Religion Books

Book SynopsisThe UK's leading theologian reflects on the stories of twenty leading Christians, and how they illuminate the path of discipleship today.Trade ReviewOne of today's most brilliant and profound thinkers. * Jonathan Sacks *Rowan Williams is one of the great theologians of our time. He is also an inspiring teacher whose godly wisdom helps us understand profound truths. * Nicky Gumbel *Rowan Williams writes with a gentle strength that witnesses to the joy to be found in being disciples of Jesus. * Kate Bottley *

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Book SynopsisAlong the Russian-Qing frontier in the nineteenth century, a new political space emerged, shaped by competing imperial and spiritual loyalties, cross-border economic and social ties, and revolution. David Brophy explores how a community of Central Asian Muslims responded to these historic changes by reinventing themselves as the Uyghur nation.Trade ReviewThis work on the Uyghurs, a 10-million strong Turkic Muslim minority residing mainly in Xinjiang in western China, is a welcome contribution to a recent rise in Uyghur studies…A remarkable account of a people searching for identity at the intersection of empire. -- M. Chakars * Choice *Nothing I have read in the last fifteen years comes close to this work in terms of intellectual breadth, rigorous analysis, and contribution to the field. This book will not only revolutionize thinking about the history of the Uyghur nation and the political history of Xinjiang during this period, it will set a new bar for future scholarship and inspire readers to think again about the processes, challenges, and opportunities within shifting political landscapes that lead to the creation of nations. -- Laura Newby, University of OxfordDrawing on sources in several languages, this book demonstrates how the idea of a Uyghur nation emerged in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Brophy shows how intellectuals in Taranchi and Kashgari communities along the Xinjiang–Russian border, inspired by academic writings on ancient Uyghurs, negotiated a new concept of Uyghur identity. This study is a valuable contribution to our understanding of the Uyghur national idea, and to Central Asian and Xinjiang studies. -- Ablet Kamalov, Institute of Oriental Studies, Almaty, KazakhstanUyghur Nation breaks new ground in the study of modern Xinjiang. David Brophy takes a transnational approach to the formation of a ‘Chinese’ ethnic group, offering a convincing account of the impact of tsarist and particularly Soviet institutions, evolutions, and interventions on the Qing and then Republican Chinese frontiers. He also demonstrates that the idea of a Uyghur nation had a conflicted, cross-border, twentieth-century history. Perhaps most important, he unites political, intellectual, social, religious, even economic history to create a story rooted in local conditions, not simple national or ethnic categories. He has written a strikingly original and impressive book. -- Jonathan Lipman, Mount Holyoke CollegeIn Uyghur Nation, Brophy transforms our understanding of the history of the Uyghurs. At the center of Brophy’s attention is the question of how the Muslims of Chinese Turkistan came to imagine themselves as Uyghur. He traces the emergence of Uyghurist discourse by placing Uyghur history firmly where it belongs—in the very center of Eurasia at the crossroads of three empires. Brophy relates the emergence of Uyghurist discourse to developments in Muslim societies of Xinjiang and beyond as they came to terms with pressures and influences from the Qing, the Russian, and the Ottoman empires. Prodigiously researched across many archives and in multiple languages, Uyghur Nation is a major work of transnational history that deserves a wide readership. -- Adeeb Khalid, Carleton CollegeDavid Brophy’s Uyghur Nation offers a fresh perspective on Uyghur history by using Russian, Chinese and Turkic sources to chart the development of the discourses that would ultimately produce the modern Uyghur identity… What is remarkable is that a ‘palimpsest of Islamic, Turkic and Soviet notions of national history and identity’ created by activists outside Xinjiang could have resonated so widely among Xinjiang’s diverse population. In this respect, the Uyghur case is probably unique, and David Brophy’s book thus deserves to be read by anyone with an interest in nation-building. -- Nick Holdstock * Times Literary Supplement *

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Book SynopsisThe Derveni Papyrus, discovered accidentally in 1962, is the oldest known European book. Papers in Poetry as Initiation address many open questions about the papyrus, including its authorship, the context of the peculiar chthonic ritual described in the text, and the relationship of the author and the ritual to the so-called Orphic texts.

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Book SynopsisMount Athos was the most famous center of Byzantine monasticism and remains the spiritual heart of the Orthodox Church today. Holy Men of Mount Athos presents the Lives of five holy men who lived there at different times, from the ninth century to the last decades of the Byzantine period in the early fifteenth century.Trade ReviewWith this corpus of translations of Athonite saints’ Lives, a scholarly platform has been created for the future investigations on an interesting branch of Byzantine hagiography and on the life of a monastic polity. -- Stephanos Efthymiadis * Speculum *

