Christianity Books

Book Synopsis#1 New York Times bestseller with more than 11 million copies sold! When 4-year-old Colton Burpo emerges from life-saving surgery with remarkable stories of his visit to heaven, his family doesn’t know what to believe. Heaven is For Real details what Colton saw and his family’s journey towards accepting their young son had visited the afterlife.“Do you remember the hospital, Colton?” Sonja said. “Yes, mommy, I remember,” he said. “That’s where the angels sang to me.”Colton told his parents he left his body during an emergency surgery–and proved that claim by describing exactly what his parents were doing in another part of the hospital during his operation. He talked of visiting heaven and described events that happened before he was born and how he spoke with family members he’d never met. Colton also astonished his parents with descriptions and obscure details about h

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Book SynopsisThe Eastern Christian tradition is filled with theological and spiritual riches. In Passions of the Soul, Rowan Williams opens up the great classics of Eastern Christian writing to show how it can help us to understand and cope with the ups and downs of modern life.With compelling and illuminating insight, he shows the cost of living in a culture that is theologically and philosophically undernourished, working with a diminished and trivialized picture of the human self. The Eastern tradition teaches us how to develop our self-knowledge and awareness, so that we can relate to the world without selfish illusions. Only then can we be ready for our eyes to be opened to God, and avoid destructive patterns of behaviour.Only in this way can we understand the kind of people we need to become.Table of ContentsForeword Introduction: A Tradition for Learning Freedom Part One 1 Mapping the Passions of the Soul 2 Pride, Listlessness and the Truth of Dependence 3 Anger, Gluttony and the Grace of Poverty 4 Avarice, Lust and the Risks of Mercy 5 Envy, Despair and the Light of Hope Part Two 6 To Stand Where Christ Stands 7 Early Christian Writing Author’s Note Notes Index of Names

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Book SynopsisFind hope amid anxiety through the spiritual practice of breath prayer in this beautifully illustrated and practical guide to connecting body, mind, and spirit during times of stress. Breath as Prayer will lead you through the practice and the proven health benefits of Christian breath prayer: intentional prayers centered around Scripture that focus our minds on Christ as we calm our bodies through breathing.  Breath as Prayer offers:  More than 80 breath prayers focused on Scripture, along with brief meditations   Gorgeous original full-color illustrations   A quick-start how-to guide to refer to as needed Guidance on how to implement a breath prayer practice  The science behind breath work and prayer and why it works An invitation to

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Book SynopsisWe live in an age of scepticism. Our society places such faith in empirical reason, historical progress, and heartfelt emotion that it''s easy to wonder: why should anyone believe in Christianity? What role can faith and religion play in our modern lives? In this thoughtful and inspiring book, pastor and New York Times bestselling author Timothy Keller invites sceptics to consider that Christianity is as relevant now as ever. As human beings, we cannot live without meaning, satisfaction, freedom, identity, justice and hope - and Christianity provides us with unsurpassed resources to meet all these needs. Written for both sceptic and believer, Making Sense of God shines a light on the profound value and importance of Christianity in our lives.

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Book SynopsisHow to Be a Christian brings together the best of Lewis’s insights on Christian practice and its expression in our daily lives. Cultivated from his many essays, articles, and letters, as well as his classic works.Trade Review‘He has quite a unique power for making theology an attractive, exciting and fascinating quest.’ Times Literary Supplement ‘I find I am constantly realising that I owe many of my most basic convictions about Christian faith to Lewis’s imagination’ Rowan Williams

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Book SynopsisJesus is the most vague, misrepresented figure in the history of the world. Is it possible to know and trust someone so ethereal and lofty? What is he really like? BEAUTIFUL OUTLAW offers a look into the humanity of Jesus, dismantling all the religious nonsense and helping us understand who this man really was - on a personal level. Focusing on his compelling personality, bestselling author John Eldredge shows us the real Jesus - playful, wild, and often scandalous.

