Biography: religious and spiritual Books

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Book SynopsisThe girl who would become George Eliot began her professional writing life with a poem bidding farewell to all books but the Bible. How did a young Christian poet become the great realist novelist whose commitment to religious freethinking made her so iconoclastic that she could not be buried in in Westminster Abbey? Memorialized there today by a stone lain in the Poets'' Corner in 1980, George Eliot wrote herself and her fellow Victorians through turbulent decades of moral and historical doubt in religious orthodoxy, alongside the unrelenting need to articulate a compelling modern faith in its place. Unafraid to confront the most difficult existential questions of her time, George Eliot wrote immensely popular novels that wrestled with problems whose hold has barely lessened in the last 150 years: the pervasiveness of human suffering and the injustice of its measures; the tension between fulfilling our ethical obligations to others and pursuing our own well-being; the impetus to act v

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Book SynopsisA major new biography of Huldrych Zwingli—the warrior preacher who shaped the early ReformationTrade Review“Uncovers and examines the complexities of Zwingli’s life and legacy. . . . Gordon is sensitive to the challenges of explaining Zwingli’s sixteenth-century world to modern readers.”—Amy Nelson Burnett, Times Literary Supplement“Gordon’s engagingly readable new life aims to give the half-remembered Zwingli his due. It is appropriately empathetic, but never hagiographical. . . . Gordon succeeds wonderfully in locating Zwingli within a network of personal and theological relationships, and within the culture and values of the world he inhabited.”—Peter Marshall, Literary Review“Gordon . . . keeps an admirably balanced and encompassing perspective on the man who, when we consider the great figures of the Reformation, seems fated to remain in the second tier.”—Diarmaid MacCulloch, London Review of Books“Zwingli shaped the reformed tradition just as much as the better-known Calvin, and yet we know so much less about him. The first of the Reformers to marry, he famously died on the battlefield—as Luther gloated, a man of God slain by the sword. This powerful biography brings Zwingli to life. It sets him amongst his contemporaries, placing us alongside the dilemmas he faced. Gordon shows us a remarkable man and a Reformation driven by friendships, yet riven by hatreds.”—Lyndal Roper, author of Martin Luther: Renegade and Prophet“Gordon’s absorbing portrait of Huldrych Zwingli successfully removes the varnish of centuries to reveal the contrasting colours of the often-ignored Swiss Reformer. God’s Armed Prophet, he fought his opponents and found the arguments for religious changes whose radicality would indelibly mark the Protestant Reformation, with lessons for our own age.”—Mark Greengrass, author of Christendom Destroyed“This brilliant biography makes Zwingli come alive, and sets his life in the larger context of the Protestant Reformation with verve, highlighting his larger significance while never losing sight of the details that make him unique. A masterful blend of narrative and analysis, based on painstaking research, especially in Zwingli’s correspondence, this biography breaks new ground expanding and deepening our understanding of one of the most significant figures in early modern history.”—Carlos Eire, author of Reformations“Many of us have waited a long time for a new biography of Zwingli and this book by Bruce Gordon has made it well worth the wait. It is both a sensitive and informative telling of his life and work but it is more than that. It is full of details that enliven the story and bring out the humanity and commitments of the Swiss Reformer. His importance for the reformation can no longer play second fiddle to Calvin.”—Scott H. Hendrix, author of Martin Luther

