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Book SynopsisIncreasingly, it is being recognized that spirituality, defined here as a multiform search for a transcendent meaning of life that connects them to all living beings and brings them in touch with God or âUltimate Reality,â is an aspect of almost every sphere and aspect of social life. It appears in humanityâs dealings with nature, home and community, healing, economics and business, knowledge, and education. The Routledge International Handbook of Spirituality in Society and the Professions is a stimulating collection that summarizes the most important issues, frameworks, discussions, and problems relating to spiritually inspired activities in different fields of social life.The contributors explore how spirituality is a part of existence and present approaches and models for professionals working in diverse areas. Presented in seven parts, the book provides a full overview of current research and practice. Part II, Facets of spirituality, explores topics includTrade Review"In the morally ambiguous workplace of modern corporations, spirituality is a poorly understood topic, and yet one of the most important issues facing organizations today. Lack of spirituality is also a source of many contemporary problems. The Routledge International Handbook of Spirituality in Society and the Professions brings together an impressive array of writers deeply exploring this topic from multiple perspectives and at multiple levels. This book offers the most important concepts, frameworks and examples for understanding spirituality in organizations and society. The book should be of great interest to both researchers and practitioners." - Paul Shrivastava, Professor and Director, Sustainability Institute, Pennsylvania State University, USA, and International Research Chair in Art and Sustainable Enterprise, ICN Business School, France"The immense damage that the relentless search for analytic truth in economic life has caused is now becoming tragically clear as environmental degradation, growing income and political inequality bring about political instability, violence and human suffering. The Routledge International Handbook of Spirituality in Society and the Professions explores and shows how and why spirituality is an indispensable part our lives rather than some 'exogenous' factor that, for the sake of the mathematical elegance of some model, can be safely ignored. This outstanding volume is part of the growing effort of social scientists, philosophers and theologians to find the way out of this catastrophic path by reincorporating into economic thinking what makes us human." - Peter Rona, Fellow, Blackfriars Hall, Oxford University, UK"The Routledge International Handbook of Spirituality in Society and the Professions is a fantastic publication which provides a long term vision regarding the importance of spirituality in human lives. The handbook indicates the approaches of spirituality in all social sciences, fine arts, and professions. It establishes some guidelines from which future scholars can extend the frontiers of their work in doing research in various fields." - Manas Chatterji, Professor of Management, Binghamton University, USA, and President, Mahatma Gandhi International Research Center for Conflict Prevention and Management, Bangalore, India

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Book SynopsisThis book engages in a dialogue with Krishnachandra Bhattacharyya (K.C. Bhattacharyya, KCB, 1875â1949) and opens a vista to contemporary Indian philosophy.KCB is one of the founding fathers of contemporary Indian philosophy, a distinct genre of philosophy that draws both on classical Indian philosophical sources and on Western materials, old and new. His work offers both a new and different reading of classical Indian texts, and a unique commentary of Kant and Hegel. The book (re)introduces KCBâs philosophy, identifies the novelty of his thinking, and highlights different dimensions of his oeuvre, with special emphasis on freedom as a concept and striving, extending from the metaphysical to the political or the postcolonial. Our contributors aim to decipher KCBâs distinct vocabulary (demand, feeling, alternation). They revisit his discussion of Rasa aesthetics, spotlight the place of the body in his phenomenological inquiry toward âœthe subject as freedomâ, situate him betwee

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Book SynopsisAs #MeToo and its sister movement #ChurchToo demonstrated, sexual violence is systemic in many and varied workplace settings, including Christian churches, and can destroy women's careers and vocational aspirations.The study draws on empirical evidence personal stories from survivors and the views of church leaders and educators in dialogue with theoretical perspectives, to consider clergy sexual abuse of adult women and the conditions that support it. Institutional abuse only changes when survivors come forward. This study focusses on New Zealand Anglicanism, the locus of the author's experience, and has resonance for a range of denominational settings. It aims to be a useful resource to clergy, ministry educators, and those training for ministry, and to academics and scholars with an interest in theology, gender, and professional ethics. Notably, it will be a potentially helpful text for women survivors of sexual misconduct by clergy, not least those who are considering aTable of Contents1. Introduction; 2. #MeTool; 3. #ChurchToo; 4. WhereTo?

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Book SynopsisRivals in the Gulf: Yusuf al-Qaradawi, Abdullah Bin Bayyah, and the Qatar-UAE Contest Over the Arab Spring and the Gulf Crisis details the relationships between the Egyptian Shaykh Yusuf al-Qaradawi and the Al Thani royal family in Qatar, and between the Mauritanian Shaykh Abdullah Bin Bayyah and the Al Nahyans, the rulers of Abu Dhabi and senior royal family in the United Arab Emirates. These relationships stretch back decades, to the early 1960s and 1970s respectively. Using this history as a foundation, the book examines the connections between Qaradawi's and Bin Bayyah's rival projects and the development of Qatar's and the UAE's competing state-brands and foreign policies. It raises questions about how to theorize the relationships between the Muslim scholarly-elite (the ulama) and the nation-state. Over the course of the Arab Spring and the Gulf Crisis, Qaradawi and Bin Bayyah shaped the Al Thani's and Al Nahyan's competing ideologies in importanTable of ContentsIntroduction: Rivals in the Gulf; Part 1: Yusuf al-Qaradawi, the Al Thanis, and Qatari Foreign Policy; 1. Wahhabism and Wasaṭiyya in Qatar; 2. Qaradawi, Qatar, and the Arab Spring; 3. War in Syria, Coup in Egypt, Crisis in the Gulf; Part 2: Abdullah Bin Bayyah, the Al Nahyans, and Emirati Foreign Policy; 4. Abdullah Bin Bayyah and the Al Nahyans; 5. The Forum for Promoting Peace in Muslim Societies; Conclusion: The ʿUlamāʾ in the Gulf States

