-American men. Armed with plenty of Biblical scripture, “Saving Our Sons” gives Christians the ammunition they need to respond to Muslims with love, compassion, and patience as they try and bring them back to Jesus. Further, the book gives advice on how to engage those of the Islamic faith using their ideals, terminology, and thought processes in order to make that conversion more logical and smooth. A quick and easy read, “S.O.S: Saving Our Sons” is a workbook-style manual with thought-provoking questions at the end of each chapter to help further reflect on the material presented.

“Saving Our Sons” is a somber warning for mothers, fathers, grandparents, and other authority figures to no longer tolerate the cunning infiltration of this violent religion into their communities and homes. Although targeted at African-Americans, I (a Caucasian Christian) found the material discussed very fascinating and quite startling -- not only does Islam prey on the painful racial sting still felt by our society today, it recruits in American’s prisons where our most violent criminals hold very deep grudges against our country and its laws.

Editor Carl Ellis takes a bold stand on protecting America by focusing on an area of our society that we may not realize is at great risk of Islamic recruitment. Although passionate about this cunning threat, Ellis maintains a foundation of love and understanding for all people. “S.O.S.: Saving Our Sons” is an educational wake-up call for African-American families of this day and age.

S.O.S.: Saving Our Sons – Confronting the Lure of Islam with Truth, Faith and Courage
Edited by Carl Ellis
Urban Ministries, Inc. (2007)
ISBN 9781934056745
Reviewed by Vicki Landes for Reader Views (1/08)

From Zero To Adam and Eve In 14 Billion Years

Adam Kissiah has brought two great concepts together in a blend that gives readers the opportunity to reach their own conclusion regarding the emergence of the universe and mankind. He begins by stating that facts in his book are the opinions and assumptions of the author, yet he has provided, in detail, accounts from Genesis and scientific research.

Kissiah’s book does not address how long there will be existence of humans on earth, but focuses on the similarities of the book of Genesis and scientific evidence. In addition, he proposes that the theories about the universe and mankind should be taught in the classroom, but the religious aspects should be left to the church.

Since the time of the New American Standard Bible many have thought that the religious theory is the truth. Whereas, in “From Zero To Adam and Eve In 14 Billion Years,” the author provides enough information for one to really think about the big bang, which addresses how the world began with the make-up of atoms, and physical space of the earth, which is consistent over time and throughout the time, this energy is being used up. In addition, the big bang shows that the universe was created between 10 billion and 20 billion years ago from a cosmic explosion

From Zero To Adam and Eve In 14 Billion Years
Adam Kissiah
A. Kissiah Trade Paperback (2007)
ISBN 9780979063909
Reviewed by Dr. Carol Hoyer for Reader Views (1/08)