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Book SynopsisIt is in the shelter of each other that the people live.Drawing on this Irish saying, poet, storyteller and theologian Pádraig Ó Tuama relates ideas of shelter and welcome to journeys of life, using poetry, story, biblical refelction and prose to open up gentle ways of living well in a troubled world. The fourth gospel tells of Jesus arriving in the room where the disciples are gathered, full of fear, on Easter Sunday. He does not chide or admonish; instead he says ''Peace be with you'', which, in the Aramaic of his day, was simply a greeting. To people locked in a room of fear he said ''Hello,'' welcoming them to a place of deep encounter: encounter with themselves, with their fear, with each other and with the incarnate one in their midst.Interweaving everyday stories with narrative theology, gospel reflections with mindfulness and Celtic spirituality with poetry, In the Shelter reveals the transformational power of weTrade ReviewReading this personal meditation about life now, we are reminded of Augustine's Confessions and Newman's Apologia: it comes from the heart, it recognises the hurts and the triumphs, and it encourages us to say 'hello' to new things. * Network Magazine *

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Book SynopsisIn easy to understand language, this text describes how anyone, of any age or background, may consecrate their heart to Jesus, through Mary, using the celebrated method of St Louis de Montfort. Progressing through four successive themes over 33 days, and by way of daily scripture, guidance from St Louis's writings, sayings from the saints, reflections, resolutions and prayer, we are led to personal conversion and consecration of our heart and will to those of Jesus through his mother Mary.

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Book SynopsisVery Short Introductions: Brilliant, Sharp, Inspiring The Second Vatican Council (1962-1965), or Vatican II, is arguably the most significant event in the life of the Catholic Church since the Reformation. The Council initiated, intentionally or not, profound changes not simply within Catholic theology, but in the religious, social, and moral lives of the world''s billion Catholics. It also reconfigured, intellectually and practically, the Church''s engagements with those outside of it - most obviously with regard to other religions.The sixteen documents formally issued by Vatican II constitute some of the most influential writings of the whole twentieth century. Debates over their correct interpretation and authority are constant, but they remain an indispensable point-of-reference for all areas of Catholic life, from liturgy and sacraments, to the Church''s vast network of charitable and educational endeavours the world over.In this Very Short Introduction, Shaun Blanchard and Stephen Bullivant present the backstory to this event. Vatican II is explored in light of the wider history of the Catholic Church and placed in the tumultuous context of the 1960s. It distils the research on Vatican II, employing the first-hand accounts of participants and observers, and the official proceedings of the Council to paint a rich picture of one of the most important events of the last century.ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.Trade ReviewThis will be the case especially for non-Catholic readers rightly interested in the most influential event in the history of the Church since Trent. * Matthew Walther, The Lamp *The present book has the advantage of brevity: the authors manage to cover an impressive number of issues in ample depth in a mere 139 pages. Recommended. Upper-division undergraduates through faculty; professionals * Choice *Table of ContentsIntroduction 1: Before the Council: roots of reform 2: The event of the Council: what happened at Vatican II? 3: Liturgy 4: Dei Verbum and divine revelation 5: Ecclesiology: the nature of the Church 6: Church and world 7: Conciliar 'hermeneutics': making sense of the debates over Vatican IIBibliographyFurther reading

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Book SynopsisPaul Avis is Honorary Professor in the School of Divinity, University of Edinburgh, UK, and Editor-in-Chief of Ecclesiology.

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Book SynopsisOver the last hundred years, the Eastern Orthodox Church has been rediscovering Her western heritage, spurred on by large migrations from traditionally Orthodox countries to regions divided from the Church since the Great Schism. One key to this ressourcement has been the compilation and addition into the church's menologion (liturgical calendar) of western saints of the first millennium. In the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia, this effort was spearheaded by a contemporary saint in his own right St John (Maximovitch) of Shanghai and San Francisco.The land of Helvetia, modern-day Switzerland, can herself boast of a great legacy of zealous followers of Christ. At St John's urging, ROCOR added ancient Helvetian saints like Columbanus, Gall, Fridolin, and Clotilde to its official calendar. Over time, the Church has added to this list with the aim of encouraging wider appreciation and veneration of local saints. Here, we present brief lives of these early saints as an aid for pilgrims, travelers, and all who wish to deepen their understanding of the Church as truly Universal.Also included are a liturgical Service to the Synaxis of the Saints of Switzerland and an akathist to these saints.