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Book SynopsisThis book offers a bold and dynamic examination of Lars von Trierâs cinema by interweaving philosophy and theology with close attention to aesthetics through style and narrative. It explores the prophetic voice of von Trier's films, juxtaposing them with Ezekiel's prophecy and Ricoeurâs symbols of evil, myth, and hermeneutics of revelation. The films of Lars von Trier are categorized as extreme cinema, inducing trauma and emotional rupture rarely paralleled, while challenging audiences to respond in new ways. This volume argues that the spiritual, biblical content of the films holds a key to understanding von Trierâs oeuvre of excess. Spiritual conflict is the mechanism that unpacks the filmsâ notorious excess with explosive, centrifugal force. By confronting the spectator with spiritual conflict through evil, von Trier's films truthfully and prophetically expose the spectatorâs complicity in personal and structural evil, forcing self-examination through theological thTrade Review"Lars von Trier has long been both praised and criticized as a provocateur and a jester, a genius and a charlatan, a visionary and a contrarian. Rebecca Ver Straten-McSparran adds an original and compelling perspective to this critical debate: von Trier as modern prophet-artist whose films explore the theologically-inflected struggles of good and evil. Drawing on Ricoeur, phenomenology, Levinas, and the prophet Ezekiel, she argues persuasively that von Trier’s much vaunted style of cinematic excess serves as a means of expressing spiritual conflict and of exploring the reality of evil in a secular world. She brings a keen theological and aesthetic perspective to von Trier’s films and reveals layers of theological depth and spiritual meaning that have remained hitherto concealed or overlooked by many critics. In a stunning move, she shows how von Trier’s work can be understood as articulating a ‘prophetic voice’ – in the manner and tradition of Ezekiel – that not only examines evil as an expression of spiritual conflict but confronts the viewer with their own complicity in the evil permeating our contemporary world. Lars von Trier’s Cinema is an impressive and important achievement, introducing fascinating new ways of understanding the theological dimensions of von Trier’s provocative body of work." - Robert Sinnerbrink, Macquarie University"Is it possible the shocking, harrowing, even repulsive moments in Von Trier’s oeuvre have a moral, even prophetic telos? Ver Straten-McSparran challenges skeptics to reckon with similarly appalling, even offensive sign-acts of the Biblical traditio. Then, as now, extreme times may require extreme prophetic voices. Von Trier’s methods will always stir controversy and debate, but Ver Straten-McSparran convincingly argues his central message abides throughout: evil itself is being trivialized, ignored, and, therefore, empowered. At his best, Von Trier drives us to honestly face evil in the world and in ourselves, and to urgently look for grace, even in the most unlikely places." - Joseph G. Kickasola, Professor of Film and Digital Media, Baylor University"Whatever you think of Lars von Trier’s films—and I’ve both loved and loathed certain of them—they are always fodder for discussion and serious consideration, even spiritual contemplation. In this fascinating scholarly work, Rebecca Ver Straten-McSparran makes a compelling case for von Trier as a prophetic filmmaker, in the biblical sense of the word. Daring, surprising, insightful, and passionate, this book is a great example of how theology and cinema can be natural conversation partners." - Brett McCracken, film critic and senior editor, The Gospel Coalition"One cannot understand Lars von Trier as a filmmaker without also understanding him as a prophetic theologian. So argues Ver Straten-McSparran, finding insight from the Old Testament prophet Ezekiel. Here is must reading for anyone interested in unpacking the extreme cinema of this controversial Dane." - Robert K. Johnston, Senior Professor of Theology and Culture and Co-Director of the Reel Spirituality Institute, Fuller Seminary"Ver Straten-McSparran’s groundbreaking book is a welcome addition to a subfield of study which too often plays it safe with the filmmakers and films they consider in-depth. […] This contribution to the canon of Religion and Film scholarship is an excellent example of multi-disciplinary fearlessness and offers a unique biblical, filmic, and theological approach to an important contemporary artist whose films force us to grapple with life’s big questions even if they make us uncomfortable by exposing modern hypocrisy, idolatry, and evil." - Jeanette Solano, Journal of Religion & FilmTable of Contents1 Context: Prophets and Prophecy, Ezekiel, and the Spirit 2 The Artist as Prophet: Affinities in Dante, Milton, Dostoyevsky, O’Connor, and Tarkovsky 3 Aesthetics of Prophecy: Narrative Structures and Prophetic Themes 4 Aesthetics of Image, Sound, and Style: Embodying the Prophetic Voice 5 Antichrist: Paradise Lost: Our Capacity for Evil

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Book SynopsisThis is the first major study of the most famous Reclaiming Witch community, founded in 1979 in San Francisco, written by an author who herself participated in a coven for ten years. Jone Salomonsen describes and examines the communal and ritual practices of Reclaiming, asking how these promote personal growth and cultural-religious change.Table of ContentsIntroduction PART I Guardians of the world 1 The Reclaiming community: a feminist, social construction 2 Wicca revival: Starhawk and the myth of ancient origin 3 Utopian and generic Witches: revitalizing western spiritualities 4 Holy hermeneutics: how to find truth PART II Priestesses of the craft 5 Elements of magic: learning to ritualize 6 The Spiral Dance ritual: a celebration of death and rebirth 7 Women’s mysteries: creating a female symbolic order 8 Initiation: transforming self Conclusion: Reclaiming Witchcraft and theology

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Book SynopsisPeter B. Clarke's in-depth account explores the innovative character of new religious movements and new forms of spirituality from a global vantage point. Ranging from North America and Europe to Japan, Latin America, South Asia, Africa and the Caribbean, it is the perfect introduction to NRMs such as Falun Gong, Aum Shirikyo, the Brahma Kumaris, the Ikhwan or Muslim Brotherhood, Sufism, the Engaged Buddhist and Engaged Hindi movements, Messianic Judaism and Rastafarianism.Charting the cultural significance and global impact of NRMs, he discusses the ways in which various religious traditions are shaping, rather than displacing, each other's understanding of notions such as transcendence and faith, good and evil, of the meaning, purpose and function of religion, and of religious belonging. He then examines the responses of governments, churches, the media and general public to new religious movements, as well as the reaction to older, increasingly influential reTrade Review'Peter Clarke provides us with an excellent contemporary theoretical account of the field and a comprehensive source of information on a plethora of religious groups... I strongly recommend it.' - Adam Possamai, University of Western Sydney, Australia'Peter Clarke provides us with an excellent contemporary theoretical account of the field and a comprehensive source of information on a plethora of religious groups... I strongly recommend it.' - Adam Possamai, University of Western Sydney, Australia'New Religions in Global Perspective is one of the best books on New Religious Movements (NRMs) since the beginning of the 21st century...Peter Clarke provides us with an excellent contemporary theoretical account of the field and a comprehensive source of information on a plethora of religious groups, and for this reason, I strongly recommend it. This book would be excellent as a textbook on NRMs for undergraduate and postgraduate students. For experts in the field, it offers a clear light on the most current debates in the field and covers so much across the globe, that any scholar wukk certainly find room to learn more.' -Adam Possamai, University of Western Sydney'Creemos que la presente obra, enciclopédica en su formato, con buena bibliografía anglosajona, puede ser de ayuda para destinarios muy diversos; estudiosos de las religiones actuales, políticos, pastores y sociólogos; útil, por su sistemización y contenido, para estudiantes universitarios que buscan conocer el momento actual del espectro religioso-espiritual del mundo.' Bibliographia MissionariaTable of ContentsPart 1: Global Perspective, New Age, and Society’s Response 1. New Religious Movements: A Global Perspective 2. The New Age Movement (NAM): alternative or mainstream? 3. Accounting for Hostility to New Religious Movements Part 2: New Religions in the West 4. New Religious Movements in Europe 5. New Religious Movements in North America 6. New Religious Movements in Australia, New Zealand and Melanesia (New Guinea) Part 3: The New Religions of the Middle-East, Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean 7. New Islamic Movements in North Africa and the Middle-East 8. New Religious Movements in Africa South of the Sahara 9. New Religious Movements in South and Central America and the Carribean Part 4: New Religions of South, Southeast and East Asia 10. New Religious Movements in South Asia (India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka) 11. NRMs in South East Asia (Thailand, Vietnam and Indonesia) 12. East Asia (1): Japanese New Religious Movements 13. East Asia (2): New Religious Movements in Japan, Taiwan and Korea Part 5: Conclusions 14. Conclusion: The Uncertain Impact of Old and New Religions Select Bibliography Index

