Further religions and spiritual beliefs Books

Book SynopsisUFO Religions critically examines some of the fascinating issues surrounding UFO worship and gives a clear profile of modern UFO controversies and beliefs.Trade Review'This well-researched book cuts through the nuts and bolts pseudo-scientific posturings of UFO believers over the past fifty-odd years and clearly demonstrates that belief in UFOs is motivated and sustained by the religious impulse'.'A well-documented work, on a little-known subject.' - Bulletin BibliographiqueTable of ContentsContributors Acknowledgements Foreword INTRODUCTION 1. Understanding UFO Religions and Abduction Spiritualities PART ONE OBERSERVING RELIGIONS 2. Scientific Creationism: A Study of the Raelian Church 3. When the Archangel Died: From Revelation to Routinization of Charisma in Unarius 4. Opening a channel to the stars: the Origins and Development of the Aethrius Society 5. Legitimating Suicide: Heaven's Gate and New Age Ideology 6. The URANTIA Book 7. Ansaru Allah Community 8. From Extraterrestrials to Ultraterrestrials: the Evolution of the concept of Ashtar 9. UFO Faith and Ufological Discourses in Germany 10. The Finnish UFO Tradition, 1947-1994 PART TWO UNDERSTANDING NARRATIVES 11. UFO Religions as Cargo Cults 12. Alien Doubts: Reading Abduction Narratives Post-apocalyptically 13. UFO Beliefs as Syncretistic Components 14. Apocalyptic and Millenarian Aspects of American UFOism 15. Attitudes Toward Religion and Science in the UFO Movement in the United States 16. Jung on UFOs 17. The Psychology of UFO Phenomena

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Book SynopsisThis new text is a detailed study of an important process in modern Indian history. During the late nineteenth and early twentieth century, India experienced an intellectual renaissance, which owed as much to the influx of new ideas from the West as to traditional religious and cultural insights. Gosling examines the effects of the introduction of Western science into India, and the relationship between Indian traditions of thought and secular Western scientific doctrine. He charts the early development of science in India, its role in the secularization of Indian society, and the subsequent reassertion, adaptation and rejection of traditional modes of thought. The beliefs of key Indian scientists, including Jagadish Chandra Bose, P.C. Roy and S.N. Bose are explored and the book goes on to reflect upon how individual scientists could still accept particular religious beliefs such as reincarnation, cosmology, miracles and prayer. Science and the Indian TraditionTrade Review"... splendid new book. It is very exciting and contains much more than the exchange between Einstein and Tagore....It really is a very great achievement"- John Bowker, Emeritus Professor of Theology, University of Cambridge.'Be prepared for substantial chapters on a number of intertwined topics, but be prepared also to enjoy this most instructive account of a complex encounter between civilisations and thought-worlds. Somehow Gosling also manages to tell us where physics in general has got to, in a manner which seems rather understandable to the non-expert in that field.'- Marburg Review 'This is a book that is important both for the solid information it offers and for the way it discusses the issues involved with fairness and a rational mind. There is much that is pure science, much more that is philosophy and an understream of religiosity and mysticism' - G. Gispert-Sauch, Journal of Theological Reflection, July 2008'The book is indispensable for those who are interested to learn about the effects of Western Science on the Indian subcontinent and in the interactions between Western and Indo-Pak tradtitions of intellectual thought...A conversation between Rabindranath tagore and Alvert Einstein is also one of the merits of the book which, undoubtedly, makes it an essential and thoroughly entertaining read' - The Frontier Post, September 2008'Students and scholars can draw much inspiration from this storehouse of interdisciplinary data and ideas. It is a most useful volume for all library collections and specialised courses on science and religion.' - Ursula King, Institute for Advanced Studies, University of Bristol and School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London 2009Table of Contents1. Introduction 2. Science in India’s Intellectual Renaissance 3. Tradition Redefined 4. Worldviews in Encounter 5. Relativity and Beyond 6. Indian Science Comes of Age 7. An Investigation into the Beliefs of Indian Scientists 8. How Clear Reason’s Stream? 9. Looking to the Future. Appendix A: The Nature of Reality. Appendix B: Investigation Questionnaire

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Book SynopsisFrom the local to the global level, religion is â more than ever â an important and hotly debated part of modern life in the twenty-first century.From silver rings to ringtones and from clubs to headscarves, we often find the cultural role and discussion of religion in unexpected ways.Now in its second edition, Religion: The Basics remains the best introduction to religion and contemporary culture available. The new edition has been fully revised and updated, and includes new discussions of: the study of religion and culture in the twenty-first century texts, films and rituals cognitive approaches to religion globalization and multiculturalism spirituality in the West popular religion. With new case studies, linking cultural theory to real world religious experience and practice, and guides to further reading, Religion: The Basics is an essential buy for students wanting to get toTable of ContentsHow Power Operates in Religion. Gender Issues. The Role of Belief, Rituals, and Religious Texts. Religion in the Contemporary World. Is Religion the Same as Culture? How Does it Fit in With Modern Life? The Rise of Paganism

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Book Synopsis'A major publishing event, not only in Buddhist studies but also for those working in the area of interfaith encounter and theology of religions.' Japanese Journal of Religious StudiesIn todayâs globalized world, religious diversity has become one of the strongest challenges to the self-understanding of any major religious tradition, provoking two interdependent questions. How does it see itself in the light of others? And, how does it see others in the light of its own teachings? While the Abrahamic religions are often accused of a predominantly intolerant and exclusivistic attitude to the religious âotherâ, Eastern religionsâand Buddhism in particularâenjoy the reputation of being naturally tolerant, absorbing, and even pluralistic towards competing faiths. Some thinkers (from David Hume to Jan Assmann) understood religious intolerance as an inevitable property of monotheism, supposedly absent in the case of non-theistic or polytheistic religions. More recent research, however, has suggested that this impression, part of a whole cluster of Western clichÃs, is false. Buddhism isâand has beenâas much convinced of its own superiority as any other faith, and has also been involved in various inter-religious tensions and violent conflicts. The ways, however, in which Buddhists have thought about the religious âotherâ, and practically dealt with it, display peculiar features, which do indeed differ profoundly from what we find in the Abrahamic faiths. Yet today, Buddhism must address the question whether it can arrive at a genuine appreciation of religious diversity, and recognize other religions as different but nevertheless equally valid.This new four-volume collection from Routledgeâs acclaimed Critical Concepts in Religious Studies series enables users to make sense of this and other dizzying questions. It brings together the best thinking on Buddhismâs relationship with other faiths and provides a one-stop collection of classic and contemporary contributions to facilitate ready access to the most influential and important scholarship.Fully indexed and with a general and volume introductions, newly written by the editor, which carefully locate the collected materials in their historical and intellectual context, Buddhism and Religious Diversity is an essential work of reference. It is destined to be valued by specialists and scholars working in related areas as a vital research tool.

