Customer Reviews:
Flat out amazing.......2007-09-26
Rob Bell really connects with his readers in this book and I would recommend it for people of any age
Fabulous perspective with an easy approach.......2007-09-09
With it's provocative title, this book can seem like something to be afraid of. on the contrary, Rob Bell does an excellent job at not only sharing a fair perspective of sex and spirituality both with and without Christian orientation, but he also walks the reader through it quite easily. With an almost Socratic approach, the reader can realize meanings and derive personal conclusions through the authors suggestive questioning (much more pleasant than if the auther were to share an epiphany and use the rest of the book as means of persuasion, especially with such a bold subject)
Sex Is Not The Answer.......2007-09-07
This was an excellent book if you are looking to understand why sex is so prevalent in this day and age when we all seem to be ever more so disconnected from reality.
Let's Talk About Sex.......2007-08-29
I can't say enough good things about this book. It is completely unique. It compares sex to spirituality. Specifically, it compares sex to having an intimate relationship with God. Bell says you can't talk about one without talking about the other. He makes a strong case, although it is not written in a linear style. He meanders from stories to conversations to scenes from the Bible to secular quotes. His writing style is very Eastern. By that, I mean it does not go in a straight line. Instead the writing goes in circles and comes back on itself, allowing your mind to digest Bell's thoughts.
This is what I got out of this book: Our extreme desire for sex is really a desire for a relationship with God. Now, I can just hear people saying right now: "No, uh, I really want sex." Bell is not saying we should do without sex, but rather, sex is a physical expression of our truest desire: to be completely naked in front of someone and be unashamed; to be unconditionally loved and swallowed whole; to be connected with someone in the deepest way possible. In his chapter, Make Whoopee Forever, Bell says he thinks of heaven as one big orgy, where we are all the swallowed into Christ's complete and utter love. The joy and agony of sex, according to Bell, is that you come together but are then torn apart. In heaven, the tearing apart won't happen. It will be connection with all beings around you.
Bell covers all sorts of topics: pornography, male/female relationships, why marriages fail. And he does it in his signature writing style. Short paragraphs, some of them only lasting a sentence. The result is a book that flows and reads quickly.
It is also just a beautiful book to look at and hold. The cover is very smooth and soothing, with stripes in different colors. It kind of reminded me of a desert. The pages have a crisp feel. It is one of those books when you open it and you smell that really good book smell. Lastly, there is a small cracking noise when you open the cover. The pages are a soft pink color. I read a chapter a night and finished it in about a week.
Whether you are Christian or not, I think this book is a winner. It brings a unique perspective to the topic of spirituality. And you may never look at sex the same way again. I think you could give these to age 17 through adult. There is nothing inappropriate in it, but the concepts would be difficult to understand without some mental maturity.
People You Have To Get A Clue.......2007-08-27
It is amazing to read the reviews posted by most people on the topic of this book. "Rob Bell is a genious. I love this book. It is good to know that we were all made in the image of God, and that we all have a higher purpose." A. Nuebert,
"I admire thinkers who are able to distill ideas and express them simply and clearly--a skill that is far more impressive (to me) than pontificating, page after page, about concepts only ten percent of readers will ultimately grasp. Rob Bell is among the most gifted communicators I have read. In EVERY chapter of this book I found a concept that I had not thought of or considered. Downright profound."
"Not what you would expect from a book about sex and God. It will revolutionize the way you view the two."-Julie Bennett
"This is such a spiritual book w/o being preachy. I believe it should be required reading for anyone embarking on a relationship. I plan on giving it to my kids, all grown up, for Christmas." R. Torgensen
"Rob Bell is an excellent communicator. This is his second published book and it is just as good as Velvet Elvis, his first book. I wish I had heard someone talk about spirituality and sexuality like this when I was younger. Instead all I hear about was abstinence stance and no real reason why. This book goes beyond abstinence and looks at our relationship with God and with each other and challenges us to respond." -Ryan T. Samples
Okay, so I know that Rob Bell is an excellent communicator, I have known him since his college days. So was James Jones, Joe Smith, David Karesh, Hitler...But they all lead to the demise of truth. I believe Rob had some good things to say in both Sex God and Velvet Elvis, it is too bad that he didn't mean to say those things. As far as the rest of the ramblings of self-doubt that he displays, it is a tragedy. It amazes me how people (see quotes) can't pick up a BIBLE and see the same things. It amazes me how people are substituting books such as SEX GOD, for the Truth of the Bible. It is the emergent way though. Test everything---whatever you believe as long as God fits in somewhere your Golden. The thing that amazes me is when Rob says that he is not part of the "Emergent Movement" but that is all he is, and all he has ever been. Please don't make the mistake of walking on the very breath of Rob Bell. He is human---he has made and will continue to make mistakes (this book is one of them). 2 Peter 2- But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. they will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying th sovereign Lord who bought them- bringing swift destruction on themselves. 2Peter 2:18 they mouth empty boastful words and, by appealing to the lustful deisres of sinful human nature, they entice people who are just escaping form those who live in error. They promise freedom, while they themselves are slaves of depravity-for man is a slave to whatever has mastered him. In this case it is Rob Bell himself. When asked where he was living, he said "downtown among the sinners, in a not so nice neighborhood", and that is why he lives in a half-million dollar condo. Alright book, but doesn't replace the Bible, and Rob doesn't replace God.
Book Description
God never changes, nor do the central truths of Christianity. But our understanding of those truths is in constant flux. Christians will always be exploring and discovering what it means to live in harmony with God and each other. Now in softcover, Velvet Elvis offers original and refreshingly personal perspectives on what Christianity is really about.
Customer Reviews:
Wonderful approach.......2007-10-09
This is a fascinating approach to expanding the minds of those who approach the Christian Faith from the point of view that a text has a literal meaning and no interpretation is necessary, or even that interpretation would be contrary to the true meaning of a text. It speaks to those who are not familiar with Saint Thomas Aquinas' response to the question "Whether Scripture should use Metaphors?" (http://www.newadvent.org/summa/1001.htm#9) RB does a masterful job bringing up wonderful examples of questions that lead to a more reflective understanding of the nature of reading and the meaning of a text - specifically in this case the Bible. For teachers often frustrated by such a task, though the rewards are wonderful, this book may be a great resource. RB's experience as a Pastor clearly show in the approach, the very structure of the book, and the conclusions he reaches.
What a refreshing book..........2007-10-09
"Just because I'm a Christian and I'm trying to articulate a Christian worldview doesn't mean I've got it nailed. I'm contributing to the discussion. God has spoken, and the rest is commentary, right?" Rob Bell commands the attention of his readers, even down to the blip on the back of the book. He encourages his readers to look at the Christian faith a little differently, from biblical history that describes Jesus as a real person to ideas of the Christian individual's role as a witness, with the environment, and in the church. Bell does not ask the reader to agree with him; in fact, he begs that the reader test and probe what he says. "Don't swallow it uncritically. Think about it. Wrestle with it." I just love that Bell is so humble--that he offers a lot of truth in the book, yet begs the reader to question it. It's time for the true Christianity to step forward. People like Rob Bell, who know they don't have it all right but keep at it, are the people who are leading the pack.
