EVE‑NG Community Edition (CE) can host full virtual machines (both Linux and Windows) and appliance images so you can model datacenter virtualization environments (rack servers, hypervisors, management controllers); not just network devices for network simulations.

EVE-NG Community Edition (CE) is free to download and use for non-commercial and personal lab purposes.

Link: https://www.eve-ng.net/index.php/community/

Reader’s note: EVE-NG Community Edition (CE) is typically deployed in one of the following ways (listed by resource usage most-to-least):

• Installed directly on bare metal as a standalone OS (EVE-NG installed to a dedicated machine). Highest resource efficiency but can use the most total hardware.

• As a virtual machine (VM) on VMware ESXi (for lab servers/production-style hosts). High resource usage (hypervisor overhead + host services).

• As a virtual machine (VM) running in VMware Workstation/Player (recommended for desktops/laptops). Moderate-high resource usage (desktop hypervisor overhead)

• Installed on top of an existing Ubuntu installation (manual installation on an existing OS). Lowest dedicated-resource usage but less isolated.

The EVE-NG Community Edition (CE) Cookbook is the free official guide. It covers installation, configuration, management, and advanced usage for the Community Edition providing comprehensive instructions on topics such as virtual machine installs, bare-metal setups, cloud deployments, first-boot configuration, node management, and more.

Link: https://www.eve-ng.net/index.php/documentation/community-cookbook/

Reader’s may also benefit from a good AI assistant in learning to understand both the installation options and configurations, as well as EVE-NG Community Edition (CE) itself.

Reader’s note: While EVE-NG Community Edition (CE) can emulate 1990s and early 2000’s modeling, today it’s used to emulate state-of-the-art models (assuming you are running it on top of adequate hardware resources).

For example:

1. You can simulate a “Hybrid Cloud” & SD-WAN.

You can build a topology where one section represents your physical offices that link out to the Internet or a virtual cloud provider.

Modern Appliances: You can download and import virtual images of modern SD-WAN appliances (like Cisco SD-WAN/Viptela, Fortinet FortiGate, or Palo Alto PAN-OS).

Simulation: You can configure two different network paths between your sites (e.g., one representing a reliable fiber line and one representing a backup broadband line) and watch the SD-WAN software automatically steer traffic based on network performance, just like real-world setups do today.

Note: Companies keep a minimal amount of hardware on-premises (usually just a cluster of beefy physical hosts running hypervisors like VMware ESXi or Hyper-V). Everything else is controlled via SDN (Software-Defined Networking). Administrators don’t walk into a server room to move patch cables anymore. They log into a web dashboard (like Cisco Meraki, UniFi, or Azure/AWS consoles) and create virtual switches, virtual routers, and virtual firewalls with a few clicks. The entire network topology is code.

2. You can implement a “Zero Trust” Architecture.

Instead of just relying on simple firewalls at the edges, you can integrate modern identity verification and network segmentation.

Modern Appliances: You can run a virtual evaluation appliance of an identity engine like Cisco ISE (Identity Services Engine) or a Linux-based RADIUS server inside your EVE-NG topology.

Simulation: You can configure the network so that when a virtual Windows or Linux client plugs into a switch, they are completely isolated in a “quarantine zone” until they authenticate. You can simulate checking their device compliance before granting them access to specific server resources.

Note: The fundamental rule is: Never trust, always verify. It doesn’t matter if you are plugged into the physical office switch or sitting at a Starbucks—the network treats you exactly the same. Every time a device tries to access a file, a cloud system validates: username and password; MFA (Multi-Factor Authentication); the health of the device connecting (is antivirus running and the OS patched); location (if you logged in from location A 10 minutes ago, you can’t log in from location B which is hundreds miles away now); etc.

3. You can bridge EVE-NG directly to the real Internet.

EVE-NG allows you to place a special object on your workspace grid called a Cloud Node (specifically Cloud0 or a bridged interface).

How it works: This node acts as a bridge directly out of your EVE-NG workspace, through your NIC(s), and onto your LANs/WAN.

Hybrid: You can build a virtual corporate network inside EVE-NG, route its traffic through your virtual firewalls, and use the Cloud Node to let those virtual machines talk to the actual internet, download real updates, or connect directly to real cloud services like Microsoft Azure or Amazon AWS.

Note: SASE. Instead of routing traffic back to a physical building, the remote worker’s laptop connects to the closest global cloud security node (managed by companies like Cloudflare, Zscaler, or Palo Alto). Security policies, web filtering, and firewalls are applied directly in the cloud, allowing the employee to access their cloud apps at lightning speeds without ever touching the physical corporate headquarters.

4. Software-Defined Control (Infrastructure as Code).

Instead of clicking into each individual router’s command line to type out configurations manually, you can spin up a lightweight Ubuntu container inside your EVE-NG lab running automation tools like Ansible or Python.

Simulation: You can write a single script on your automation node that pushes out configuration changes, VLAN updates, or security policies to every switch and firewall in your topology simultaneously. This perfectly mirrors the modern software-defined workflow.

Reader’s note: Eve-NG Community Edition (CE) is effectively a Linux/KVM-based emulation platform rather than a purpose-built hypervisor like VMware ESXi or Hyper‑V.

For those looking to learn about computer virtualization/hypervirtualization, this typically refers to advanced virtualization techniques, including nested virtualization, hardware-assisted virtualization (e.g., Intel VT-x, AMD-V), and modern hypervisor implementations.

Given the scope of the topic (e.g. architectural and implementation differences, etc.), the rapid pace of advances in the field, and the fact that companies often use a single vendor’s offering, there is no single comprehensive book that fully covers hypervirtualization (or modern hypervisor technologies) across the major vendors and products in a unified, up‑to‑date manner.

For that reason, it is desirable to create a targeted reading list—tailored to an individual person’s objectives—which combines select books, certification guides, vendor documentation, and recent online resources.

Also, keep in mind the percentage of market share of each vendor for prioritization: VMware (VSphere/ESXi, Broadcom) remains the dominant player; Microsoft Hyper-V is used in Microsoft-centric Windows Server environments and hybrid/Azure integrations; KVM-based (Red Hat, Proxmox, Suse, Oracle, Ubuntu, etc.) including with platforms like Proxmox, oVirt, and Openshift; and Nutanix AHV and players like IBM PowerVM (specialized hardware) all comprise the field, in that order.

One suggested place to begin is “Cloud Computing: Concepts, Technology, Security, and Architecture (The Pearson Digital Enterprise Series from Thomas Erl) by Thomas Erl and Eric Monroy.

Afterwards, selecting a specific vendor and using certification guides would be the next step for most people (official vendor release notes provide current details as well).

And, of course, there is a wide variety of books available online that cover the subject generally from various perspectives along with books targeted for individual vendors and offerings.

Those with a strong engineering background, who may enjoy a deep-dive into hardware virtualization, may find these interesting:

1. “VMware vSphere Host Resources Deep Dive” by Frank Denneman and Niels Hagoort. This book is widely considered the ‘Engineers’ Manual,’ providing an exhaustive look at how hypervisors manage CPU scheduling, NUMA nodes, and memory ballooning.

2. “Mastering KVM Virtualization” by Humble Devassy Chirammal, Prasad Mukhedkar, and Anil Vettathu. Provides a deep look into the Linux Kernel-based Virtual Machine (KVM), exploring how a general-purpose kernel is transformed into a Type-1 hypervisor.

3. “Windows Server Hyper-V Cookbook” by Patrick Lownds et al. Focuses on the unique microkernelized architecture of Hyper-V and its integration with the wider Windows ecosystem.

4. “Hardware and Software Support for Virtualization: Synthesis Lectures on Computer Architecture” by Edouard Bugnion, Jason Nieh, and Dan Tsafrir. Covers the transition from software-based binary translation to modern hardware-assisted virtualization (Intel VT-x and AMD-V)

Also, scholarly technical papers.

This information is provided for general informational purposes only and is offered “as is” without warranties of any kind. Installation or configuration steps may not be safe, secure, or appropriate for your systems—use at your own risk. While I aim for accuracy, no warranties are made—use and rely on this content at your own risk; consult qualified professionals for important decisions. To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, we disclaim liability for any loss, damage, claim, or expense arising from your use of this site or reliance on its content, including third‑party software or links. Links to external sites are for convenience; follow their licenses and terms. To report errors or submit takedown requests, email [ppothier@substack.com]. Effective: 2026-05-08.