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Book SynopsisIntroducing World Religions offers an exciting new approach to the study of the world''s religions. Taking its inspiration from performance studies and using an innovative dramatic metaphor, it enables students to explore religious ideas and culture in terms of the players (key figures), the script (foundational texts) and performance (religious practices). The discussion of key players treats human and non-human figures on the world stage, including the principle (God, Dharma, Dao), imaginal figures (angels, baals, bodhisattvas), exceptional persons (founders, prophets, gurus), and historical persons (significant players in the drama of religions). The discussion of the foundational texts includes materials that balance or challenge mainstream texts with an alternative perspective. The section on performance explores non-verbal religious activities such as pilgrimage, icon painting, dance, divination, and meditation.Those concerned with introducing post-colonial disTrade Review'A very interesting approach that should resonate with many students on introductory courses in religion. Although the idea of basing the analysis of religions on performance is novel at this basic level, it is easy to grasp and will be attractive to students and those coming to religious studies as a discipline for the first time. The coverage is comprehensive and the emphasis throughout is on comparative consideration of linked and contrasting beliefs and rituals, and I anticipate that many in the profession will find this an exciting text to use on their courses.' - Oliver Leaman, University of Kentucky, USA'I have not put down this text book since I received it. The book is beautifully done. The chapters are well organized, and include a complete introductory picture of each religion, including religions that are traditionally left out of texts like Sikhism, Jainism, Zoroastrianism, Baha'i, and others. Including a well rounded picture of a religion is no small task! Yet this text does so. The chapters include historical perspective, key figures, historical figures, women, and mystics. They also include useful time lines, and some very interesting illustrations. I've noticed that illustrations go a long way in breaking up the monotony of print with students, and make a surprising difference in how a text is received. And all for under fifty dollars. Wonderful. Urubshurow clearly takes her material seriously, and presents it in a clear, concise, and wonderfully accessible manner.' – Bill Lester, Yuba College, USA'Many in the profession will find this an exciting text to use on their courses.' – Oliver Leaman, Zantker Professor of Judaic Studies, University of Kentucky'A sumptuous introduction to world religions. It is comprehensive and clear and makes the most recent scholarship accessible to an undergraduate. I look forward to using this as a textbook in my courses.'– Sushil Mittal, Associate Professor of Hinduism, and Director, Mahatma Gandhi Center for Global Nonviolence, James Madison University, USA'Clear and accessible, this book contains accurate and soundly presented information and useful illustrations.It organized in an engaging and refreshing style. I particularly like the author’s careful attention to mystics, some of them women.' – Terry Rey, Associate Professor of Religion, Temple University, USATable of ContentsPreface Religions in our world today A word about problematic terms Editorial formalities [dates - treatment of terms] Chapter enhancements Chapter 1 - Approaching religious traditions The insider-outsider challenge Two approaches to the study of religions [the "truth" question in the study of religions - the orientation of this book] A religionist primer [creating religious symbols - the power of Religious Impressions - hierophany and kratophany - the sui generis nature of religion] Reductionist warnings Three functions of religion in society [religions of the status quo - religions of resistance - religions of revolution] Roots of the modern study of religions Cultural imperialism and "world religions" The fallout from colonialism Subtle erasures The east-west diptych Defining religion Drama: a root metaphor for world religions Players in the drama of world religions [the ultimate principle - imaginal players - exceptional players - historical players] The religious texture of world religions [foundational texture - supportive texture - cross-over texture] Meaningful performance in world religions [three expressive aspects - seven expressive functions] Key points Study questions Glossary Key reading Chapter 2 - Expressive traditions of Oceania, America and Africa Timeline Lived time: ceremonial gardening Lived place: Aboriginal Dreaming Lived object: Maori tattoos Donation: Sioux Sun Dance Restoration: Navajo sandpainting Enactment: Mexican identity Symbolization: Candomble dance Transformation: Dagara initiation Accession: Fon divination Transmission: the Lion King Story Between old and new Key points Study questions Glossary Key reading Chapter 3 - Zoroastrian tradition Timeline Part 1: Zoroastrian players The ultimate principle [Ahura Mazda] Imaginal players [cosmic twins - the fravashis - Sayoshyant] Exceptional players [Zarathushtra Spitama - Zarathushtra's story based on the Gathas - Zarathushtra's sacred biography] Historical players [Cyrus the Great - the three magi - Kirdir - Iranis and Parsis - Parsi innovators] Part 2: Zoroastrian texture Foundational texture [the Avesta] Supportive texture [Bundahishn creation story] Cross-over texture [responses to the Abrahamic traditions] Part 3: Zoroastrian performance Living a sacred history [keeping the fire - initiation - funerals] Key points Study questions Glossary Key reading Chapter 4 - Judaic tradition Timeline Part 1: Judaic players The ultimate principle [Ha-Shem - YHVH] Imaginal players [angels- Prophet Elijah - sephiroth of the cabbala - the Canaanite baalim] Exceptional players [Abraham's lineage - early Israelite leaders - prophets and a prophetess] Historical players [temple builders - Jews of the Hellenistic era - rabbis - medieval Jews - Jewish mystics - Jewish thinkers of the European Enlightenment - Jews of modern times] Part 2: Judaic texture Foundational texture [The Tanakh] Supportive texture [The Talmuds - Midrash] Cross-over texture [a modern view of Havah - Yiddish tehinott] Part 3: performance Jewish ritual life [blessings - daily prayers - the Sabbath day - Pilgrim Festivals - Days of Awe] A living tradition Key points Study questions Glossary Key reading Chapter 5 - Christian tradition Timeline Part 1: Christian players The ultimate principle [God the Father] Imaginal players [Christ: transfigured and resurrected - the Holy Spirit - angels - saintly figures] Exceptional players [Mary - Jesus of Nazareth] Historical players [early followers of Jesus - Christian martyrs - Christian emperors - Christian religious specialists - critics of the Roman Catholic Church (1300-1600) - Martin Luther - John Calvin - proponents and prisoners of the Catholic Counter-reformation - more Protestant Christians - Pentecostalists - Christian existentialism - modern activists] Part 2: Christian texture Foundational texture [Old Testament - New Testament] Supportive texture [Confessions by Saint Augustine - ritual validations of the mystery of bread and wine] Cross-over texture [the Nag Hammadi texts - women's rights and the Woman's Bible] Part 3: Christian performance The history of icons [the iconoclastic controversy - Christian art: flat or round? - the first icons] Byzantine sacred art [icons as symbols - how to portray a hierophany - iconographic technique - degeneration of