Nature and existence of God Books

Book SynopsisFor God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish, but have eternal life. Here's an astonishing claim. John 3:16 appears on everything from fridge magnets to sports stars' faces. But what does it actually mean? And how does it relate to you and me? With warmth, personal stories and humour, the author explains God's love, his Son, his sacrifice, and the all-important connection with us today. This is an invitation for anyone to dive straight in and take the first step in an exciting, life-transforming journey of faith.Trade ReviewA fresh, punchy, fascinating-facts-filled, humorous, yet thought-provoking, take on the meaning of life, based on the Bible’s most famous verse. Read it yourself and then pass it on to a friend. Go on, what do you have to lose? You’ll also discover how woodpeckers avoid concussion (but I'm not going to tell you which page that’s on!) -- Jeremy McQuoid * Teaching Pastor at Deeside Christian Fellowship, Aberdeen, and Chairman of Trustees, Keswick Convention *If you want a short and clear explanation of the good news that is the heart of Christianity, then this is the book for you. Contemporary illustrations spur your interest as Martin takes you through the best-known sentence in the Bible. I was impressed by the personal warmth speaking from the pages, and the careful theology lying under the surface. John chapter 3 verse 16 tells the greatest story in the world, and Martin has done a wonderful job in showing just how vital this is for you and me. -- Andrew Hill * Executive Director of the Soldiers' and Airmen's Scripture Readers Association *Warm and engaging … If you are a sceptic or a seeker you will find food for thought here. Martin answers questions, discusses big issues and tackles misconceptions with sensitivity, humour and clarity. A compelling case for John 3:16 being the best news for all people for all time. -- Clare Heath-Whyte * Author and historian *As I read this, I could think of people I wanted to give it to. It’s not a coincidence that this book is in your hand, and I really hope you will read it. It is very relevant and, even more, important. -- George Verwer * Founder of Operation Mobilization, author, missionary and speaker *Having been active in evangelism for over twenty-five years, I have one verse which I share more than any other: John 3:16. Timeless, relevant, widely familiar and simple to learn, it's a verse even a child can understand, and yet so deep that you cannot tire of studying it. Martin’s book is a work of art: a mixture of theology, personal stories and lessons from history, helping us not only to unpack but also enjoy the richness of John 3:16. This book is for everyone. A wonderful one-to-one 'study' to work through with a non-Christian friend, a source book for preachers, a tool box for fellow evangelists/ apologists, a devotional, a commentary, and a beautiful gift. If you are serious about evangelism, then you need to buy this book, a highlighter and a notepad - or the digital equivalent.’ -- Mitch * Evangelist, Crown Jesus Ministries, Belfast *Packed with illustration and brilliant insights, this book will open up to you the riches of this one incredible Bible verse. Whether you would call yourself a Christian or not, you will find yourself face to face with the beautiful God of love. It really could change your life. -- Jonty Allcock * Pastor of The Globe Church in Central London *A banner with the words 'John 3:16’ continues to show up at many major sports events. Martin Salter gives a brilliant explanation of what it actually means. This short book is a very easy read, offering clarity about the Christian faith and loads of really simple and compelling illustrations that bring this famous Bible verse to life. I really loved reading this book! -- Graham Daniels * General Director, Christians in Sport *So Loved is a concise yet insightful exploration of some of the most famous words of Jesus. If you have questions about the Christian faith, you will find this book to be accessible, relatable and honest, and I encourage you to read it. -- Dr Sharon Dirckx * scientist, author and speaker *Have you ever wanted to give something to a friend who’s willing to be open-minded about the Christian faith and explore a bit further? Martin’s book is friendly, easy-to-read, personal and engaging. It walks us through perhaps the most famous verse in the Bible, and in doing so summarizes the gospel comprehensively and accessibly. -- Jeremy Marshall * author and speaker *