Fair Use: Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act in 1976; Allowance is made for “Fair Use” for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statue that might otherwise be infringing. All rights and credit go directly to its rightful owners. No copyright infringement intended.

Notice: Content on this page (including reviews, business, theology, and technology commentary) is provided for informational and opinion purposes only and does not constitute professional, legal, financial, medical, or pastoral advice. Reviews may include quotations or summaries under fair use. All views expressed are those of the author alone. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy, no warranties are provided. Use and rely on this content at your own risk. For important decisions, consult qualified professionals. For copyright takedown requests or corrections, please email ppothier@substack.com with the subject “Takedown/Correction” and include full details. Effective: 2026-05-08.

This series provides a forum for respected theologians and biblical scholars to compare and critique differing views, enabling readers to evaluate various positions and form informed opinions.

The books cover diverse topics in theology, biblical studies, and church life, including biblical inerrancy, divine providence, the rapture, women in ministry, creation, and the nature of the atonement, among others. Each volume typically features three to five distinct viewpoints, with contributors presenting their arguments based on extensive research, followed by responses or critiques from other scholars to foster constructive dialogue.

Key Features of the Series

• Structure: Each book presents multiple perspectives (typically 2–5 views) on a specific theological or biblical issue, with contributors defending their positions and responding to others. This point-counterpoint format encourages critical engagement and helps readers understand the complexities of debated topics.

• Contributors: The series includes contributions from prominent scholars such as Michael F. Bird, Darrell L. Bock, Wayne Grudem, Tremper Longman III, Douglas J. Moo, and others, representing a range of theological traditions within evangelical Christianity.

• Topics Covered: The series addresses a wide array of subjects, including:

  • Biblical Inerrancy (Five Views on Biblical Inerrancy)

  • Divine Providence (Four Views on Divine Providence)

  • The Rapture (Three Views on the Rapture)

  • Creation and Evolution (Three Views on Creation and Evolution)

  • Women in Ministry (Two Views on Women in Ministry)

  • The Apostle Paul (Four Views on the Apostle Paul)

  • Heaven (Four Views on Heaven)

  • The Church and Politics (Five Views on the Church and Politics)

  • The Gospel (Five Views on the Gospel)

  • And many more, covering topics like sanctification, the atonement, and the relationship between Israel and the church.

• Purpose: The series aims to equip students, pastors, teachers, and laypersons with tools to understand contemporary Christian issues through a biblical lens, fostering a deeper understanding of scriptural truth and theological diversity.

• Formats: Available in print, eBook (e.g., Adobe EPUB, Kindle), and audiobook formats, with some volumes offered as part of digital collections like Logos Bible Software or Accordance.

Notable Volumes

Below is a selection of titles from the Counterpoints: Bible and Theology series, highlighting the diversity of topics:

1. Five Views on Biblical Inerrancy (2013): Edited by J. Merrick and Stephen M. Garrett, with contributors R. Albert Mohler Jr., Peter E. Enns, Michael F. Bird, Kevin J. Vanhoozer, and John R. Franke. This volume explores the nature and relevance of biblical inerrancy for evangelical faith.

2. Four Views on Divine Providence (2011): Edited by Dennis Jowers, with contributors Paul Kjoss Helseth, William Lane Craig, Ron Highfield, and Gregory A. Boyd. It examines how God’s sovereignty interacts with human free will and the problem of evil.

3. Four Views on Heaven (2022): Edited by Michael E. Wittmer, with contributions from John S. Feinberg and others, this book discusses different views on the nature of heaven, including traditional and new earth perspectives.

4. Five Views on the Church and Politics (2016): Edited by Amy E. Black, with contributors J. Brian Benestad, Robert Benne, Bruce Fields, Thomas W. Heilke, and James K. A. Smith. This volume explores how Christian denominations engage with political involvement.

5. Two Views on Homosexuality, the Bible, and the Church (2016): Edited by Preston Sprinkle, with contributors defending traditional and affirming views, addressing biblical, theological, and pastoral questions.

6. Five Views on the Gospel (2021): Edited by Michael S. Horton, with contributors Michael S. Horton, Scot McKnight, David A. deSilva, Julie C. Ma, and Shively T. J. Smith, discussing various theological perspectives on the gospel.

7. Three Views on the Rapture (1996): Edited by Stanley N. Gundry, with contributors Gleason L. Archer Jr., Paul D. Feinberg, Douglas J. Moo, and Richard R. Reiter, examining pre-tribulation, mid-tribulation, and post-tribulation views.

Editors and Contributors

• Series Editor: Stanley N. Gundry, executive vice president and editor-in-chief at Zondervan, is a key figure in the series. He is an influential member of the Evangelical Theological Society and an adjunct professor of Historical Theology at Grand Rapids Theological Seminary.

• Notable Editors and Contributors:

  • Darrell L. Bock: Senior research professor at Dallas Theological Seminary, known for his work on Luke-Acts.

  • Wayne A. Grudem: Distinguished research professor at Phoenix Seminary, author of Systematic Theology.

  • Mark L. Strauss: University Professor of New Testament at Bethel Seminary, contributor to the New International Version.

  • Michael F. Bird: Academic Dean at Ridley College, known for works on New Testament.

  • Preston Sprinkle: New York Times bestselling author, contributor to volumes like Two Views on Homosexuality.

  The series features dozens of contributors from various theological backgrounds, ensuring a broad representation of evangelical perspectives.

Significance and Use

The Counterpoints series is widely regarded as an invaluable resource for understanding complex theological and biblical issues. It is particularly useful for:

• Students and Scholars: The series provides rigorous academic content for theological studies, with contributions from leading scholars grounded in biblical research.

• Pastors and Teachers: The books offer practical insights for addressing controversial issues in church settings, helping leaders navigate diverse perspectives.

• Laypersons: The accessible yet scholarly format allows non-specialists to engage with theological debates and form their own conclusions.

The series is praised for its fair-minded and respectful approach, presenting differing views without promoting a single perspective, which encourages readers to critically evaluate arguments in light of Scripture.

Some sources report the series as containing 43 entries, possibly including forthcoming titles or related resources, but the most consistent figure is 38 volumes as of May 2020” (xAI, Grok 3, 2025).

Fair Use: Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act in 1976; Allowance is made for “Fair Use” for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statue that might otherwise be infringing. All rights and credit go directly to its rightful owners. No copyright infringement intended.

Notice: Content on this page (including reviews, business, theology, and technology commentary) is provided for informational and opinion purposes only and does not constitute professional, legal, financial, medical, or pastoral advice. Reviews may include quotations or summaries under fair use. All views expressed are those of the author alone. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy, no warranties are provided. Use and rely on this content at your own risk. For important decisions, consult qualified professionals. For copyright takedown requests or corrections, please email ppothier@substack.com with the subject “Takedown/Correction” and include full details. Effective: 2026-05-08.

The company specializes in consumer and small-business productivity, education, and utility software, with a particular emphasis on:

• Resume and career-development tools (e.g., ResumeMaker Professional, one of its flagship products for over 30 years)

• Personal and business letter-writing software

• Typing instructors and keyboarding training programs

• Small-business management tools (bookkeeping, business plans, etc.)

• Educational titles for children and adults

• Utility software (system optimization, photo editing, PDF tools, etc.)

Individual Software traditionally has distributed its products both as physical retail boxed software (common in the 1990s and 2000s) as well as later through digital downloads” ( xAI, Grok 4, 2025).

Reader’s note: Individual Software, Inc. https://www.individualsoftware.com is an “oldie-but-a-goodie” long-established publisher with an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau (see https://www.bbb.org/us/ca/livermore/profile/computer-software-developers/individual-software-inc-1116-15885/#sealclick) best known for affordable productivity and educational software targeted at home and small-office users.

Some of the products are no longer updated, and this type of marketing model is rapidly changing, but what remains is worth a look as will be any new offerings from this vendor so they are included on this website for readers to review.

Fair Use: Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act in 1976; Allowance is made for “Fair Use” for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statue that might otherwise be infringing. All rights and credit go directly to its rightful owners. No copyright infringement intended.

