How Do We Know What We Know?

An Introduction to the Major Theories of Epistemology

In The Theory of Knowledge A Jargon-Free Guide to Epistemology, Dr. Doug Erlandson provides a straightforward and easy-to-understand overview of the area of philosophy that deals with the concept of knowledge. Drawing on the thought of philosophers past and present, Erlandson examines and evaluates their views in a lively and engaging manner.

The Theory of Knowledge Answers These Questions

• What is knowledge?
• Can I really know anything?
• Where does knowledge come from?
• What's the relation between the mind and the world?
• How do I know that other minds exist?

˃˃˃ Suitable as a classroom text and for independent study

The Theory of Knowledge is a basic introduction to epistemology and presupposes no prior familiarity with philosophical thought. It is suited for introductory philosophy classes and for independent study.

Scroll up and grab a copy today.

A Must-Read Book on Worship

It's Not Just About the Music

In Spiritual Anorexia: How Contemporary Worship is Starving the Church, Dr. Doug Erlandson presents a balanced but devastating critique of the contemporary-style worship model and shows how this type of worship deprives Christians of the feast of true corporate worship.

Drawing from personal experience and extensive research into the history of Christian worship, Dr. Erlandson analyzes the motivations for contemporary-style worship and assesses its strengths and weaknesses. He argues persuasively that corporate worship should be a dramatic presentation of the Gospel. Historically, Christian worship has included distinctive elements in making this presentation. These elements include the call to worship, recitation of the creeds, confession of sin, absolution, Christ-centered preaching and a benediction.

Here's a Preview of What's in the Book

• Contemporary Music
• Modern Preaching
• Worship Center vs. Church
• Traditional Elements of Worship
• Who Says New Is Better?

˃˃˃ What Others Are Saying About Spiritual Anorexia

This book should be required reading for anyone leading or wanting to lead a church. Amazon Customer "Addict"

This is not a "Let's go back to singing only hymns" plea, but a critique aimed toward the mindless, vacuous, repetitive, empty types of songs that often pass for worship in many churches. Review by "Yarn Mama"

I found this book to be an excellent critique of contemporary worship. Not only does he lay out what is wrong with this style of worship and how it is damaging the church, he lays out the history of worship and what it is meant to be. Reviewed by "Melissa"

A must-read for people who are responsible for worship services--pastors, musicians, choir members, lay leaders. Reviewed by Rev. Judith A. Meier

Scroll up and grab a copy today.

Unlock the Secrets of Philosophy

Explore the World of Ideas

In Philosophy Basics: A Jargon-Free Guide for Beginners, Dr. Doug Erlandson offers an easy-to-understand guide to the study of philosophy.

His simple, non-technical approach covers the major topics of philosophy in a way that even those who have no familiarity with philosophy will understand.

Philosophy Basics is the result of Erlandson's three decades of teaching philosophy at the university and community college-level and is based on his classroom supplement. He has expanded, revised and polished his classroom supplement to create this exceptionally engaging and accessible introduction to philosophy.

Here's a Preview of What's in the Book

• What does it mean to think logically?
• How do we know?
• What is the link between the mind and the brain?
• Do we have free will?
• What is morality? Does God exist? And much more.

˃˃˃ Extra Features for Teachers and Students

Philosophy Basics includes study questions at the end of each section and is designed for those who want to learn the elements of philosophy on their own. It is also suitable as a textbook for introductory to philosophy classes as well as home-schooled students.

˃˃˃ What Others Are Saying About Philosophy Basics

A quick and easy read . . . has given me the confidence to dig deeper into philosophy. Amazon Reviewer

I appreciate his excellent use of real-world analogies. You can tell that the author is an experienced teacher . . . highly recommended as an introduction to philosophical thinking. G. Feltner

Easy to follow and easy to understand. Great for people in college Philosophy or people who want to learn. Amazon Reviewer

˃˃˃ Don't miss out! This book is worth far more than $3.99. Look inside now.

Scroll up and grab a copy today.

Licorice Lovers Share Sweet Memories

Jerry Garcia once said: Grateful Dead Fans are like people who like licorice. Not everyone likes licorice, but the people who like licorice really like licorice.

This book was written "by licorice lovers, for licorice lovers." It includes dozens of funny, heartwarming and fascinating stories, all centered on that sweet, sticky root candy.

Anyone who loves licorice will delight in reading these stories as well as the tidbits of information on how licorice candy is made.

But even those who say they "hate licorice" will love these stories, shared by those whose lives have in one way or another been touched by this old-fashioned candy.

˃˃˃ Licorice Lovers: A special breed of candy lovers.

