Religion and beliefs Books

Book SynopsisRitual deposition is not an activity that many people in the Western world would consider themselves participants of. The enigmatic beliefs and magical thinking that led to the deposition of swords in watery places and votive statuettes in temples, for example, may feel irrelevant to the modern day. However, it could be argued that ritual deposition is a more widespread feature now than in the past, with folk assemblages from roadside memorials and love-lock bridges, to wishing fountains and coin-trees emerging prolifically worldwide. Despite these assemblages being as much the result of ritual activity as historically deposited objects, they are rarely given the same academic attention or heritage status. As well as exploring the nature of ritual deposition in the contemporary West, and the beliefs and symbolisms behind various assemblages, this Element explores the heritage of the modern-day deposit, promoting a renegotiation of the pejorative term ''ritual litter''.Table of ContentsIntroduction; 1. The Places and the People; 2. The Material Culture; 3. The Deposit as 'Litter'; 4. The Deposit as 'Heritage'.

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Book SynopsisAn essential introduction to the world''s living religions by experts from each tradition -- published in conjunction with the 1993 Parliament of the World''s Religions.

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Book SynopsisTrade Review“Pete Holmes is Hunter S. Thompson if he was square as shit and funny as fuck. Did I swear enough? Pussy?” — Sarah Silverman “The thing about Pete is that there’s this question he never stops asking in his life and work: What is this? From his standup to his podcast to his talk to show to Crashing, this What is this? question infuses all he does with an existential urgency and a spiritual vitality. This is why so many resonate with him—he’s welcoming everyone in to the ancient practice of asking and seeking and questioning and following it where it leads, insisting that we join in him in his wonder and awe. He often says We’re on a rock flying through space and he’s tired of not talking about it. Well, this time he’s writing about it, and you’re going to love it.” — Rob Bell, author of Love Wins and What Is The Bible? “A marvelous and heartfelt story about the journey from role to soul.” — Ram Dass “Pete Holmes is that rare stand-up comedian who is wickedly sharp without being cynical and joyously exuberant without losing his edge. In Comedy Sex God, Pete hilariously confronts his faith in a way I would never dare, unless I thought there was real money in it.” — Conan O’Brien Pete Holmes is a thoughtful and hilarious contradiction. Centered, but ambitious. Zen, but stressed. He’s like the Buddha if the Buddha Googled himself. This memoir captures all the wonderful inconsistencies and strengths of my very funny friend. It was a joy to read. — John Mulaney Seldom do I read such creative and humorous writing—and have it be so profound and true at the same time. To quote Thomas Merton four days before he died ‘One day you realize that most of religion is laughable. And then you realize that you are nevertheless religious.’ Peter Holmes might just be the new Merton! — Richard Rohr, author of The Universal Christ

