Religion and beliefs Books

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisThirty-onedaily readings from Paul David Tripp equip us to do the one thing that matters most eachDecembercelebrating the glory of the incarnation of God's Son.

Read more less

Book SynopsisIn The Elementary Forms of Religious Life, Durkheim investigated the enduring source of human social identity and fellowship by studying the simplest form of documented religion, totemism among the Aborigines of Australia. His book about the origin and nature of religion and society continues to enthrall sociologists, anthropologists, ethnographers, philosophers, and theologians.

Read more less

Book SynopsisEach short passage of the Bible text (in Tom Wright's own translation) is followed by a discussion with background information. The series is suitable for personal or group use. The format makes it appropriate also for daily study.

Read more less

Book SynopsisAn exploration of the nature of human consciousness and personhood by one of the world's greatest theologians.Trade ReviewIn Being Human, Rowan Williams, one of today’s most brilliant and profound thinkers, has produced a rich and thought-provoking meditation on the themes of consciousness, language, relationship, speech, silence and what it is to be a person. A marvellous and moving work: philosophical theology at its very best. * Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks *Through an elegant exploration of the nature of human consciousness Being Human convincingly debunks current discourse about the value of autonomy as the foundation of self-confidence, restoring human narrative and relationships to the heart of our being. A fascinating book, worthy of reflection and discussion. * Baroness Sheila Hollins, Emeritus Professor of the psychiatry of learning disability at St George's, University of London *'Rowan William's most striking characteristics are his humanity and his fine intellect. Here he uses both gifts quite brilliantly to illuminate what it means to be human. A stimulating collection of provocative yet reassuring essays. A gift from an exceptional man.' * Baroness Helena Kennedy QC, FRSA, Chair of Justice – the UK section of the International Commission of Jurists *Williams never disappoints: his reflections on such important topics as the nature of consciousness, how we view time, and the wisdom of silence make vital reading. * Iain McGilchrist, author of The Master and his Emissary *One of the strengths of this book is that Williams recognises religion can go bad. He defends a proper sense of dependence but distinguishes this from the infantilism certain institutions encourage. * The Church of England Newspaper *This book is cooler in tone, more academic and less direct, but it is learned, insightful and illuminating. Nobody concerned with the present state of humanity should miss it. * The Tablet *Table of Contents1. What is consciousness? 2. What is a person? 3. Bodies, minds and thoughts 4. Faith and human flourishing 5. Silence and human maturity Epilogue: Humanity transfigured

Read more less

Book SynopsisWinner NATIONAL JEWISH BOOK AWARDS in Contemporary Jewish Life & PracticeMyra H. Kraft Memorial AwardA crucial new lens on repentance, atonement, forgiveness, and repair from harm—from personal transgressions to our culture's most painful and unresolved issues. American culture focuses on letting go of grudges and redemption narratives instead of the perpetrator’s obligations or recompense for harmed parties. As survivor communities have pointed out, these emphases have too often only caused more harm. But Danya Ruttenberg knew there was a better model, rooted in the work of the medieval philosopher Maimonides.For Maimonides, upon whose work Ruttenberg elaborates, forgiveness is much less important than the repair work to which the person who caused harm is obligated. The word traditionally translated as repentance really means something more like return, and in this book, returning is a restoration, as much as is possible, t

Read more less

Book SynopsisTable of ContentsHow to Use This Book xii Introduction 1 The Concept of “Theology”: A Brief Introduction 1 The Architecture of Theology 5 Historical Theology: Its Purpose and Place 9 1 Early Christian Theology: The Patristic Period, c.100–451 17 A Clarification of Terms 18 Difficulties in Approaching Early Christian Theology 19 The Historical Background to Early Christian Theology 20 Centers of Early Christian Theological Reflection 24 Key Theologians 25 Key Theological Developments 28 Key Names, Words, and Phrases 37 Case Studies 38 2 The Middle Ages and the Renaissance, c.500–1500 83 On Defining the “Middle Ages” 84 Medieval Theological Landmarks in Western Europe 86 The Rise of Scholasticism 90 The Italian Renaissance 91 The Rise of Humanism 92 Medieval Theological Landmarks in Eastern Europe 93 Key Theologians 95 Key Theological Developments 100 Key Names, Words, and Phrases 105 Case Studies 106 3 The Reformation and Post-Reformation Periods, 1500–1750 133 Reformation – or Reformations? 134 A Clarification of Terms 135 Post-Reformation Movements 141 Key Theologians 145 Key Theological Developments 149 Developments in Theological Literature 151 Key Names, Words, and Phrases 155 Case Studies 156 4 The Modern Period, 1750 – The Present Day 196 A Cultural Watershed: The Enlightenment 198 The Enlightenment Critique of Traditional Theology 199 Romanticism and the Critique of the Enlightenment 203 The Crisis of Faith in Victorian England 204 The Crisis of the First World War 205 Postmodernism and a New Theological Agenda 207 Key Theologians 209 Some Recent Western Theological Movements and Trends 212 Key Names, Words, and Phrases 227 Case Studies 228 Where Next? 300 A Glossary of Theological Terms 302 Sources of Citations 314 Suggestions for Further Reading 319 Index 321

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisA revised and expanded edition of the definitive guide to the Diamond Approach, the modern contemplative practice that integrates psychology and spirituality and emphasizes the importance of self-inquiry. The Diamond Approach has been developed and taught over the last forty-five years by Hameed Ali, who is known chiefly by his pen name, A. H. Almaas. This book, the first to offer a full overview of the Diamond Approach, is now revised and expanded with a new foreword by Almaas, a new preface by the author, and a new chapter that explores the most recent developments in Almaas''s teaching and practice methods. Author John Davis offers a rich, compelling introduction to the unique spiritual tradition that philosopher Ken Wilber recommends as "the most balanced of the widely available spiritual psychologies/therapies." Influenced by ancient traditions such as Sufism and Buddhism as well as by modern psychology, the Diamond Approach is particularly well-suited to twenty-first century seekers who embrace both spirituality and science. Beginning with an account of his own work with the Diamond Approach, Davis proceeds to outline the tradition''s central practice of Inquiry, a form of open-ended exploration of present-moment experience akin to mindfulness practice. From there, he launches readers into an exploration of metaphysical concepts such as soul, space, Essence, self-realization, and the dimensions of Being. Complex yet concise, profound yet accessible, The Diamond Approach offers readers bold new perspectives on reality and human potential.