When Licorice International offered licorice fans the opportunity to share their sweetest licorice memories, they were overwhelmed with hundreds of funny, heartwarming and fascinating stories. After the prizes were awarded, it seemed right to share the lovely licorice stories with others. Thus, editor and chief licorice lover Doug Erlandson selected dozens of favorites for publication while weaving his own sweet memories into the collection.

˃˃˃ Lots of Licorice Stories. Short and Sweet.

Chapters include the following: Bridging the Generations, The Corner Store. Playing Grownup, Fun Stuff, From the Old World, The Switzer Connection, Uniform Memories, Kid Stuff, Puppies and Ponies, and Love and Licorice.

˃˃˃ I Hate Licorice!

Even those who say they "hate licorice" will love these stories, shared by those whose lives have in one way or another been touched by this old-fashioned candy. Some readers may even be willing to give licorice another chance and visit Licorice International online..

Scroll up and grab a copy today.

How to Think About Right and Wrong

Ethics Made Simple

In Ethics Basics: A Jargon-Free Guide for Beginners, Dr. Doug Erlandson offers an easy-to-understand introduction to philosophical ethics. Drawing on his three decades of teaching introductory college-level courses in philosophy, Erlandson takes the reader step by step through the various approaches to ethics, describing the strengths and weaknesses of each approach. His straightforward, non-technical presentation makes ethics understandable even to those who have no background in philosophy. While Ethics Basics is organized by topic it also devotes substantial space to the theories of major philosophers past and present.

Ethics Basics Answers These Questions

• What is ethics?
• Is egoism immoral?
• Should I always act to maximize happiness?
• What is virtue?
• Why should I be moral? And much, much more.

˃˃˃ Suitable as a classroom text and independent study

This book is suitable for introductory classes in ethics and philosophy, home-schooled students and those who are interested in studying independently.

Scroll up and grab a copy today.

How to Develop Critical Thinking Skills

The Principles of Straight Thinking

How to Think Clearly: A Guide to Critical Thinking is an easy-to-understand and lively introduction to the serious issues of learning how to think clearly and being able to spot the difference between good and bad reasoning. Dr. Doug Erlandson draws on concrete examples of good and bad reasoning from the political and social realm and everyday life to make his points in a sometimes lighthearted but always meaningful way.

Here's a Preview of What's in the Book

• Identifying the differences between good and bad arguments
• Avoiding fallacies
• Creating good explanations
• Assessing probabilities
• Recognizing that statistics and numbers can lie

˃˃˃ Here's How You Benefit

How to Think Clearly gives you the tools you need to critically assess the claims and counterclaims with which you are bombarded by politicians, pundits, commentators and editors, as well as coworkers, friends and family, and will aid you in developing skills to present your view in ways that are clear, coherent, sensible and persuasive.

˃˃˃ Suitable as a classroom text and for independent study

How to Think Clearly is easy to understand and suitable for independent study. At the same time it offers the content and intellectual rigor that you would expect in a text for an introductory college-level course in critical thinking.

˃˃˃ What Others Are Saying About How to Think Clearly: A Guide to Critical Thinking

Dr. Erlandson has given a wonderful introduction to good critical thinking: how to recognize good and bad arguments, helpful and non-helpful explanations, the ways that numbers can be manipulated. You can tell that he must be a good teacher. (G. Feltner)

The author offers a refuge of reason within our culture of disregard for open-mindedness and rational discourse where the popular debate of serious issues or ideas is often a shouting match from the margins. (Cubs Fan)

A great read for anyone who is new to logic and critical thinking, or someone who just wants to review and refresh their knowledge. (Paul D.)

Scroll up and grab a copy today.

Think Before You Write

A Guide to Clear, Concise and Compelling Communication Written by an Expert on Critical Thinking

If you've ever wished you had a personal writing coach sitting by your side, this book's for you. Dr. Doug Erlandson, author of the bestselling Kindle book How to Think Clearly: A Guide to Critical Thinking offers an easy-to-understand and lively introduction to clear, well-written communication.

This book covers ALL THE ESSENTIALS of effective written communication.

• Write what you know.
• Identify your audience.
• Use good grammar and correct spelling.
• Make your point and move on.
• Check for accuracy.

˃˃˃ Perfect as an Introductory Text and for Independent Study

How to Write Clearly includes extensive sections on proper punctuation, common grammatical errors and commonly confused words.

What sets this apart from other guides are the self-tests with links to all the answers.

˃˃˃ Here's How You Benefit

Whether you write books, magazine articles, social media posts, or an email, practice these writing principles. Your readers will be more engaged and eager to read what you write.

