Jesus Freaks: Martyrs: Stories of Those Who Stood for Jesus: The Ultimate Jesus Freaks (Paperback)

~ DC Talk (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Review

"I thought this book was magnificent. I strongly recommend reading it along with your daily devotions...." -- Christian Book Previews --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

Product Description

This Gold Medallion-nominated book opens the eyes of a new generation to the persecution of Christians around the world. Offering stories of martyrs past and present, it's a wake-up call to prayer and to lives of unashamed faith

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Product Details

• Paperback: 384 pages
• Publisher: Bethany House (May 1, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0764200836
• ISBN-13: 978-0764200830
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 5.8 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #38,664 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars old world meets new, May 18, 2007

By	Crystal Tracy "ecclectic scholar muse" (Broomall, PA, USA) - See all my reviews

I bought this for my husband because other people had recommened it. He can't put it down. He's new to the Christian world, but this book pulled him in. He reads it whenever he gets a free chance, and has enjoyed learning more about amazing people and the history of his faith. A great read, especially for people looking for a deeper understanding of their faith and a challenge to make their own lives richer.

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Inspiring but unsubstantiated, December 14, 2008

By	Scott Asher "ashertopia" - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I love testimonies. I love listening to people I know - people I trust wont lie or mislead me - telling me about how God has worked in their lives and how God has come through for them. Testimonies build faith and hope.

I was really looking forward to reading this book for that reason. I wanted to hear the testimonies of Christians in horrific situations refusing to recant or exchange their savior for the empty promises of the world.

Reading about situations that I can't even imagine and how characters in the book respond was inspirational! The problem is that since this book suggests that the stories are real I was expecting authentication.

When I watch religious TV (rarely) I see people who claim miracles. I hear preachers saying that their ministry healed a bazillion people this year alone! I see people jumping around on stage and the "healer" saying that they couldn't walk previously. My first thought is always, "show me the proof." If these "healers" heal so many people wouldn't there be some kind of evidence? Wouldn't there be documentation of the before and after of each of these "healed" people showing miraculous change?

I'm not saying that I can't believe in miracles. What I am saying is that I want to be discerning in who I trust and what I believe.

This book, unfortunately, ended up like the TV healers to me. So many of these stories were far fetched, had only first names or even no names, were about people and situations decades ago and seemed to have no way of knowing what was written was true. I remember stories that were written about a person who was in jail who had no way to communicate to those outside yet somehow the authors of this book were able to know the inner thoughts of the soon-to-be-martyred Christian. The authors also knew what the jailers said and did. How? Where is the evidence that this isn't just an inspiring work of fiction?

Situations like the above example aren't the exception in this book. Unfortunately, instead of testimonies from people we can trust with information we can verify what we get from this book is simply nothing more than stories.

If I am going to spend my time reading Christian fiction, I could go with Ted Dekker or Janette Oke or Francine Rivers (depending on genre preferences) and get a better story that also includes Christians in situations that give opportunity to prove out their faith.

For what this book failing to be what it promised I give it a 2. For the stories being entertaining and inspiring I'll move the rating to 3.

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Jesus Freaks: Martyrs, October 22, 2007

By	Theresa A. Owens "luv2knomore" (Mukwonago, WI) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I love this book. It helps me to live in the conscious awareness of my blessings. Be prepared to be moved.