Notice: Content on this page (including reviews, business, theology, and technology commentary) is provided for informational and opinion purposes only and does not constitute professional, legal, financial, medical, or pastoral advice. Reviews may include quotations or summaries under fair use. All views expressed are those of the author alone. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy, no warranties are provided. Use and rely on this content at your own risk. For important decisions, consult qualified professionals. For copyright takedown requests or corrections, please email ppothier@substack.com with the subject “Takedown/Correction” and include full details. Effective: 2026-05-08.

“John C. Lennox is a mathematician, bioethicist, philosopher of science, and Christian apologist. He serves as Emeritus Professor of Mathematics at the University of Oxford and is an Emeritus Fellow in Mathematics and Philosophy of Science at Green Templeton College. Additionally, he holds positions as an Associate Fellow of the Saïd Business School at Oxford, a Senior Fellow with the Trinity Forum, and an adjunct lecturer at Wycliffe Hall and the Oxford Centre for Christian Apologetics.

Lennox earned his MA, MMath, and PhD from the University of Cambridge, with his doctoral dissertation focusing on “Centrality and Permutability in Soluble Groups.” He has authored over 70 mathematical papers and co-written two research-level texts in algebra, including Subnormal Subgroups of Groups (1987). Beyond mathematics, he is internationally recognized for his work at the intersection of science, philosophy, and religion. Lennox has published numerous books on these themes, such as God’s Undertaker: Has Science Buried God? (2007), Can Science Explain Everything? (2019), 2084: Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Humanity (2020), Where Is God in a Coronavirus World? (2020), and Cosmic Chemistry: Do God and Science Mix? (2021).”

Reader’s note: While Lennox is a distinguished pure mathematician by training, he is best known to the wider public as one of the foremost Christian apologists of the early 21st century. More recently, he has engaged in significant discussions around artificial intelligence (AI) engaging in scientific analysis with theological insights.

Links:

1. John C Lennox website: https://www.johnlennox.org/

2. The Oxford Centre for Christian Apologetics (OCCA): https://theocca.org/

Reader’s note: To gain a better insight into artificial intelligence (AI) and how AI is presently being implemented; readers may wish to visit the “Best of AI” website and survey the various AI vendor offerings being offered in the “largest AI database online”: https://bestofai.com/

Dr. John Lennox | EP 394:

Source: xAI. (2025). Grok (version 4) [DeepSearch]. https://grok.com/

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Fair Use: Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act in 1976; Allowance is made for “Fair Use” for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statue that might otherwise be infringing. All rights and credit go directly to its rightful owners. No copyright infringement intended.

Notice: Content on this page (including reviews, business, theology, and technology commentary) is provided for informational and opinion purposes only and does not constitute professional, legal, financial, medical, or pastoral advice. Reviews may include quotations or summaries under fair use. All views expressed are those of the author alone. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy, no warranties are provided. Use and rely on this content at your own risk. For important decisions, consult qualified professionals. For copyright takedown requests or corrections, please email ppothier@substack.com with the subject “Takedown/Correction” and include full details. Effective: 2026-05-08.

John Wiley & Sons, Inc., commonly known as Wiley, focuses on academic publishing and instructional materials. The company was founded in 1807 and produces books, journals, encyclopedias, online products and services, training materials, and educational materials.

Subject examples include the following:

1. Wiley Science Solutions: https://sciencesolutions.wiley.com/

2. Wiley Digital Archives: https://www.wileydigitalarchives.com/

3. Wiley Cochrane [Healthcare] Library: https://www.cochranelibrary.com/

4. Sybex (a Wiley imprint): https://www.wiley.com/en-us/search?pq=sybex

Etc.

For the purpose of this blog’s content, Wiley’s most relevant line is the Sybex imprint which a leading provider of IT certification training materials and professional development resources. They offer study guides, interactive learning environments, and exam preparation tools for various IT certifications.

Sybex brand materials and associated materials can be searched here: https://www.wiley.com/en-us/search?pq=sybex

Reader’s note: As technology rapidly advanced, and (beginning in the early 1990s) the available labor pool materially increased (due to global practices of offshoring of jobs, outsourcing of work, and in-sourcing of foreign labor); the combination resulted in organizations standardizing technical human resource hiring around specialization for job roles. The earlier era of the general computing expert faded and the new era of the specialized job role has become standard.

For that reason, do not expect to see diverse wallets of technical certifications across multiple vendors held by a single individual in today’s job market anymore. Do expect to see workers specializing in one or two specific areas, with their technical certifications reflecting that. That is what human resources hires for presently and entry-level job applicants should take note.

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Fair Use: Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act in 1976; Allowance is made for “Fair Use” for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statue that might otherwise be infringing. All rights and credit go directly to its rightful owners. No copyright infringement intended.

Notice: Content on this page (including reviews, business, theology, and technology commentary) is provided for informational and opinion purposes only and does not constitute professional, legal, financial, medical, or pastoral advice. Reviews may include quotations or summaries under fair use. All views expressed are those of the author alone. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy, no warranties are provided. Use and rely on this content at your own risk. For important decisions, consult qualified professionals. For copyright takedown requests or corrections, please email ppothier@substack.com with the subject “Takedown/Correction” and include full details. Effective: 2026-05-08.

Barron's Business Review series (8 Books), a professional book series on business subjects.

The books in the Barron’s Business Review series are meant for professionals, as well as classroom supplements to college textbooks, and also the primary textbook for business brush-up programs. When purchasing these books new, be sure to obtain the latest editions.

There are a total of eight books in the series:

1. Accounting (Barron's Business Review) by Peter J. Eisen.

"Author Peter J. Eisen familiarizes students with key accounting terms, explains the accounting equation, and goes on to instruct in the use and preparation of financial statements, the recording of business transactions in journals, and in closing and adjusting entries at the end of a business period. The book is organized to closely follow a standard college textbook, but concentrates on student understanding of what is done, and, more importantly, how and why. Other helpful features include: review questions; computational problems with complete detailed solutions presented when appropriate; additional problems to reinforce the reader’s knowledge; an extensive glossary of accounting terms. This book includes instruction in the use of spreadsheets to solve many accounting problems, a more detailed explanation of accounting data procedures as internal controls designed to safeguard assets, and extensive commentary on business ethics."

2. Business Law (Barron's Business Review) by Robert W. Emerson J.D.

"Author Robert W. Emerson J.D. focuses on the importance of legal theory in the everyday business world, explaining such subjects as tort responsibility, government regulations, contracts, environmental law, product liability, consumer protection, and international law, among many other topics. Also discussed in detail are the legal aspects of partnerships, franchises, and corporations, as well as special topics that include business crimes, property as a legal concept, intellectual property, and similar pertinent topics. A study aid labeled Key Terms appears at the beginning of each chapter, and You Should Remember summaries are strategically interspersed throughout the text."

3. Business Statistics (Barron's Business Review) by Douglas Downing Ph.D. and Jeffrey Clark Ph.D.

"Authors Douglas Downing Ph.D. and Jeffrey Clark Ph.D. show how to apply statistical methods to a variety of business situations in order to produce enlightening and profitable information. Topics covered include probability and hypothesis testing, random variables, polls and sampling, multiple linear regression, analyzing business data, decision theory, and more. Business Review books are designed for classroom use, but are also valuable as self-teaching volumes for businesspersons engaged in various fields. When used in college business courses, these titles make fine supplements to main textbooks. Instructors in adult education and brush-up programs often choose these books as their main classroom text. Each title includes review questions with answers."

4. Economics (Barron's Business Review) by Walter J. Wessels.

"Author Walter J. Wessels provides a thoughtful and comprehensive guide to Economics with crystal-clear summaries and explanations. This book defines economics; demonstrates the uses of graphs; discusses the law of supply and demand; covers macroeconomics topics including national output, inflation, unemployment, aggregate demand and supply, the Keynesian model, monetary policy, and more; covers microeconomics topics including monopolies, forces that promote competition, game theory, labor markets and unions, government spending and taxation, and more."

5. Finance (Barron's Business Review) by Angelico Groppelli Ph.D. and Ehsan Nikbakht DBA CFA.

"Authors Angelico Groppelli Ph.D. and Ehsan Nikbakht DBA CFA define and explain key financial terms while discussing topics that include: business types and taxation methods; the value of money over time; capital budgeting; investing and financing; dividend policy; investment decisions based on financial derivatives; financial analysis; managing working capital; analyzing financial statements; financial software, social media and databases."