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Book SynopsisGod is totally faithful. That's right at the core of his character - unlike us, he cannot ever break his word. Knowing that we are firmly held in the grip of God's unending faithfulness is deeply reassuring. And it encourages us to be faithful too. Remembering his grace and goodness, we grow in holiness and Christlikeness. Our aim is to be faithful in the big things, but also in the nitty-gritty of life when nobody is watching. With these Bible teachers alongside us: * Alistair Begg (Psalm 119:97-104) * Michael Baughen (2 Timothy 4:1-22 & Hebrews 3:1 - 5:6) * Tim Chester (Genesis15:1-21 & Revelation 2:18-29) * Malcolm Duncan (1 Thessalonians 2:1-12) * Sinclair Ferguson (2 Timothy 4:9-10) * Jonathan Lamb (Acts 20:17-38) * Peter Maiden (1 Samuel 13:5-14) * Alec Motyer (1 Thessalonians 5:1-28) * Tom Putt (Hebrews 6:11-20) we explore God's faithfulness and our response. This undated 30-day devotional shows how God is faithful to cleanse us from sin, keep us until death and guarantee our eternal destiny. What greater reassurance can we ask for?Trade ReviewI felt challenged to greater faithfulness - not when life might improve, but right now in my place of struggle. -- Sharon Hastings * Medical doctor and author of Wrestling with My Thoughts * We need to know the faithfulness of God in these troubled times when all seems so uncertain. These devotions will help us to know better the Faithful God we serve and trust more strongly in him. -- Jeremy Marshall * Former CEO of the UK's oldest private bank, C. Hoare & Co. and Chairman of Christianity Explored. Author of Beyond the Big C after being diagnosed with terminal cancer in 2016 *

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Book SynopsisWhy do bad things happen in our world? Why does God allow suffering? If he exists, why doesn't he do something? Of all the hurdles to faith, suffering must be the greatest. But how do we answer the question of ‘Why?’ in a credible, satisfying way? In this revised and updated edition of an award-winning book that has helped thousands in their journey of faith, scientist Sharon Dirckx explores some of the most agonizing and bewildering questions we all ask. With compassionate warmth and insight, she offers advice to help us cope with suffering and difficulties. Alongside, she interweaves her own experiences and the personal stories of individuals who have faced some of life's toughest challenges, showing us that it is possible to believe in a powerful loving God and acknowledge the reality of evil and suffering. Why? is a book for anyone who has questioned how suffering and a compassionate God can coexist. It will help you better understand the nature of God in Christianity, and will equip you to answer the question of ‘Why?’ with confidence and clarity. It is also an ideal apologetics book to give to friends and family just beginning on their faith journey or who are struggling and looking for answers. If you have ever asked or wondered why God allows suffering, Sharon Dirckx’s gentle wisdom in Why? will help you see life from a new perspective – one that makes more, not less, sense of our hurting world.Trade ReviewWritten with the heart of a mother as well as the mind of a scientist, Why? is not only profound, but tender and comforting as well. -- Os Guinness * Author of Unspeakable: Facing Up to the Challenge of Evil *I wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone asking the deep questions of life. -- Dr Amy Orr Ewing * Author of Why Trust the Bible? and President of OCCA The Oxford Centre for Christian Apologetics *Puts words and reason to what I instinctively knew in my heart the day I became an amputee: God loves me, God is good, God is all-powerful, and he was mourning the loss of my leg alongside me. I flipped between anger, and thankfulness that my life had been spared, but the experience of God's peace was constant. -- Stef Reid * British Paralympic medalist and professional athlete *I love the way Sharon wrestles with the truth. She turns it inside out and inspects its seams... Both moving and challenging. -- Jennifer Kennedy Dean * Author of Live a Praying Life *

