Religion and beliefs Books

Book SynopsisIn Scriptural Interpretation, Sarisky brilliantly draws together Patristic Theology and a theological interpretation of Scripture in the modern day, to examine Scripture's central place in the life of the Church and ordinary believers. Examines the importance of scriptural interpretation in the life of Christians and of the church Draws together two lively discussions: a study of the theology of the Cappadocian fathers, and a discussion of theological interpretation of Scripture in the twentieth and twenty-first centuries Covers an impressive historical range, from Basil of Caesarea right up to the work of the major contemporary thinkers, Stanley Hauerwas and Rowan Williams Offers a sophisticated understanding of many Patristic thinkers an area of huge current interest in the field and challenges accepted readings of the theology of Basil of Caesarea Trade ReviewHappily, we are well served by Sarisky's excellent compilation of Modern Readings Each reading has a good editorial introduction, in which Sarisky helpfully contextualizes the writer and the chosen extract. He also poses some questions to consider in the course of reading. - Walter Moberly, Reviews in Religion and Theology, 2 April 2017.Table of ContentsPreface and Acknowledgments ix Editions and Translations xii Abbreviations xv Introduction 1 Part I: Basil of Caesarea 6 Part II: Contemporary and Constructive Theology 27 Summary of the Argument 33 Part I Basil of Caesarea 35 1 The Reader – A Little Lower than the Angels 37 Angels: Perfect upon Creation 38 Humanity: Perfected over Time 42 2 The Text – Scriptural Paideia 71 Anthropological Context 72 Revelation 74 Theological Account of Scripture 77 The Utility of Scripture 85 3 Reading – Eschatological Interpretation 90 Theological Analysis of Reading 92 The End of Reading 104 4 Ecclesial Setting – Exegesis and Ecclesial Dogma 111 A Concise History of Reception for De Spiritu Sancto 27 113 Background to De Spiritu Sancto: The Notion of Craft 114 A Reading of De Spiritu Sancto 27 117 Conclusion to Part I: Basil’s Theological Account of Scriptural Interpretation 129 Part II Contemporary and Constructive Theology 133 Introduction to Part II: The Contemporary Debate 135 5 The Reader – Restoring a Sense of the End 140 The Critique of Modernity 141 Narrative and Human Nature 145 6 The Text – Scripture in the Flow of Time 159 Revelation and Generativity 161 A Text in Time 162 7 Reading – Interpretation and the Time of Learning 173 Reading as Shaped by Models of Scripture 174 The Contour of the Time of Learning 176 8 Ecclesial Setting – Practices Performed in Community 184 The Ecclesial Framework 187 Interpretation Situated in a Web of Practices 189 9 A Constructive Account of Scriptural Interpretation 201 Reader 205 Text 212 Reading 217 Ecclesial Setting 224 Conclusion 234 Bibliography 245 Index 265

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Book SynopsisThis new work clarifies Aquinas' concept of natural law through his biblical commentaries, and explores its applications to U.S. constitutional law. The first time the use of Aquinas on the U.S. Supreme Court has been explored in depth, and its applications tested through a rigorous reading of the biblical commentaries Shows how key judgments in the Supreme Court have rested on medieval natural law, and applies critical gender theory to discuss problems with these applications Offers new research data to give a different picture of Aquinas and natural law, and a fresh take on Aquinas' biblical commentaries New research based on passages in the biblical commentaries never before available in English Trade Review"It is essential reading for any theologian engaging with Aquinas’s ethics and for any lawyer who wants to reflect on their calling after Aquinas." (Studies in Christian Ethics, 1 November 2015) “A “must” for the theological-college library, this is not a book that can be ignored by anyone interested in this fascinating and deeply influential Dominican.” (Church Times, 17 January 2014) “This book will be particularly useful for graduate students in philosophy and theology. Summing Up: Recommended. Upper-division undergraduates and graduate students.” (Choice, 1 November 2013)Table of ContentsAcknowledgments xi Bibliographic Note xiv List of Abbreviations xvii 1 Aquinas on the Supreme Court – and on the Bible, or How to Read This Book 1 Part I Aquinas on the Failure of Natural Law 23 2 What Aquinas Thinks We Cannot Know 25 3 How God Moves Creatures: For and Against Natural Law 63 4 How Aquinas Reads Scripture 97 5 How the Law of Nature Is a Character in Decline 118 6 How the Narrative Sexualizes Nature’s Decline 147 Part II Aquinas on the Redemption of Natural Law 177 7 How Aquinas Gets Nature and Grace Back Together Again: Aquinas Meets Karl Barth 179 8 How Faith and Reason Follow Glory 215 9 How Aquinas Makes Nature Dynamic All the Way Down: Aquinas Meets Judith Butler 232 10 How the Spirit Moves the Law 247 11 How Natural Science Becomes a Form of Prayer 265 12 How the Semen of the Spirit Genders the Gentiles: Rereading Romans 289 Conclusion: Questions Answered and Unanswered 298 Subject Index 305 Index of Thomistic Citations 313

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Book SynopsisThis comprehensive volume brings together a team of distinguished scholars to create a wide-ranging introduction to patristic authors and their contributions to not only theology and spirituality, but to philosophy, ecclesiology, linguistics, hagiography, liturgics, homiletics, iconology, and other fields.Table of ContentsPreface x Notes on Contributors xi Part I Introduction 1 1 The Nature and Scope of Patristics 3Ken Parry Part II Collecting the Fathers 13 2 Byzantine Florilegia 15Alexander Alexakis 3 Modern Patrologies 51Angelo Di Berardino Part III Studies in Reception History I: Individual Fathers 69 4 Irenaeus of Lyons 71Denis Minns 5 Clement of Alexandria 84Piotr Ashwin]Siejkowski 6 Origen of Alexandria 98Mark Edwards 7 Athanasius of Alexandria 111David M. Gwynn 8 Ephrem of Nisibis 126Andrew Palmer 9 John Chrysostom 141Wendy Mayer 10 Augustine of Hippo 155Kazuhiko Demura 11 Cyril of Alexandria 170Hans van Loon 12 Shenoute of Atripe 184Janet Timbie 13 Nestorius of Constantinople 197George Bevan 14 Dionysius the Areopagite 211István Perczel 15 Severus of Antioch 226Youhanna Nessim Youssef 16 Gregory the Great 238Bronwen Neil 17 Maximos the Confessor 250Andrew Louth 18 John of Damascus 264Vassilis Adrahtas 19 Gregory of Narek 278Abraham Terian 20 Gregory Palamas 293Marcus Plested Part IV Studies in Reception History II: Collective Fathers 307 21 The Cappadocian Fathers 309H. Ashley Hall 22 The Desert Fathers and Mothers 326John Chryssavgis 23 The Iconophile Fathers 338Vladimir Baranov Part V Studies in the Fathers 353 24 Scripture and the Fathers 355Paul Blowers 25 Hagiography of the Greek Fathers 370Stephanos Efthymiadis 26 Liturgies and the Fathers 385Hugh Wybrew 27 Fathers and the Church Councils 400Richard Price 28 The Fathers and Scholasticism 414James R. Ginther 29 The Fathers and the Reformation 428Irena Backus 30 The Fathers in Arabic 442Alexander Treiger 31 The Greek of the Fathers 456Klaas Bentein 32 The Latin of the Fathers 471Carolinne White 33 Reimagining Patristics: Critical Theory as a Lens 487Kim Haines]Eitzen Index 497

