Biography: religious and spiritual Books

Book SynopsisIn this frank and damning exposé of the Teresa cult, Hitchens details the nature and limits of one woman's mission to help the world's poor. He probes the source of the heroic status bestowed upon an Albanian nun whose only declared wish was to serve God. He asks whether Mother Teresa's good works answered any higher purpose than the need of the world's privileged to see someone, somewhere, doing something for the Third World. He unmasks pseudo-miracles, questions Mother Teresa's fitness to adjudicate on matters of sex and reproduction, and reports on a version of saintly ubiquity which affords genial relations with dictators, corrupt tycoons and convicted frauds. Is Mother Teresa merely an essential salve to the conscience of the rich West, or an expert PR machine for the Catholic Church? In its caustic iconoclasm and unsparing wit, The Missionary Position showcases the devastating effect of Hitchens' writing at its polemical best.Trade ReviewA dirty job but someone had to do it. By the end of this elegantly written, brilliantly argued piece of polemic, it is not looking good for Mother Teresa. * Sunday Times *Hitchens argues his case with consummate style. * New York Times *Quite possibly the most brilliant journalist of his generation * Daily Mail *

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Book SynopsisThe runaway New York Times bestseller, revised and with a new introduction from the author.

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Book SynopsisAcclaimed worldwide as the definitive biography of the Prophet Muhammad in the English language, Martin Lings' Muhammad: His Life Based to the Earliest Sources is unlike any other. Based on Arabic sources of the eighth and ninth centuries, of which some important passages are translated here for the first time, it owes the freshness and directness of its approach to the words of men and women who heard Muhammad speak and witnessed the events of his life.Martin Lings has an unusual gift for narrative. He has adopted a style which is at once extremely readable and reflects both the simplicity and grandeur of the story. The result is a book which will be read with equal enjoyment by those already familiar with Muhammad's life and those coming to it for the first time.Muhammad: His Life Based to the Earliest Sources was given an award by the government of Pakistan, and selected as the best biography of the Prophet in English at the National Seerat Conference in

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Book SynopsisMeet Denver, raised under plantation-style slavery in Louisiana until he escaped---in the 1960s. Then, after another 18 homeless years, God moved, and a godly woman named Deborah prayed, listened, and obeyed. Mountains began to move, beginning with her husband, Ron, an international art dealer accustomed to the world of art-collecting millionaires.

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Book SynopsisMenocchio's 500-year-old challenge to authority remains evocative and vital today.Trade ReviewA wonderful book... Ginzburg is a historian with an insatiable curiosity, who pursues even the faintest of clues with all the zest of a born detective until every fragment of evidence can be fitted into place. The work of reconstruction is brilliant, the writing superbly readable, and by the end of the book the reader who has followed Dr. Ginzburg in his wanderings through the labyrinthine mind of the miller of the Friuli will take leave of this strange and quirky old man with genuine regret. -- J. H. Elliott New York Review of Books Ginzburg has excavated a marvelous and melancholy tale. Lay readers know that historical work of this order requires formidable skills and dogged research... Ginzburg's discovery of Menocchio is a dazzling entry into the historical world of popular culture. -- Lauro Martines Washington Post Why should we reread the story of Menocchio thirty-eight years after its publication? First, this new edition is a timely update. Ginzburg has penned a new preface and bibliographical information has been augmented. Second, because it is a work of rare scholarship that no student should forget, despite the fact that the context in which this book was crafted has significantly changed. -- Cristiano Zanetti Sixteenth Century JournalTable of ContentsPreface to the 2013 EditionTranslators' NotePreface to the English EditionPreface to the Italian EditionAcknowledgments1. Menocchio2. The town3. First interrogation4. "Possessed?"5. From Concordia to Portogruaro6. "To speak out against his superiors"7. An archaic society8. "They oppress the poor"9. "Lutherans" and Anabaptists10. A miller, a painter, a buffoon11. "My opinions came out of my head"12. The books13. Readers of the town14. Printed pages and "fantastic opinions"15. Blind alley?16. The temple of the virgins17. The funeral of the Madonna18. The father of Christ19. Judgment day20. Mandeville21. Pigmies and cannibals22. "God of nature"23. The three rings24. Written culture and oral culture25. Chaos26. Dialogue27. Mythical cheeses and real cheeses28. The monopoly over knowledge29. The words of the Fioretto30. The function of metaphors31. "Master," "steward," and "workers"32. An hypothesis33. Peasant religion34. The soul35. "I don't know"36. Two spirits, seven souls, four elements37. The flight of an idea38. Contradictions39. Paradise40. A new "way of life"41. "To kill priests"42. A "new world"43. End of the interrogations44. Letter to the judges45. Rhetorical figures46. First sentence47. Prison48. Return to the town49. Denunciations50. Nocturnal dialogue with the Jew51. Second trial52. "Fantasies"53. "Vanities and dreams"54. "Oh great, omnipotent, and holy God . . ."55. "If only I had died when I was fifteen"56. Second sentence57. Torture58. Scolio59. Pellegrino Baroni60. Two millers61. Dominant culture and subordinate culture62. Letters from RomeNotesIndex of Names