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Book SynopsisThe underlying idea of the book is that most ordinary religious believers -- not philosophers or theologians -- do not realise how weak the case for Gods existence is. The Case Against examines the reasons why the belief has such a strong hold on so large a section of humanity, and attempts to show that the reasons are inadequate. The concepts involved in religious belief are examined in detail. It is shown that great difficulties -- of which believers are usually unaware -- are involved in forming concepts of entities from a higher -- perhaps spiritual -- realm. In particular, God and the idea of a life after death are examined and it is proposed that viable, coherent concepts are probably impossible in both cases. For many believers the God theory is seen as (a) explaining the origin of the universe, and (b) enabling the apparent injustices of this world to be righted in a life after death. The theory actually fails to do either. It is also shown, however, that the main alternative to theism, which is materialism, itself presents difficulties. No final answer is given, and it is accepted that (informed) puzzlement may ultimately be the only rational position. The God theory could perhaps be seen as an attempt to answer genuine problems. While it fails, it can nevertheless be understood and treated with sympathy. God: The Case Against is not intended for philosophers or theologians! Rather, the aim is to make the arguments accessible to intelligent, intellectually curious, open-minded people. The book attempts throughout to give clear, simple explanations of the issues, benefiting here from the authors own experience in teaching philosophy to young people.

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Book SynopsisA celebration of Camas, the Iona Community's outdoor activity centre on the Isle of Mull. With its emphasis on creativity, connection with nature, community and outdoor spirituality, Camas has enriched and inspired the lives of many young people and adults, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds. Reflecting themes of ecology, community, youth work, theology, history, outdoor education and social justice, Down the Track tells the story of every decade of the centre's history so far from the time when George MacLeod took Borstal Boys' there in the 1940s, right through to its modern redevelopment and current programme. This anthology includes inspirational poems, essays, quotes, interviews and other writing reflecting the ethos of Camas from former staff and volunteers, local people, Iona Community members and group leaders. Most significantly, woven throughout the book are comments from young people. Rachel McCann is a former youth and social worker who has been involved in Camas on and off for over twenty years. She is a published poet and writer and her work has appeared in a number of books and magazines. She drew on the international, informal network of Camas friends whilst researching, collecting, writing and editing material over the last several years. Give me some more of these silences. The kind that are filled with the sounds of creation. Like the constant ebb and flow of the sea, or directionless noise of the wind and rain, or the solitary cry of the oystercatcher, echoing against granite From Camas Reflection by Neil Squires

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Book SynopsisHick addresses many of the major issues posing challenges to contemporary Christian belief, and offers his much-debated proposal for a Copernican revolution in our understanding of Christianity and the wider religious life of humanity.Trade Review"it is a useful collection of essays." * The Friend *

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Book SynopsisFrom Plato to Wittgenstein and religions from Judaism to the Hindu tradition, interspersed with divine influences from Classical Greece, Romantic poetry, and the occasional scene from 'Alien', ‘God: A Guide for the Perplexed’ charts the path of humanity's great spiritual odyssey: the search for God. Leading the way through this minefield is acclaimed philosopher-theologian Keith Ward, blending the sublime and the eclectic in a narrative which offers wit, erudition and moments of genuine pathos. As a survey of the different manifestations of God through the centuries, and an examination of humanity's search for the divine, this is an engaging and informative book. As a deeply moving testament to our endless capacity for spiritual hope, it is compulsive reading for anyone interested in, or embarking on, the great quest for meaning. ‘A lively and very clearly written discussion summarizing and criticizing the thoughts of many significant thinkers.’ Times Literary Supplement ‘Wry but delightfully non-ironic, intelligent and clear, this book is a blessing. ‘ Publishers Weekly ‘Highly informed, witty and immensely accessible. One of the most congenial, lively and informative introductions to this field.’ Alister McGrath, Professor of Historical Theology, Oxford University

