The Unauthorized Guide to Choosing a Church: Amazon.ca: Carmen Renee Berry: Books

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From Publishers Weekly

Berry, who recently started going to church after a long absence, attempts in this book to make finding a church easier for those who don't know where to begin. Whether this attempt is successful is an open question, but any failure to give truly helpful information to church-seekers is more than compensated for in her fascinating and accessible account of church history. Without getting bogged down in jargon or details, Berry (girlfriends; Daddies and Daughters) helps readers understand how Christendom began as one church and became what it is today. Her stories of the political intrigue behind the various schisms, and her candid descriptions of the lives of important Christians, actually make church history fun to read. Regrettably, though, in an era in which different branches of the faith regularly borrow practices and traditions from each other, the book offers little of substantive value for those wondering if the church down the street is their cup of tea. While her generalizations will provide some basic help for the uninitiated, Berry does not provide enough concrete information about how a given congregation will dress, behave or worship, preferring instead to emphasize the need for readers to call ahead if they have questions. Despite this problem and other minor foibles-such as distracting, overly long sidebars-this book is a must-read for anyone seeking a lucid, comprehensive primer on the history of the Christian church and faith.
Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Book Description

This wise and humorous book introduces readers to each major Christian denomination, empowering them to make an informed decision when choosing a church.

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9 Reviews

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3.9 out of 5 stars (9 customer reviews)

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5.0 out of 5 stars Informative and non-judgemental of any denomination, April 6 2004

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troubie "troubie2" (Grand Rapids, MI) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Unauthorized Guide to Choosing a Church (Paperback)

I feel that this book is what is needed for anyone searching for a church for the first-time or because of issues with your current church. One thing to remember is that NO church or denomination knows everything about God, and the purpose of this book is to point the reader in the direction of a church or denomination that suits them. I am researching different denominations and this is one of the main books I am using in my research, because it is so well written and easy to understand. Do not let those that think they know everything mislead you, this book is a blessing! God Bless

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1.0 out of 5 stars How to choose the Right Religion?, Feb 1 2004

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DH - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Unauthorized Guide to Choosing a Church (Paperback)

The Idiot's Guide to Choosing the Right Church?

Beware! Most churches only have a limited knowledge about the concept of God and how to earn the best reward in Heaven.
The very best church for you to join is the one that a) knows the most about God and b) has the most "resources" to help you and your family
grow closer to God and c) sets the highest standards to prepare you to excel at this important test of faith called mortal life by
encouraging you to do your best to stay physically strong, mentally awake and morally straight.

When we stand before God at the final judgement bar, what question will we ask us? You can bet that the first question will sound
like this - did you love Me with all your heart, might, mind and strength? And did you love your neighbor as thyself?
Please remember this tidbit of divine wisdom, none of us mortal men/women are perfect, however,
the more you strive to better fulfill these two key commandments, the greater will be your joy when you enter into the Kingdom of Heaven.

Now wouldn't you want to join that church which has the most answers and resources about how to excel in life and to take you the farthest along
to path to prepare you for the greatest reward with God? One sign of a true church is its capacity to open up the blessings of God to significantly bless and improve
the quality of life for its followers here in mortality. Also, when we die we cannot take with us any earthly treasures, But we will retain with us
the knowledge, good works and relationships that we have cultivated here on earth. And while most churches are based on the dogmas of men
who wrestle and debate the interpretation of an old book called scripture, the best church is the one that holds the keys to all of the knowledge
and wisdom of God that ever been revealed, that is now being revealed and prepares you for even greater things that have yet to be revealed.

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5.0 out of 5 stars One of the best faith guides I've seen..., Aug 27 2003

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Java Wench "javawench" (Columbia, SC United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Unauthorized Guide to Choosing a Church (Paperback)

This book has proved to be a treasure to me. I'm a journalist who writes frequently about religion and the way that Berry sorts out, defines and describes the nuances of different styles of Christian worship is terrific! Raised in the Nazarene faith, Berry has grown into the kind of seeking Christian who is able to write clearly and without bias about different aspects of Christian experience. Her descriptions of the differences between "Catholic," "Congregational" and "Wesleyan" churches, for instance, are dead on. She spices up her history with a lot of humor...her portrayal of John Knox is great "I believe he can be best understood as a Scotsman first, and then as a Protestant..." After reading this book, for the first time in my life I feel I really understand the difference between things like "African Methodist Episcopal, "AME Zion," "CME," what makes a church a "holiness" church, what it really means to be "Baptist" as opposed to other Protestant experiences. She offers great tips and perspectives on what you'll experience by attending worship at different churches. This book is ideal for anybody who is searching for a Christian church, researching different Christian denominations, may be looking to return to the Christian fold or just simply wants to understand more about their own faith. One of the few indispensable research books that's also just plain fun to read!

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Most recent customer reviews

3.0 out of 5 stars Interesting but limiting....
The title is a bit of a misnomer, as this book only looks at CHRISTIAN churches, and is not a overall view of religions worldwide. Read more

Published on Aug 18 2003 by Wombat

5.0 out of 5 stars Practical for Lots of Reasons
Ms. Berry's book does just what it sets out to do. As a graduate of a seminary with a degree in theology, I wish I'd had much of the information she included in her exploration... Read more

Published on July 17 2003 by L. M.