Read more less

Book SynopsisDeepen your awareness through the Tibetan practice of sleep and dream yoga—both presented here in this “thought-provoking, inspiring, and lucid” guide (Stephen LaBerge, PhD, author of Lucid Dreaming) It is said that the practice of dream yoga deepens our awareness during all our experience: the dreams of the night; the dream-like experience of the day; and the bardo experiences after death. Indeed, the practice of dream yoga is a powerful tool of awakening, used for hundreds of years by the great masters of the Tibetan traditions. Unlike in the Western psychological approach to dreams, the ultimate goal of Tibetan dream yoga is the recognition of the nature of mind or enlightenment itself. "If we cannot carry our practice into sleep," Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche states, "if we lose ourselves every night, what chance do we have to be aware when death comes? Look to your experience in dreams to know how you will fare in death. Look to your experience of sleep to discover whether or not you are truly awake."

Read more less

Book SynopsisDespite recent ferocious public debate about the likelihood of the existence of God, the most central concept in such arguments remains strangely obscure. What is God? In this written contribution to reasoned discussion, a revered religious thinker clarifies how the word "God" functions in various religious traditions.Trade Review"Hart marshals powerful historical evidence and philosophical argument to suggest that atheists—if they want to attack the opposition's strongest case—badly need to up their game."—Oliver Burkeman, The Guardian". . . there is something evangelical about this study: it is at once both the most valuable discussion of the doctrine of God to have appeared for decades, and a witty, often mordant, defence of Christian belief. . . . The Experience of God is still an outstanding addition to the literature on God, not least for its survey of so many of the world’s great faiths. It is also a fine piece of work of Christian apologetics, and a major contribution to debate on science and religion."—Andrew Davison, Times Literary Supplement"This hugely suggestive book is a lyrical paean to a vital, more capacious understanding of reality, ourselves and God: a timely and gripping invitation to wake up, see the regnant naturalism, and subvert its suffocating hegemony. The text is by turns elegant, curmudgeonly, witty, infuriating, incisive, nostalgic, rhapsodical, explosive, frequently bang on the money – and always stimulating."—Philip McCosker, The Tablet"David Hart can always be relied on to offer a perspective on Christian faith that is both profound and unexpected. In this masterpiece of quiet intellectual and spiritual passion, he magnificently sets the record straight as to what sort of God Christians believe in and why."—Rowan Williams, University of Cambridge"David Hart’s new book is nothing less than astounding. He is liberal, conservative, radical, theological, philosophical, and historical all at the same time – that is his genius. There is no American writing on religion as intelligently, bravely, and originally as Hart."—Conor Cunningham, University of Nottingham"David Bentley Hart’s new book is a feast- stylish and substantial. Bringing together Sanskritic analyses of God’s being with Latin and Greek and Arabic ones, this is a considerable achievement by one of the most distinctive voices in contemporary theology."—Paul J. Griffiths, Duke Divinity School"Writing at a high philosophical level with a sharp sense of humor, Hart argues for an ecumenical Theism. Devastatingly accurate, imaginative, and immensely readable, this is David Bentley Hart’s best book."—Francesca Murphy, University of Notre Dame"Magnificent . . . a book unlike anything done in recent times and one that only Hart could write."—Robert Louis Wilken

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis 3-in-1 collection of A.W. Tozer's writings will strengthen your walk with Jesus. The Pursuit of God is sure to resonate if you long for a life spent in God's presence. The Purpose of Man is a call to worship as God reprioritizes your life and fills your soul. The Crucified Life will lead you to the cross so you can be raised to new life in Christ.

Read more less

Book SynopsisWhat if fear is the new brave? That''s the question that you need answered if you are living afraid. Finding courage begins with fear itself--fear of the Lord. I Choose Brave reveals a countercultural plan to help you where you are--knee-deep in fears of parenting, the future, your marriage, and a world that feels unstable. When you''re feeling fearful, the last thing you need is a social-media meme telling you to simply 'power through' your fears. In I Choose Brave, Katie Westenberg digs deep into Scripture and shows that finding the courage to overcome our fears must start with fear of the Lord. Hundreds of passages speak to this foundational truth, yet we have somehow relegated them to antiquity. In sharing her own compelling story of facing her worst fear, Katie serves up theological truth with relatable application. In this book, you will· discover a fresh take on an old truth that displaces fear once and for al

Read more less

Book SynopsisWant to study the Bible, but don't know where to start? This daily Bible study guide gives you the tools to discover God's truth for yourself

