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Paramahansa Yogananda, the founder of the Self-Realization Fellowship, died in 1952 at the age of 59. Before his death, he discussed the end of the world, one of the topics in a new book "A World in Transition: Finding Spiritual Security in Times of Change" (Self-Realization Fellowship, softcover, 255 pages, $14).

In his essay titled "The End of the World," Yogananda encourages readers to find peace in the midst of turbulent surroundings by making room in their hearts for God: "End the world for yourself now, by being with God. Don't desecrate the temple of your soul with restless desires and boisterous worldly pleasures. Stand immaculate in the light of your conscience, and in the light of love for God .... Remember, you are here on Earth for only a little while, but you are God's child for eternity."

Besides writings by Yogananda, the anthology also features contemporary discussions by longtime monastics of the Self- Realization Fellowship, among them Sri Daya Mata, Yogananda's foremost living disciple.

While it isn't easy to produce a book that pays careful attention to scholarly details and at the same time is easily readable, "The Story of Christianity: A Celebration of 2,000 Years of Faith" (DK Publishing, hardcover, 240 pages, $29.95) certainly fits the bill.

A beautifully illustrated and printed oversized book by the Rev. Michael Collins and Matthew A. Price, "The Story of Christianity" takes a look in words and pictures at the Old Testament roots of Christianity, examines the life of Christ, reviews the early church, then shows its progression in subsequent centuries. From the historical to the contemporary, the book doesn't miss a beat.

On page 201, it even includes a photo and accompanying caption on Stone's Folly, the Topeka mansion where the Rev. Charles Parham had his Bethel Bible College and where the modern-day Pentecostal movement began on Jan. 1, 1901.

The co-authors come from different faith perspectives: Collins is a Roman Catholic priest who served as a protocol adviser to Pope John Paul II and is a consultant to the Vatican committee for the Millennium; Price, an evangelical Christian, is president of Upland Publishing, a Tennessee-based publisher of Christian books, Bibles and music and a graduate of Wheaton College.

The authors remind readers that while this 2,000-year history has often been marred by selfishness, greed and acrimony, "the story of Christianity continues to be a dialogue between human beings, with all their strengths and imperfections, and a loving Savior."

Although it was released more than a year ago in 1998, Fred Hammond and Radical for Christ delivered a two-disc set titled "Pages of Life: Chapters I and II" on the Verity label that already seems destined to attain classic status. Each disc contains 72 minutes of contemporary black gospel sounds that distinguish Hammond as one of the true innovators and leaders in his field.

The "Chapter One" disc includes powerful tunes including "Let the Praise Begin" and "I Will Bless His Holy Name." The "Chapter Two" disc, recorded live at Detroit's Straight Gate Church, includes several in-concert versions of songs heard on the first disc, plus other highlights including "When the Spirit of the Lord" and "Glory to Glory to Glory."

It doesn't seem Clay Crosse has been around long enough to release a greatest hits album, but he has. The blue-eyed soul crooner has just released a collection of 13 of his best tunes, featuring "Saving the World," "His Love is Strong," "Time to Believe" and "Midnight Cry."

The first tune, "I Will Follow Christ," is perhaps the album's highlight, featuring Crosse and BeBe Winans and Bob Carlisle, each of whom could be counted among the elite of today's Christian male vocalists.

This week's No. 1 songs on the CCM Update: Adult Contemporary --- "I've Always Loved You," Third Day; Inspirational --- "Be Still and Know," Steven Curtis Chapman; Christian Hit Radio --- "Livin' Off Your Love," Big Tent Revival. Albums: Christian Retail --- "Underdog," Audio Adrenaline; General Market --- "Voice of An Angel," Charlotte Church.

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By PHIL ANDERSON

Copyright 1999
Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning Company. All rights Reserved.