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Book SynopsisAt a time when society is more fractured than ever before, beloved Jesuit priest Gregory Boyle invites us to see the world through a new lens of connection and build the loving community that we long to live ina perfect message for readers of Anne Lamott, Mary Oliver, and Richard Rohr.Over the past thirty years, Gregory Boyle has transformed tens of thousands of lives through his work as the founder of Homeboy Industries, the largest gang-intervention program in the world. The program runs on two unwavering principles: 1) We are all unshakably good (no exceptions), and 2) we belong to each other (no exceptions). Boyle believes that these two ideas allow all of us to cultivate a new way of seeing. Rather than the tribalism that excludes and punishes, this new narrative proposes a village that cherishes. Pooka, a former gang member who now oversees the program's housing division, puts it plainly: ';Here, love is our lens. It is how we see things.' I

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Book SynopsisA doctor's account of her own experience of death, heaven and return to life with a new realization of her purpose on earth. Dr Mary Neal, an orthopaedic surgeon, was on a kayaking holiday in Chile. Sceptical of near death experiences, she was to have her life transformed when her kayak became wedged in rocks at the bottom of a waterfall and was underwater for so long that her heart stopped.To Heaven And Back is Mary's faith-enriching story of her spiritual journey, her first-hand experience of heaven and its continuing life-enhancing effects.

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Book SynopsisThe Road to Makkah describes the happiness and sense of reality brought to one man by the Muslim way of life. The author does not wish to preach or to convert. He speaks only of his own unique experiences upon the road he has travelled.

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Book SynopsisA marvellously macabre look at how some of the world’s favourite historical figures got even more interesting past their expiration dates with their corpses in part or in whole going on hilarious and horrifying adventures!Trade Review'A historically beguiling, stranger-than-fiction compendium' Elle'Deliciously morbid and delightfully macabre... required reading for those of us who intend, one day, to die' Ben Schott, author of Schott's Original Miscellany'If really, we're all sitting in the undertaker's waiting room, then Rest in Pieces is the perfect easy read, preparation for the moment when the nurse steps out of the shadows and quietly calls your name' Simon Winchester, bestselling author of Skulls and The Professor and the Madman'There is something here to dismay everyone' Times Literary Supplement'A tasty, sharp, wonderfully unusual book. I enjoyed it like a jar of perfect dill pickles: when the mood strikes, nothing else will satisfy' Mary Roach, author of Gulp and Stiff'The world is awash with legendary body parts, from Einstein's brain to Napoleon's most intimate organ, and this wildly entertaining account proves that the fate of the grisly relics tells us a huge amount about history - and ourselves' Tony Perrottet, author of Napoleon's Privates'Marvelously macabre... A fascinating foray into the way of all flesh' Kirkus Reviews

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Book SynopsisThe inspiring life of Jim Elliot, a missionary who was martyred in the jungles of Ecuador as he attempted to reach the Huaorani people with the gospel. Few books have had such a great impact as this life and testament of Jim Elliot written by his wife, Elisabeth. He was a man of passion and a man of prayer, an earthly man with a heavenly mind, whose story continues to inspire today. Shadow of the Almighty chronicles Jim's journey from childhood in Oregon and his college days at Wheaton to the mission field of Ecuador where he eventually gave his life, aged 28. Full of journal excerpts and personal letters, we are introduced to this great man, his struggles, his ambitions, his loves, his dreams and his all-consuming passion for Christ and his kingdom. Discover the extraordinary story of Jim Elliot and be challenged to give your life wholeheartedly to Christ. Content Benefits: Uncover the inspirational story of Jim Elliot, one of the great missionary heroes of the faith, and be challenged to trust your whole life to God, whatever the circumstances. Inspiring story of a man of faith who trusted God Demonstrates the upmost courage and devotion to Christ Riveting account of a missionary's life in Ecuador Part of the new Classic Authentic Lives Series An inspiring and fascinating look at one of the heroes of the faith Ideal reading for those who have read Through Gates of Splendour Perfect book to encourage someone in their faith Ideal reading for anyone who loves to see God at work in the world Great gift idea for any occasion Binding - Paperback Pages - 368 Publisher - Authentic Media

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Book SynopsisJoin pilot and author Phil Anderson of the 24-7 Prayer movement on an unforgettable aerial road trip, as a modern-day group of friends race to uncover the history of Zinzendorf and re-establish the Order of the Mustard Seed as a pattern for authentic, relational, missional discipleship in the twenty-first century.

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Book SynopsisHow did one man''s unshakable faith shape the future of thousands struggling to break free from the grip of addiction, poverty, and sin? Join Gary Wilkerson as he shares a never-before-seen look at the incredible life and legacy of his father, bestselling author and evangelist David Wilkerson. This book tells the story of David Wilkerson, a man who refused to give up on those on the streets even when they had given up on themselves, and who saw in the eyes of drug addicts and gang members what others failed to see--the unconditional love of Jesus Christ.But who was David Wilkerson? When Wilkerson moved to New York from rural Pennsylvania in 1958 to confront the gangs who ran the streets, he was a skinny, 120-pound man. After the initial publicity that brought him face to face with some of the most dangerous young men in the city, he largely flew under the radar of the media, using the Word of God and a bit of tough love to help men and women of the street escape the destructive spiral of drugs and violence. Wilkerson was always the real deal, full of passion and conviction, not interested in what others said was the right thing to do.An evangelist both in America and overseas, David authored books that inspired people to be serious about their relationship with Christ. His financial generosity reached around the globe, providing homes for the destitute and feeding programs for the hungry. When he founded the Times Square Church in 1987, his ministry impacted more lives than he ever dreamed possible.Throughout David Wilkerson, you''ll be inspired by: The life-changing power of faith What it means to trust God wholeheartedly The importance of following your true, God-given calling David was a man of faith who trusted God would give him what he needed to enter a cruel world; a man of conviction who took the dream God gave him and marched forward without ever looking back. As you come to know David''s story, you''ll learn to see the world the way he did--through the lens of eternity.

