The Botany of Desire: A Plant's-Eye View of the World

Amazon.com's Best of 2001

Working in his garden one day, Michael Pollan hit pay dirt in the form of an idea: do plants, he wondered, use humans as much as we use them? While the question is not entirely original, the way Pollan examines this complex coevolution by looking at the natural world from the perspective of plants is unique. The result is a fascinating and engaging look at the true nature of domestication.

In making his point, Pollan focuses on the relationship between humans and four specific plants: apples, tulips, marijuana, and potatoes. He uses the history of John Chapman (Johnny Appleseed) to illustrate how both the apple's sweetness and its role in the production of alcoholic cider made it appealing to settlers moving west, thus greatly expanding the plant's range. He also explains how human manipulation of the plant has weakened it, so that "modern apples require more pesticide than any other food crop." The tulipomania of 17th-century Holland is a backdrop for his examination of the role the tulip's beauty played in wildly influencing human behavior to both the benefit and detriment of the plant (the markings that made the tulip so attractive to the Dutch were actually caused by a virus). His excellent discussion of the potato combines a history of the plant with a prime example of how biotechnology is changing our relationship to nature. As part of his research, Pollan visited the Monsanto company headquarters and planted some of their NewLeaf brand potatoes in his garden--seeds that had been genetically engineered to produce their own insecticide. Though they worked as advertised, he made some startling discoveries, primarily that the NewLeaf plants themselves are registered as a pesticide by the EPA and that federal law prohibits anyone from reaping more than one crop per seed packet. And in a interesting aside, he explains how a global desire for consistently perfect French fries contributes to both damaging monoculture and the genetic engineering necessary to support it.

Pollan has read widely on the subject and elegantly combines literary, historical, philosophical, and scientific references with engaging anecdotes, giving readers much to ponder while weeding their gardens. --Shawn Carkonen

Book Description

Every schoolchild learns about the mutually beneficial dance of honeybees and flowers: The bee collects nectar and pollen to make honey and, in the process, spreads the flowers’ genes far and wide. In The Botany of Desire, Michael Pollan ingeniously demonstrates how people and domesticated plants have formed a similarly reciprocal relationship. He masterfully links four fundamental human desires—sweetness, beauty, intoxication, and control—with the plants that satisfy them: the apple, the tulip, marijuana, and the potato. In telling the stories of four familiar species, Pollan illustrates how the plants have evolved to satisfy humankind’s most basic yearnings. And just as we’ve benefited from these plants, we have also done well by them. So who is really domesticating whom?

Customer Reviews:

A Fascinating Read.......2007-10-07

The Botany of Desire by Michael Pollan challenges the notion that mankind can control the natural world, subjugating plants to the will of the gardener. Through a discussion of four plants closely associated with human cultivation: apple, tulip, marijuana, and potato, Pollan demonstrates that organisms which possess traits desirable to the gardener have been able manipulate humans to cultivate them. Each plant has a different strategy for assuring that humans will continue to include it in their gardens. The apple, for example, is an extremely diverse species whose seeds contain millions of possible variations of both the fruit produced and the tree itself. Whether one is looking to make hard cider or munch on a crisp green fruit, the apple tree has the genetic code to produce the fruit humans look for.
In The Botany of Desire, Pollan focuses on the four plants mentioned above, placing each plant in a category, and explains how plants within that category possess characteristics which make them desirable to humans. The apple and other fruits appeal to our sense of taste, and, if fermented, our desire for inebriation. The tulip appeals to mankind's sense of beauty; marijuana, our desire to achieve an altered state of mind; the potato our need for nourishment and desire to genetically engineer crops. In short, each of these plants is successful in an evolutionary sense because it causes us to cultivate it.
Although Pollan's book is an intriguing read, I found it unsettling that he often rattles off facts and figures without citing a direct source, such as the assertion on page 219: "a potato farmer in Idaho spends roughly $1,950 an acre (mainly on chemicals, electricity and water)." Pollan does include a few pages of sources in the back of his book, but he could make a stronger argument that would stand up to academic scrutiny with the addition of endnotes.
In addition to a vast amount of research and traveling prior to writing this book, Pollan makes The Botany of Desire a quality literary work by using recurring themes to tie the four parts of the book together. Through returning to his garden at many points over the course of the book, Pollan is able to tie all four of his subjects into a common space. Approaching the reader as a fellow gardener gives him or her a sense of connection to Pollan and his garden. By the end of the book, I felt as though I knew Michael Pollan and his garden intimately. Another example of this continuity is Dionysus, the Greek god of wine and revelry. Dionysus appears in both chapters one and three, were Pollan relates him to cider, Johnny Appleseed, and mind-altering substances.
Overall, Pollan's clear style and journalistic narrative flows easily and keeps the reader entertained throughout the book. He makes effective use of descriptive details and personal experiences to relate to the reader as he argues his theme of plants manipulating humans to include them in their gardens. The Botany of Desire is a must read for anyone interested in how plants we encounter on a daily basis cause us to cultivate them around the globe.