Fresh perspectives on ancient concepts.......2007-09-24
Rob Bell does an excellent job applying ancient concepts from early Christianity and Judaism to our modern world. Whereas many recent works on Christian spirituality fall short in substance, Velvet Elvis is strengthened by Bell's scriptural grounding and historical contexting.
For example, my favorite part of the book was the chapter on the significance of Christ's call to "follow me." Bell highlights how rare it was to be worthy of a rabbi asking you to follow him - you basically had to be in the MENSA of Talmud interpreters. In contrast, Christ invites mere fishermen to follow him. Thus, when Christ invites average people like us, he is showing the same confidence in us as the rabbis showed in their selected followers.
By placing in its proper context a portion of scripture that I had previously overlooked, Bell helped shed fresh, new light on my faith. Bell uses this new light to reenforce his ideas on what the church should like today.
I recommend this to both Christians and non-Christians alike. Bell may convince you that following Christ is actually much different than what you had assumed. I know he did for me.
Velvet Elvis, Contorting an analogy.......2007-09-21
I find a number of subtle and sometimes obvious faults in this book that make it dangerous. Throughout the book, particularly in the first few chapters, Mr. Bell makes a number of analogies which he contorts, stretches and forces. The most notable analogy relates to the velvet Elvis itself. It is never quite clear what the velvet Elvis typifies. On pages 10 and 11, one can surmise either Jesus, the Christian faith or the church. However, in the last paragraph on page 11 he states that Luther "never stopped rethinking and repainting the faith."
On the next page, Mr. Bell states that "I embrace the need to keep painting... I mean theology: the beliefs about God, Jesus, the Bible, salvation, the future. We must keep reforming the way the Christian faith is defined, lived, and explained." Whereas, I would agree that culturally, over the years and centuries adaptations and changes needed to be made -- specifically, with the outward appearance of dress and hair style and the place of women in the church. (Actually, in different parts of the world, culturally different practices continue to be used. Christian women in the Middle East and in some parts of the United States still wear head covering.) The basic tenets and faith principles have not been changed only rediscovered, and reapplied. Hebrews 6:1-3
On page 14, the statement is made "but this book is for those who need a fresh take on Jesus and what it means to live the kind of life he teaches us to live... this pursuit of Jesus is leading us backward as much as forward." To this I say: 1. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday today and forever. 2. Growing from faith to faith does not imply that faith is being replaced but rather implies an increase in faith. The mustard seed is growing. 3. The church needs to change -- not God's Word or Jesus. Several times throughout his text and even on the back cover Rob Bell states "God has spoken, and the rest is commentary, right?" God's Word is inexorable and unchanging.
A number of senseless and vague statements are made throughout his text. On the surface they give a pretense of being deep but are rather nebulous, incongruous and convoluted. In chapter 1 on page 21 he states "Jesus' intention was, and is, to call people to live in tune with reality." (!?) Next he develops the analogy of springs on a trampoline and compares these to the doctrines of Christian faith. He contrasts this with what he claims is current theology that the Christian faith is inflexible and is like a brick that is fixed in size which "can't flex or change size because if it does then it can't fit into the wall." It seems to me that we're talking about a foundation upon which we can build the church or our faith and which needs to be unshakeable so that no storm can topple it. Sand certainly flexes and changes but does not make a good foundation. This is another example of him forcing an analogy and getting into trouble. Many of his statements thus far are too cutesy and contrived! -- done for sex appeal and to force interest and controversy.
Later he makes the statement that seems to imply that the creator, God the Father, is the painting. However, all that can be known of God is revealed in his son and his son is the true painting (what can be seen of the father) and can be visualized better by some them by others. On page 26 he states "what if tomorrow someone digs up definitive proof that Jesus had a real, earthly, biological father named Larry, and archaeologists find Larry's tomb and do DNA samples and prove beyond a shadow of a doubt that the virgin birth was really just a bit of mythologizing the Gospel...?"
To this I say -- what if the moon is made of green cheese? Why ask the question in the first place?
What if the Christian faith is that solid and that unique in that it is formed on bricks and not a trampoline? All the questions asked on page 28 and 29 are peripheral to the issue and are often used by unbelievers as an excuse to not take the final step of faith. We have all been taught as Christians and soul winners to listen to these arguments but to deflect them and get to the main issue which is what are you going to do with Jesus? His statement on page 30 "questions, no matter how shocking or blasphemous or arrogant or ignorant or raw, are rooted in humility" is pure baloney. At the bottom of the page he states "maybe that is what God is looking for -- people who don't just sit there and mindlessly accept whatever comes their way."
The Christian faith is a foundation not a trampoline. I would rather have a brick foundation than a trampoline for a foundation. It is interesting that in forcing and stretching his analogy he finally states that he is too exhausted to jump anymore and finally just "lies down on the mat and stares up at the vast blue sky above us." This is resting in your faith and in a firm foundation.
In chapter 2 on page 46 he makes the statement "once again, the Bible is open ended. It has to be interpreted." Interpreted by the Holy Spirit -- not by man. On page 48 he makes the statement that a rabbi may find "a new way to understand the Scriptures that was closer to what God intended than the way of the rabbis who had come before him." These are new truths and not new understandings of the truth.
On page 50, "giving the keys of the kingdom" was not Jesus giving authority to make new interpretations of the Bible but was for binding and loosing people who were enslaved that he might set the captives free. Page 55, second paragraph, he states "the Bible has to be interpreted. Decisions have to be made about what it means now, today." To this I say that many passages are not open to interpretation because with many passages there is no cultural or background bias.
I find it interesting that Mr. Bell uses analogies endlessly to make points but then objects to others using analogies. On page 62 he finds issue three paragraphs from the bottom with those who use the Bible-as-owners-manual metaphor.
He makes the comment that the Bible is "alive today" and then on page 63 he states that "it is a book of ancient narratives. We cannot make it something it is not." The details given in the Bible may be at times very specific but the truths are transcendent and not subject to interpretation.
On page 64 he states that John in writing his Gospel "has an agenda." To this I would say that it is God who has the agenda and directs John to inform us about it.
On page 65, third paragraph, he states "the Bible has the authority it does only because it contained stories about people interacting with the God who has all authority." The authority of the Scriptures does not come from being based in current events. If this were the case, the Koran and books in other religions would have the same authority. Further down he states "the authority is God who is acting in and through these people at that time and now these people at this time." The authority comes from the fact that it is the Word of God. The Bible does not imitate current events, current events mimic the Bible. Being contemporaneous does not equal authenticity. On page 66 he states that the "Bible tells a story. A story that isn't over. A story that is still being told. A story that we have a part to play in." To this I say that stories are only a small part of the Bible. Further down on this page he makes the remarkable and dangerous statement "the people who eventually wrote all of this down weren't sitting there with their hand and a pen moving as if controlled by some outside force. The writers of the Bible had agendas." God had the agenda -- Luke and John were just obedient.
