Showing posts with label Christianity. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Christianity. Show all posts

16 September 2018

Book Review: The Aging Brain: Proven Steps to Prevent Dementia and Sharpen Your Mind by Timothy R. Jennings MD

The Aging Brain: Proven Steps to Prevent Dementia and Sharpen Your Mind by Timothy R. Jennings MD

You would think a book written by a brain doctor that taught much about brain science would be terribly complex and hard to understand. You might also think it would be boring. Nothing could be further from the truth.

In the book The Aging Brain: Proven Steps to Prevent Dementia and Sharpen Your Mind by Timothy R. Jennings MD, we find an easy to understand book that explains in great detail what we can do to avoid brain problems in our young ones and also in us as we age.

Most often when you read a book that deals in health issues, you find that the author either takes the side of science only or of a natural cure and Christian stance. Jennings explains why and how both are right and gives scripture references to back himself up.

If you want to know what foods to avoid to protect your brain, it is in there. If you want to know what to eat, it is in there, too.

If your church has small group Bible study classes, it would do well to create a course around this book.

The Aging Brain is very well-written, easy to understand, and very educational. We give it all five stars and know that, once you read your copy, you will want rate it that high as well.

We were sent a complimentary copy of this book. We are under no obligation to write any review, positive or negative. We are disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255.  

Notice: This post contains affiliate links. If you click a link and make a purchase, we may financially benefit from your transaction, at no additional cost to you. Thank you for your support.


------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Please be sure to visit David over at Random Thoughts and Observations.

I respond to all comments on this blog, ideally within 24 hours.  Please check back here for a response to your comment.  Thank you!
 
Please subscribe to David's YouTube Channel. Thanks!

Book Review: Crude Blessings by T. M. "Roe" Patterson

Crude Blessings by T.M. "Roe" Patterson

In the book Crude Blessings by T.M. "Roe" Patterson, readers are treated to a fascinating look into the life of two true Texans. We challenge you to read it without shedding a single tear.

This book makes for great entertainment, but it also provides a look at some truly great business minds.

It can be exhilarating to be on the front lines of a startup business. There is a special excitement when failure is not an option. This book puts readers on the front line to see how honesty and integrity can overcome a world of obstacles.

This makes an absolutely wonderful book with tons of life lessons.

The sad part in all of this is that, according to several of the other books we have reviewed recently, such as The Aging Brain and Unsafe at Any Meal , Alzheimer’s disease, Autism, ADD/ADHD and other brain related problems can be avoided. It appears that there is anecdotal evidence to support the notion that high fructose corn syrup and mercury in our diets cause these brain conditions.

We give Crude Blessings all five stars. We simply cannot believe that this is this author’s first book. Very few could write this well and tell a story this fascinating the first time out of the chute.

We were sent a complimentary copy of this book. We are under no obligation to write any review, positive or negative. We are disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255.  

Notice: This post contains affiliate links. If you click a link and make a purchase, we may financially benefit from your transaction, at no additional cost to you. Thank you for your support.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Please be sure to visit David over at Random Thoughts and Observations.

I respond to all comments on this blog, ideally within 24 hours.  Please check back here for a response to your comment.  Thank you!
 
Please subscribe to David's YouTube Channel. Thanks!

09 August 2018

Book Review: Willing Hands: In the Service of the Lord by Dan Richard

Willing Hands: In the Service of the Lord by Dan Richard

What can I do to serve the Lord? Most Christians have asked this question either of themselves or other Christians. Willing Hands: In the Service of the Lord by Dan Richard may well help you to answer that question.

This concise, short book is jam-packed with tips and ideas about how best to serve The Lord. It would make an excellent text for churches to hand out and discuss in small group studies. It will help open a dialogue where Christians can help one another find where they can serve in the church and how.

There are several suggestions that can help churches get their members back on track and focused on serving the Lord.

We give Willing Hands all five stars. We think it has an important message that needs to be told.

We were sent a complimentary copy of this book. We are under no obligation to write any review, positive or negative.

We are disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255.

Notice: This post contains affiliate links. If you click a link and make a purchase, we may financially benefit from your transaction, at no additional cost to you. Thank you for your support.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Please be sure to visit David over at Random Thoughts and Observations.

I respond to all comments on this blog, ideally within 24 hours.  Please check back here for a response to your comment.  Thank you!
 
