It's the Christmas season-"the most wonderful time of the year" for most people in River City, California. But for Jehovah's Witnesses Lawrence and Brad, it's a time for them to try to explain "the truth" about this holiday season to the people of the community. Their earnest efforts may earn them ridicule, disagreement, or a door slammed rudely in their faces, but they persist-and are sometimes able to find a mind and heart receptive to their urgent message about Jehovah's coming Kingdom.

Whereas for Elders Skousen and Marshall-two Latter-day Saint (Mormon) missionaries-the season is another opportunity to share their Church's distinctive interpretation of the Christian gospel; but their efforts are often rebuffed, as well.

In the course of their work, these two pairs of men engage in dialogue with traditional Christians, as well as members of the Church of Christ; the Community of Christ (RLDS); Seventh-day Adventists; and "Oneness" Pentecostals-not to mention skeptics, atheists, and the increasing numbers of people who lack any particular religious beliefs.

But when a local church brings in a researcher to give a series of lectures on "Cults"-and specifically targeting the Jehovah's Witnesses and Mormons-a confrontation is ensured, where theological and biblical concepts collide in a public forum.

Who, if anyone, really has "the Truth"? Can one still discover the "true meaning of Christmas" in the midst of passionate disagreements over the validity of the holiday season? Are objections raised about the secularization and rampant commercialism of the modern celebration valid?

Spend a holiday season (or any other season) with some interesting and intellectually-stimulating characters, as they explore these and other challenging questions.

(Readers of the author's earlier novel, "A Multicultural Christmas," will be pleased to see a brief reappearance of two characters from that book.)

Thomas Anderson has just graduated from CSU Stentoria, with his degree in Political Science. It's an election year, and as a young "progressive" in California who has been raised by equally progressive parents, he is very much concerned with the political issues currently being discussed in the mass media.

A chance encounter with a fellow graduate named Kelly Kelso, however, shakes up his sett led view of the world. He is challenged to examine the rising number of alternatives to the two-party system presented by "third party" movements such as the Libertarian Party and the Green Party, and is forced to acknowledge that there is far more to politics than simply Democrat versus Republican, and liberal versus conservative.

Thomas delves energetically into not only the growing Libertarian movement, but the free market perspective of the Austrian School of economics, as well as the rigid yet compelling view of Ayn Rand's philosophy of Objectivism. His explorations grow wider, now encompassing the Tea Party movement and the Christi an Right; tax resisters and gun rights advocates; survivalists and militia members; anarchists, communists, and Democratic Socialists; as well as the Occupy Wall Street movement.

He debates the radical environmental views of animal welfare and animal rights advocates, and challenges opponents of corporate globalism as well as deniers of global warming, as he struggles to reformulate and articulate his own developing beliefs, while coping with a sea of conflicting ideas and opposition.

But this abstract political theory is brought into sharp encounter with concrete political reality, when Thomas hears a news report of an armed conflict with authorities taking place just outside of town, involving someone with whom he has become emotionally involved...

It's been two years: the grandkids are growing, and there is a new addition to the family: "Ravishing Rhea" Nana and Papa are now blessed to witness (and occasionally assist with) the growth and development of six grandkids: three boys, and three girls. But the world is also changing: there are new challenges, as families must cope with increased financial pressures, juggling work and school schedules, and even temporary separations, not to mention dealing with the normal difficulties experienced by young people as they are growing up. In addition to playing sports, video games, celebrating birthdays, participating in Spelling Bees, making movies, and doing homework, the kids keep Papa and Nana busy trying to answer questions such as, "What kind of pet should I get?"; "How long does the moon stay full?"; "Are all ladybugs girls?"; "How come we don't get presents for all the Twelve Days of Christmas?" and of course, "Are vampires real?" Whether they're walking to the park, building "special projects" for school, preparing for Halloween, or revising their Christmas lists for the sixth time, the kids both grow and learn, as well as help the adults around them to appreciate and celebrate the joy, wonder, and beauty of children living in a new, and exciting world.

Who says it's easy to raise kids these days?

Certainly not Nana and Papa, the proud grandparents―and definitely not the parents, other grandparents and great-grandparents, and aunts and uncles of 7-year old Deion and his younger cousins Joshua and Donovan.

But "Life is for learning," and that's just what takes place: whether it's while going to the park, playing on the computer, talking a walk, making music, playing football, eating fast food, playing board games, going to the State Fair, or just doing homework―not to mention celebrating birthdays, and observing holidays such as Valentine's Day, Easter, Mother's Day, the 4th of July, Halloween, and Christmas. The lessons of life may involve the miracle of new birth, or the passing away of a loved one―but they are always shared in a gentle and loving way.