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Book SynopsisTrade ReviewThe purpose of this new Handbook of Jeremiah is to unite the current diversity of approaches in Jeremiah research in 'a synthetic anthology'. In my opinion this Handbook is a milestone, very suitable for obtaining a swift overview of the recent developments in Jeremiah research. The reading of this book is also an adventure that can be talked about for a long time. * Dr H.G.L. Peels, European Journal of Theology *This is a monumental volume about a monumental book, and the editors are to be congratulated on bringing it into being...The Oxford Handbooks aim to provide scholars and graduate students with examples of cutting edge research on their subjects and guidance on the progress and direction of debate on different subjects, and this handbook does so. * John Goldingay, The Expository Times *Stulman's and Silver's edited handbook is well organized, well researched, and well written. The sheer scope and sequence of articles provides readers with an extraordinary understanding of the book of Jeremiah, the breadth and depth of scholarship that the book generates, and how this ancient book continues to have a place in the contemporary world. Those engaged in the study of the prophets and Jeremiah, in particular, will find this work insightful, challenging, and thoroughly engaging. * Carol J. Dempsey, University of Portland, Horizons *This handbook is a milestone, very suitable for a brief overview of recent developments in Jeremiah research. Reading this book is also an adventure that will be remembered for a long time. * H.G.L. Peels, the quarterly magazine *Table of ContentsPart 1 Historical and Cultural Contexts of Origin 1. The Historical Contexts of the Books of Jeremiah -- C. L. Crouch 2. Jeremiah: Diaspora in Service to Exile -- Jill Middlemas 3. The Representation of Egypt in the Book of Jeremiah -- Safwat Marzouk 4. The Historical Jeremiah -- Mark Leuchter Part 2 Textual History and Structure 5. Two Ancient Editions of the Book of Jeremiah -- Hermann-Josef Stipp 6. The Double Text of Jeremiah Revisited -- Alexander Rofé 7. The Last Stage of the Literary History of the Book of Jeremiah -- Emanuel Tov 8. Textualization and the Book of Jeremiah -- Joachim Schaper 9. The Prophet Jeremiah: Legends, Traditions and their Evolution -- Ronnie Goldstein 10. The Development of Hebrew and the Book of Jeremiah -- Aaron D. Hornkohl 11. On Poetry and Prophecy in Jeremiah -- Job Y. Jindo 12. Language Variation in the Book of Jeremiah and its Cultural and Social Background -- Frank H. Polak Part 3 Critical Questions of Interpretation 13. Jeremiah: Content and Structure -- Mark E. Biddle 14. Theories of Prophecy in Jeremiah -- Nathan Mastnjak 15. Jeremiah and Prophetic Authority -- Matthijs J. de Jong 16. Jeremiah and Inner Biblical Exegesis -- Dalit Rom-Shiloni Part 4 Major Internal Themes 17. Contested Theologies in the Book of Jeremiah -- George Fischer 18. Poetic Violence in the Book of Jeremiah -- Amy Kalmanofsky 19. Portraits of the Prophet in the Book of Jeremiah -- Else K. Holt 20. Jeremiah: The Traumatized Prophet -- L. Juliana Claassens 21. Imprisoned in Prose: Narrating Jeremiah's Confinement and the Babylonian Assault of Jerusalem -- Keith Bodner 22. The Jeremian Oracles Against the Nations -- Rhiannon Graybill 23. Jeremiah's Deathscapes -- Mary Mills 24. Hope and Resilience in the Books of Jeremiah -- Marvin A. Sweeney 25. The Ultimate Commitment: A Covenant Written on (the Tablet of) the Heart and Its Ancient Near Eastern Background -- Herbert B. Huffmon 26. Written