Please subscribe to David's YouTube Channel. Thanks!

18 July 2018

Press Release: Save the Persecuted Christians Coalition Disheartened at Continued Imprisonment of Pastor Andrew Brunson

 
Save the Persecuted Christians Coalition Disheartened at Continued Imprisonment of Pastor Andrew Brunson
Brunson Has Been Imprisoned Since October 2016; Trial Continues

WASHINGTON—Along with Christians and other faith-based groups, the Save the Persecuted Christians (STPC) Coalition is expressing dismay today at the continued imprisonment of North Carolina pastor Andrew Brunson, who has been detained since the fall of 2016 on accusations of spying or aiding terror groups.

At his hearing in Turkey today, a court ruled that Brunson will be detained at least until his next hearing Oct. 12. Many have been working tow ard Brunson’s release, such as individual believers, groups like STPC Coalition, the Trump administration and the American Center for Law and Justice (ACLJ). More than 584,000 signed an ACLJ petition on Brunson’s behalf.

“With the news of his continued imprisonment breaking today, Save The Persecuted Christians calls on President Trump, the administration and our legislators to step it up and do everything in their power to bring home American pastor Andrew Brunson jailed in Turkey as a political pawn on false charges of conspiracy,” said Dede Laugesen, member of the STPC Coalition.

Earlier this month, a Turkish newspaper reported that Brunson may be released at today’s hearing because of the national and international attention Brunson’s case had received, according to CBN News. But Brunson’s trial now continues, HotAir.com reported, urging the White House to mobilize further for his release. Brunson was arrested by the Turkish government in October 2017 and faced up to 35 years in jail on charges of espionage and terrorism.

The Washington Post also reported today: “Brunson’s supporters and independent analysts have called the accusations baseless and say he is being used as a bargaining chip by Turkey to win concessions from the United States.”

The STPC Coalition, which advocates on behalf of 215 million Christians facing heavy persecution worldwide, was also part of a protest organized last month in Washington, D.C. The Coalition continues to work diligently to disseminate actionable information about ways in which the American people can help those like Pastor Brunson who are being persecuted for their faith. Americans can lend support by encouraging their pastors and faith leaders to visit www.SaveThePersecutedChristians.org and order a free banner to display in front of their houses of worship.

These simple banners feature the Arabic “nun” character, which has become an international symbol for the oppression of Christians ever since the Islamic State used this first letter of the Arabic word for “Nazarene” to designate homes of followers of Christ targeted for persecution.

Raising awareness is an important first step, especially as Christian persecution occurs so routinely it rarely makes headlines. For example, according to Open Doors, 255 Christians are killed worldwide every month. 104 Christians are abducted. 180 Christian women are raped, sexually assaulted or forced into marriage. 160 Christians are detained or imprisoned without trial. And 66 churches are attacked. Every month.

The STPC Coalition is a building movement, similar to one in the 1970s that helped free another population suffering from heavy persecution—Soviet Jews—so as to impel policy changes that will hold the persecutors accountable and increase the costs for their crimes against humanity. Building such a movement is necessary to provide American policymakers the leverage needed to influence change worldwide and to alleviate the suffering of those—like Pastor Brunson—who are being persecuted merely because of their faith in Jesus Christ.



Image Source: Pixabay


Notice: This post may contain affiliate links. If you click a link and make a purchase, we may financially benefit from your transaction, at no additional cost to you. Thank you for your support.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Please be sure to visit David over at Random Thoughts and Observations.

I respond to all comments on this blog, ideally within 24 hours.  Please check back here for a response to your comment.  Thank you!
 
Please subscribe to David's YouTube Channel. Thanks!

17 July 2018

Book Review: Welcome to the Kingdom: How to Live a 21st Century Kingdom Life by Dana Carson

Welcome to the Kingdom: How to Live a 21st Century Kingdom Life by Dana Carson

Welcome to the Kingdom: How to Live a 21st Century Kingdom Life by Dana Carson is not a book for new Christians.

This is a very academic and, some would say, redundant book. The author goes into great detail about what words were used in the original text, their root words, their translations, and the significance of all of this.

The book is very detailed and might be considered to be a very dry read. There were points while reading this book that I felt the author had succeeded in beating a dead horse for quite some time.