Read more less

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

Read more less

Book SynopsisYour hands-on guide to this widely practiced and ancient religion Buddhism, one of the world''s most widely practiced religions, is a fascinating yet complex eastern religion that is rapidly spreading throughout western civilization. What does it mean to be a Buddhist? What are the fundamental beliefs and history behind this religion? Buddhism For Dummies explores these questions and more in this updated guide to Buddhist culture. You''ll gain an understanding of the origins of this ancient practice and how they''re currently applied to everyday life. Whether you''re a searcher of truth, a student of religions, or just curious about what makes Buddhism such a widely practiced religion, this guide is for you. In plain English, it defines the important terms, explains the key concepts, and explores in-depth a wide range of fascinating topics. New and expanded coverage on all the schools of Buddhism, including Theravada, Tibetan, and MahayanaTable of ContentsIntroduction 1 About This Book 1 Conventions Used in This Book 2 How This Book is Organized 2 Part 1: Embarking on a Journey: The Basics of Buddhism 3 Part 2: A Short History of Buddhism 3 Part 3: Behaving Like a Buddhist 3 Part 4: Exploring the Buddhist Path 3 Part 5: The Part of Tens 4 Part 6: Appendixes 4 Icons Used in This Book 4 Where to Go from Here 5 Part 1: Embarking On a Journey: The Basics of Buddhism 7 Chapter 1: Entering the World of Buddhism: The Basics 9 Figuring Out Whether Buddhism is a Religion 10 Recognizing the Role of the Buddha 12 Understanding the Function of Philosophy in Buddhism 15 Appreciating Buddhist Practices 16 Living an ethical life 17 Examining your life through meditation 18 Practicing devotion 19 Dedicating Your Life to the Benefit of All Beings 19 Chapter 2: Understanding Your Mind: The Creator of All Experience 23 Recognizing How Your Mind Shapes Your Experience 24 Contrasting the Body and Mind 25 Approaching the Mind from Three Different Buddhist Perspectives 26 Recognizing the six major types of consciousness 27 Seeing how certain factors affect mental consciousness 28 Feeling around for your emotions 29 Appreciating the Fundamental Purity of Your Mind 31 Seeing that delusions can be remedied 31 Finding the sun behind the clouds 31 Tracing the Path of Wisdom and Loving Compassion 33 Wisdom: Removing the veils of misconception 33 Loving compassion: Opening your heart to others 34 Part 2: A Short History of Buddhism 37 Chapter 3: Surveying the Life and Teachings of the Historical Buddha 39 Revealing the Buddha’s Early Life 40 A miraculous birth 42 An overprotective father 43 The prince marries: Imprisoned in palaces of pleasure 44 Forbidden knowledge revealed: The four visions 45 Beginning the Quest 46 Renouncing the royal life 46 Going to extremes and discovering the middle way 47 Sitting in the Shade of the Bodhi Tree: The Defeat of Mara 50 Benefiting Others: The Buddha’s Career in Full Gear 52 Providing spiritual guidance: Turning the wheel of Dharma 52 Founding the community 53 Listening to the Buddha’s final message: All things must pass 54 Understanding the Four Noble Truths 55 The truth of suffering 55 The truth of suffering’s cause 57 The truth of suffering’s cessation 59 The truth of the path 60 Envisioning the Future 63 The advent of Maitreya 63 Degeneration, followed by hope 64 Chapter 4: The Development of Buddhism on the Indian Subcontinent 67 Convening the First Buddhist Council 68 Gathering the council 68 Categorizing the teachings: The three baskets 69 Spreading the Teachings — Peacefully 70 A Fork in the Road: Managing a Developing Split in the Buddhist Community 71 Convening the Second Council 71 Advancing the teachings in different ways 72 Making Buddhism a Religion of the People: The Emperor Ashoka’s Influence 73 Transforming his approach 73 Promoting Buddhism beyond India 74 Two Levels of Practice in Early Buddhism 76 Witnessing Shifting Allegiances and New Ideals 77 Turning to the stupas 78 Taking a ride in the Great Vehicle: Mahayana Buddhism 78 Recognizing the Major Mahayana Themes 79 Chronicling the Rise of the Mahayana Teachings 80 White Lotus of the Good Dharma Sutra 80 Exposition of Vimalakirti Sutra 81 Perfection of Wisdom Sutras 81 Descent into Lanka Sutra 82 World-Array Sutra 82 Land of Bliss Sutras 83 Looking at the Decline and Reappearance of Buddhism in India 84 Disappearing act 85 Reappearing in India 86 Moving Mountains: Buddhism in Nepal 86 Delving into Buddhist traditions of Nepal 87 Narrowing in on Newar Buddhism 87 Chapter 5: Watching Developments Continue to the Present Day 89 Tracing the Two Routes of Buddhism 90 Spreading the Way of the Elders Across Southeast Asia Theravada Buddhism takes root in Thailand 92 Vipassana meditation gains popularity in the West 94 Driving the Great Vehicle to China and Beyond 97 Watching Mahayana Buddhism evolve in China 98 Examining Flower Ornament and Tiantai: The great unifying systems 101 Chronicling Pure Land and other devotional schools 102 Zen: Taking root in the Far East — and the West 108 From Tibet to the West: Charting the movement of the Diamond Vehicle 114 Part 3: Behaving Like a Buddhist 125 Chapter 6: Turning to Buddhism 127 Proceeding at Your Own Pace 127 Taking responsibility for your own life 128 Determining your level of involvement 129 Getting Acquainted with the Teachings of Buddhism 130 Reading books on Buddhist teachings 131 Choosing a tradition 131 Receiving meditation instruction 132 Developing a meditation practice 133 Finding a teacher 133 Formally Becoming a Buddhist 135 Focusing on the importance of renunciation 135 Taking refuge in the Three Jewels 136 Receiving the precepts 137 Exploring further stages of practice 139 Entering the Monastic Way 140 Renouncing the world 140 Ordaining as a monk or nun 141 Dedicating your life to Buddhist practice 142 Chapter 7: Meditation: A Central Practice of Buddhism 145 Dispelling Some Meditation Myths 146 Defining Meditation 147 Exploring the Benefits of Meditation 149 Examining how neuroscientists see it 149 Recognizing the condition you’re in 150 Cultivating equanimity 152 Turning an old phrase upside down: Don’t do something — just sit there 153 Appreciating your life 156 Understanding the Threefold Nature of Buddhist Meditation 157 Developing mindful awareness 158 Deepening concentration 160 Developing penetrating insight 161 Developing the Three Wisdoms As the Foundation for Insight 162 Cultivating wisdom from listening to the teachings 163 Cultivating wisdom from reflecting on what you heard 164 Cultivating wisdom from meditating on what you understand 164 Chapter 8: A Day in the Life of a Buddhist Practitioner 167 Surveying the Role of Monasteries in Buddhism 168 Renouncing Worldly Attachments: A Day in the Life of a Western Buddhist Monk 169 Following a day in the life 170 Punctuating the calendar with special events 171 Growing a Lotus in the Mud: A Day in the Life of a Zen Practitioner 175 Following a day in the life 176 Attending silent retreats 179 Gathering for special events 181 Devoting Yourself to the Three Jewels: A Day in the Life of a Vajrayana Practitioner 181 Trusting the Mind of Amida: A Day in the Life of a Pure Land Buddhist 185 Chapter 9: Walking in the Buddha’s Footsteps 187 Visiting the Primary Places of Pilgrimage 187 Lumbini: A visit to the Buddha’s birthplace 189 Bodh Gaya: Place of enlightenment 190 Sarnath: The first teaching 193 Kushinagar: The Buddha’s death 195 Seeing Other Important Pilgrimage Sites 195 Rajgir 195 Shravasti197 Sankashya 197 Nalanda 198 Going on Pilgrimage Today 198 Part 4: Exploring the Buddhist Path 201 Chapter 10: What is Enlightenment, Anyway? 203 Considering the Many Faces of Spiritual Realization 204 Reviewing the Theravada Tradition’s Take on Nirvana 206 Defining nirvana 206 Revealing the four stages on the path to nirvana 207 Getting a Handle on Two Traditions of Wisdom 208 Realizing the Mind’s Essential Purity in the Vajrayana Tradition 209 Taking the direct approach to realization 210 Understanding the complete enlightenment of a Buddha 211 Standing Nirvana on Its Head with Zen 211 Tuning in to the direct transmission from master to disciple 212 The ten ox-herding pictures 214 Finding the Common Threads in Buddhist Enlightenment 221 Chapter 11: A Matter of Life and Death 223 Taking Death Personally 224 Recognizing Your Life As a Rare and Precious Opportunity 226 Facing Reality: The Nine-Part Death Meditation 227 Understanding that your death is definite 228 Realizing that the time of your death is uncertain 230 Using death awareness as your spiritual ally 230 Reaping the Result of the Death Meditation 231 Dealing with the Death of a Loved One 232 Surveying Attitudes toward Death in Buddhist Traditions 232 Theravada: Getting off the wheel of existence 233 Vajrayana: Turning death itself into the path 235 Zen: Dying the “great death” before you die 236 Chapter 12: Minding the Concept of Karma 239 Appreciating the Law of Karmic Cause and Effect 239 Experiencing Karmic Consequences 240 Following the Buddha’s Ethical Guidance 241 Exploring the Buddhist Precepts 242 Arranging the precepts behind three doors 243 Taking a deeper look at the ten nonvirtuous actions 244 Dealing with Transgressions 251 Atoning for mistakes 251 Purifying negative karma 252 Chapter 13: Breaking Free of the Cycle of Dissatisfaction 255 Feeling Like Life’s a Big Rat Race 256 Spinning the Wheel of Life: The Meaning of Wandering in Samsara 257 Identifying the root delusions 260 Surveying the six realms of existence 263 Understanding the 12 links 266 Cutting through Suffering: The Three Trainings 271 Chapter 14: Fulfilling Your Highest Potential 275 Ordering a Round of Happiness for Everyone and Everything 276 Dedicating Your Heart to Others 277 Keeping it all in the family 278 Figuring out what all beings desire 279 Nurturing the Four Divine Abodes 281 Extending loving-kindness 281 Developing compassion 281 Nurturing sympathetic joy 283 Establishing equanimity 283 Cultivating the Six Perfections of a Bodhisattva 285 Practicing open-hearted generosity 286 Following the self-discipline of ethical behavior 287 Developing patience 288 Practicing with enthusiastic effort 290 Sharpening your concentration 291 Cultivating the ultimate perfection: Insightful wisdom 293 Chapter 15: Life Stories of Four Buddhist Masters 295 Dipa Ma (1911–1989) 296 Spending her early years as a wife and mother 296 Overcoming physical ailments through meditation 297 Sharing her story with others 298 Ajahn Chah (1918–1992) 299 Finding his way in the forest of life 300 Blazing the monastic trail 300 Thich Nhat Hanh (Born 1926) 301 Working for peace in times of war 302 Forging new beginnings from classic ideals 303 The Dalai Lama (Born 1935) 304 Understanding the legacy of reincarnation 305 Reviewing the early life of the present Dalai Lama 306 Dealing with the Chinese 308 Finding freedom in exile 309 Appreciating his interest in science 310 Embracing the role of Buddhist ambassador to the world 310 Part 5: The Part of Tens 313 Chapter 16: Ten Common Misconceptions about Buddhism 315 Buddhism is Only for Asians 316 To Buddhists, the Buddha is God 317 Buddhists are Idol Worshippers 317 Because Buddhists Think Life is Suffering, They Look Forward to Dying 318 Buddhists Think That Everything is an Illusion 318 Buddhists Don’t Believe in Anything 319 Only Buddhists Can Practice Buddhism 320 Buddhists are Interested Only in Contemplating Their Navels 320 Buddhists Never Get Angry 321 “It’s Just Your Karma; There’s Nothing You Can Do about It” 322 Buddhists Don’t Know How to Count 322 Chapter 17: Ten Ways Buddhism Can Help You Deal with Life’s Problems 323 Affirming the Basic Principles 324 Applying the Basic Principles 324 Turning the page on your great expectations 325 Accepting change gracefully 325 Breaking up the concrete 326 Pretending to Be a Buddha 327 Watching your car rust 328 Seeing that what’s yours isn’t really yours 328 Feeling sorry for a thief 329 Tendering your resignation to pain 330 Turning off the projector 331 Dealing with uninvited houseguests 332 Part 6: Appendixes 335 Appendix A: Explaining Buddhist Terms 337 Appendix B: Additional Buddhist Resources to Check Out 343 Index 353