Inspired by the real-life adventures, trials, and tribulations of real-life kids, Family Lessons is a heartfelt celebration of the joy, wonder, and beauty of children, told from the perspective of "Nana" and "Papa Teague"―who undoubtedly learn more lessons from their grandchildren than they ever impart to them.

Does God exist? Is there life after death? Do we have free wills? What is consciousness? Are animals and computers

It's 1971, and Silas Baker is a high school senior in California, whose main interests are basketball, and weekend parties. But his life takes a dramatic turn, when he encounters a group of committed Christians, who soberly inform him that "Jesus is coming soon "

They enroll at Riverstent Bible College. It's an exciting time, as leading Bible teachers have predicted that Jesus will return to Rapture his Church within "one generation" of the 1948 formation of the State of Israel. Popular movies further inflame this passion, as the eager students study Apologetics and Biblical Archaeology; aberrant theologies such as the "Death-of-God" movement; and even conflicting interpretations of the End Times. An activist spirit develops within evangelicalism, culminating in the so-called "Christian Right," as the evangelical world is rocked in the aftermath of the televangelist scandals.

Confronted by world views such as Calvinism and Christian Reconstruction, the characters passionately debate controversies such as Biblical Inerrancy and the age of the cosmos, in addition to challenging evangelicals who deny traditional doctrines such as that of "endless punishment" in Hell, or who promote an "Open" (yet limited) concept of God himself.

As society evolves, so does evangelicalism: "seeker sensitive" megachurches appear, while Postmodernism and the "Emergent Church" become realities. Theologians wrestle with the question of divorce and remarriage, and the role of women in the church, as well as the divisive issue of homosexuality. As they struggle with life's realities, they ultimately must also respond to nonchristians who are alienated, indifferent, or engaged in active opposition to Christianity, while searching for the meaning of Christian faith in the modern world.

Can you create an ideal world of your own? A utopia? In 2022, the administration and staff of the University of Northern California think so; that's why they've created a cozy little campus in the hills of Placerville, secure (behind thick concrete walls) from the social chaos that prevails in the larger society. Here, they can devote themselves wholly to the life of the mind. However, problems soon appear: "Generation Z" students chafe under the campus restrictions (including mandatory use of sexual suppressant drugs), and begin an "Underground" movement of protest. History Professor Morton Thompson finds himself in the middle, as well as coping with violent attacks on the campus. A quasi-governmental agency called UniCom (creators of a database called "The BEAST" that is a terrifying violation of civil liberties) enters the picture, determined to use the situation for its own ends, leading to a thrilling and unexpected climax. Discover the difficulties in trying to flee from the problems of the world, as Professor Thompson and others await the appearance of the mysterious "Generation A..". Eight lectures: The core of Professor Thompson's course in American Utopian Communities, are also appended, presenting an outline of the history of "utopian"/intentional communities in this country.

Thomas Anderson has just graduated from CSU Stentoria, with his degree in Political Science. It's an election year, and as a young "progressive" in California who has been raised by equally progressive parents, he is very much concerned with the political issues currently being discussed in the mass media.

A chance encounter with a fellow graduate named Kelly Kelso, however, shakes up his sett led view of the world. He is challenged to examine the rising number of alternatives to the two-party system presented by "third party" movements such as the Libertarian Party and the Green Party, and is forced to acknowledge that there is far more to politics than simply Democrat versus Republican, and liberal versus conservative.

Thomas delves energetically into not only the growing Libertarian movement, but the free market perspective of the Austrian School of economics, as well as the rigid yet compelling view of Ayn Rand's philosophy of Objectivism. His explorations grow wider, now encompassing the Tea Party movement and the Christi an Right; tax resisters and gun rights advocates; survivalists and militia members; anarchists, communists, and Democratic Socialists; as well as the Occupy Wall Street movement.

He debates the radical environmental views of animal welfare and animal rights advocates, and challenges opponents of corporate globalism as well as deniers of global warming, as he struggles to reformulate and articulate his own developing beliefs, while coping with a sea of conflicting ideas and opposition.

But this abstract political theory is brought into sharp encounter with concrete political reality, when Thomas hears a news report of an armed conflict with authorities taking place just outside of town, involving someone with whom he has become emotionally involved...