However, for those Christians who are really seeking to sink their teeth into a Bible discussion, this is the book. It would make a great text for a somewhat advanced small group discussion.

We give Welcome to the Kingdom all five stars. We feel that if one can stay on track and follow the point Dr. Carson is attempting to make, they will benefit greatly from the experience.

We were sent a complimentary copy of this book. We are under no obligation to write any review, positive or negative. We are disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255.  

Notice: This post contains affiliate links. If you click a link and make a purchase, we may financially benefit from your transaction, at no additional cost to you. Thank you for your support.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Please be sure to visit David over at Random Thoughts and Observations.

I respond to all comments on this blog, ideally within 24 hours.  Please check back here for a response to your comment.  Thank you!
 
Please subscribe to David's YouTube Channel. Thanks!

05 July 2018

Book Review: Fear Not: Two Weeks of Living Boldly into God’s Authentic Confidence by John Kaites

Fear Not: Two Weeks of Living Boldly into God’s Authentic Confidence by John Kaites  

Fear Not: Two Weeks of Living Boldly into God’s Authentic Confidence by John Kaites is a devotion guide to help us claim the fearless life that Heavenly Father intends for each of us.

The author does not imply that our life of fearlessness will happen overnight, or even over the course of two weeks. Instead, he offers a guide to get us on our way to the confident life that we want to live, boldly having faith in Heavenly Father, knowing there is no need to fear because He has it all covered.

Each daily devotion is short and thought-provoking. There are suggestions of things we can do to help us claim freedom from fear, as well as a prayer at the end of each devotion. There is also a section that has all of the prayers together at the end of the book.

If you need help to claim the fearless life that our Heavenly Father intends for you, Fear Not is a good guide.

We give this book five stars.

We were sent a complimentary copy of this book. We are under no obligation to write any review, positive or negative. We are disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255.  

Notice: This post contains affiliate links. If you click a link and make a purchase, we may financially benefit from your transaction, at no additional cost to you. Thank you for your support.
 
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Please be sure to visit David over at Random Thoughts and Observations.

I respond to all comments on this blog, ideally within 24 hours.  Please check back here for a response to your comment.  Thank you!
 
Please subscribe to David's YouTube Channel. Thanks!

16 June 2018

Book Review: Am I Enough?: Embracing the Truth About Who You Are By Grace Valentine

Am I Enough?: Embracing the Truth About Who You Are By Grace Valentine  

Am I Enough? by Grace Valentine is a book of encouragement for those of us feeling like we are never enough. Grace is a young, single woman and her book is primarily aimed at younger women. However, we older gals can learn a thing or two from this young lady.

Where Grace has been, we have been and maybe still are, feeling like we are not and can never be enough, as judged by the human eyes and hearts in this world.

Grace encourages us to see ourselves as Heavenly Father sees us, beautifully made in His image. He made us and He doesn’t make junk. We are each beautiful AND enough!

One thing that I learned while reading this book is that one doesn’t necessarily have to be happy to be joyful. I can be sad, but still have joy in knowing that He has this all covered, including whatever may be causing my sadness.

“Out of the mouths of babes,” as they say. Grace tells it like it is and gives us questions to ponder along the way. Am I Enough? Has been an eye-opener for me in a multitude of ways. We older ladies are supposed to teach the younger ladies, but I think that we also should be open to learning from them.

I give Am I Enough? 5 stars and hope that you will get as much from it as I did. I hope that you learn that you ARE enough, enough for Him, your Creator.


We were sent a complimentary copy of this book. We are under no obligation to write any review, positive or negative. We are disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255.  

Notice: This post contains affiliate links. If you click a link and make a purchase, we may financially benefit from your transaction, at no additional cost to you. Thank you for your support.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Please be sure to visit David over at Random Thoughts and Observations.

I respond to all comments on this blog, ideally within 24 hours.  Please check back here for a response to your comment.  Thank you!
 
Please subscribe to David's YouTube Channel. Thanks!

17 May 2018

Book Review: Healing: Faith and Medicine: A Medical Professional’s Memoir of Healing and Dealing with Illness by Mark Davis

Healing: Faith and Medicine: A Medical Professional’s Memoir of Healing and Dealing with Illness by Mark Davis

Never before in our recollection have we read a book on faith that actually made cold chills run up and down our spines. Healing: Faith and Medicine: A Medical Professional’s Memoir of Healing and Dealing with Illness by Mark Davis actually gave us goosebumps.