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Book SynopsisHow Might We Obtain Everlasting Life?Although Protestants ought to have a ready answer about faith in Jesus Christ, the reasons explaining that answer run much deeper and relate to our status as God's image bearers. Important historical issues inform how we understand the precise relationship of work and grace.Throughout much of the medieval period and into modern Roman Catholicism, many believed that because original righteousness was superadded to our nature, personal righteousness could be restored by grace after the fall, allowing us to merit everlasting life by our own works. By contrast, the Reformation tradition has held that sin has damaged our nature so thoroughly that we could never merit salvation and must receive everlasting life by grace alone. Righteous by Designis, on one hand, a thorough historical investigation of medieval and counterReformation theology,exploring sources that have seldomly if at all been treated in Reformed literature. At the same time, it is al

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Book SynopsisWhen you think of Christmas, what do you see? Glittering lights, decked-out trees, brightly wrapped gifts, a tightly packed schedule? Look closer. What do you hear? Ringing bells, familiar carols, Mariah Carey on an endless loop at the grocery store? Listen harder. In a season that is busy and bustling, there is a deeper, softer, quieter truth that we too often miss in the mayhem. God in our midst. God with us. The greatest gift. The only reason for the season. And the source of all our joy. If you've been feeling overwhelmed and exhausted by what Christmas has become, this beautiful Advent devotional will refresh your faith, reactivate your wonder, and restore your joy. With stories of simple Christmases past, inspiration from Scripture, and pearls of wisdom from beloved author Sheila Walsh, The Gifts of Christmas offers you grace, peace, hope, and a sense of expectation for what truly can be the most wonderful time of the year.

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Book SynopsisThe Apostle Paul commands his disciple Timothy to “be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity.” This exhortation encapsulates the Orthodox Church’s expectations from her clergy and forms the basis of her Pastoral Theology. The aim of the present work is to guide the contemporary Orthodox priest in his application of the Apostle’s words to his everyday life as a conduit of Divine Grace and shepherd of Christ’s flock. At the same time, its focus on the proper formation of the soul will benefit every Christian, whether ordained or not. Compiled from recent and historical sources reflecting the rich heritage of the Russian Orthodox Church.Table of ContentsForeword (Publishers) Preface [Address to Priests] Introduction Part I: The Instruction of the Parishioners Chapter 1: Instruction of the People by the Word Chapter 2: What the Priest ought to Teach and Whence Chapter 3: How the Priest Ought to Teach Chapter 4: On Instruction by Deed Part 2: Ministering the Sacraments Chapter 5: On the Sacraments in General Chapter 6: Some Important Aspects of Each Sacrament in Particular, Beginning with the Sacrament of Holy Baptism Chapter 7: The Sacrament of Chrismation Chapter 8: The Sacrament of Confession Chapter 9: The Sacrament of Holy Communion, and Some General Remarks Regarding the Serving of the Divine Liturgy Chapter 10: The Sacrament of Ordination Chapter 11: The Sacrament of Unction Part 3: On Prayer Chapter 12: On Prayer in General Chapter 13: How to Pray in Spirit and Truth Chapter 14: Prayer as the Special Duty of Priests Chapter 15: Some Thoughts on Church Style and its Effect on the Prayer of the Congregation Concluding Thoughts Index

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Book SynopsisBe challenged to become more Christlike from the inside out with this special 20th Anniversary edition of Renovation of the Heart, with contributions from John Mark Comer and Natasha Robinson.Trade ReviewThere are books which inform, educate, inspire, and amuse us. Then there are books which fundamentally reshape our lives. Renovation of the Heart is one of those books. Reading it in my twenties reshaped my life, the deep wells of wisdom that Dallas Willard left on every page lead me deeper into the pursuit of becoming more like Jesus. I cannot commend a book any more highly. -- Mark Sayers, Senior Leader of Red Church, Author of several books including Disappearing Church and Reappearing Church.