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Book SynopsisJohn W. Tweeddale is Vice President of Academics and Professor of Theology at Reformation Bible College, USA.Crawford Gribben is Professor of Early Modern British History at Queen's University Belfast, UK.Trade ReviewAt a time when John Owen is receiving increased attention as a historical figure and as a Reformed theologian, this Handbook, bringing together essays on aspects of Owen's thought and life and on selected writings, is a welcome atlas guiding those interested in Owen's historical context or as a contemporary resource. -- Kenneth P. Minkema, Yale University, USAJohn Owen was one of the major English thinkers of the seventeenth century. This volume, which assembles a remarkable team of contributors, offers state-of-the art research written in an accessible style. It will be an indispensable and easily-navigated source for anyone interested in theological, social and intellectual history. -- Anne Dunan-Page, Aix-Marseille University, FranceTable of ContentsAbbreviations 1. Introduction, Crawford Gribben (Queen’s University Belfast) and John W. Tweeddale (Reformation Bible College, USA) Part 1: Owen’s contexts 2. Owen’s life, Michael A. G. Haykin (Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, USA) 3. Owen as a theologian, Ryan M. McGraw (Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary, USA) 4. Owen’s intellectual context, Richard A. Muller (Calvin Theological Seminary, USA) 5. Owen and politics, Crawford Gribben (Queen’s University Belfast) 6. Owen the preacher, Martyn C. Cowan (Union Theological College, Northern Ireland) 7. Owen and education, Eric Newton (BJU Seminary, USA) 8. Owen and the Church of England, Lee Gatiss (Union School of Theology, UK) 9. Owen the polemicist, Paul C.-H. Lim (Vanderbilt University, USA) 10. Owen and scientific reform, Katherine Calloway (Baylor University, USA) 11. Owen and philosophy, Paul Helm Part 2: Owen’s writings 12. A display of Arminianisme (1643), Christopher Cleveland (Veritas Academy, USA) 13. Salus electorum, Sanguis Jesu: or, The death of death in the death of Christ (1648), Timothy Robert Baylor (University of Wales Trinity Saint David, UK) 14. Of the mortification of sinne in believers (1656), Joel R. Beeke (Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary, USA) 15. Exercitations on the epistle to the Hebrews (1668), John W. Tweeddale (Reformation Bible College, USA) 16. A discourse concerning the Holy Spirit (1674), Andrew M. Leslie (Moore Theological College, Australia) 17. The nature of apostasie (1676), Tim Cooper (University of Otago, New Zealand) 18. The doctrine of justification by faith (1677), Whitney Gamble-Smith (The Master’s University, USA) 19. Meditations and discourses on the glory of Christ (1684), Suzanne McDonald (Western Theological Seminary, USA) Part 3: Owen today 20. Retrieving Owen, Kelly M. Kapic (Covenant College, USA) Bibliography Contributors Owen’s Works Index Author and Subject Index

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Book Synopsisbecause Christianity is one of the five great religions of the world, with followers in every country on the planet and a history stretching back two thousand years; The origins of a great religion which has filled so immense a place in the history of the world must surely be of interest to everyone.

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Book SynopsisFollowing Cardinal Basil Hume''s death on 17 June 1999, The Times concluded his obituary with a remarkable accolade: ''Few churchman in this century, inside or outside the Catholic Church, have died more deeply loved.''Basil Hume served as Cardinal Archbishop of Westminster for twenty-three years and his holiness and wisdom made him an extraordinary leader. In this enthralling biography, Anthony Howard, who has had unique access to Cardinal Hume''s private papers and the people who knew him best, traces his life, from his Newcastle upbringing through to his schooling at Ampleforth and his reign at Westminster, including his long and ultimately successful fight on behalf of the Maguire Seven and the Guildford Four.Trade Review'an excellent biography...it is a mark of Howard's achievement that, as a self-confessed "wistful agnostic", he is able to describe the intricacies of Hume's monastic, spiritual and episcopal life so well' * Sunday Times *'An eminent biographer ... Howard provides delightful details of Hume's human side' * Independent *

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Book SynopsisScholar, philosopher and political sage, Confucius lived at a turbulent time in his country''s history, the so-called ''Spring and Autumn Period'' of the sixth century BC, during which China was wracked by warfare between rival feudal states. Against this backdrop he developed a system of social and political behaviour that he hoped could be used to create harmony and peace throughout the land. The teachings of Confucius attracted a large number of pupils, but were largely ignored by the rulers of China''s various kingdoms. As a result, he did not see his philosophical teachings applied during his lifetime. After his death, however, his teachings were kept alive by his followers, and within a few centuries, his philosophy (as outlined in The Analects, which record the words and acts of Confucius and his disciples) was adopted by China''s rulers and became the foundation for Chinese government, education and social structure. Beyond its profound influence on the cultureTrade Review'A fine and accessible account of a man whose philosophy has informed Chinese moral and social thought for over two thousand years' Frances Wood. * Frances Wood *Table of ContentsAcknowledgements. Preface. Introduction: China's Great Sage. The Bitter Gourd That Is Not Eaten. China at the Time of Confucius. Early Life and Family. Early Career and Teachings. Return to Lu. Confucius' Followers. The Wandering Years. The Final Years. Conclusion: The Legacy of Confucius and His Teachings. Notes. Select Bibliography. Index.

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Book SynopsisExplores some of the themes and ideas in Steiner's work as they came about in the course of his life. The second of two volumes.Trade Review'This is the second part of Emil Bock's monumental biography of the great anthroposophist. More than a life history, this volume explores the development of Steiner's thought, from Theosophy to Anthroposophy and beyond … If you enjoyed Volume One, you will find much of interest here.'-- Inner Light Magazine'The most comprehensive account of the life of Rudolf Steniner'-- David Lorimer, Scientific and Medical Network Review Summer 2009'Emil Bock is able to communicate and make accesible his enthusiasm and understanding of anthroposhophy and Rudolf Steniers mission... The reader can certainly feel animated to explore further'-- Nicholas Wijnberg, Perspectives, Dec 2009 - Feb 2010'Volume II presents many of the very interesting and provocative ideas that were espoused by Rudolph Steiner. Also interesting are the author's insights and views on Steiner's life's work, destny and the role he played in shaping human consciousness.'--The Beacon, Jan-March 2010

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Book SynopsisA brilliant and inspiring biography of the most influential man in modern history, Martin Luther, in time for the 500th anniversary of the Reformation.