6. Management (Barron's Business Review) by Patrick J. Montana Ph.D. and Bruce H. Charnov Ph.D.

"Authors Patrick J. Montana Ph.D. and Bruce H. Charnov Ph.D. provide a detailed analyses of today's business practices with review questions and answers. They describe and appraise contemporary trends and techniques employed in company management, with reference to businesses of various sizes. The strengths and weaknesses of each method is reviewed."

7. Marketing (Barron's Business Review) by Richard L. Sandhusen.

"Author and professor Richard L. Sandhusen explains how four digital-age systems have merged into one to change marketing and management practice. These systems--decision support, relationship marketing, integrated marketing communication, and balanced scorecard--receive detailed analysis in this extensively updated book, which also gives more comprehensive coverage to all aspects of the global marketplace. This book presents a realistic hypothetical company as it faces business challenges and opportunities on a day-by-day basis. Although solidly grounded in marketing theory, the book explains marketing strategies within this realistic setting, showing many of the business tactics and decisions students are likely to confront in their own careers. The fictitious company’s domestic and international marketing strategies are explained and analyzed, and real-world examples of successful marketing campaigns by different kinds of companies are also included. Each chapter ends with an overview of essential concepts and match-up exercises that review the text’s material."

8. Operations Management (Barron's Business Review) by Jae K. Shim Ph.D. and Joel G. Siegel Ph.D.

"Authors Jae K. Shim Ph.D. and Joel G. Siegel Ph.D. details operations and production processes, considering such factors as costs, quality, speed of delivery, and flexibility of businesses. The authors also set up paradigms for management decision-making, explain the details of forecasting needs for goods and services, and much more."

Reader's note: There are multiple Barron's book series. Other examples include the Barron's Business Success series and the Barron's Test Prep series.

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Notice: Content on this page (including reviews, business, theology, and technology commentary) is provided for informational and opinion purposes only and does not constitute professional, legal, financial, medical, or pastoral advice. Reviews may include quotations or summaries under fair use. All views expressed are those of the author alone. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy, no warranties are provided. Use and rely on this content at your own risk. For important decisions, consult qualified professionals. For copyright takedown requests or corrections, please email ppothier@substack.com with the subject “Takedown/Correction” and include full details. Effective: 2026-05-08.

Christ in the Old Testament, the principal theme of the Bible is Christ.

Christian scholars, from a wide-variety of denominational traditions and theological positions, continue to publish literature examining the person and role of Jesus Christ in the Old Testament. This is not surprising, given the importance of the subject.

As France (1998) stated:

"The whole of the Old Testament is gathered up in him. He himself embodies in his own person the status and destiny of Israel, and in the community of those who belong to him that status and destiny are to be fulfilled, no longer in the nation as such" (p. 76) and “The whole theological system of the Old Testament points forward to his work, and in his coming the whole Old Testament economy finds its perfection and fulfillment” (p. 78); and “The patterns of God's working which the discerning eye could trace in the history and institutions of Israel were all preparing for the great climax when all would be taken up into the final and perfect act of God which the prophets foretold. And in the coming of Jesus all this was fulfilled. That was why he could find 'in all the scriptures the things concerning himself'” (p. 80).

Though the Christian scholars writing this literature represent a wide denominational and theological spectrum, and bring different viewpoints, when it comes to this subject they support the thesis. The result is a large body of excellent scholarly literature on the topic with even more planned for release.

Here are a few examples from many different types of authors:

Bird, C. (2023). The Christ key: unlocking the centrality of Christ in the Old Testament. 1517 Publishing.

Borland, J. A. (2010). Christ in the Old Testament: Old Testament appearances of Christ in human form. Moody Press.

Clowney, E. P. (2013). The unfolding mystery: discovering Christ in the Old Testament (2nd Ed.). P & R Publishing.

Concordia Publishing House (2022). The Messiah: revealing Jesus in the Old Testament. Concordia Publishing House.

Duguid, L. M. (2013). Is Jesus in the Old Testament? P & R Publishing.

France, R. T. (1998). Jesus and the Old Testament. Regent College Publishing.

Kaiser Jr., W. C. (1995). The Messiah in the Old Testament. Zondervan.

Limbaugh, D. (2017). Finding Jesus in the Old Testament. Regnery.

Lombard, R. D. (2019). Jesus Christ in the Old Testament. Raymond Lombard Ministries.

Merida, T., Akin, D. L., Hunt, J. M., Platt, D., Akin, D. L., Hamilton, J. M., Howell, M., Fries, M., Rummage, S., Gallaty, R., Moseley, A., Dowden, L., Chan, F., Akin, J., Thomas, H. A., Greear, J. D., Redmond, R., Curtis, W., Fentress, K.,... Bethancourt, P. (Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary (45 volumes). Holman Bible Publishers.

Rose Publishing (2007). Christ in the Old Testament: types and illustration of Jesus. Rose Publishing.

Sorensen, A. (2023). Finding Jesus Christ in the Old Testament. Follow Him Media Inc.

Sutton, C. (2023). Seeing Christ in the Old Testament. One Stone.

Veras, R. (2007). Jesus of Israel: finding Christ in the Old Testament. Servant Books.

Wright, C. J. H. (2014). Knowing Jesus through the Old Testament (2nd Ed.). InterVarsity Press.

Zondervan Academic (2022). Five views of Christ in the Old Testament: genre, authorial intent, and the nature of scripture. Zondervan Academic.

And many others…

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Fair Use: Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act in 1976; Allowance is made for “Fair Use” for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statue that might otherwise be infringing. All rights and credit go directly to its rightful owners. No copyright infringement intended.

Notice: Content on this page (including reviews, business, theology, and technology commentary) is provided for informational and opinion purposes only and does not constitute professional, legal, financial, medical, or pastoral advice. Reviews may include quotations or summaries under fair use. All views expressed are those of the author alone. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy, no warranties are provided. Use and rely on this content at your own risk. For important decisions, consult qualified professionals. For copyright takedown requests or corrections, please email ppothier@substack.com with the subject “Takedown/Correction” and include full details. Effective: 2026-05-08.

The Oxford 2016 first edition of Blackstone's: commentaries on the laws of England.

"The definitive version of this classic text of Anglo-American law. Detailed varia trace the evolution of Blackstone's thought through the first nine editions. An editorial introduction by Ruth Paley details the historical and political context of Blackstone's views on the criminal law. Descriptive notes assist the modern reader in understanding the text, and the pagination of the first edition has been retained for easy cross-referencing. Entirely re-typeset with modern fonts and apparatus."

Blackstone, W. (2016). The Oxford Edition of Blackstone’s Commentaries on the Laws of England: Book I, II, III, and IV (R. Paley, Ed.). Oxford University Press.

Links:

1. Oxford University Press: https://global.oup.com/academic/product/the-oxford-edition-of-blackstones-9780199600984

2. Internet Archive: Oxford's 1775 sixth edition of Blackstone's commentaries.

"Sir William Blackstone (10 July 1723 – 14 February 1780) was an English jurist, justice and Tory politician most noted for his Commentaries on the Laws of England, which became the best-known description of the doctrines of the English common law."

"The Commentaries on the Laws of England (i.e. Blackstone's Commentaries) are an influential 18th-century treatise on the common law of England by Sir William Blackstone, originally published by the Clarendon Press at Oxford between 1765 and 1769. The work is divided into four volumes, on the rights of persons, the rights of things, of private wrongs and of public wrongs.

The Commentaries were long regarded as the leading work on the development of English law and played a role in the development of the American legal system. They were in fact the first methodical treatise on the common law suitable for a lay readership since at least the Middle Ages. The common law of England has relied on precedent more than statute and codifications and has been far less amenable than the civil law, developed from the Roman law, to the needs of a treatise. The Commentaries were influential largely because they were in fact readable, and because they met a need. As such, they were used in the training of American and British lawyers long after the death of Blackstone.

The Commentaries are often quoted as the definitive pre-Revolutionary source of common law by United States courts. Opinions of the Supreme Court of the United States quote from Blackstone's work whenever they wish to engage in historical discussion that goes back that far, or farther (for example, when discussing the intent of the Framers of the Constitution)."