art] Key points Study questions Glossary Key reading Chapter 6 - Islamic tradition Timeline Part 1: Islamic players The ultimate principle [Allah, the one God] Imaginal players [Allah's angels - Khidr - Bedouin deities] Exceptional players [Al-Mahdi - Allah's prophets - Prophet Muhammad] Historical players [the Rightly Guided Caliphs - Umayyad caliphs - 'Abbasid and later caliphs - Muslim theologians - Muslim philosophers - Muslim mystics - Postcolonial activists - North American Muslims] Part 2: Islamic texture Foundational texture [Qur'an: The Recital - six articles of faith] Supportive texture [Hadith - Shari'a] Cross-over texture [Islam and women - women's shari'a] Part 3: performance Mecca: the holy city The Five Pillars of Islam [shahada - prayer - social welfare tax - fasting during Ramadan - hajj: pilgrimage to Mecca - Allah's will] Key points Study questions Glossary Key reading Chapter 7 - Baha'i tradition Timeline Part 1: Baha'i players The ultimate principle [God] Imaginal players [manifestations] Exceptional players [the Bab - Baha'u'llah - 'Abdu'l-Baha] Historical players [Qurratu'l-Ayn - Shoghi Effendi Rabbani - Ruhiyyih Khanum - Louis G. Gregory] Part 2: Baha'i texture Foundational texture [the Bayan - basic teachings] Supportive texture [authoritative works - inspirational works: world scriptures] Cross-over texture [healing through science and spirituality] Part 3: Baha'i performance Life according to the Baha'i Calendar Key points Study questions Glossary Key reading Chapter 8 - Jain tradition Timeline Part 1: Jain players The ultimate principle [the life force: jiva] Imaginal players [twenty-four tirthankaras - yaksas and yaksis] Exceptional players [Parsva - Vardhamana Mahavira] Historical players [the eleven ganadharas - Digambara and Svetambara Jains - a modern "renunciate"] Part 2: Jain texture Foundational texture [Vardhamana's divyadhvani - the Five Homage Mantra - Mahavira's last sermon] Supportive texture [the lost scriptures - a story on spiritual protection ] Cross-over texture [extraordinary perception: Jain psychology] Part 3: Jain performance The ritual of holy death: samlekhana [ritual requirements for the holy death - experience of samlekhana] Rituals of a holy life: pious action Key points Study questions Glossary Key reading Chapter 9 - Buddhist tradition Timeline Part 1: Buddhist players The ultimate principle [universal dharma and Buddha-dharma] Imaginal players [Buddha Amitabha - Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara - Bodhisattva Manjusri - Bodhisattva Tara - samsara's invisible beings] Exceptional players [supreme buddhas - arhats - bodhisattvas - Gautama Buddha] Historical players [Asoka Maurya - Bodhidharma - Hui-neng - Tantric adepts - Chinul - thirteenth century Japanese reformers - Tenzin Gyatso - Sulak Sivaraksa] Part 2: Buddhist texture Foundational texture [vinaya: Buddhist training for monks and nuns - Gautama's discourses: the poisoned arrow - abhidharma: karma and its fruits - the Four Noble Truths - Mahayana sutra literature] Supportive texture [Nikaya commentary] Cross-over texture [songs of the early Buddhist nuns - coping with starvation in a Thai village] Part 3: Buddhist performance Meditation [Nikaya Buddhist satipatthana meditation - Tibetan Buddhist lam-rim meditation - Zen koan meditation - Pure Land meditation] Key points Study questions Glossary Key reading Chapter 10 - Hindu tradition Timeline Part 1: Hindu players The ultimate principle [Brahman] Imaginal players [Vedic devas and devis - the Hindu trimurti - Visnu - Siva - Sakti] Exceptional players [rsis - priests - renunciates - bhaktas] Historical players [sutra writers of "sacred science" - three Vedanta commentators - the new Hindu saints - modern Hindu social activists - modern Hindu gurus] Part 2: Hindu texture Foundational texture [the Rgveda - the Upanishads] Supportive texture [the Bhagavadgita in the Mahabharata - the Ramayana - the Puranas - Patanjali's Yoga Sutras] Cross-over texture [poems of a Sakta bard] Part 3: performance Encountering the divine through "pilgrimage" [sacred land: Bharat Mata - sacred body: the inner landscape - sacred story: The Holy Lake of the Acts of Rama - sacred emotions: bhavas and the rasa of spiritual love] "Making perfect" this life Key points Study questions Glossary Key reading Chapter 11 - Sikh tradition Timeline Part 1: Sikh players The ultimate principle [Sat Nam] Imaginal players [Guru Granth Sahib] Exceptional players [Guru 1: Nanak - Guru 2: Angad - Guru 3: Amar Das - Guru 4: Ram Das - Guru 5: Arjan Dev - Guru 6: Hargobind - Guru 7: Har Rai - Guru 8: Har Krishan - Guru 9: Tegh Bahadur - Guru 10: Gobind Singh] Historical players [Gobind Singh's human successors - Ranjit Singh - respondents to British colonial rule - modern Sikhs - cross-cultural Sikhs] Part 2: Sikh texture Foundational texture [Guru Granth Sahib - Sikh teachings] Supportive texture [Dasam Granth - Sikh collections] Cross-over texture [voices of women in Guru Nanak's life] Part 3: Sikh performance Contemplating the Divine Name [remembering the Divine Name: Nam simaran - reciting sacred verses: gurbani - singing God's praises: kirtan - the sound of silence: anahat shabad] Key points Study questions Glossary Key reading Chapter 12 - Chinese traditions Timeline Part 1: Daoist and Confucian players The ultimate principle [the high powers - Dao] Imaginal players [culture heroes - sage kings - Daoist immortals - folk deities - Confucian ancestors] Exceptional players [emperors] Historical players [the 100 scholars - Lao-zi - Confucius - Mo-zi - Mencius - Zhuang-zi - Xun-zi - "Religious" Daoists - proponents of Dark Learning - Zhu Xi - Wang Yang-ming - Mao Ze-dong - contemporary Daoists] Part 2: The religious texture of Chinese traditions Foundational texture: Confucian tradition [the classics] Supportive texture: Confucian tradition [the Four Books] Foundational texture: Daoist tradition [Dao De Jing - Zhuang-zi] Supportive texture: Daoist tradition [Kuo Xiang's commentary on Zhuang-zi] Cross-over texture [Xun-zi's Art of War] Part 3: performance in Chinese traditions Divination in the Book of Changes [symbolism of the sixty-four hexagrams - levels of meaning in the Book of Changes - a sample coin toss] Key points Study questions Glossary Key reading Chapter 13 - Shinto tradition Timeline Part 1: Shinto players The ultimate principle [Mysterious - Nature - Life - Creative Energy] Imaginal players [nature kami - mythic kami] Exceptional players [emperors - charismatic humans] Historical players [Queen Pimiku - Crown-prince Shotoku Taishi - Lady Murasaki Shikibu - fifteen shoguns - the Imperial House of Japan - Mrs. Nakayama Miki] Part 2: Shinto texture Foundational texture [stories in the Kojiki and Nihongi - myth, history, and ritual] Supportive texture [modern Shinto theology] Cross-over texture [Japanese poetry] Part 3: Shinto performance Purity and communion in Shinto ritual [harai (purification through rites) - misogi (purification with water) - imi (avoidance of pollution) - keeping a kamidana (home altar) - visiting a Shinto shrine - participating in shrine festivals (matsuri)] Key points Study questions Glossary Key reading Chapter 14: The challenge of religion A challenge from your author [dealing creatively with discomfort - Gandhi's Asram Bhajanavali: counteracting exclusivity - the Jefferson Bible: seeking authenticity - the Woman's Bible: attacking prejudice] The Wheel of Faiths [discipline: orderly society - discipline: personal - balance: cultural attitudes towards gender and race - balance: personal states of mind - care: cultural preservation - care: personal sense of responsibility for nature] Parting words Glossary Bibliography Index