Psychology means the study of the soul; it is the social science concerned with investigating who we are, why we have certain feelings, and why we do the things we do. Are we no more than a vast assembly of nerve cells and their associated molecules? Is biology (our genetic inheritance) destiny, or does social upbringing play a crucial role? What are the roles played by Nature and by Nurture? Are we purely physical beings, or is there an aspect that can be called spiritual? This thought-provoking novel takes you on a journey of intellectual and emotional exploration, considering along the way questions that we've all asked ourselves, such as: Is it true that we only use 10% of our brains? Does playing classical music for infants increase their intelligence? Do crime rates go up during a full moon? Can hypnosis, or post-hypnotic suggestions, make us do something we wouldn't normally do? Does subliminal advertising influence us to buy products? Are our memories stored indelibly, almost like a tape recorder? What causes memory lapses as we age? Can repressed traumatic memories be recovered through hypnosis? Do some people have multiple personalities? How can I tell if someone has a neurosis, or a psychosis? Do men have an inner feminine side, and women an inner masculine? Are there innate psychological differences between males and females? The four main characters in this book will guide you through a diverse and sometimes bewildering world of differing approaches to answering such questions, such as Freudian, Jungian, and Adlerian; Humanistic, Existential, and Transpersonal; as well as Cognitive, Emotive, and Behaviorist. Along the way you will learn about the developmental stages proposed by psychologists such as Erikson, Kohlberg, Piaget, and Fowler, and even explore some of the questions currently being asked by both neuroscientists, and philosophers of the mind. Start reading, to begin your study of our innermost selves...

It's the Christmas season-"the most wonderful time of the year" for most people in River City, California. But for Jehovah's Witnesses Lawrence and Brad, it's a time for them to try to explain "the truth" about this holiday season to the people of the community. Their earnest efforts may earn them ridicule, disagreement, or a door slammed rudely in their faces, but they persist-and are sometimes able to find a mind and heart receptive to their urgent message about Jehovah's coming Kingdom.

Whereas for Elders Skousen and Marshall-two Latter-day Saint (Mormon) missionaries-the season is another opportunity to share their Church's distinctive interpretation of the Christian gospel; but their efforts are often rebuffed, as well.

In the course of their work, these two pairs of men engage in dialogue with traditional Christians, as well as members of the Church of Christ; the Community of Christ (RLDS); Seventh-day Adventists; and "Oneness" Pentecostals-not to mention skeptics, atheists, and the increasing numbers of people who lack any particular religious beliefs.

But when a local church brings in a researcher to give a series of lectures on "Cults"-and specifically targeting the Jehovah's Witnesses and Mormons-a confrontation is ensured, where theological and biblical concepts collide in a public forum.

Who, if anyone, really has "the Truth"? Can one still discover the "true meaning of Christmas" in the midst of passionate disagreements over the validity of the holiday season? Are objections raised about the secularization and rampant commercialism of the modern celebration valid?

Spend a holiday season (or any other season) with some interesting and intellectually-stimulating characters, as they explore these and other challenging questions.

(Readers of the author's earlier novel, "A Multicultural Christmas," will be pleased to see a brief reappearance of two characters from that book.)

It's been two years: the grandkids are growing, and there is a new addition to the family: "Ravishing Rhea" Nana and Papa are now blessed to witness (and occasionally assist with) the growth and development of six grandkids: three boys, and three girls. But the world is also changing: there are new challenges, as families must cope with increased financial pressures, juggling work and school schedules, and even temporary separations, not to mention dealing with the normal difficulties experienced by young people as they are growing up. In addition to playing sports, video games, celebrating birthdays, participating in Spelling Bees, making movies, and doing homework, the kids keep Papa and Nana busy trying to answer questions such as, "What kind of pet should I get?"; "How long does the moon stay full?"; "Are all ladybugs girls?"; "How come we don't get presents for all the Twelve Days of Christmas?" and of course, "Are vampires real?" Whether they're walking to the park, building "special projects" for school, preparing for Halloween, or revising their Christmas lists for the sixth time, the kids both grow and learn, as well as help the adults around them to appreciate and celebrate the joy, wonder, and beauty of children living in a new, and exciting world.

It's 1971, and Silas Baker is a high school senior in California, whose main interests are basketball, and weekend parties. But his life takes a dramatic turn, when he encounters a group of committed Christians, who soberly inform him that "Jesus is coming soon "

They enroll at Riverstent Bible College. It's an exciting time, as leading Bible teachers have predicted that Jesus will return to Rapture his Church within "one generation" of the 1948 formation of the State of Israel. Popular movies further inflame this passion, as the eager students study Apologetics and Biblical Archaeology; aberrant theologies such as the "Death-of-God" movement; and even conflicting interpretations of the End Times. An activist spirit develops within evangelicalism, culminating in the so-called "Christian Right," as the evangelical world is rocked in the aftermath of the televangelist scandals.