Source: Wikipedia contributors. (2025, January 20). Commentaries on the Laws of England. In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved January 31, 2025, from https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Commentaries_on_the_Laws_of_England&oldid=1270624075

Source: Wikipedia contributors. (2024, October 19). William Blackstone. In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved January 31, 2025, from https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=William_Blackstone&oldid=1251965026

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Fair Use: Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act in 1976; Allowance is made for “Fair Use” for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statue that might otherwise be infringing. All rights and credit go directly to its rightful owners. No copyright infringement intended.

Notice: Content on this page (including reviews, business, theology, and technology commentary) is provided for informational and opinion purposes only and does not constitute professional, legal, financial, medical, or pastoral advice. Reviews may include quotations or summaries under fair use. All views expressed are those of the author alone. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy, no warranties are provided. Use and rely on this content at your own risk. For important decisions, consult qualified professionals. For copyright takedown requests or corrections, please email ppothier@substack.com with the subject “Takedown/Correction” and include full details. Effective: 2026-05-08.

A select bibliography by Alvin Plantinga.

"Alvin Carl Plantinga (born November 15, 1932) is an American analytic philosopher who works primarily in the fields of philosophy of religion, epistemology (particularly on issues involving epistemic justification), and logic.

From 1963 to 1982, Plantinga taught at Calvin University before accepting an appointment as the John A. O'Brien Professor of Philosophy at the University of Notre Dame. He later returned to Calvin University to become the inaugural holder of the Jellema Chair in Philosophy.

A prominent Christian philosopher, Plantinga served as president of the Society of Christian Philosophers from 1983 to 1986. He has delivered the Gifford Lectures twice and was described by Time magazine as "America's leading orthodox Protestant philosopher of God". In 2014, Plantinga was the 30th most-cited contemporary author in the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy. A fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, he was awarded the Templeton Prize in 2017.

Some of Plantinga's most influential works include God and Other Minds (1967), The Nature of Necessity (1974), and a trilogy of books on epistemology, culminating in Warranted Christian Belief (2000) that was simplified in Knowledge and Christian Belief (2015)."

Readers note: Alvin Plantinga is best known for his free will defense regarding the logical problem of evil.

Links:

1. Alvin C. Plantinga Collection, 1950-2010: Heritage Hall, Hekman Library

2. Internet Archive: Alvin Plantinga

Select bibliography:

God and Other Minds. Ithaca: Cornell University Press. 1967. rev. ed., 1990. ISBN 0-8014-9735-3

The Nature of Necessity. Oxford: Clarendon Press. 1974. ISBN 0-19-824404-5

God, Freedom, and Evil. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans. 1974. ISBN 0-04-100040-4

Does God Have A Nature? Wisconsin: Marquette University Press. 1980. ISBN 0-87462-145-3

Faith and Rationality: Reason and Belief in God (ed. with Nicholas Wolterstorff). Notre Dame: University of Notre Dame Press. 1983. ISBN 0-268-00964-3

Warrant: The Current Debate. New York: Oxford University Press. 1993. ISBN 0-19-507861-6

Warrant and Proper Function. Oxford: Oxford University Press. 1993. ISBN 0-19-507863-2

Warranted Christian Belief. New York: Oxford University Press. 2000. ISBN 0-19-513192-4 online

Essays in the Metaphysics of Modality. Matthew Davidson (ed.). New York: Oxford University Press. 2003. ISBN 0-19-510376-9

Knowledge of God (with Michael Tooley). Oxford: Blackwell. 2008. ISBN 0-631-19364-2

Science and Religion (with Daniel Dennett). Oxford: Oxford University Press. 2010 ISBN 0-19-973842-4

Where the Conflict Really Lies: Science, Religion, and Naturalism. Oxford: Oxford University Press. 2011. ISBN 0-19-981209-8

Knowledge and Christian Belief. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans. 2015. ISBN 0802872042

Source: Wikipedia contributors. (2024, December 1). Alvin Plantinga. In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved January 30, 2025, from https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Alvin_Plantinga&oldid=1260496342

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Notice: Content on this page (including reviews, business, theology, and technology commentary) is provided for informational and opinion purposes only and does not constitute professional, legal, financial, medical, or pastoral advice. Reviews may include quotations or summaries under fair use. All views expressed are those of the author alone. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy, no warranties are provided. Use and rely on this content at your own risk. For important decisions, consult qualified professionals. For copyright takedown requests or corrections, please email ppothier@substack.com with the subject “Takedown/Correction” and include full details. Effective: 2026-05-08.

Collection of Law Works (26 volumes) by Robert Joseph Pothier.

Links:

The Robert Joseph Pothier collection (26 volumes): https://blog.paris-libris.com/robert-joseph-pothier-collection-douvrages-de-droit/

Internet Archive: Robert Joseph Pothier and French law.

"Robert Joseph Pothier (1699-1772) was a French jurist and Judge of the Presidial Court of Orléans. He was born and passed away at Orléans. He studied law to qualify for the magistracy, and was appointed Judge in 1720 of the Presidial Court of Orléans, following in the footsteps of his father and grandfather. He held the post for fifty-two years.

Pothier paid particular attention to the correction and co-ordination of the text of the Pandects. His Pandectae Justinianae in novum ordinem digestae (Paris and Chartres, 1748–1752) is a classic in the study of Roman law. In 1749 he was made professor of law at the University of Orleans.

He wrote many learned monographs on French law, and much of his work was incorporated almost textually in the French Code Civil. His theories on the law of contract were influential in England as well as in the United States. Pothier devised a law limiting recovery in the case of improper performance of a contractual obligation to those damages which are foreseeable.

His wrote numerous treatises. His works have been published in collected form on several occasions, the first edited by Giffrein in 1820–1824. According to Janwillem Oosterhuis, 'like Domat, Pothier's methodology did not consist of constructing an ideal type of Natural law but rather the application of rationalistic methods to existing law, in particular Roman law and customary law.'"

"Robert-Joseph Pothier (1699–1772) was undoubtedly one of the most famous French jurists of the Ancien Régime. Following in the footsteps of his father and grandfather, he became a magistrate at the Presidial court, a kind of court of appeal in Orléans. As a full professor at the university, he taught French law, a new subject imposed by royal legislation in 1679.

His work is notable in dealing with all the topics of private law. His method was the rationalization of law and its systematization. Pothier analyzed the main sources of law as the customs of Orléans, Roman law, and French law. Regarding this new field, he wrote more than thirty important books on many different question of private law. The importance of his conceptions influenced the fathers of the French Civil Code in 1804."

Select bibliography:

Coutume d'Orléans, Orléans, 1740; 1760.

Coutumes des duchè, bailliage et prévôté d'Orléans, et ressort d'iceux (in French). Paris: Jean Debure. 1772.

Traité des obligations (1761)

Du Contrat de vente (1762)

Du Contrat de bail (1764)

Du Contrat de société (1765)

Des Contrats de prêt de consomption (1766)

Du Contrat de depot et de mandat (1766)

Du Contrat de nantissement (1767)

Source: Wikipedia contributors. (2024, July 26). Robert Joseph Pothier. In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved January 31, 2025, from https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Robert_Joseph_Pothier&oldid=1236704758

Source: https://www.cambridge.org/core/books/abs/great-christian-jurists-in-french-history/robertjoseph-pothier/A0025F55D14D73BE51EB6E059FCEBDE4

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Fair Use: Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act in 1976; Allowance is made for “Fair Use” for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statue that might otherwise be infringing. All rights and credit go directly to its rightful owners. No copyright infringement intended.

Notice: Content on this page (including reviews, business, theology, and technology commentary) is provided for informational and opinion purposes only and does not constitute professional, legal, financial, medical, or pastoral advice. Reviews may include quotations or summaries under fair use. All views expressed are those of the author alone. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy, no warranties are provided. Use and rely on this content at your own risk. For important decisions, consult qualified professionals. For copyright takedown requests or corrections, please email ppothier@substack.com with the subject “Takedown/Correction” and include full details. Effective: 2026-05-08.

McGraw Hill Education.

Links:

McGraw Hill Education is here (click on “Browse by Discipline” to select area of study desired): https://www.mheducation.com/highered

Internet Archive: older McGraw Hill certification resources

McGraw Hill education book publications have been a welcome aid for people seeking to acquire a requisite understanding in specific technology sectors.