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Book SynopsisKarl Barth was, without doubt, one of the most significant religious thinkers of modern times. His radical affirmation of the revealed truth of Christianity changed the course of Christian theology in the twentieth century and is a source of inspiration for countless believers. Pope Pius XII declared that there had been nothing like Karl Barth's later thought since Thomas Aquinas. God Here and Now offers a succinct and accessible overview of that thought. In it, Barth outlines his position on the fundamental tenets of Christian belief, from the decision of faith to the authority of the Bible, and from the interpretation of grace to the significance of Jesus Christ. In this way Barth challenges each and every reader to discover what it means to encounter God, here and now.Trade Review'Karl Barth was a man of his time. Yet he was also a genius, able to see a little further than many and to offer new insights into the ways of God and mankind.' - Professor Colin Gunton, The Times'With a startling suddenness [Barth's] message has transformed the whole outlook of Protestant theology on the continent.' - The Times Literary Supplement'This is a beautifully produced reissue of a collection of essays.' - Reviews in Religion and Theology'This welcome reissue in the Routledge Classics series...introduces the first-time reader to aspects of his mature thought in an accessible way...God Here and Now is a superb introduction to Barth at his most compelling and most frustrating.' - Epworth ReviewTable of ContentsIntroduction to the Routledge Classics edition by George HunsingerTranslator's Introduction1. The Christian Proclamation Here and Now2. The Sovereignty of God's Word and the Decision of Faith3. The Proclamation of God's Free Grace4. The Authority and Significance of the Bible: (Twelve Theses)5. The Church: The Living Congregation of the Living Lord Jesus Christ The Essence of the Church The Threat to the Church The Renewal of the Church6. Christian Ethics7. Humanism

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Book SynopsisSamkara (c.700 CE) has been regarded by many as the most authoritative Hindu thinker of all time. A great Indian Vedantin brahmin, Samkara was primarily a commentator on the sacred texts of the Vedas and a teacher in the Advaitin teaching line. This book serves as an introduction to Samkara's thought which takes this as a central theme. The author develops an innovative approach based on Samkara's ways of interpreting sacred texts and creatively examines the profound interrelationship between sacred text, content and method in Samkara's thought. The main focus of the book is on Samkara's teaching method. This method is, for Samkara, based on the Upanishads' own; it is to be employed by Advaitin teachers to draw pupils skilfully towards that realisation which is beyond all words. Consequently, this book will be of interest not only to students and scholars of Indian philosophy, but to all those interested in the relation between language and that which is held to transcend it.Trade Review'This book provides an excellent introduction to Samkara's work, while making a number of original arguments that are sure to be influencial in future studies on Samkara' - Brian Black, South Asia Research, Vol. 26 (2)Table of ContentsIntroduction: Studying the Teacher 1. The Teacher Himself 2. The Need for the Teaching 3. The Source for the Teaching 4. The Methods of the Teaching 5. The Context of the Teaching: The World of Name and Form 6. The Context of the Teaching: The Lord 7. The Language of the Teaching 8. The End of the Teaching

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Book SynopsisThis is the story of fifth century CE India, when the Yogacarin Buddhists tested the awareness of unawareness, and became aware of human unawareness to an extraordinary degree. They not only explicitly differentiated this dimension of mental processes from conscious cognitive processes, but also offered reasoned arguments on behalf of this dimension of mind. This is the concept of the 'Buddhist unconscious', which arose just as philosophical discourse in other circles was fiercely debating the limits of conscious awareness, and these ideas in turn had developed as a systematisation of teachings from the Buddha himself. For us in the twenty-first century, these teachings connect in fascinating ways to the Western conceptions of the 'cognitive unconscious' which have been elaborated in the work of Jung and Freud. This important study reveals how the Buddhist unconscious illuminates and draws out aspects of current western thinking on the unconscious mind. One of the most intriguinTrade Review'This work weaves together into one fabric yards spanning some one thousand years of Indian Buddhist thought, and will prove to be an invaluable source of information for scholars of Buddhist literature.' - East and West SeriesTable of ContentsPart I - The Background and Context of the Ãlaya-vijñãna Part II - The Abhidharma Context 15. The Abhidharma Project and its Problematic Part III - The Alaya-vijñana in the Yogacara Tradition, The Alaya-vijñana in the Early Tradition Part IV - The Alaya-Vijñana in the Mahayana-samgraha I : Bringing It All Back HomePart V - The Alaya-Vijñana in the Mahayana-samgraha II: Looking Beyond

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Book SynopsisHinduism: The Basics introduces readers to the third largest, and arguably the oldest, living religious tradition. It opens a vista into the rich and dynamic ethos of the Hindu religious tradition in India and other parts of the world. The book explores the variety of philosophical schools, priestly rituals, and popular practices common in the Hindu faith, presenting the layered diversity of its traditions and how they function in everyday life.Chapters unpack key concepts from the tradition and discussions about its various aspects, including: The historical development of Hinduism Religious practices such as pilgrimage, meditation, and life cycle rituals The organisation of Hindu society into castes and related social justice issues The spread of Hinduism around the world, the rise of Hindu nationalism, and other challenges of modernity The continuum between sacred texts in both elite Sanskrit and in South Asian vernacularTable of ContentsIntroduction 1. Hinduism in History 2. Foundational and Formative Sacred Texts and Concepts 3. Functional Sacred Texts: Vernacular Performativity 4. Social Organization and Goals for Individual Life 5. Religious Action and Expressions 6. Embracing Modernity 7. Hinduism Beyond India Epilogue

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Book SynopsisThe Hindu World is the most complete, authoritative and up-to-date one-volume guide to Hindu faith and culture available today. Written by the world's leading scholars on Hinduism, its twenty-four chapters explore the history, philosophy and practice of one of the world's great religious traditions. The Hindu World offers new insights into all aspects of Hindu life, ranging from the devotional texts of the Vedas and Ramayana to current perspectives on dharma and kama, temple architecture, sacred food, ritual, caste, cosmic philosophy, history and modernization. This is an ideal reference for students and scholars of Hinduism.Trade Review'Every chapter has its own merit. It will be a very ideal text for both researchers and scholars.' – The Hindu'[This book provides] a splendid, learned and largely comprehensive guide to the major themes of Hindu life and thought.' – Reviews in Religion and TheologyTable of ContentsPart One: Introducing the Hindu World 1. On Hinduism and Hinduisms Part Two: Oral Teachings and Textual Traditions 2. Veda and Upanisad 3. Mahabharata 4. Ramayana 5. Purana Part Three: Theistic and Devotional Movements 6. Saiva 7. Sakta 8. Vaisnava 9. Bhakti Part Four: Cosmic Order and Human Goals 10. Dharma 11. Artha 12. Kama 13. Moksa Part Five: Social Action and Social Structure 14. Karma 15. Samskara 16. Varna and Jati 17. Asrama Part Six: Vitality in Persons and in Places 18. Anna 19. Grama 20. Alaya 21. Tirtha Part Seven: Linguistic and Philosophic Analysis 22. Bhasa 23. Darsana 24. Kala