Too much information.......2007-09-16

Started out liking the chapter on Apples, less the next and so on. It seemed like I was getting the same story in each chapter only more elaborate and wordy.

Just buy this book........................2007-09-05

I am not a botanist.Yet. But the study of evolution is quite an exciting journey, made more exciting by the mind melting,eloquent ideas posed by Mr. Pollan. Bought the audio book version, and I can't stop listining to it. From the story of Johnyy Appleseed, to Holland in search of the history of Tulips, the Amazing Marijuana Plant, and the control of the Potato. Seemed random to me. Not any more. Incredible book.

We are the world.......2007-08-31

Pollan's book is a vivid reminder of how intricately human society is woven into the ecological framework of the planet and in particular that of plants. His descriptions of how our societies have affected and been affected by just four plants opens up a series of thought-provoking questions to mull over the next time you find yourself in a garden, at the dinner table, or taking a walk outdoors. It's written with sensitivity towards those he disagrees with, and this gentle touch makes the story he's relating much more effective at prompting you as reader to engage. The weakest part of the book is the chapter on Tulips, but that is hard to criticize since the chapters on apples, marijuana and potatoes are so good.

Read this Book!

human psychology in the garden.......2007-08-02

Human psychology from the plant's perspective? Yep. That's precisely the topic of this book. When our ancestors began breeding plants to serve our desires they inevitably laid those desires bare in the phenotypes in their gardens. Pollan is impressively aware of many current themes in evolutionary biology (e.g., the function of sexual reproduction), and admirably willing to tell a story with the patience and breadth it deserves (hence four 100-page chapters instead of the usual one hundred, A.D.D. 4-page chapters). This book is not for everyone, but if you have intellectual curiosity about why some plants have come to dominate our world, this book will give you many answers and even more tools. There's nothing better I can say about a book.

The Three Battlegrounds: An In-Depth View of the Three Arenas of Spiritual Warfare: The Mind, the Church and the Heavenly Places

Average customer rating:

great book
material for mature christian
Change of Pace from Traditional Christian Reading
Excellent Teaching
The Three Battlegrounds

The Three Battlegrounds: An In-Depth View of the Three Arenas of Spiritual Warfare: The Mind, the Church and the Heavenly Places
Francis Frangipane
Manufacturer: Arrow Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Religious Warfare | Spirituality | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 1886296383

Book Description

This is the revised edition of the original Three Battlegrounds book. Along with some slight text changes, it has an additional chapter.

This book explores the three arenas of spiritual warfare that the maturing Christian will face: the mind, the church and the heavenly places. It provides a foundation of insight, wisdom and discernment on the nature of the battle and the keys to victory.

Customer Reviews:

great book.......2007-10-02

Not only is the author a great writer, but he possesses an insight that is rare in our day and age. I also liken this book to "A Step into Deliverance," by Toni Pugh. He deals skillfully and autobiographically about his struggle and victory over the spirit of Jezebel. I highly recommend it.

material for mature christian.......2007-09-10

This is an excellent book on spiritual warfare as a mature christian desiring to go to next level in Christ.
It will give you insight into spiritual realm and also allow you to see where you are needing deliverance,what deception you are living in.
Lies are exposed in this book and awesome truth is revealed for the believer.
Knowledge applied = Wisdom You will get this in this book!

Change of Pace from Traditional Christian Reading.......2007-08-25

I really liked the stark, in-your-face style. Too many Christian books seem vague, ambiguous, and isolated from the "real world". This was a great wake up call to the "real" spiritual war we're waging.