McGraw Hill is presently owned by Platinum Equity, an American private equity investment firm founded by Tom Gores in 1995. McGraw Hill was founded in 1888 and has a long and illustrious history of producing certification and career publications.

Source: https://www.mheducation.com/about.html

Source: Wikipedia contributors. (2025, January 5). McGraw Hill Education. In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved January 31, 2025, from https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=McGraw_Hill_Education&oldid=1267471680

Reader’s note: McGraw Hill is presently publishing the Schaum Outline series (112 outlines in total) which are supplementary texts covering a wide range of academic subjects. These are quite useful for self-study as they provide not just excellent content but also well thought out problems with the answers so readers can work out the problems by themselves and check their work. Recommended. On Amazon (in Kindle, paperback, or hardcover formats): https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09ZP6Q2NC

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Fair Use: Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act in 1976; Allowance is made for “Fair Use” for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statue that might otherwise be infringing. All rights and credit go directly to its rightful owners. No copyright infringement intended.

Notice: Content on this page (including reviews, business, theology, and technology commentary) is provided for informational and opinion purposes only and does not constitute professional, legal, financial, medical, or pastoral advice. Reviews may include quotations or summaries under fair use. All views expressed are those of the author alone. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy, no warranties are provided. Use and rely on this content at your own risk. For important decisions, consult qualified professionals. For copyright takedown requests or corrections, please email ppothier@substack.com with the subject “Takedown/Correction” and include full details. Effective: 2026-05-08.

The C. S. Lewis Signature Classics (8-Volume Box Set) by C. S. Lewis.

This set includes: Mere Christianity, The Screwtape Letters, The Great Divorce, The Problem of Pain, Miracles, A Grief Observed, Abolition of Man, and The Four Loves

"Clive Staples Lewis, (1898-1963) was one of the intellectual giants of the twentieth century and arguably one of the most influential writers of his day. He was a Fellow and Tutor in English Literature at Oxford University until 1954, when he was unanimously elected to the Chair of Medieval and Renaissance Literature at Cambridge University, a position he held until his retirement. He wrote more than thirty books, allowing him to reach a vast audience, and his works continue to attract thousands of new readers every year."

Reader's note: Mere Christianity and the Abolition of Man are perhaps his greatest works.

Links:

1. Internet Archive: The C. S. Lewis Signature Classics (8-Volume Box Set)

Source: https://www.logos.com/about-authors/c-s-lewis

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Fair Use: Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act in 1976; Allowance is made for “Fair Use” for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statue that might otherwise be infringing. All rights and credit go directly to its rightful owners. No copyright infringement intended.

Notice: Content on this page (including reviews, business, theology, and technology commentary) is provided for informational and opinion purposes only and does not constitute professional, legal, financial, medical, or pastoral advice. Reviews may include quotations or summaries under fair use. All views expressed are those of the author alone. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy, no warranties are provided. Use and rely on this content at your own risk. For important decisions, consult qualified professionals. For copyright takedown requests or corrections, please email ppothier@substack.com with the subject “Takedown/Correction” and include full details. Effective: 2026-05-08.

The World Book Encyclopedia by World Book.

"The World Book Encyclopedia set includes more than 25,000 photographs, maps, diagrams and features hundreds of new and revised articles reflecting changes in current events. Expert contributors, advisors, and subject area specialists ensure the readability and accuracy of The World Book Encyclopedia set.

As the only general reference encyclopedia still published today, The World Book Encyclopedia set provides authoritative content on almost every topic to learners of all ages, from school-age readers (9-18) to adults. Whether you are looking up information to understand a subject or checking a fact for a homework assignment, tens of thousands of index entries make it easy to find information. Abundant colorful photos, illustrations, and maps supplement the easy-to-read text."

Source: https://www.worldbook.com/world-book-encyclopedia-2025

Source: Wikipedia contributors. (2024, December 19). World Book Encyclopedia. In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved January 30, 2025, from https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=World_Book_Encyclopedia&oldid=1263997826

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Fair Use: Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act in 1976; Allowance is made for “Fair Use” for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statue that might otherwise be infringing. All rights and credit go directly to its rightful owners. No copyright infringement intended.

Notice: Content on this page (including reviews, business, theology, and technology commentary) is provided for informational and opinion purposes only and does not constitute professional, legal, financial, medical, or pastoral advice. Reviews may include quotations or summaries under fair use. All views expressed are those of the author alone. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy, no warranties are provided. Use and rely on this content at your own risk. For important decisions, consult qualified professionals. For copyright takedown requests or corrections, please email ppothier@substack.com with the subject “Takedown/Correction” and include full details. Effective: 2026-05-08.

Logic: Techniques of Formal Reasoning (2nd edition) by Donald Kalish.

"Logic: Techniques of Formal Reasoning, 2/e is an introductory volume that teaches students to recognize and construct correct deductions. It takes students through all logical steps--from premise to conclusion--and presents appropriate symbols and terms, while giving examples to clarify principles. Logic, 2/e uses models to establish the invalidity of arguments, and includes exercise sets throughout, ranging from easy to challenging. Solutions are provided to selected exercises, and historical remarks discuss major contributions to the theories covered."

Reader's note: This oldie-but-goodie introduces and teaches correct deductions. The reader is taken through all logical steps, from premise to conclusion, with appropriate symbols and terms. Models establish the invalidity of arguments, and exercise sets are included.

Donald Kalish (1919-2000) earned his bachelor's and master's degrees in psychology and his doctorate in philosophy at the University of California, Berkeley. Though on the far political left during his lifetime, he was "an expert on logic, set theory and the history of both subjects" and considered an excellent teacher.

Links:

1. Internet Archive (older 1964 first edition)

Source: https://www.amazon.com/Logic-Techniques-Reasoning-Donald-Kalish/dp/0195155041

Source: Wikipedia contributors. (2024, April 12). Donald Kalish. In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved January 30, 2025, from https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Donald_Kalish&oldid=1218551595

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Fair Use: Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act in 1976; Allowance is made for “Fair Use” for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statue that might otherwise be infringing. All rights and credit go directly to its rightful owners. No copyright infringement intended.

Notice: Content on this page (including reviews, business, theology, and technology commentary) is provided for informational and opinion purposes only and does not constitute professional, legal, financial, medical, or pastoral advice. Reviews may include quotations or summaries under fair use. All views expressed are those of the author alone. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy, no warranties are provided. Use and rely on this content at your own risk. For important decisions, consult qualified professionals. For copyright takedown requests or corrections, please email ppothier@substack.com with the subject “Takedown/Correction” and include full details. Effective: 2026-05-08.

Websters Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) by Noah Porter (Ed.).

"This early 20th century dictionary is one of the last great dictionaries to retain a major focus on the use of English words in Scripture.

The Revised Unabridged Dictionary of the English Language is a revision and expansion of Noah Webster's original work. This particular edition was edited by Noah Porter (D.D., LL.D. of Yale University) in 1900 as the International Dictionary and published in the United States in 1913 by G. & C. Merriam.

The 1913 retains the bulk of Webster's material with significant expansion; this edition contains twice the number of entries and more thorough etymologies including over 120,000 words defined; identical headwords organized under a single entry (for more than 98,000 entries); over 48,000 cross-linked definitions; and over 4,300 linked Biblical references."

Links:

1. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) online: https://www.websters1913.com

Source: https://www.swordsearcher.com/bible-study-library/webster-1913-dictionary.html

Source: Wikipedia contributors. (2024, November 11). Webster's Dictionary, 1913. In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved January 30, 2025, from https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/Wiktionary:Webster%27s_Dictionary,_1913

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Fair Use: Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act in 1976; Allowance is made for “Fair Use” for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statue that might otherwise be infringing. All rights and credit go directly to its rightful owners. No copyright infringement intended.

Notice: Content on this page (including reviews, business, theology, and technology commentary) is provided for informational and opinion purposes only and does not constitute professional, legal, financial, medical, or pastoral advice. Reviews may include quotations or summaries under fair use. All views expressed are those of the author alone. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy, no warranties are provided. Use and rely on this content at your own risk. For important decisions, consult qualified professionals. For copyright takedown requests or corrections, please email ppothier@substack.com with the subject “Takedown/Correction” and include full details. Effective: 2026-05-08.