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Book SynopsisWhy should we believe in God? It is a question that is profoundly engaging the minds of the world. Former lawyer, Roy Williams, contends that belief should be based on logical deductions from known facts: it is not a matter of blind faith. Using many examples drawn from science, politics, history, sociology and the arts, he tackles all the biggest questions by appealing to evidence and to reason. A recurring theme of the book is the vital place of doubt and uncertainty in God's creation. Rebutting the arguments of atheists such as Christopher Hitchens and Richard Dawkins, Williams explores the role of faith, which he considers a much-misunderstood concept.Table of ContentsPart One: Reasons to Believe in God Part Two: Reasons to Believe in Christianity Part Three: Answers to Some Common Objections

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Book SynopsisThese promises are for every believer yet each will admit to not fully experiencing what is promised. Spurgeon helps us to appreciate that all God’s promises are the birthright of each Christian. It is not presumptious or unreal to expect to enjoy what God has promised. We are to measure what God can do by his generous promises, not by our level of expectation. Spurgeon had the gift of getting right to the heart of a matter in a style that was memorable and profound.

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Book SynopsisLiobani helps the youth, to find freedom in God and to take their life in hand: How do I find my type, my abilities? What is the right occupation for me? Liobani explains how young people can develop communication with the Free Spirit who wants to help in every situation, for example, in shaping our life, in preparing for exams, by choosing a life partner, in dealing with our fellow people ... She teaches how we can get to know ourselves more and more, and how we can come to understand what the events of the day want to tell us and much, much, more. An excerpt from the book: The young person is like a young tree. He can still bend easily. An elderly person is like an old tree that has been firmly rooted in its place for decades and can no longer be bent; he follows his beaten track that he can leave only with difficulty. This means that in many aspects he finds it very hard to change his way of thinking, to counter his old human patterns with divine thoughts, to ask for forgiveness

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Book SynopsisThe Finger of God sets out to describe how God's existence impacts upon humanity. All people are implicated in an unfolding Divine Plan governing their individual destiny, and that of Planet Earth. This Divine Plan's outworking and inevitable fulfillment is discussed from a biblical perspective, with special reference to contrasting actions and narratives of good and evil. Prime themes are the issue of separation between Man and God, occasioned by disobedience; divine overtures, often overlooked; and the potential for reconciliation. The context for discussion is the issue of Christian religiosity - how it is viewed and practiced not only by the Christian world at large, but also by its formal practitioners and religious leaders. The constant reality of a spiritually present dynamic kingdom is contrasted with the contradictory discordant voices of visible churches. A fundamental thread throughout the work is the necessity to promote doing the right thing (what the Bible refers to as righteousness) - toward our fellow human beings, and especially to God - rather than to follow mere religious precepts. Transformation is brought about by recognizing that the incarnation, death and resurrection of Jesus lies at the heart of salvation and immortality. A reasoned guide is presented as to ongoing and future conflicts between light and darkness, and under what circumstances a righteous divine victory will emerge whereby God's intentions are successfully implemented in a new, perfect environment for the eternal benefit of humankind.Trade Review"With regard to your lectures, I have nothing but praise. I greatly enjoyed reading them. You are in a very special position to publish this work from every standpoint -- ability, knowledge and experience." -- From a letter received by the author from Dr Martyn Lloyd-Jones, the world's greatest English-speaking Christian teacher of the last century, former Minister of Westminster Chapel, and the author of The Fight of FaithTable of ContentsPart One: God's Present Kingdom; Part Two: The Coming Kingdom; Part Three: Summary & Conclusions.