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Book SynopsisFrom Jesus to the Internet examines Christianity as a mediated phenomenon, paying particular attention to how various forms of media have influenced and developed the Christian tradition over the centuries. It is the first systematic survey of this topic and the author provides those studying or interested in the intersection of religion and media with a lively and engaging chronological narrative. With insights into some of Christianity''s most hotly debated contemporary issues, this book provides a much-needed historical basis for this interdisciplinary field.Trade Review"This is a book I've wanted to read for a long time, and I find it both enlightening and thought provoking in a positive sense. The book represents a way of writing the history of Christianity in a rather novel multi-perspective and contextualized manner. Technology, politics, economics, demographics, and scientific discoveries all play a role in how religion is transformed – but at the center of this transformation, according to Horsfield, is media." (Journal of Religion, Media and Digital Culture, 1 November 2015) "Horsfield's compelling and nuanced scholarship of integration traces the evolution of Christianity from an oral Jewish movement in the 1st century through epochs dominated by written, printed, electronic, and now digital media to become the world's largest religious faith with 2.2 billion followers." (Journalism & Mass Communication Quarterly 2016)Table of ContentsAcknowledgements xi Introduction 1 What’s this book about? 1 What do we mean by Christianity? 2 What do we mean by media? 4 Media and the historical development of Christianity 7 1 In the Beginning 10 The social and media context 11 Jesus in his media context 14 Remaking Jesus in speech and performance 22 2 Making Jesus Gentile 28 Context: the media world of the Roman Empire 28 Early Christian writing 30 Paul and letter writing 32 The end of the beginning 39 3 The Gentile Christian Communities 42 The appeal of Christianity 42 Multimedia communities 43 Christian writings 45 The reception and circulation of Christian writings 56 Resistance to writing 58 4 Men of Letters and Creation of “The Church” 62 The Catholic]Orthodox brand 63 Tertullian 68 Cyprian 70 Origen – the media magnate of Alexandria 72 Writing out women 74 5 Christianity and Empire 80 Imperial patronage and imperial Christianity 80 Councils, creeds, and canons 84 Constructing time – Eusebius’ Ecclesiastical History 90 The scriptures as text and artifact 93 6 The Latin Translation 99 Latin roots 99 After the fall 106 Monasteries and manuscripts 110 Written Latin and the consolidation of medieval Christendom 117 7 Christianity in the East 125 The Church of the East 125 Islam 130 Writing the voice 132 Regulating the eyes 134 8 Senses of the Middle Ages 141 The medieval context 142 Making time 143 Seeing space 145 Rituals and hearing 150 Nice touch: relics, saints, and pilgrimage 154 9 The New Millennium 162 Marketing the Crusades 163 Scholasticism and universities 168 Cathedrals 173 Catholic reform 175 The Inquisition 180 10 Reformation 187 Printing and its precursors 187 Martin Luther 191 John Calvin 195 Reworking the Bible 198 The changing sensory landscape 200 Catholic responses 207 Ignatius of Loyola 209 11 The Modern World 214 The legacy of the Reformation 214 Catholic mission 216 The impact of print 219 Evangelical Revivalism 223 Protestant mission 232 12 Electrifying Sight and Sound 237 The technologies of the audiovisual 237 Christianity and the twentieth]century media world 240 Mainline mediation 242 The Evangelical Coalition 246 Fundamentalism and Pentecostalism 254 13 The Digital Era 261 The empire of digital capitalism 261 Digital practice 264 Global Pentecostalism 270 Media and Christian sexual abuse 276 Tradition and change 279 Conclusion 285 References 293 Index 311

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Book SynopsisWritten by a leading authority on Chinese philosophy, Decoding Dao uniquely focuses on the core texts in Daoist philosophy, providing readers with a user-friendly introduction that unravels the complexities of these seminal volumes. Offers a detailed introduction to the core texts in Daoist philosophy, the Dao De Jing and the Zhuangzi, two of the most widely read and most challenging texts in China's long literary history Covers the three main ways the texts can be read: as religious, mystical, and philosophical works Explores their historical context, origins, authorship, and the reasons these seminal texts came into being, along with the key terms and approaches they take Examines the core philosophical arguments made in the texts, as well as the many ways in which they have been interpreted, both in China itself and in the West Provides readers with anunrivalled insight into the multifaceted philosophy of DaoTable of ContentsBook Notes x Chronology xi Section One: The Context Chapter One The Social and Political Background— Confucianism—Mozi and Mohism (Moe-ds) and (Moe-ism)—Yang Zhu and Shen Dao (Ya-ahng, Jew)— Language and Logicians—Trends During the Warring States Era—Cultural Heroes and Concepts—Summary 3 Section Two: Authors and Texts Chapter Two The Dao De Jing—Why Does the Dao De Jing/Tao Te Ching/Laozi/Lao Tzu Have So Many Names?— Dao De Jing, The Author—Dao De Jing, the Text—The Dao De Jing, the Style of the Text—The Dao De Jing in the West— The Zhuangzi, the Author—The Zhuangzi, the Text—The Zhuangzi, the Style of the Text—The Zhuangzi in the West—Issues in Translation—Summary 27 Chapter Three The Dao? A Dao? Dao? daos? dao?—Images: 49 Water, Women, Baby, Root, and Others—What Is the Problem?—Conventional Values: Pairs of Opposites— Being and Non-Being—Summary Chapter Four Illogical Statements?—Decoding—Not Acting, Not Knowing, Not Desiring—Ziran, Self-So, Natural, Spontaneous—Language—Morality—Summary 70 Chapter Five War—Government, Society, and the Sage- Ruler—The Golden Age—Advice for Would-Be Sages—Losing dao—Summary 90 Chapter Six What Is the Problem?—Anti-Confucians— Anti-Mohists—Being Useless—Point of View—This and That—Knowing How—Knowing What—Summary 111 Chapter Seven Language: Convention and Culture—This/ That, True/False—Language Is OK, Up to a Point— How to Use Language—Clarity—Death— Transformation—Survival of Consciousness and an Afterlife—Immortality—Dao—Summary 132 Chapter Eight Public Life—The Golden Age—What Should We Do?—Mirror—Forgetting—Mind/Heart Fasting—Perfected People—The Relationship of the Dao De Jing and the Zhuangzi—Summary 156 Section Three: Developing Dao Chapter Nine The School of Zhuangzi and Followers of the Dao De Jing—The Han Feizi—The Guanzi—Huang- Lao—The Huainanzi—The Liezi—The Han Dynasty and Beyond—Summary 179 Chapter Ten Organized Daoism—The Search for Immortality—Organized Groups—The Cult of Laozi— Modern Organized Daoism—The Mystical Reading— The Philosophical Reading—Modern Daoism—Dao Lite—A Lao-Zhuang Daoist—What Is Daoism and Other Problems 202 Glossary of Technical Terms 232 Glossary of Pronunciation 235 Further Reading 237 Bibliography 239 Index 252

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Book SynopsisA Spiritual City provides a broad examination of the meaning and importance of cities from a Christian perspective. Contains thought-provoking theological and spiritual reflections on city-making by a leading scholar Unites contemporary thinking about urban space and built environments with the latest in urban theology Addresses the long-standing anti-urban bias of Christianity and its emphasis on inwardness and pilgrimage Presents an important religious perspective on the potential of cities to create a strong human community and sense of sacred space Trade Review“This book is a must-read for anyone concerned about the future of cities — and that ought to be pretty much everyone, given that well over half the world’s population now lives in cites, up from 29 per cent in 1950. In any event, Revelation makes it clear that if we don’t live in one now, we shall, God willing.” (Church Times, 27 March 2015)Table of ContentsPreface ix Introduction 1 Part One The City in Christian Thought 23 1 Augustine’s Two Cities 25 2 Monasticism and Utopian Visions 43 3 The City as Sacred 63 4 The City and the Reformations 81 5 Michel de Certeau: Everyday Practices and the City 99 Part Two Theological Reflection and the City 115 6 Place and the Sacred 117 7 The Art of Community 137 8 Reconciliation and Hospitality 157 9 Urban Virtues 179 Epilogue: A Spiritual Vision of the Human City 201 Select Reading 211 Index 221

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Book SynopsisReligious Conversion: Religion Scholars Thinking Together explores various issues relating to the nature, methods, and effects of religious conversion in the major world faiths.Table of ContentsNotes on Contributors vii Introduction 1 Shanta Premawardhana Part I: Preliminary Considerations 7 1 Thinking Together: A Story and a Method 9M. Thomas Thangaraj 2 Defining Religious Conversion 21M. Thomas Thangaraj 3 Models of Religious Belonging 32Rita M. Gross 4 Conversion Sought and Feared 45Hans Ucko Part II: Views from Five Religious Traditions 61 5 Buddhists on Religious Conversion: A Critical Issue 63Mahinda Deegalle 6 A Christian Perspective on Conversion 83Jay T. Rock 7 Conversion from a Hindu Perspective: Controversies, Challenges, and Opportunities 98Anantanand Rambachan 8 Islamic Perspectives on Conversion: Aid Evangelism and Apostasy Law 119A. Rashied Omar and Rabia Terri Harris 9 Jewish Perspectives on Conversion 142Amy Eilberg Part III: Conversion and Human Rights 159 10 Conversion and Religious Freedom 161S. Wesley Ariarajah 11 The Right to Religious Freedom and Proselytism: A Legal Perspective 177Ravin Ramdass Part IV: Looking to the Future 197 Epilogue: To Learn and to Encourage: Insights from the Thinking Together Group 199Shanta Premawardhana A Study Guide 205Deborah Weissman Index 212