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Book SynopsisRabindranath R Maharaj was descended from a long line of Brahmin priests and trained as a Yogi. He meditated for many hours each day, but gradually disillusionment set in. In DEATH OF A GURU he describes vividly and honestly Hindu life and customs, tracing his difficult search for meaning and his struggle to choose between Hinduism and Christ.At a time when Eastern mysticism and religion fascinate many in the West, Maharaj offers fresh and important insights from the perspective of his own experience.DEATH OF A GURU has long been an excellent seller on HCB''s backlist. It is the best-known Hindu to Christianity conversion story and has been used widely for evangelistic purposes. This edition carries an exciting new cover.Trade ReviewMarket is open - the good source2 - 23 - 34 - 45 - 56 - 67 - 7

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Book SynopsisBest known today as a fine composer, the twelfth-century German abbess Hildegard of Bingen was also a religious leader and visionary, a poet, naturalist and writer of medical treatises. Despite her cloistered life she had strong, often controversial views on sex, love and marriage too - a woman astonishing in her own age, whose book of apocalyptic visions, Scivias, would alone have been enough to ensure her lasting fame.In this classic and highly praised biography - first published by Headline in 2001 - distinguished writer and journalist, Fiona Maddocks, draws on Hildegard''s prolific writings to paint a portrait of her extraordinary life against the turbulent medieval background of crusade and schism, scientific discovery and cultural revolution. The great intellectual gifts and forceful character that emerge make her as fascinating as any figure in the Middle Ages.More than 800 years after her death, Pope Benedict XVI has made Hildegard a Saint and a Doctor of the Church (one of only four women). Fiona Maddocks has provided a short new preface to cover these tributes to an extraordinary and exceptional woman.

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Book SynopsisThis beautiful gift book contains 365 gems narrated by the beloved of our beloved Prophet ﷺ . These narrations give a wonderful insight into the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad by his closest companion and partner. 