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Book SynopsisA train stops on the tracks in the middle of the night and a lone woman steps out, following a call from deep in the forest. In these six richly imagined short stories, Andrea Lundgren explores a liminal space where the town meets the wilderness and human consciousness meets something more animalistic. From foxes to blue whales to angels, the creatures that roam through these stories spark a desire for something more in their human counterparts: a longing for transformation. Whether dealing with familial tensions, romantic troubles, or a crisis of faith, their human anguish is explored with psychological depth and poetic insight in the earthy, evocative world of Lundgren’s northern borderlands.Trade Review‘A magical realist universe where anything can happen and not much can be explained.’ Vi Laaser; ‘Mesmeric...These are fascinating, haunting stories that stay with the reader.’ Alex Fleming, Swedish Book Review; 'Magical realism and environmental poetry spiced with elements of horror in the spirit of Jon Ajvide Lindqvist.' göteborgs-postenTable of ContentsThe Bird That Cries in the Night, The Cat, How Things Come to Seem, The Father Hole, The Girlfriend, On the Nature of Angels

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Book SynopsisA central problem for the non-specialist reader over the works of Hume today is that his ellifluous 18th century prose appears strange to our eyes and ears... What follows, therefore, is what the present editors did about it. The central purpose is to open to Hume’s original target audience his writings on religious affairs; a subject which was of central importance to him – and which remains of perennial interest to humankind. David Hume’s writings on history, politics and philosophy have shaped thought to this day. His bold scepticism ranged from common notions of the ‘self’ to criticism of standard theistic proofs. He insisted on grounding understandings of popular religious beliefs in human psychology rather than divine revelation, and he aimed to disentangle philosophy from religion in order to allow the former to pursue its own ends. In this book, Professors David W Purdie and Peter S Fosl decipher some of Hume’s most challenging texts for the modern reader, while preserving the sharp intellect and undaunted nerve for which Hume is famous. Hume’s spirit is brought alive for contemporary times and his writing is made accessible for its intended audience: the general public.

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Book SynopsisCreation and Complexity are two themes that draw the sciences and theology together. The remarkable advances of science in the modern period have opened up new knowledge and revealed ever deepening layers of complexity in the world from the cosmic macro level to the micro world of quantum. There seems no end to the rich tapestry of the cosmic order and process. A science of complexity has been spawned. The discoveries of the sciences have been matched in the twentieth century by a renewal in the doctrine of creation. Behind this lies a renaissance in trinitarian thinking which offers fresh insight into the dynamic of God in creation - past, present and future. The complexity of the triune God in creation find echoes in the rich complexity of the world uncovered by the contemporary sciences.

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Book SynopsisEcology is too important to be left to self-appointed ""environmentalists."" Drawing together the wisdom of the Bible with his vast knowledge of the Western literary tradition (Shakespeare, Hopkins, Eliot and many others) and his experience of nature as a longtime resident of Japan, Fr. Milward conveys the beauty that those attentive to God's creation discover. He reawakens us to the sense of contemplative wonder and delight that children experience but that adults, in the busy hubbub of urban and suburban life, so easily forget. Each short chapter is a conversation with a spiritual master, guiding us toward the pearls of God's glory imprinted in the delicate patterns of the world.

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Book SynopsisEdwards proposed that natural types in all of creation served as a communication or language of God, pointing to the antitypes of divine truths. These types are shown to exist all the way down to the cellular and molecular levels of nature. We explore how natural types are not mere poetical assignments of Christian themes onto nature. Rather, these types are ontologically real, in that they eternally existed in the mind of God with intent to communicate divine things to the creature. Thus, we call these natural types onto-types to reflect their ontological significance theologically and spiritually. In Edwards' scheme, this was an important part of God's end in creating. Emerging out of Edwards' comprehensive metaphysics of creation is a portrayal of God's commitment to emanate knowledge of the divine Self into the creation. God's Being is not emanated, resulting in a creation, rather the knowledge and glory of God are emanated into the creation serving to communicate messages of the divine to the creature out of infinite love and faithfulness. Edwards expounded a two-fold method where revelation of this language of nature can be experienced by direct engagement with the beauty in nature and in the study of science and its mechanisms. God's action in revealing takes the form of willing the creation into being, communicating analogically through onto-types in the physical world, and revealing such knowledge to the creature. In this way, all of nature is the triune God acting: the Father willing into being, Christ communicating, and the Spirit revealing. God's Trinitarian beauty and magnificent glory are not merely displayed by what has been made, but is intimately shared and delighted in. This, in Edwards' view, is God's ultimate end in creating.