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Book SynopsisA contemporary examination of the role of religion in the European public sphere and beyond Although the role of religion has arguably declined in the societies of Western and Northern Europe, religious participation in other parts of the continent and among growing immigrant communities remains an important aspect of daily life. Recent years have seen a resurgence of religion in the public sphere, prompting many researchers to view European secularism as an outlier in this global trend. Religion and European Society: A Primer presents recent academic literature that explores key developments and current debates in the field, covering topics such as changing patterns of belief, religion across the political spectrum, and development and humanitarian aid. Articles written by leading scholars draw from well-established findings to help readers contemplate the role of religion in public life, understand the assumptions and underpinnings of the secularTable of ContentsNotes on Contributors xi Introduction 1Benjamin Schewel and Erin K. Wilson I.1 The Varieties of Secularism 3 I.2 Imagining ‘Europe’ 4 I.3 Chapter Summary 5 Note 11 References 11 Part I Conceptual Frameworks 13 1 Religion in European Society: The Factors to Take into Account 15Grace Davie and Erin K. Wilson 1.1 Cultural Heritage 16 1.2 The Historic Churches 16 1.3 From Obligation to Consumption 18 1.4 New Arrivals 21 1.5 Secular Reactions 22 1.6 The Influence of Neoliberalism 24 1.7 Is Europe an Exceptional Case? 25 1.8 ‘Global War on Terror’ and Associated Discourse 26 1.9 Gathering the Threads 27 Notes 28 References 28 2 What’s Wrong with Secularization? 31Benjamin Schewel 2.1 The Seven Basic Claims Investigated 32 2.2 Conclusion 42 Key Points for Researchers and Policymakers 43 Notes 44 References 44 Part II Religion and the Public Sphere in Europe 49 3 Religion’s Place in Ethical and Political Discourse 51Joseph A. Camilleri 3.1 The Changing European Mosaic 52 3.2 The ‘Islam’ Conundrum: Challenge and Opportunity 54 3.3 Contending Discourses 56 3.4 More Promising Pathways 60 References 65 4 Culture, Conflict, and Constitutional Right: Representations of Religion in the Daily Press 69Mia Lövheim 4.1 Introduction 69 4.2 A New Visibility of Religion: Post‐Secularity or Mediatization? 70 4.3 Increased Visibility of Religion: Empirical Findings 71 4.4 Framing Religion 73 4.4.1 Conflict 74 4.4.2 Culture 75 4.4.3 Constitutional Right 75 4.5 Religion, Post‐Secularity, and Mediatization: Interpreting the Findings 78 4.6 Key Points and Recommendations for Researchers 79 4.7 Key Points for Policy‐Makers 80 4.8 Key Points for Media Practitioners 80 Notes 80 References 81 5 Patterns of Regulation of Religion in Europe 83Paul Rasor 5.1 European Context 83 5.2 Six Examples of Regulation 85 5.2.1 Denmark 85 5.2.1.1 Religion in Schools 86 5.2.1.2 Religious and Clothing and Symbols 86 5.2.2 Poland 86 5.2.2.1 Religion in Schools 87 5.2.2.2 Religious Clothing and Symbols 87 5.2.3 Italy 87 5.2.3.1 Religion in Schools 88 5.2.3.2 Religious Clothing and Symbols 89 5.2.4 Czech Republic 89 5.2.4.1 Religion in Schools 90 5.2.4.2 Religious Clothing and Symbols 90 5.2.5 The Netherlands 91 5.2.5.1 Religion in Schools 91 5.2.5.2 Religious Clothing and Symbols 91 5.2.6 France 92 5.2.6.1 Religion in Schools 92 5.2.6.2 Religious Clothing and Symbols 93 5.3 Conclusion 93 Questions and Suggestions for Researchers and Policymakers 94 Notes 95 References 96 6 Faith‐based Organizations in Europe 99Jeffrey Haynes 6.1 Introduction: FBOs in Europe 99 6.2 FBOs and the EU: From Marginalization to Significance 100 6.3 FBOs and Welfare Provision in Europe 104 6.4 Conclusion 106 Notes 107 References 108 7 The Religious Dimensions of Contemporary European Populism 111Renée Wagenvoorde 7.1 The Rise of Populism in Europe 112 7.2 Populism in Public Discourse 112 7.3 Populism in Academic Literature 114 7.4 Populism, Religion, and Identity 115 7.4.1 The Role of Religion in Populist Self‐conceptions 115 7.4.2 Populists’ Rejection of Islam 117 7.5 Good vs Bad Populism 118 7.6 Conclusion 119 7.6.1 Recommendations for Researchers and Policymakers 120 References120 8 Gender: Religion, Secularism, and Women’s Empowerment 125Kim Knibbe and Brenda Bartelink 8.1 Introduction 125 8.2 Understanding Religion in Modern Society: Beyond the Secularization Thesis 126 8.3 The Gendered Division Between Public and Private 128 8.4 Religion and Gender: Current Research 130 8.5 Majority–Minority Relations 132 8.6 New Research Agendas 133 8.7 Policymakers: Recommendations 134 8.7.1 Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights 134 8.7.2 Public Health Risks: HIV‐ and Homo‐healings 135 8.8 Conclusion 137 Notes 138 References 138 Part III Global Interconnections 143 9 Religion and Peacebuilding in the European Union 145Megan K. Shore and Scott T. Kline 9.1 Religious Conflict Resolution: An Introduction 146 9.2 Religion, Peacebuilding, and Religious Conflict Resolution in Europe 151 9.2.1 Secularization 152 9.2.2 The European Union 153 9.3 Conclusion 154 Note 155 References 155 10 Radicalization and Religion 159Liam Stephens and Stijn Sieckelinck 10.1 The Meaning and Use of Radicalization as a Concept 160 10.2 Utilizing Radicalization in Practice 161 10.2.1 Ideology 162 10.2.2 Environment 163 10.2.3 Psychological Processes 164 10.3 Identity and Agency 165 Note 167 References 167 11 Universal Freedom of Religion or Belief: A Reality Check Through the Lens of the EU Guidelines 171Michael Wiener 11.1 Regional Challenges to the Universal Freedom of Religion or Belief 172 11.1.1 Violence 173 11.1.2 Freedom of Expression 173 11.1.3 Promotion of Respect for Diversity and Tolerance 174 11.1.4 Discrimination 175 11.1.5 Changing or Leaving One’s Religion or Belief 176 11.1.6 Manifestation of Religion or Belief 176 11.2 External–Internal Consistency: A Reality Check Concerning EU Member States 177 11.2.1 Violence 177 11.2.2 Freedom of Expression 178 11.2.3 Promotion of Respect for Diversity and Tolerance 178 11.2.4 Discrimination 179 11.2.5 Changing or Leaving One’s Religion or Belief 180 11.2.6 Manifestation of Religion or Belief 180 11.3 Concluding Remarks 180 Note 181 References 182 12 Between Solidarity and Exclusion: Religious Dimensions of Immigration and Asylum in Europe 183Kat Eghdamian 12.1 (Mis)Assumptions About Religion and Immigration 184 12.2 Security First: Religion, Immigration, and Geopolitical Hostility 186 12.3 Changing Notions of Us and Them: Immigration, Integration, and Religious Identity 187 12.4 Concluding Remarks and Key Recommendations 190 References 191 13 Southern‐Led Faith‐based Responses to Refugees: Insights for the Global North 195Elena Fiddian‐Qasmiyeh and Julia Pacitto 13.1 Introduction 195 13.2 Localizing – and ‘Faithing’ – Debates on Southern‐led Responses to Displacement 196 13.3 Hegemonic Humanitarianism Defined and Critiqued 199 13.4 Writing the ‘Other’ into Humanitarian Discourse 201 13.5 Southern State and Civil Society Responses to Syrian Refugees’ Displacement 202 13.6 Humanitarian Refugees: Views from the Thai‐Myanmar Border Camp 203 13.7 Conclusions 205 13.7.1 Recommendations for Researchers 207 13.7.2 Recommendations for Policymakers 207 Notes 207 References 210 Index 215