Excellent Teaching.......2007-07-13

Clear, precise and indepth teaching on spiritual warfare. I have bought several copies for others and continue to reread this profound book to keep these truths in the forefront of my mind and daily Christian living.

The Three Battlegrounds.......2007-07-08

This book is an EYE OPENER on spiritual warfare. I purchased three copies and am sharing it some of the members of my church. They all say they will be purchasing a copy of this amazing book for their own library. In Sister Jeannette's words, "This is a must have in my bookcase".

The author uses scripture to support each claim made in the book. A MUST HAVE for sure.

God Bless,
Vivian
Brookly, NY

Average customer rating:

A blessing
Human Development: A Lifespan View
THIS IS A STUDY GUIDE!!!

Human Development: A Life-Span View
Robert V. Kail , and John C. Cavanaugh
Manufacturer: Wadsworth Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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Accessories:

Lecture Outlines for Kail/Cavanaugh's Human Development: A Life-Span View, 4th
Study Guide for Kail/Cavanaugh's Human Development: A Life-Span View, 4th

ASIN: 0495093041

Book Description

HUMAN DEVELOPMENT: A LIFE-SPAN VIEW, Fourth Edition provides students with balanced coverage of the entire life span. John C. Cavanaugh's extensive research in gerontology, combined with Robert V. Kail's expertise in childhood and adolescence, result in a textbook that presents complete and balanced coverage of all life stages. Utilizing a modified chronological approach, the authors trace development from conception through late life in sequential order, while also dedicating several chapters to important topical issues pertaining to particular points in the life span. This Fourth Edition includes unparalleled technology integration to help students better understand and remember the enormous amount of information covered in this course.

Customer Reviews:

A blessing.......2007-01-20

Thanks for providing a quality, affordable product.. I would have paid three times as much at my school's bookstore! A+

Human Development: A Lifespan View.......2007-01-02

Great book to go along with the course! Followed Developmental Course material perfectly!

THIS IS A STUDY GUIDE!!!.......2006-08-23

This is not the actual book. This is a study guide that goes with the book. Half of it is blank pages for you to write notes. Be warned. Save your money!!!

History: Fiction or Science? (Chronology, No. 1)

Average customer rating:

Calculations are only as good as your numbers
Pants on fire?
Accepted History & Chronology Must Be Changed.
Very Interesting
History as Science Fiction

History: Fiction or Science? (Chronology, No. 1)
Anatoly Fomenko
Manufacturer: Mithec
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Binding: Paperback

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History: Fiction or Science? Chronology 2 (Chronology)
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ASIN: 2913621058

Book Description

Recorded history is a finely-woven magic fabric of intricate lies about events predating the sixteenth century. There is not a single piece of evidence that can be reliably and independently traced back earlier than the eleventh century. This book details events that are substantiated by hard facts and logic, and validated by new astronomical research and statistical analysis of ancient sources.

Customer Reviews:

Calculations are only as good as your numbers.......2007-08-03

Yes, we can all agree that mainstream history is nearly 100% BS due to politics, economics, ego, problems with dating techniques, and various conspiracies. Agreed. But, I've been researching the distinct possibility that human history (in terms of civilizations) are much more ancient than we've been told, so coming across this book was very interesting to me. I wondered how Fomenko could be wrong (if at all) because he is very persuasive in his presentations. Then it dawned on me. If at previous times in prehistory, due to the various catastrophies that are well documented (comets, asteroids, planetary disruptions, plasma discharge, pole reversals, etc) the Earth was in a different position in relation to the sun, different tilt on its axis, different orbit, different rotation (in terms of velocity and DIRECTION), and the continents were in different positions, then would this not cause the ancients to see the sky (constellations) differently? In other words, is Fomenko making erronious assumptions about the physics of the Earth in pre-history, which then corrupt his data with regards to dating the relevant astrology? The last event to seriously disrupt our planet occured roughly 3500 years ago, according to other good researchers, so is it possible Fomenko has been confused by this? The vastly different physics of our planet in the not so distant past may explain this confusion, which is not to say the "mainstream" version of history is correct; on the contrary. I am not an expert in these fields, but wanted to see if this idea could spark discussion.