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Book SynopsisFreud's collection of antiquitieshis old and dirty godsstood as silent witnesses to the early analysts' paradoxical fascination and hostility toward religion. Pamela Cooper-White argues that antisemitism, reaching back centuries before the Holocaust, and the acute perspective from the margins that it engendered among the first analysts, stands at the very origins of psychoanalytic theory and practice. The core insight of psychoanalytic thought that there is always more beneath the surface appearances of reality, and that this more is among other things affective, memory-laden and psychologicalcannot fail to have had something to do with the experiences of the first Jewish analysts in their position of marginality and oppression in Habsburg-Catholic Vienna of the 20th century. The book concludes with some parallels between the decades leading to the Holocaust and the current political situation in the U.S. and Europe, and their implications for psychoanalytic pTrade Review"Pamela Cooper-White finally closes a research gap and offers her readers an illuminating volume which fully elaborates the complexity of religious topics which appeared in the discussions and writings of the members of Sigmund Freud’s Wednesday Night Psychological Society. One does not only get a sense of these wide-ranging religious and interdisciplinary topics, but also an extremely interesting insight into the (also unconscious) dynamics and structures of the very first psychoanalytic organisation characterized by a mix of orthodoxy and creativity, of conformity and diversity. What is more, this thorough and always transparent book also sheds light on the overdetermined sociocultural context of Vienna at the turn of the century to the Nazi takeover, pointing out the eminent – and still effective in Austria – reality of Antisemitism."-Daniela Finzi, research director at the Sigmund Freud Museum, Vienna."A stunning achievement. Combines detailed historical research, psychoanalytic insight, and original conclusions. A must read for anyone concerned about the history of psychoanalysis, turn of the century Vienna, or a more complex understanding of the relationship between religion and psychoanalysis. Shows how early psychoanalytic theorizing and practices were shaped by discussions of religion and the surrounding climate of Austrian anti-Semitism. The concluding chapter has important insights into the way psychoanalysis developed in the United States. Worthy of a prize."-James W. Jones, Psy.D., Ph.D., Th.D., Distinguished Professor Emeritus, Rutgers University."At a time in history when there has been a resurgence of right-wing, xenophobic, anti-immigrant, and nationalistic, and even racial-purity movements, both in Europe and the United States, Pamela Cooper-White’s Old and Dirty Gods is an important historical, moral, and psychological contribution. She enhances our understanding of the origins of psychoanalysis and its tangled interconnection with antisemitism, racism, and immigration. Cooper-White provides a valuable examination of the early analysts around Freud and their relation to religion, and provides a detailed and thorough study of the impact of antisemitism on these early pioneers and on their legacy throughout the ongoing history of psychoanalysis."-Lewis Aron, Ph.D. director, New York University Postdoctoral Program in Psychotherapy & Psychoanalysis."Pamela Cooper-White finally closes a research gap and offers her readers an illuminating volume which fully elaborates the complexity of religious topics which appeared in the discussions and writings of the members of Sigmund Freud’s Wednesday Night Psychological Society. One does not only get a sense of these wide-ranging religious and interdisciplinary topics, but also an extremely interesting insight into the (also unconscious) dynamics and structures of the very first psychoanalytic organisation characterized by a mix of orthodoxy and creativity, of conformity and diversity. What is more, this thorough and always transparent book also sheds light on the overdetermined sociocultural context of Vienna at the turn of the century to the Nazi takeover, pointing out the eminent – and still effective in Austria – reality of Antisemitism."-Daniela Finzi, research director at the Sigmund Freud Museum, Vienna."A stunning achievement. Combines detailed historical research, psychoanalytic insight, and original conclusions. A must read for anyone concerned about the history of psychoanalysis, turn of the century Vienna, or a more complex understanding of the relationship between religion and psychoanalysis. Shows how early psychoanalytic theorizing and practices were shaped by discussions of religion and the surrounding climate of Austrian anti-Semitism. The concluding chapter has important insights into the way psychoanalysis developed in the United States. Worthy of a prize."-James W. Jones, Psy.D., Ph.D., Th.D., Distinguished Professor Emeritus, Rutgers University."At a time in history when there has been a resurgence of right-wing, xenophobic, anti-immigrant, and nationalistic, and even racial-purity movements, both in Europe and the United States, Pamela Cooper-White’s Old and Dirty Gods is an important historical, moral, and psychological contribution. She enhances our understanding of the origins of psychoanalysis and its tangled interconnection with antisemitism, racism, and immigration. Cooper-White provides a valuable examination of the early analysts around Freud and their relation to religion, and provides a detailed and thorough study of the impact of antisemitism on these early pioneers and on their legacy throughout the ongoing history of psychoanalysis."-Lewis Aron, Ph.D. director, New York University Postdoctoral Program in Psychotherapy & Psychoanalysis.Table of ContentsIntroduction Part I Religion and Freud’s Vienna Circle Ch. 1 "So, You Have Seen the Gang Now": The Wednesday Night Psychological Society Ch. 2 "Old and Dirty Gods": Religion in Freud’s Vienna Circle Part II Major Contributors Ch. 3 The Analyst Pastor: Oskar Pfister (1873-1956) Ch. 4 "Enduring Life without Illusion": Theodor Reik (1888-1969) Ch. 5 Soul, Will, and the Search for Immortality: Otto Rank (1884-1939) Ch. 6 Death and Resurrection: Sabina Spielrein (1885-1942) Part III The Shadow of Antisemitism Ch. 7 "Father, Don’t You See I’m Burning?": Antisemitism as Total Context Ch. 8 "In the Presence of the Burning Children": Psychoanalysis, Religion and Society – Then and Now