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Book SynopsisTranscending Subjects: Augustine, Hegel and Theology engages the seminal figures of Hegel and Augustine around the theme of subjectivity, with consideration toward the theology and politics of freedom.Table of ContentsAcknowledgements ix Citations and Abbreviations x Introduction 1 Part I Hegel—Self-Transcending Immanence 15 1 Hegel in Contemporary Political Philosophy 17 Introduction 17 Evolutionary Social Practices: Autonomy through Sociality 19 Revolutionary Radical Act: Autonomy against Sociality 27 Conclusion 38 2 Consciousness and Freedom: Logic and Phenomenology of Spirit 43 Introduction 43 Nothing Is Infinite: Science of Logic 45 Infinite Self]Consciousness: Phenomenology of Spirit 62 Beyond Nothing and the Unfathomable 89 Conclusion 93 3 Society and Freedom: Philosophy of Right 103 Introduction 103 The Subject and Substance of Politics 104 The Institutions of Ethical Life: Family, Civil Society, and State 115 The Limits of Self-Transcending Immanence 118 Conclusion 124 Part II Augustine—Self-Immanenting Transcendence 129 4 Augustine in Contemporary Political Theology 131 Introduction 131 Ontological Peace: Transcendence against Liberalism 133 Ordered Love: Transcendence for Liberalism 144 Conclusion 151 5 Conversion and Freedom: Confessions 155 Introduction 155 Conversion of the Will: Conflict and Intervention 160 Conversion of the Will: Community and Intervention 169 Conversion of Creation: Christ as Intervention 178 Conclusion 185 6 Society and Freedom: City of God 192 Introduction 192 Earthly City and the Lust for Domination 198 Justice and Res Publica 205 Justice, Love, and Sacrifice 208 Love and the World 215 Conclusion 222 Conclusion 230 Index 239

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Book SynopsisProvides a broad and balanced understanding of how Christianity originated in the first five centuries Varieties of Early Christianity: The Formation of the Western Christian Tradition traces the origins and evolution of Christian concepts from the first through the sixth century CE, exploring the events, issues, and individuals that helped shape the beliefs and practices of Christianity. With a multidisciplinary Religious Studies approach, this reader-friendly textbook places the early sources of Christian teaching within their historical and cultural contexts to highlight what gave rise to the beliefs and rituals that Christians follow in the present day. Chronologically organized chapters analyse the ways in which Christians absorbed and adapted ancient concepts from Judaism and Greco-Roman religion and culture from the first through the sixth centuries. Combining both traditions, early bishops, Church Fathers, and theologians added innovations that contributeTable of ContentsPreface vii I Shared Concepts of Ancient Religions 1 II the History of Israel 21 Excursus I The Origins and Evolution of Satan, the Devil 51 Excursus II Introduction to the Gospels 59 III the Origins of Christianity 79 IV Martyrdom 99 Excursus III The Church Fathers 123 V Classical Culture (paideia) 127 VI Greco-roman VIews on Life, Sex and Marriage: Christian “innovations” 145 VII the Challenge of Gnosticism, “wisdom, Falsely So-called” 159 VIII Finding An Identity and Separating From Judaism 179 IX Charismatic Christianity: Apocrypha and Pseudepigrapha 193 X Institutional Development: Bishops and Their Authority 205 XI The Conversion of the Roman Empire: Constantine and Nicaea 221 XII Asceticism and Monasticism: The Desert Fathers and the Cult of the Saints 239 Excursus IV The Latin Fathers 251 XIII Augustine (354–430) 257 Excursus V Chalcedon and Beyond 271 Epilog The Legacy of Christianity in the Western Tradition 277 Appendix I: A Brief Outline of the History of Rome 291 Appendix II: Timeline for the Early History of Christianity 293 Glossary 297 Index 323

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Book SynopsisA provocative description of the power of population change to create the conditions for societal transformation.Trade Review"Demography may not be destiny, but it’s destiny’s kissing cousin. Jennifer Sciubba’s easily accessible writing will make an armchair demographer of even those without any background in the subject. Demography is key to understanding the most important trends affecting nations, regions, and the world today, and this book proves a wise guide in that endeavor." -- Valerie Hudson, author of The First Political Order"Provocative and penetrating...[Sciubba shows] how a deeper understanding of fertility, mortality, and migration trends point us toward the investments we need to make today to shape the future we want tomorrow." -- Vikas Shah Mbe - Thought Economics"Sciubba, a professor of international relations and former demographics consultant to the United States Department of Defense, is unfailingly thorough in her research for this authoritative book... An articulate, absorbing examination of where the demographic road is leading and how we can avoid the emerging pitfalls." -- Kirkus"The planet’s population is set to continue increasing, Sciubba writes, urging administrations worldwide to enact policies that account for demographic trends, and powerfully concluding that the main question to consider is, ‘How can we use the 8 billion people we have on the planet today to shape the world we want tomorrow?’ Comprehensive and full of incisive analysis, this is not to be missed." -- Publishers Weekly

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Book SynopsisHouston’s story has always been one of war waged relentlessly against water.Trade Review"A life can be found in the grid of a city, among its habits, and through its history. Houston—a city of mud and hubris—may not be the natural subject of a lyrical memoir, but Micah Fields truly makes it so. His story—deeply personal and often harrowing—makes this place and his place in it matter intensely and beautifully." -- D. J. Waldie, author of Holy Land: A Suburban Memoir"Rather than blindly condemning its industry, its sprawl, its ugliness, or its doom, Micah Fields’s loving, honest, and beautiful debut is a portrait of Houston by a native son who might not call the city home anymore, but who still recognizes its place in his heart, the same place where all of our hometowns reside, where every town that’s left, forgotten, flown over, or ignored remains in spite of ourselves. We Hold Our Breath is a portrait of us." -- John D’Agata, author of The Lifespan of a Fact"We Hold Our Breath quite breathlessly blends the rural and urban, past and present, and industrial and postmodern Souths. [This is] an artful Texas tale of humans and other animals working with and against land and nature on that state’s coast and in its most populous city." -- Zandria F. Robinson, coauthor of Chocolate Cities: The Black Map of American Life"A brilliant, beautifully crafted memoir and history of a tragic place cast in contradictions inherent to our often-vexing species. Micah Fields’s human subjects—from barbaric conquistador to saintly fisherman/artist—arise in full flesh. His descriptions of nature’s best works and humanity’s worst are the very definition of artistry. And his gift of reflection leaves us thinking differently about tomorrow—while holding our breath." -- Jack E. Davis, author of The Gulf: The Making of an American Sea"In this brief yet memorable book, Fields creates an unsentimental yet poignant story that examines the complexities of one man's homecoming. With eloquence and grace, the author investigates the interconnectedness of place, history, and identity. A thoughtfully elegant, reflective work." -- Kirkus

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Book SynopsisIt may not be a quick fix, but this concrete action plan for reform can create a less costly and healthier system for all.Trade Review"In The Long Fix, Vivian Lee M.D. crisply diagnoses the imperative to repair America’s health care system and offers understandable principles as a guide. She lights a path forward by applying lessons and observations from her unique experiences as a physician, health system leader, and now technology executive. This book matters to patients and their families. It matters to Americans who care about the economic future of our nation. It especially matters to government leaders and health care executives we depend on to find strategies that work for everyone." -- Michael O. Leavitt, former governor of Utah and former Secretary of Health and Human Services"This is a well-researched and thoughtful book from one of our nation’s leaders in healthcare reform. Dr. Lee has written a practical guide with actionable solutions for policymakers, healthcare providers, and patients—a must-read!" -- Dr. Leana S. Wen, visiting professor at George Washington University, former president and CEO of Planned Parenthood, and former Baltimore city health commissioner"Deeply researched, clearly written, and with a wealth of examples and colorful anecdotes, The Long Fix is necessary reading for anyone seeking to understand—and, more importantly, repair—our ailing healthcare system. Few people have the breadth and depth of Vivian Lee’s experience, and her pragmatic, results-oriented approach offers a compelling and convincing blueprint for doctors, health care professionals, patients, and legislators, on both sides of the aisle." -- Eric Schmidt, former CEO of Google"Dr. Lee has drawn upon her extensive experience and a wide range of physician and administrator colleagues to provide a deep understanding of the ailments plaguing the US health care system, accompanied with practical suggestions for how to remedy them. An excellent overview of the problems and potential solutions." -- Robert S. Kaplan, Senior Fellow, Marvin Bower Professor of Leadership Development, emeritus, Harvard Business School"Dr. Lee’s book is an insightful diagnostic look at what is not working in American medicine, and why, that is made compelling by her succinct, practical recommendations for what each of us—policy-maker, consumer, physician/health professional, and payer—can do now to realize the person-centered, high value health care system we all so long for." -- Karen DeSalvo, chief health officer, Google Health and former US national coordinator for health information technology"A health professional turns an experienced eye toward sensible, ground-level actions to make medical care better and cheaper." -- Kirkus"Lee speaks with authority.... Especially in light of the coronavirus emergency, Lee’s call for everyone to play a role in ‘the Long Fix’ rings true." -- Booklist"Relevant to all who provide or receive health care in America." -- Library Journal