Pants on fire?.......2007-07-19

Will people ever read before spamming? Yes, Jesuits could not rewrite world history alone, they had help. Anyway, Dr Prof Acad A.Fomenko does not point to jesuits as the driving force of world wide history manipulation in published volumes 1,2,3;, actually he barely mentions the poor devils. Check it with 'Search inside' feature, please. China is rarely mentioned either, in fact, Dr Fomenko is completely eurocentric. Right, his theory contradicts all mainstream schools of history, because in their actual state they are all built on blatantly erroneus chronology. You don't need a mysterious cabal (conspiracy) to falsify history, the falsification is its modus operandi. It is inherent to history(ians) to falsify (distort) events, as it is inherent to humans to boast as it is inherent to power (authority) to legimize itself by referrring to glorious past made to its own order. Dr Prof Fomenko and team have identified scores of instances of such manipulation in Russian, European, etc.. history, and delivered valid statistical proof thereof. His own 'reconstruction' is completely another story. Forget c14 as a valid method of dating. W.Libby has initially discovered a brilliant method of INDEPENDENT dating. Too bad, c14 method has become a joke after a forced marrige with dendrochronology with consensual chronological scale inbuilt. Radiocarbon method can't stand blind tests, but is so very productive as a rubberstamp.

Accepted History & Chronology Must Be Changed. .......2007-04-09

There is no doubt that history as most know it is a sham, & institution's version of History both University & Church is fradulent & inaccurate. Everything was established with an agenda, The real "Dark Ages" are now when we have access to incredible amounts of information past authorities & more important 'common folk' didn't have but our institutions & educators are slow to evolve because of what has ignorantly & arrogantly been taught for too long. This is on many subjects not just Chronology.

For anyone to question "Why would a Mathematician have anything credible to say of History?" The answer is from Dr. Fomenko's preface in the book: "It would be worthwhile to remind the reader that in the XVI-XVII century Chronology was considered to be a subdivision of Mathematics." These volumes could possibly be some of the most important works to date & should be read by everyone with an interest in History, especially professors & educators who have a duty to the public. I have read both books & must say that 'Chronology 1' has some very eye opening & revolutionary information. Even if these volumes are part true the implications are profound & opens the doors to further investigations & questions which must be done. I speak several different lanquages & must say the logic Dr. Fomenko uses with "inflection" of words & words being read from left to right in one region & right to left in another then written backwards, the removal of vowels & get down to basics of words, or different cities & locations having the same name etc. is correct. Vowel usage has always been optional & varied, actually complicating linquistics & study. The first thing one has to understand is that words never had a fixed spelling in history like we do now, the spelling of words was mutable & regional, as well as names & titles of people were vast, varied & changed, NOTHING WAS FIXED or understood linear. Matters of Life & Death as well as financial profiteering yesterday & today were & are made with ignorant, illogical & conspiratorial views of history & reality, it's time people get closer to the Truth & society collectively grow up.

Very Interesting.......2007-03-07

It is a good proposal and I believe it will mature into something even better in the future. I think it deserves to be read.

History as Science Fiction.......2007-01-10

Anatoly Fomenko has written a very intriguing book, full of pictures, charts, and computer 'proof' of his thesis: backwards of AD900 we don't really know what happened or when. Between AD900 and AD1600 there is more certainty, but there is still a lot of fuzzy ground, and things don't get reliable until we get past the 1600's where the printing press made it very difficult for the perpetrators of this timeline manipulation to change anything that had been committed to print. The Dark Ages did not happen. Books were burned for a reason. One organization has doubled the actual length of its existence by expanding the real chronology. Read why.

I had always wondered why Christ died about AD33 and yet men waited until the 11th century to form the Knights Templar, the Cathars, etc and go after the Holy Land by force. Why the 1000 year gap? Turns out there wasn't more than a 10-12 year gap and he proves it using astronomy. This also implies that the planet is not as old as we have been told, and current Christian and other creationist scientists are already championing that idea without being aware of Fomenko's book. The two groups, creationist scientists and the Russian mathematical analysts corroborate each other. Fascinating.

Of course, all this flies in the face of what we have been told traditionally is the 'proper' chronology of western civilization, and most readers will experience 'cognitive dissonance' in reading this book. It means that our history going backwards from AD1600 becomes progressively more incorrect and unreliable until it cannot be trusted at all... in the space of 700-800 years.