on the Heart, Erased from the Mind: Rewriting Moral Agency in Jeremiah -- Samuel E. Balentine 27. Jeremiah's Non-Burial Refrain -- Sarah C. Jobe Part 5 Reception Engagements 28. Jeremiah in Lamentations -- Elizabeth Boase 29. Jeremiah at Qumran -- Devorah Dimant 30. Jeremiah and His Prophecies in the New Testament -- Catrin H. Williams 31. The Prophet Jeremiah in Islamic Thought -- Roberto Tottoli 32. The Figure of Jeremiah in the Work of Stefan Zweig and Rainer Maria Rilke -- Rüdiger Görner 33. Jeremiah Interpretation in Subaltern Context -- Katho Robert Bungishabaku 34. Jeremiah in Art -- Mary Chilton Callaway 35. Jeremiah and Homiletics -- Carolyn J. Sharp Part 6 Significance of the Book of Jeremiah for Key Contemporary Political Issues 36. Ecological Hermeneutics and Jeremiah -- Kristel Clayville 37. Playing with Death: Violent Exceptions and Exceptional Violence in the Book of Jeremiah -- Steed Vernyl Davidson 38. Jeremiah and Gender -- Christl M. Maier

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Book SynopsisThe Oxford Handbook of the Cognitive Science of Religion is the most authoritative and comprehensive examination of the growing field of CSR. With contributions from the field's founders and its rising stars, this volume offers a critical overview of more than 25 years of research.Trade ReviewA fascinating volume... For advanced students and scholars seeking to develop research in this emerging field, the book provides a good foundation. * CHOICE *Table of ContentsTable of Contents Part One: Historical, Theoretical, and Methodological Foundations of CSR 1. Ghostly Relationships: Differentiating Cognitive Science of Religion and Psychology of Religion Justin L. Barrett 2. The Historical Genesis of Cognitive Science of Religion E. Thomas Lawson 3. Philosophical Foundations of the Cognitive Science of Religion Aku Visala 4. The Cognitive Study of Religious Activity: Beyond Religion and Belief Pascal Boyer Part Two: Religious Concepts 5. Gods: Cognition, Culture, and Ecology Benjamin Grant Purzycki 6. The Nature of Humans Rebekah A. Richert and Kirsten Lesage 7. Nature of the World Julie Scott and Justin L. Barrett Part Three: Religious Actions 8. Explaining and Solving Practical Problems Supernaturally Rachel Watson-Jones & Cristine H. Legare 9. Mortuary Practices Claire White Part Four: Religious Objects 10. Scripturalism: A theory Brian Malley 11. Special Objects Tyler S. Greenway Part Five: Religious Experiences 12. Conceiving Religious Dreams and Mystical Experiences: A Predictive Processing Investigation Robert E. Sears 13. Extreme Rituals Dimitris Xygalatas Part Six: Forming Religious Systems 14. Key Ingredients for a World Religion: Insights from Cognitive and Evolutionary Science James Van Slyke and D. Jason Slone 15. What is the Role of Ritual in Binding Communities Together? Harvey Whitehouse and Christopher M. Kavanagh 16. The Failure of Religious Systems Hugh Turpin and Jonathan A. Lanman Part Seven: CSR's Relations and Implications 17. Neuroscience of Religion Uffe Schjoedt and Michiel van Elk 18. Soul Mates? Conflicts and Complementarities in the Evolutionary and Cognitive Sciences of Religion Richard Sosis, John Shaver, Benjamin Grant Purzycki, and Jordan Kiper 19. CSR and Religious Belief. Epistemic friends or foes? Hans Van Eyghen 20. The Cultural & Developmental Niche of Religious Cognitions: Educational Implications of the Cognitive Science of Religion Rebekah A. Richert 21. Lived Faith and Cognitive Intuitions: Some Theological Implications of Cognitive Science of Religion Laird R. O. Edman and Myron A. Penner