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Book SynopsisIn the 1980s, a young adventurer and collector for a government library, Abdel Kader Haidara, journeyed across the Sahara Desert and along the Niger River, tracking down and salvaging tens of thousands of ancient Islamic and secular manuscripts that were crumbling in the trunks of desert shepherds. His goal: to preserve this crucial part of the world’s patrimony in a gorgeous library. But then Al Qaeda showed up at the door.     Joshua Hammer writes about how Haidara, a mild-mannered archivist from the legendary city of Timbuktu, became one of the world’s greatest smugglers by saving the texts from sure destruction. With bravery and patience, Haidara organized a dangerous operation to sneak all 350,000 volumes out of the city to the safety of southern Mali. His heroic heist is a reminder that ordinary citizens often do the most to protect the beauty of their culture. His story is one of a man who, through extreme circumstances, discovered his higher calling and was changed forever by it.Trade Review**New York Times Book Review Editors' Choice** “This is, simply, a fantastic story, one that has been beautifully told by Josh Hammer, who knows and loves Mali like some farmers know their back forty. At a time of unprecedented cultural destruction taking place across the Muslim world, Abdel Kader Haidara, the savior of Timbuktu's ancient manuscripts and this book's main character, is a true hero. If you are feeling despair about the fate of the world, The Bad-Ass Librarians of Timbuktu is a must-read, and a welcome shot in the arm.” -- Jon Lee Anderson, author of The Fall of Baghdad“[The Bad-Ass Librarians of Timbuktu] has all the elements of a classic adventure novel [and] it is a story that couldn’t be more timely. . . . Suffice it to say that [the librarians] earn their “bad ass” sobriquet several times over. Riveting skullduggery, revealing history and current affairs combine in a compelling narrative with a rare happy ending.” * Seattle Times *“The Bad-Ass Librarians of Timbuktu . . . vividly captures the history and strangeness of [Timbuktu] in a fast-paced narrative that gets us behind today’s headlines of war and terror. This is part reportage and travelogue . . . part intellectual history, part geopolitical tract and part out-and-out thriller." * Washington Post *“I’ve long known that the versatile Joshua Hammer could drop into the midst of a war or political conflict anywhere in the world and make sense of it. But he has outdone himself this time, and found an extraordinary, moving story of a quiet—and successful—act of great bravery in the face of destructive fanaticism.” -- Adam Hochschild, author of King Leopold's Ghost and To End All Wars“Part history, part scholarly adventure story and part journalist survey of the volatile religious politics of the Maghreb region. . . . Hammer writes with verve and expertise.” * New York Times Book Review *"A picaresque and mysterious adventure that rushes across the strife-torn landscape of today’s Mali, The Bad-Ass Librarians tells the unlikely but very real story of a band of bookish heroes from Timbuktu and their desperate race—past dangerous checkpoints, through deserts, and often in the dead of night—to save a culture and a civilization from destruction. Josh Hammer has seen firsthand how ordinary people can respond with extraordinary heroism when faced with evil. He also gives us a dramatic example of what it means to stick with a story; he knows this one from the beginnings in the late 1300s up until the present day, with its extremism and acts of cultural repression and erasure. Hammer has an unerring sense of what matters and his storytelling is impassioned and fun at the same time." -- Amy Wilentz, author of Farewell, Fred Voodoo"Gripping [and] ultimately moving. . . . History depends on whose stories get told and which books survive; in Timbuktu, thanks to Haidara and his associates, inquiry, humanity, and courage live on in the libraries." * Boston Globe *"A completely engrossing adventure with a sharp--and prescient--political edge. Josh Hammer, a veteran correspondent of numerous conflict zones, tells a fascinating story about the quest to save Timbuktu’s priceless Islamic writings from the grasp of jihadists. This is an entertaining, and extremely timely, book about the value of art and history and the excesses of religious extremism." -- Janet Reitman, author of Inside Scientology“Hammer has pulled off the truly remarkable here—a book that is both important and a delight to read. The Bad-Ass Librarians of Timbuktu is the wonderfully gripping story of Abdel Kader Haidara and the hundreds of ordinary Malians who, at great personal danger, endeavored to save the ancient fabled manuscripts of Timbuktu from destruction by Islamic jihadists. It is also an inspirational reminder that, even as the forces of barbarism extend their thrall across so much of the Muslim world, there are still those willing to risk everything to preserve civilization. A superb rendering of a story that needs to be told.” -- Scott Anderson, author of Lawrence in Arabia“This book is a particularly adventurous and impressive example of the fact that, even with time, water, fire, mold, and termites, humanity remains the greatest threat to books and our literary, historical, and creative heritage.” * San Francisco Chronicle *"While the destructive acts of Islamic extremists worldwide capture headlines, countless stories of heroic resistance rarely receive attention. Award-winning journalist Hammer shines a light on one such episode of bravery and defiance. . . . Bad-Ass Librarians is a rousing salute to ordinary civilians who make a stand to preserve cultural heritage against all odds." * Discover Magazine *"Hammer tells the dramatic story of how, during the period of Islamist rule, a group of Timbuktu residents saved some 350,000 ancient manuscripts that had resided in the city since its medieval heyday as a great center of learning and scholarship. . . . In addition to weaving a great yarn, Hammer also provides a fascinating history of Timbuktu and its books and a well-informed account of the struggle against Islamist extremism in the Sahel." * Foreign Affairs Magazine *“There are nail-biting moments when everything hangs in the balance [and] one can almost imagine the movie version. . . . Excellent.” * Dallas Morning News *"Gripping. . . . The Bad-Ass Librarians of Timbuktu tells the tale of how a gutsy collector saved thousands of documents. . . . It was only because of Abdel Kader Haidara and a group of brave librarians that these manuscripts about poetry, music, sex, and science did not end lost in the desert or up in smoke." * Salon *“On one level, The Bad-Ass Librarians of Timbuktu is a thriller that revolves around one long chase scene, as librarian race through the deserts of Mali trying to salvage a trove of precious manuscripts from jihadists hell-bent on their destruction. The stakes in this chase are no less than civilization itself. On another level, Joshua Hammer’s book is about a struggle between Islamic ideologies—one jihadist, inflexible and violent, and the other open and intellectual. Joshua Hammer’s book could not be more relevant to today’s events.” -- Barbara Demick, author of Nothing To Envy: Ordinary Lives in North Korea“Hammer crafts a thoughtful history of the Middle East and Africa in a narrative that goes beyond the one- and two-dimensional views that are popular today [and] provides a geopolitical explainer that gives context to the development of radical Islam. . . . The book’s title isn’t overstated. Haidara, and those who aided him, truly are ‘bad-ass.’” * Fort Worth Star-Telegram *“The sources of Timbuktu’s vitality—the connections to travel and trade that once made it a meeting place for West Africans and a haven for writ­ing and learning—have been destroyed, and Hammer’s book, to its great credit, makes us see what a loss that is.” * New York Review of Books *"Hammer does a service to Haidara and the Islamic faith by providing the illuminating history of these manuscripts, managing to weave the complicated threads of this recent segment of history into a thrilling story." * Publishers Weekly *"[A] vivid, fast-paced narrative. . . . Hammer draws on many—often dangerous—visits to the city and interviews with major players to chronicle the efforts of Abdel Kader Haidara to save priceless literary and historical manuscripts. . . . A chilling portrait of a country under siege and one man's defiance." * Kirkus Reviews *“At once a history, caper and thriller.” * The Economist *“A jaunty gem of a book.... The greatest merit of The Bad-Ass Librarians of Timbuktu is that it convincingly repudiates extremist Islamism at the quotidian level, at which it does not pose a global threat: it is objectionable not just because it imperils Westerners, their friends and the existing political order, but also because it is socially and intellectually retrograde, and abusive of the people it purports to protect.” * Survival (International Institute for Strategic Studies) *“As precarious and fraught with obstacles as any Hollywood heist. . . . Both a moving story of quiet heroism and a fascinating glimpse into a country little-known in the U.S., The Bad-Ass Librarians of Timbuktu will appeal to historians, bibliophiles and those who love a good heist narrative.” * Shelf Awareness *“Illuminating reading.” * Booklist *“An engaging, well-plotted historical adventure that will appeal to history and book lovers.” * Pittsburgh Post-Gazette *"Engrossing. . . . To call this book a page-turner is to diminish it; the suspense that Hammer creates is vital, but it’s his shrewd reporting on cultural terrorism--and those who fought against it--that makes The Bad-Ass Librarians so important. No book lover should miss it." * Fine Books & Collections Magazine *“Hammer gives the badass librarians of Timbuktu—who outwitted al-Qaeda, saving ancient Arabic texts from being destroyed—their due.” * Vanity Fair *“An engrossing tale, complete with a dangerous smuggling operation.” * Bustle (Best Books of April) *“[A] powerful narrative. . . . Hammer’s clearly written and engaging chronicle of the achievements of Timbuktu, the risks presented to this area, and portraits of several brave and dedicated individuals brings to light an important and unfamiliar story.” * Library Journal *"Gripping." * Houston Chronicle *"Hammer exposed my ignorance. Without thinking about it, I had accepted the conventional wisdom . . . but The Bad-Ass Librarians of Timbuktu provides irrefutable evidence that culture and learning in Africa were far more advanced than in Europe by the 16th century when Timbuktu flourished as a center of learning." * Washington Independent Review of Books *"Journalist Josh Hammer deftly offers up a string of interconnected tales, ranging from ancient Islamic scholarship to in-fighting in US political circles to French military campaigns and the rise of radical extremists throughout Africa. . . . But always front and center is the fate of these manuscripts and how their very existence puts a lie to the hateful extremism fueling the terrorists who would destroy them. Librarians are always bad-ass but even the most hardcore would have to tip their hats to the brave ones depicted here." * BookFilter *