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Book SynopsisA compelling defense of the sacred from acclaimed philosopher Roger ScrutonIn The Soul of the World, renowned philosopher Roger Scruton defends the experience of the sacred against today''s fashionable forms of atheism. He argues that our personal relationships, moral intuitions, and aesthetic judgments hint at a transcendent dimension that cannot be understood through the lens of science alone. To be fully aliveand to understand what we areis to acknowledge the reality of sacred things. Rather than an argument for the existence of God, or a defense of the truth of religion, the book is an extended reflection on why a sense of the sacred is essential to human lifeand what the final loss of the sacred would mean. In short, the book addresses the most important question of modernity: what is left of our aspirations after science has delivered its verdict about what we are?Drawing on art, architecture, music, and literature, Scruton suggests that the higheTrade ReviewOne of The Times Literary Supplement's Books of the Year 2014, chosen by Jonathan Clark One of Flavorwire's 10 Best Books by Academic Publishers in 2014 One of the Scotsman's Books of the Year 2014, chosen by Alexander McCall Smith "The interest of his project lies not so much in the conclusions themselves, but rather in the way he attempts to establish them. Most conservatives place great weight on contingent features of the human condition. They emphasize our cognitive limitations, our anti-social impulses and the sheer extent of our ignorance, or they delve into the details of human history in order to establish that the old ways cannot be abandoned so quickly. Scruton's conservatism is more rationalistic."--David Owens, Times Literary Supplement "[A] stately and often beautiful journey through various areas of human experience... [W]ide-ranging and intellectually impassioned."--Sarah Bakewell, Financial Times "[I]n no previous work has he woven together so successfully his thoughts on aesthetics, personhood, politics, and religion... [A] book that--for its richness, scope, and beauty--may be remembered as among his best."--Spencer Case, National Review Online "Reading Scruton is to take delight in his clarity of expression and linguistic economy, and it's to feel as though you're in the hands of a guide who is unafraid of doubts and uncertainties."--Laura Keynes, Standpoint "[F]ascinating."--Christopher Hart, Sunday Times "[C]onvincing."--Jonathan Derbyshire, Prospect "The Soul of the World is a rich and rewarding work, one composed by a scholar clearly possessing exceptional depth and broad learning."--Jerry Salyer, Catholic World Report "[T]he English conservative philosopher ... really is a gift and a wonder."--Rod Dreher, American Conservative "Once again drawing on insights offered by his conservatism he inquires into the nature of intimacy, relatedness, inter-subjectivity, moral intuitions and the capacity for aesthetic appreciation, and their implications for the sacred and transcendent in a society besotted by an arrogant scientism unprepared to accept its own profound limitations."--Mervyn Bendle, Quadrant Magazine "[A] small but elegant volume which brings to the fore Scruton's central themes of art, music, and mystery, built on the interlocking, though unfashionable, notions of beauty and truth."--Joe Gelonesi, ABC Radio National's "The Philosopher's Zone" "Scruton as usual mounts broad challenges to the conventional wisdom about nearly everything."--Steven Hayward, Power Lines "It is immensely entertaining to see Scruton run the reductionists to ground, then eviscerate them with the appetite of a hungry beagle. The Soul of the World is worth reading for the blood sport alone; but Scruton is after bigger game. His ultimate objective is the philosopher's trophy: meaning. And that, Scruton believes, lies in our experience of the sacred... The Soul of the World is a highly personal vision of a reconstructed Lebenswelt. In a series of cogent, fascinating chapters, he explains why we should set our sights on the beautiful horizon."--Dominic Green, Weekly Standard "The beginning of Scruton's book is exciting because he immediately acknowledges the emotional core of religion... Scruton gives us a welcome refocusing of the religion debate on the personal level rather than the genetic and group-selection levels... This territory--the phenomenology of religion--is where Scruton is most interesting and nuanced."--Stephen T. Asma, Chronicle Review "There is a crying need for Scruton's sort of attitude that understands that everything rests on human subjectivity."--Angus Kennedy, Spiked Review of Books "For a vigorous, challenging, at times infuriating essay at recovering the order for human existence in its full dimensions from what can seem to be the overwhelming successful technological and scientistic culture we all live in, Scruton's extended meditation can hardly be bettered."--Brendan Purcell, VoegelinView "Scruton's range of learning is truly remarkable."--Thomas D. Senor, Philosophers' Magazine "Scruton's strongest ideas prove intriguing and thought-provoking in this relatively short book... In the end, he has done both philosophy and religion a great service."--Arlice Davenport, Wichita Eagle "Roger Scruton is one of the most lucid articulators of this discomfort at a purely materialist account of human origins."--Nick Spencer, Tablet "Scruton is on particularly strong form on music: for instance, on how necessity and freedom function in it. On this territory, he is as worthy of attention as anyone currently writing on music."--Andrew Davison, Church Times "[R]efreshing... The Soul of the World is a short book that contains many insights about classic religious concerns. Clearly written and carefully argued, the text is rich and subtle, well worth reading and rereading."--Dennis O'Brien, Christian Century "The Soul of the World is a stimulating read and will be helpful to anyone who wants some original insights into the emptiness of Naturalism. I anticipate, however, that the solution Scruton offers will not satisfy the Evangelical reader."--Thom Atkinson, Churchman "For a vigorous, challenging, at times infuriating essay at recovering the order of human existence in its full dimensions from what can seem to be the overwhelmingly successful technological and scientific culture we all live in, Scruton's extended meditation can hardly be bettered."--Brendan Purcell, VoegelinView "[A] beautifully written, elegant, and exceptional essay... The essay is essentially an extended reflection on why a sense of the sacred is integral to human life... Scruton's essay calls for a level of spiritual attentiveness to our surroundings."--Martyn Percy, Journal of Contemporary Religion "An erudite ... book... Recommended for its scope, ingenuity, and Scruton's inimitable style."--Charles Taliaferro, Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies "The Soul of the World is stimulating for the mind and nourishing for the soul."--William J. Meyer, SophiaTable of ContentsPreface vii 1 Believing in God 1 2 Looking for People 27 3 Looking at the Brain 51 4 The First-Person Plural 76 5 Facing Each Other 96 6 Facing the Earth 115 7 The Sacred Space of Music 140 8 Seeking God 175 Index of Names 199 Index of Subjects 203