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisTable of ContentsIntroduction 1 Book 1: What Do Catholics Believe? 5 Chapter 1: Catholicism 101 7 Chapter 2: Having Faith in God’s Revealed Word 39 Chapter 3: Alpha to Omega: Catholic Teachings on Creation, Original Sin, and End Times 55 Chapter 4: Believing in Jesus 67 Chapter 5: Who’s Who in Catholic Practice 91 Book 2: Living the Catholic Faith 107 Chapter 1: Worshipping Catholic Style 109 Chapter 2: Receiving the Sacraments 121 Chapter 3: Obeying the Rules — Catholic Law 163 Chapter 4: Loving and Honoring: The Ten Commandments 177 Chapter 5: Being Good When Sinning Is So Easy 193 Chapter 6: Growing Your Relationship with God: Pray without Ceasing 215 Chapter 7: Exploring the Church’s Stance on Some Sticky Issues 241 Book 3: Making Sense of the Catholic Mass 275 Chapter 1: Understanding Mass and Its Foundations 277 Chapter 2: Celebrating Mass 305 Chapter 3: The Tools of the Catholic Mass 333 Chapter 4: The Look and Sound of Mass — Architecture, Art, and Music 361 Chapter 5: The Church Calendar: A Look at the Liturgical Year 377 Book 4: Meeting Saints and Other Important Figures 401 Chapter 1: The Blessed Virgin Mary 403 Chapter 2: Understanding Sainthood and Angels 421 Chapter 3: Starting at the Beginning with Apostles and Evangelists 439 Chapter 4: Incredible Saints 455 Chapter 5: Life-Changing Saints Who Inspire Us 477 Chapter 6: Holy Martyrs 497 Chapter 7: Doctor’s Orders: Founding Religious Orders and Doctors of the Church 517 Chapter 8: Saints In Our Day and Age 535 Chapter 9: Women in the Bible — Eight Impactful Ladies 547 Book 5: All About His Holiness, the Pope 587 Chapter 1: Becoming and Leading as Pope 589 Chapter 2: St John Paul II — A Man for All Seasons 613 Chapter 3: Pope Francis — The People’s Pope 631 Index 643