Confronted by world views such as Calvinism and Christian Reconstruction, the characters passionately debate controversies such as Biblical Inerrancy and the age of the cosmos, in addition to challenging evangelicals who deny traditional doctrines such as that of "endless punishment" in Hell, or who promote an "Open" (yet limited) concept of God himself.

As society evolves, so does evangelicalism: "seeker sensitive" megachurches appear, while Postmodernism and the "Emergent Church" become realities. Theologians wrestle with the question of divorce and remarriage, and the role of women in the church, as well as the divisive issue of homosexuality. As they struggle with life's realities, they ultimately must also respond to nonchristians who are alienated, indifferent, or engaged in active opposition to Christianity, while searching for the meaning of Christian faith in the modern world.

It's 1976, and Janet Tanhurst is a teenager who feels stifled by life with her strict mother, and the authoritarian church she must attend. Once out of high school, however, Janet is initiated into a fascinating new world of Astrology, Tarot cards, and Spirit Mediums. Next, she encounters the mysterious world of UFOs a bewildering and sometimes frightening realm encompassing ancient astronauts, alien abductions, and shadowy government conspiracies.

As the 1980s arrive, the Christian-dominated Piscean Age seems to be giving way to a long-anticipated "Aquarian Age," with its hope for a coming revolution in higher consciousness. There are new paradigms in philosophy and science promoting a holographic conception of the universe as engaged in a "Cosmic Dance" along with the emergence of an introspective type of instrumental music known as "New Age."

With the help of bookstore owner Whisper Wynn, Janet investigates subjects such as reincarnation, quartz crystals, chakras and the human aura, in addition to an exciting new form of spiritual teaching called "channeling." Following movement leaders including Shirley MacLaine and Marianne Williamson, studying enigmatic teachers like G.I. Gurdjieff and Carlos Castaneda, and inspired by medical doctors such as Deepak Chopra and Andrew Weil, she learns about Alternative Medicine and Holistic Health, as well as traditional health practices from China, Japan, and India. She assimilates wisdom from the ancient Celts along with rituals from contemporary Goddess worshippers, in formulating her own unique concept of the Divine that is within us all.

Whether she's encountering opposition from skeptics or religious fundamentalists, visiting the Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh's ashram, participating in the 1987 Harmonic Convergence, or attending the Roswell UFO 50th Anniversary celebration, Janet strives to separate genuine, cutting-edge thinkers from bogus "avatars" and outright frauds, even as she must deal with change and tragedy in her personal life.

Join a fascinating cast (some of whom previously appeared in the author's Beyond Heaven and Earth) on a journey that may very well expand your own "higher consciousness."

Matthew, Mark, and Luke O'Sullivan are triplets-whose pious Catholic mother passed away during childbirth, but whose family sees to it that they are firmly raised in the faith. Upon graduating from high school, all three of them have a vocation to the priesthood. It's an exciting time-The Vatican Council has concluded, the Mass is now said in English, and Catholic priests are going to jail for protesting the Vietnam War . but the Papal encyclical Humanae Vitae has caused division in the Church, as well. Always mindful of their father's counsel that "Brothers come first ," the three of them attend college and then seminary during a time of unprecedented change in the Catholic Church. The Mass ritual itself is changed, the Roe v. Wade decision legalizes abortion, and the Charismatic Renewal sweeps the world, while Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre is disciplined for stubbornly opposing the significant changes taking place. Yet after ordination, the pace of change only increases: Pope John Paul II is elected, but there are increasingly bitter divisions in the Church over ecumenism, feminism and the ordination of women, clerical celibacy, and the place of gays and lesbians in the Church. Amidst a society torn by protests about nuclear arms, abortion, and the AIDS crisis, the three brothers challenge each other in basketball, as they challenge each other's arguments over birth control, the death of Terri Schiavo, and The Passion of the Christ, but especially over the clergy sexual abuse scandal and what it means for the priesthood. Then Benedict XVI is elected Pope, further threatening the ability of dissenting Catholic theologians to freely express their views. In reading this thought-provoking book, you may discover that the most pressing issues affecting the Catholic Church are really the same issues that affect us all.