In chapter 3 he really goes off the deep end. Here we go into the New Age philosophy which he so obviously espouses. On page 74 he asked the question in the first line "and is that something actually someone?" This statement was made after saying that he felt close to God when being out in nature and experiencing touchy-feely sensations. These experiences made him aware that there was something bigger in this universe. Does this mean that someone who does not know God can experience him? On page 77 he states that "the whole earth is full of the weight and significance of who God is." On page 80 he states "I claim and affirm the truth whenever I find it." Truth found in the world is not equivalent to truth found in the Bible. On page 81 he states "truth is available to everyone." I agree, Satan quoted scripture. In the final paragraph on this page he states "Jesus said, I am the way the truth and the life. If you come across truth in any form it isn't outside your faith as a Christian. Your faith just got bigger. To be a Christian is to claim truth wherever you find it." Does this mean there is Truth in Buddhism, Islam and Hindu? Jesus said he was The Truth not a truth.
On page 83, in the middle of the page he states "for Jesus then, the point of religion is to help us connect with ultimate reality, God." Jesus is the one who provides the pathway -- The Way -- to God through forgiveness of sins.
At the top of the page 85 he states "he is teaching people to live as Christians, and then whatever they do will be sacred, holy work. Music already is worship. Music is praise. Music is sacred. Music is good." Music can be worship, praise, sacred and good. I think we are seeing some of Rob Bell's agenda in this statement. It is obvious that he used his background as a musician as a springboard and this probably has a lot to do with his success within his church. Parenthetically, I must say this last statement is conjecture on my part.
Page 86, middle of the page, he states "the Bible is filled with stories of God teaching people how to think. How to discern. How to sort and sift and figure out what is true and what isn't. What is good and what isn't. What brings life and what brings death." With this statement, he makes the claim that we are exclusively to work out our own salvation without the benefit of redemption or forgiveness of sins. On page 88, he states "so the issue isn't so much taking Jesus to people who don't have him, but going to a place and pointing out to the people there the creative, life-giving God who is already present in their midst." God may be there but Jesus the Redeemer is not. He criticizes the statement by missionaries who say they are about bringing God to the lost. He states that God is already there. God may be there but Jesus the Redeemer is not. The missionary is bringing salvation not God.
Nowhere in the book is the New Age Jesus more dramatically depicted than on page 92. He makes the statement "and Jesus is the life force that makes it possible... my friends are resonating with Jesus whether they acknowledge it or not... Jesus was up on that cliff with us that day... in affirming and celebrating all that they did that day on the cliff, my friends are closer to Jesus than they could ever imagine."
Finally, 107 pages into his book, first mention is made of redemption. On page 108, he makes the statement "the point of the cross isn't forgiveness. Forgiveness leads to something much bigger: restoration. God isn't just interested in the covering over of our sins; God wants to make us into the people we were originally created to be." The work of the cross was not the covering of our sins but the removal of them. The last line of page 109 states "but we can join a movement that is as wide and deep and big as the universe itself. Rocks and trees and birds and swamps and ecosystems. God's desire is to restore all of it." This is New Age, Mother Earth and bright Green! God is not interested in making us what we originally were intended to be. He has so much more for us than that. Because we now have free choice, he wants to make us free and not slaves. Heaven is so much better than the Garden of Eden.
The rest of this book is pretty much plain vanilla and not very profound. Consequently, there is not much that is controversial here.
On page 148, last paragraph, he states "for Jesus, this new kind of life in him is not about escaping this world but about making it a better place, here and now. The goal for Jesus isn't to get into heaven. The goal is to get heaven here." This is an unbalanced statement. Jesus made the comment that the poor we always have with us and he accepted spikenard, et cetera. His ultimate goal for us is in heaven. That is why he states that we should lay up for ourselves treasures in heaven by blessing people here today. On page 150, middle of the page, he makes the statement "and Jesus calls us to return to our true selves." To this I state we can't -- we must be born again. Further down, he states "we need you to you." New Age!! "We don't need a second anybody. We need the first to you." Social Gospel. Next page he states "trust Jesus can repair the scarred and broken image." He can't and you won't. It is his business to produce a new image/creation.
Page 158 is rather interesting, in the second paragraph he states "from day one (which is really day six). They are in intimate relationship and interaction with their environment. They are environmentalists... This is why litter and pollution are spiritual issues." It's really nice being Green!
He states "we cannot live independently of the world God has placed us in. We are intimately connected by God." However in the Bible we read that we are to be in this world but not of the world. On page 159, third paragraph from the bottom, he states "these people cannot be separated from their environment. One part falls out of harmony and everything is affected. As one text says, 'the whole creation has been groaning.' It is all thrown off." This is a stretch of the Scriptures. The groaning is part of the travail for the New Creation.
On page 160 he states "remember when God made the world, he called it good. Why would God destroy something he thinks is good?" In the Scriptures we read that God will create a New Heaven and a New Earth and the Old will be destroyed. Next page, he states "in Jesus, God is putting it all back together again." However, Jesus stated that he wanted to put in new wine in new wineskins.V
Rob Bell modern Christian.......2007-09-19
Velvet Elvis: Repainting the Christian Faith written by Rob Bell is a short novel, only 177pages.
Rob Bell is the founding Pastor of Mars Hill, a church in Grandville, Michigan. Bell graduated from Wheaton College in Illinois and Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, California. He has written two books, Velvet Elvis: Repainting the Christian Faith, and Sex God. Bell is also featured in a series of short films called NOOMA. He
and his wife Kristin have two boys.
Things that work about this book are, that the author has brought a broad view of what a person's individual interpretation of the Bible does and does not tell the audience. Bell uses everyday examples of family and ministry occurrences to inspire thought. He defines vocabulary terms that the society as a whole may be unfamiliar with.
Although the writer is obviously a Christian, he is
writing probing and eye-opening what-ifs on every other page. He tells the reader about his own struggles with faith and gives little tips throughout the book in the reading on how to hone in on the struggles of life and overcome them.
The book needed a larger font. Reading the script chosen was difficult because the line of the letters is so thin. When the editors separate chapters, they use sub-headings. This does nothing for the reader except distract from the reading.
Rob Bell has written a great novel in Velvet Elvis: Repainting the Christian Faith. This book would be best for the Christian who needs a jumpstart, a person
seeking Christ, and for anyone who simply wants something to think about. Anyone who considers themselves spiritual in any way would finish this book without wondering why they started it.
Ultimately, Velvet Elvis will open the eyes of anyone reading it. This book would be especially interesting to the casual Christian reader.
Book Description
The long-awaited new edition of James D. Watson's classic text, Molecular Biology of the Gene, has been thoroughly revised and is published to coincide with the 50th anniversary of Watson and Crick's paper on the structure of the DNA double-helix. Twenty-one concise chapters, co-authored by five highly respected molecular biologists, provide current, authoritative coverage of a fast-changing discipline, giving both historical and basic chemical context.
Divided into four parts: Genetics and Chemistry, Central Dogma, Regulation, and Methods.
For college instructors, students, and anyone interested in molecular biology and genetics.