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisInstant bestseller: Buddhist teacher Pema Chödrön shares life-changing practices for living with wisdom, confidence, and integrity amidst confusing situations and uncertain timesWe live in difficult times. Life so often seems like a turbulent river threatening to drown us and destroy our world. Why, then, shouldn’t we cling to the certainty of the comfortable—to our deep-seated habits and familiar ways? Because, Pema Chödrön teaches, that kind of fear-based clinging keeps us from the infinitely more powerful experience of being fully alive. The Buddhist teachings she presents here—known as the “Three Commitments”—provide a treasure trove of wisdom for learning to step right into the unknown, to completely and fearlessly embrace the groundlessness of being human, for people of all faiths. When we do, we begin to see not only how much better it feels to live an openhearted life, but we find that we begin to naturally and more effectively reach out to help and heal all those around us.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThroughout our lives we long to love ourselves more deeply and find a greater sense of connection with others. Our fear of intimacy?both with others and with ourselves?creates feelings of pain and longing. But these feelings can also awaken in us the desire for freedom and the willingness to take up the spiritual path. In this inspiring book, longtime meditation practitioner and teacher Sharon Salzberg shows how the Buddhist path can help us discover the radiant, joyful heart within each one of us, drawing on Buddhist teachings, wisdom from various traditions, her personal experiences, and guided meditation exercises. With these tools, she teaches how the practice of lovingkindness can illuminate a path to cultivating love, compassion, sympathetic joy, and equanimity?the four ?heavenly abodes? of traditional Buddhism.

Read more less

Book SynopsisAn Ancient Collection ReimaginedComposed around the Buddha’s lifetime, the original Therigatha (“Verses of the Elder Nuns”) contains the poems of the first Buddhist women: princesses and courtesans, tired wives of arranged marriages and the desperately in love, those born into limitless wealth and those born with nothing at all. The authors of the Therigatha were women from every kind of background, but they all shared a deep-seated desire for awakening and liberation. In The First Free Women, Matty Weingast has reimagined this ancient collection and created an original work that takes his experience of the essence of each poem and brings forth in his own words the struggles and doubts, as well as the strength, perseverance, and profound compassion, embodied by these courageous women.

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisConservation Architect and Researcher Sushant Bharti highlights the significance of the Madan Mohan, an ancient and important temple in Vrindavan, India that has had a prominent impact both locally and globally throughout its history. The text includes a captivating portrayal of the temple both at home and in the Indian diaspora, a tribute to the attractive, ever enchanting nature of the structure and its spiritual potency.The establishment of Gaudiya Vaishnavas in the Braj region catalysed a novel movement centered around the devotion to Radha and Krishna. This movement, in turn, spurred construction of the Madan Mohan, one of the most significant and prominent temples in the area during the Mughal reign. In the late 16th and early 17th centuries, each temple emerged as a distinct exemple of Mughal artistry, showcasing a seamless integration of diverse architectural components and novel experimentation. The Madan Mohan temple stands as a remarkable testament to

Read more less

Book SynopsisWith 9.5-point type, theESVSingle ColumnJournaling Bible, Large Printfeatures the same high-quality Bible paper and two-inch ruled margins for notes, prayers, and artwork as the originalESVSingle ColumnJournaling Bible.

Read more less

Book SynopsisExplores contemplative prayer, discernment, spiritual direction, covenant community, spiritual practice and Sabbath-living as a way of resourcing ministries with youth. This book offers some of the experience, teaching, praying and thinking behind the spirituality project.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe book aims to help readers engage directly with The Rule of St Benedict. It offers a balanced approach to seeking God and integrating prayer, work and relationships in a way that is more essential than ever in our stress-riven society.Trade Review'Like the Rule of St Benedict on which it is based, this little book carries far more wisdom than one might at first imagine. The Way of Benedict offers the reader an honest appraisal of how the author, who has been an enclosed Benedictine nun for more than a quarter of a century, has come to understand the monastic principles by which she lives. Even more usefully, she shares countless insights that can help those of us whose lives are un-cloistered to open ourselves to the many blessings that we so regularly miss. This is a book to read slowly, to read repeatedly, to share with friends and to give to any who long for more order, peace and joy in their daily lives.' -- Stephen Cherry, Dean, King's College Cambridge'This beautiful book introduces us to the Benedictine Rule as a wise way to live. Sr Laurentia outlines the teaching of St Benedict with great clarity and then suggests practical steps to live it out in daily life. In fractious times, this is a timely reminder that wisdom is universal.' -- Abbot Christopher Jamison, author of Finding Sanctuary and Finding Happines'The ancient wisdom of St Benedict has so much to offer today to anyone seeking to live more authentically in a world of constant change and turmoil. This book is born of deep engagement and attention to the profound desires of the heart and is a must-read for anyone seeking to understand the Benedictine way more deeply. Sr Laurentia writes beautifully, drawing the reader into a greater contemplation of the generous grace of God, whether starting out to understand, or an old hand at prayer. This is a Lent book that will be read for its joyfulness the whole year round.' -- The Very Revd Dr Frances Ward, writer and theologian