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Book SynopsisLooks at Mormon pageants, outdoor theatrical productions that celebrate church theology, reenact church history, and bring to life stories from the Book of Mormon. Megan Sanborn Jones examines four pageants in the US - the Hill Cumorah Pageant in New York, the Manti Pageant in Utah, the Nauvoo Pageant in Illinois, and the Mesa Easter Pageant.Trade ReviewContributes to a richer understanding of religious performance by exploring aspects of a faith that isn't known for being liturgical and whose other sacred ritual performances are closed to outsiders-analysis of present-day Mormon practice is a welcome addition to the scholarly literature . . . An important and highly readable book that will interest readers across several different fields."" - Tona Hangen, Worcester State University""Reveals the distinctive relationship between theology and theater in the Mormon church. Through compelling and astute analyses of several annual pageants, Jones demonstrates how elements such as space, acting style, and spectacle are deployed in order to strengthen the relationship between the living and the dead, both for actors and spectators . . . this book [will be] accessible to a broad audience and a significant contribution to scholarship on religion and theater."" - Jill Stevenson, Marymount Manhattan College

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Book SynopsisFeatures the South Indian devotional poems that show the dramatic use of erotic language to express a religious vision. Written by men during the fifteenth to eighteenth century, the poems adopt a female voice, the voice of a courtesan addressing her customer.Table of ContentsPreface Introduction The Songs ANNAMAYYA RUDRAKAVI KSETRAYYA SARAN GAP ANI Poem to Lord KONKANESVARA Notes to the Text Notes to the Songs Index of Refrains

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Book SynopsisMaking the Gods Speak presents a comprehensive accounting for the processes of divine revelations. Focusing the bulk of his analysis on spirit-writing, Vincent Goossaert offers a ritual-centered framework to study revelation in Chinese cultural history and comparatively with the revelatory practices of other religious traditions.Trade ReviewGoossaert offers a compelling narrative about how spirit-writing and revealed texts were significant forces shaping the religious life of late imperial China…Excellent. -- Natasha Heller * Material Religion *