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Book SynopsisUnderstand the beliefs, customs, and rituals of each faith The fun and easy way to know the common elements of these widespread religions Want to know more about the faiths of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam? This plain-English guide traces their evolution from their commonorigin -- Abraham -- and explains their different, yet linked, beliefs.Table of ContentsIntroduction 1 About This Book 2 Foolish Assumptions 3 Conventions Used in This Book 3 How This Book is Organized 4 Part I: History is a Happening Thing 4 Part II: The Development of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam 4 Part III: Shared Aspects of the Faiths 5 Part IV: Shared Ideas Among the Faiths 5 Part V: The Part of Tens 5 Part VI: Appendixes 5 Icons Used in This Book 5 Where to Go from Here 6 Part I: History is a Happening Thing 7 Chapter 1: One God, Three Faiths 9 Holy Toledo! How Many Gods are There? 9 Monotheism Develops 10 Egypt tries the one-god concept 11 Yahweh steps down from the mount 12 Following Abraham’s Lead: Judaism 13 Josiah and his faith: The beginnings of Judaism 13 God becomes universal 14 God provides protection and an identity 15 Christianity: Crossing in a New Direction 16 Paul finds a way to link beliefs 16 The Christian message spreads through the empire 16 Islam: Submitting to God 17 Chapter 2: Following Abraham’s Path 19 What We Do and Don’t Know about the Historic Abraham 19 Taking a tour of Father Abraham’s neighborhood 20 Following the laws of Abraham’s time 21 Speaking Abraham’s language 22 Practicing religion before Abraham came on the scene 22 Abraham’s Early Years 23 The Beginnings of Judaism 24 Agreeing to the covenant 25 Isaac’s close call demonstrates Abraham’s love for God 25 Following the family tree 26 In Islam, Ishmael Finds a New Way 27 Jesus Joins the Genealogy 28 Three Faiths: One Founder 29 Part II: The Development of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam 31 Chapter 3: Judaism: Oy Vey, What a History! 33 From Abraham, Judaism Takes the Long Road 34 Like father, like son: The leaders after Abraham 35 Over the river and through the desert, to Pharaoh’s land we go 35 Moses, Receiver of God’s Laws 36 Relying on plagues and walls of water to escape slavery 37 Counting on the Ten Commandments 38 Joshua takes control 38 The Days of the Judges 39 The Time of Kings 39 David starts a dynasty 40 Solomon rules wisely 40 Splitting into two kingdoms 40 Getting Conquered: The Jews Find Themselves in Hot Water 41 Monotheism arrives 42 Living under foreign rule 42 Christianity’s Emergence Puts the Jews on the Defensive (Yet Again) 43 How Jews Have Influenced Society 44 Emphasizing education 45 Inventing languages 46 Jewish humor: The joke’s on everyone 46 Fulfilling their dreams in America 48 Dominating the silver screen 48 Flying the Blue and White Banner of Israel 49 Chapter 4: Judaism Finds God in Everything 51 A Little of This, A Little of That 52 Maintaining Daily Practice 52 Let us pray 53 Exploring the worship wardrobe 54 Keeping kosher 55 Remembering the Sabbath 57 Observing Jewish Holidays 58 High Holy Days: Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur 58 Passover: Recalling the great escape 59 Planting and harvesting holidays 61 Purim: A great reason to party 62 Hanukkah: In praise of victory and light 62 Other holidays 63 Understanding Jewish Rituals 64 Circumcision: No getting around it 64 Bar mitzvah: All grown up in God’s eyes 65 Mazel tov! Celebrating a Jewish wedding 66 Understanding Jewish Symbols .67 The menorah 67 The ark 68 The Jewish star 69 Chapter 5: Jesus and the Origins of Christianity 71 Jesus’s Life and Death 71 A remarkable birth 72 The few historical records of Jesus’s life 73 Preaching and teaching God’s word 74 Jesus’s claims stir the pot and create controversy 75 A date with the cross 76 The First Believers 76 What the early followers believed 77 The first missionary of Jesus 78 A New Religion Grows 79 The destruction of the Temple fuels growth 79 Christians separate from Judaism 80 Christian practices: It’s no mystery 80 The big time arrives: Legitimacy in the Roman Empire 81 Nicene council sets the belief 82 The Greeks split while the Romans grow in influence 83 It’s Hard to Keep Everyone Happy 84 Martin Luther spells out his displeasure 85 Protestants reform, the Church counterreforms, and fighting ensues 86 The rise of science in a Christian world 87 Conflict revives Armageddon ideas 88 Christianity Today 88 Chapter 6: Christian Beliefs and Practices 91 The First Noel: Christmas and the Roots of Christianity 92 Why a holiday for the Nativity? 93 Why December? 93 Other Christian Holidays 95 Hallelujah! He is risen: Easter 95 A solemn and somber season: Lent 97 A weekly holy day: The Sabbath 98 Happening upon Christianity’s Holy Sites 99 Seeing how sites become holy 99 Wandering around Rome and the Vatican 99 Rituals: Outward Expressions of Faith 100 One bread, one body: Communion 101 Welcoming new Christians through baptism 102 Celebrating additional sacraments 103 The Different Symbols of Christianity 103 The old rugged cross 103 What’s the bright idea behind halos? 106 Fish, lamb, doves, and more 106 Many Christians, Many Sects 106 Chapter 7: The Birth of Islam: The Prophet Submits to Allah 109 Islam, Born in the Desert 109 All roads lead to Mecca 110 Meccans become traders with the world 111 The Prophet Arrives 111 Muhammad’s early life 112 Starting out as an average guy 112 Beginning of a faith 113 Solitude leads to action 114 The faith develops: Introducing the five pillars 114 Writing the Koran 115 Muhammad Takes Command 117 Spreading the new faith 118 The Farewell Sermon 119 Breakdown at the Start-Up: Sunnis and Shi’ites Can’t Get Along 119 Choosing a leader causes strife early on 120 How Sunnis and Shi’ites practice Islam 121 The Ottoman Turks Dominate Islam 123 Chapter 8: Islam: Submission of the Faithful 125 The Core of Islam: One God with Muhammad as His Last Prophet 125 Allah: The Almighty of Islam 126 The history of Allah 127 Allah’s divine role 128 The Pillars of the Faith 129 First pillar: Creed (Shahada) 129 Second pillar: Prayer (Salat) 130 Third pillar: Purifying tax (Zakat) 131 Fourth pillar: Fasting (Sawm) 132 Fifth pillar: Pilgrimage (Hajj) 133 Meeting Some Muslim Sects 133 Ahmadiyya 134 Ismailis 134 Kahrijites 134 Kurds 135 Sufis 135 Wahhabis, or Muwahiddun 135 Gender Equality in Islam 136 Observing Muslim Holidays 137 Ramadan 137 Hijra: Turning the page to a new year 137 Ashurah: A day of many remembrances 138 Id Milad al-Nabi: Marking Muhammad’s birth and death 138 Id al-Adha: Honoring Abraham’s dedication to God 138 Lailat al-Baraa: Seeking and granting forgiveness 139 15th of Sha’ban: Shaking things up 139 27th of Rajab: A heavenly holiday 139 Getting to Know Saints in Islam 139 Common Rituals and Daily Practices 140 Getting hitched in Islam 140 Other ways of keeping the faith 141 Islam’s dietary requirements 142 The Story Behind Symbols and Colors 143 Part III: Shared Aspects of the Faiths 145 Chapter 9: Reading the Holy Words 147 The Hebrew Bible 148 Sections of the Hebrew Bible 148 When were the books written? 149 When did the books become holy? 150 Understanding the Bible through JEPD 151 It’s all Greek to me 151 The Christian Bible 152 The structure of the New Testament 152 Who wrote the books? 153 Where were they written? .153 When were the books written? 154 Drawing material from many sources 154 Jerome gets an assignment: Revise the Bible 155 The Koran 156 Revealing the Koran’s history 156 Outlining the Koran’s organization 157 Understanding the Texts 157 Translating can be such sweet sorrow 157 That’s not what that says 158 I can read it, but what does it mean? 159 Things get really complicated in the Koran 159 Where are the originals? 160 Unrolling the Dead Sea Scrolls 161 What’s in the Dead Sea Scrolls? 162 How do they help us translate the Bible? 