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Book SynopsisThis is the fourth edition of Metzger's textbook on the transcribing and transmission of the New Testament. The book offers a comprehensive survey of ancient and more recently discovered manuscripts, and considers the science and art of textual criticism. It covers a variety of textual problems and offers accounts of several schools of textual mythology. This edition includes the addition of Bart Ehrman as a co-author, and thorough revisions integrating new research andapproaches within the body of the text.Trade ReviewPraise for the previous edition: "Professor Bruce M. Metzger... remains the dean of New Testament textual criticism. For more than thirty years his encyclopedic knowledge and prolific pen have kept New Testament scholars current in manuscript studies... Other manuals in textual criticism are now available, but none is more serviceable than Metzger's."-Southwestern Journal of Theology "Well-researched and expressed, with that rare elegance of style that graces the English language. It is a model for scholarly endeavor, as well as the definitive text in English on the subject."-Louis I. Hodges, Columbia Bible College and Seminary "The best in its field. Indispensable!"-Jarl Fossum, University of MichiganTable of ContentsPART I. THE MATERIALS FOR THE TEXTUAL CRITICISM OF THE NEW TESTAMENT ; CHAPTER 1. THE MAKING OF ANCIENT BOOKS ; I. The Materials of Ancient Books ; 1. Papyrus ; 2. Parchment ; 3. Ink Making ; II. The Forms of Ancient Books ; III. Ancient Scribes and Their Handiwork ; Added Note on Colophons ; IV. "Helps for Readers" in New Testament Manuscripts ; 1. Chapter Divisions ; 2. Titles of Chapters ; 3. Eusebian Canons ; 4. Hypotheses, Bioi, Euthalian Apparatus ; 5. Superscriptions and Subscriptions ; 6. Punctuation ; 7. Glosses, Scholia, Commentaries, Catenae, Onomastics ; 8. Artistic Adornment ; 9. Cola and Commata ; 10. Neumes ; 11. Lectionary Equipment ; V. Statistics of Greek Manuscripts of the New Testament ; CHAPTER 2. IMPORTANT WITNESSES TO THE TEXT OF THE NEW TESTAMENT ; I. Greek Manuscripts of the New Testament ; 1. Important Greek Papyri of the New Testament ; 2. Important Greek Majuscule Manuscripts of the New Testament ; 3. Important Greek Minuscule Manuscripts of the New Testament ; 4. Other Noteworthy Manuscripts ; II. Ancient Versions of the New Testament ; 1. The Syriac Versions ; 2. The Latin Versions ; 3. The Coptic Versions ; 4. The Gothic Version ; 5. The Armenian Version ; 6. The Georgian Version ; 7. The Ethiopic Version ; 8. The Old Slavonic Version ; 9. Other Ancient Versions ; Patristic Quotations from the New Testament ; PART II: THE HISTORY OF NEW TESTAMENT TEXTUAL CRITICISM AS REFLECTED IN PRINTED EDITIONS OF THE GREEK TESTAMENT ; CHAPTER 3. THE PRECRITICAL PERIOD ; I. From Ximenes and Erasmus to the Elzevirs ; II. The Collection of Variant Readings ; CHAPTER 4. THE MODERN CRITICAL PERIOD ; I. The Beginnings of Scientific Textual Criticism of the New Testament ; II. The Overthrow of the Textus Receptus ; PART III: THE APPLICATION OF TEXTUAL CRITICISM TO THE TEXT OF THE NEW TESTAMENT ; CHAPTER 5. THE ORIGINS OF TEXTUAL CRITICISM AS A SCHOLARLY DISCIPLINE ; CHAPTER 6. MODERN METHODS OF TEXTUAL CRITICISM ; I. The Classical Method of Textual Criticism ; II. Reactions Against Classical Textual Criticism ; 1. Joseph Bedier ; 2. Albert C. Clark ; III. Local Texts and Ancient Editions: Burnett Hillman Streeter ; IV. Alternative Methods of Textual Criticism ; 1. The Majority Text ; 2. Thoroughgoing Eclecticism ; V. Conjectural Emendation ; VI. Methods of Determining Family Relationships Among Manuscripts ; 1. The Claremont Profile Method ; 2. The Alands' Use of Teststellen ; 3. The Comprehensive Profile Method ; VII. The Use of Computers in New Testament Textual Criticism ; 1. The Collection, Recording, and Storage of Data ; 2. The Presentation of the Data ; 3. Statistical Analyses ; 4. Hypertext Possibilities ; VIII. Significant Ongoing Projects ; 1. The Institut f:ur neutestamentliche Textforschung ; 2. The International Greek New Testament Project ; CHAPTER 7. THE CAUSES OF ERROR IN THE TRANSMISSION OF THE TEXT OF THE NEW TESTAMENT ; I. Unintentional Changes ; 1. Errors Arising from Faulty Eyesight ; 2. Errors Arising from Faulty Hearing ; 3. Errors of the Mind ; 4. Errors of Judgment ; II. Intentional Changes ; 1. Changes Involving Spelling and Grammar ; 2. Harmonistic Corruptions ; 3. Addition of Natural Complements and Similar Adjuncts ; 4. Clearing up Historical and Geographical Difficulties ; 5. Conflation of Readings ; 6. Alterations Made Because of Doctrinal Considerations ; 7. Addition of Miscellaneous Details ; CHAPTER 8. HISTORY OF THE TRANSMISSION OF THE TEXT OF THE NEW TESTAMENT ; I. Complications in Establishing the Original Text ; II. Dissemination of Early Christian Literature ; III. The Rise and Development of the New Testament Text Types ; 1. The Western Text ; 2. The Alexandrian Text ; 3. The Byzantine Text ; IV. The Use of Textual Data for the Social History of Early Christianity ; 1. Doctrinal Disputes of Early Christianity ; 2. Jewish-Christian Relations ; 3. The Oppression of Women in Early Christianity ; 4. Christian Apologia ; 5. Christian Asceticism ; 6. The Use of Magic and Fortune-Telling in Early Christianity ; CHAPTER 9. THE PRACTICE OF NEW TESTAMENT TEXTUAL CRITICISM ; I. Basic Criteria for the Evaluation of Variant Readings ; II. The Process of Evaluating Variant Readings ; 1. External Evidence ; 2. Internal Evidence ; III. The Textual Analysis of Selected Passages