Customer Reviews:
Am Studying for the Biochemistry GRE - This book is golden.......2006-09-19
I got this book to assist for my prep for the Biochemistry GRE - I know a lot about Biology. So this is a great Book - First, It is very readable - I was surprised I was not able to put it down and knocked off 100 pages in record time. Besided that - it is enjoyable and not dull and boring - Second, The great experiments are given and insight into the science reasoning behind them also. This book makes the discover of genetics, DNA, RNA and protein building come alive. Third, this book is very current with research and cites the papers and journals where the important biology, Genetic, molecular & cell biology was published. That alone would save you the time to research and site these for your own research. Lastly, the pictures and recollections of the experimenters and "who knew who" are a total hoot.
Great Book.......2006-03-18
This book is an awesome teaching guide but the real prize goes to the CD and animations. Where a subject might be a bit hazy in the text, the flash animations on the CD are clear and concise.
Good book.......2005-11-05
Some books are just very well written-this is one of them!
I like that they leave space in the margin to write notes. Organized more like a book you can read in chapters compared to the Lewin Genes text. Concise and up to date.
Good disc included with lots of great animations.
Don't buy this book.......2005-09-24
Buy this book if you are really unintelligent and knows virtually nothing about biology. Really. if you are the person who wants to learn, find an alternative book.
Readable and Thorough, An Excellent Reference.......2005-07-13
I am a layman with a serious interest in biology. I read science news, especially in Nature and Scientific American, and I often find that I don't have enough background to understand articles at the level at which I want to understand them. I bought this book hoping to get that background, and I wasn't disappointed.
For example, once the human genome was sequenced, it appeared that there were far too few genes for an organism as complex as ourselves. But investigation shows that most genes occur in segments and that the messenger RNA must be cut and spliced before the protein can be formed. Often there are two or more ways the RNA may be spliced, so that one gene can specify more than one protein. Another problem is that the genome seemed to consist mostly of sections that don't code for proteins; these were called "junk". But it turns out that some "junk" DNA codes for RNA sequences that have catalytic and regulatory roles, roles which used to be considered the bailiwick of proteins alone. Articles about topics such as these used to confuse me thoroughly, but after reading this book I find them much clearer.
This book benefits from a great many illustrations and I recommend that you go through each one as you would a worked problem in a math text. Observe how the pieces fit together, how a particular group of atoms enhances or inhibits a reaction. The practice will help you to understand other things you will read later.
I called this a "reference" for good reason: I assume that I will come across many future articles which will send me back to it to fill in some background.
[Added 4 July 2006] As I assumed when I first wrote this review, I have used it for reference. I have read several books about what I call "enhanced evolution", where mechanisms that go beyond simple point mutations speed up evolution by providing more variation. For example, gene regulation, alternate splicing, and gene duplication all play important roles. I have surprised myself by remembering more than I expected to (thanks to the clarity of this book) but I have still used it for clarification.
Book Description
Praise for Service-Oriented Architecture
"This book provides a superb overview of the SOA topic. Marks and Bell provide practical guidance across the entire SOA life cycle-from business imperatives and motivations to the post-deployment business and technical metrics to consider. With this book, Marks and Bell demonstrate a unique ability to take the complex dynamics of SOA, and through an eloquent set of metaphors, models, and principles, provide an understandable and insightful how-to manual for both technical and business executives. This will become a required handbook for any organization implementing SOA."
—Dan Bertrand, Enterprise Technology Officer & EDS Fellow, EDS Corporation
"A fundamental breakthrough in the business and technology perspectives of SOA-this book belongs in every software developer, architect, and IT executive library. Marks and Bell demonstrate a creative and practical approach to building complex, service-oriented systems. I especially liked the hands-on perspective brought to multiple aspects of SOA. A must-have guide in the technology turbulence of the future."
—Ariel Aloni, Chief Technology Officer, SunGard Data Management Solutions
"This outstanding text gets straight to the heart of the matter, cutting through the hyperbole and discussing how to drive real business value through SOA. It will certainly impact my behavior, our governance models, and, subsequently, the successful business outcomes we derive as we continue to embrace SOA. A must-read for battle-scarred SOA veterans and fledgling architects alike."
—Christopher Crowhurst, Vice President and Chief Architect, Thomson Learning
"Too often, SOA has been perceived as 'all about the technology'-standards, technology stacks, operational monitoring, and the like. In this book, Marks and Bell expand beyond the technology to provide a refreshing business-driven perspective to SOA, connecting the dots between business requirements, architecture, and development and operations, and overlaying these perspectives with tried-and-true governance techniques to keep SOA initiatives on track. A must-read for those leading the charge to adopt SOA within their enterprise."
—Brent Carlson, Chief Technology Officer, LogicLibrary and coauthor of San Francisco Design Patterns: Blueprints for Business Software
"Marks and Bell have captured a wealth of practical experience and lessons learned in what has become the hottest topic in software development. In this book, they explain in detail what works and what does not, from procedural issues to technical challenges. This book is an invaluable reference for organizations seeking the benefits of SOAs."
—Dr. Jeffrey S. Poulin, System Architect, Lockheed Martin and author of Measuring Software Reuse: Principles, Practices, and Economic Models
"One of the last things companies often consider when implementing a business solution such as SOA is the impact on people. Marks and Bell provide an in-depth look at 'what has to change' from a process standpoint to make any SOA implementation a success. A great read for those considering to embark on an enterprise SOA and looking for the right mix of people, process, and products."
—Alan Himler, Vice President of Product Management and Marketing, LogicLibrary
SOA is a complex topic and a complex organizational goal
Service-Oriented Architecture: A Planning and Implementation Guide for Business and Technology shows you how to plan, implement, and achieve SOA value through its prescriptive approach, joining the business and strategic perspective to the technical and architectural perspective.
Applicable to all industries, technology platforms, and operating environments, this innovative book provides you with the essential strategies to drive greater value from your SOA and realize your business goals.
Download Description
Praise for Service-Oriented Architecture ""This book provides a superb overview of the SOA topic. Marks and Bell provide practical guidance across the entire SOA life cycle-from business imperatives and motivations to the post-deployment business and technical metrics to consider. With this book, Marks and Bell demonstrate a unique ability to take the complex dynamics of SOA, and through an eloquent set of metaphors, models, and principles, provide an understandable and insightful how-to manual for both technical and business executives. This will become a required handbook for any organization implementing SOA."" Dan Bertrand, Enterprise Technology Officer & EDS Fellow, EDS Corporation ""A fundamental breakthrough in the business and technology perspectives of SOA-this book belongs in every software developer, architect, and IT executive library. Marks and Bell demonstrate a creative and practical approach to building complex, service-oriented systems. I especially liked the hands-on perspective brought to multiple aspects of SOA. A must-have guide in the technology turbulence of the future."" Ariel Aloni, Chief Technology Officer, SunGard Data Management Solutions ""This outstanding text gets straight to the heart of the matter, cutting through the hyperbole and discussing how to drive real business value through SOA. It will certainly impact my behavior, our governance models, and, subsequently, the successful business outcomes we derive as we continue to embrace SOA. A must-read for battle-scarred SOA veterans and fledgling architects alike."" Christopher Crowhurst, Vice President and Chief Architect, Thomson Learning
Customer Reviews:
AN EXCELLENT TECHNOLOGY BOOK .......2007-07-02
This book is an excellent SOA technological introduction that presents major architectural concerns that most architects, team leads, developers, and software modelers struggle with. It addresses fundamental service-oriented challenges and provides viable solutions that IT professionals can employ:
- A service lifecycle that identifies major modeling disciplines
- Introduction to service-oriented analysis, design, and realization
- Introduction to service-oriented technologies
- A service-oriented integration model that provide viable interoperable solutions
- Service reusability model that elaborates on various methods that can facilitate asset reuse in organizations
I'd recommend this book to IT personnel and SOA practitioners that would like to learn more about starting service-oriented projects and achieving effective results.