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Book Synopsis''[He] inspired a generation ... He changed the course of history'' Barack ObamaAs Martin Luther King, Jr. prepared for the Birmingham campaign in early 1963, he drafted the final sermons for Strength to Love, a volume of his best-known lectures. King had begun working on the sermons during a fortnight in jail in July 1962 and A Gift of Love includes these classic sermons, along with two new lectures. Drawing inspiration from both his Christian faith and the non-violent philosophy of Mahatma Gandhi, A Gift of Love illustrates King''s vision of love and peaceful action as social and political forces for change.Trade ReviewA champion for justice, the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., helped awaken our Nation's long-slumbering conscience and inspired a generation ... He changed the course of history -- Barack ObamaMartin Luther King's early words return to us today with enormous power, as profoundly true, as wise and inspiring, now as when he wrote them -- Howard Zinn

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Book SynopsisA large print New Testament that allows you to read and share God’s Word wherever you go. The KJV Large Print Outreach New Testament is a great edition to provide to first-time Bible readers looking to discover the good news of God’s Word. Ideal for evangelism, this New Testament includes a clear gospel presentation in the front, an easy-to-follow, double-column format, plus a clear and readable large print.Features include: New Testament in the timeless and trusted King James Version Gospel presentation clearly presents the grand narrative of the Bible pointing to Christ’s sacrifice on the cross for salvation Double-column format KJV sectional headings Clear and readable 11-point KJV Comfort Print

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Book SynopsisFrom a renowned National Book Award?winning scholar, an extraordinary new account of the life of Jesus that explores the mystery of how a poor young man inspired a religion that reshaped the world.Early in her career, Elaine Pagels changed our understanding of the origins of Christianity with her work in The Gnostic Gospels. Now, in the culmination of a decades-long career, she explores the biggest subject of all, Jesus. In Miracles and Wonder she sets out to discover how a poor young Jewish man inspired a religion that shaped the world.The book reads like a historical mystery, with each chapter addressing a fascinating question and answering it based on the gospels Jesus''s followers left behind. Why is Jesus said to have had a virgin birth? Why do we say he rose from the dead? Did his miracles really happen and what did they mean?The story Pagels tells is thrilling and tense. Not just does Jesus comes to life but his desperate, hunted followers do as well. We realize that some of the most compelling details of Jesus''s life are the explanations his disciples created to paper over inconvenient facts. So Jesus wasn''t illegitimate, his mother conceived by God; Jesus''s body wasn''t humiliatingly left to rot and tossed into a common grave?no, he rose from the dead and was seen whole by his followers; Jesus isn''t a failed messiah, his kingdom is a metaphor: he lives in us. These necessary fabrications were the very details and promises that electrified their listeners and helped his followers'' numbers grow.In Miracles and Wonder, Pagels does more than solve a historical mystery. She sheds light on Jesus''s enduring power to inspire and attract.

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Book SynopsisAn overview of the storyline and theology of the Bible. The authors work their way through the Bible as a drama with six acts - creation, sin, Israel, Jesus, mission and new creation. Their study provides an introduction to the Bible and a commentary on important passages, while helping the reader relate their story to the Bible story.Trade Review"I am delighted to see solid scholarship made easily accessible in this splendid fashion." · -- Tom Wright"Every once in a while a book comes along that immediately meets a real need. This is one of those books . . ." -- Canadian Evangelical ReviewBartholomew and Goheen have produced a clear and theologically sensitive account of the Bible that is perfect for college students or adult Bible study groups. * Christopher Seitz, Senior Research Professor Wycliffe College, University of Toronto *"The promising kernel of this book, however, offers a prospectus for New Testament theology that supporters will acclaim as ground-breaking, and dissenters should acknowledge as worth arguing over rather than merely dismissing." -- A. K. M. Adam * Journal Compilation; Blackwell Publishing Ltd *"Many Christians lack a grasp of the overall pattern of God's revelation in Scripture and so have little idea how the different books of the Bible fit into this 'big picture'. Bartholomew and Goheen's book will serve to remedy that defect. -- David McKay * The Covenanter Witness *

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Book SynopsisThe KJV Personal Size Large Print Reference Bible is as easy to read as it is to carry along with you. At the same time, it has a substantial set of resources to enhance your time reading and studying the Scriptures.