The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (5 volumes) (1915) by James Orr, John L. Nuelsen, Edgar Young Mullins, Morris O. Evans, and many others.

The 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE) is an authoritative reference encyclopedia which is said by some to explain every significant word, subject, place, person, and doctrine in the Bible and Apocrypha.

In scope, the ISBE covers literature (apocalyptic, apocryphal, sub-apostolic, etc.), archeology, ethnology, geography, topography, biography, arts and crafts, manners and customs, family life, natural history, agriculture, ritual, laws, sects, music, etc. Over 200 scholars and teachers contributed to this encyclopedia—including Archibald Alexander, H. C. G. Moule, B. B. Warfield, A. T. Robertson, and more. Contains illustrations, maps, cross-references, indexes, and won the Gold Medallion Book Award for reference books.

Links:

1. Internet Archive: Internet Archive: The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (1915)

Source: https://www.logos.com/product/18410/the-international-standard-bible-encyclopedia-isbe-1915-edition

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Fair Use: Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act in 1976; Allowance is made for “Fair Use” for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statue that might otherwise be infringing. All rights and credit go directly to its rightful owners. No copyright infringement intended.

Notice: Content on this page (including reviews, business, theology, and technology commentary) is provided for informational and opinion purposes only and does not constitute professional, legal, financial, medical, or pastoral advice. Reviews may include quotations or summaries under fair use. All views expressed are those of the author alone. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy, no warranties are provided. Use and rely on this content at your own risk. For important decisions, consult qualified professionals. For copyright takedown requests or corrections, please email ppothier@substack.com with the subject “Takedown/Correction” and include full details. Effective: 2026-05-08.

Systematic theology set (4 volumes) by Dr. Norman Leo Geisler.

This four volume set is a culmination of Norman Geisler's life work. It is organized in eight key sections: an introduction to theology, the Bible, God, creation, sin, salvation, church, and last things.

"Volume 1 covers the existence of God; truth's inevitability; divine revelation; and Scripture's origin and inspiration. Volume 2 addresses God's attributes and his working in history. Volume 3 examines sin; its defeat by Christ; and the assurance of heaven. Volume 4 studies church history and administration; and end-times theories."

Norman Geisler "was an American Christian systematic theologian, philosopher, and apologist. He was the co-founder of two non-denominational evangelical seminaries (Veritas International University and Southern Evangelical Seminary).

He held a Ph.D. in philosophy from Loyola University and made scholarly contributions to the subjects of classical Christian apologetics, systematic theology, the history of philosophy, philosophy of religion, Calvinism, Roman Catholicism, Biblical inerrancy, Bible difficulties, ethics, and more. He was the author, coauthor, or editor of over 90 books and hundreds of articles.

One of the primary architects of the Chicago Statement on Biblical Inerrancy, Geisler was well noted within the United States evangelical community for his stalwart defense of Biblical inerrancy."

Links:

1. Norman Geisler’s (1932-2019) official website:

   https://www.normangeisler.com

2. Internet Archive: Norman Geisler

Source: Wikipedia contributors. (2024, September 25). Norman Geisler. In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved January 30, 2025, from https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Norman_Geisler&oldid=1247780180

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Fair Use: Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act in 1976; Allowance is made for “Fair Use” for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statue that might otherwise be infringing. All rights and credit go directly to its rightful owners. No copyright infringement intended.

Notice: Content on this page (including reviews, business, theology, and technology commentary) is provided for informational and opinion purposes only and does not constitute professional, legal, financial, medical, or pastoral advice. Reviews may include quotations or summaries under fair use. All views expressed are those of the author alone. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy, no warranties are provided. Use and rely on this content at your own risk. For important decisions, consult qualified professionals. For copyright takedown requests or corrections, please email ppothier@substack.com with the subject “Takedown/Correction” and include full details. Effective: 2026-05-08.

AIS Link: https://www.springer.com/series/7573

IS2 Link: https://www.springer.com/series/6157

Reader Note: Both the Annals of Information Systems and the Integrated Series in Information Systems are two collections of books (i.e. serialized volumes) published by Springer. Readers can survey the titles and introductions of the books to see what the areas relating to information systems are while familiarizing themselves with the authors who are considered experts in those areas. Individual books (i.e. serialized volume) offer readers an opportunity to gain understanding with respect to the topic the specific book covers if they obtain and read it.

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Fair Use: Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act in 1976; Allowance is made for “Fair Use” for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statue that might otherwise be infringing. All rights and credit go directly to its rightful owners. No copyright infringement intended.

Notice: Content on this page (including reviews, business, theology, and technology commentary) is provided for informational and opinion purposes only and does not constitute professional, legal, financial, medical, or pastoral advice. Reviews may include quotations or summaries under fair use. All views expressed are those of the author alone. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy, no warranties are provided. Use and rely on this content at your own risk. For important decisions, consult qualified professionals. For copyright takedown requests or corrections, please email ppothier@substack.com with the subject “Takedown/Correction” and include full details. Effective: 2026-05-08.

A select bibliography by Dr. Rodney William Stark (1934-2022).

Rodney Stark obtained an MA in sociology from the University of California, Berkeley in 1965 and a PhD, also from Berkeley, in 1971. He was an American sociologist of religion who was a longtime professor of sociology and of comparative religion at the University of Washington. At the time of his death he was the Distinguished Professor of the Social Sciences at Baylor University, co-director of the university's Institute for Studies of Religion, and founding editor of the Interdisciplinary Journal of Research on Religion.

Stark had written over 30 books, including The Rise of Christianity (1996), and more than 140 scholarly articles on subjects as diverse as prejudice, crime, suicide, and city life in ancient Rome. He twice won the Distinguished Book Award from the Society for the Scientific Study of Religion, for The Future of Religion: Secularization, Revival, and Cult Formation (1985, with William Sims Bainbridge), and for The Churching of America 1776–1990 (1992, with Roger Finke)."

Links:

1. Baylor University's link "Celebrating Rodney Stark: Distinguished Professor of the Social Sciences": https://www.baylorisr.org/celebrating-rodney-stark-distinguished-professor-of-the-social-sciences/

2. Internet Archive: Rodney Stark

Reader’s note: It wasn’t just for Rodney Stark’s excellent, and often pioneering, insight that millions of readers all over the world loved him. He also parted ways with the systematic indoctrination of the political left in charge of academia at present who insist that everyone consistently adhere to (and recite) their dogma (or forgo support for publication, career advancement, academic tenure, etc.). Rodney Stark eschewed them, and managed to beat the odds, carving out his own place in academia with a focus on pursuing actual truth, whatever it is and wherever it may be found. This too was a reason that he was beloved by millions of readers all over the world.

Select bibliography:

Books-

Christian Beliefs and Anti-Semitism (1966), with Charles Y. Glock ISBN 978-0060323554

American Piety: The Nature of Religious Commitment (1968), with Charles Y. Glock ISBN 978-0520017566

The Future of Religion: Secularization, Revival, and Cult Formation (1985), with William Sims Bainbridge ISBN 978-0520048546

Sociology (1985) an introductory college sociology text that has been through ten editions as of 2007. 10th: (2006) ISBN 0495093440

A Theory of Religion (1987), with William Sims Bainbridge (OL 2375931M)

Religion, Deviance, and Social Control (1996), with William Sims Bainbridge

The Churching of America 1776–1992: Winners and Losers in Our Religious Economy (1992), with Roger Finke; 2nd edition under name The Churching of America 1776–2005: Winners and Losers in Our Religious Economy (2005)

The Rise of Christianity: A Sociologist Reconsiders History (1996) ISBN 978-0691027494 or How the Obscure, Marginal Jesus Movement Became the Dominant Religious Force in the Western World in a Few Centuries (1997) ISBN 978-0060677015

Acts of Faith: Explaining the Human Side of Religion (2000), with Roger Finke. University of California Press

One True God: Historical Consequences of Monotheism (2001),[16] ISBN 978-0691115009

For the Glory of God: How Monotheism Led to Reformations, Science, Witch-Hunts, and the End of Slavery. Description, reviews, & contents. (2003), ISBN 978-0691114361

Exploring the Religious Life (2004) ISBN 0801878446

The Victory of Reason: How Christianity Led to Freedom, Capitalism, and Western Success (2005), ISBN 0812972333