Naturally, the curious, open-minded reader will want to know WHO did this, WHY, and did any of the events we think of as really ancient ever happen?
Dr. Fomenko is a respected scientist/mathematician at Moscow State University who has already answered these questions to the satisfaction of his initially skeptical colleagues. Most of them are now believers, a few still refuse to believe (the usual diehards), and of course the western press has ignored Fomenko's work -- for obvious reasons when you read the book. The ones who perpetrated this chronology ruse have a lot to answer for. They are still with us. That's why this book is a well-kept secret.

I gave the book a 4-star rating because I was unable to check out some of his claims; those I checked were as he said. But if even 1/3 of his claims are true, this punches a big hole in what we think is our history, the meaning of western civilization, our educational process (for repeating the ruse as gospel), and the trustworthiness of the organization that perpetrated this ruse, well-intentioned or not.

This book relates to current research into a Young Earth paradigm, to John Keel's discoveries about our planet, and Fr Malachi Martin's insights (in his now out-of-print books). We are indeed sheep who are manipulated and kept ignorant -- for a reason. While knowing what these men have to say may be the "booby prize" (as in: 'what can you do with this knowledge?'), it will provide interesting reading. Didn't someone say: "...and the Truth will set you free."?? For you to judge if this book contains the truth.

Before You Leap: A Frog's Eye View of Life's Greatest Lessons

Average customer rating:

Front to Back
Kermit rocks!!
The Best Book That I Have Read In My Entire Life
Love you always Kermit!
Top-Notch For Teens

Before You Leap: A Frog's Eye View of Life's Greatest Lessons
Kermit the Frog
Manufacturer: Disney
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Self-Help & Psychology | Humor | Entertainment | Subjects | Books

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It's Not Easy Being Green: And Other Things to Consider
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ASIN: 0696232324
Release Date: 2006-10-10

Book Description

For the first time ever, Kermit the Frog, the world's most famous amphibian shares his own story in a funny, heartfelt book about his life and yours. After telling the tale of his remarkable career, and about all the amazing people (like Jim Henson) and pigs (like you-know-who) he's met along the way, Kermit shares his advice on many of life's milestones:

Growing up- Every tadpole must drop their tail. How to get the drop on life.

Falling In Love--Hollywood romance, interspecies dating. No one knows more about love than this frog.

Starting a Career--Kermit climbed out of the swamp and into Hollywood, where he even worked naked. (Still does, in fact). How to make a big splash in life.

Managing your Finances--Making it easier to make green…and keep it.

Enjoying the Good life--Friends, laughter…and sharing “Fridays With Fozzie”.

Before You Leap: A Frog's Eye View of Life's Greatest Lessons. A Perfect Gift for Graduates, Retirees, Parents, Pigs, Bears, Penguins and anyone else still looking for their very own rainbow connection.

Customer Reviews:

Front to Back.......2007-07-20

This book is excellent. It is about life in general and Kermit mixes enough humor that you don't want to put the book down. Buy Harry Potter and you will end up reading Kermit first!!

Kermit rocks!!.......2007-04-03

I don't usually read this kind of book, but I decided to pick up Kermit's masterpiece in motivation and I have not regretted doing so. This delightful book is all about ridiculous optimism. Yes, you heard me right -- ridiculous optimism.

Quoting Kermit: If this book can drive you - and those around you - crazy with ridiculous optimism, then it has done its job. Who knows, maybe by reading these lessons from my life, you'll be inspired to drop your tail, leave your swamp, and set out on a journey that's just as amazing and wonderful as mine.

'Before You Leap' carries two parts. Part 1 is about his life: life of having over 2,353 family members; how he grew up from a little tadpole, then attending school, and then getting his legs; his search for significance and fame; how he got into showbiz and thereafter forming his own team of superstar performers; and his exciting relationship with the amorous Miss Piggy. Part 1 is rather hilarious.

Part 2 gets on to the more serious stuff for its readers. It's now lessons for your life and carries 14 croak-licious chapters. Serious though it may be, it still contains oodles of humor. Kermit interviewed his muppet gang on issues like money, strategies for work, strategies for school, exploring why bad things happen to everyone even to good frogs, and many more. There are lots of Kermit-tips too.