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Book SynopsisDiarmaid MacCulloch''s epic, acclaimed history A History of Christianity: The First Three Thousand Years follows the story of Christianity around the globe, from ancient Palestine to contemporary China. How did an obscure personality cult come to be the world''s biggest religion, with a third of humanity its followers? This book, now the most comprehensive and up to date single volume work in English, describes not only the main facts, ideas and personalities of Christian history, its organization and spirituality, but how it has changed politics, sex, and human society. Taking in wars, empires, reformers, apostles, sects, churches and crusaders, Diarmaid MacCulloch shows how Christianity has brought humanity to the most terrible acts of cruelty - and inspired its most sublime accomplishments. ''A stunning tour de force''  Simon Sebag Montefiore, Sunday Telegraph Books of the Year ''A landmark in its field, astonishing in its range, compulsively readable, full of insight ... It will have few, if any, rivals in the English language''   Rowan Williams, Archbishop of Canterbury, Guardian ''A prodigious, thrilling, masterclass of a history book''   John Cornwell, Financial Times ''Essential reading for those enthralled by Christianity and for those enraged by it''  Melvyn Bragg, Observer, Books of the Year ''Magnificent ... a sumptuous portrait, alive with detail and generous in judgement''  Richard Holloway, The Times Diarmaid MacCulloch is Professor of the History of the Church at Oxford University. His Thomas Cranmer won the Whitbread Biography Prize, the James Tait Black Prize and the Duff Cooper Prize. He is the author most recently of Reformation: Europe''s House Divided 1490 - 1700, which won the Wolfson Prize for History and the British Academy Prize.

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Book SynopsisA Psalter for Prayer is the first major English edition to include all the prayers needed to read the Psalter at home.

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a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.

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Book SynopsisSing But Keep On Walking moves between the islands of Mull and Iona and the hills of the West Bank and Jerusalem: places on the edge'. And, like in Palestine two thousand years ago, that's where God comes to us, in human form, as living Word, as light out of darkness. Some images recur like flocks of migrating birds or flowing water, like stories of people who work with their hands: sculptors, a carpenter, a baker. Real people, whose lives are celebrated. I'm writing amid political chaos and climate crisis,' says Jan, with no easy answers But we can speak truth to power, walk side by side, sing justice. We can live an alternative.'O God, you challenge us to pilgrimage,and you walk with us on those journeys we did not choose. Keep us singing: with joy, with courage, with hope. AmenJan Sutch Pickard is a storyteller and poet living on the Isle of Mull. She is a former Warden of Iona Abbey, and volunteered with the World Council of Churches' Ecumenical Accompaniment Programme, serving on different occasions in two West Bank villages.

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Book Synopsis Well known manual of doctrine for all those requiring an introduction to the Christian Faith.This edition contains the addition of scripture proofs in full & notes by Roderick Lawson. The Westminster shorter catechism has been an effective tool for teaching the Christian faith to young and old for over 300 years and is still used in Presbyterian and other reformed churches to this day.This is one of the most popular editions as it contains proof texts to aid a parent or teacher in their instruction.

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Book SynopsisThe self-published spiritual word-of-mouth bestseller.Anna, Grandmother of Jesus became a publishing sensation when the self-published version sold 50,000 copies through word of mouth alone, amassing a worldwide following in the process. Anna is the mother of the Virgin Mary and the grandmother of Jesus. Her teachings and service birthed a spiritual lineage that changed the world. In this book, you'll discover missing pieces of history concerning Anna, Mary and Jesus, as channelled by Claire Heartsong, who has been receiving telepathic messages from Anna for 30 years. Told through the gentle and heartwarming voice of Anna herself, this book offers insights into unknown places the holy family visited, people they knew and intimate details of their daily struggle to complete the Resurrection challenges. You will learn about the Essenes of Mount Carmel and their secret teachings and initiations, and gain a new understanding of Jesus's mission. Containing encoded activations to bring Anna's wisdom and energy into your own spiritual life, this book is an invitation to complete a journey of initiation begun long ago.

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Book SynopsisNumber-one New York Times bestselling author Lysa TerKeurst helps readers stop the dysfunction of unhealthy relationships by showing them biblical ways to set boundaries--and, when necessary, say goodbye--without losing the best of who they are.

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Book SynopsisIn The Power of a Praying® Woman Book of Prayers, Stormie shares with you her most-loved prayers for women in this collection ideally sized to keep in purse or pocket for quick conversations with God about your heart, life, and walk with Him.