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Book SynopsisIn A War of Loves, David Bennett describes his unexpected journey from gay activism and a distrust of religion to becoming a follower of Jesus, a journey that included pivotal relationships, supernatural encounters with God, and ultimately a new reconciliation between his faith and his sexuality.Trade ReviewA refreshing and powerful book. This is one of the top books I will recommend to Christians who want to know how to better love their LGBTQI friends and also to seekers---whether gay or not---who are open to considering Jesus’ invitation. * Sean McDowell, professor, Biola University; speaker; author, Same-Sex Marriage *A timely, thoughtful, and often moving story which will be hugely helpful to a lot of people. David’s honesty and humanity shine through these pages, even as he handles difficult questions through the lens of his experience. This is a gift to the contemporary church. * Andrew Wilson, teaching pastor, King’s Church London *David Bennett’s book presents a particular lived Christian experience which deserves hearing. I am grateful to all who are contributing their learning, experience, study, and prayer to help us all to proclaim afresh the gospel of Jesus Christ. * Sentamu Eboracensis, Archbishop of York *David Bennett’s page-turning writing gripped me from beginning to end, and I feel sure that his perspective on what it means to give our sexuality to God is something that every Christian of our generation needs to consider. * Dr. Amy Orr-Ewing, director, Oxford Centre for Christian Apologetics *Here is a voice as countercultural as it is compelling, capable of engaging the whole Christian community, whether gay or straight, in a vital debate. I have no doubt that David Bennett’s story is going to become an essential part in a complex jigsaw for many. * Pete Greig, 24-7 Prayer International and Emmaus Rd, Guildford *I am particularly pleased to commend this book. It is an important contribution to the conversation. In a day when so often emotional story trumps thinking, David Bennett matches careful theological thinking with a truly compelling story. * Charlie Cleverly, rector, St. Aldates Oxford; member, General Synod of the Church of England *Many lesbian, gay, and bisexual people feel they cannot be true to both their sexuality and the Christian faith. David demonstrates that integrity and authenticity are possible for gay Christians, sharing beautiful insights about love, friendship, and following Jesus too. * Rev. Dr. Sean Doherty, Christian ethicist; author, The Only Way Is Ethics *One of the most significant books on one of the church’s most pressing subjects by one of today’s most inspiring young thought leaders. David Bennett is a prophetic witness, a truth teller, a tender pastor, and a faithful follower of Jesus. This generation needs to hear this man. * Rev. Simon Ponsonby, author; pastor of theology, St. Aldates Church, Oxford *Riveting, extraordinary---quite extraordinary! I really think I could give this book to any contact I have and they’ll be fascinated. I do wonder whether it will become a Christian classic of our time. * Rico Tice, All Souls Church London; author, Christianity Explored *This book is designed to make all of us think about our ultimate love and to work through how we should engage in a long debated area, whether inside of the church or outside of it. It is well worth the read. * Darrell L. Bock, Senior Research Professor of New Testament Studies, Dallas Theological Seminary *This is an incredibly raw and authentic book! David paints a beautiful and compelling picture of what it looks like to desire Christ above all else. His affections for Jesus make me excited to be a Christian. * Preston Sprinkle, president, Center for Faith, Sexuality, and Gender *This is the searingly honest story of one romanced by God against all expectations. Bennett’s example of giving his whole self, including his sexual self, to the Christ who died for him is an act of Christian witness for our time. * Rev. Dr. Michael P. Jensen, rector, St. Mark’s Darling Point, Sydney; author, Martyrdom and Identity *Table of ContentsPart One: The Search 1. Coming Out 2. Psychics and Boyfriends 3. The LGBTQI Activist 4. The Gay World and Oxford Street 5. University and a Love Triangle 6. Worlds Clashing: Christmas Conflicts Part Two: The Encounter 7. Pub Prayers 8. The Film Festival 9. Prophecies and Coincidences 10. Torn 11. Marriage and Boyfriends 12. The Root of Bitterness Part Three: Sense and Sexuality: Wrestling with God 13. Living Under the Word: Did God Really Say? 14. Law Vs. Grace 15. Facing Facts 16. Idolatry or Celibacy? Resurrection Power and the Body 17. Romance in France Part Four: The New Identity 18. Acceptance and Affirmation 19. The Love of God: Eros and Agape 20. Broken Worship: From Orphan to Son 21. A Unique Sacrifice, a New Identity 22. Now but Not Yet: Suffering and Glory Conclusions 23. Worship: The Trinity and Image of God 24. What Now for the Church? A New Way 25. Intimacy and Beloved Friendship 26. Mutual Understanding: The Church and the Gay Community 27. Gift and Sacrifice: Homosexuality, Salvation, and Holiness