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Book SynopsisNamed a Most Anticipated Book of Spring 2021 by Publishers Weekly A rigorous examination of six political myths used to deflect and discredit demands for social justice.Trade Review"An acute and nuanced interrogator of contemporary prejudices, Nesrine Malik writes with immense moral courage and intellectual power." -- Pankaj Mishra, author of Age of Anger"Malik invites readers to analyze the media environment and political and cultural landscape of the early 21st century, with a keen, critical eye. … This volume is worth reading and rereading. ... Readers seeking a high-level analysis of political discourse will most appreciate Malik’s work." -- Sarah Schroeder - Library Journal (starred review)"A persuasive debunking of political and cultural myths that impede social justice in the U.S. and U.K. …This is a lucid reminder that the fight for equality is a battle of ideas." -- Publishers Weekly"Malik presents fierce opinions and cogent observations that deliver a deeply intelligent and powerfully provocative work that calls into question long-held beliefs of both the left and the right." -- Booklist

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Book Synopsis"A crucial book." —Safiya Noble, author of Algorithms of Oppression The essential road map for understanding—and defending—your right to privacy in the twenty-first century.Trade Review"Danielle Citron is everyone’s teacher when it comes to digital privacy." -- Sue Halpern"Privacy is politics, and if we want it back we must fight for it. In this open-hearted and down-to-earth book Danielle Keats Citron offers reasons for optimism among the ruins of our once-cherished privacy. She details the devasting effects of the loss of ‘intimate privacy’ and argues that new rights and laws for the digital age are both long overdue and within our grasp. Lawmakers and citizens alike, this book is for you." -- Shoshana Zuboff, author, The Age of Surveillance Capitalism and professor emeritus, Harvard Business School"An important intervention in the larger conversation about digital privacy and harassment." -- Rhoda Feng - Washington Monthly"It’s so refreshing to read an argument for privacy that centers women. Devastating and urgent, this book could not be more timely." -- Caroline Criado Perez, author of Invisible Women"From how social networks sell our data to retailers (and worse) to the concern around period-tracking apps being used against pregnant people, the fight for privacy has never been more fierce.…Drawing from interviews with victims, activists, and lawmakers, Citron calls for a reassessment of privacy as a human right and how we can better protect our future privacy." -- Rachel King - Fortune"What gives [Citron] the edge is a real-world understanding of privacy’s relationship to diverse permutations of power and her ambition to address the disproportionate impact of violations on women and minorities." -- Jessica Lake - Australian Book Review"A powerful and urgent manifesto for the protection of ‘intimate privacy’ in the United States and beyond." -- Susie Alegre, international human rights lawyer and author of Freedom to Think"The Fight for Privacy is nothing less than the battle to keep our intimate, private selves free from exploitation. A vitally important book." -- Cordelia Fine, author of Delusions of Gender and Testosterone Rex"A tour de force. Arguing convincingly that our intimate privacy is a moral necessity being eroded in frightening and accelerating ways, Danielle Keats Citron offers trenchant clarity and lucid hope for achieving justice in our digital future. A must-read." -- Kate Manne, author of Entitled: How Male Privilege Hurts Women"A crucial book for understanding the crisis of privacy invasion, and the unrelenting damage that comes from intimate, nonconsensual surveillance. If you care about anyone, anywhere, you should read this book." -- Safiya Noble, author of Algorithms of Oppression"This beautifully written book deserves a wide audience and hopefully will inspire needed meaningful change in the law." -- Erwin Chemerinsky, dean and Jesse H. Choper Distinguished Professor of Law, University of California, Berkeley, School of Law"Danielle Keats Citron’s expert and engaging treatment of ‘technology-enabled privacy violations’ shows why victims, digital platforms, and legislators alike turn to her for advice and for fights to reclaim privacy morally, legally, and practically." -- Martha Minow, former dean, Harvard Law School"An informed, bracing call to action in defense of our private selves." -- Kirkus Reviews (starred review)"Accessible legal reasoning and galling case studies make this a cogent argument for reform." -- Publishers Weekly

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Book SynopsisA New York Times Book Review Editors' Choice A New Yorker Best Book of 2024 So Far A fascinating and original history of an idea that now controls and monetizes almost everything we do.Trade Review"Lively, opinionated, and ultra-timely." -- Louis Menand - The New Yorker"David Bellos and Alexandre Montagu’s surprisingly sprightly history Who Owns This Sentence? arrives with uncanny timing.... [B]y encouraging contemplation beyond specific pieces of what is now bleakly known as ‘content,’ the book succeeds. Let’s hope excerpts are hot out of the XeroxTM machine and being collated for college classrooms across the country." -- Alexandra Jacobs - New York Times"Thorough and engaging.... [A] welcome and timely addition to our understanding of this complex issue." -- Mahvani Sunder - Washington Post"In short, punchy chapters and witty prose, a lawyer and a literature professor untangle the history of how intellectual property has come to be protected—and who wins and loses in the bargain." -- New York Times Book Review, Editors' Choice"[Bellos and Montagu are] witty and learned.... [A] robust and readable polemic-history." -- Boyd Tonkin - Financial Times"As this thoughtful book shows, copyright law has been revised and rewritten according to changing needs. The authors are right that we need a ‘broad debate.’" -- Dominic Green - Wall Street Journal"A surprisingly accessible recounting of the major twists and turns—and there are many!—surrounding this topic [copyright].... Well worth a read for anyone interested in history, publishing, or philosophy." -- Mariko Hewer - Washington Independent Review of Books"Fascinating.... Bellos and Montagu have extracted an enormous amount of fun out of their subject, and have sauced sardonic and playful prose with buckets full of meticulously argued bile." -- Simon Ings, The Telegraph (UK), 5-star review"A fascinating new look at the patchwork chaos called copyright." -- Anne Margaret Daniel, Spectator (UK)"The field of copyright has been full of dramatic turns, as a new book, Who Owns This Sentence?, recounts." -- The Economist"By turns painstaking and playful, Bellos and Montagu reveal the patchwork of laws, norms, and assumptions that have transformed ideas into property. Copyright is no longer just about authors and the right to benefit from their work, but about big business and even bigger profits. Theirs is a compelling call to address the privatization of the global imagination." -- Emily Drabinski, President, American Library Association"The story of copyright has many moving parts: history, literature, economics, politics, policy, and technology. Each element gets a closeup in this expertly told story of the evolution of copyright. In a time when billions of words are used to train AI models, this engaging and instructive book tells how different eras and countries have struggled with the challenge of defining ownership of texts." -- James T. Hamilton, Hearst Professor of Communication, Stanford University"Bellos and Montagu’s astonishingly capacious narrative is a gripping detective story, a flamboyant intellectual history, and a passionate manifesto for creative freedom, all rolled into one. You’ll never think about copyright in the same way again." -- Fara Dabhoiwala, historian and senior research scholar, Princeton University"We often think of copyright as a form of justice, a means of ensuring that creators rather than pirates of works receive whatever compensation is on offer. This witty, informed and timely book urgently invites us to think otherwise. Copyright, the authors tell us, ‘means more than it ever did before.’ It takes in books, films, sheet music, computer programs and many other inventions, and yet it in the end ‘it is an edifice of words.’ This detailed history makes very lively reading, and also encourages action, since we could, if we wished, use different words." -- Michael Wood, Professor of English and Comparative Literature, Emeritus, Princeton University"In this madcap history from Plato to Donald Duck, from feudal Europe to Facebook, David Bellos and Alexandre Montagu have written the definitive account of where copyright came from and why it looks the way it does. Who Owns This Sentence? belongs on the bookshelf of every creator, producer, policymaker, and consumer." -- Jason Mazzone, Albert E. Jenner, Jr. Professor of Law, University of Illinois"A gimlet-eyed analysis of a system that protects a corporate status quo at the expense of independent invention." -- Kirkus Reviews

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Book SynopsisThe bestselling guide to the healing wisdom of the Twenty-Third Psalm—from the beloved author of When Bad Things Happen to Good People. “A book worthy of attention from people of all faiths.” —The Dallas Morning News Rabbi Harold Kushner has found that the simple, beautiful verses of perhaps the most memorable and cherished chapter of the Bible—full of honesty and optimism—have an almost magical power to comfort and calm—and to change your life. The psalm does not pretend that life is ever easy, but it offers a masterful guide to living in the world with faith and courage. Drawing on over forty years of his own thinking, on other biblical scholars, and on history, Kushner gracefully demonstrates how this sustaining work can help us cope with every aspect of life, from mundane jealousies to the death of a loved one to unimaginable tragedies of global proportions.