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Book SynopsisA guide to the history of relations between Jews and Muslims around the world from the birth of Islam to today. It features more than 150 authoritative and accessible articles by an international team of leading experts in history, politics, literature, anthropology, and philosophy.Trade ReviewOne of the Outstanding Reference Sources for 2014, Reference and User Services Association (RUSA), American Library Association One of Choice's Outstanding Academic Titles for 2014 "Although contemporary media may portray Muslim-Jewish relations from only the perspective of the Palestinian-Israeli lens, and view Muslims and Jews as monolithic, this book presents a far deeper and richer relationship between Muslims and Jews in areas that go beyond politics and religion... The essays presented here provide the general reader with a flavor of the rich Muslim-Jewish relationship since early Islam. An excellent reference for high-school students, general readers looking for more depth than current media coverage, and undergraduates looking for a starting point in their research."--Booklist, starred review "At more than 1,000 pages of text, illustration and scholarly apparatus, A History of Jewish-Muslim Relations is, quite literally, a solid work of scholarship. Thanks to its eye-catching visual elements, it also presents itself as a coffee-table book of a superior kind. Above all, it is a serious and timely effort to repair a relationship between kindred peoples who have never been fully at ease with each and yet, thanks to the accidents of history, are fated to live in close proximity."--Jonathan Kirsch, Jewish Journal "This work marks a milestone... It is a true act of faith in the ability of history, and, more broadly, the social sciences, to mediate between past and present and between extremes."--Frederic Abecassis, Lectures "Organized thematically and chronologically, this indispensable reference provides critical facts and balanced context for greater historical understanding and a more informed dialogue between Jews and Muslims."--RELMIN newsletter "[T]he work contains a wealth of information that will appeal to varied constituencies. It certainly deserves a place on the bookshelf of any individual or institution concerned with this contentious subject."--Philip Chrimes, International Affairs "[T]his is a very beautiful book. It is also a very important and timely one... I highly recommend this book to everyone who is interested in Jewish-Muslim relations. I can easily imagine using it as the principal textbook for a college course on the subject, and I am sure that others will do just that."--Michael McGaha, Middle East Media and Book Reviews Online "The chapters are concise and accessible, adequately referenced, and stunningly illustrated... It will be indispensable for scholars and teachers seeking perspective or planning courses or research."--Choice "This collection of scholarly yet accessible articles by dozens of Jewish and Muslim experts is the definitive source for understanding a complex relationship between Muslims and Jews from the seventh century to the present day... [T]he richness of this fantastic and exciting book lies also in its descriptions of how Jews and Muslims have learned from each other in the arenas of philosophy, science, art, literature, and mysticism."--Tikkun "A History of Jewish-Muslim Relations is an essential book for anyone who seeks truly to understand the history and context of modern relationships between the two descendants of Abraham."--Charles H Middleburgh, Charles Middleburgh Blog "A History of Jewish-Muslim Relations, is a resource that should be in the library of every person who cares about peace in the Middle East and reconciliation among Judaism, Christianity, and Islam."--Joseph V. Montville, Abrahamic Family Reunion "I found the book fascinating. I learned a great deal from it--about the culture of these two groups, about their conflicts, about the areas where they have some commonality. The level of research is quite deep. The inclusion of art and items from the writings of each tradition simply add to the richness of the volume."--Mary Jarvis, Reference ReviewsTable of Contents*Frontmatter, pg. 1*Contents, pg. 5*Foreword, pg. 7*Editorial Committee, pg. 9*Introduction, pg. 13*Transcriptions, pg. 25*Prologue. The "Golden Age" of Jewish-Muslim Relations: Myth and Reality, pg. 28*The Jews of Arabia at the Birth of Islam, pg. 39*Islamic Policy toward Jews from the Prophet Muhammad to the Pact of 'Umar, pg. 58*Jews and Muslims in the Eastern Islamic World, pg. 75*The Jews of al- Andalus, pg. 111*The Conversion of Jews to Islam, pg. 136*The Legal Status of the Jews and Muslims in the Christian States, pg. 145*Jews and Muslims in the Latin Kingdom of Jerusalem, pg. 156*Prologue. Jews and Muslims in Ottoman Territory before the Expulsion from Spain, pg. 164*Jews and Muslims in the Ottoman Empire, pg. 171*The Jews of Palestine, pg. 203*The Jews in Jerusalem and Hebron during the Ottoman Era, pg. 211*In Emergent Morocco, pg. 223*The Jews in Iran, pg. 239*Jews of Yemen, pg. 248*Jews and Muslims in Central Asia, pg. 258*Judaism and the Religious Denominational Community in the Near East, pg. 269*Prologue. The Cremieux Decree, pg. 286*The Invention of the Holy Land, pg. 292*From Coexistence to the Rise of Antagonisms, pg. 297*The Balfour Declaration and Its Implications, pg. 320*"The Arabs" as a Category of British Discourse in Palestine, pg. 329*Zionism and the Arab Question, pg. 340*The Diverse Reactions to Nazism by Leaders in the Muslim Countries, pg. 349*Al- Nakba: A Few Keys to Reading a Catastrophe, pg. 375*From the Judeo- Palestinian Conflict to the Arab- Israeli Wars, pg. 384*Israel in the Face of Its Victories, pg. 393*The Mobilization of Religion in the Israeli- Arab Conflict, pg. 403*The Emigration of the Jews from the Arab World, pg. 415*The Case of Lebanon: Contemporary Issues of Adversity, pg. 436*Muslim- Jewish Relations in Israel, pg. 445*The Arabs in Israel, pg. 452*Shari'a Jurisdiction in Israel, pg. 458*Judeo- Arab Associations in Israel, pg. 471*In the Territories, pg. 479*Survival of the Jewish Community in Turkey, pg. 490*Iranian Paradoxes, pg. 495*In the Shadow of the Republic: A Century of Coexistence and Conflict, pg. 501*Muslim Arab Attitudes toward Israel and the Israeli- Palestinian Conflict: Variable and Contingent, pg. 521*Perceptions of the Holocaust in the Arab World: From Denial to Acknowledgment?, pg. 533*Muslim Anti- Semitism: Old or New?, pg. 546*Relations between Jews and Muslims in Hebrew Literature, pg. 559*Jewish Figures in Modern Arabic Literature, pg. 566*Figures of the Israeli in Palestinian Literature, pg. 573*Writing Difference in French- Language Maghrebi Literature, pg. 582*Looking at the Other: Israeli and Palestinian Cinemas, pg. 594*Prologue Recapitulating the Positives without Giving in to Myth, pg. 606*Qur'an and Torah: The Foundations of Intertextuality, pg. 611*Arabic Translations of the Hebrew Bible, pg. 628*Hebrew Translations and Transcriptions of the Qur'an, pg. 640*Hebrew, Arabic: A Comparative View, pg. 653*Semitism: From a Linguistic Concept to a Racist Argument, pg. 676*Comparison between the Halakha and Shari'a, pg. 683*Rituals: Similarities, Infl uences, and Processes of Differentiation, pg. 701*Prayer in Judaism and Islam, pg. 713*Shabbat and Friday in Judaism and Islam, pg. 720*Jewish and Muslim Charity in the Middle Ages: A Comparative Approach, pg. 726*Jewish and Muslim Philosophy: Similarities and Differences, pg. 737*The Andalusian Philosophical Milieu, pg. 764*The Karaites and Mu'tazilism, pg. 778*Judaism and Islam According to Ibn Kammuna, pg. 788*From Arabic to Hebrew: The Reception of the Greco- Arab Sciences in Hebrew (Twelfth-Fifteenth Centuries), pg. 796*Shi'ism and Judaism: A Relation Marked by Paradox, pg. 816*European Judaism and Islam: The Contribution of Jewish Orientalists, pg. 828*Embodied Letter: Sufi and Kabbalistic Hermeneutics, pg. 837*Respectful Rival: Abraham Maimonides on Islam, pg. 856*Jews, Islamic Mysticism, and the Devil, pg. 869*Biblical Prophets and Their Illustration in Islamic Art, pg. 891*Images of Jews in Ottoman Court Manuscripts, pg. 902*Synagogues in the Islamic World, pg. 911*The Contribution of Jewish Architects to Egypt's Architectural Modernity, pg. 928*James Sanua's Ideological Contribution to Pan- Islamism, pg. 934*Arabic Ars Poetica in Biblical Hebrew: Hebrew Poetry in Spain, pg. 943*The Figure of the Jew in A Thousand and One Nights, pg. 955*Judeo- Persian Literature, pg. 962*The Music of al- Andalus: Meeting Place of Three Cultures, pg. 970*The Jews of the Maghreb: Between Memory and History, pg. 985*Jewish Pilgrimages in Egypt, pg. 1005*Aspects of Family Life among Jews in Muslim Societies, pg. 1017*Citizenship, Gender, and Feminism in the Contemporary Arab Muslim and Jewish Worlds, pg. 1025*"Muslim Body" versus "Jewish Body": The Invention of a Division, pg. 1042*Flavors and Memories of Shared Culinary Spaces in the Maghreb, pg. 1052*General Bibliography, pg. 1063*Index of Names, pg. 1101*Index of Places, pg. 1123*Illustration Credits, pg. 1135*Contents, pg. 1139

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Book SynopsisDesiderius Erasmus (1466-1536) was a Dutch humanist, scholar, and social critic, and one of the most important figures of the Renaissance. The Praise of Folly is perhaps his best-known work. Originally written to amuse his friend Sir Thomas More, this satiric celebration of pleasure, youth, and intoxication irreverently pokes fun at the pieties ofTrade Review"There is no more joyous and delightful bit of forensic jugglery than Desiderius Erasmus's The Praise of Folly and a debt of gratitude is owed Professor Hoyt Hopewell Hudson for translating the old Latin of 1511 into lively, vivid, contemporary English, at once lucid and free... Like all great minds Erasmus has the faculty of being perennially contemporary, and The Praise of Folly is a gay, witty revelation of the subtleties and intricacies of the scholarly mind of the Renaissance."--Edward Larocque Tinker, New York Times "The scholarship and grace of Hudson's translation and introduction assure that the book will be accepted as the standard English version."--Modern Language Quarterly "[Hudson] has spared no pains to provide whatever might increase the general reader's appreciation and enjoyment of this world-famous, perennially humane satire."--John Archer Gee, Journal of English and Germanic Philology "Erasmus's Praise of Folly is certainly one of the most characteristic and delightful pieces of Renaissance literature and has rightly enjoyed a wide popularity... This handsome volume will certainly please the student as well as the general reader."--Journal of PhilosophyTable of ContentsA Prelude to The Praise of Folly: Foreword to the Princeton Classics Edition vii Acknowledgments xxiii The Folly of Erasmus: An Essay xxv Preface: Desiderius Erasmus to His Friend Thomas More 1 Moriae Encomium, That Is, The Praise of Folly 7 Analysis 129 Notes 143 Index of Proper Names 155

