Biography: religious and spiritual Books

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Book SynopsisThrough the years and the struggles, when life seemed more about hurt and loss than hope and mercy, God was positioning the Smiths for something extraordinary--the death and resurrection of their son.When Joyce Smith's fourteen-year-old son John fell through an icy Missouri lake one winter morning, she and her family had seemingly lost everything. At the hospital, John lay lifeless for more than sixty minutes. But Joyce was not ready to give up on her son. She mustered all her faith and strength into one force and cried out to God in a loud voice to save him.Miraculously, her son's heart immediately started beating again.In the coming days, John would defy every expert, every case history, and every scientific prediction. Sixteen days after falling through the ice and being clinically dead for an hour, he walked out of the hospital under his own power, completely healed.BREAKTHROUGH is about a profound truth: prayer really does work. God uses it to remind us that He is always with us, and when we combine it with unshakable faith, nothing is impossible.Previously published as The Impossible.

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Book SynopsisMeet Molly Bruno, the real-life prayer warrior who inspired the character "Miss Clara" in the film War Room. Learn from Molly how to pray boldly, with audacity, believing that nothing is impossible for God.THE AUDACIOUS MOLLY BRUNO, written by her daughter MARIE ARMENIA, is a holy and hilarious mentoring resource for women who desperately long for wisdom from a Godly mother-someone who is a living example of practical experience and steadfast faith. It is also a wakeup call for older women of faith, encouraging them to embrace the calling of Titus 2:3-5 to mentor younger women about what's truly important in life."When I think of my mother's prayers," author Marie writes, "I remember the prayer she prayed every morning without fail, 'Lord, please send someone my way today that I can tell about you.' Everyone (and I mean everyone) who met Molly Bruno fell in love with her. This includes the Kendrick Brothers, who wrote and directed the film War Room. During filming of the movie, they met Molly, calling her the modern-day Ms. Clara of War Room. She inspired them, just like she inspired everyone around her. When she prayed, she got answers.Molly lived a lifetime of believing she could boldly approach the very throne of God 'with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.' My mother didn't teach me how to pray any more than she taught me how to breathe. I saw her pray REAL prayers, using REAL words addressed to a REAL God. I learned by observing my mother's prayer life that the last thing on earth that should be edited is a prayer. Shameless audacity. Those words remind me of my mother's approach to prayer. She had no fear of God's displeasure or that He might scold her for asking for impossible things. She had no need to edit her heart to the One she loved. She knew He knew her heart. Having settled this between herself and God, she asked. And asked again. And got incredible answers time and time again."THE AUDACIOUS MOLLY BRUNO is about a woman who offered hope and joy and light to every single person she met.

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Book SynopsisAn anthology of Catherine's letters, prayers and 'The Dialogue' that reveals both her passion for the truth and her compassion for humanity. It is intended for those with an interest in prayer and spiritual life.

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Book SynopsisThe Life and Teachings of Hillel provides the most comprehensive treatment ever published of one of the greatest figures in Jewish tradition. Yitzhak Buxbaum weaves together the various stories about Hillel along with his teachings and sayings to develop this ground-breaking portrait, shedding new light on Hillel's illustrious career, fascinating life, and profound teachings. Hillel is one of the most important and popular of the talmudic sages, yet he is mostly known only in the context of two or three popular stories told about him. Such stories as teaching the "Golden Rule" of Torah "while standing on one foot," and his saying, "If I am not for myself, who will be for me, and if I am for myself alone, who am I," have eclipsed a more complete view of Hillel's influence and significance. In the rabbinic tradition, there is much debate between the teachings of the school of Hillel and that of his contemporary, Shammai. Hillel is often seen as the more tolerant, softer teacher, with his teachings representing what we consider "normative" Judaism. Often, the traditions passed down to modern times are a result of the rabbis' reconciliation of the two schools, so that Hillel's pure teachings have been lost. The Life and Teachings of Hillel separates out Hillel's teachings and looks at them independently of Shammai's. Studied on their own, it becomes evident that Hillel was actually much more radical and "hasidic" than is commonly thought. While he is known for representing the gentler, more loving side of Judaism, in this work his pious radicalism is also apparent. Readers will be charmed and fascinated by Hillel's fiery gentleness. The Life and Teachings of Hillel offers new information about a radiant religious figure, and it also recovers a side of Jewish tradition that has been lost to most people.Trade ReviewYitzhak Buxbaum's book is a comprehensive study of the quotations and comments found in rabbinic literature about Hillel, who is probably the best known of the ancient sages. In an era of growing religious extremism, Hillel's liberalism in interpreting the halacha could perhaps serve as a beacon to modern-day rabbis to follow in his pious and liberal footsteps.... * Journal Of The Royal Musical Association *Hillel, the oft-quoted sage who lived sometime between the second quarter of the last century B.C.E. and 10 C.E., is captured from all perspectives through his teachings. Some biographical details emerge, but the emphasis is on his gentle personality which suffused his teachings. It is this aspect which the author finds to be so attractive to contemporary Jews. Sample chapter titles are: Charity and Peace; Hillel and Herod; The Humble Man; Hillel's Teaching Style. The book ably demonstrates why Hillel's teachings were so influential and are still so popular. * Jewish Book World *The extraordinary nature of Hillel comes to life in the pages of this book. A long needed spiritual biography of one of the greatest talmudic teachers and religious figures is presented to us in a clear and inspiring fashion. -- Rabbi Michael Strassfeld, author of The Jewish Holidays and co-editor of The Jewish CatalogsThe Life and Teachings of Hillel is a treasure of information relating to all aspects of Jewish life. It is well researched and very well documented. The book brings to life an entire historical period with its giant leaders. It is amazing how much of Hillel's teachings are still applicable in modern times. Any adult Jewish book collection will benefit from the addition of this volume. It is a joy to read! * Journal Of Nietzsche Studies *Yitzhak Buxbaum's book is a comprehensive study of the quotations and comments found in rabbinic literature about Hillel, who is probably the best known of the ancient sages. In an era of growing religious extremism, Hillel's liberalism in interpreting the halacha could perhaps serve as a beacon to modern-day rabbis to follow in his pious and liberal footsteps. * Journal Of The Royal Musical Association *Table of ContentsPart 1 Ascent to Leadership Chapter 2 The Lost Teachings of Hillel Chapter 3 Historical Settings and Family Background Chapter 4 Shebna Chapter 5 Hillel on the Roof Chapter 6 His Great Torah Knowledge Chapter 7 Hillel becomes Nasi Chapter 8 The Nasi as Scholar Chapter 9 The Nasi as Judge Chapter 10 Hillel's View on Leadership Chapter 11 Yeas and Dates Chapter 12 Hillel the Pharisee Chapter 13 Hillel, Menahem, and Shammai Chapter 14 The Prosbul Chapter 15 Hillel and Herod: Religion and Politics Chapter 16 Hillel and Herod: Religion and Politics - Continued Part 17 Mission and Message Chapter 18 Disciples of Aaron Chapter 19 Loving Peace Chapter 20 Being "Mixed in" with Others Chapter 21 Charity and Peace Chapter 22 Loving People Chapter 23 Love and Judging Others Chapter 24 Under the Wings of Divine Presence Chapter 25 A Mission to All Men Chapter 26 Three Proselytes Chapter 27 Receive All Men Part 28 The Hasidic Personality Chapter 29 Hillel's Personality Chapter 30 Hillel the Hasid Chapter 31 A Hasid from Love Chapter 32 The Hasid and Hesed Chapter 33 A Different Way Chapter 34 His Heart Is Firm. Trusting in the Lord Chapter 35 Hasid and Parush Chapter 36 The Way of Hesed Chapter 37 The Humble Man Chapter 38 Hillel and the Once-Rich Poor Man Chapter 39 Gentle and Bearing Insult Chapter 40 Disciple of Ezra Chapter 41 Hillel's Teaching Style Chapter 42 Hillel and the Rich Part 43 Holy Spirit, Holy Legacy Chapter 44 A Good Name versus a Great Name Chapter 45 The Holy Spirit Chapter 46 The Rejoicing of the Water-drawing Chapter 47 Hillel's Death Chapter 48 If I am Not for Myself Chapter 49 In Favor of Shammai Chapter 50 A Unique Balance