Scroll up and grab a copy today.

One Man’s Epic Struggle with Eating and Exercise Obsessions

A Chilling Memoir! A Must-Read for Those Who Suffer and the People Who Care.

In his memoir, Battle for Control, Doug Erlandson shares the compelling story of his lifelong battle with anorexia, exercise bulimia, and obsessive-compulsive disorder.

While in graduate school, Doug lost more than one hundred pounds through diet and exercise. When he was 25 years old, he began teaching at the University of Nebraska and was in excellent physical condition.

However, the dieting and exercise that had brought him to this point soon were out of control, and within two years of becoming trim, Doug’s life was dominated by food and exercise addictions.

Who Should Read This Book?

• Victims of food and exercise addiction
• People with obsessive-compulsive tendencies
• Family and friends who are baffled by these behaviors
• Healthcare professionals

˃˃˃ Brutally Frank

Doug does not condone or glorify his behavior. He describes how his inner voices constantly sent negative messages and caused crippling anxiety. He is honest about how his obsessions affected his wife and children.

˃˃˃ Insightful

Those who struggle with eating and exercise disorders may recognize some of the personality traits he describes. However, he acknowledges that these natural bents do not exonerate his conduct.

˃˃˃ Optimistic

Finally, Doug describes how an increased awareness of his issues and their underlying causes has allowed him to modify his behavior so that the compulsions are no longer debilitating. He also shows how he is learning to channel these tendencies in a way that is more productive.

˃˃˃ What Others Are Saying About Battle for Control

I loved this book. It is rare to find a read that is honest and open with every detail. Erlandson provides a great deal of detail to what was going on in his life during which his compulsions flared the worst. It is helpful to know that there are others out there who deal with exercise bulimia. Reviewed by Suzanne H. Greer

WOW! This book is the story of a man on a rollercoaster ride into hell. I applaud the author for sharing his story. It must have been difficult to write this. The soul searching must have brought up many raw emotions. Reviewed by Fanci

The author is so honest about his struggles. This book is clearly written and very detailed. The author seems like a good person who has been overwhelmed by his obsessions and compulsions, though he does get somewhat better over time. I thought his story was quite interesting, and I recommend it. Reviewed by Nancy B.

Scroll up and grab a copy today.

Salvation. Who Decides?

A Clear Presentation of God's Sovereignty and Man's Responsibility

How can we be confident of the promise in Romans 8:39 that "nothing in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of Christ our Lord"?

Dr. Doug Erlandson answers this question in What the Bible Says About Salvation and the Sovereignty of God. Written in a lively, easy-to-understand way, the book begins with the implications of Jesus' final words at Calvary, "It is finished." Erlandson then contrasts the answers that Arminian and Reformed (Calvinist) Christians give concerning what Christ accomplished on the cross and the basis for our salvation.

Five Crucial Questions

• Are we able to respond to the Gospel prior to the Holy Spirit working in us?
• Is our salvation solely a matter of God's sovereign good pleasure and will?
• Did Christ die to make salvation possible for everyone or to atone for the sins of his people?
• Is our salvation a cooperative effort? Or is it God's work from first to last?
• Can we lose our salvation?

˃˃˃ What does the Bible say?

In discussing these questions, Erlandson examines the Arminian and Reformed answers and shows why the Reformed position is more consistent with Scripture. The final chapter talks about the great comfort the Reformed view of salvation provides to believers.

Scroll up and grab a copy today.

A Year of Biblical Encouragement

Meditations based on the Heidelberg Catechism

In Righteous in Christ: Daily Meditations on the Heidelberg Catechism, Dr. Doug Erlandson, a scholar and a former pastor in a Reformed congregation, presents 365 meditations on the 129 articles of the Catechism. The title "Righteous in Christ" points to the central message of the Catechism: If, by grace, I accept with a believing heart that Christ has fully atoned for my sins, I can have full assurance that the righteousness and obedience of Christ is mine as well. I can thereby have complete confidence that I am saved to the uttermost and by God's grace will persevere until the day I am glorified and enter the presence of God.

Each Daily Meditation Includes the Following Elements

• Short meditations, approximately 300 words
• Easy to understand truths
• Practical encouragement for a daily walk of faith
• Key Bible passage
• Suggested reading from Scripture

˃˃˃ Suitable for Individuals and Groups

Righteous in Christ is ideally suited for individual study or for couples and families to use during their daily devotional time. Although intended primarily for adults, the material is easy enough for teens of high school age to understand.

Scroll up and grab a copy today.