Doug Erlandson
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Doug Erlandson is the author of 21 books, including How to Think Clearly: A Guide to Critical Thinking and How to Write Clearly: A Guide to Effective Communication. He has written the Jargon-Free Guide series, which includes Philosophy Basics: A Jargon-Free Guide for Beginners. Among his many theology books are Faith Reborn; Spiritual Anorexia: How Contemporary Worship is Starving the Church; Godly Contentment: Kingdom Living in an Age of Economic and Social Uncertainty.
Doug received his B.A. from Wheaton College (Ill.) and his doctorate in philosophy from Johns Hopkins University. He was an assistant professor of philosophy at the University of Nebraska, Lincoln from 1972-1980. He served as a pastor in the Reformed Church for 6 1/2 years and returned to teaching in 1994 at Southeast Community College in Lincoln. In 2013 he began writing full-time. He is a top 50 reviewer on Amazon. Doug and his wife have two adult children and are co-owners of Licorice International, which is located in the Historic Haymarket District in Lincoln, Nebraska. An avid Chicago Cubs fan, Doug has also written a memoir I Bleed Cubbie Blue: My Six Decades as a Cubs Fan. |
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What the Bible Says About the Sacraments
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The Sacramental Split
Learn why the subject of the sacraments has divided the church for more than 500 years. What the Bible Says About the Sacraments presents the disputes surrounding the nature and purpose of the sacraments. This disagreement over the sacraments not only separated Luther from Rome, but it also split the Protestant reformers into at least three separate camps. Five centuries later the controversy over the sacraments still rages and divides the various branches of Christianity. This book presents an overview of the controversy, sorts out the options, and on the basis of what the Bible teaches, examines the strengths and weaknesses of each position. Here's a preview of what's in the book
What the Bible Says About the Sacraments is designed to help believers grow in their understanding of the sacraments. Not only will pastors and worship leaders benefit from reading it, but so too will all Christians who want to gain a better appreciation of these acts of Christian worship. The book is written for a general audience, with comments of a more technical nature placed in endnotes. |
How to Write Clearly: A Guide to Effective Communication
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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.
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. |
Live Long, Live Well: A Guide to Positive Aging
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Join the Anti-Aging Revolution Now
A Five Point Strategy for Winning the War Against Aging In Live Long/Live Well, Dr. Doug Erlandson analyzes the implications of the anti-aging revolution for Boomers, Gen Exers and Millenials and presents practical strategies to insure a long and healthy life at any age. Here's a Preview of What's in the Book
You can implement this five-point plan for living successfully now. No matter where you are now with your finances, health, work and relationships, you can live fully. You can be the very best you. This book not only describes the steps you can take now, it encourages you to do it. You make the choices. This book gives you the roadmap. |
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The Theory of Knowledge: A Jargon-Free Guide to Epistemology
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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
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. |
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Righteous in Christ: Daily Meditations on the Heidelberg Catechism
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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
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. |
Ethics Basics: A Jargon-Free Guide For Beginners
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How to Think About Right and Wrong
Ethics Made Simple 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
This book is suitable for introductory classes in ethics and philosophy, home-schooled students and those who are interested in studying independently. |
What the Bible Says About the Future
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Are You Dreading the Future?
The Bible gives reason for hope and optimism. What the Bible Says About the Future is a carefully-reasoned, biblically-based discussion of the issues commonly known in theology as "eschatology." Writing in an engaging and easy-to-understand style, Dr. Doug Erlandson begins by contrasting the apparent optimism about the future found in the Bible to the discouragement widespread among Christians today. To see whether this optimism is justified, Erlandson looks at what the Bible sasy about the crucial issues. What the Bible Says About the Future Answers These Questions
After careful examination of the relevant Scriptures, What the Bible Says About the Future returns to the question, "Should we be optimistic?" Erlandson summarizes the biblical evidence for the progressive advance of Christ's Kingdom on this earth prior to his glorious return at the end of earth's history. He then presents and responds to various commonly-raised objections to postmillennialism (the view that Christ will return after the millennium). The final section of this chapter describes the comfort postmillennialism provides. |
What the Bible Says About Salvation and the Sovereignty of God
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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
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. |
Christian Doctrine: A Basic Introduction
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What Christians Believe
Essential Elements of Christian Doctrine In Christian Doctrine: A Basic Introduction, Dr. Doug Erlandson presents a clearly-written and jargon-free guide to the central doctrines of the Christian faith. Beginning with a section on the source of Christian doctrine, Erlandson argues that the revelation of Scripture must be the primary source of our understanding of the essential doctrines of Christianity. After a discussion on the nature of biblical inspiration, "Christian Doctrine" examines all the major areas of theology, explaining each in a straightforward, easy-to-understand manner. Erlandson makes note of those issues on which major traditions within Christianity disagree. Here's a Preview of What's in the Book
˃˃˃ Who Can Benefit from Reading this Book? Although "Christian Doctrine" is written on a level that a beginner can understand, it is thorough in its description of the Christian faith. Even a person with a significant amount of training in theology will be able to benefit from the information and insights it provides. |
I Bleed Cubbie Blue: My Six Decades as a Cubs Fan
Experience It for Yourself. 60 Years of Cubs Love.