Are you ready for such an experience, an experience of ridiculous optimism? If you are, you so must read this book. Do it with an open mind and an open heart.

And if all of these are not enough, the photos of Kermit and gang will make your day. He is indeed a frog of many expressions. The pictures are simply marvelous and each one truly inspires me. He's close to being a perfect model and so are his muppet buddies!

The Best Book That I Have Read In My Entire Life.......2007-02-13

If you are a muppet lover or don't even know who the heck they are you should still read this book. It is a great advice giving book. It also comes with the hilarity that comes naturally from the muppets. It shares all the great life leesons that come to us in no other way. The muppets make everything more interesting. You should definently put this book on your reading list!

Love you always Kermit!.......2007-01-12

My gf who was divorced last year and a couple of weeks from a tummy tuck rec'd this book from me as a bday gift. I am happy to say it was the only thing she read over her recovery period and she loved it.

Top-Notch For Teens.......2007-01-05

Yes, I said teens, and adults, too! This is NOT a children's book, and the wisdom and tips herein are priceless. We are the people who grew up with Kermit, who trust him, love him, and patiently wait for him to either dump the pig or marry her.
The photos are superlative, the sagest bits are given in very funny "sketches," and the author himself is so endearing.
BUY IT! You won't be sorry.

The Millionaire from Nazareth: His Prosperity Secrets for You! (Millionaires of the Bible Series)

Average customer rating:

Very Interesting
The Millionaire from Nazarth

The Millionaire from Nazareth: His Prosperity Secrets for You! (Millionaires of the Bible Series)
Catherine Ponder
Manufacturer: DeVorss & Company
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Ethics & Morality | Philosophy | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

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Dynamic Laws of Prosperity
Secret of Unlimited Prosperity

ASIN: 087516370X

Customer Reviews:

Very Interesting.......2007-10-01

This was a very interesting book. It gave me insight on many things that I was not sure up. I really enjoyed it.

The Millionaire from Nazarth.......2007-05-08

Excellent shape. I enjoyed reading this book; it was an easy read and confirmed what I have always believed that this life is supposed to be enjoyed . A good reminder . Highly recommend this and ' The dynamic laws of prosperity'.

Taking Sides: Environmental Issues (Taking Sides: Clashing Views on Controversial Environmental Issues)

Average customer rating:

EXCELLENT-NECCESITY FOR EVERYONE
Why not ask the big questions?

Taking Sides: Environmental Issues (Taking Sides: Clashing Views on Controversial Environmental Issues)
Thomas A Easton
Manufacturer: McGraw-Hill/Dushkin
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Environmental Issues: Measuring, Analyzing, Evaluating (2nd Edition)
Laboratory Manual for Environmental Science
Science Action Labs - Environment : Explorations in Environmental Science (Science Action Labs)
Sources: Notable Selections in Environmental Studies

ASIN: 0073051403

Book Description

This revised edition of Taking Sides: Environmental Issues represents the arguments of leading environmentalists, scientists, and policymakers. The issues reflect a variety of viewpoints and are staged as "pro" and "con" debates. This title is supported by the student website, Dushkin Online (http://www.dushkin.com)

Customer Reviews:

EXCELLENT-NECCESITY FOR EVERYONE.......2003-04-18

Everyone who is interested in environmental issues, whether it be for a class or for pleasure, should definitely purchase this book! It layers current day topics over the theory of other textbooks. This book is incredibly informative and worth 10 times its cost!!

Why not ask the big questions?.......1999-10-23

Theodore D. Goldfarb has once again accumulated a terrific collection of Issues! A must read for anyone interested in a better planet...which should be everyone.

A Practical View of Christianity (Hendrickson Christian Classics)

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A Practical View of Christianity (Hendrickson Christian Classics)
William Wilberforce
Manufacturer: Hendrickson Publishers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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Amazing Grace in the Life of William Wilberforce
Real Christianity
William Wilberforce: A Hero for Humanity
Out of the Depths
Real Christianity: Discerning True Faith from False Beliefs

ASIN: 1598561227

Book Description

Wilberforce's classic work, A Practical View of Christianity, is concerned with convincing those who call themselves Christians to pursue "the real nature and principles of the religion which they profess." Christianity is not a mere morality, to be held in private. Christianity is revelation from God, bringing new rights and correspondent duties. It is an entire way of life that requires diligence and study and that should affect every aspect of the Christian's public and private life.