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Book SynopsisThis is the intensely dramatic story of how God took a young, half-starved boy from a poor village in Henan Province and used him mightily to preach the gospel, despite horrific opposition. Brother Yun is one of China's house church leaders, a man who despite his relative youth has suffered prolonged torture and imprisonment for his faith. Instead of focusing on the many miracles or experiences of suffering, however, Yun prefers to emphasise the character and beauty of Jesus. This astonishing book will form a watershed in your spiritual life.Table of ContentsCONTENTSPreface 7Foreword 10Introduction 121. Humble Beginnings 152. A Hunger Fulfilled 233. “Go to the West and South” 334. God Blesses My Whole Family 425. The Path of Persecution 486. “The God of Peter is Your God” 597. God Wants All of My Heart 708. “Be Still and Know That I Am God” 789. Through the Valley of Death 9410. The Fiery Trial 10711. The End of the Fast 12212. God Gives Me a Son and Many Brothers 13213. A Precious Soul from the Lord 14114. Future Hope 15515. A Graveyard Covered With Thorns 16616. God Pours Out His Awesome Power 18317. Second Time in Prison 19618. A Painful Family Visit 20619. God’s Oil Station 21720. The Road to Unity 23221. Third Time in Prison – My Lowest Point 24122. A Miraculous Escape 25123. Leaving the Bamboo Curtain 26324. Back to Jerusalem 27825. Reflecting on Four Years in the West 29326. A New Kind of Persecution 30527. A Sudden Change of Plans 31428. A Seed in the Ground 32529. A Future as Bright as God’s Promises 342Index 349

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Book SynopsisHave you ever wondered why God uses ordinary people to accomplish His work and to spread the good news? Join bestselling author and Bible teacher John MacArthur as he takes a closer look at the everyday lives of the men and women that God trusted to carry His message and lead His people. 40 Lives in 40 Days is a brand-new devotional compilation of MacArthur''s extensive studies of the Bible characters who show us that we don''t have to be perfect to do God''s work. From the twelve disciples to the Samaritan woman, MacArthur shares that Jesus chose average people--fishermen, tax collectors, doubters, political zealots--and gave them a remarkable mission.These encouraging stories, based in Scripture, help shed light on these real men and women who endured struggle, pain, and heartache, just like us. They were perfectly ordinary sinners--living proof of God''s kindness--who went on to serve an extraordinary purpose in spreading the gospel.

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Book SynopsisTrade Review“An engrossing account of a leader who, by converting despair into strength, gave an exiled people both political purpose and the means to attain it.”—Benjamin Balint, Wall Street JournalWinner of the 2020 Canadian Jewish Literary Award in the history category, sponsored by the Israel and Golda Koschitzky Centre for Jewish Studies“Derek Penslar, the most original scholar on the history of Zionism today, has written a masterful book, which may indeed become the definitive Herzl biography of our age.”—Michael Brenner, author of A Short History of the Jews“Theodor Herzl was the indispensable catalyst of the Zionist movement that began before him, developed independently of him, and prevailed on its own decades after his death. Penslar’s book unlocks this paradox, and in richly providing the historical context of his leadership, magnifies its achievement.”—Ruth R. Wisse, author of Jews and Power “Derek Penslar has found in Theodor Herzl an amazingly complex character and tells his story with deep insight and great fairness. This biography is innovative, carefully balanced, and engrossing.”—Tom Segev, author of A State at Any Cost: The Life of David Ben-Gurion“In his pitch-perfect biography for a new century, accomplished historian Derek Penslar portrays the psychic traits that allowed Theodor Herzl to be elevated by the longings of a fledgling Zionist movement, which he in turn elevated into a political cause that has redefined Jewish and world history down to our present. An elegant masterpiece.”—Samuel Moyn, Yale University