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Book SynopsisTrade ReviewAn extraordinary book, a work of scholarship and history salted with the author's excitement as he conducts us among the great libraries of Western civilization. It is full of delights -- Tom StoppardThe intellectual expedition of a lifetime ... This is an endlessly fascinating and enjoyable book. -- Neil MacGregorA book of marvels -- John Banville * Financial Times *Entrancing ... De Hamel's learned adventures amid some of the West's greatest manuscript treasures effortlessly outclass Eco's The Name of the Rose in elegance and excitement. They are also much funnier. -- Diarmaid MacCullochReading is my life, but only about once a decade do I find a book that seems to tilt the world, so afterwards it appears different. -- Fiammetta Rocco * The Economist '1843' *De Hamel's book, scholarly but unfailingly readable, is the beginning of wisdom in all things scribal and scriptural - Ian Thomson, The Observer * Ian Thomson, The Observer *

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Book Synopsis"That prayer is most likely to pierce heaven which first pierces one's own heart." For the Puritans, prayer was neither casual nor dull. Their prayers were passionate affairs, from earnestly pleading for mercy to joyful praise. These rich expressions of deep Christian faith are a shining example of holy living. The Puritan combination of warm piety and careful intellect have fueled a renaissance of interest in their movement. This combination is on display in Piercing Heaven, a collection of carefully selected prayers from leading Puritans. The language in these prayers has been slightly updated for a modern audience while still retaining the elevated tone of the Puritans. With prayers from Richard Baxter, Thomas Brooks, John Owen, and many more, each prayer reminds us that heartfelt prayer is central to the Christian life.

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Book SynopsisThroughout history, some books have changed the world. They have transformed the way we see ourselves - and each other. They have inspired debate, dissent, war and revolution. They have enlightened, outraged, provoked and comforted. They have enriched lives - and destroyed them. Now Penguin brings you the works of the great thinkers, pioneers, radicals and visionaries whose ideas shook civilization, and helped make us who we are.One of the greatest explorations of sin, epiphany and redemption ever written, the Confessions of Saint Augustine continue to shape our ideas with their passionate declaration of the life-changing power of faith.

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Book SynopsisIn the second volume of the Catholic Commentary on Sacred Scripture (CCSS), George Montague offers a Catholic pastoral commentary on the letters to Timothy and Titus, presenting sound exegesis followed by reflection on the pastoral, theological, and practical applications of the text.The CCSS offers readable, informative commentaries from the best of contemporary Catholic scholarship to help readers rediscover the Word of God as a living word in which God himself is present. Each commentary relates Scripture to life, is faithfully Catholic, and is supplemented by features designed to help readers understand the Bible more deeply and use it more effectively in teaching, preaching, evangelization, and other forms of ministry. This series is perfect for professional and lay leaders engaged in parish ministry, lay Catholics interested in serious Bible study, and Catholic students.Trade Review"This new commentary series should meet a need that has long been pointed out: a guide to Scripture that will be both historically responsible and shaped by the mind of the Church's tradition. It promises to be a milestone in the recovery of a distinctively Catholic approach to exegesis."Aidan Nichols, OP, John Paul II Memorial Visiting Lecturer, University of Oxford; Fellow of Greyfriars, Oxford