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Book SynopsisA challenging encounter of European and Latin American philosophy of religion

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Book SynopsisDemonstrates the importance of confronting our unconscious selves and allowing our images of God -- both positive and negative -- to surface. Such inner exploration reveals not only relevant insights about ourselves, but also pulls us beyond our private pictures of God toward a truer view of the living God. The book shows us how to explore our unconscious selves and how this spiritual exercise can change the whole of our lives: how we respond to God, how we relate to others, and how we view ourselves.

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Book SynopsisA book that covers the cosmic events from far into the past until today, in which a men's world was built up, which bears in itself, the decline that is becoming more and more visible in the present time. It is about the very beginning of the Fall in the battle against the Kingdom of God, the eternal law of the love for God and neighbor. It is the battle of the Fall-beings, who behind the scenes of this world, continue to influence the fate of all life on the Earth, indeed, of all people and souls, according to their principle: Divide, bind and rule. However, the Fall-system is drawing to a closeAn excerpt:The Fall had consequences. ... Thus, the attributes of God, the Patience, the Love and the Mercy, are in all the men's world extremely atrophied. Since then, the woman was not only denigrated by the men's world, but also disdained, and, depending on the country and religious order, was considered inferior and deprived of her human rights. ...

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Book SynopsisThe conversion of Armenia is traditionally dated to 314 when Gregory the Illuminator (c. 240-332) baptized King Trdat (298-330) and the royal family. Not until the fifth century did there develop both a Christian literature for Armenians in the Armenian languages, and the beginnings of a literary tradition in several genres which provided a coherent argument against the old religion of Zoroastrianism and made for the creation of Armenia as a Christian nation. Eznik of Kolb, later bishop of Bagrewand, studied in Edessa and in Constantinople among that first generation of Armenian Christians who made available in the newly established Armenian script translations of Greek and Syriac texts, including the Bible and other early Christian writings. Eznik composed a treatise of theology and apologetic in Armenian which has survived untitled in one manuscript. Modern editors and translators have titled this treatise On God or Against the Sects. Eznik addressed perceived threats to Christianity in Armenia from heretical and non-Christian movements, among them Valentinian Gnosticism and the schools of Greek philosophy, Marcionism, Manichaeism and Zoroastrian Zurvanism. Eznik's sources include the Bible; ancient Greek, non-Christian literature; earlier Greek patristic treatises and other works; Syriac patristic texts; and Iranian works either written or oral, concerning the Zurvanite form of Zoroastrianism and Armenian paganism. The central concern of the book is to contrast the monotheistic Christian God with the dualistic or polytheistic deities and religions of his opponents. Eznik's book is unusual in several aspects. It is the first apologetic treatise composed in Armenian, and it also provides a summary of early Christian doctrine as Eznik understood it. It contains unique information on the fifth-century teachings of Zurvanism and Marcionism. It attests to an Armenian theology conversant with both Syriac and Greek sources. It also opens a window into pre-Christian Armenian mythology and folklore. The English translation is based on the critical edition of Louis Maries and Charles Mercier.

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Book SynopsisAccording to some, French philosophy has taken an obvious turn towards/into a theological context. In their work, contemporary philosophers such as Ricoeur, Levinas, Girard, Henry, and even Derrida and Lyotard in their later periods focus on issues usually associated with theological debates. For thinkers like Henry, Marion, and Lacoste, theology even plays a prominent role in their thought. Why this post-Heideggerian turn to God? This book introduces the typically French debate of the so-called 'theological turn of French philosophy' through a presentation of the philosophers mentioned. Why are they all interested in the quest for God and Religion? How do they understand God in a philosophical way? Thinking about these questions offers to both philosophy and theology the opportunity for a crossover which is mutually enriching. This book aims to contribute to this fascinating process.