Read more less

Book SynopsisTried, tested and trusted by students around the world, Exploring the New Testament, Volume 1 offers a thorough introduction that has been fully revised and expanded to take account of major scholarly advances over the past decade.Trade Review‘A superb one-stop shop for students looking for resources that open up the New Testament world and its writings.’ * Dr Elizabeth Shively, Senior Lecturer in New Testament Studies and Director of Teaching, School of Divinity, University of St Andrews *Presents the issues clearly, encouraging students to interact with the text. . . very useful for both students and teachers. * Evangel *A well-proportioned overview of background material, introductory detail and controversial issues. * James D. G. Dunn, Emeritus Lightfoot Professor of Divinity, Durham University *I know no better book for its purpose. * Richard Bauckham, Professor Emeritus of New Testament Studies, University of St Andrews *

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisOriginating with Iranian tribes living in Central Asia in the second millennium BCE, Zoroastrianism was the official religion of the Iranian empires until Islam superseded it in the seventh century AD. This title provides modern translations of Zoroastrian texts that have been selected to provide an overview of Zoroastrian beliefs and practices.

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis introduction argues that practical theology is part of the everyday life of the church and helps readers evaluate the approach most appropriate to their ministerial context and theological tradition.Table of ContentsContentsIntroduction1. Practical Theology as the Ordinary Life of the Church2. Practical Theology as Faith Seeking Understanding3. The Gospel and Practical Theology4. Practical Theology and Lived Theology5. Practical Theology as a Conversation about Practice and Theology6. Theological Reflection7. Practical Theology and Theological Disciplines8. Practical Theology as a Conversation about Culture9. Beginning Small-Scale Empirical Research10. Producing Practical TheologyIndex

Read more less

Book SynopsisA selection of daily readings from the founder of The Salvation Army.