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Book SynopsisThe perfect gift for any occasion! Let your friends and family know you’re praying for them with Prayers for You, a beautifully designed book full of comfort and inspiration to encourage others in times of struggle or as a heartfelt way to show you care for any occasion.No matter what a person is going through, a beautiful reminder of love and prayer will encourage anyone. Featuring written prayers for when you don''t have the words, wise quotations on prayer and God''s loving nature, Scripture, and a sophisticated design, Prayers for You is a modern, shareable gift book that is perfect for your mom, best friend, or colleague.Prayers for You offers hope, peace, and connection for you and your loved ones to share together. Light up someone''s world with this fresh reminder today.

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Book SynopsisWhen a nation is divided, to whom can we turn? Perfectly timed and updated for the election season, If My People provides us with 40 days of prayers and reflections in the spirit of 2 Chronicles 7:14: If My people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.If My People also stirs our hearts and minds with seven prayers from past presidents that were inspired during some of our country''s darkest days. This hardcover edition is an ideal book to share with: Entire church congregations Sunday school classes Small groups Prayer partners to pray through together This prayer guide not only reminds us that in God we still trust, but it also brings a greater sense of pride in and hope for our country, just when we need it most. With biblica

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Book SynopsisThis bedtime book will calm your kids to sleep with a promise of God''s peaceful presence all night long. As gentle scenes move through a sleepy farm in Lullaby Prayer, lyrical lines lull little listeners into rest. As the moon smiles, fireflies dance, and darkness unfolds her blanket to drape the landscape in cozy quiet, the sounds of a country evening become a bedtime ballad in this sweet, comforting prayer poem.This beautiful picture book from award-winning author Tamara Bundy features an evocative poem that imagines nature’s nighttime sounds as a love song to your child from God rhythmic verse that is a joy to read aloud at story time Jill Howarth''s rich and imaginative illustrations of a country farm and its animals a prayer for your little one at the end of each stanza The embellished cover makes this picture book perfect for birthdays, baptisms, adopti

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Book SynopsisScripture passages designed to encourage every father. God’s Word offers help and blessings for every situation in life. In A Father God Blesses, dads will be uplifted by Scripture selections that speak to fathers of all ages and circumstances.

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Book SynopsisThis innovative introductory textbook explores the central practices and beliefs of Hinduism through contemporary, everyday practice.Trade Review"An engaging read, as a textbook as well as general resource, this book has the potential to make instructors re-envision how they teach Hinduism in the classroom." (CHOICE, 2016)Table of ContentsAcknowledgements viii A Note on Transliteration x Map of India xii Introduction 1 The Terms “Hindu,” “Hinduism,” and “Hindu Traditions” 2 Dharma: A Way of Life and Religious Tradition 3 Context and Multiplicity 6 Ethnographic Selection and Chapter Topics 9 A Note on Caste 13 1 Families of Deities 18 The Trimurti 20 Mythological and Narrative Families 21 Vishnu 21 Shiva 25 Devi, the Goddess 28 Gramadevatas, Village Deities 30 Temple Families 34 Ritual Families in Domestic Shrines 36 2 Oral and Visual Narratives and Theologies 46 Oral Performance Genres 47 Visual Narratives and Theologies 49 Verbal and Visual Together 56 Where Does the Narrative Lie? 61 The Ramayana Tradition Performed 62 3 Loving and Serving God: Bhakti, Murtis, and Puja 73Bhakti, Devotion 73 Singing to God and the Goddess 76 Worshipping Deities in Material Form 77 Narratives of God in the Murti 80 The Deity without Form 83 Modes of Worshipping the Murti 85 The Services of Puja 89 Online, Cyber Puja 93 4 Temples, Shrines, and Pilgrimage 97 Temples 98 Sthala Puranas 99 Temple Architecture 101 Temple Worship 104 Shrines 109 Pilgrimage 110 Tirumala, a Southern, Pan]Indian, and Transnational Pilgrimage Site 114 Narsinghnath, a Sub]regional Pilgrimage Site 119 5 Festivals 123 Divali: Festival of Lights 127 Ganesha Chaturthi: Domestic, Neighborhood, and City]Wide Celebrations 129 Place]Bound Festivals: Tirupati’s Gangamma Jatara 138 6 Vrats: Ritual Vows and Women’s Auspiciousness 145 Temple Vrats 146 Domestic Vrats 147 Vrat Kathas: Ritual Narratives 150 Two South Indian Vrat Traditions 151 Gender and Vrats 164 7 Samskaras: Transformative Rites of Passage 169 Pregnancy and Birth 170 First]Year Samskaras 171 Upanayana and Rituals of Transition to Adulthood 172 Ranga Pravesham: Ascending the (Dance) Stage 177 Marriage 178 Death Rituals 186 8 Ritual Healing, Possession, and Astrology 193 Accessing Multiple Healing Sites 194 Healing across Religious Boundaries 199 Possession 203 Astrology 211 Afterword 220 Glossary 227 Index 231

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Book SynopsisThis interdisciplinary introduction offers students a truly global overview of the worldwide spread and impact of Christianity. It is enriched throughout by detailed historic and ethnographic material, showing how broad themes within Christianity have been adopted and adapted by Christian denominations within each major region of the world.Trade Review"This volume acknowledges the polycentric nature of Christian ecumene. It combines historical breadth and sociological depth. ...With its rich variety of research methods, writing styles, and case studies, this volume is a welcome addition to the field of world Christianity and could be a valuable reference book both to experts and lay readers." (Mission Studies, 2013) “Any scholar wanting background information on Christianity in any region of the world will find this book very helpful.” (Ecclesiastical History, 1 July 2013) “I do think, however, there is some merit in understanding how the world views Christianity at large. Because of that, I do recommend this resource with the qualification that the reader realize that this book is painting with extremely large strokes the Christian faith.” (Christian Book Notes, 1 July 2013) “It should prove to be a valuable resource for both classroom and specialist use. Summing Up: Recommended. Upper-level undergraduates through researchers/faculty.” (Choice, 1 October 2012)Table of ContentsDedication. Contents. List of Contributors. Map of World Christianity. Preface (Robert W. Hefner). Acknowledgments. Introduction (Charles E. Farhadian). Part I: AFRICA. 1: Middle Eastern & North African Christianity: Persisting in the Lands of Islam (Heather Sharkey). 2: Christian Belongings in East Africa: Flocking to the Churches (Ben Knighton). 3: West African Christianity: Padres, Prophets, Pastors, and Pentecostals (Ogbu Kalu). 4: Christianity in Southern Africa: The Aesthetics of Well-Being (Frederick Klaits). Part II: EUROPE. 5: Christianity in Western Europe: Mission Fields, Old and New? (Simon Coleman). 6: Christianity in Eastern Europe: A Story of Pain, Glory, Persecution, and Freedom (Peter Kuzmic). Part III: ASIA. 7: Christianity in South Asia: Negotiating Religious Pluralism (Arun Jones). 8: Christianity in Southeast Asia: Similarity and Difference in a Culturally Diverse Region (Barbara Watson Andaya). 9: Christianity in East Asia: Evangelicalism and the March First Independence Movement in Korea (Timothy S. Lee). Part IV: AMERICAS. 10: Christianity in North America: Changes and Challenges in a Land of Promise (Kevin J. Christiano). 11: Central America and the Caribbean: Christianity on the Periphery (Virginia Garrard-Burnett). 12: Christianity in Latin America: Changing Churches in a Changing Continent (Samuel Escobar). 13: Brazilian Charisma: Pentecostalized Christianity in Latin America’s Largest Nation (R. Andrew Chesnut). Part V: THE PACIFIC. 14: Christianity in Australia and New Zealand: Faith and Politics in Secular Soil (Marion Maddox). 15: Christianity in Polynesia: Transforming the Islands (Ian Breward). 16: Christianity in Micronesia: The Interplay Between Church and Culture (Francis X. Hezel). 17: Christianity in Melanesia: Transforming the Warrior Spirit (Garry W. Trompf). Conclusion: World Christianity: It's History, Spread, and Social Influence (Robert D. Woodberry).