Business Focused SOA .......2007-06-26
This book is a must read for the Executive and Architect responsible for transforming their business processes and IT infrastructure from something resembling an anchor to an agile, flexible system that enables corporate progress. This book will show you a process that will help you get off step 0, define the right services, and ensure that your SOA efforts resolve your business and IT challenges. When implementing an SOA, the technology is the easy part, ensuring that services are created in a consistent manner, that they are designed with reuse in mind, that s/w creation, and hence new product development, gets less expensive and takes less time, over time, that's the hard part, that's where SOA Governance comes in, and this book will give you the SOA Governance basics you need to get your SOA transformation off to a good start. Get control of Governance and your 75% there. This book will not provide code snippets, developer advice, or describe technical specifications, if you want these things, get Thomas Url' or Greg Lomow' books. This book is about using a top-down business service analysis, bottom-up implementation considered, iterative SOA design model. Read it to develop or improve your SOA planning capabilities.
Not for a Developer.......2007-05-15
Note: My strong dislike of this book probably says more about me than the book...
As a developer I like books that bridge the technical and the business gap. I need to see, in concrete examples, how things might be implemented -- I want to see code, configuration documents, snippets of policy code etc. I also find it helpful when books build upon a sample application. I wanted to see examples of the technology that enables SOA, walk-thrus of standards such WSPL.
This book has none of that. To me it is a book of high-level lists of lists and every section I've read leaves me wondering what it said. I think they repeat themselves too much and the book seems poorly organized with material half way through a chapter which seemed to me to belong at the start. For all it being high-level, they make an assumption that the reader is familiar with a host of acronyms and/or the technology behind them.
SOA - Pragmatic Advice .......2007-03-05
Much has been written about the promise of SOA and, at the same time, the difficulty in realizing that promise to date. Most of us who work in this field know by now how to address the technical concepts, architecture and services in an SOA. Where this book stands apart from so many others is that it provides both conceptual and pragmatic advice in three critical areas which need attention for SOA to mature, to achieve business buy-in, and to attain the "SOA network effect" as the authors call it. These keys are: shifting focus to identification of candidate business services; SOA governance, organization, and behavior; and a framework for an SOA business case, ROI model and scorecard.
I enthusiastically recommend this book for the authors' lucid, insightful chapters on these three subjects alone. That they are woven nicely into a more complete system of processes and supporting structures to nurture along SOA through critical mass is an added bonus.
A Must Read !!!!.......2007-01-23
"Service Oriented Architecture is a hot topic and will be for times to come however it is often misunderstood topic in the Information Technology field today. Based on the SDN Network IT professionals see the potential of an SOA -- especially a web services-based SOA -- in dramatically speeding up the application development process They also see it as a way to build applications and systems that are more adaptable, and in doing so, they see IT becoming more agile in responding to changing business needs. Not only is SOA a hot topic, but it's clearly the wave of the future. Gartner reports that "By 2008, SOA will be a prevailing software engineering practice, ending the 40-year domination of monolithic software architecture" and that "Through 2008, SOA and web services will be implemented together in more than 75 percent of new SOA or web services projects." Bell articulately describes the concepts, specifications, technical nuisances and standards behind service orientation and Web Services. One primary objective of applying SOA in design is to provide business value to the solutions we build. Understanding the right approach to analyzing, designing, and developing service-oriented solutions is critical. This book is a must read!"
Amazon.com
A biography of the woman who, indirectly, was the catalyst for many of the troubles in the Middle East, including the Gulf War. In 1918, Gertrude Bell drew the region's proposed boundaries on a piece of tracing paper. Her qualifications for doing so were her extensive travel, her fluency in both Persian and Arabic, and her relationships with sheiks and tribal and religious leaders. She also possessed an ability to understand the subtle and indirect politeness of the culture, something many of her colonialist comrades were oblivious to. As a self-made statesman her sex was an asset, enabling her to bypass the ladder of protocol and dive into the business of building an Empire.
Book Description
Turning away from the privileged world of the "eminent Victorians," Gertrude Bell (1868—1926) explored, mapped, and excavated the world of the Arabs. Recruited by British intelligence during World War I, she played a crucial role in obtaining the loyalty of Arab leaders, and her connections and information provided the brains to match T. E. Lawrence's brawn. After the war, she played a major role in creating the modern Middle East and was, at the time, considered the most powerful woman in the British Empire.
In this masterful biography, Janet Wallach shows us the woman behind these achievements–a woman whose passion and defiant independence were at odds wit the confined and custom-bound England she left behind. Too long eclipsed by Lawrence, Gertrude Bell emerges at last in her own right as a vital player on the stage of modern history, and as a woman whose life was both a heartbreaking story and a grand adventure.
Customer Reviews:
Outstanding woman, mediocre biography........2007-08-23
As has been mentioned by others, I too wonder at the literary excesses of this book. "She sensed his profound hunger....". "....her heart pounding, her cheeks burning hot, and as his blue eyes burned with desire, he took her in his arms".
Gertrude Bell, an outstanding woman, deserves a better, a more maturely written biography. Thankfully, they are out there.
This book needed an editor.......2007-08-05
I began to read this book with anticipation. I was a put off by the sort of breathless tone more worthy of a bad romance novel.
About twenty pages in, I was surprised by a reference to the Ottoman Empire expanding since the 13th century from Constantinople. The Ottoman Empire expanded around Constantinople from the 13th to the 15th centuries, until they finally took the city in 1453, and promptly renamed it Istanbul.
I soldiered on, until I was informed that British were fighting Germans in the Boer war in the late 1890s. The Boers, descended from Dutch colonists, would have been surprised to hear themselves described as German.
These two mistakes, obvious to anyone with a decent knowledge of history, ruined my willingness to accept anything else in the book. I put down the book, never knowing if Miss Bell was able to overcome her lost early love.
Gertrude Bell's life seems to be worthy of a good biography. This isn't it.
Insightful Read.......2007-07-04
A book which skilfully interweaves historical facts with the anecdotes and day-to-day life of a woman struggling to find her place in the Middle East.
Was left with a sense of awe from her accomplishments and the beginnings of an inkling as to the political and religious turmoil and troubles of this region based on the history retold by Janet Wallach.