This addition to the Hendrickson Christian Classics series has been completely retypeset. An index, explanatory notes, scripture references, translations of Latin phrases, bibliographic information, and other helps ensure that this work will be as valuable to today's reader as it was to those readers who made A Practical View of Christianity a bestseller for fifty years.

Decision Making and the Will of God: A Biblical Alternative to the Traditional View
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Understanding What God's Will is and What God's Will is Not

Release from years of bondage

Difficult to Swallow

Reasoned Refutation of Classic Perceptions

Very Challenging Book

Decision Making and the Will of God: A Biblical Alternative to the Traditional View
Garry Friesen , and J. Robin Maxson
Manufacturer: Multnomah
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Discipleship | Christian Living | Christianity | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
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Found: God's Will

Finding the Will of God: A Pagan Notion?

What in the World Is God Doing: The Essentials of Global Missions: An Introductory Guide

The Mystery Of God's Will

Tus decisiones y la voluntad de Dios

ASIN: 1590522052
Release Date: 2004-08-11

Book Description

Does God have a perfect will for each Christian? Can you be absolutely sure you’ve found God’s individual will for your life? Garry Friesen examines the traditional view of God’s will, then sets forth a different view that more accurately reflects biblical teaching. This new edition of Decision Making takes up the practical issues of choosing a mate, picking a career, giving of one’s resources, and areas of disagreement between Christians to give readers a new approach to knowing the will of God.

Mr. Friesen also addresses many of the arguments that have surfaced since the original printing of this book over twenty-four years ago.

Does God Have a Perfect Will for Your Life?

Does God have a perfect will for each Christian? Can you be absolutely certain of God’s specific will for your life? In this expanded twenty-fifth anniversary edition of his highly acclaimed work, Garry Friesen examines the prevalent view on God’s will today and provides a sound biblical alternative to the traditional teaching of how God guides us. This new edition includes these helpful resources: Study guide for small groups Responses to Frequently Asked Questions Guide to painless Scripture memorization

Friesen tackles the very practical issues of choosing a mate, picking a career, and giving in this fresh and liberating approach to decision making and the will of God.

Story Behind the Book

Most Christians have been taught how to find God’s will, yet many are still unsure whether they’ve found it. God does guide His people, but the question is, “How does He guide?” After “putting out a fleece” to decide which college to attend, Garry Friesen began pondering why it was so hard to find God’s will when he had so sincerely sought it. Was he the only one who did not have 100 percent clarity for every decision? Then a new possibility struck—perhaps his understanding of the nature of God’s will was biblically deficient. Maybe there was a better way to understand HOW God guides.

Customer Reviews:

Understanding What God's Will is and What God's Will is Not.......2007-09-03

This is a thorough Biblical study of God's will. There is God's sovereign will and God's moral will. God's sovereign will dictates everything that He allows to happen, be it good or bad. God's moral will governs how we should live (e. g., the Ten Commandments).

When humans successfully commit a sin, their act is inconsistent with God's moral will but is consistent with His sovereign will. If a human desires to commit a sin but is prevented from doing so, it means that his act was contrary to both the moral and sovereign wills of God. If we desire to do something holy but are prevented from doing so, it means that this act may have been consistent with His moral will but was inconsistent with His sovereign will.

God desires that everyone be saved, but does not force anyone to be saved. So universal salvation is part of God's moral will but not part of God's sovereign will.

Now let us consider what God's will is not. Friesen and Maxson challenge the widely-held view that God has an individual will for every decision we make, such as whom to marry or what job to take or not to take. In common with many other reviewers, I also struggled with attempting to know God's individual will for me. I never knew if the impressions I received were from God, or if they were just my imagination. We learn from Scriptures that God telling people whom to marry was only done in exceptional situations. It was not normative! Moreover, in those rare occasions when God had an individual will for a believer (such as whom to marry), it was always communicated by direct oral revelation, never by inner impressions.

The absence of the existence of a Divine individual will in no way means that we are free to make decisions according to our selfish desires. To the contrary: we should make all of our decisions in accordance with our maximum compliance to God's moral will for us.