A Meticulously Researched Memoir
You are about to enter the world of a lifelong Cubs fan.
Combining personal memories and reflections with meticulous research, native Chicagoan Doug Erlandson describes his affection for a team that has raised but ultimately crushed his hopes countless times, a team to which he remains intensely loyal after nearly sixty years of fandom.
Beginning with a description of the first game he attended in 1954 (a loss to the New York Giants), he weaves highlights from every season from the late-1950s through 2012 with detailed descriptions of significant games, front-office follies, trades, as well as the individual players who toiled in a Cubs’ uniform during this period.
I Bleed Cubbie Blue provides often humorous, sometimes tongue-in-cheek, but always accurate commentary on P.K. Wrigley’s college of coaches, the collapse in 1969, why Leo Durocher was a great manager (and why he was not), the lean years of the Seventies and early Eighties, the wonderfully giddy year of 1984, the improbable divisional championship of 1989, why Kerry Wood’s fifth Major League start was the greatest pitching performance ever, why Steve Bartman was not to blame for the Cubs’ loss in the 2003 playoffs, and much, much more.
Along the way I Bleed Cubbie Blue describes bizarre plays (such as Cal Neeman’s unlikely inside-the-park homerun when Bob Skinner forgot what inning it was), the tragic death of Ken Hubbs at age 22, the pitcher who claimed he pitched in a hypnotic trance, Jack Brickhouse’s call of an around-the-horn triple play (before it happened!), the unintentionally funny moments with Harry Caray in the broadcast booth, and the most memorable performances by guest conductors during the seventh-inning stretch.
A Meticulously Researched Memoir
You are about to enter the world of a lifelong Cubs fan.
Combining personal memories and reflections with meticulous research, native Chicagoan Doug Erlandson describes his affection for a team that has raised but ultimately crushed his hopes countless times, a team to which he remains intensely loyal after nearly sixty years of fandom.
Beginning with a description of the first game he attended in 1954 (a loss to the New York Giants), he weaves highlights from every season from the late-1950s through 2012 with detailed descriptions of significant games, front-office follies, trades, as well as the individual players who toiled in a Cubs’ uniform during this period.
I Bleed Cubbie Blue provides often humorous, sometimes tongue-in-cheek, but always accurate commentary on P.K. Wrigley’s college of coaches, the collapse in 1969, why Leo Durocher was a great manager (and why he was not), the lean years of the Seventies and early Eighties, the wonderfully giddy year of 1984, the improbable divisional championship of 1989, why Kerry Wood’s fifth Major League start was the greatest pitching performance ever, why Steve Bartman was not to blame for the Cubs’ loss in the 2003 playoffs, and much, much more.
Along the way I Bleed Cubbie Blue describes bizarre plays (such as Cal Neeman’s unlikely inside-the-park homerun when Bob Skinner forgot what inning it was), the tragic death of Ken Hubbs at age 22, the pitcher who claimed he pitched in a hypnotic trance, Jack Brickhouse’s call of an around-the-horn triple play (before it happened!), the unintentionally funny moments with Harry Caray in the broadcast booth, and the most memorable performances by guest conductors during the seventh-inning stretch.
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Bioethics Basics: A Jargon-Free Guide for Beginners
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Cutting Edge Issues in Bioethics
Straightforward Talk about Controversial Issues In Bioethics Basics: A Jargon-Free Guide for Beginners, Dr. Doug Erlandson provides an easy-to-understand introduction to the rapidly developing discipline of bioethics. Drawing on his years of teaching and research in bioethics, Erlandson takes readers step by step through the major issues in bioethics, as he describes and critiques the views of various bioethicists. Even those who have no background in science, medicine or philosophy will be able to understand his straightforward, nontechnical explanations. Here's a Preview of What's in the Book
Stem-cell research, paternalism and informed consent, and the right to experimental and unapproved treatments are also covered in this book. ˃˃˃ Suitable as a classroom text and for independent study Bioethics Basics is a good choice for introductory college-level classes as well as for those who want to study independently. Home-schooled students will also find this helpful as they explore challenging controversial issues. |
The Problem of Evil: A Biblical Perspective
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Why Does God Permit Evil?
A Fresh Approach to an Age-Old Problem In The Problem of Evil: A Biblical Perspective, Dr. Doug Erlandson takes a fresh approach to a question that has baffled philosophers and theologians for centuries: "If God is all-powerful, all-knowing, and all-good, why does he permit evil?" The attempt to provide an adequate answer to this question is known as "Theodicy." Drawing on his nearly forty years of teaching and writing on the problem of evil, Erlandson examines the traditional theodicies and shows why they are unable to solve the problem. He then argues that the only way we will understand why God permits evil is if we accept the answer that Scripture gives to the question. Here's a Preview of What's in the Book
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How to Think Clearly: A Guide to Critical Thinking
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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
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. |
Battle for Control: A Memoir of Anorexia, Exercise Bulimia, and Other Compulsions
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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?