163 Perusing Other Sacred Books 164 The insightful Talmud 164 The mysterious Kabbalah 165 Christians stick with the original reference book 166 The Hadith collects Muhammad’s sayings and teachings 166 Chapter 10: Houses of Prayer 169 Early Sacred Sites: Stone Mounds and Altars 169 The Many Lives of the Temple in Jerusalem 171 The Temple’s significance to the Jews 172 The Temple’s destruction 172 A new Temple rises 173 A battle for the Temple and its rededication 173 Romans defile the Temple 174 Herod’s version of the Temple 175 The Romans’ view of the Temple 175 The Romans burn the Temple 176 Synagogues become the Jewish houses of prayer 178 Christians Choose Churches 179 The churches of early Christians 179 Church design evolves 180 Artistry and music abound 181 Byzantine style moves in .182 Later styles emerge, but some things don’t change 182 Mosques Reflect the Prophet 182 How mosques are designed 183 Inspecting the interior of a mosque 184 Who’s Welcome for Worship? 185 Chapter 11: Religious Leaders: Keeping the Faith 187 Great Jewish Leaders of the Past 188 Prophets emerge from the shadows 188 After the prophets: Sages 189 Rise of the Rabbi 189 A rabbi’s job description 190 Education: The key to leadership 190 Modern Jewish leaders 191 Christian Leaders 192 The pope becomes the point man 192 Christianity’s organization 193 The requirements and roles of Christian church leaders 194 Church Leaders from the Early Days Until Now 195 Lighting up in the Middle Ages 195 Modern Christian leaders 196 Following Muhammad 197 Great Muslim leaders in history 197 Modern Islamic leaders 198 Chapter 12: Sacred Sites 199 Jerusalem: Important to All Three Religions 200 A city with a fuzzy origin .201 Jerusalem in history 202 Jerusalem in symbolism 205 Sacred Sites of Judaism 205 Bethel: Home of the law .206 Shechem: Future home of the Samaritans 206 Mount Moriah: Site of the Wailing Wall and the Dome of the Rock 206 Mount Zion: A conquered fortress 207 Mount Sinai: God and Moses’s chat room 207 In Islam, All Roads Lead to Mecca 208 Christian Sacred Sites 209 Shrine of Thomas Becket 210 House of the Virgin Mary .210 Assisi, home of Saint Francis 211 Lourdes and its healing waters 211 The Vatican: Small, but holy 211 St. Peter’s Basilica 212 Other Catholic sites 213 Chapter 13: Thy Kingdom Come: The Messiah Concept 215 The Origins of the Messiah Concept 216 Isaiah outlines a role 216 Other prophets predict a messiah 217 The messianic concept takes shape with King David 218 The messiahs disappear 218 New messianic duties surface 219 The Romans create more fervor 219 Two messiahs? 220 Later messiahs in Judaism 221 Christians Adopt Jesus as the Messiah 222 Comparing old messiahs to Jesus 223 Other messianic figures around the time of Jesus 225 Jesus wins out 228 Islam Develops a Messiah: Madhi 228 The Shi’ite vision 228 Sunnis disagree 229 Other Mahdis 229 The last Mahdi? 230 Chapter 14: Holy Catastrophe: End of the World 231 Where Did the Idea of the End of the World Come From? 231 Judaism’s Belief in the End and Its Influence on Christianity 232 The end as predicted in the book of Daniel 233 Other prophesies predict the end 234 The death of Augustus 235 The destruction of the Temple: A sign for Jews and Christians 235 Other predictions of the final year 236 The Christian notion of the “antichrist” 238 Islam’s View of the End 238 Turning to texts for support 238 The end is near 239 How the End of the World Will Take Place 240 Signs of the end 240 How the end will begin, so to speak 242 Jesus gets an encore to limited audiences 242 Rise and shine for the resurrection 243 Standing by during the destruction 243 Awaiting the final judgment 243 How about stopping in purgatory? 244 Part IV: Shared Ideas Among the Faiths 247 Chapter 15: Dealing with Sin 249 What is Sin, and Where Does It Come From? 249 Sources of sin: The Devil made me do it and other reasons 250 Considering human nature 251 Judaism: Sinners defy God’s commandments 251 Christianity: We’re born with sin 252 Islam: Sin comes from straying off the path 254 Facing Punishment for Sins 255 Judaism: God gets angry but can forgive 256 Christianity: Salvation is possible 256 Islam: Cleansing by fire 257 Receiving Redemption 257 When does redemption take place? 258 How does someone get redeemed? 260 Excommunication: When Redemption Isn’t an Option 264 Chapter 16: Good Heavens: Life after Death 265 Where Do Ideas about the Afterlife Come From? 265 Early humans: Always be prepared 266 Egyptians: Soul men who needed their mummies 266 Greeks: Dead on their feet 267 Romans: A-wandering we shall go 267 Zoroastrians: Choosing between good and evil 268 What is Heaven? 269 Who you’ll meet in heaven 270 Opening up the gates of heaven to the righteous 271 What is heaven like? 271 Why go to heaven? 273 Angels: God’s Helpers 274 Early concepts of angels 274 Angels in monotheism 276 Chapter 17: Hell in a Nutshell 279 Starting with the Roots of Hell .280 Revealing the earliest references 281 Jews’ souls go to Sheol 281 Souls in Gehenna are goners 281 Why punishment in hell? .282 What is Hell Like? 282 Judaism: Hell is distance from God 282 Christianity: Hell’s a place of torment 283 Islam: Hell features wild climate extremes 287 Speaking of the Devil 287 Early concepts of hell’s ruler 287 Judaism: Satan is God’s adversary 288 Christianity: Satan is the deceiver and prince of darkness 288 Islam: Satan encourages wrongdoing 290 Watching Out for Devilish Assistants 290 Judaism: Demons in nature 291 Christianity: The witches will get ya 291 Islam: Powerful genies aid Iblis 292 What Happens to Satan? 293 Judaism: God destroys all .293 Christianity: Satan puts up a fight 293 Islam: Judgment comes 294 Chapter 18: War and Peace: Why Can’t We All Get Along? 295 A Shared Heritage 296 Belief in one God 297 Shared internal conflicts .298 Differences, Disagreements, and Conflicts 300 Universality versus exclusivity 301 Judaism offers a solution 302 Christianity closes doors, and Islam follows suit 303 War and Not So Much Peace 304 Muslims conquer for a time 304 Christianity envelops mankind 305 Christian missionaries 305 The Jews Struggle 307 No home anywhere 308 The birth of Israel: More strife 308 Troubles continue inside Israel 308 Finding Solutions in Secularism 309 Separation of church and state in the United States 309 In the Islamic world, secularism struggles 310 Where we are today 312 What does the future hold? 313 Part V: The Part of Tens 315 Chapter 19: Ten Misconceptions about Jews, Christians, and Muslims 317 Judaism Struggles against Anti-Semitism 318 Jews belong to a separate race 318 Jews want to take over the world 318 Jews killed Jesus 318 Christianity Focuses on Fundamentals 319 Christians think God will solve their problems 319 Only good Christians go to heaven 319 A person who is “born again” enjoys a miraculous, dramatic feeling 319 Islam Emerges to Slow Understanding 319 Muslims are violent 320 All Muslims are Arabs 320 Muslims don’t believe in Jesus or other prophets 320 Muslims worship a different God 320 Chapter 20: Ten Films Drawn from Biblical Accounts 321 The Ten Commandments 322 King of Kings 322 The Greatest Story Ever Told 322 Jesus Christ Superstar 323 The Passion of the Christ 323 The Prince of Egypt 324 The Last Temptation of Christ 324 Solomon and Sheba 324 David and Bathsheba 325 Samson and Delilah 325 Chapter 21: Ten-Plus Ways Religion Influences the World 327 Read All About It: Literature 327 Music as an Expression of Faith 328 Politics and Religion: Not Always Easy to Separate 329 Bringing the Bible to Life through Art 329 Recording Biblical Stories on Film 330 Spreading the Word through Television 331 Seeking Insight into God through Science 332 Education: Wearing a Skullcap and a Thinking Cap 332 Being Holy Improves Your Health and Well-Being 333 Social Welfare: Doing unto Others 334 Disagreeing about Environmental Issues 334 Part VI: Appendixes 335 Appendix A: Timelines for Religions 337 Judaism 338 Christianity 340 Islam 341 Appendix B: Genealogies 343 Judaism and Christianity 344 Islam 348 Index 351