Read more less

Book SynopsisTable of ContentsIntroduction 1 About This Book 1 Conventions Used in This Book 2 Pronouncing Jewish Words 2 About the translations 3 Foolish Assumptions 4 How This Book Is Organized 5 Part 1: What Jews Generally Believe 5 Part 2: From Womb to Tomb: The Life Cycle 5 Part 3: An Overview of Jewish History 5 Part 4: Celebrations and Holy Days 5 Part 5: The Part of Tens 5 Part 6: Appendixes 6 Icons Used in This Book 6 Where to Go from Here 7 Part 1: What Jews Generally Believe 9 Chapter 1: That’s Funny, You Don’t Look Jewish: Who’s a Jew and Why 11 The Jewish Tribe 12 What’s in a name? 12 Jews far and wide 13 Who decides if you’re Jewish? 13 After all, it’s a small world 14 Major Branches of the Tree 15 Orthodox Jews 16 Breakaway denominations 18 Guess Who Else Is Jewish 22 Chapter 2: It’s All One: Judaism and God 25 Pondering Jewish Beliefs about God 26 A religion of deed, not creed 26 Arguing with God 26 Where God is 27 Calling One God Many Names 27 What’s in a name? 28 The four-letter Name of God 28 The Singular Being hidden in the plural 28 God’s Own name 29 No end to the names of God 30 Looking behind the Name 30 God creates 31 God reveals 31 God redeems 33 Embarking on a Quest for Ultimate Reality 34 Chapter 3: A Never-Ending Torah: The Unfolding of a Tradition 35 Torah: The Light That Never Dims 35 The five books of Moses 36 The weekly readings 37 The TaNaKH: The Hebrew Bible 39 Nevi’im (“Prophets”) 39 Ketuvim (“Writings”) 39 The Haftarah 40 Interpreting the Bible 40 A Hidden Revolution: The Oral Torah 41 The law of the land: The Mishnah 41 The teachings explained: The Talmud 43 Telling stories: The midrash 45 The Expanding Torah 46 Chapter 4: A Path of Blessing: Judaism as a Daily Practice 47 Connecting With God and Community through Practice: The Mitzvot 48 613 habits of highly effective people 49 Women and mitzvot 50 The reasons for mitzvot 51 Connecting With God and Community through Blessings and Prayers 52 Private worship 53 The community worship service 54 Going to Synagogue 57 Four things you’ll find in every synagogue 57 Who’s who at shul 58 Following Jewish Dietary Laws: A Brief Guide to Kosher Food 60 The reasons behind kosher 62 OU means OK for most 63 Purifying the Spirit: Rites and Rituals 63 Dressing for God: Jewish Garments and Clothing Customs 64 The yarmulka 65 Fringes and shawls 66 You shall bind them as a sign: Laying tefillin 67 The Jewish Home 68 On every doorpost: The mezuzah 68 The candelabra extraordinaire: The menorah 69 So Go Now and Live 69 Chapter 5: Jewish Mysticism 71 Delving Into Jewish Mysticism 71 What mystics tend to believe 72 The Kabbalah 72 Taking a Magical Mystical Tour 74 Early mystical texts 74 Isaac Luria, Safed’s sage 76 Israel ben Eliezer, the good master 78 Going Above and Beyond: Jewish Meditation 79 Following Maps to Understanding: The Images and Symbols 81 The Tree of Life 81 The ten sefirot 84 The Four Worlds 87 The five levels of soul 88 Chapter 6: Ethical Challenges 91 Getting to the Heart of the Matter 92 The Golden Rule 92 Expressions of God 92 Tikkun olam 93 Charged to act 93 Meeting at the Intersection of Righteousness and Charity 94 Unraveling the Problem of the Other 96 Intra- and Interfaith Challenges 97 Embracing Our Sexuality 98 Mystical visions of sexual union 99 Birth control and abortion 99 Homosexuality 100 Prohibited relationships 100 Finding a Way to Peace 101 Breaking the cycle 101 Respecting Animals and the Environment 103 Bal Tashkhit: Do not destroy 104 Tza’ar ba’alei khayim: Treat living creatures with dignity 104 Striving for tikkun olam 105 Part 2: From Womb To Tomb: The Life Cycle 107 Chapter 7: In the Beginning: Birth and Bris 109 Making the Cut: Ritual Circumcision 110 Knowing who’s involved 110 Adhering to the rituals and ceremonies 111 Making the choice 112 Thanking God for Little Girls 114 Playing the Name Game 115 Buying Back the First Born 117 Chapter 8: Coming of Age: The Bar/Bat Mitzvah 119 Preparing for the Big Day 120 Celebrating the Bar/Bat Mitzvah 121 Reading from the Good Book 121 Speech! Speech! 122 A night to celebrate 123 Celebrating as a grown up 125 Confirming Your Beliefs 125 Chapter 9: Get Me to the Chuppah On Time: Weddings 127 Looking at the Origins of Jewish Marriage 127 Preparing for the Ceremony 128 Enjoying the Wedding 129 Raising the chuppah 130 Drinking the fruit of the vine 130 Exchanging the rings 131 Sharing the seven blessings 131 Breaking the glass 133 Putting it in writing 133 Enjoying sacred moments, before and after 134 Getting a Get: Divorce 135 Walking through a divorce 136 Encountering rare troubles 137 Chapter 10: Stepping Through the Valley: The Shadow of Death 139 Planning for Death 140 Writing an ethical will 140 Making final confessions 141 Reciting parting words 142 Arranging the Funeral 143 Returning to the earth 143 Preparing the body 144 Attending a funeral and burial 145 Observing the Mourning Period 147 The first week following a funeral 147 The first month and year 148 Saying Kaddish 149 Remembering the Dead 150 Part 3: An Overview of Jewish History 153 Chapter 11: Let My People Go: From Abraham to Exodus 155 The Genesis of a People 157 Beginnings of a Way 157 The next generation 158 Who gets blessed? 159 Wrestling with God 160 The Son Also Rises 161 Interpreting dreams 161 A dream comes true 163 The Enslavement and Exodus 163 A star is born 164 Are we there yet? 165 Entering the Promised Land 166 Chapter 12: The Kings of Israel: The First Temple 167 Finding the Right Guy to Be King 168 Continuing War and Peace 169 Enter David, stage left 169 Magic and mayhem 170 Living under the Lion of Judah 170 The Wisdom of Solomon 172 Building the Temple 172 Telling a Tale of Two Kingdoms 173 The Fall of the First Temple 174 Chapter 13: Bracketed by Exile: The Second Temple 177 Finding a Home away from Home 178 There’s no place like home 178 Building and rebuilding 178 It’s All Greek to Me 179 The ptol and short of it 179 The last emperor 180 A Parting of Ways 180 All Roads Lead to Rome 181 An Edifice Complex 182 Not one but many messiahs 182 Death and dismemberment 183 Sects and Violence 183 Chapter 14: The Exiles Continue: The First Millennium 185 Beware, the End Is Nigh! 186 Revolutions and messiahs 186 The raising of the Talmud 187 Running Out of Rome 188 Jews under Islam 189 Second class is better than no class 190 The rise of the Gaon 190 All that glitters is gold 191 Let My People Stay: Prosperity and Persecution 191 Turn the other cheek 192 Take the money and run 192 The Reign in Spain 194 No one expects the Spanish Inquisition 194 Christianity or bust 195 Chapter 15: The Greatest Horror, the Greatest Triumph 197 When Poland Was a Heartland 198 Four lands, one people 198 The Chmielnicki massacres 198 The Dawning of a New Age 199 The Enlightenment 199 The question of citizenship 200 Going Beyond the Pale 201 Responses to Enlightenment 201 Reform 202 To change or not to change 203 The Rise of Nationalism and Racism 203 The return of anti-Jewish policies 204 The pogroms 204 Getting Worse and Getting Out 205 Passage to Palestine 205 Close, but not quite there 206 Hitler’s rise to power 206 The Holocaust 207 Too little, too late 207 