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Book SynopsisA carefully researched, accessibly written portrait of dreaming as a powerful, unpredictable, often iconoclastic force in human religious lifeTrade Review"From the American Indian ritual of the vision quest to the Muslim prayer and dream-incubation practice of istikhara, there have been cultural traditions of enhancing people's awareness of their dreams and deriving insights from them. Modern researchers can learn from such practices and combine them with today's technologies, using new tools to fulfill an ancient pursuit." -- Kelly Bulkeley * New York Times *"With this original and provacative book, Bulkeley has shown what the 'new' comparative study of religion at its very best can offer." -- Kimberley C. Patton * History of Religions *"A pleasure to read, well written and full of fascinating examples. It is unique in combining a sensitive and sympathetic understanding of the religious meanings of dreams with a state-of-the-art treatment of the insights that cognitive neuroscience and evolutionary psychology bring to our understanding of them." -- Wendy Doniger,author of Dreams, Illusion, and Other Realities"Offers a sophisticated, yet easily accessible and engaging discussion of how and in what way dreams and a broad range of the worlds religions have enjoyed mutual influence throughout history." -- Nina P. Azari,Editor-in-Chief of the Encyclopaedia of Religions and Sciences"The scope of Bulkeley’s knowledge is impressive, as is his skill at synthesizing ideas from a variety of source material." * Publishers Weekly *"The chronological/regional organization, along with the authors careful, scholarly prose, makes this practical as a classroom textbook." * Library Journal *"Such a chronological/regional organization, along with the author's careful, scholarly prose, makes this practical as a classroom textbook...for interested readers and students, there are notes and an ample bibliography to stimulate further study. Recommended for academic libraries and public libraries with strong religion collections." * Library Journal *"Psychoanalysis and phenomenology combine to understand dreams and dreaming as comprehended by a geographically and temporally wide spectrum of global and regional religions. Bulkeley argues that scientific understandings are not unique in their reflective critique of the nature or value of dreaming, that critical reflection on dreams can be found in a variety of traditions, and that even where evidence for formal analysis is lacking, dreams are categorized by type and value." * Choice *Table of ContentsAcknowledgments Note on Translations Introduction 1 Hinduism 2 Chinese Religions 3 Buddhism 4 Religions of the Fertile Crescent 5 Religions of Ancient Greece and Rome 6 Christianity 7 Islam 8 Religions of Africa 9 Religions of Oceania 10 Religions of the Americas Conclusion Notes Bibliography Index About the Author

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Book SynopsisSam Harris is a neuroscientist and the author of the New York Times bestsellers The End of Faith and Letter to a Christian Nation. His writing has appeared in Newsweek, The New York Times, The Los Angeles Times, The Times, Nature and in many other journals. He holds a degree in philosophy from Stanford University and a Ph.D. in neuroscience from UCLA. He is a co-founder of Project Reason.www.samharris.orgTrade ReviewI was one of those who had unthinkingly bought into the hectoring myth that science can say nothing about morals. To my surprise, The Moral Landscape has changed all that for me... As for religion, and the preposterous idea that we need God to be good, nobody wields a sharper bayonet than Sam Harris -- Richard DawkinsSam Harris breathes intellectual fire into an ancient debate. Reading this thrilling, audacious book, you feel the ground shifting beneath your feet. Reason has never had a more passionate advocate -- Ian McEwanA tremendously appealing vision, and one that no thinking person can afford to ignore -- Steven Pinker, Harvard College Professor of PsychologyReaders are bound to come away with previously firm convictions about the world challenged, and a vital new awareness about the nature and value of science and reason in our lives -- Lawrence M. Krauss, Professor at Arizona State UniversityThis is an inspiring book -- John Lloyd * The Financial Times *

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Book SynopsisA comprehensive account of the influence of occult beliefs and doctrines on intellectual and cultural life in twentieth-century Russia.Trade Review"This book succeeds in making a strong case for a relatively widespread fad for occult works in pre- and post-industrial Russia. . . . This rich, diverse collection of essays makes an enormous contribution to our understanding of the cultural history of late imperial and Soviet Russia. After reading this book, it will be impossible to approach the thinkers and writers of the late nineteenth and twentieth centuries without taking into account the prevalence of mystical and occultist strains of thought."—Valerie A. Kivelson, The Russian Review"Casting a rather wide net, the essays in this book succeed in documenting an amazing array of occult or occult-like ideas and practices, not only during the symbolist age, but also in the seemingly rational, materialist, and antisuperstitious Soviet period. In this sense, the book offers a contribution to the ongoing reevaluation of the relationship between modernist and Stalinist culture. . . . The main intention of this collection, according to Rosenthal, was 'to raise new issues for research and discussion.' The book certainly fulfills this purpose admirably."—Adrian Wanner, Slavic Review"A valuable contribution toward a deeper understanding of the intellectual atmosphere in which Communism developed."—Shoshana Keller, H-Net Reviews"A fascinating exploration of occult themes in Russian culture, from turn-of-the-century modernism to the post-Communist scene, not excluding the nooks and crannies of the Soviet period. Admirable for its range and scholarly detail."—Laura Engelstein, Princeton University

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Book SynopsisIn the second of a three-volume theology of culture, a leading Reformed philosopher shows how worship works in shaping us through liturgical practices.Table of ContentsContentsHow to Read This Book For Practitioners For ScholarsIntroduction: A Sentimental Education: On Christian Action The End of Christian Education and/as the End of Worship Situating Intellect: Educating for Action Imagining the KingdomPart 1: Incarnate Significance: The Body as Background1. Erotic Comprehension Perceiving (by) Stories The Geography of Desire: Between Instinct and Intellect My Body, My Horizon Being-in-the-World with Schneider: A Case Study Erotic Comprehension: On Sex, Stories, and Silence The Primacy of Perception2. The Social Body The Critique of Theoretical Reason Habitus as Practical Sense Belief and the Body: The Logic of Practice Incorporation and Initiation: Writing on the BodyPart 2: Sanctified Perception3. "We Tell Ourselves Stories in Order to Live": How Worship Works Imaginative, Narrative Animals The Primacy of Metaphor and the Aesthetics of Human Understanding A General Poetics: Imagination, Metaphor, Narrative The iPhone-ization of Our World(view): Compressed Stories and Micropractices4. Restor(y)ing the World: Christian Formation for Mission Sanctifying Perception: Re-Narration Takes Practice Redeeming Ritual: Form Matters Redeeming Repetition: On Habituation Redeeming Reflection: On Liturgical Catechesis and Christian EducationIndexes

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Book SynopsisTrade Review"Describes a controversial notion that Jesus was adopted by God at the time of his baptism, which rose in Spain during the Moorish occupation. Focuses on the writings of the main players: Migetius, Beatus, Felix, and Alcuin." * Book News, Inc. *

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Book SynopsisCutting across the divide between East and West and between Catholic and Evangelical, Thomas F. Torrance illuminates our understanding of the doctrine of the Holy Trinity. Torrance combines here the Gospel and a theology shaped by Karl Barth and the Church Fathers, and offers his readers a unique synthesis of the Nicene Creed. This volume remains a tremendously helpful resource on the doctrine of the Trinity and the Nicene Creed. The new introduction for this Cornerstones edition is written by Myk Habets, the leading Thomas F. Torrance scholar today.Trade ReviewCan be viewed as a case study in how to build a scripturally grounded and historically attested doctrine of the Trinity…well worth obtaining in this new edition. * Themelios *Table of ContentsIntroduction Myk Habets Foreword 1. Faith and Godliness 2. Access to the Father 3. The Almighty Creator 4. God of God, Light of Light 5. The Incarnate Saviour 6. The Eternal Spirit 7. The One Church 8. The Triunity of God Index

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Book Synopsis Unger?s Bible Dictionary has been one of the bestselling Bible dictionaries on the market since its introduction in 1957.Now this time-honored classic is more valuable than ever. Updated and expanded by respected Bible authorities including R.K. Harrison, Howard F. Vos, and Cyril J. Barber, The New Unger?s Bible Dictionary is packed with the most current scholarship.More than 67,000 entries are supplemented with detailed essays, colorful photography and maps, and dozens of charts and illustrations to enhance your understanding of God?s Word. Although this volume is based on the New American Standard, extensive cross-referencing makes it useful with all major Bible translations, including the New International, King James, and New King James versions.