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Book SynopsisIn De-Introducing the New Testament, the authors argue for a renewed commitment to the defamiliarizing power of New Testament studies and a reclaiming of the discipline as one that exemplifies the best practices of the humanities. A new approach that asks us to defamiliarize' what we think we know about the New Testament, articulating themes and questions about its study that encourage further reflection and engagement Looks behind the traditional ways in which the NT is introduced to critically engage the conceptual framework of the field as a whole Provides a critical intervention into several methodological impasses in contemporary NT scholarship Offers an appraisal of the relationship between economics and culture in the production of NT scholarship Written in a style that is clear and concise, ideal for student readership Trade ReviewLopez, associate professor of religious studies at Eckerd College in St. Petersburg FL, suggest that part of the radical potential of de-introducing the NT lies in the refusal to give up on history, and historical criticism, while continuing to think through methodological questions and issues in the discipline (New Testament Abstracts 2016)Table of ContentsAcknowledgments ix (De-)Introduction 1 Seeing Old Stones Anew 1 Introducing the New Testament as Introducing Traditional New Testament Scholarship 4 Introducing Criticisms of Traditional New Testament Scholarship 9 Introducing De-Introducing the New Testament 17 1 The Order of New Testament Things: Questioning Methods and Meanings 25 The Bone-Box of James, “the Brother of Jesus” 25 Ways of Knowing a Subject of Study 31 Ordering Principles in the Study of the New Testament 35 Ways of Knowing New Testament “Things” 62 2 Foregrounding New Testament Backgrounds: Contextualizing Interpretation 71 Jew” or “Judean”? The Present Confronts the Past 71 Introducing the New Testament: Making Meaning with the Context 76 Backgrounding the Backgrounds Approach 83 Backgrounding the Character of Early Christianity: Liberty against Tyranny 97 Contexts Matter, Ancient and Modern 110 3 Objects, Objectives, and Objectivities: Material and Visual Culture and New Testament Studies 119 Of Fragments and Forgeries 119 Archaeology and the Making of Objects 122 Excavating Discourses that Produce Ancient Objects 133 What Do We Do with Ancient Objects? 145 What Do We Want with Ancient Objects? 160 4 Brand(ish)ing Biblical Scholars(hip): New Testament Studies and Neoliberal Subjectivity 169 Who Can Be a “New Testament Scholar?” 169 Neoliberalism and the Politics of Identity 173 Branding as a Practice of Neoliberal Subjectivity 183 Branding New Testament Scholars(hip) 191 The One-Dimensional New Testament Scholar? 205 Back to the Future: Concluding Observations on History, Method, and Theory in New Testament Studies 215 Index 000

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Book SynopsisDavid was born a number 8--a hidden gem, often overlooked and undervalued by everyone except for God. For David, being a number 8 seemed like a curse until the day God transformed him from the unknown eighth son of Jesse into the much-honored king of Israel.When God sends out an invitation to greatness, His directions don''t always make sense to us. You may feel like the most invisible, broken number 8 out there, but God sees your hidden value and is growing you for better things. David didn''t know it, but his time as a simple shepherd with a dull future did not go unnoticed by God. In David''s darkest moments, he was cultivating the kind of gifts, wisdom, and leadership he would need to become a king. Even when you''re an underdog in the eyes of the world, God is working behind the scenes to develop you into a king or queen.

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Book SynopsisStart each day with a smile using the faith-filled Scripture, prayers, and readings in this uplifting devotional from Lakewood Church''s Joel and Victoria Osteen.How you start the day often determines what kind of day you''re going to have. When you wake up in the morning, it''s easy to lie in bed thinking negative thoughts. You don''t realize it, but that''s setting the tone for a lousy day.In this devotional, Joel and Victoria Osteen offer an inspiring tool to help you set your mind for a positive, happy, faith-filled day. You will read Scripture, reflect on a daily reading, pray a special prayer, and meditate on a thought for the day -- all with a goal to starting the day off grateful, thinking about God''s goodness, expecting His favor, and setting the tone for a blessed, productive day. Just a few minutes each morning can make a big difference. When you wake up to hope, you''ll not only have a better attitude but you''ll see more of God''s blessings and favo

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Book SynopsisIf you are looking for God, or if you are a believer who feels something is missing, Joyce Meyer, #1 New York Times bestselling author, wants to show you how to achieve the profound joy that comes from a truly intimate relationship with God.Using Scripture and powerful real-life examples, Joyce reveals practical ways that you can increase your level of intimacy with God. She does this by offering a clear picture of four levels of spiritual commitment. At each level-from acknowledging God''s presence to letting His love completely transform your life-Joyce shows you how to move, step by step, closer to God and receive His blessings. What relationship are you ready for? How far can you go in seeking God? What amazing accomplishments can you complete with God''s help? In KNOWING GOD INTIMATELY, Joyce Meyer gives you the keys to finding your unique relationship with God. He is waiting for you; the choices are yours. Will you open the door?

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Book SynopsisJoyce Meyer will help you use the Word to overcome the battles of your mind by changing your thoughts to change your life. Features she shares include over 150 contemplative articles on Winning the Battles of the Mind, 500 scripture-based articles called Keys to a Victorious Life, and so much more. She also helps empower you with God''s strength through hundreds of prayers, thought-provoking questions, and thorough introductions to each book of the Bible.Joyce''s teachings on the Battlefield of the Mind give a new dimension to how the Words of life can transform your life. You''ll feel as though you have Joyce as your own personal study partner.Additional features include:*PowerPoints - Approximately 350 powerful tips drawn from scripture to help you think, speak, or live to win the battles of the mind.*Speak God''s Word - 300 scripture confessions that will teach you how to confess God''s Word for yourself.*A Prayer for Victory - 125 prayers

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Book SynopsisThe demands of modern society often create distance between Catholics and their cultural heritage. Author Earl J. Higgins, a New Orleans native and lifelong Catholic, offers ways to embrace and uphold Catholic influences in everyday life. Suggestions range from simple activities like putting a Keep Christ in Christmas bumper sticker on your car (or the more tongue-in-cheek Jesus Is Coming: Look Busy) to more devout practices, like lighting an Advent wreath or remembering to make the Sign of the Cross in times of trial and joy. Feeling like youre drifting from your faith recently? Let this list of 100 tips reconnect you!