The war against the Jews 208 The death camps 209 The fall of the Third Reich 210 Founding a New Jewish State 211 Chapter 16: Jewish Buddhists and Other Challenges of the New Age 215 In the Shadow of the Holocaust 215 The Mixed Blessing of America 216 You will be assimilated 216 The choosing people 217 Jews as Spiritual Teachers of Other Traditions 218 I didn’t know Jews did that! 218 Finding parallels 219 The New Jewish Spirituality 219 Jew versus Jew versus Jew 220 Who is a Jew 221 Can’t we just work it out? 222 Considering the Future of Judaism 223 Chapter 17: The Problem of Anti-Semitism 225 Recounting the Incomprehensible 226 Fearing an Unknown Quantity: The Origins of Hate 227 Exploding Dangerous and False Beliefs 228 Belief #1: The Jews killed Jesus 228 Belief #2: There’s an international Jewish conspiracy 230 Belief #3: Jews practice ritual murder 230 Anti-Semitism in literature and art 231 From Religion to Race: Anti-Semitism in Modern Times 232 Israel and anti-Semitism 233 The color of anti-Semitism 233 Twenty-first century anti-Semitism 234 Toward Healing 235 Part 4: Celebrations and Holy Days 237 Chapter 18: A Taste of Paradise: Shabbat 239 Understanding Shabbat 240 Shabbat: Restriction or Relief? 240 Knowing what work to avoid 241 Discovering what’s enough 241 Redefining the rules 242 Doing what you can on Shabbat 243 Welcoming the Sabbath 243 Lighting the candles 244 Saying the blessings over family, wine, and bread 245 Eating the meal 248 Attending Shabbat evening services 251 Morning has broken 251 Bidding Farewell to Shabbat 252 Wine and candles 252 Sugar, spice, and everything nice 253 The Universal Aspects of Shabbat 255 Chapter 19: In with the New: Rosh Hashanah 257 A Day for Making Judgments 258 The Book of Life: Take two 259 Teshuvah: Getting back on track 260 The 40-Day Plan 260 The days of Elul 261 Preparations: S’lichot 261 Celebrating Rosh Hashanah 262 The Makhzor: The High Holy Day prayer book 264 Blowing your horn 265 Tashlikh 266 The Ten Days of Awe 267 Cleaning your spiritual house 267 Kapparot 268 Real Beginnings Mean Real Changes 269 Chapter 20: Getting Serious: Yom Kippur 271 Yom Kippur Means Always Having to Say You’re Sorry 272 Seeking forgiveness from God 272 Repenting 272 Celebrating Yom Kippur 274 Fasting, but not quickly 274 Taking a long day’s journey 275 Preparing for Yom Kippur 276 Considering the Kol Nidre: The evening service 277 Reading and kneeling 279 Honoring the Light of Yom Kippur 281 Chapter 21: The Great Outdoors: Sukkot 283 A Jewish Thanksgiving 283 Giving thanks 284 Getting outdoorsy: Building a sukkah 284 How to Sukkot 285 A sukkah born every minute 285 Waving the lulav and etrog 287 Sh’mini Atzeret 290 Simkhat Torah 290 Chapter 22: Seeking Light in Dark Times: Chanukkah 293 Shining a Light on the Darkest Night 293 The Good Fight: What Chanukkah Celebrates 294 The two books of the Maccabees 294 Judah puts the hammer down 295 The story of the oil miracle 295 The Maccabees get their due 296 Embracing Chanukkah Customs 296 Lighting the candles 298 Blessings for the moment 299 Remembering the oil: Yummy fried foods 299 Spinning the dreidel 301 To gift, or not to gift 302 Receiving the Real Gift of Chanukkah: Personal Renewal 302 Chapter 23: Celebrating Renewal: Tu B’Shvat 305 Tithing Fruits of Land and Spirit 305 A Seder of Fruit and Wine 306 Try This at Home 307 Enlightened Gardeners 308 An Ever-Living Tree 308 Chapter 24: A Jewish Carnival: Purim 309 Purim: Based on a True Story (Sort Of) 309 It all starts with a banished queen 310 Enter Esther, stage left 310 Enter Haman, stage right 310 Haman’s big mistake 311 The final battle 312 Why Purim Survived 312 The persistence of persecution 313 Within you and without you 313 Bang a Gong: Celebrating Purim 313 Reading the Book of Esther — the whole megillah 315 Partying and playing dress up 315 Giving the gift of sweets 316 Remembering the poor 318 Other traditions: The Fast of Esther 318 Bringing Darkness to Light 318 Chapter 25: From Groan to Glee: Passover 319 Looking at the Reasons behind Passover 320 Edible Do’s and Don’ts 321 Kosher for Passover 321 The symbolism of Passover restrictions 322 First Things First: Preparing for Passover 323 Cleaning out the khametz 323 Giving to charity at Passover time 325 The Seder: As Easy as 1, 2, 3 325 The haggadah: Seder’s little instruction booklet 326 Look who’s coming to dinner 326 The prepared table 327 Steps of the seder 333 New traditions: Miriam’s Cup 338 A Time to Think about Freedom 339 It’s all about choice 340 Dayenu: So much gratitude 340 It’s Not Over till It’s Omer 341 Agricultural roots 341 The magical, mystical seven 342 Yom Ha-Shoah 343 Israeli Independence Day 343 Lag B’Omer 343 The Universal Themes in Passover 344 Chapter 26: Spring Is Busting Out All Over: Shavuot 345 The Ideas Behind Shavuot 346 Receiving the Torah 346 Meeting at Sinai 346 Tune in today! 347 Go tell it on the mountain 347 Telling stories 348 Searching for New Rituals 349 Pulling the mystical all-nighter 350 Deck the halls 351 Got milk? 351 Reading Ruth 354 Nontraditional traditions 355 Rewakening 356 Chapter 27: A Day of Mourning: Tisha B’Av 357 Fasting, Reading, and Reflecting 358 Today’s Tisha B’Av 359 Tu B’Av: Releasing into Joy 360 Part 5: The Part of Tens 361 Chapter 28: Ten People Who Helped Shape Judaism 363 Hillel 364 Rashi 364 Maimonides 365 Joseph Caro 365 Isaac Luria 366 Ba’al Shem Tov 367 Henrietta Szold 367 Abraham Isaac Kook 368 Martin Buber 369 Abraham Joshua Heschel 369 Chapter 29: Answers to Ten Common Questions about Judaism 371 Why Don’t Jews Believe in Jesus? 371 What Does It Mean to Be the “Chosen” People? 372 Why Is Israel So Important to the Jews? 372 Why Are So Many Doctors, Lawyers, and Entertainers Jewish? 373 What Is the Role of Women in Judaism? 374 What Is “Jewish Humor”? 375 Self-examination: Try it at home! 375 Dress British, think Yiddish 378 What Role Does Music Play in Jewish Culture? 378 Who’s In Charge of Judaism? 379 Can You Convert to Judaism? 380 What’s the Relationship Between Judaism and Islam? 381 Part 6: Appendixes 383 Appendix A: Oy Vey! and Other Words You Should Know 385 A Primer of Basic Words 385 Yiddish, Yinglish, Oy! 389 Appendix B: A Sampler of Jewish Prayers and Blessings 397 The Central Focus: Sh’ma and V’ahavta 398 First Thing in the Morning 398 Last Thing at Night 399 Various, Sundry, and Otherwise Useful Blessings 399 Blessings for food 400 Blessings making moments special 402 Blessings for ritual acts 403 Blessings as reminders and as teachers 404 Appendix C: Go Now and Learn 405 Books for The People of the Book 405 On the Newsstand 407 Some Jewish Organizations 407 Education and social action 408 Charities 408 Judaism on the Web 409 Index 411

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe ESV Study Bible, Personal Size compresses the features of the award-winning ESV Study Bible into a smaller size for easier carrying.

Read more less

Book SynopsisTrusting Jesus is hard, especially when times are tough. Through the imaginative retelling of 35 Bible stories, this book helps us trust God's promises over and against our perceptions and find rest in the faithfulness of God.

Read more less