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Book SynopsisThe long-awaited and authoritative biography of Pope Benedict XVI, a giant of the Catholic Church. Benedict XVI: Volume One offers insight into the young life and rise through the Church''s ranks of a man who would become a hero and a lightning rod for Catholics the world over. Based on countless hours of interviews in Rome with Benedict himself, this much-anticipated two-volume biography is the definitive record of the life of Joseph Ratzinger and the legacy of Pope Benedict XVI.Volume I follows the early life of the future Pope, from his days growing up in Germany and his conscription into the Hitler Youth during World War II to his career as an academic theologian and eventual Archbishop of Munich. Volume II, to be published in 2021, will cover his move to Rome under Pope John Paul II, his ascension to the papacy, and his controversial retirement and news-making statements under his successor, Pope Francis I.This necessary companion to Benedict''s own memoir, Last Testament, is the fullest account to date of the life of a radical Catholic leader who has continued to make news while cloistered in retirement in the Vatican gardens.Trade ReviewStimulating ... Readers will enjoy the thorough investigation of Ratzinger’s intellectual development, * Publishers Weekly *Seewald artfully weaves together politics, church history, philosophy, and theology to show how these influenced and shaped the man who would become Pope Benedict XVI ... An engaging portrait that engrosses the reader in the subject. * Library Journal *This massively researched, well-written biography of Joseph Ratzinger, a.k.a. Pope Benedict XVI, runs to a thousand pages and tells the reader everything one could want to know about Benedict’s life and pontificate. * The Catholic Register *Table of ContentsList of Illustrations Foreword PART ONE: THE BOY 1. Easter Saturday 2. The Impediment 3. The Dreamland 4. 1933: ‘Holy Year’ 5. The ‘German Christians’ 6. With Burning Concern 7. The Calm before the Storm 8. The Seminary 9. War 10. Resistance 11. The End PART TWO: THE MASTER STUDENT 12. Zero Hour 13. The Scholars’ Mountain 14. Guilt and Atonement 15. Upheaval in Thinking 16. The Glass Bead Game 17. Augustine 18. Storm and Stress 19. The Key Reading 20. The Major Orders 21. The Curate 22. The Examination 23. The Abyss 24. The New Heathens and the Church PART THREE: THE COUNCIL 25. A Star is Born 26. The Network 27. Council 28. The Battle Begins 29. The Genoa Speech 30. The Spin Doctor 31. The World on the Brink 32. Seven Days That Changed the Catholic Church For Ever 33. German Wave 34. Power Sources 35. In the School of the Holy Spirit 36. The Legacy Notes Index

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Book SynopsisThis is the first biography to see William Robertson as both a man and a central Enlightenment figure. Drawing extensively on his unpublished correspondence, and foregrounding Robertson's religious outlook, Jeffrey R. Smitten gives us offers a more nuanced interpretation of his motives, intentions, and beliefs than ever before.

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Book SynopsisThis commemorative volume discusses aspects of the life and work of the internationally famous scholar Professor W. Montgomery Watt (19092006).

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Book SynopsisThis study follows the lives and ideas of the Yaz?c?o?lu brothers Mehmed Yaz?c?o?lu and Ahmed Bican, Sufis of the frontier city of Gelibolu and authors of the most popular religious writings in Ottoman Turkish.

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Book SynopsisKim Fields has lived most of her life with people thinking they know her, which is understandable. From her first job on a Mrs. Butterworth syrup commercial at age 7, she has spent 40 years in the public eye. There were 9 years as Dorothy Tootie Ramsey on the classic sitcom The Facts of Life, 5 more in her 20s starring as Regine Hunter on the seminal coming-of-age show Living Single, and most recently appearing as herself on Real Housewives of Atlanta and Dancing with the Stars. Behind the camera, she has directed episodes of Kenan & Kel, Tyler Perry''s Meet the Browns and House of Payne, and BET''s Let''s Stay Together. Between gigs, the pop culture icon''s life has included theater, spoken word, music, speaking engagements, and simply being present to the point that she cannot go a day without someone stopping her to say, When I was a kid, I wanted to be Tootie or You were my role model. Flattered and blessed,

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