Desert Queen: The extraordinary Lief of Gertrude Bell.......2007-03-09
I only wish George W and Chaney would have read this book before entering into War with Iraq. The history of British rule and their failure to solve the Tribal problems at the establishment of Iraq as a new State after the breakup of the Otterman Empire. This only proves that History can repeat itself.
If Only Washington Leaders Would All Read This Book.......2007-01-23
Yes, I would venture to say that anyone who reads this book as well as Lawrence's "Seven Pillars of Wisdom" would be better qualified to shape US foreign policy in the Middle East than those who are now doing that... When will we ever learn?
Book Description
The second book in the Write Great Fiction series, Plot & Structure offers clear and concise information on creating a believable and engaging plot that readers can't resist. Written by award-winning thriller and suspense author James Scott Bell, this handy instruction guide provides:
* Easy-to-understand techniques on every aspect of plotting and structure, from brainstorming story ideas to building scenes, and from using subplots to crafting knock-out endings
* Engaging exercises, perfect for writers at any level and at any stage in their novel
* Practical and encouraging guidance from one of the most respected writers publishing today
Full of diagrams, plot brainstormers, and examples from popular novels, mastering plot and structure has never been so simple.
Customer Reviews:
For those who seek clarity, you may begin here........2007-10-08
Not having the luxury of an MFA, I struggled to create my interpretation of a marketable novel until I finally faced the truth. I didn't know what I was doing.
"Okay then," I thought, "what exactly am I lacking?"
I attended a very good workshop which revealed what I had already come to suspect. My writing had too much imagery and not enough, plot or structure. I went looking for a solution and, would you believe it, I found there was a book written just for me.
"Plot & Structure, Techniques and exercises for crafting a plot that grips readers from start to finish," by James Scott Bell was the first step on my road to literary recovery. I followed this wonderful little book with another, "Techniques of the Selling Writer" by Dwight V. Swain. The two volumes go together well, in my opinion, complimenting one another on a common list of topics.
I'd recommend them both as well as the rest of the "Write Great Fiction" series from Writer's Digest Books. You might also consider, "Self-Editing for Fiction Writers, How to Edit Yourself Into Print" by Renni Brown and Dave King.
I needed to find better footing, to bone up on fiction basics. These books plus a subscription to "the Writer" magazine have been my school. If you desire a better grasp of the basics, you might want to start here.
Michael, doing better, in Seattle.
The first book that you must read.......2007-10-03
This is a good introductory book, and works for various types of media, like cinema (screenplay) and comics.
It's a simple and objective book, direct to the point. It's interesting to note that other books like Screenplay by Syd Field and Story by Robert Mckee will be more valuable after you read Plot & Structure, because now you will have a better understanding of story construction.
It's not a revolutionary book, but it's very solid and highly practical.
Recommended.
An Invaluable Writing Tool.......2007-09-08
This book is a must have for every fiction writer, non-fiction writer who wants to try fiction, or for someone who dreams of becoming an author.
I write my books intuitively. Then my first publisher suggested I start teaching creative writing workshops.
"Great idea," I told her.
But deep inside I was scared silly. How the heck would I go about teaching something that I was doing intuitively?
Thank goodness for this book! Now I can see and understand the process that I've been using as a writer. This is not only helping me improve my skills, it's also helping me have a lot more fun writing my next book.
Great book!.......2007-09-02
This is the only how-to book on writing that I have actually finished! I found it to be very entertaining, and SO useful! I am a very unorganized plotter; I just write the story. He actually had some tips for writers just like me that didn't entail "write an outline or else"!
I would definitely recommend this book!
the best book! Get this one!.......2007-08-25
If you want to write a great book- this is a must! I bought this book because of all its great reviews- and they are right! Wow! Its the best book out there for all to-be authors! Plus it was fun to read- most books on this subject are not!
Amazon.com
For Whom the Bell Tolls begins and ends in a pine-scented forest, somewhere in Spain. The year is 1937 and the Spanish Civil War is in full swing. Robert Jordan, a demolitions expert attached to the International Brigades, lies "flat on the brown, pine-needled floor of the forest, his chin on his folded arms, and high overhead the wind blew in the tops of the pine trees." The sylvan setting, however, is at sharp odds with the reason Jordan is there: he has come to blow up a bridge on behalf of the antifascist guerrilla forces. He hopes he'll be able to rely on their local leader, Pablo, to help carry out the mission, but upon meeting him, Jordan has his doubts: "I don't like that sadness, he thought. That sadness is bad. That's the sadness they get before they quit or before they betray. That is the sadness that comes before the sell-out." For Pablo, it seems, has had enough of the war. He has amassed for himself a small herd of horses and wants only to stay quietly in the hills and attract as little attention as possible. Jordan's arrival--and his mission--have seriously alarmed him.
"I am tired of being hunted. Here we are all right. Now if you blow a bridge here, we will be hunted. If they know we are here and hunt for us with planes, they will find us. If they send Moors to hunt us out, they will find us and we must go. I am tired of all this. You hear?" He turned to Robert Jordan. "What right have you, a foreigner, to come to me and tell me what I must do?"
In one short chapter Hemingway lays out the blueprint for what is to come: Jordan's sense of duty versus Pablo's dangerous self-interest and weariness with the war. Complicating matters even more are two members of the guerrilla leader's small band: his "woman" Pilar, and Maria, a young woman whom Pablo rescued from a Republican prison train. Unlike her man, Pilar is still fiercely devoted to the cause and as Pablo's loyalty wanes, she becomes the moral center of the group. Soon Jordan finds himself caught between the two, even as his own resolve is tested by his growing feelings for Maria.
For Whom the Bell Tolls combines two of the author's recurring obsessions: war and personal honor. The pivotal battle scene involving El Sordo's last stand is a showcase for Hemingway's narrative powers, but the quieter, ongoing conflict within Robert Jordan as he struggles to fulfill his mission perhaps at the cost of his own life is a testament to his creator's psychological acuity. By turns brutal and compassionate, it is arguably Hemingway's most mature work and one of the best war novels of the 20th century. --Alix Wilber
Book Description
In 1937 Ernest Hemingway traveled to Spain to cover the civil war there for the North American Newspaper Alliance. Three years later he completed the greatest novel to emerge from "the good fight," For Whom the Bell Tolls. The story of Robert Jordan, a young American in the International Brigades attached to an antifascist guerilla unit in the mountains of Spain, it tells of loyalty and courage, love and defeat, and the tragic death of an ideal. In his portrayal of Jordan's love for the beautiful Maria and his superb account of El Sordo's last stand, in his brilliant travesty of La Pasionaria and his unwillingness to believe in blind faith, Hemingway surpasses his achievement in The Sun Also Rises and A Farewell to Arms to create a work at once rare and beautiful, strong and brutal, compassionate, moving, and wise. "If the function of a writer is to reveal reality," Maxwell Perkins wrote Hemingway after reading the manuscript, "no one ever so completely performed it." Greater in power, broader in scope, and more intensely emotional than any of the author's previous works, it stands as one of the best war novels of all time.
