Christian Book and Music Reviews

Oh! Gravity by Switchfoot

emanuel.petku — Fri, 16 Feb 2007 02:52:03 +0000

It’s Switchfoot back to their roots and even better. You can notice a lot of influence from their early albums but they manage to deliver it with a fresh and very appealing style. This CD may not be perfect but is a joy to listen to from start to end. Some songs are so singing-friendly that are literally hard to get off your head, and it’s not like you’d like to. Switchfoot brought a little more sunshine to my life with this magnificent piece of art.

Favorite songs:
-”Oh, Gravity”: The perfect starter, energetic and fire-starter, but you’re up to a surprise with the rest of the album.
-”Dirty Second Hands”: They tried new grounds here and succeeded.
-”Awakening”: Catchy rock song, very fun to listen.
-”Faust Midas and Myself”: Great message, beautiful music.
-”Head Over Heels”: Another catchy rock that grows on you.
-”Let Your Love Be Strong”: Absolutely my most favorite. I dunno how many times I’ve listen this song and always come one more time after it. Jon Foreman shows his great vocal capabilities here and his band back him up in the best of ways. Buy it below!

Cure for the Common Life by Max Lucado

emanuel.petku — Fri, 16 Feb 2007 02:41:27 +0000

All of Lucado’s works are inspiring and Christ-centered. I know of no one as equally gifted both as a writer and as a speaker. Great stories and effective word pictures are everywhere in this volume.

The uniqueness of this book lies in its intense practicality. The last 71 pages make up an actual “workshop” on how one finds their spiritual giftedness or “sweet spot”. What is my unique purpose in life? Steve Halliday and People Management International, Inc. walk the reader through steps to answer just that. It is an educational and life-confirming experience.

This is not a book for a quick read and to be put on the book shelf. No, this one drives me to examine and discover the self that God has in mind for me to be. Buy it below!

Skillet: Comatose

emanuel.petku — Fri, 09 Feb 2007 01:33:22 +0000

Wow. This cd blew me away. It seems that Skillet is trying different things with all of their works. Please, Skillet can not be compared to any other band( especially not Nickelback). On the album, John’s unique voice is still clearly audible and this is definitely Christian rock at its best. In my opinion if you liked Skillet’s last two- Alien Youth and Collide, I don’t see why you would not like this album. Sure, the band does not sound the same on Camatose but they have not lost thier edge yet. Come on, listen to the audio sample on Amazon and tell me. This is definitely better than drugs. Their experiements with different things brought awesome songs like rebirthing and wispers in the dark. All the tracks in the album has great message and they all rock. This album is so far the best album, I heard this year. Although I love pillar, their newest does not bring anything new to the table. But on the other hand, Skillet is bringing fresh meat for all the rock fans to chew on. You do not have to be a Christian to enjoy this. Careful though, it might rock your face off. Positive music with awesome lyrics; highly recommended for all those who love music. It’s a must have for any collection. What more can I say, buy it below!

Left Behind Boxed Set 2

emanuel.petku — Fri, 09 Feb 2007 01:20:47 +0000

Of all writers I have read, few have had the ability to ground me in order to finish reading their books, as Jerry Jenkins and Tim LaHaye have done with The Left Behind books. The last time that happened to me was when I read The Testament, by John Grisham. Now, here I am again with a feeling of deja vu. Only this time, instead of just one excellent book, I have twelve in a row. Weehaa!

From the 12-book series, I have already read the first three: Left Behind, Tribulation Force, and Nicolae. The latter is the most explosive so far. Literally, it is a thriller from cover to cover. You simply cannot put these books down, until you’re done with them! And when you’re done with one, you want to jump to the next in line, and the next… and the next… as if the books are iron-made and your hands are magnets!

In my humble opinion, The Left Behind series are not just entertaining - they also have helped me understand better the sometimes implicit and not-so-clear messages of the Book of Revelation, as I consider the former a sort of representation of what’s in the latter. I recommend The Left Behind books to anyone who likes a well-written plot, regardless of their faiths, doctrines or religious beliefs. Paraphrasing the critics, when reviewing a must-have book, I’d give them a two-thumbs up. And if I had three hands, I’d make it three-thumbs up! I would love to review all the books seperately, but I can’t seem to seperate myself from them for long enough to write one! Check it out below!