Davis talks about how possibly the reason we don’t see as many miracles in the United States of America today as we see in third world countries is because here we have more resources to rely on. Perhaps he is right. However, here, families like us who are well below the poverty level, realize that miracles happen every day.

This book is incredibly well-written and difficult to put down. We give it all five stars. We know you will too.

If your faith needs a jump start, you owe it to yourself to read Healing: Faith and Medicine: A Medical Professional’s Memoir of Healing and Dealing with Illness by Mark Davis.

We were sent a complimentary copy of this book. We are under no obligation to write any review, positive or negative. We are disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255.  

Notice: This post contains affiliate links. If you click a link and make a purchase, we may financially benefit from your transaction, at no additional cost to you. Thank you for your support.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Please be sure to visit David over at Random Thoughts and Observations.

I respond to all comments on this blog, ideally within 24 hours.  Please check back here for a response to your comment.  Thank you!
 
Please subscribe to David's YouTube Channel. Thanks!

24 April 2018

Book Review: One Dog's Faith: How My Dog Helped Me Trust in God and Overcome Chronic Worrying by Tom Baker

One Dog's Faith: How My Dog Helped Me Trust in God and Overcome Chronic Worrying by Tom Baker

Rarely does one find an inspirational book entertain as much as One Dog's Faith: How My Dog Helped Me Trust in God and Overcome Chronic Worrying by Tom Baker In this book, we follow Mango the dog as she teaches her readers all about faith. You have heard about the faith of a child. Mango tells her readers about the faith of a dog.

Baker has a good sense of humor and treats us to what the world might look like through the eyes of a dog. Mango tells her readers about how her owner, Tom, learned to “Let go and let God.”

Throughout the book, Mango helps us to see how we, just like Tom, can give our troubles to God and sit back and enjoy the ride.

If you are struggling with faith, are at what you feel is the lowest of the low spots, you need to read One Dog’s Faith and see how one dog, and her family, learned to lean on God.

We give One Dog’s Faith all five stars. It is funny, well-written, inspired, and magical. We see how Tom goes from worrying all the time to saying in his mind, “I wonder how God is going to take care of this.” This book is truly inspirational.

We were sent a complimentary copy of this book. We are under no obligation to write any review, positive or negative. We are disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255.  

Notice: This post contains affiliate links. If you click a link and make a purchase, we may financially benefit from your transaction, at no additional cost to you. Thank you for your support.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Please be sure to visit David over at Random Thoughts and Observations.

I respond to all comments on this blog, ideally within 24 hours.  Please check back here for a response to your comment.  Thank you!
 
Please subscribe to David's YouTube Channel. Thanks!

23 April 2018

Book Review: Mountain of Healing by Geraldine Justice

Mountain of Healing by Geraldine Justice

Everyone needs a Mountain of Healing in their life. This is a fictional story about a nurse who signs on to help an ill woman stay home, rather than live out her last days in a hospital away from home.

This is more than just a fictional story. It is a wonderful way to present Jesus as He is worshipped in small town U.S.A. everyday.

As in most stories, everyone is not what or whom they seem to be. There are secrets just waiting to be found out and adventure. The story also has some very funny moments as readers learn more about salvation.

We don’t normally read fiction. However, we suggest you read Mountain of Healing by Geraldine Justice. We give it all five stars. It is well-written and the plot of the story actually works, unlike many fiction books.

We were sent a complimentary copy of this book. We are under no obligation to write any review, positive or negative. We are disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255.  

Notice: This post contains affiliate links. If you click a link and make a purchase, we may financially benefit from your transaction, at no additional cost to you. Thank you for your support.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Please be sure to visit David over at Random Thoughts and Observations.

I respond to all comments on this blog, ideally within 24 hours.  Please check back here for a response to your comment.  Thank you!
 
Please subscribe to David's YouTube Channel. Thanks!

31 March 2018

Book Review: To Know with Certainty: Answers to Christian Students’ Questions Upon Leaving High School by G. Lee Southard

To Know with Certainty: Answers to Christian Students’ Questions Upon Leaving High School by G. Lee Southard

This is a really great resource for any high school senior getting ready to embark on college. I remember the days when I was attending the University of South Carolina. Here is a school in the Bible Belt where several of my professors were hellbound to tell us impressionable young students about the “Christian Myth”.