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Book SynopsisTable of ContentsGeneral Editors’ Preface Preface Maps Abbreviations Introduction Excursus: Pseudonymity in Early Christianity and 1 Peter Inscripto/Subscripto Epistolary Prescript: Identification of Author/Addressees and Opening Greetings (1.1–2) Excursus: Imperatival Participles in 1 Peter An Exhortation to Crave Spiritual Food for Growth (2.1-3) Excursus: The Quotation of ‘Stone’ Texts (LXX Isa 8.14; 28.16; Ps 117.22) Excursus: ‘Doing Good’ and the Strategy of 1 Peter

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Book SynopsisThis book discusses the history, topography, and urban development of Corinth with special attention to civic and private religious practices in the Roman colony. Expert analysis of the latest archaeological data is coupled with consideration of what can be known about the emergence and evolution of religions in Corinth.Trade ReviewIn summing up the contribution of this volume, adjectives abound: diverse, up-to-date, interesting, helpful, stimulating… The overall interplay of literary and cultural studies of ancient religious groups with research on site-specific material culture remains a promising venue for moving forward in our understanding of Greco-Roman religions… This volume is an essential resource for anyone working on any aspect of ancient Corinth, and methodologically of much interest and use to those working on religious communities during the Greco-Roman period. -- Richard S. Ascough * Catholic Biblical Quarterly *New Testament scholars will find this a very useful volume, especially for the archaeological discussions, which are full of details and illuminating evidence presented in maps and illustrations. -- Peter Oakes * Journal for the Study of the New Testament *

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Book SynopsisThis volume discusses the Bhaik?uki manuscript of the Candrala?kara, a twelfth century commentary based on the Candravyakara?a, Candragomin's seminal Buddhist grammar of Sanskrit. The detailed study of this codex unicus is accompanied by a facsimile edition and extensive tables of the script, a long-felt desideratum in the field of palaeography.

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Book SynopsisCan people coexist in peace when their basic beliefs are irreconcilable? Kaplan responds by taking us back to early modern Europe, when the issue of religious toleration was no less pressing than it is today. This compelling story reveals that toleration has taken many guises in the past and suggests that it may well do the same in the future.Trade ReviewDivided by Faith is a work of erudition and broad vision that may best be compared to a large canvas of vivid scenes, a textual Brueghel. It offers us historical lessons for our own age, threatened with the rising clamor of intolerance. -- Ronnie Hsia, Pennsylvania State UniversityDivided by Faith is an original, brilliant, and utterly compelling account of the origins of religious tolerance. For divided communities or civilizations on the brink, it bears a timely and reassuring message from history: living tolerably with an irreconcilable enemy is a far lesser burden than war. -- Steven Ozment, Harvard UniversityA refreshing new interpretation of the problems of religious conflict and coexistence that troubled Europe after the unity of western Christendom was broken by the Protestant Reformation. Well constructed, convincingly argued, and beautifully written, this book speaks to many current questions about the origins and nature of religious tolerance and the prospects for peaceful coexistence among competing faiths. -- Barbara Diefendorf, Boston UniversityKaplan examines the sometimes lurid and always remarkable history of religious conflict and tolerance in Europe during the period between the Reformation and the French Revolution (from the 16th to the late 18th centuries). Conceding this is a thoroughly plowed field of inquiry and eschewing the establishment of new facts, Kaplan's detail-laden yet thoroughly accessible text acknowledges the roles of contemporary philosophers, theologians, and leaders (e.g., Oliver Cromwell, John Locke, and Voltaire) in quieting a continent contorted by religious conflict. Kaplan's major contribution, however, is to redirect the level of analysis to "peasants and craftsmen, women and minorities" who developed the ability to get along on a day-to-day, shoulder-to-shoulder basis despite religious toleration at the time often having been considered heresy in and of itself. -- James R. Kuhlman * Library Journal *At this moment, there may be no more important story than the one Europeans and Americans proudly tell themselves about the rise of religious toleration. So please take note of Benjamin J. Kaplan's argument that the story may be dangerously flawed...Contrary to the once-popular notion that religious toleration rose steadily from the Middle Ages through the Protestant Reformation and on to the Enlightenment, Mr. Kaplan maintains that religious toleration declined from around 1550 to 1750...Divided by Faith ends with five words that sum up its message and could serve as a motto for historical studies generally: "the possibility of other options." -- Peter Steinfels * New York Times *[A] splendid book...The book is worth a look merely for its fascinating vignettes of religious life in [Switzerland, the Low Countries, and the German principalities that made up the Holy Roman Empire]. One striking discovery is that there was more religious freedom in the 16th century than after the wars of religion ended a century later...It would be a long time before Europe's Christians rediscovered such a spirit of religious tolerance. That is something critics of today's Islamic world should remember, as should unquestioning believers in the virtue of the European Enlightenment. As well as its fine story-telling, Mr. Kaplan's book has the great merit of reinstating religion and quarrels about religious practice at the heart of the modern European history--where they clearly belong. * The Economist *Kaplan creates a brilliant survey of that most fraught of religious eras, the Reformation and Counter-Reformation, and ranges with engaging humor and perception across Europe. -- Diarmaid MacCulloch * Times Higher Education Supplement *Kaplan argues convincingly that the breakdown of the religious consensus made toleration less rather than more likely. Before the Reformation, some devotional diversity had existed under the Catholic umbrella, but from the late sixteenth century onwards, Christian denominations demonized one another in a desperate attempt to shore up their versions of religious truth: tensions were created where none had existed before...Kaplan demonstrates that religious violence continued well into the age of Enlightenment...His employment of facts on the ground is an effective way of countering myths about the early modern period, and his objection to the notion that “ideas have autonomous power, separate from the human beings who generate, transmit, accept, or reject them” is an appropriate response to previous studies of toleration which have lifted the ideas of Locke and Bayle out of their historical context. -- Eliane Glaser * Times Literary Supplement *In this remarkable book, Kaplan challenges the generally accepted narrative that modern tolerance arose out of the crucible of the religious wars of the early modern period and triumphed during the Enlightenment as reason replaced religion's hold over people...This is a masterful synthesis, engagingly written and compellingly argued, that will appeal both to scholars and those concerned about current religious tensions. -- J. Harrie * Choice *Table of ContentsList of Maps and Illustrations Introduction I. Obstacles 1. A Holy Zeal Christian piety in the confessional age 2. Corpus Christianum The community as religious body 3. Flashpoints The events that triggered violence 4. One Faith, One Law, One King How religion and politics intersected II. Arrangements 5. The Gold Coin Ecumenical experiments 6. Crossing Borders Traveling to attend services 7. Fictions of Privacy House chapels 8. Sharing Churches, Sharing Power Official pluralism III. Interactions 9. A Friend to the Person Individual and group relations 10. Transgressions Conversion and intermarriage 11. Infidels Muslims and Jews in Christian Europe IV. Changes 12. Enlightenment? The "rise of toleration" reconsidered Notes Further Reading Acknowledgments Index