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Book SynopsisThe first book to present a historical overview of the Mormon military experience. Sherman Fleek and Robert Freeman tell the unique story of how the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has experienced war and military service and their teachings concerning participation in armed conflict.Trade Review"We overuse the terms unique and overdue, but this study of the Mormon military experience is truly both. Fleek and Freeman bring to the fore a fascinating and intricate history of the often-troubling and always-complicated involvement of Mormonism with the force of arms, from the LDS Church literally operating its own army for many decades in the nineteenth century to becoming an ardent advocate and supporter of the armed forces of the United States in the twentieth. Their work ranges effectively from the stories of individual Mormons in uniform to analyses of the institution’s interface with military affairs, events, and issues."—Gene A. Sessions, coauthor of Camp Floyd and the Mormons: The Utah War"The Mormon Military Experience is a welcome addition to the growing literature on the relationship between religion, the military, and war in the United States. Sherman Fleek and Robert Freeman tell a story, supported by extensive archival research and engaging narrative, of a quintessentially American religious group and its interaction with a quintessentially national institution as it moves from exceptional in the late nineteenth century to mainstream in the twentieth. Historians of the American military, American religion, and of LDS history will all find tremendous value in this volume."—Jacqueline E. Whitt, author of Bringing God to Men: American Military Chaplains and the Vietnam WarTable of Contents Series Editor’s Preface Preface: The Genesis of an Idea Introduction Book One: Nineteenth-Century Conflicts and Mormon Exceptionalism 1. The Mormon Way of War: Teachings and Practice 2. A Civil Conflict in Missouri 3. The Nauvoo Legion: Forging a Mormon Army 4. Mormon Defiance: The Mormon Territorial Militia and the Utah War 6. The American Civil War: LDS Service and Postwar Frustration 7. The Saints and Indians at War 8. Wars with Spain and the Philippines, 1898-1902: The End of Mormon Exceptionalism Book Two: Twentieth-Century Conflicts and the End of Mormon Exceptionalism 9. American Expedition 1946 and Saints in Mexico 10. World War I: Mormons Enter the Mainstream Ranks 11. World War II: Saints in the Global War 12. Early Cold War Conflicts: The Rise of the International Church 13. Southeast Asia: Defending Democracy and Expanding the Church 14. LDS Opposition to MX Missile Basing Epilogue: The Cold War and Beyond Appendix: Medal of Honor Citations World War I World War II Korean War Vietnam Medal of Honor Recipients Global War on Terrorism Chronology: The Mormon Military Experience, 1820-1896 Notes Bibliography Index Illustrations follow page 18

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Book SynopsisDrawing on Dine stories from the LDS Native American Oral History Project, Farina King illuminates the mutual entanglement of Indigenous identity and religious affiliation, showing how their Dine identity made them outsiders to the LDS Church and, conversely, how belonging to the LDS community made them outsiders to their Native community.Trade Review"An insightful and fascinating study into the lived experiences of Dine Latter-day Saints. It is important as the fullest examination of that history yet published."—Times and Seasons "In this beautifully rendered autoethnography, Farina King reckons honestly with the injustices of settler colonialism but refuses to grant it a controlling role. Instead, she centers the voices of her own DinÉ family and other DinÉ dÓÓ GÁamalii, Navajo Mormons, showing how they have built lives faithful both to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and to DinÉ identity and peoplehood all at the same time."—Tisa Wenger, professor of divinity, American studies, and religious studies at Yale University, and author of We Have a Religion: The 1920s Pueblo Indian Dance Controversy and American Religious Freedom"This history illuminates the complexity of relating simultaneously to DinÉ and Latter-day Saint worlds. Richly textured by oral histories and the history of the author’s family, it attends closely to the diversity of views and practices among DinÉ Latter-day Saints."—Matthew W. Dougherty, author of Lost Tribes Found: Israelite Indians and Religious Nationalism in Early AmericaTable of Contents List of Images Foreword Acknowledgments Introduction 1. Diné dóó Gáamalii: Navajo Latter-day Saints 2. Gáamalii Bina’nitiní: Missionaries 3. Ólta’ Gáamalii: “Mormon School” 4. Sodizin Bá Hooghan: Church 5. Beyond Diné Bikéyah 6. Red Power at BYU 7. Diné dóó Gáamalii Perspectives Epilogue Appendix: Oral History Interviews and Oral History Sources Glossary Notes

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Book SynopsisHeinrich Harrer returns to Tibet - thirty years after the visit described in his bestselling SEVEN YEARS IN TIBET.SEVEN YEARS IN TIBET told of an idyllic life on the ''rooftop of the world'', before Harrer was forced to flee from the invading Chinese armies.Thirty years later, he returns to describe how the Chinese have attempted to destroy this ancient civilisation. Meeting old Tibetan acquaintances, including the Dalai Lama now living in exile in northern India, Harrer examines the current thaw in Peking''s relations with this isolated and mysterious country.In its vivid evocation of Tibet, past and present, Return to Tibet provides a fascinating insight into the durability of this profoundly spiritual culture.Trade ReviewHis vivid comparative reporting, the clear accounts of a number of important interviews and contemporary themes and his deeply felt sense of human tragedy give this book an importance for the general reader far greater than other tourist travelogues of the last few years - Times Literary Supplement

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Book SynopsisDeepak Sarma explores the philosophical foundations of Madhva Vedanta and then presents translations of actual debates between the Madhva and Advaita schools of Vedanta, thus positioning readers at the centre of the 700 year-old controversy between these two schools of Vedanta.Trade Review'The author was born into the tradition founded by Madhvacarya (1238-1317 CE), and his book is written both for students and for contemporary followers of Madhvacarya who do not have access to his writings in Sanskrit... Dvaita [Madhva] Vedanta is treated in reference works on Hindu philosophy, but until the present work there has been no comparable introductory volume to set beside the many such volumes on Advaita Vedanta.' Theological Book Review 'This outstanding book...' Acta ComparandaTable of ContentsContents: Preface; Madhvacarya and the Madhva tradition; Madhva epistemology; Madhva ontology; Madhva soteriology; Samvada, discussion and debate; Appendices; Bibliography; Index.

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Book SynopsisMonteiro.Trade ReviewAn essential, and provocative, starting point for study of its topic. -- Andrew F. Walls Theological Book Review 2008 A near classic... Bastide's study remains central to anyone interested in the topic. -- John A. Coleman Theological Studies 2008

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Book SynopsisThe official journal of the Brigham Young pioneer company is made available for the first time in this book. The arrival of Latter-day Saints in the Valley of the Great Salt Lake is one of the major events in the history of the LDS church and the West. Thomas Bullock, the author of this account, was the journal keeper of that party of pioneers.

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Book SynopsisThe belief that Native Americans might belong to the fabled ‘lost tribes of Israel’-Israelites driven from their homeland around 740 BCE-took hold among Anglo-Americans and Indigenous peoples in the United States during its first half century. Matthew Dougherty explores what this idea can tell us about religious nationalism in early America.

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Book SynopsisThe classic work on the history and beliefs of the Rastafarians, whose roots of protest go back to the seventeenth-century maroon societies of escaped slaves in Jamaica. Based on an extensive study of the Rastafarians, their history, their ideology, and their influence in Jamaica, The Rastafarians is an important contribution to the sociology of religion and to our knowledge of the variety of religious expressions that have grown up during the West African Diaspora in the Western Hemisphere.