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Book SynopsisThe incredible and inspiring story of Stephen Curry, the greatest shooter basketball has ever seen and a devout Christian who is not afraid of sharing his faith on the world stage. When it comes to Stephen Curry-point guard for the Golden State Warriors and reigning MVP of the NBA-journalists, fans, and sports analysts are running out of ways to say "wow." Deemed too small and too short at 6'3 and 180 pounds by NBA coaches around the league, Curry has taken the game back from the bigger men who usually dominate the court. With his incredible shooting ability that started a "three-point revolution" he led the Warriors to seventy-three wins in the 2015-2016 season, beating out Michael Jordan and the 1996 Chicago Bulls' long-time record. Marcus Thompson, a lifelong Warriors insider who has been reporting on the team for twelve seasons, explores this all-star player, his love for the game and his team, his close-knit and supportive family and his grounding in a strong Christian faith. Loved by everyone he works with in the NBA, Stephen's devout Christian faith and nice-guy attitude make him a different breed of superstar. He writes two scriptures on his game shoes every time he plays: Romans 8:28, his mother's favourite verse, and Philippians 4:13, his favourite, which reads "I can do all things". People assume Curry loves this verse because God allows him to accomplish success and that his faith is so strong that he can achieve the greatest heights, but the real point may be that through faith he can handle anything thrown his way. That includes success but it also includes failure. It includes fighting back from a career-threatening ankle injury and remaining humble despite the spoils of global fame.

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Book SynopsisShips of Mercy tells the riveting true story of Mercy Ships, the astonishing fleet of hospital ships that sail the globe, bringing dramatic change to the lives of hundreds of thousands of people in the most impoverished and disease-stricken corners of the world.Ships of Mercy is a page-turner of the highest quality, an inspiring testimony both to the essence of the human spirit and God''s amazing providence.It tells the story of a teenager''s extraordinary vision brought to reality in the form of a multi-million dollar life-saving mission. It also tells the story of a family of people from diverse backgrounds who have sacrificed their comfort and security in order to perform remarkable acts of grace and kindness.Trade ReviewThis memoir describes... a life well spent in the service of humanity * Irish Catholic *

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Book Synopsis'I rang the bell, the door opened, and there stood Rudolf Steiner in person. I was so taken aback that I dropped the basket which burst open and all my clothes and underclothes, together with my other belongings, were lying at the feet of the Doctor. A ball of wool got away and rolled between Dr Steiner's feet into the long corridor. Somewhat surprised, but amused, he said: "I have never been greeted in this way."' Anna Samweber (1884-1969), an active coworker in Berlin with Rudolf Steiner and Marie Steiner-von Sivers, presents a lively, homely, and often moving collection of anecdotes and recollections. Recorded by Jacob Streit during an intensive two-day session, this short work offers a warm, illuminating and intimate picture of Rudolf Steiner, the man and his work, during a critical phase in the development of anthroposophy.

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Book SynopsisA rich, provocative, and lyrical study of one of Germany’s most important, world-famous, and imaginative writerTrade Review“A portrait of the poet as a crusader for truth and beauty in a world where both were in short supply.”—Adam Kirsch, Wall Street Journal“Prochnik provides a jaunty narrative of Heine’s schooldays in Bonn and Göttingen, journalistic career in Berlin, and twenty-five-year exile in Paris, detailing his literary feuds, scraps with censors, and unwavering belief in political liberty.”—New Yorker“Prochnik gives ample space to Heine’s emotional life [and] Heine’s attitude to his Jewish heritage proves to be a rewarding topic. . . . It is impossible to read about Heine without thinking how wonderful it would have been to meet him.”—Jonathan Rée, Literary Review“It is a highly recommendable study . . . told beautifully by Prochnik, and the book is a fitting addition to Yale University Press’s Jewish Lives series.”—Andreas Hess, Society“George Prochnik draws the historical background of Heine’s life with care and powerfully evokes a Jewish life in 19th century Germany with all its complexities, frustrations, and contradictions. Prochnik’s scrupulous analysis of the artist’s prose and poems allows for a deep understanding of this brilliant and tormented man.”—Anka Muhlstein, author of The Pen and the Brush

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Book SynopsisTrade Review"For anyone still bewitched by World War II, these tormented, poetic letters and diaries make engrossing reading." — Los Angeles Times"A well-chosen selection of personal documents, this book illuminates the intellectual and emotional development of two students who were at the center of the idealistic but futile anti-Nazi conspiracy at Munich University in 1942-43. . . . Children of a family of pacifist sentiment and cosmopolitan intellectual interests, Hans and Sophie Scholl were affected in their opposition to Nazism by a variety of influences ranging from those of Nietzsche, Rilke, and Stefan George to Catholic philosophers such as Augustine, Aquinas, and their personal mentor and friend, Carl Muth. Especially striking is the Scholls' growing attraction to Christian mysticism. . . . Smooth translation; excellent explanatory notes and illustrations; fairly good index." — Choice"The Scholls’ writings glow with all the idealism, naiveté, and self-importance of youth. . . . In the context of their authors’ martyrdom, they constitute a compelling, heart-wrenching testament to courage and goodness in the face of evil." — Kirkus Reviews"The details of daily living, as noted in these letters and diaries of Hans and Sophie Scholl, take on heartrending significance in light of the tragic circumstances that eventually took the lives of the German brother and sister during World War II. . . . With unaffected sincerity, the letters not only express their growing distrust of Hitler's increasing strength, but also shed light on their individual personalities from Sophie's naiveté and schoolgirl enthusiasms to Hans' dedication and deliberateness. In addition, the book lends considerable insight into the moral underpinnings of political resistance in Nazi Germany." — Booklist"Representing six years’ worth of diaries and letters, these well-edited extracts suggest how, over time, both brother and sister subconsciously prepared for the brave work they eventually undertook. It is simultaneously uplifting and agonizing to witness their gradual moral/philosophical development and their speedy capture and execution." — Library Journal"This book conjures up an uncanny sense of the spiritual and physical world inhabited by young Germans during the war. It is both a major historical document and (I can think of no better way of putting it) a testimony to the human spirit." — Paul Robinson, Stanford University