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Book SynopsisTrade ReviewThis is the masterpiece one would have expected it to be. For the expert it is a fresh and elegant treatise, brimming deliciously with new ideas and insights. For the beginner it is a brilliant gem of exposition, rendering a host of abstruse arguments crystal clear. For all it is a smooth and exciting journey to a vivid and comprehensive view of the alternative foundations of classical mathematics. -- Joseph S. Ullian * Philosophical Review *Perhaps the most concise and readable general survey of axiomatic set theory at present available…Suitable reading not only for mathematics students…but also for philosophers with an interest in the foundations of mathematics. An excellent index and system of numbering formulae make it also a useful reference book. -- A. A. Treherne * Proceedings of the Edinburgh Mathematical Society *This revision of an important and lucid account of the various systems of axiomatic set theory preserves the basic format and essential ingredients of its highly regarded original…There have, however, been a number of important changes, generally in the interest of greater elegance and clarity…a generally improved version of an originally masterful and brilliant work. * Review of Metaphysics *This book is most remarkable for its way of presenting the subject matter. A definite system of set theory is offered, but at the same time alternative ways are indicated and partly explored at every turn…The book is also remarkable for its style. Pithy, with never an unnecessary word (but with every necessary one), at times witty, the book is written in a way that is a great relief from ordinary textbooks. Quine's books always have style, but I consider this as one of the most successful from this point of view. -- Jean van HeijenoortTable of ContentsINTRODUCTION PART ONE. THE ELEMENTS I. LOGIC Quantification and identity Virtual classes Virtual relations II. REAL CLASSES Reality, extensionality, and the individual The virtual amid the real Identity and substitution III. CLASSES OF CLASSES Unit classes Unions, intersections, descriptions Relations as classes of pairs Functions IV. NATURAL NUMBERS Numbers unconstrued Numbers construed Induction V. ITERATION AND ARITHMETIC Sequences and iterates The ancestral Sum, product, power PART TWO. HIGHER FORMS OF NUMBER VI. REAL NUMBERS Program. Numerical pairs Ratios and reals construed Existential needs. Operations and extensions VII. ORDER AND ORDINALS Transfinite induction Order Ordinal numbers Laws of ordinals The order of the ordinals VIII. TRANSFINITE RECURSION Transfinite recursion Laws of transfinite recursion Enumeration IX. CARDINAL NUMBERS Comparative size of classes The SchrOder-Bernstein theorem Infinite cardinal numbers X. THE AXIOM OF CHOICE Selections and selectors Further equivalents of the axiom The place of the axiom PART THREE. AXIOM SYSTEMS XI. RUSSELL'S THEORY OF TYPES The constructive part Classes and the axiom of reducibility The modern theory of types XII. GENERAL VARIABLES AND ZERMELO The theory of types with general variables Cumulative types and Zermelo Axioms of infinity and others XIII. STRATIFICATION AND ULTIMATE CLASSES "New foundations" Non-Cantorian classes. Induction again Ultimate classes added XIV. VON NEUMANN'S SYSTEM AND OTHERS The von Neumann-Bernays system Departures and comparisons Strength of systems SYNOPSIS OF FIVE AXIOM SYSTEMS LIST OF NUMBERED FORMULAS BIBLIOGRAPHICAL REFERENCES INDEX

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Book SynopsisHistorical works by Bede (672 or 673–735) include his Ecclesiastical History of the English Nation, Lives of the Abbots of Bede’s monastery, accounts of Cuthbert, and the Letter to Egbert, Bede’s pupil.

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Book SynopsisDespite predictions of continuing secularisation, the twenty-first century has witnessed a surge of religious extremism and violence in the name of God.In this powerful and timely book, Jonathan Sacks explores the roots of violence and its relationship to religion, focusing on the historic tensions between the three Abrahamic faiths: Judaism, Christianity and Islam.Drawing on arguments from evolutionary psychology, game theory, history, philosophy, ethics and theology, Sacks shows how a tendency to violence can subvert even the most compassionate of religions. Through a close reading of key biblical texts at the heart of the Abrahamic faiths, Sacks then challenges those who claim that religion is intrinsically a cause of violence, and argues that theology must become part of the solution if it is not to remain at the heart of the problem.This book is a rebuke to all those who kill in the name of the God of life, wage war in the name of the God of peace, hate Trade ReviewThe former Chief Rabbi, Lord (Jonathan) Sacks, is one of the most interesting thinkers, writers and speakers about today. His interventions into the public debate rarely fail to encourage thought, knowledge and indeed wisdom. I suspect that this latest book will contribute a significant amount to the ferocious debates around religion and violence in our world today. There is a huge amount in the new book, including much to find agreement with as well as some things I am sure some readers will want to push back on. -- Douglas Murray * The Spectator *Rabbi Sacks has eloquently set out the theological case for confronting religious violence in his book Not in God's Name. * Standpoint Magazine *Rabbi Jonathan Sacks's Not in God's Name is a masterpiece that should be read by all of us. The book is an essential and brilliant dissertation. * Jewish Chronicle *

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Book SynopsisThis state-of-the-art reverse interlinear New Testament, created in partnership with The German Bible Society and Logos Bible Software, shows the English as the top-line entry, with the Greek text underneath it.

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Book SynopsisJesus Shock is the second in a series of short works on seminal concerns of the impact that Jesus Christ made in the world. The first work, The Philosophy of Jesus (St. Augustine’s Press, 2007), explored philosophy in light of Jesus, rather than the other way around. The present work investigates the reception Jesus received both in His lifetime and continuously to the present time, not only from His enemies, but from His friends, a reception of shock, astonishment, even disgust. Perhaps a few remarks from the book best explains it:The point of the book: The point of the title: Imagine a storm has downed a telephone wire so that everyone who touches it is shocked in every cell of his body. Well, the storm of God’s crazy love has “downed” (incarnated) Jesus, and everyone who touches this “live wire” is shocked in every cell of his soul. The question of the book: Why is “Jesus” the most non-neutral, the most controversial, the most embarrassing name in the world? Why is talking about Jesus like talking about sex? This whole book is really about a single movie line, the greatest line in the greatest movie in history. Bet you know what it is. Jesus-Shock is about the Real Presence of Christ in the Gospels and in the Eucharist. It is not about the theology of the Real Presence, but about the experience of Him there, and about the experience of everyone in the Gospels who met Him. What was the bitterest controversy of the Protestant Reformation, both between Protestants and Catholics and between different Protestant denominations, the one that had both sides calling the other not just heretics but devils? Answer: It was not Justification by Faith, the hallmark of the Reformation, even though that question is about nothing less momentous than how to be saved, how to get to Heaven. It was not the relation between religion and politics, even though that was a matter of life or death (literally, on battlefields and at guillotines and hangings) and not just a matter of truth or falsity, or of good or evil. It was not about the sufficiency of the Bible, or the corruption in the Church, or the relation between the Bible and the Church. It was not about the Pope, and the governance of the Church. It was not about Mary or saints or angels or Purgatory. It was not about the Incarnation or the Trinity or the Atonement. It was about the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist. Jesus-Shock, in addressing this controversy forcefully and faithfully, shows the reasons why to this day the name of “Jesus” stirs up controversy, even revulsion, in polite society. In the true spirit of ecumenism, it also points the way toward a true rapprochement among His modern-day disciples.