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Book SynopsisBauls are known as wandering minstrels and mystics in India and Bangladesh. Jeanne Openshaw uses her fieldwork, and oral and manuscript texts, to chart the rise of their present iconic status. Hers is a challenging and comprehensive approach to a spiritual and creative people.Trade Review'Openshaw's excellent ethnographic and linguistic skills have enabled her to capture culture in the making. Her awareness of diverse bodies of literature makes her alert to nuances of meaning … this superb ethnography has implications for debates in many other fields and it is to be hoped that it will become known beyond the self-contained world of south Asian studies. It adds to the growing literature undermining 'the world religions' model of human religio-cultural activity. It is relevant to debates on cultural ideas about the body, and on the nature of the 'self'. And as for Orientalist and Indian nationality ideas about the 'spiritual east' here is have a classic example of indigenous Indian sceptical materialism.' Contemporary South Asia'this work, the fruit of nearly two decades of fieldwork, is a model of careful scholarship expressed in clear, crisp yet nuanced prose … Openshaw provides a fascinating analysis of the intricate thought-world and lifestyle of Bauls … Seeking Bauls of Bengal is a remarkable book, destined to become a landmark in the field.' The Times Higher Education Supplement'The book is bound to become a classic in the study of Bauls, as well as in Indian esotericism and folk cults.' South Asia Research'For specialists in South Asian studies, the book is a must read; startling, illuminating, erudite, and absolutely engrossing, it is one of the more original contributions to the field in several years.' Journal of Anthropological Research'This book is a tour de force, certainly the best book in English on the subject. It looks at Bauls with fresh eyes, is both thoughtful and thought-provoking, and provides many new insights into the subject. The book reflects Openshaw's dedication to her subject. … It will no doubt transform the way in which scholars view Bauls. It may even change popular perceptions.' Journal of the American Oriental SocietyTable of ContentsPart I. Background: Literature on 'Bauls' and 'Baul-songs': 1. 'What's in a name?' The advent of 'the Baul'; 2. The making of 'the Bauls': histories, themes, 'Baul-songs; Part II. In Search of 'Bauls': 3. Fieldwork in Rarh; 4. Fieldwork in Bagri; Part III. Received Classifications: 5. Two shores, two refuges: householder and renouncer; 6. Evading the two shores: the guru; Part IV. Reworking the Classifications: 7. Affect: love and women; 8. Theory: images the 'I' and bartaman; Part V. Practice and Talking about Practice: 9. Practice (sadhana); 10. Four moons practice and talking about practice (hari-katha); Conclusion.