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Book SynopsisTable of ContentsA Note on Orthography and Style Introduction Chapter 1. Touring the Forbidden Chapter 2. Receiving the Forest Chapter 3. Secrecy, Objects, and Expanding Markets Chapter 4. Belief, Efficacy, and Transnationalism Chapter 5. Global Vodún, Diversity, and Looking Ahead Epilogue Notes Works Cited Index Acknowledgments

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Book SynopsisTourists to Ouidah, a city on the coast of the Republic of Bénin, in West Africa, typically visit a few well-known sites of significance to the Vodún religion—the Python Temple, where Dangbé, the python spirit, is worshipped, and King Kpasse''s sacred forest, which is the seat of the Vodún deity known as Lokò. However, other, less familiar places, such as the palace of the so-called supreme chief of Vodún in Bénin, are also rising in popularity as tourists become increasingly adventurous and as more Vodún priests and temples make themselves available to foreigners in the hopes of earning extra money.Timothy R. Landry examines the connections between local Vodún priests and spiritual seekers who travel to Bénin—some for the snapshot, others for full-fledged initiation into the religion. He argues that the ways in which the Vodún priests and tourists negotiate the transfer of confidential, sTable of ContentsA Note on Orthography and Style Introduction Chapter 1. Touring the Forbidden Chapter 2. Receiving the Forest Chapter 3. Secrecy, Objects, and Expanding Markets Chapter 4. Belief, Efficacy, and Transnationalism Chapter 5. Global Vodún, Diversity, and Looking Ahead Epilogue Notes Works Cited Index Acknowledgments

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Book SynopsisExplores the politics of religious engagement in the public sphere by comparing two modernist conservative movements: the Mormon Church in the US and the Gülen movement in Turkey. The book traces the public activities and activism of these two influential and controversial actors at the state, political society, and civil society domains.

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Book SynopsisTonghak, or Eastern Learning, was the first major new religion in modern Korean history. Founded in 1860, it combined aspects of a variety of Korean religious traditions. Because of its appeal to the poor and marginalized, it became best known for its prominent role in the largest peasant rebellion in Korean history in 1894, which set the stage for a wider regional conflict, the Sino-Japanese War of 1894â1895. Although the rebellion failed, it caused immense changes in Korean society and played a part in the war that ended in Japan's victory and its eventual rise as an imperial power. It was in this context of social change and an increasingly perilous international situation that Tonghak rebuilt itself, emerging as ChÅndogyo (Teaching of the Heavenly Way) in 1906. During the years before Japanâs annexation of Korea in 1910, ChÅndogyo continued to evolve by engaging with new currents in social and political thought, strengthening its institutions, and using new communication technolo

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Book SynopsisLooks at the connections between âœthe age of revelationsâ (1925-1934) in French Indochina and the âœage of diasporaâ (1975-present) when many Caodai leaders and followers went into exile. Structured in paired biographies to trace relations between masters and disciples, it focuses on five members of the founding generation and their followers or descendants in California.

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Book Synopsis Quest for Harmony provides a basic understanding of the cultures and spiritual teachings of four Native American nations--Lenape (Delaware), Ani''-Yun''-wiya (Cherokee), Lakota (Sioux), and Dine (Navajo). The text is always sympathetic, respectful, and, when possible, presented in the voices of Native Americans. Each nation is described in terms of its name, traditional location(s), present population, language, and traditional social organization. At least one story of origin is provided for each nation, followed by a survey of its history from earliest documented times until recent times. At the heart of each chapter, the spiritual worldview and rituals of the nation being discussed are introduced, with sections on cosmology, gods and spirits, rituals, and other issues particular to that nation. Critical issues common to Native Americans such as the pannational spiritual movements and the environment are also covered. Quest for Harmony makes clear that not onlTrade Review Finally I have found a book that combines many of the aspects I like to see included in readings for a course in Native American religions. . . . This publication combines historical overview and geographical diversity in its presentation of four Native American traditions. It includes the importance of the land, less well-known events and episodes in North American history, stereotyping, and contemporary problems and accomplishments. --Anine Singh-de Grood, Department of Religious Studies, Oklahoma State University

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Book SynopsisProvides a basic introduction to the cultures and spiritual teachings of four Native American nations: Delaware, Cherokee, Sioux, Navajo; and also discusses such critical issues as the pan-national spiritual movements and the environment.Trade ReviewFinally I have found a book that combines many of the aspects I like to see included in readings for a course in Native American religions. . . . This publication combines historical overview and geographical diversity in its presentation of four Native American traditions. It includes the importance of the land, less well-known events and episodes in North American history, stereotyping, and contemporary problems and accomplishments. --Anine Singh-de Grood, Department of Religious Studies, Oklahoma State University

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Book SynopsisTwo complementary articles dealing with the Sumerian tale Inanna's descent to the netherworld, with a survey of Near Eastern Venus deities.

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Book SynopsisReprint. A comprehensive explanation of reincarnation from a Vedic perspective. This book covers many aspects of the subject of reincarnation, with quotes and thoughts from famous scholars and teachers throughout time alongside some first-hand accounts.

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Book SynopsisIn these lectures Steiner deals with the experiences of the human soul during and after death. On the basis of precise clairvoyant observations, he describes the events experienced during the millennium of the soul''s journey within the vast realms of soul and spirit between death and rebirth. Steiner describes the states of consciousness experienced by our deceased loved ones and how we-by considering their new consciousness-can communicate with them and even help them. Reading these descriptions, it becomes clear that excarnated souls need the spiritual support of those presently incarnated, and that those still on earth, in turn, derive enlightenment and support from their former earthly companions.