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Book SynopsisThe idea that the world, not only of man but also of nature, was subject to a continuous process of change has taken strong root since the beginning of the nineteenth century. In 1859, Charles Darwin demonstrated that these changes were the result of immutable, eternal laws - although everything was subject to change, it was only in accordance with these laws. from the second half of the nineteenth century down to the First World War, this vision of change and determination was interpreted in many different ways, both pessimistically and optimistically. It is striking that a fear of degeneration often went hand in hand with a belief in an upward evolutionary process and was not confined to any particular political spectrum. This volume, number XIV in the series, contains the papers presented at a workshop on the reception and interpretation of the theory of evolution, organised by the editors in April 2003. It covers the many, often irreconcilable faces, of the theory of evolution concerning not only the concrete substantive interpretation but also the many different fields of late nineteenth century thought by concentrating on cultural life in the broadest sense - political, social, scientific and artistic, both literature and the visual arts. This volume illustrates the versatility of the concept of evolution, and of degeneration as well, with the emphasis on the Netherlands. It not only presents the contradictions and many-sidedness of the post-Darwinian world, but also the continuity with the world before 1860. Moreover, it reveals one clear co-ordinating theme, namely that the theory of evolution was used as justification for many different ideologies and practices.

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Book SynopsisFrom 22-25 May, 1999, the University of Groningen hosted an international conference on 'The Book of Nature. Continuity and change in European and American attitudes towards the natural world'. From Antiquity down to our own time, theologians, philosophers and scientists have often compared nature to a book, which might, under the right circumstances, be read and interpreted in order to come closer to the 'Author' of nature, God. The 'reading' of this book was not regarded as mere idle curiosity, but it was seen as leading to a deeper understanding of God's wisdom and power, and it culturally legitimated and promoted a positive attitude towards nature and its study. A selection of the papers which were delivered at the conference has been edited in two volumes. The first deals with the perception of the Book of Nature in Antiquity and the Middle Ages; the second volume is devoted to the history of the concept in early modern and modern history.

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Book SynopsisAncient Greek and Semitic languages resorted to a large range of words to name the divine. Gods and goddesses were called by a variety of names and combinations of onomastic attributes. This broad lexicon of names is characterised by plurality and a tendency to build on different sequences of names; therefore, the Mapping Ancient Polytheisms project focuses on the process of naming the divine in order to better understand the ancient divine in terms of a plurality in the making. A fundamental rule for reading ancient divine names is to grasp them in their context – time and place, a ritual, the form of the discourse, a cultural milieu…: a deity is usually named according to a specific situation. From Artemis Eulochia to al-Lat, al-'Uzza and Manat, from Melqart to “my rock” in the biblical book of Psalms, this volume journeys between the sanctuary on Mount Gerizim and late antique magical practices, revisiting rituals, hymnic poetry, oaths of orators and philosophical prayers. While targeting different names in different contexts, the contributors draft theoretical propositions towards a dynamic approach of naming the divine in antiquity.

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Book SynopsisSikhism is the youngest of the major world religions and the most modern and egalitarian in its practise. The scriptural authority for its followers is the Gurbani' in the Sri Guru Granth Sahib. Jap Sahib is the quintessential bani' and the key to the philosophy expounded by the Gurus. Jap Sahib: Way to God in Sikhism by Maneshwar S. Chahal is a unique presentation in that, before offering well-reasoned conclusions, it puts forth many points of view and not just any single interpretation of the verses. It will help the lay reader easily understand the Guru's message and offer the scholar ready material for deeper study of this vast subject. Serves as a guide for spiritual teaching. Addresses the fundamental questions of human existence. Seek guidance from its teachings.Promotes the idea of finding the divine within oneself and experiencing the presence of God in all aspects of life. Celebrates diversity and encourages the acceptance of different religious and cultural perspectives.

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