I wish I had had this resource back then. To Know with Certainty: Answers to Christian Students’ Questions Upon Leaving High School by G. Lee Southard is incredibly well-written and well-researched. We give it all five stars.

I have been a Christian for many years and learned many things from To Know with Certainty. If you are a young Christian who is about to embark on a college career, you need this book. Churches should give this to all their high school seniors.

We were sent a complimentary copy of this book. We are under no obligation to write any review, positive or negative.

We are disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255.






Notice: This post contains affiliate links. If you click a link and make a purchase, we may financially benefit from your transaction, at no additional cost to you. Thank you for your support.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Please be sure to visit David over at Random Thoughts and Observations.

I respond to all comments on this blog, ideally within 24 hours.  Please check back here for a response to your comment.  Thank you!
 
Please subscribe to David's YouTube Channel. Thanks!

24 March 2018

Book Review: Healing the Nation by Tom Donnan

Healing the Nation by Tom Donnan

 

 

If your prayer life needs a little defibrillation, Healing the Nation might just be the jump start for you. You may find yourself praying for yourself, your family, your church, your community, and the nation.

Not only does Donnan tell stories of prophetic dreams, he also tells of some pretty awesome answered prayers.

We think it is a very interesting circumstance that a book on Texit is just one book away on our “to be read list”. This is either ironic or, as we suspect, God ordained. Healing the Nation speaks of a revival in the great state of Texas. It also talks about the erosion of the United States.

Healing the Nation is very well-written and obviously heartfelt. We think it deserves six stars. One thing we are very sure of is that most people who read this will find themselves praying often as they read through the book.

We were sent a complimentary copy of this book. We are under no obligation to write any review, positive or negative.

We are disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255.

Notice: This post contains affiliate links. If you click a link and make a purchase, we may financially benefit from your transaction, at no additional cost to you. Thank you for your support.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Please be sure to visit David over at Random Thoughts and Observations.

I respond to all comments on this blog, ideally within 24 hours.  Please check back here for a response to your comment.  Thank you!
 
Please subscribe to David's YouTube Channel. Thanks!

30 September 2017

Book Review: NKJV, Unapologetic Study Bible: Confidence for Such a Time As This from the Emmanuel Foundation

NKJV, Unapologetic Study Bible: Confidence for Such a Time As This from the Emmanuel Foundation


To say this book is a study Bible is sort of a misnomer.  Usually, when we think of a study Bible we think of a Bible which has cross references and notes with references, etc.  


NKJV, Unapologetic Study Bible: Confidence for Such a Time As This from the Emmanuel Foundation is different.  

We read the Bible everyday and have several study Bibles, each one has a little something different.  Some have quite a few maps and illustrations. One is laden with footnotes that explain in a little more depth what is going on and gives cross references to other parts of the Bible that help to understand the passage.

The NKJV, Unapologetic Study Bible does not have all that. It does have some notes about translation differences in other translations of the Bible.

It also has what could be called articles sprinkled throughout the Bible that discuss the message that all Christians should be getting but many aren’t. The Emmanuel Foundation takes on the issues that preachers should be preaching about but so few do because they are afraid that people don’t want to hear about their sins; they only want to hear about how good they are doing and that everything under the sun is okay.

This NKJV, Unapologetic Study Bible gives what should be a wake up call to Christians who have grown up in a world of political correctness and tolerance.   One should read Matthew 7:21-24 to see that many of these so called “tolerant Christians” are not correct. All Christians should read these articles and hear what they may not be hearing from the pulpit of their church.

We give NKJV, Unapologetic Study Bible: Confidence for Such a Time As This from the Emmanuel Foundation all five stars.  We feel like The Emmanuel Foundation is correct in its assessment of what the Bible really says.  This would make a great gift for any Christian.  

The only real issue we have is minor. When this Bible breaks into an article, it often does so in the middle of a Bible chapter.  This sometimes breaks the flow of reading.  This is only a very minor issue.


We were sent a complimentary PDF copy of this book.  We are under no obligation to write any review, positive or negative.

We are disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255.