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Book SynopsisYou have just discovered the literary masterpiece that answers your questions about God, life in the inhabited universe, the history and future of this world, and the life of Jesus. The Urantia Book harmonizes history, science, and religion into a philosophy of living that brings new meaning and hope into your life. If you are searching for answers, read The Urantia Book!The world needs new spiritual truth that provides modern men and women with an intellectual pathway into a personal relationship with God. Building on the world''s religious heritage, The Urantia Book describes an endless destiny for humankind, teaching that living faith is the key to personal spiritual progress and eternal survival. These teachings provide new truths powerful enough to uplift and advance human thinking and believing for the next 1000 years.A third of The Urantia Book is the inspiring story of Jesus'' entire life and a revelation of his original teachingTrade ReviewLove Love is truly contagious and eternally creative. (p. 2018) "Devote your life to proving that love is the greatest thing in the world." (p. 2047) "Love is the ancestor of all spiritual goodness, the essence of the true and the beautiful." (p. 2047) The Father's love can become real to mortal man only by passing through that man's personality as he in turn bestows this love upon his fellows. (p. 1289) The secret of a better civilization is bound up in the Master's teachings of the brotherhood of man, the good will of love and mutual trust. (p. 2065) Prayer Prayer is not a technique of escape from conflict but rather a stimulus to growth in the very face of conflict. (p. 1002) The sincerity of any prayer is the assurance of its being heard. ... (p. 1639) God answers man's prayer by giving him an increased revelation of truth, an enhanced appreciation of beauty, and an augmented concept of goodness. (p. 1002) ...Never forget that the sincere prayer of faith is a mighty force for the promotion of personal happiness, individual self-control, social harmony, moral progress, and spiritual attainment. (p. 999) Suffering There is a great and glorious purpose in the march of the universes through space. All of your mortal struggling is not in vain. (p. 364) Mortals only learn wisdom by experiencing tribulation. (p. 556) Angels The angels of all orders are distinct personalities and are highly individualized. (p. 285) Angels...are fully cognizant of your moral struggles and spiritual difficulties. They love human beings, and only good can result from your efforts to understand and love them. (p. 419) Our Divine Destiny If you are a willing learner, if you want to attain spirit levels and reach divine heights, if you sincerely desire to reach the eternal goal, then the divine Spirit will gently and lovingly lead you along the pathway of sonship and spiritual progress. (p. 381) ...They who know that God is enthroned in the human heart are destined to become like him-immortal. (p. 1449) God is not only the determiner of destiny; he is man's eternal destination. (p. 67) Family Almost everything of lasting value in civilization has its roots in the family. (p. 765) The family is man's greatest purely human achievement. ... (p. 939) Faith ...Faith will expand the mind, ennoble the soul, reinforce the personality, augment the happiness, deepen the spirit perception, and enhance the power to love and be loved. (p. 1766) "Now, mistake not, my Father will ever respond to the faintest flicker of faith." (p. 1733) History/Science The story of man's ascent from seaweed to the lordship of earthly creation is indeed a romance of biologic struggle and mind survival. (p. 731) 2,500,000,000 years ago... Urantia was a well developed sphere about one tenth its present mass. ... (p. 658) 1,000,000,000 years ago is the date of the actual beginning of Urantia [Earth] history. (p. 660) 450,000,000 years ago the transition from vegetable to animal life occurred. (p. 669) From the year A.D. 1934 back to the birth of the first two human beings is just 993,419 years. (p. 707) About five hundred thousand years ago...there were almost one-half billion primitive human beings on earth. ... (p. 741) Adam and Eve arrived on Urantia, from the year A.D. 1934, 37,848 years ago. (p. 828)Table of ContentsIndexDefinition of TermsPronunciation GuideAdopted Corrections to the 1955 TextForewordPaper 1 - The Universal FatherPaper 2 - The Nature of GodPaper 3 - The Attributes of GodPaper 4 - God's Relation to the UniversePaper 5 - God's Relation to the IndividualPaper 6 - The Eternal SonPaper 7 - Relation of the Eternal Son to the UniversePaper 8 - The Infinite SpiritPaper 9 - Relation of the Infinite Spirit to the UniversePaper 10 - The Paradise TrinityPaper 11 - The Eternal Isle of ParadisePaper 12 - The Universe of UniversesPaper 13 - The Sacred Spheres of ParadisePaper 14 - The Central and Divine UniversePaper 15 - The Seven SuperuniversesPaper 16 - The Seven Master SpiritsPaper 17 - The Seven Supreme Spirit GroupsPaper 18 - The Supreme Trinity PersonalitiesPaper 19 - The Co-Ordinate Trinity-Origin BeingsPaper 20 - The Paradise Sons of GodPaper 21 - The Paradise Creator SonsPaper 22 - The Trinitized Sons of GodPaper 23 - The Solitary MessengersPaper 24 - Higher Personalities of the Infinite SpiritPaper 25 - The Messenger Hosts of SpacePaper 26 - Ministering Spirits of the Central UniversePaper 27 - Ministry of the Primary SupernaphimPaper 28 - Ministering Spirits of the SuperuniversesPaper 29 - The Universe Power DirectorsPaper 30 - Personalities of the Grand UniversePaper 31 - The Corps of the FinalityPaper 32 - The Evolution of Local UniversesPaper 33 - Administration of the Local UniversePaper 34 - The Local Universe Mother SpiritPaper 35 - The Local Universe Sons of GodPaper 36 - The Life CarriersPaper 37 - Personalities of the Local UniversePaper 38 - Ministering Spirits of the Local UniversePaper 39 - The Seraphic HostsPaper 