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Book SynopsisAll Christian leaders face challenges. But God works in us, with us and through us to accomplish his eternal purposes. Here is practical wisdom from a much-respected leader speaking personally on: discouragement - how to persevere under pressure self-discipline - how to maintain spiritual freshness relationships - how to treat people with respect youth - how to lead when still comparatively young. Complementing the above are two examples of 'Timothys', in the form of personal tributes from former study assistants who worked side by side with the author.Trade ReviewShort but powerful... Here you will find biblical exposition, personal examples and fascinating anecdotes that reflect the principles that explain why John Stott kept his successful leadership role in world evangelicalism. * Samuel Escobar *

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Book SynopsisTells the story of how Muhammad invented jihad and demanded that it conquer the earth.

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Book SynopsisThe booklet will help deepen love for Christ bringing him closer to the everyday needs, concerns and joys of all. Explaining the effects of devotion to the Sacred Heart over the centuries, the booklet is a practical and simple way for people to foster a devotional spirit and can be used individually or in parish groups.

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Book SynopsisTrade Review[A] fine book . . . rich, literate, beautifully written. . . . Meagher puts it well in his final chapter: the great teacher is one who excites power. Plotinus is one; Augustine another. . . . and the unquestionable merit of Meagher's book is that it too excites power. --Robert J. O'Connell, Fordham UniversityMeagher's work is extremely insightful and original. . . . The Augustine he describes is the one who stands at the origin of autobiography in Western culture and at the roots of contemporary existentialism where man has became once again 'a question to himself.' --John Dunne, The University of Notre DameThat Meagher helps us to come closer to Augustine is one of the many virtues of his book. . . . Meagher's book, in a thoroughly Augustinian spirit, is a work of love, and thus kindles love in return. . . . Will be of interest to all readers who are concerned with the possibilities of spirit in our time. --William Barrett

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Book SynopsisA translation of one of Maximus the Confessor's (580-662) significant contributions to early Christian biblical interpretation. It is suitable for readers interested in Maximus and, more broadly, to scholars and students of early Christianity, early Byzantine monasticism, and patristic biblical exegesis.Trade ReviewIt is the first English translation of the text and is, therefore, a welcome addition to the literature on Maximus. Prassas has rendered us a great service by striving so vigorously with Maximus's difficult Greek. The collection of Quaestiones et Dubia itself is an excellent text for beginning a study of Maximus. Prassas' work is, therefore, definitely to be recommended. * Journal of Early Christian Studies *Table of ContentsAcknowledgments Introduction - Historical and Cultural Context - Maximus and the Quaestiones et dubia - Translator's Note St. Maximus the Confessor's Quaestiones et dubia Translation Abbreviations and References Notes Bibliography Index

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Book SynopsisBestselling author John Ortberg revisits the central concepts of Christianity - what 'being saved', and eternal life, really mean.

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Book SynopsisA study of the primordial figure of the Great Goddess and her continued worship through time as shown by the myths, shrines, and sanctuaries around the world that honor this powerful symbol of creation.

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Book SynopsisIntroduction to the classic problem of how an omnipotent God of love can allow disasters and catastrophic acts of nature.Trade Review“Professor White offers a solidly Christian perspective on some of the most important events in our world: “natural disasters.” Since “nature” is no more than the way God’s own creation works, these disasters raise questions about God and his providence. Professor White responds to these questions in a theologically informed way and reminds Christians that we have the ability and the responsibility to mitigate the effects of such disasters.” -- Douglas J Moo, Wessner Chair of Biblical Studies, Wheaton College; Chair, Committee on Bible TranslationProfessor White produces a fresh and thought provoking slant by introducing hard science into answering the question “Why do bad things happen to good people?” Well worth reading. -- Professor Sam Berry“This is one of the most helpful books I have read on the question that troubles all sensitive Christian minds - why is there evil and suffering in the world and why does God allow disasters? What will you get in this book? Good science and good theology. Robert White has a thorough understanding of both and roots all his thinking and writing in careful interpretation of key biblical teaching. What will you not get? Simplistic answers and solutions that either insult your intelligence or dismiss the pain of your suffering - or the suffering of those caught up in terrifying disasters or personal tragedy. This is not 'the answer we've all been waiting for'. But it goes a long way in helping us to respond wisely to realities we cannot ultimately explain, by giving us resources that are rich in biblical truth, scientific fact, and pastoral wisdom.” -- Revd Dr Chris Wright`A masterly survey of the natural phenomena that provide so generously for our well-being and development as humans on Planet Earth … (celebrates) God’s great capacity to turn the worst of seeming tragedies into the greatest of triumphs.’ -- Sir John Houghton“I am so grateful that Bob White has taken the time to write this book. His scientific expertise as a geophysicist gives his analysis of disasters depth and reliability. But more than that, he integrates his science with sociological and political insights, and then opens them up to careful biblical and theological exploration. The result is an amazing and significant volume, beautifully crafted, easy to read, and a wonderful resource for anyone who has ever thought about these issues.” -- Elaine Storkey, philosopher, sociologist and theologian