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Table of Contents Preface: The Invisible Alliance: Spiritual and Psychological Practice Reunited Feminism, Multiculturalism, and Spirituality: Convergent and Divergent Forces in Psychotherapy DeAlmas Latinas (The Souls of Latina Women): A Psychospiritual Culturally Relevant Group Process Together We Build a Mishkan: Integrating Jewish Spirituality into Feminist Social Work Practice Kabbalah as Sacred Psychology Riding the Currents: Sources of Balance and Nurturance for a Parenting Child Therapist Two, Not Two: A View of the S(s)elf from a Buddhist and Feminist Perspective Self-in-Relation Theory and Women’s Religious Identity in Therapy Where Was God? Utilizing Spirituality with Christian Survivors of Sexual Abuse Spirituality in the Therapy Process Sandplay and Women’s Spirituality A Spiritual Coming Out: The Use of Ritual in a Psychotherapy Practice Letting Nature Take Its Course Index Reference Notes Included

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Book SynopsisExplore the relationship between faith-based programs, religion, and offender rehabilitation! This book reports on current research from several disciplines to help the reader understand the nature and impact of the relationship between faith-based programs, religion, and offender rehabilitation. Religion, the Community, and the Rehabilitation of Criminal Offenders is a unique resource—there has been very little research published on this important topic. President Bush''s faith-based initiative recognized that religion plays a role in the justice system and corrections that is overlooked but essential—it increases the role of community and caring in the system in a unique and important way. This pathbreaking book points the way toward a system of faith-based programs that are not only effective but also economical, as these programs are often staffed by volunteers. Religion, the Community, and the Rehabilitation of Criminal Offenders addresses imTable of Contents Introduction: Religion-Offenders-Rehabilitation: Questioning the Relationship Prison Religion in Action and Its Influence on Offender Rehabilitation The Reasons for Religious Involvement in the Correctional Environment The Role of the Prison Chaplain in Rehabilitation Intersections of Race, Religion, and Inmate Culture: The Historical Development of Islam in American Corrections Resistance to Conversion to Islam Among African American Women Inmates Prisoners, Prison, and Religion: Religion and Adjustment to Prison Religiosity and Drug Use Among Inmates in Boot Camp: Testing a Theoretical Model with Reciprocal Relationships Denominational Differences in Self-Reported Delinquency Evaluating Religious Initiatives in a Correctional Setting: Do Inmates Speak? Shame and Religion as Factors in the Rehabilitation of Serious Offenders Social Theory, Sacred Text, and Sing-Sing Prison: A Sociology of Community-Based Reconciliation The Prisoner as Scapegoat: Some Skeptical Remarks on Present Penal Policy Rethinking God, Justice, and Treatment of Offenders Index Reference Notes Included

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Book SynopsisContinuing times of uncertainty and rapid change can have an adverse effect on our overall health and cause a paralysis of action. How do we cope? What tools do we have to help us? The answer lies in accessing the best from spirituality and neuroscience. The writings of St. Ignatius and the knowledge gained from cutting-edge neuroscience provide clues to managing our lives.EndorsementsFr. Roy Pereira, SJ, brings his knowledge and expertise, both as a neuroscience researcher and a Jesuit priest, to help us navigate through the incredibly complex times we live in.Michael Kennedy, SJ, coauthor, with Martin Sheen, of The Jesus MeditationsThis text will help young people discern healthy and unhealthy attachments. What he has given us is a roadmap for healthy and sustainable living for a generation of youth.Michael J. Garanzini, SJ, president, Association of Jesuit Colleges and UniversitiesThe brilliance of the book is the possibility it creates for self-healing. Fr. Pereira has provided us with an accessible, joyful, and useful educational tool.Lane Bove, former senior vice president for student affairs, Loyola Marymount University, CaliforniaFr. Roy Pereira, SJ, brings to this book his thirty years of experience working with students, staff, faculty, and a global audience in the area of human flourishing. With a PhD in the areas of chemistry, neuroscience, and consciousness, he synthesizes complicated subjects like neuroscience and Ignatian insights into easy-to-understand language for the everyday reader. His message is artistically expressed through his gifts of music and composition. He presently works at Loyola Marymount University, Los Angeles.

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Book SynopsisWhat is your story and how were you helped or guided through what could have been a disastrous situation, that finally turned into one of the best?

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Book SynopsisHow can believers in one faith value another without either reducing all religion to some lowest common denominator or suggesting that other religions only partially anticipate one's own? David Brown persuasively argues that sometimes the greater insight lies elsewhere: learning from each other is actually essential to any religion's flourishing.Trade Review'Learning from Other Religions brings new impetus to the debate about relations between other religions and one's own. Written by a leading Christian theologian, it contests the conventional classifications of exclusivism, inclusivism and pluralism and raises the challenging prospect that God's activities can be seen in all religions. It urges followers of each religion to appreciate the insights achieved in others and to discover the massive wealth and variety within them. The book takes this well-worn discussion in an appealing if demanding new direction.' David Thomas, Emeritus Professor of Christianity and Islam, University of Birmingham'Learning from Other Religions reveals the analytical strengths of a leading scholar who has reflected over decades on the nature of religion. It shows the characteristics of a serious thinker whose engagement with religiosity and belief has changed with the times. Here the transformations of the modern world are recognized in a changed context where practitioners of other faiths are often one's immediate neighbours. The book marks a new level of inter-religious understanding and is motivated by a positive sense of hospitality towards the religious other in its many different forms. It is rare to find such a detailed, broad-based account of the principal religions. It is also encouraging to find a genuine openness towards these other religions and a preparedness to take them seriously on their own terms.' Oliver Davies, Emeritus Professor of Christian Doctrine, King's College London'This good and interesting book has a definite and clear aim – to improve understanding of religions by greater knowledge of their origins, histories, and inner diversity. It has great merit, focussed on a well-argued advocacy of a particular view of revelation and religious understanding.' Keith Ward, FBA, Regius Professor of Divinity Emeritus, University of Oxford'While this masterful survey evidences an extraordinarily wide knowledge of the world's religious traditions, Brown's imaginative readings – marked by both rigour and generosity – move us ineluctably beyond mere pluralism towards a richly textured, complex and reverential re-envisioning of the very meaning of revelation. Anybody engaged in inter faith encounter will find their insight deepened and their sympathy enlarged through his always careful yet often surprising reflections.' Michael Ipgrave, OBE Bishop of LichfieldTable of Contents1. Complementary Shards; 2. Ancient Paganism and the Biblical God; 3. Different Eyes: Hinduism; 4. The Religions of India; 5. The Religions of China; 6. The Religions of Japan; 7. Islam: Warning or Hope; 8. Revelation's Enrichment; 9. Beyond Inclusivism and Pluralism.

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Book SynopsisThis clear and engaging guide introduces students to key areas of the field and shows how to apply an anthropological approach to the study of religion in the contemporary world. Written by an experienced teacher, it covers major traditional topics including definitions, theories, and beliefs, as well as symbols, myth, and ritual. The book also explores important but often overlooked issues such as morality, violence, fundamentalism, secularization, and new religious movements. The chapters all contain lively case studies of religions practiced around the world. The third edition of Introducing Anthropology of Religion is fully updated and contains additional content on material religion, visual religion, and affect theory, and a new chapter takes a closer look at medical and health topics. The author encourages the reader to engage throughout with the unifying themes of race, gender, and power, and how these themes are intertwined with anthropology of religion. ImagesTrade ReviewPraise for the second edition:"This book is the best example I know of its kind – an introductory text that combines sophisticated, cross-cultural, and historically nuanced discussion with an intuitive ordering of subjects. Eller is especially good at weaving together contemporary perspectives with classical anthropological theory. The book’s accessibility and erudition make it perfect for advanced undergraduate courses and graduate seminars alike."Liam D. Murphy, California State University, Sacramento, USA"The first edition of Introducing Anthropology of Religion was one of the most engaging, comprehensive, and theoretically sophisticated overviews ever published. Eller’s second edition includes a range of new and revised material as well as expanded web resources. Beginning students and specialists alike will learn much from this volume."Stephen D. Glazier, University of Nebraska–Lincoln, USATable of Contents1. Studying Religion Anthropologically: Definitions and Theories 2. Beliefs, Beings, and Bodies 3. Symbols, Specialists, and Substance 4. Religious Language: Words of Truth, Words of Power 5. Ritual: Religion in Action 6. Religion and Morality: Forming Society, Transforming Self 7. Religion, Medicine, and Wellness 8. Religious Change and New Religious Movements 9. Translocal or "World" Religions 10. Religious Fundamentalism 11. Religious Violence 12. Secularism and Irreligion Glossary

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