Release from years of bondage.......2007-08-10

My Pastor recommended this book because I was constantly agonizing as to whether or not I was in God's will. I was raised on the traditional view and could never "hit the mark" as to "God's perfect will for my life". This book shows from the Bible how and why there is really no such thing. As I was reading it I could feel years of bondage being released from my shoulders. I highly recommend this book to anyone who believes they must go thru certain steps to find "God's will". With this book I am seeing that there are more freedoms and choices than I ever imagined!. I can finally relax about it.

Difficult to Swallow.......2007-07-16

This book challenged a lot of what I have always believed in. He makes it sound as if God doesn't really care about our individual lives, and that there is no point to pray at all. I do agree with his point that we should not wait around for a "sign" from God to act on something. I don't agree however that God has no plan for our lives. I think we realize God's plan after it has already been done. It is impossible to see the future and guess at what God's plans are. But that does not mean that He has NO plan for each person's life, and the author of this book clearly believes He does not. I don't think that God is nearly as impersonal to Christians as the author makes Him out to be.

Reasoned Refutation of Classic Perceptions.......2007-06-19

This book will change your thinking. You may or may not agree with Friesen's thesis, but it will certainly make you re-examine your views on knowing God's will. This is solid, Biblical exposition that will help every Christian who reads it.

Very Challenging Book.......2007-05-14

This is at the top of a small list of books that really challenged me. Most books that challenge me make me feel like I need to grow spiritually or something of that nature. This book was different and made me look at how I see God. I want a God of a traditional view who wants me to pursue a specific path. I want the God that is happy with me because as long as I am in close fellowship with him and doing what he leads me to do; I will be in his will. The traditional God makes me feel secure. Unfortunately after reading this book I have questioned that view. I wonder what if about past issues and what now about future ones. It has challenged me to make sure that I am truly pursuing a relationship with God and not just using him as a simple road map.

A Bird's-Eye View of Life with ADD and ADHD: Advice from Young Survivors

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Just what we needed!
A Must for parents and educators
Met All Expectations
Best tool for parent with ADD teen

A Bird's-Eye View of Life with ADD and ADHD: Advice from Young Survivors
Chris A. Zeigler Dendy , and Alex Zeigler
Manufacturer: Cherish the Children
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Teaching Teens With Add and Adhd: A Quick Reference Guide for Teachers and Parents
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Give Your ADD Teen a Chance: A Guide for Parents of Teenagers With Attention Deficit Disorder

Accessories:

Health o Meter HDC100-01 "Grow with Me" Teddy Bear Scale for Babies and Toddlers
philosophy hope in a jar daily moisturizer

ASIN: 0967991137

Book Description

A Bird's-Eye View of Life with ADD & ADHD was written expressly for teenagers and children by twelve teens and a young adult who are living with this challenging condition. These young people offer the best kind of advice—advice based upon first-hand experience. This book offers factual information and practical strategies in words and examples that young people can easily understand and put into practice. It also leaves teens and their families with a sense of hope that they too will survive this sometimes overwhelming disorder.

Customer Reviews:

Just what we needed!.......2007-01-15

I ordered this book at the recommendation of the psychologist who tested our daughter for ADD. It is written for older children and teenagers who have ADD or ADHD. My daughter, age 17, found it interesting. It helped her know that she was not the only one with this condition and gave her many tips for coping with life. Although I found much of it redundant, the book helped me see ADD from the perspective of a teenager.

A Must for parents and educators.......2006-08-06

This book is a must for parents of ADHD children as well as educators. As both a parent of an ADHD child and a teacher, I found this book enlightening as well as practical. It is a very easy read, in fact, I read it in two days. It is easy to understand and is written in layman terms not scientific/medical jargon. It explains so many aspects ADHD is language that parents can understand and offers some sensible solutions to everyday problems. This book has become by ADHD bible.

Met All Expectations.......2006-07-15

I bought this book on the advice of my son's psychologist and it was worth every penny. I am also a special ed teacher and will recommend it to every teacher I know.

Best tool for parent with ADD teen.......2006-05-07

this book is the best insight for a parent dealing with the frustrations of a bright teen struggling with ADD issues. The opportunity to read the words of teens who have dealt with the struggle give moral support to parents that there is hope. This is a must buy!

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