Notice: This post contains affiliate links. If you click a link and make a purchase, we may financially benefit from your transaction, at no additional cost to you. Thank you for your support.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Please be sure to visit David over at Random Thoughts and Observations.
I respond to all comments on this blog, ideally within 24 hours.  Please check back here for a response to your comment.  Thank you!
Please subscribe to David's YouTube Channel. Thanks!

14 September 2017

Book Review: How the Spirit Shapes Prayer: Research findings for Traditional Christians By David S. Luecke


How the Spirit Shapes Prayer: Research findings for Traditional Christians
By David S. Luecke

 


This is a short book that takes a while to read.  The reason it takes a while to read is because it is both a report on an academic research project and a commentary on how effective prayer is.


How the Spirit Shapes Prayer: Research findings for Traditional Christians was written by a Lutheran Clergyman, David S. Luecke.  So, all the findings are from the Lutheran point of view.  

Almost all Holiness denominations have no question that prayer actually changes things.  The author seeks to provide the results of his research, along with his personal findings, regarding answered prayer, starting from the point of no preconceived notion one way or the other, regarding whether God still answers prayer or not.

The book is very well-written.  From the point of view that the author wanted to find out what Lutherans felt regarding prayer, the book was very well-researched. We give How the Spirit Shapes Prayer all five stars.

It would be interesting if Luecke were to continue his research and include other denominations.  This book would make a great gift for any Christian scholar on your list.


We were sent a complimentary copy of How the Spirit Shapes Prayer.  We are under no obligation to write any review, positive or negative.

We are disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255.

 



Notice: This post contains affiliate links. If you click a link and make a purchase, we may financially benefit from your transaction, at no additional cost to you. Thank you for your support.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Please be sure to visit David over at Random Thoughts and Observations.
I respond to all comments on this blog, ideally within 24 hours.  Please check back here for a response to your comment.  Thank you!
Please subscribe to David's YouTube Channel. Thanks!

05 September 2017

Press Release: Captive Faith – Prison as a Parish - Christian History Announces its Latest Issue


Captive Faith – Prison as a Parish - Christian History Announces its Latest Issue

Christian History Magazine & Website -  A Continuing Study Resource Offered to the Home, Church Libraries, Homeschoolers, High Schools, Colleges & Universities

Worcester, PA, September 5, 2017 – Christian History Institute (CHI), publisher of Christian History magazine (CH), announces its latest issue, titled: Captive Faith – Prison as a Parish. The entire issue focuses on the long history of Christians in prison, visiting prisoners, redeeming captives, and attempting to improve prison conditions.

This issue, #123, contains eight in-depth articles that explore both major imprisonment thought & ministry movements, across the two thousand years since Christ walked on earth. Articles also include stories of the lives and times of individuals whose work documented and changed the lives of prisoners and reformers who sought to improve living conditions of prisons as well as the spiritual well-being of inmates.

“This issue gives examples of a wide spectrum of prison experiences from biblical accounts of imprisonment to the twentieth century,” said Ken Curtis, founder of Christina History magazine and producer of the documentary, Blessedness out of Brokenness, filmed at the Louisiana State Penitentiary, often called Angola. “Some of the most famous writings of Western civilization took form within prison walls. We believe that the excerpts and accounts that follow will be of interest to all readers and an inspiration to all…”

A special feature of this issue, the Ken Curtis Editor’s note, which was taken from a planned but never published book, commemorates CHI’s long-standing relationship with prisoners and prison administrators. Curtis, in scripting and producing the documentary, Blessedness out of Brokenness, identified a link between individuals of faith who face a death sentence and individuals of faith who face a terminal cancer diagnosis. After facing such a diagnosis, he died cancer in 2011. Due to his free distribution of the former CHI publication, Glimpses, to US prisons and jails, many came to faith in Jesus Christ and some contributed to setting remarkable standards for prison reform, as evidenced in film. Now, the film is freely offered to readers, by way of a complimentary Web link in conjunction with the release of this issue at: www.christianhistorymagazine.org.       

CH issue #123, contains 8 feature articles; a chronology time-line; an archive of rare and beautiful art-work & photos; a ‘letters to the editor’ section and an extensive, associated reading list compiled by the CH editorial staff. The magazine is available on-line and can be conveniently read, on screen at: www.christianhistorymagazine.org.  