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Book SynopsisAdvances in the Study of Biblical Hebrew and Aramaic by Benjamin J. Noonan is an introduction to issues of interest in the current world of Biblical Hebrew and Aramaic scholarship. A growing knowledge of the Semitic languages and the field of linguistics continues to enhance understanding of biblical Hebrew and Aramaic. Comprehension of these items directly affects the way we read the Hebrew Bible and is therefore invaluable for those interested in the Old Testament. This book fills a gap in the field of Biblical Hebrew and Aramaic linguistics and provides an accessible, comprehensive, up-to-date, and linguistically-informed investigation of the language.Topics addressed include: Linguistic theories Lexical semantics and lexicography Verbal stems Tense, mood, and aspect in the verbal system Register, dialect, and code-switching Dating of Biblical Hebrew and Aramaic texts Discourse analysis TeachiTrade Review'Advances in the Study of Biblical Hebrew and Aramaic is a helpful and succinct guide to the complex landscape of recent study of Biblical Hebrew and Aramaic grammar. Noonan provides a brief orientation to the linguistic theories that have animated many of these recent studies but also hinder easy access to them. Noonan's surveys of key advances and debates in the fields provides the 'lay of the land' and key resources for further study. This book is a useful initiation to the recent study of Biblical Hebrew and Aramaic grammar for students and biblical scholars alike.' * JOHN A. COOK, Professor of Old Testament and Director of Hebrew Language Instruction, Asbury Theological Seminary *'Advances in the Study of Biblical Hebrew and Aramaic is just that, another advance! The author is to be commended for his collation and analysis of modern scholarship in a single, accessible volume. From philology to pedagogy, readers will encounter the origins, major contributors, and analyses of some of the more significant topics in Biblical Hebrew and Aramaic research. We are guided through the controversies and debates, shown how far we have come, and pointed in the right direction for further study. Readers may not agree at every point, but that is half the fun. Anyone interested in the academic study of Biblical Hebrew and Aramaic will certainly appreciate and even enjoy this work.' * MILES V. VAN PELT, Alan Hayes Belcher, Jr. Professor of Old Testament and Biblical Languages and Director of the Summer Institute for Biblical Languages, Reformed Theological Seminary *'Anyone interested in delving into the riches of the Old Testament in the original languages will welcome this impressive volume. The author succeeds admirably in his attempt to introduce the sometimes dizzying world of Hebrew and Aramaic scholarship to the intermediate student. In light of advances being made in current investigations of these ancient languages, this volume will find a wide readership among students and teachers alike for many years to come.' * BILL T. ARNOLD, Paul S. Amos Professor of Old Testament Interpretation, Asbury Theological Seminary *'Ben Noonan has provided a remarkable service in providing a survey of not only the theoretical discussions in Biblical Hebrew and Aramaic but most especially elucidating the relationships between theories, scholars, and publications. For a field that has become so fragmented and specialised in which no scholar can master all the literature, this book provides an outstanding resource. The student will acquire an awareness of the field and find a well curated yet manageable bibliography. The scholar will find an overarching network of relationships that bring both coherence and cohesion where they have been much needed.' * ELIZABETH ROBAR, Tyndale House, Cambridge, UK *'The last century and a half witnessed numerous seismic shifts in the study of language. Most students find understanding these changes challenging, others fail to understand the importance of different linguistic theories, and even biblical scholars have a difficult time keeping up with the everchanging nuances of the various discussions. Noonan provides an indispensable resource to help navigate the current state of linguistics for biblical studies. Advances in the Study of Biblical Hebrew and Aramaic balances accessible, informed descriptions of the major linguistic movements with helpful evaluations of recent language-specific developments in Hebrew and Aramaic. Students at every level will find this work both enlightening and valuable.' * H. H. HARDY II, Associate Professor of Old Testament and Semitic Languages, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, Wake Forest, North Carolina *'Trying to keep up with the volume and pace of new developments in the linguistic study of Biblical Hebrew and Aramaic can be overwhelming. Thanks to Benjamin Noonan, we now have an up-to-date volume that orients students to these advances. Noonan concisely describes the methods and terminology being used and insight- fully assesses the bewildering array of conclusions being proposed. In addition to his helpful summaries and evaluations, Noonan provides ample, up-to-date bibliographies for those who want to pursue specific subjects. The book is an ideal supplemental text for advanced master's level courses.' * ROBERT B. CHISHOLM, JR., Chair and Senior Professor of Old Testament Studies, Dallas Theological Seminary *'This book will help intermediate students, pastors, and even scholars to keep abreast of current linguistic research. Noonan makes the material easy to grasp and provides helpful summaries. I heartily recommend this work.' * PETER J. GENTRY, Donald L. Williams Professor of Old Testament, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary *Table of ContentsIntroduction Chapter 1: A Short History of Biblical Hebrew Studies The first chapter will summarize the history of Biblical Hebrew scholarship, beginning with the ancient period but focusing primarily on the nineteenth century to the present day. Attention will be given to important key figures (e.g., Wilhelm Gesenius) and publications (e.g., Brill’s Encyclopedia of Hebrew Language and Linguistics) from the modern period. Chapter 2: Linguistic Theories The second chapter will overview the field of linguistics, presenting its different branches (e.g., historical linguistics, theoretical linguistics, applied linguistics), as well as the different linguistic schools of thought (e.g., functional vs. generative, synchronic vs. diachronic). The relevance of these categories for understanding the different approaches to Biblical Hebrew will be noted throughout. Chapter 3: Lexical Semantics and Lexicography This chapter will introduce the basic theory of lexical semantics (lexicology) and its relevance for Biblical Hebrew scholarship. Attention will be given to important issues such as lexical choice and the difference between diachronic and synchronic approaches to lexicology. The contributions of major scholars (e.g., James Barr) and published lexica (e.g., Ludwig Köhler and Walter Baumgartner’s The Hebrew and Aramaic Lexicon of the Old Testament and David Clines’ Dictionary of Classical Hebrew) will be presented and assessed. Chapter 4: The Verbal Stems in Biblical Hebrew This chapter will survey scholarship on the verbal stems (binyanim) of Biblical Hebrew, particularly as they relate to modern advances in our understanding of voice and lexical aspect. Special discussion will be devoted to scholarship on the Niphal, Piel, Hiphil, and Hithpael (e.g., the works of Ernst Jenni and N.J.C. Kouwenberg) because these stems exhibit complexities and have received unique attention in the secondary literature. Chapter 5: Tense, Mood, and Aspect in the Biblical Hebrew Verbal System The fifth chapter will begin with an analysis of tense, mood, and aspect within the context of modern linguistics. Discussion will then present and analyze the work of significant scholars in this area (e.g., John A. Cook, Jan Joosten, Elizabeth Robar, and Alexander Andrason), providing practical examples of how one’s understanding of tense, mood, and aspect affects our understanding of Biblical Hebrew. Chapter 6: Register, Dialect, and Code-Switching The sixth chapter will investigate the application of sociolinguistics to Biblical Hebrew, a relatively recent development in scholarship. Attention will be given to the role that register, dialect, and code-switching play in the Hebrew Bible. Key contributions of scholars to this topic (e.g., the work of Gary Rendsburg) will be assessed along the way. Chapter 7: Dating of Biblical Hebrew Texts The seventh chapter will overview the present debate over diachrony in Biblical Hebrew. The traditional approach, which views the Hebrew Bible’s linguistic heterogeneity in chronological terms (e.g., the work of Avi Hurvitz), will be presented alongside of the more recent approach that understands this heterogeneity in terms of scribal stylistics (e.g., the work of Ian Young, Robert Rezetko, and Martin Ehrensvärd). Both views will be assessed, and their relevance for understanding Biblical Hebrew will be discussed. Chapter 8: Discourse Analysis This chapter will survey scholarship on discourse analysis as it relates to the Hebrew Bible. Within the context of broader approaches to discourse analysis (e.g., the work of the Summer Institute of Linguistics), attention will be given to the Hebrew Bible’s different types of discourse and the unique challenges of conducting discourse analysis on the Hebrew Bible. The contributions of key scholars in the field (e.g., Robert E. Longacre and Roy L. Heller) and related publications (e.g., Zondervan’s Exegetical Commentary on the Old Testament series) will be presented and

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Book SynopsisIn the late nineteenth century, as a consequence of imperial conquest and a mobility revolution, Russia became a crossroads of the hajj, the annual Muslim pilgrimage to Mecca. The first book in any language on the hajj under tsarist and Soviet rule, Russian Hajj tells the story of how tsarist officials struggled to control and co-opt Russia''s mass hajj traffic, seeing it as not only a liability but also an opportunity. To support the hajj as a matter of state surveillance and control was controversial, given the preeminent position of the Orthodox Church. But nor could the hajj be ignored, or banned, due to Russia''s policy of toleration of Islam. As a cross-border, migratory phenomenon, the hajj stoked officials'' fears of infectious disease, Islamic revolt, and interethnic conflict, but Eileen Kane innovatively argues that it also generated new thinking within the government about the utility of the empire''s Muslims and their global networks.Open Access editTrade ReviewThis is an impressively researched book, and many of the arguments are compelling. [Russian Hajj] makes an important contribution to debates around the reaches and limits of imperial rule in practice. * H-Net: Humanities and Social Sciences Online *Eileen Kane’s account of the Russian Hajj taps into a fascinating story that Daniel Brower had once called 'a blind spot in studies of Russian colonial rule' (Daniel Brower, 'Russian Roads to Mecca,' Slavic Review 55(3) (1996): 568)... Kane does an excellent job providing evidence to support her account of the Russian Hajj as one of 'toleration' and 'sponsorship' in line with the past two decades’ 'imperial turn' in historiography. * Canadian-American Slavic Studies *[F]ascinating details of the organizational efforts behind Russia's sponsorship of the hajj are examined in this concise and informative volume on an often-overlooked chapter in Russian history. * AramcoWorld *Table of ContentsIntroduction: Russia as a Crossroads of the Global Hajj1. Imperialism through Islamic Networks2. Mapping the Hajj, Integrating Muslims3. Forging a Russian Hajj Route4. The Hajj and Religious Politics after 19055. The Hajj and Socialist RevolutionConclusion: Russian Hajj in the Twenty-First Century

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