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Book SynopsisHow do religion, gender and sexuality interact? How have they impacted, and continue to impact, human culture? The Bloomsbury Reader in Religion, Sexuality and Gender brings together, for the first time, the key texts in the field. Designed as a textbook for use in a classroom setting, it offers thought-provoking selections of some of the most compelling and timely readings available today.The Reader is divided into three parts (bodies; desires; performances). Each considers, from a thematic perspective, the ways in which people have made sense of their religious and sexual experiences, the ways they imagine and talk about gender, sex and the sacred, and the multiple meanings they ascribe to them. Traditions represented include indigenous spiritualities, Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Asian traditions and new religious movements. Some readings are more theoretical or historical in nature, thereby providing wide-ranging contexts for reflection and discussion. The reader inclTrade ReviewBringing together a wide-ranging collection of readings from feminist, gender, and queer studies, this volume is a useful sourcebook for those wishing an initial introduction to historical and contemporary conversations in these key areas within the study of religion. * Melissa M. Wilcox, Associate Professor of Religion and Gender Studies, Whitman College, USA *The Bloomsbury Reader in Religion, Sexuality, and Gender provides a provocative, thematically rich, and theoretically sophisticated collection of essays for college and university courses dealing with the attitudes of different religious traditions toward sexuality and gender. The reader is divided into three parts: the first on “Bodies” and the ambivalent ways in which they have been and are viewed; the second on “Desires” and how they are expressed, repressed, and normalized in religious discourse; and the third on “Performances,” which underscores the performative nature of gender and its inherent instability. The essays included in the reader are all “classics” in this relatively new field of scholarship. In order to help readers engage and evaluate the various essays a series of questions has been appended to each part and a glossary of terms and concepts appears at the end. The Boomsbury Reader fills an important gap in the literature available for introductory courses on the intersection between religion and gender studies. It should have a wide appeal across the disciplines. * Allison P. Coudert, Paul and Marie Castelfranco Chair in the Study of Religion, University of California at Davis, USA *This volume does not only present a careful selection of seminal (to use a word with a sexual undertone) readings into the rich and dynamic field of religion, sexuality and gender, but it also does an excellent job in introducing these readings. The introductions to the book as a whole, the main sections, and the individual texts are extremely helpful in providing context and orientating the reader to some of the broader questions and relevant issues. Covering a wide range of religious traditions, historical periods and geographical regions, this volume is a great resource for students in undergraduate courses in religion, sexuality and gender. * Adriaan van Klinken, Associate Professor of Religious Studies, University of Leeds, UK *Table of ContentsPermissions Acknowledgements Introduction to the Volume Part I: Bodies 1. Introduction 2. Stereotypes, False Images, Terrorism: The White Assault upon Black Sexuality. (Sexuality and the Black Church: A Womanist Perspective) Kelly Brown Douglas 3. Sin (Seeking the Straight and Narrow: Weight Loss and Sexual Reorientation in Evangelical America) Lynne Gerber 4. Blood, Sweat, and Urine: The Scent of Feminine Fluids in Anton Szandor LaVey’s The Satanic Witch.(International Journal for the Study of New Religious Movements)Cimminnee Holt 5. Sex (Critical Terms for the Study of Buddhism) Janet Gyatso 6. The Ultimate Man (A Bull of a Man: Images of Masculinity, Sex, and the Body in Indian Buddhism) John Powers 7. Mitzvot Built into the Body: Tkhines for Niddah, Pregnancy and Childbirth. (People of the Body: Jews and Judaism from an Embodied Perspective) Chava Weissler 8. Gendering the Ungendered Body: Hermaphrodites in Medieval Islamic Law. (Women in Middle Eastern History) Paula Sanders 9. "Mildred, Is It Fun to Be a Cripple?" The Culture of Suffering in Mid-Twentieth Century American Catholicism.” (Between Heaven and Earth: The Religious Worlds People Make and the Scholars Who Study Them) Robert Orsi 10. Discussion Questions Part 2: Desires 1. Introduction 2. Introduction: Axiomatic (Epistemology of the Closet) Eve Kosofsky Sedgwick 3. Scientia Sexualis (The History of Sexuality: An Introduction: Volume I) Michel Foucault 4. Law and Desire in the Talmud (Eros and the Jews) David Biale 5. Tongues Untied: Memoirs of a Pentecostal Boyhood.” (Que(e)rying Religion: A Critical Anthology) Michael Warner 6. Sexual Desire, Divine Desire; Or, Queering the Beguines (Toward a Theology of Eros: Transfiguring Passion at the Limits of Discipline) Amy Hollywood 7. Kukai and the Tradition of Male Love in Japanese Buddhism (Buddhism, Sexuality, and Gender) Paul Gordon Schalow 8. The Passions of St. Pelagius (The Invention of Sodomy in Christian Theology) Mark Jordan 9. Masturbation, Salvation, and Desire: Sexuality and Religiosity in Colonial Mexico (Journal of the History of Sexuality) Zeb Tortorici 10. Discussion Questions Part 3: Performances 1. Introduction 2. Gender Trouble: Feminism and the Subversion of Identity Judith Butler 3. Witches, Female Priests, and Sacred Manoeuvres: (De)stabilizing Gender and Sexuality in a Cuban Religion of African Origin. (Gender and History) Carolyn Watson 4. Mama Lola and the Ezilis: Themes of Mothering and Love in Haitian Vodou (Unspoken Words: Women’s Religious Lives) Karen McCarthy Brown 5. (Per)formative Selves: The Production of Gender.” (With Respect to Sex: Negotiating Hijra Identity in South India) Gayatri Reddy 6. Toward a Queer Theology of Flourishing: Transsexual Embodiment, Subjectivity, and Moral Agency (Queer Religion: LGBT Movements and Queering Religion) Jakob Hero 7. Intimacy Surveiled: Religion, Sex, and Secular Cunning (Signs: Journal of Women in Culture and Society) Mayanthi Fernando 8. Release from Bondage: Sex, Suffering, and Sanctity (The Sacred Encounter: Jewish Perspectives on Sexuality) Daniel Lehrman 9. “Nakedness, Non-Violence, and Brahmacharya: Gandhi’s Experiments in Celibate Sexuality.” (Journal of the History of Sexuality) Vinay Lal 10. Discussion Questions Glossary Index

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Book SynopsisVajra Wisdom contains two of the most important explanations of the "development stage" of meditation, relevant for most practitioners in the Tibetan Buddhist tradition.Now available in paperback for the first time.The practices of deity, mantra, and wisdom are also known within the Tibetan system as the ?development stage," because the practitioner is said to attain spiritual insight by developing meditative visualizations that bring the experience of awakening directly into one''s present life, without having to wait for later spiritual fulfillment.Vajra Wisdom presents the commentaries oftwo great nineteenth-century Nyingma masters,KunkyenTenpeNyima andShechenGyaltsapIV,which guide practitioners engaged in development stage practice through a series of straightforward instructions. The rarity of this kind of material in English makes it indispensable for practitioners and scholars alike.The goal of the development stage of meditation in the Tibetan Buddhist tradition is to realize the inseparability of phenomena and great emptiness. Using the methods of deity visualization, mantra recitation, and meditative absorption, the practitioner arrives at this nonconceptual view.

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Book SynopsisThis collection contains four of the most cherished Tibetan Buddhist commentaries on the practices of visualization, mantra recitation, and meditative absorption—elements that form the core of development stage meditation, one of the most important practices of Buddhist Tantra. The texts within this volume—Ladder to Akaniṣṭha, Clarifying the Difficult Points in the Development Stage, The Four Stakes That Bind the Life-Force, and Husks of Unity—are among the most widely studied commentaries on this topic and have formed the basis for spiritual study and practice for centuries. In these eloquent and inspiring translations, Jigme Lingpa, Patrul Rinpoche, and Getse Mahāpaṇḍita explain the fundamental philosophy of the development stage, illuminating its profound insights into the nature of reality and how to utilize these insights through the practice of meditation.

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Book SynopsisComplete instructions on how to practice the generation stage of Guhyasamaja from a contemporary Tibetan Buddhist master, with a new English translation of the self-generation ritual.The Guhyasamaja Tantra is one of the Unexcelled Yoga Tantras of Vajrayana Buddhism. In the initial, generation-stage practice, one engages in a prescribed sequence of visualizations of oneself as an enlightened being in a purified environment in order to prepare one?s mind and body to engage in the second stage: the completion stage. The latter works directly with the subtle energies of one?s mind and body and transforms them into the enlightened mind and body of a buddha. In this book, Gyumé Khensur Lobsang Jampa, a former abbot of Gyumé Tantric College, provides complete instructions on how to practice the generation stage of Guhyasamaja, explaining the visualizations, offerings, and mantras involved, what they symbolize, and the purpose they serve. These instructions, which are usually imparted only orally from master to student after the student has been initiated into the Guhyasamaja mandala, are now being published in English for the first time and are supplemented by extracts from key written commentaries in the footnotes to support practitioners who have received the required transmissions from a holder of this lineage. The complete self-generation ritual is included in the second part of the book, with the Tibetan on facing pages, which can be used by those who read Tibetan and want to recite the ritual in Tibetan.

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Book SynopsisJamgön Kongtrul Lodrö Taye presents the Zhije (Pacification) teachings of some of Tibet''s most historically significant and influential teachers in this next volume of the Treasury of Precious Instructions series, Kongtrul''s great collection of teachings from all of Tibet''s Buddhist lineages.The Treasury of Precious Instructions by Jamgön Kongtrul Lodrö Taye, one of Tibet''s greatest Buddhist masters, is a shining jewel of Tibetan literature, presenting essential teachings from the entire spectrum of practice lineages that existed in Tibet. In its eighteen volumes, Kongtrul brings together some of the most important texts on key topics of Buddhist thought and practice as well as authoring significant new sections of his own.In this volume, Kongtrul presents a diverse corpus of texts from the Zhije (Pacification) tradition that trace especially to the South Indian master Dampa Sangye (d. 1117), whose teachings are also celebrated in the Chöd (Severance) tradition. It includes source scriptures by Dampa Sangye, empowerments by Lochen Dharmashrī, and guidance by Dampa Sangye, Lochen Dharmashrī, and Sönam Pal. Also included are lineage charts related to the transmission of Zhije teachings as well as detailed notes and an orientation to the texts by translator Sarah Harding.

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