Left Behind Boxed Set 1

emanuel.petku — Fri, 09 Feb 2007 01:12:42 +0000

Precious Memories by Alan Jackson

emanuel.petku — Sat, 03 Feb 2007 02:33:02 +0000

Precious Memories by Alan Jackson brings you back in time in a good way. Most people will recognize these hymns as ones we grew up with. This cd is not a big production, a guitar and paino are all you hear, but it adds to the ambience. I have to admit the man does have a perfect voice for these songs. Perfect for a drive home from work or to relax. I use it when I have a bad day, just to remember how blessed we all really are. This album was actually made for his parents and was not meant to be released. We can count ourselves lucky that it was. Take a free listen and buy it below!

WOW HITS 2007

emanuel.petku — Fri, 02 Feb 2007 21:00:34 +0000

Once again, another no brainer. The most popular hits of 2007 by the greatest Christian artists. Very good mix of songs. Two cd’s. Thirty songs. Each cd has a different feel, the first being more mainstream, the second more youthful. Check it out below and take advantage of sampling each song at the Amazon website!

Open the eyes of my heart… Various Artists

emanuel.petku — Fri, 02 Feb 2007 20:47:06 +0000

Open the eyes of my heart by various artists is practically a no brainer, when it comes to owning. Who wouldn’t want the most popular Christian songs by the most popular Christian Artists. I don’t feel I need to do an in depth review to something that basically sells itself. : - ) Buy it below!

See the morning by Chris Tomlin

emanuel.petku — Fri, 02 Feb 2007 20:36:03 +0000

I have been listening to and worshipping with Chris Tomlin’s music for years now and I have to say that this cd is his most amazing yet. It is so full of life and encouragement. The words to his songs will make you stop and take in just how awesome our God is, especially on songs like “Glory in the Highest”, “Uncreated One”, “How Can I Keep From Singing”, and “Amazing Grace, My Chains are Gone”. This cd is packed full of one incredible song after another. These are classics in the making. I highly, highly recommend this album. Buy it below!

Jesus_Marcus Borg

emanuel.petku — Fri, 02 Feb 2007 17:23:29 +0000

Jesus by Marcus Borg is a “must buy” book for conservative Christians, progressive Christians, skeptics, and anyone interested in Christianity who doesn’t fit in these three categories. It is a distillation of many decades of study of the historical Jesus and the Christ of faith by one of the world’s leading theologians. Marcus Borg is a professor of religion and culture at Oregon State University.He provides a new, modern day, way of looking at the scriptures that gives them a deeper meaning and relevance for 21st century Christians. Buy it below!

The Case For Christ

emanuel.petku — Fri, 02 Feb 2007 17:04:43 +0000

The Case for Christ by Lee Strobel is an investigative journalists attempt to see if their is a facts based reason for the belief in Christ that so many people all over the world have. He interviews both critics and proponents of Christianity and makes it so that the outcome is up to you. Overall, you get the feeling that faith is the main ingredient. Skeptics may very well argue that the proof presented is inconclusive, but I beg to differ. If there were conclusive proof of the life of Jesus and His many acts, it would jeopardize the very basis of the religion. Faith which is the cornerstone of Christianity would be dead. A great read, nonetheless. It is important to get others opinions, even though they may not agree with you. Buy it below!

Something we all need….

emanuel.petku — Fri, 02 Feb 2007 16:37:57 +0000

For believers this book may not be necessary. The again, what could be more necessary. The Language of God by Francis S. Collins shows us how religion and science can work together harmoniously. For those not in the know, Francis Collins is one of the premier genetic researchers in the world. He is the head of the Human Genome Project. This book could not come from a more authorized source. Journey with the author from the creation of the earth to the beginning of life on it. It also details his own personal journey from atheist to theist to finally Christian. Read the book and learn why. It definately helped me to better understand our world and the sheer genius it took to create it. Even for the person who is not science inclined per say, it is well worth at as a tribute to what has been accomplished by our God.

Pick of the week!

emanuel.petku — Fri, 02 Feb 2007 16:01:59 +0000

Palestinine: Peace not Apartheid is a new book by former president Jimmy Carter. It offers a great recount for events since 1967. It does leave the reader wondering whether a Palestinian state would be a reality if only the two sides had worked harder. It is quite impartial, admitting that both sides have made mistakes. However, it does not address the terrorism issue as agressively as I thought it would. It also offers anectdotes between President Carter and various arab leaders past and present. All in all, a very well written book at a very good time. Definately buy it now!