The Rise of Mormonism (2005), ISBN 023113634X

Cities of God: The Real Story of How Christianity Became an Urban Movement and Conquered Rome (2006)

Discovering God: A New Look at the Origins of the Great Religions or The Origins of the Great Religions and the Evolution of Belief (2007), ISBN 978-0061173899

God's Battalions: The Case for the Crusades (2009)[17] ISBN 978-0061582615

The Triumph of Christianity: How the Jesus Movement Became the World's Largest Religion (2011), ISBN 0062007688

America's Blessings: How Religion Benefits Everyone, Including Atheists (2012)

How the West Won: The Neglected Story of the Triumph of Modernity (2014), Intercollegiate Studies Institute, ISBN 1610170857

Religious Hostility: A Global Assessment of Hatred and Terror (2014), with Katie E. Corcoran

A Star in the East: The Rise of Christianity in China (2015), with Xiuhua Wang. ISBN 978-1599475172

The Triumph of Faith: Why The World Is More Religious Than Ever (2015) ISBN 1610171381

Bearing False Witness: Debunking Centuries of Anti-Catholic History (2016) ISBN 1599474999

Reformation Myths: Five Centuries of Misconceptions and (Some) Misfortunes (2017) ISBN 0281078270

Why God? Explaining Religious Phenomena (2018) ISBN 1599475537

Articles-

John Lofland and Rodney Stark. Becoming a World-Saver: A Theory of Conversion to a Deviant Perspective American Sociological Review of 1965. (an early and influential conversion theory based on field work among Unification Church members)

"A Taxonomy of Religious Experience" Archived 2014-03-14 at the Wayback Machine in The Journal for the Scientific Study of Religion, 1965

Rodney Stark and William Sims Bainbridge (1979) "Of Churches, Sects, and Cults: Preliminary Concepts for a Theory of Religious Movements" Archived 2017-02-23 at the Wayback Machine Journal for the Scientific Study of Religion 18, no 2: 117–133

Rodney Stark. "On Theory-Driven Methods." pp. 175–196 in The Craft of Religious Studies, edited by Jon R. Stone. New York: St. Martin's Press, 1998.

Stark, R., “Fact, Fable and Darwin” in One America, September 2004; Part 1 in and Part 2, as printed in Meridian Magazine, 2005.

Reader’s note: For those seeking an encyclopedia of world history, the Encyclopedia of World History, 7-Volume Set (2008) (ISBN-13: 978-0-8160-6386-4) authored by Marsha E. Ackermann, Michael Schroeder, Janice J. Terry, Jiu-Hwa Lo Upshur, and Mark F. Whitters might provide a starting point.

Source: Wikipedia contributors. (2024, December 3). Rodney Stark. In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved January 30, 2025, from https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Rodney_Stark&oldid=1261038268

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Fair Use: Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act in 1976; Allowance is made for “Fair Use” for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statue that might otherwise be infringing. All rights and credit go directly to its rightful owners. No copyright infringement intended.

Notice: Content on this page (including reviews, business, theology, and technology commentary) is provided for informational and opinion purposes only and does not constitute professional, legal, financial, medical, or pastoral advice. Reviews may include quotations or summaries under fair use. All views expressed are those of the author alone. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy, no warranties are provided. Use and rely on this content at your own risk. For important decisions, consult qualified professionals. For copyright takedown requests or corrections, please email ppothier@substack.com with the subject “Takedown/Correction” and include full details. Effective: 2026-05-08.

Dr. Walter Martin and friends, a select bibliography.

Link:

1. Dr. Walter Martin's posthumous website: https://waltermartin.com/whatsnew.html

Dr. Walter Ralston Martin (1928-1989) was the United State's most prolific counter-cult apologist during the late 1960s to late 1980s Christian revival period (i.e. Jesus movement). He dedicated his life to informing the general public as to what was within orthodoxy (i.e. biblical truth) and why, and what existed outside of orthodoxy (i.e. biblical truth) and why.

His college education consisted of four earned degrees including a Master of Arts in Philosophy from New York University and a Ph.D. from California Coast University. He also was ordained as a Baptist Christian minister and authored 12 books, a number of booklets, and many articles which were translated into different languages reaching millions around the world.

Dr. Walter Martin influenced a number of Christians to engage in counter-cult apologetics, many of whom became well-known in their own right. Examples include John Ankerberg, Hendrik "Hank" Hanegraaff, Kurt Van Gorden, Alan W. Gomes, Craig Hawkins, J. Isamu Yamamoto, Todd Ehrenborg, George Mather, Larry A. Nichols, Bob Passantino, Gretchen Passantino, E. Calvin Beisner, Robert M. Bowman Jr., Ron Rhodes, Andre Kole, Terry Holley, etc. along with various Christian organizations that formed to pursue counter-cult apologetics. Together, they published a large body of scholarly literature that continues to inform readers.

Reader’s note: An essayical introduction to orthodoxy, heresy, and doctrinal disputes within orthodoxy is available in my book Essays You Need to Read: On Christianity.

A sample of this literature follows:

Ankerberg, J., & Weldon, J. (1996-1999). In defense of the faith series (2 volumes). Harvest House.

Ankerberg, J., Weldon, J., & Burroughs, D. (2008-2009). The facts on series (8 books). Harvest House.

Gomes, A. W., Hawkins, C., Yamamoto, J. I., Ehrenborg, T., Mather, G., Nichols, L. A., Passantino, B., Passantino, G., Beisner, E. C., Bowman Jr., R. M., Rhodes, R., Kole, A., & Holley, T. (1994-2016). Zondervan guide to cults and religious movements (14 books). Zondervan.

Martin, W. (1957). Christian science. Bethany House.

Martin, W. (1981). Jehovah of the Watchtower. Bethany House.

Martin, W. (2008). The kingdom of the occult. Thomas Nelson.

Martin, W. (2019). The kingdom of the cults: the definitive work on the subject. Bethany House.

Martin, W., & Rische, J. M. (2020). The Kingdom of the cults handbook: quick reference guide to alternative belief systems. Bethany House.

Pivec, H., & Geivett, R. D. (2022). Counterfeit kingdom: the dangers of new revelation, new prophets, and new age practices in the Church. B & H Books.

Also, a good deal of Christian apologetics material exists related to this subject. Here are just a few examples:

Geisler, N. L., & Rhodes, R. (2005). Correcting the cults: expert responses to their scripture twisting. Baker Books.

Moreland, J. P., & Craig, W. L. (2017). Philosophical foundations for a Christian worldview. IVP Academic.

Samples, K. R. (2007). A world of difference: putting Christian truth-claims to the worldview test. Baker Books.

Samples, K. R. (2017). God among sages: why Jesus is not just another religious leader. Baker Books.

Reader’s note: Dr. Walter Martin founded the Christian Research Institute (CRI) in 1960 which specialized in general evangelical apologetics and counter-cult apologetics. However, there is some controversy today around whether or not the organization has maintained the high standard that Dr. Walter Martin set for the organization with respect to defending orthodoxal purity in at least one specific case.

For more information:

• See the open letter titled "A Response to the Christian Research Journal's Recent Defense of the 'Local Church' Movement" by Norman Geisler and Ron Rhodes.”

• See Got Questions article titled “Are the teachings of Witness Lee and the Local Church biblical?”

Source: Walter Martin’s Religious InfoNet. (2019). https://waltermartin.com

Source: Wikipedia contributors. (2025, January 24). Walter Ralston Martin. In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved January 28, 2025, from https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Walter_Ralston_Martin&oldid=1271462119

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Fair Use: Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act in 1976; Allowance is made for “Fair Use” for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statue that might otherwise be infringing. All rights and credit go directly to its rightful owners. No copyright infringement intended.

Notice: Content on this page (including reviews, business, theology, and technology commentary) is provided for informational and opinion purposes only and does not constitute professional, legal, financial, medical, or pastoral advice. Reviews may include quotations or summaries under fair use. All views expressed are those of the author alone. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy, no warranties are provided. Use and rely on this content at your own risk. For important decisions, consult qualified professionals. For copyright takedown requests or corrections, please email ppothier@substack.com with the subject “Takedown/Correction” and include full details. Effective: 2026-05-08.