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Book SynopsisTimothy Keller takes readers behind the scenes to meet the people and understand the events that formed Keller''s spiritual life and ministry priorities.Millions have read books and listened to sermons by Timothy Keller. But which people and what events shaped his own thinking and spiritual growth? With unfettered access to Keller''s personal notes and sermons--as well as exclusive interviews with family members and longtime friends--Collin Hansen gives you unprecedented understanding of one of the 21st century''s most influential church leaders.Spend any time around Timothy Keller and you''ll learn what he''s reading, what he''s learning, what he''s seeing. The story of Timothy Keller is the story of his spiritual and intellectual influences, from the woman who taught him how to read the Bible to the professor who taught him to preach Jesus from every text to the philosopher who taught him to see beneath society''s surface.For the firs

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Book SynopsisA fresh look at a complex pope with a simple agenda: radically reforming the Catholic Church. Jorge Mario Bergoglio is the consummate disruptor, disrupting archaic modes of church governance, disrupting our collective spiritual complacency in the face of new challenges to our human flourishing while at the same time remaining deeply faithful to the organic traditions of the church. He is the leader of the Roman Catholic Church, but beyond that he is a universal leader with commanding moral presence, able to connect with laypeople and with non-Christian faiths. Pope Francis is also a credible moral voice on issues of immigration, economic inequity, the devastating consequences of political populism, and the accelerating threats to the environment, in spite of the fact that he faces deep infrastructure and governance scandals in his organization. In his determination to reform the Vatican and ensure the Catholic faith evolves in a way that is relevant to the 21st century, Francis is

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Book SynopsisIn Jesus and John Wayne, a seventy-five-year history of American evangelicalism, Kristin Kobes Du Mez demolishes the myth that white evangelicals “held their noses” in voting for Donald Trump. Revealing the role of popular culture in evangelicalism, Du Mez shows how evangelicals have worked for decades to replace the Jesus of the Gospels with an idol of rugged masculinity and Christian nationalism in the mould of Ronald Reagan, Mel Gibson and above all, John Wayne. As Du Mez observes, the beliefs at the heart of white evangelicalism today preceded Trump and will outlast him.Trade Review"Kristin Kobes Du Mez takes on [the Religious Right’s] version of toxic masculinity in her book Jesus and John Wayne: How White Evangelicals Corrupted a Faith and Fractured a Nation… Du Mez writes from the inside. She was raised in the Christian Reformed Church, a splinter sect of the Dutch Reformed Church." -- Anne Nelson - Times Literary Supplement

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Book SynopsisRafael Merry del Val (1865-1930) was a cardinal of the Roman Catholic Church who had one of the most dazzling careers in ecclesiastical history: he was a secret supernumerary chamberlain at the age of 21, a secret participating chamberlain at the age of 26, an apostolic delegate to Canada at age 31, president of the Academy of Ecclesiastical Nobles and archbishop at age 34, secretary of state for Pius X (1903-1914) and cardinal at age 38, archpriest of St. Peter’s Basilica and prefect of the Fabric of St. Peter at age 48, secretary of the Congregation of the Holy Office at age 49. In 1953, his beatification process was introduced to the Congregation for Rites.In this study, Philippe Roy-Lysencourt presents the life of this personage, his curial charges, his relations with the popes he served (Leo XIII, Pius X, Benedict XV, and Pius XI), his apostolate, his unexpected death and the furor it caused.The book includes an inventory of sources for understanding Cardinal Merry del Val’s life, a list of his published writings, as well as a bibliography of the works written about him.

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Book SynopsisEarly one morning, for no earthly reason, Sara Miles, raised an atheist, wandered into a church, received communion, and found herself transformed-embracing a faith she’d once scorned. A lesbian left-wing journalist who’d covered revolutions around the world, Miles didn’t discover a religion that was about angels or good behavior or piety; her faith centered on real hunger, real food, and real bodies. Before long, she turned the bread she ate at communion into tons of groceries, piled on the church’s altar to be given away. Within a few years, she and the people she served had started nearly a dozen food pantries in the poorest parts of their city. Take This Bread is rich with real-life Dickensian characters-church ladies, millionaires, schizophrenics, bishops, and thieves-all blown into Miles’s life by the relentless force of her newfound calling. Here, in this achingly beautiful, passionate book, is the living communion of Christ.

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