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Philosophy of Religion Basics: A Jargon-Free Guide for Beginners
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Philosophy of Religion Made Simple
Clear Thinking About Complex Issues In Philosophy of Religion Basics: A Jargon-Free Guide for Beginners, Dr. Doug Erlandson provides an easy-to-understand introduction to the philosophy of religion. Its simple and non-technical style covers the major topics of philosophy of religion in a way that even a person with no familiarity with philosophy will understand. This book is the result of Dr. Erlandson's three decades of college and university teaching as a specialist in the philosophy of religion. Recognizing that many anthologies and single-author texts can be difficult to grasp, Erlandson has prepared an easy to understand discussion of the topics commonly covered in philosophy of religion. Here's a Preview of What's in the Book
Philosophy of Religion Basics is suitable as a text in an introductory philosophy of religion course or the philosophy of religion section of a general survey course. It is also ideal for independent study. |
The Making of a Christian Counterculture
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How to Create a Christian Counterculture
A Biblical Alternative to the Secular Culture In The Making of a Christian Counterculture, Dr. Doug Erlandson clearly articulates the principles that form the foundation for a Christian counterculture. Being a countercultural Christian does not mean simply opposing the dominant culture. Rather, it requires that we offer an alternative, a culture that is grounded in the Word of God and in a biblical worldview. Here's a Preview of What's in the Book
The Making of a Christian Counterculture is a visionary work. At the same time, by providing many concrete examples and suggestions, it provides a realistic, step-by-step description of how this vision can become a reality. |
Bearing Witness: Sharing the Gospel in a Post-Christian Age
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God Has Good News for THIS Generation!
How to Make the Gospel Make Sense Today In Bearing Witness: Sharing the Gospel in a Post-Christian Age, Dr. Doug Erlandson provides a practical guide to bringing the Good News to an increasingly secular culture. Noting that those with whom we have contact are less likely than ever to have any understanding of Christianity or share any of its presuppositions, Erlandson shows how we can find common ground and begin challenging the belief systems of those to whom we present the Gospel. Here's a Preview of What's in the Book
From the Preface: "The Gospel alone can transform those who are part of today's post-Christian culture, who, like the rest of us, have been created with hearts that find true peace and fulfillment only when they experience the fulness of the work of the Triune God in their lives. My hope is that what I have written in this book will help in bringing this transforming message to others in a way that is both credible and loving." |
For the Love of Licorice: Licorice Lovers Share Sweet Memories
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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. |
Godly Contentment: Kingdom Living in an Age of Economic and Social Uncertainty
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Surviving Economic and Social Turmoil in the 21st Century
Biblical Principles for Victorious Living In 1 Timothy 6:6, the Apostle Paul writes, "But godliness with contentment is great gain." What is godly contentment? How can we achieve it in a world that seems to be falling apart? In Godly Contentment: Kingdom Living in an Age of Economic and Social Uncertainty, Dr. Doug Erlandson provides biblically-based answers to these questions. The key to godly contentment is knowing that God has placed his people here as trusted stewards whose work is to establish his reign on earth. Here's a Preview of What's in the Book
"If we truly believe in the promise of eternal life in God's presence and that all the wealth, health, prestige and power in this world will in no way increase what we will have for all eternity . . . then we will be satisfied that God in His graciousness has promised to take care of whatever needs we have while we are still on earth." |
Philosophy Basics: A Jargon-Free Guide for Beginners
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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
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. |
Spiritual Anorexia: How Contemporary Worship Is Starving the Church
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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
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Faith Reborn: A Personal Apologetics
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What If God Is Real?
A Compelling Memoir by a Formerly Skeptical Scholar In Faith Reborn: A Personal Apologetics, Dr. Doug Erlandson tells why he became a "scientistic materialist" while an undergraduate at Wheaton College, one of the foremost evangelical colleges in the United States. He describes how, after twelve years of wandering through atheism and pantheism, he again became a Christian while teaching in the philosophy department of the University of Nebraska. Throughout the book, Dr. Erlandson weaves his account of the factors that led him to question his non-Christian worldview around a serious presentation of Christian apologetics. Here's a Preview of What's in the Book
Dr. Erlandson easily blends the story of his personal journeys with his broad and deep understanding of philosophy and theology. I found myself jotting down philosophical concepts that I wanted to research more and understand better. (Joanne Bryson) I love true stories. Telling a story--especially a true story or testimonial--is one of the best ways to communicate. This story of a man's recovery of faith is told from the heart. But it's more than a story. It's an explanation of some of the best reasons for the Christian faith. I recommend it for anyone who is struggling to believe. (Emwcee) |