Download Description
In 1937 Ernest Hemingway traveled to Spain to cover the civil war there for the North American Newspaper Alliance. Three years later he completed the greatest novel to emerge from "the good fight," For Whom the Bell Tolls. The story of Robert Jordan, a young American in the International Brigades attached to an antifascist guerilla unit in the mountains of Spain, it tells of loyalty and courage, love and defeat, and the tragic death of an ideal. In his portrayal of Jordan's love for the beautiful Maria and his superb account of El Sordo's last stand, in his brilliant travesty of La Pasionaria and his unwillingness to believe in blind faith, Hemingway surpasses his achievement in The Sun Also Rises and A Farewell to Arms to create a work at once rare and beautiful, strong and brutal, compassionate, moving and wise. "If the function of a writer is to reveal reality," Maxwell Perkins wrote to Hemingway after reading the manuscript, "no one ever so completely performed it." Greater in power, broader in scope, and more intensely emotional than any of the author's previous works, it stands as one of the best war novels of all time.
Customer Reviews:
A classic - buy it........2007-09-25
I first read this about 40 years ago. I just re-purchased it. This is a classic novel.
Lazy and messy.......2007-09-06
The Spanish Civil War was surely the most brutal and tragic civil war of the twentieth century. It not only pitted Spaniard against Spaniard, but became a kind of bloody curtain-raiser for World War II, with Nazi Germany and Mussolini's Italy lining up on the side of Franco's insurgents and the USSR backing the embattled left-leaning Republic. (The Western democracies - who might have prevented Spain from going fascist - followed a pusillanimous "hands off" policy which only emboldened the insurgents and their supporters.) Into this vortex came many writers and intellectuals. They were to witness brutality, betrayals, great valour, the corruption of ideals, and the consequences of ruthless Realpolitik.
So with all that in mind, here's an interesting question. If you were an author trying to write the great Spanish Civil War novel, would you choose to (1) sequester your handful of characters up in the mountains away from the main action; (2) write 500 pages covering a mere three days during which time nobody has anything to do; and (3) make the central character non-Spanish?
500 pages about three days of waiting is the book's central problem. It turns the novel into the opposite of an epic. To have taken a canvas as sweeping as the three years of the Spanish Civil War and shrink it down to such a compass-point was an unfathomable decision on the author's part. From this self-inflicted literary ambush there is no escape for Hemingway: you either need excellent descriptive prose or superb psychological insight to carve a good story from such crooked timber, for, after all, what else is left to describe in such a situation save inner musings and the outer landscape?
The prose is the next problem. Much has been made of Hemingway's 'deceptively simple' writing style. However, I found it impossible to read "For Whom the Bells Tolls" without forming the impression that that his reputation for putatively well-masked complexity is itself the deception. Consider the following extracts [from the Vintage edition]:
A hole in a hillside is described as:
"both deep and profound"
[p. 444]
Characters exchange such dialogue as:
'Well, then. Oh, then. Oh, then. Oh.'
[p. 166]
'Maria.'
'Yes.'
'Maria.'
'Yes.'
'Maria.'
'Oh, yes. Please.'
[p. 272]
'But use thy head. Thou hast much head. Use it.'
[p. 444]
Which brings us to the Hemingway penchant for meaningless repetition:
"In an impossible situation you hang on until night to get away. You try to last out until night to get back in. You are all right, maybe, if you can stick it out until dark and then get back in."
[p. 174]
"So a woman like that Pilar practically pushed this girl into your sleeping bag and what happens? Yes, what happens? What happens? You tell me what happens, please. That is just what happens. That is exactly what happens."
[p. 175]
Followed by some impressive run-on rants as the author becomes completely carried away describing love scenes (How many women - even in the thirties - were seduced by being repeatedly called 'rabbit'?)
My favourite passage is when one of the characters reveals to Joaquín that la Pasionara has a son in Russia. Instead of naming the character, Hemingway chooses to write the following clanking line:
"'If we insult them a little?' the man who had spoken to Joaquín about la Pasionara's son in Russia asked."
[p. 324]
On and on it goes like this. For three days. In a cave. This book has now gone into the umpteenth printing and neither the spelling nor grammar have been corrected ("... the flakes was dropping diagonally ..." [p. 185]; "... and then brining it down ..." [p. 213]; "... the felling when the Inglés gave the order ..." [p. 380]; at one point André Marty is referred to as "Mary" [p. 437]).
So it needs to be said openly. Hemingway pundits who make excuses for this sort of thing have a lot of explaining to do: otherwise they are obliged to defend similarly poor writing when they find it outside the world of Nobel laureates.
Oh, Buttercup.......2007-08-30
I read this book a couple years ago and loved it. War, adventure, love, it's like The Princess Bride minus lighthearted fairytale-ness. I highly recommend it.
excelsior!.......2007-08-05
must be where Metallica got the song name from. Anyways this is one of but many authors that, like Nirvana singer Kurt Cobain decided to take the easy way out. In the meantime he penned this great literature that is a great book. I don't care what anybody says, the old man and the sea is boring and short and so with that I bid you good day and happy reading!
My first venture into Hemingway.......2007-08-03
This was my first time reading a book by Hemingway, and it was not all I had hoped for. The Spanish Civil War is one of my major interests (it was the subject of my undergraduate research thesis) and so I ordered this book with great anticipation. Unfortunately, I was not completely satisfied.
"For Whom the Bell Tolls" gives a great understanding of the personalities and characters of the Spanish people. It also is balanced in the sense that it shows that atrocities were committed by both sides.
However, my main complaint with the book is that it seems like nothing happens. It is not until probably the last 100 pages or so that action begins to take place. (Granted, there were many instances during the Spanish Civil War where the lines were at a standstill and nothing DID happen, so perhaps in that sense it is quite accurate). But despite how much Hemingway tries to build up to the destruction of the bridge, it's not exciting by the time you actually get to that point.
The other thing that irritated me (and this is just as a Spanish speaker) was that the dialogue is written as though it was literally translated word-for-word from Spanish conversation rather than translated for meaning. For example, the dialogue reads, "That he comes soon," ("que venga pronto") instead of, "I hope he comes soon," or "He better come soon." It just makes the dialogue awkward and unnatural.
Despite my complaints, I will not let this be my only reading of Hemingway and I will try out something else of his in the near future.
Book Description
We know there’s something more. We sense it, we feel it, we know it. And we want it. We want an authentic spirituality.
Customer Reviews:
Sorry, I want to, but I just cannot read this book.......2007-10-08
I am a long-time pastor (more than 40 years) of small (less than 50 regular attendance) churches in the mid-Atlantic region. I picked up this book based solely on the statement that a military chaplain whom I respect was using it. I had hopes that it would show me something new about sharing the gospel. I do find 'narrative preaching' a very important tool for reaching new Christians and the unchurched. It requires more and different preparation than has been my habit.
I cannot rely on this book to help me. It is a long standing debate among theologians as to the soundness of the principle that the end justifies the means. I am on the side that says NO to this proposition.
The public, easily verifiable, facts as to the history of the beginning Mars Hill Church in Grand Rapids is very different from the history presented in this book. That conflict makes the rest of the book meaningless to me.