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Book SynopsisAs a minister in the African Methodist Episcopal Church, an army chaplain, a college professor, and a prolific writer, Theophilus Gould Steward was one of America’s leading black intellectuals during the half-century following Emancipation. He was not only a theologian deeply committed to challenging his church’s outlook, he also epitomized postbellum efforts to create an African American civil society through religious, educational, and social institutions integral to citizenship.Steward actively constructed a theological discourse that challenged both black and white religious and secular institutions, yet his tenacious pursuit of high standards often led him into conflict with the very community he served. A. G. Miller takes a new look at this key figure in African American history to establish Steward’s place among the most influential thinkers and activists of the late nineteenth century. Augmenting what is already known about Steward’s life with a thoughtful combination of intellectual and social history, Miller presents Steward’s ideas within the context of the social, political, economic, and religious trends of his day.Miller examines Steward’s accomplishments and writings—including his unpublished manuscripts and his overlooked Victorian novel—to assess the ideas that he left to posterity and to consider how they shaped his times. The book devotes individual chapters to the key themes that dominated Steward’s life: African American education, reconciling theology with modern science, the intersection of rational theology and moral virtues, the contradictions of race, the role of women in African American civil society, and Steward’s views on the military and imperialism.With great insight and clarity, Miller discloses in a new and original way the rich life and thought of this extraordinary man. His study is both a groundbreaking analysis of Steward’s legacy and an important contribution to the history of American religious thought.

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Book SynopsisIn response to the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center, James Martin dropped everything to minister to those in need at Ground Zero. In this extraordinary journal, Jim recounts the days working with the firefighters, police officers, and rescue workers laboring in the ruins. Expecting to find only discouragement and despair, Father Martin instead encounters charity, hope, and above all, grace. Searching for God at Ground Zero leads readers into a world not only traumatized by the attacks of September 11, 2001, but also galvanized by an overwhelming love and solidarity. Father Martin introduces us to individuals of enormous courage and generosity - the firefighter working in the shadow of the grave of his "buddies," the police officer struggling to make sense of suffering, the sanitation worker asking questions about God and faith. In the process he speaks candidly about his own joys, fears, and struggles as he both ministers in the name of God and searches for God's presence alongside his brother Jesuits. This book is a profound meditation on faith in the presence of death, charity in the face of suffering, and God in the midst of humanity.Trade ReviewThis isn't just one more book about the September 11 tragedy. Here are stories of one human being descending into the hell of Ground Zero to offer his help - but with this difference: Jim Martin is like God's bloodhound, sniffing out grace, redemption, and consolation wherever he can find it. Up against such impenetrable darkness we long for a glimmer of light - and Jim's tiny lantern of faith gives us glints of that light. -- Sister Helen Prejean, C.S.JA vivid and inspiring account of how God's loving presence could be experienced amid the smoldering ruins of the Twin Towers. Father Martin's unusual combination of gifts as priest and journalist enables him to convey, in simple lapidary prose, both the grief of those who suffered and the selfless devotion of the rescue workers. -- Cardinal Avery Dulles S.J., Lawrence J. McGinley Professor of Religion and Society, Fordham University

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