40 - The Ascending Sons of GodPaper 41 - Physical Aspects of the Local UniversePaper 42 - Energy- Mind and MatterPaper 43 - The ConstellationsPaper 44 - The Celestial ArtisansPaper 45 - The Local System AdministrationPaper 46 - The Local System HeadquartersPaper 47 - The Seven Mansion WorldsPaper 48 - The Morontia LifePaper 49 - The Inhabited WorldsPaper 50 - The Planetary PrincesPaper 51 - The Planetary AdamsPaper 52 - Planetary Mortal EpochsPaper 53 - The Lucifer RebellionPaper 54 - Problems of the Lucifer RebellionPaper 55 - The Spheres of Light and LifePaper 56 - Universal UnityPaper 57 - The Origin of UrantiaPaper 58 - Life Establishment on UrantiaPaper 59 - The Marine-Life Era on UrantiaPaper 60 - Urantia During the Early Land-Life EraPaper 61 - The Mammalian Era on UrantiaPaper 62 - The Dawn Races of Early ManPaper 63 - The First Human FamilyPaper 64 - The Evolutionary Races of ColorPaper 65 - The Overcontrol of EvolutionPaper 66 - The Planetary Prince of UrantiaPaper 67 - The Planetary RebellionPaper 68 - The Dawn of CivilizationPaper 69 - Primitive Human InstitutionsPaper 70 - The Evolution of Human GovernmentPaper 71 - Development of the StatePaper 72 - Government on a Neighboring PlanetPaper 73 - The Garden of EdenPaper 74 - Adam and EvePaper 75 - The Default of Adam and EvePaper 76 - The Second GardenPaper 77 - The Midway CreaturesPaper 78 - The Violet Race After the Days of AdamPaper 79 - Andite Expansion in the OrientPaper 80 - Andite Expansion in the OccidentPaper 81 - Development of Modern CivilizationPaper 82 - The Evolution of MarriagePaper 83 - The Marriage InstitutionPaper 84 - Marriage and Family LifePaper 85 - The Origins of WorshipPaper 86 - Early Evolution of ReligionPaper 87 - The Ghost CultsPaper 88 - Fetishes, Charms, and MagicPaper 89 - Sin, Sacrifice and AtonementPaper 90 - Shamanism- Medicine Men and PriestsPaper 91 - The Evolution of PrayerPaper 92 - The Later Evolution of ReligionPaper 93 - Machiventa MelchizedekPaper 94 - The Melchizedek Teachings in the OrientPaper 95 - The Melchizedek Teaching in the LevantPaper 96 - Yahweh- God of the HebrewsPaper 97 - Evolution of the God Concept Among the HebrewsPaper 98 - The Melchizedek Teachings in the OccidentPaper 99 - The Social Problems of ReligionPaper 100 - Religion in Human ExperiencePaper 101 - The Real Nature of ReligionPaper 102 - The Foundations of Religious FaithPaper 103 - The Reality of Religious ExperiencePaper 104 - Growth of the Trinity ConceptPaper 105 - Deity and RealityPaper 106 - Universe Levels of RealityPaper 107 - Origin and Nature of Thought AdjustersPaper 108 - Mission and Ministry of Thought AdjustersPaper 109 - Relation of Adjusters to Universe CreaturesPaper 110 - Relation of Adjusters to Individual MortalsPaper 111 - The Adjuster and The SoulPaper 112 - Personality SurvivalPaper 113 - Seraphic Guardians of DestinyPaper 114 - Seraphic Planetary GovernmentPaper 115 - The Supreme BeingPaper 116 - The Almighty SupremePaper 117 - God the SupremePaper 118 - Supreme and Ultimate - Time and SpacePaper 119 - The Bestowals of Christ MichaelPaper 120 - The Bestowal of Michael on UrantiaPaper 121 - The Times of Michael's BestowalPaper 122 - Birth and Infancy of JesusPaper 123 - The Early Childhood of JesusPaper 124 - The Later Childhood of JesusPaper 125 - Jesus at JerusalemPaper 126 - The Two Crucial YearsPaper 127 - The Adolescent YearsPaper 128 - Jesus' Early ManhoodPaper 129 - The Later Adult Life of JesusPaper 130 - On the Way to RomePaper 131 - The World's ReligionsPaper 132 - The Sojourn at RomePaper 133 - The Return from RomePaper 134 - The Transition YearsPaper 135 - John the BaptistPaper 136 - Baptism and The Forty DaysPaper 137 - Tarrying Time in GalileePaper 138 - Training the Kingdom's MessengersPaper 139 - The Twelve ApostlesPaper 140 - The Ordination of the TwelvePaper 141 - Beginning the Public WorkPaper 142 - The Passover at JerusalemPaper 143 - Going Through SamariaPaper 144 - At Gilboa and in the DecapolisPaper 145 - Four Eventful Days at CapernaumPaper 146 - First Preaching Tour of GalileePaper 147 - The Interlude Visit to JerusalemPaper 148 - Training Evangelists at BethsaidaPaper 149 - The Second Preaching TourPaper 150 - The Third Preaching TourPaper 151 - Tarrying and Teaching by the SeasidePaper 152 - Events Leading up to the Capernaum CrisisPaper 153 - The Crisis at CapernaumPaper 154 - Last Days at CapernaumPaper 155 - Fleeing Through Northern GalileePaper 156 - The Sojourn at Tyre and SidonPaper 157 - At Caesarea-PhilippiPaper 158 - The Mount of TransfigurationPaper 159 - The Decapolis TourPaper 160 - Rodan of AlexandriaPaper 161 - Further Discussions with RodanPaper 162 - At the Feast of TabernaclesPaper 163 - Ordination of the Seventy at MagadanPaper 164 - At the Feast of DedicationPaper 165 - The Perean Mission BeginsPaper 166 - Last Visit to Northern PereaPaper 167 - The Visit to PhiladelphiaPaper 168 - The Resurrection of LazarusPaper 169 - Last Teaching at PellaPaper 170 - The Kingdom of HeavenPaper 171 - On the way to JerusalemPaper 172 - Going into JerusalemPaper 173 - Monday in JerusalemPaper 174 - Tuesday Morning in the TemplePaper 175 - The Last Temple DiscoursePaper 176 - Tuesday Evening on Mount OlivetPaper 177 - Wednesday, the Rest DayPaper 178 - Last Day at the CampPaper 179 - The Last SupperPaper 180 - The Farewell DiscoursePaper 181 - Final Admonitions and WarningsPaper 182 - In GethsemanePaper 183 - The Betrayal and Arrest of JesusPaper 184 - Before the Sanhedrin CourtPaper 185 - The Trial Before PilatePaper 186 - Just Before the CrucifixionPaper 187 - The CrucifixionPaper 188 - The Time of the TombPaper 189 - The ResurrectionPaper 190 - Morontia Appearances of JesusPaper 191 - Appearances to the Apostles and Other LeadersPaper 192 - Appearances in GalileePaper 193 - Final Appearances and AscensionPaper 194 - Bestowal of the Spirit of TruthPaper 195 - After PentecostPaper 196 - The Faith of Jesus

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