If you accept that the end is important enuff to justify deception as a means of sharing the Gospel, then you will have no problem with this book.
This is an Amazing book!!.......2007-07-21
Rob Bell writes just like he speaks, and thats what I love about Velvet Elvis, its just as powerful as the nooma videos.
Repainting Personal Views Only.......2007-06-22
Rob Bell is a gifted writer and has a knack for catching one's attention. But Repainting the Christian Faith is not something that needs to be done by Bell or anyone else. Rediscovering the Faith Once Delivered for the Saints is appropriate and right, but not thinking that we can come up with Something New Under the Sun.
As stated the book is intriguing yet at the same time deceiving from the standpoint that Bell likes to throw bombs, but never has to explain why they are thrown. Two such examples from early in the book.
First, Bell poses the question of if evidence could be produced to prove that Jesus was not born of a virgin could we still follow Jesus' teaching, could His message still carry the same weight. Bell throws this bomb and it is a good conversation starter, but he never cleans up his mess. Bell states very quickly that he does believe that fundamental principle, but he leaves it at that and does not tell the readers why the question is good, but that if the answer is NO (that Jesus was not born of a virgin) then Christianity is false and Jesus' words cannot be followed. This is the overrriding deception of this book and whether it is intentional or not, Bell needed to explain to the readers that while the question is good, the answer is important and foundational to the faith.
Second, Bell chides a large denomination for taking a stance on family relations, specifically on the wife submitting to her husband and claims that this denomation's entire meeting was centered around forcing a wife to submit to her husband. He does not name the denomination (it was the Southern Baptist Convention of 2000) but claims that they took Scripture out of context. Bell states, "did they not read the previous verse? Did they never read the verse that says a woman has authority over her husband?" This deceptive language is followed by a very faint endnote that in the hardback edition is almost impossible to read with the naked eye. Imagine the shock when a reader would track down this verse that says a woman has auhority over her husband to find the reference being 1 Corinthians 7:4 which is speaking specifically of conjugal rights, not hierarchy in the household. Bell who had just finished accusing a denomination of taking Scripture out of context to prove his point, does so by taking Scripture out of context to deceive those who don't check out the endnote.
It is for this reason alone that I cannot recommend this book to the novice reader who does not have a handle on their faith.
I would however recommend the book to those who are solid in their faith as a means to sharpen yourselves against those who, perhaps even in a desire to share Jesus, water down the gospel to a point where it may become ineffective. Remember, the size of his church does not mean that all is well.
Wonderful, Wonderful Book.......2007-06-08
I absolutely loved reading Rob Bell's perspective on God and faith. If you want to think about your spirituality, read this book. I found it to be uplifting and eye opening. Rob does not claim to have all the answers but, as he puts it, he adds to the dialog. I enjoy very much the dialog. It gave me a new perspective on my relationsip with God and feel I have grown closer to Him.
Thanks Rob, write some more!
Vince - Superintendent God-Botherer.......2007-05-31
We are on the verge of what could be a great revival, in America especially, that starts with Rob Bell and other Christ following leaders who can see through the traditions that have clouded the Christian faith in the west. Many have been encouraged to drop the traditions that have been passed as gospel truth for the last 100 years because Bell has been able to communicate what many of us have been thinking for a long time.
The Mystery Is The Truth !
Book Description
The first photographic tour of the surface of another planet has now been accomplished. Those who thrilled to the lunar beauty of Full Moon and the IMAX smash Roving Mars will marvel at this awesome, vivid, beautiful portrait of what it is like to take a stroll on Mars.
The most fantastic of all journeys—the Spirit and Opportunity mobile robot missions to the surface of Mars—produced over 150,000 astonishing photographs. While the images were made available on low-resolution computer screens as they were sent back across millions of space miles, no one until now has done the painstaking work of editing, cropping, and processing these massive (often larger than 100 megabytes) images.
The person to do it is Jim Bell, the scientist and photographer who led the photography team on this historic expedition. With his unique perspective, these photographs take us from the brave launches of these robots, to the alien landscape they discovered and the mysteries of the planet that they have helped to solve.
Over 150 lavish full-color-process prints bring the colors and textures of Mars to vivid life on the page. Four of the most impressive pictures are presented in their entirety as gatefold images— which extend over three feet in width—providing a view of the surface of another planet unprecedented in its detail and clarity. Postcards from Mars is the perfect gift to give readers who have their feet on the ground and their eyes on the heavens.
Customer Reviews:
Had some damage.......2007-09-27
A beautiful book for a good price. However, the book came with a damaged corner that was not related to the packing. It should have been rated at a lower level.
In fact, this has been the only book I have ever received with this kind of damage.
So, who is profiting from this great book!.......2007-05-16
This book is simply fantastic! The photos are "out of this world". However, my only concern is that as a tax payer, who funded these missions to Mars, how is it that someone is profiting from these photos taken by United States of America vehicles? Why isn't the money from this book going to the USA to offset the cost of the mission?
Mars at ours fingers.......2007-05-16
Spirit and Opportunity rovers are in good health after
three years of hard working in freeze dusty environment.
All this history and images are excelent exposed in this
great book.
spectacular.......2007-05-15
Beautifully written and coreographed , this book is spectacular. The photos from the Mars' surface are superb. What backs up the visuals are the insightful information from an scientist who wrote the book and created it. It is very readable and has a lot of interesting information. It is not a book to instantly read through but to read in sections and savor. I am glad I found the review in USAtoday otherwise I might not have even known about it.This is my review and I think it is a great book for those who want to find and learn about Mars up close.
Mars Photography - with a bonus.......2007-05-07
I expected great photographs in this book and I was not disappointed. They are outstanding. What I didn't expect were the detailed text descriptions of the science and engineering that went into this mission. In addition to being a great coffee table book, it is also a book that I have spent many hours carefully reading. That was a bonus that I didn't expect, but one that I deeply appreciate. Thanks to everyone who contributed to this wonderful project.
Books:
- Stalkers and their Victims
- The Black Belt Memory Jogger: A Pocket Guide for Six Sigma Success
- The Black Book of Hollywood Beauty Secrets
- The Bride's Bible: Preparing Spiritually for the Most Important Day of Your Life (Ncv)
- The Catholic Youth Bible Revised: New American Bible
- The Clinton Crack-Up: The Boy President's Life After the White House
- The Complete Book of Fly Fishing
- The Complete Hans Christian Andersen Fairy Tales
- The Complete Wreck (A Series of Unfortunate Events, Books 1-13)
- The Dark Is Rising Sequence: Silver on the Tree; The Grey King; Greenwitch; The Dark Is Rising; and Over Sea, Under Stone
Books Index
Books Home
Recommended Books
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- On Baking: A Textbook of Baking and Pastry Fundamentals
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General
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Velvet Elvis: Repainting the Christian Faith (Cover Image May Vary)
Velvet Elvis: Repainting the Christian Faith
The Irresistible Revolution: Living as an Ordinary Radical
Searching for God Knows What
Blue Like Jazz: Nonreligious Thoughts on Christian Spirituality