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Book SynopsisFirst published in 1963, this book remains one of the most important texts illuminating the complex relationship between theology and philosophy.Trade Review'Mehl's 1963 treatise explores the relationship between philosophy and Christian theology. His topics include the Christian concept of truth, understanding revelation, the renewing of the mind, and the dialogue between the theologian and the philosopher.' --Book News Inc, June 2011Table of ContentsThe Problem; The Christian Concept of Truth; Metaphysical Experience and Christian Dogmatics; Understanding Revelation; The Renewing of the Mind; The Dialogue Between the Theologian and the Philosopher; Conclusion: The Difficult Condition of the Christian Philosopher; Bibliography; Index.

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Book SynopsisUsing the same humor and honesty that galvanized more than a million online readers from more than 200 countries, speaker Jon Acuff brings his insightful take on Christianity to the book world with this new edition of Stuff Christians Like. From prayer shot blocks to Metro worship leaders, no stone is left unturned in this hilarious look at faith.

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Book SynopsisThe NIV Application Commentary helps readers with the vital task of bringing the ancient message of the Bible into a contemporary context. It gives preachers and teachers the tools, ideas, and insights they need to communicate God's Word with the same powerful impact it had when it was first written.Trade Review“At a time when many pastors are deeply in need of inspiration and encouragement, these volumes… would be a good investment for congregations, even if it means adding a line to the annual budget.” * Christianity Today *“Here at last is a commentary which is not only academically well informed but which helps that commentary reader hear God’s Word and consider its implications; scholarship in service of the Church.” * Arthur Rowe, Spurgeon’s College *“If you want to avoid hanging applicational elephants from interpretational threads, then the NIV Application Commentary is for you! This series excels at both original meaning and contemporary significance. I support it one hundred percent.” * Howard G. Hendricks, Dallas Theological Seminary *“It is encouraging to find a commentary that is not only biblically trustworthy but also contemporary in its application. The NIV Application Commentary series will prove to be a helpful tool in the pastor’s sermon preparation. I use it and recommend it.” * Charles F. Stanley, Pastor, First Baptist Church of Atlanta *“It takes more than interpretation of God's Word to change lives, it takes application. Application is the bottom line in preaching and teaching. Without it, we’ve missed the point of the Bible. The NIV Application Commentary is an outstanding resource for pastors and anyone else who is serious about developing ‘doers of the Word.’” * Rick Warren, Pastor, Saddleback Valley Community Church *“The NIV Application Commentary builds bridges that make the Bible come alive with meaning for contemporary life--and the series do so concisely, clearly, and accurately. No wasted words or academic detours--just solid help and practical truth.” * Warren W. Weirsbe *“The NIV Application Commentary dares to go where few scholars have gone before---into the real world of biblical application faced by pastor and teachers every day. This is everything a good commentary series should be.” * Leith Anderson, Pastor, Wooddale Church *“The NIV Application Commentary is a magnificent gift to the church!” * Dr. R. Kent Hughes, Pastor, College Church, Wheaton, Illinois *“The NIV Application Commentary meets the urgent need for an exhaustive and authoritative commentary based on the New International Version. This series will soon be found in libraries and studies throughout the entire evangelical community.” * Dr. James Kennedy, PhD, Senior Minister, Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church *“The NIV Application Commentary series doesn’t fool around: It gets right down to business, bringing this ancient and powerful Word of God into the present so that it can be heard and delivered with all the freshness of a new day, with all the immediacy of a friend’s embrace.” * Eugene Peterson *“The NIV Application Commentary series helps pastors and other Bible teachers with one of the most neglected elements of good preaching---accurate, useful application. Most commentaries tell you a few things that are helpful and much that you do not need to know. By dealing with the original meaning and contemporary significance of each passage, the NIV Application Commentary series promises to be helpful all the way around.” * Dr. James Montgomery Boice, Tenth Presbyterian Church *“The NIV Application Commentary series promises to be of great service to all who preach and teach the Word of God.” * J. I. Packer, Regent College *“The NIV Application Commentary series will be a great help for readers who want to understand what the Bible means, how it applies, and what they should do in response.” * Stuart Briscoe, Pastor, Elmbrook Church *“This series promises to become an indispensable tool for every pastor and teacher who seeks to make the Bible’s timeless message speak to this generation.” * Billy Graham *“This is the pulpit commentary for the 21st Century” * George K. Brushaber, President, Bethel College & Seminary *

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Book SynopsisA powerful personal journey exploring faith and violence around the world.

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Book SynopsisA grasshopper walked into a bar and ordered a drink.The bartender looked at him and said, “You know we have a drink named after you?”The grasshopper replied, “You have a drink named Stanley?” Schtick happens. For five thousand years, God’s chosen people have cornered the market on knee-slappers, zingers, and knock-knock jokes. Now Old Jews Telling Jokes mines mothers, fathers, bubbies, and zaydes for comic gelt. What we get are jokes that are funnier than a pie in the punim: Abie and Becky jokes; hilarious rabbi, doctor, and mohel tales; and those bits just for Mom (Q: What’s the difference between a Jewish mother and a Rottweiler? A: Eventually a Rottweiler will let go!). Some are just naughty and some are downright bawdy—but either way you’ll laugh till you plotz. With Borscht Belt gags from Brooklyn to Bel Air to Boca, Old Jews Telling Jokes is like chicken soup for your funny bone. I mean, would it k

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Book SynopsisINSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLEROne of our greatest novelists and thinkers presents a radiant, thrilling interpretation of the book of Genesis.For generations, the book of Genesis has been treated by scholars as a collection of documents by various hands, expressing different factional interests, with borrowings from other ancient literatures that mark the text as derivative. In other words, academic interpretation of Genesis has centered on the question of its basic coherency, just as fundamentalist interpretation has centered on the question of the appropriateness of reading it as literally true.Both of these approaches preclude an appreciation of its greatness as literature, its rich articulation and exploration of themes that resonate through the whole of Scripture. Marilynne Robinson's Reading Genesis, which includes the full text of the King James Version of the book, is a powerful consideration of the profound meanin

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Book SynopsisA former U.S. Secretary of the Treasury and an eminent economist tackle the biggest social issue of our time.

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