They say there's nothing new under the sun, and the Christian fiction industry certainly didn't spring full blown with the advent of the Left Behindseries in 1996. Remember Christyby Catherine Marshall? Published in 1967, its inspiration was the life of Marshall's mother - and the Christy Award, presented annually since 1999 to recognize novelists and novels in several categories of Christian fiction, was named after it. What makes Christian fiction? There are several givens, despite the subgenres- the Christian worldview must be woven throughout both the book's plot and its character development. But must it put proselytizing before telling a good story? How much sex - if any! - is okay in a Christian romance? Is it all right to approach edgy subjects in a Christian mystery? Is it possible to seamlessly integrate a Christian message in a crackling good yarn? In The Complete Idiot's Guide to Writing Christian FictionRon Benrey - himself the author of successful Christian fiction - offers readers chapter and verse of writing Christian women's, romance, thrillers and mysteries, warfare, historical, biblical, speculative, and young adult fiction that deliver strong, inspirational messages and sell!

How to talk to God. Through practical examples, The Complete Idiot's Guide to Christian Prayers and Devotions demonstrates the impact of down-to-earth conversations with God. Organized by topic, this volume is ideal for browsing through prayers and devotions according to the your interest-from joy and depression to assistance and gratitude-and contains both modern-day prayers and prayers from antiquity. --The only book currently on the market to include both prayers and devotions for Christians --Organized by topic: joy, depression, giving thanks at holiday time, asking for assurance, prayers of contentment, prayers of salvation, and much more --Author has written numerous books on religious topics and has been a prominent figure in religious publishing

Get ready for Judgment Day. For centuries, humans have dreaded—and anticipated—the end of the world. These fears—fueled by natural disasters, famines, world wars, and the writings of people like Nostradamus and Jeane Dixon—have left us with more questions than answers. In The Complete Idiot’s Guide® to the Last Days, Richard H. Perry goes to the definitive source on the subject: the Bible itself. • While the book is as exciting as an action/adventure novel, the author’s primary source is the Bible, and he guides his readers to an understanding of the Last Days by using related Scripture. • Covers Bible basics and the Signs of the Times. • Includes timelines of every stage leading up to the Last Days and after.

The word on spreading the word ... The Evangelical Christian movement is the fastest growing segment of American religion with 42% of all Christians in America identifying themselves as Evangelicals. Now, Evangelical Pastor David Cobia shares the genesis, history, and culture of this religion in America with a balanced, accessible tone. He also touches upon the controversies it's spawned regarding such topics as school curriculum, abortion, gay rights, and family structure. Written both for those inside the movement and those wanting to know more, it gives a clear, factual portrait of what this growing Christian movement is all about. --Balanced, positive yet objective tone and presentation of information --Provides a complete history of the movement, details about specific services and rituals, and interviews with Evangelical Christians about their beliefs and lifestyles --Discusses controversial topics and how Evangelical Christians feel about them

The Enneagram system has been used for decades to help people understand their strengths and weaknesses, heal neuroses and inner conflicts, enhance creativity, strengthen workplace team-building, and aid in couples therapy. Literally thousands of workshops are held around the globe, from China to Miami. Enneagram counsellors are certified by the world Enneagram Institute, as well as by regional institutes around the world. The Complete Idiot's Guide to the Power of the Enneagram, by certified teacher and counsellor Herb Pearce, gives the reader a complete workshop course in this amazing self-enrichment program and includes proven applications for nearly every important aspect of our lives- relationships, work, and spiritual and psychological development. Written from over 16 years of instructional experience, The Complete Idiot's Guide to the Power of the Enneagram takes the mystery and complexity out of this rich system of analysis and allows anyone to benefit from its useful insights.

Who was Mary Magdalene, really? Mary Magdalene plays a prominent role in the Bible, but who was she, really? How did her identity change from an intimate friend of Christ to a prostitute? The Complete Idiot's Guide to Mary Magdaleneexplores the woman she was, who she might have been, what we know for a fact, and how the persona of Mary of Magdalene has been interpreted and reinterpreted over the last 2,000 years. " Offers a balanced, easy-to-follow look at a very controversial subject " Includes scriptural references throughout and a quick look-up appendix to track mentions of Mary Magdalene, as well as resources and a chronology