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Trade Review"Fascinating. Plaut means so well and covers so much ground. After 207 pages, I am a Hanukkah maven. Ask me anything." -- Elinor Lipman * New York Times Book Review *"Christmas is our only national holiday founded on religious beliefs, and Plaut, a rabbi and Jewish studies scholar, describes the multitude of creative rituals, activities, and responses Jews have developed to counteract feelings of marginalization and 'transform Christmastime into a holiday season belonging to all Americans.' Plaut offers a quirky, provocative, yet solid study of contemporary Jewish behavior and emerging new forms of popular culture." * Publishers Weekly *"Hanukkah, a once-obscure Jewish festival that—conveniently falling in December—has been built up to become a response to the 'December dilemma', the puzzle posed for non-Christians by Christmas. The dilemma is no more, suggests Rabbi Plaut. December now features traditions that are both distinctively American and inventively Jewish. And one last Jewish Christmas custom—volunteering to work or help the needy so that Christian neighbours can enjoy the holiday—trumps the rest, distilling the essence of the season." * The Economist *"In this short, informative and illuminating book, Plaut traces not only the changing attitude of American Jews to Christmas but the holiday’s symbiotic influence on Hanukkah as well." * Ha'aretz *"This book is a clever look at the dilemmas presented to us at Christmas, whether in fact we are Jews or not. Many readers will be likely to enjoy it." * Library Journal *"A Kosher Christmas is a unique observation of American Jewry and the ambivalence Jews face as we simultaneously try to integrate ourselves into American culture, while helping to shape aspects of it at the same time." * Jewish Book World *"A Kosher Christmas is a richly amusing, well-researched present to American Jews, allowing them to wear their new cashmere sweaters to Chinese restaurants on Christmas day without being racked by religious guilt." -- Robert Brustein * playwright, theater critic, and recipient of the 2010 National Medal of Arts *"A Kosher Christmas—full of entertaining and intriguing anecdotes and tales of Jews reconciling their traditions and values with the pervasiveness of Christmas culture—is a fast-paced read that anyone who grew up around holiday celebrations of all stripes will enjoy." * Jerusalem Post Magazine *"Providing more than a Jewish cultural history, Plaut opens discussion on the way that the US Jewish response to Christmas, which he calls culturally unique, paved the way for the identity politics of other minorities to be expressed in the all-important December holiday season. Recommended." * Choice *"A Kosher Christmas is a welcome addition to the literature in what remains an understudied area of the American Jewish experience." * American Jewish Archives Journal *"Why We Kiss Under Mistletoe And Toast With Eggnog" by NPR's Thomas Lu, Justine Kenin and Sam Gringlas * NPR's "All Things Considered" *"Why Do Jewish People Eat Chinese Food On Christmas?" interview * NPR's "All Things Considered" *Table of ContentsForeword by Jonathan D. SarnaAcknowledgmentsIntroduction: Coping with Christmas: A Multitude of Jewish Responses1. Coming to the New World: Can the American Jew Keep Christmas?2. Hanaukkah Comes of Age: the New Jewish Christmas3. We Eat Chinese Food on Christmas4. " ' Twas the Night Before Hanukkah": Remaking Christmas through Parody and Popular Culture5. The Christmas Mitzvah: 'Tis the Season to be Giving6. Chrismukkah and Festivus: Holidays for the Rest of UsConclusion: Menorahs Next to Madonnas: shaping the Future of Christmas in AmericaNotesIndex

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Book SynopsisThe services and prayer texts of the Orthodox Church are ancient and inspirational, and this invaluable reference guides priests, deacons, servers, readers, and singers in the customs and practices of the church.

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Book SynopsisThis is a thoroughly practical manual of the spiritual life focusing on the central goal of every Christian: learning the will of God and struggling to mold our life to it.

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Book SynopsisConvenient, pocket size book with necessary texts for the celebration of the liturgy of St John Chrysostom by the priest and deacon.Table of ContentsThe Proskomedia The Divine Liturgy Prayers of Thanksgiving After Communion Festal and Daily Dismissals On the Nativity of Christ On the Circumcision On Theophany On the Meeting of the Lord On Transfiguration On Palm Sunday On the same Sunday in the evening On Great Thursday At Matins of Holy Friday (the Passion Gospels) On Holy and Great Friday On the Sunday of Pascha and during Bright Week On Ascension On Pentecost Sunday On the same Sunday in the evening On Sunday evening and Monday morning On Monday evening and Tuesday morning On Tuesday and Thursday evenings and Wednesday and Friday mornings On Wednesday evenings and Thursday mornings On Friday evenings and Saturday morning At the holy Liturgy through all the week… At Compline, Midnight Office and First Hour At Sundays except Midnight Office and Hours Various Petitions and Thanksgiving

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Book SynopsisThe service of Compline is the last liturgical hour of the day and seeks God''s forgiveness for our sins during the past day and blessing for the coming night. For most of the year, this service takes the form of Small Compline, an abbreviated and re-arranged form of the Great Compline served during Great Lent. Following the usage of Holy Trinity Monastery (Jordanville, NY), the order incorporates prayers before sleep from the Jordanville Prayer Book and a litany of saints chanted while venerating icons at the completion of the service. Suitable for use at home or in church.

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Book SynopsisThis third volume of St Ignatius's collected works examines the mystical boundaries governing the lives of Christians.

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