The entire CH archive collection of 123 issues can be searched, along with books and study-guides, using the website’s robust search engine feature. The website, combined with a magazine subscription is offered at no-cost as a study resource for the home & homeschoolers, church libraries, middle/high schools, as well as to colleges & universities. It is the mission of CHI donors and staff to make this resource as widely and freely available as possible (donations gratefully accepted).

The following articles can be read and examined in detail on-line at: What’s Inside?

PRISON AS A PARISH: CHRISTIAN INMATES by Roy Stults and Jennifer Woodruff Tait
Christians in prison have shared similar stories through 2,000 years.
“I AM HOPING GOD WILL ANSWER YOUR PRAYERS” by Apostle Paul
The first letters we have from an imprisoned Christian are from the apostle Paul.
CHRISTIANS ON TRIAL  by Dwight D. Brautigam
Enduring testimonies from people in tight places
“MINE WAS THE VICTORY”  by Perpetua
Perpetua wrote an account of her imprisonment and trials.
THINKING LONG THOUGHTS  by Catherine Barnett
From prison, Christians have produced classic literature that comforts and challenges.
“MUCH MORE I REJOICED IN THE LORD”  by William Thorpe
What Lollards suffered.
PARADOXES OF PRISON  by Dan Graves
For some prisoners, the plunge into the depths became a step heavenward.
CRIME AND PUNISHMENT  by the editors
Prisons, prison ministries, and Christians
PRISON AS A PARISH: CHRISTIAN RESPONSES  byTodd V. Cioffi
How Christians have tried to reform the justice system and minister to prisoners
“KEEP MY FUR CLOAK IN MEMORY OF ME”  by Jan Hus
Letters Hus wrote from prison.
WILLIAM MORGAN’S GIFT  by Kevin M. Watson
An obscure Irish teenager inspired Methodists to Undertake over 200 years of prison ministry
“I SHALL BE PATIENT”  by William Tyndale
The only writing in Tyndale’s hand still extant
“HEAVEN AT LAST THE WRONG SHALL RIGHT”  by Jennifer Graber
One man’s thwarted attempts to change American prisons
“TO GOD ALONE WE CRY AND WEEP”  by Katharine Evans and Sarah Cheevers
Held by the Maltese Inquisition
JOYS AND CHALLENGES  by Jim Forbes, Christiana DeGroot, Joe Roche, Jack Heller, Susannah Moore
What does prison ministry look like today? We Interviewed five individuals active in prison ministry to get first-hand accounts.
PRISONS TODAY BY THE NUMBERS  by the editors
Some figures to put American prisons in perspective.
“GOD IS HERE, DELIVERANCE HAS COME, AND THERE IS HOPE”  by Eric Dickerson and Matthew Harper
Reflections of two prisoners
RECOMMENDED RESOURCES  by the editors
Recommendations from CH editorial staff and this issue’s authors to help you navigate the history of Christians in prison and Christians ministering to prisoners.

Why Christian History?
“Christian history has been largely removed from the American public education system that Christian leaders began in the early years of this nation,” said Michael Austin, a Christian commentator. “After years of decline, our public schools no longer teach the Bible’s founding contribution to Western Civilization. Christians have influenced our culture’s values regarding faith, freedom and mercy. Yet, today, faith in God is being openly questioned and attacked.”

George Barna, speaking of data gathered in a recent survey, said, “Young people couldn’t think of anything positive that the church stood for.” In a video interview, Barna Further reported, “We’re essentially in the Dark Ages, in America today.” (View YouTube, Titled: ‘Young Americans see nothing positive in church - says George Barna.’)

Christian History Institute is a non-profit Pennsylvania corporation founded in 1982. CHI publishes Christian History magazine and also produces books and videos featuring important Christian history, including Torchlighters®, an animated history series for children. CHI is a donor-supported organization providing church history resources and self-study material to make Christian history accessible to the widest possible audience, via video and the Internet. Contact Christian History Institute, Box 540, Worcester, PA 19490, www.ChristianHistoryInstitute.org.

 
Christian History Magazine #123, titled: Captive Faith – Prison as a Parish






Notice: This post may contain affiliate links. If you click a link and make a purchase, we may financially benefit from your transaction, at no additional cost to you. Thank you for your support.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Please be sure to visit David over at Random Thoughts and Observations.

I respond to all comments on this blog, ideally within 24 hours.  Please check back here for a response to your comment.  Thank you!
 
Please subscribe to David's YouTube Channel. Thanks!