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Book SynopsisSickness washes away the dirty of sins like soap, and cleanses. It is established in an authenticated hadith that illnesses are expiation of sins. It says, 'As ripe fruits fall from the tree when it is shaken, so the sins of a beliver fall away with shaking during illness.'

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Book SynopsisYou are deeper than your life shows, and you know it. You are more loving than your relationships allow, more brilliant than your career suggests. In your secret depth of being, you are infinite, creative, boundless, and utterly unable to press your full glory into the world. Or so it seems. In Blue Truth, David Deida presents a treasury of skills and insights for uncovering and offering your true heart of purpose, passion, and unquenchable love. In part one, Deida shows you how to open as the entirety of the moment, feeling as deep inside and as far outside as you can, for as long as now opens. In part two, he reveals how to walk this path in the wilderness of intimate relationship, illuminating the art and play of sexual gifting, including how to expertly navigate the tangle of anger, jealousy, fear, lust, and much, much more. In June 2006, Blue Truth was named by Spirituality & Health magazine as one of the Best Spiritual Books of 2005, in the Personal Growth category.

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Book SynopsisWhen it comes to sex, most of us want more. The question is: more of what? According to David Deida, when the depth of intimacy you've been experiencing is no longer fulfilling to your heart and body—when you sense that sexuality should go far beyond an embrace of brief satisfaction—the time has come to explore your unique sexual path to the divine. In Finding God Through Sex, this brilliant writer and internationally renowned expert on spiritual sexuality presents a revolutionary new way to love—one in which sex literally becomes an erotic act of devotional surrender, "making love, magnifying love, from the boundless depth of your heart through every inch of your body and in merger with your lover." Through provocative vignettes that illuminate the many moods that color lovemaking, and direct instruction that speaks honestly to the masculine and feminine desires within each of us, Deida brings wisdom gained from 30 years' work with thousands of couples to illustrate the distinct yet complementary avenues men and women can skillfully travel toward untamed passion and sacred unity. What unfolds is an unparalleled road map to the place where we "love as the cosmos loves: One loving itself as an other, yet remembering itself as One."

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Book SynopsisThe classic samurai-era text that fused Japanese swordsmanship with Zen philosophy—written by the incomparable Zen master Takuan Soho   Written by the seventeenth-century Zen master Takuan Soho (1573–1645), The Unfettered Mind is a book of advice on swordsmanship and the cultivation of right mind and intention. It was written as a guide for the samurai Yagyu Munenori, who was a great swordsman and rival to the legendary Miyamoto Musashi. Takuan was a giant in the history of Zen; he was also a gardener, calligrapher, poet, author, adviser to samurai and shoguns, and a pivotal figure in Zen painting. He was known for his brilliance and acerbic wit. In these succinct and pointed essays, Takuan is concerned primarily with understanding and refining the mind—both generally and when faced with conflict. The Unfettered Mind was a major influence on the classic manifestos on swordsmanship that came after it, including Miyamoto Musashi''s Book of Five Rings and Yagyu Munenori''s Life-Giving Sword.

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Book SynopsisThe author of The Healing Power of Mind draws on Buddhist scripture, firsthand accounts, and other sources to present an overview of Tibetan Buddhist teachings on facing death with openness and insightBuddhism teaches that death can be a springboard to enlightenment—yet for all but the most advanced meditators, it will be the gateway to countless future lives of suffering in samsara. Tulku Thondup wrote this guide to help us heal our fear and confusion about death and strengthen our practice in anticipation of this transition, and to help us realize the enlightened goal of ultimate peace and joy—not only for death and rebirth, but for this very lifetime. In simple language, he distills a vast range of sources, including scriptures, classic commentaries, oral teachings, and firsthand accounts. The book includes: • A downloadable audio program of guided meditations (URL provided in the book)   • An overview of the dying process, the after-death bardo states, and teachings on why, where, and how we take rebirth • Accounts by Tibetan "near-death experiencers" (delogs), who returned from death with amazing reports of their visions      • Ways to train our minds during life, so that at death, all the phenomena before us will arise as a world of peace, joy, and enlightenment      • Simple meditations, prayers, and rituals to benefit the dead and dying     • Advice for caregivers, helpers, and survivors of the dying The paperback edition links to a downloadable audio program providing guided instructions by the author on how to visualize Amitabha Buddha in the Pure Realm; how to receive his blessings; how to visualize transforming your body into light and sound at the time of death; how to share the blessings with compassion for all sentient beings; and how to rest in oneness. By becoming intimate with this practice while we''re alive, we can alleviate our fear of death, improve our appreciation of this life, and prepare for death in a very practical way, while planting the seeds for rebirth in the Pure Land.

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Book SynopsisDialogue poetry is a genre that began in ancient Sumer and continues in rich fashion in the Syriac tradition. Sebastian Brock has selected an edition of twenty six dialogue poems: between the Church and Zion; Abraham and Isaac; Joseph and Benjamin; the body and the soul; Joseph and Mary; the thief and the cherub; Mary and the Magi; the church and the believers; the angel and Mary; among the months of the year; between the angel and Zachariah; death and Satan; Jesus and the faithful; the two thieves; Jesus and John; the sinful woman and Satan; Abel and Cain; and wheat and gold.

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Book SynopsisJoel Osteen's previous bestselling title, Your Best Life Now,offered readers guidance for living a good life. In this eagerly awaited new book he'll guide readers to look within themselves to find their authentic soul and conduct a spiritual examination so they can uncover the core of who they really are. Osteen's message is that God didn't create us to be average - He wants us to stretch ourselves, keep pressing forward for greatness, and to embark on mission of self-discovery. God has given us everything we need to live a victorious life, but it's up to us to draw it out and become the tremendous person He wants us to be. Osteen will be revealing 7 key principles that will enable us to achieve this goal, to expand our horizons and fill our lives with love, joy and peace.

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Book SynopsisIn the mid-1970s, A Course in Miracles was published. It is a self-study course designed to help you undo your conscious and unconscious beliefs that you are separate from God, so that you can return to your natural State of Boundless Love, Peace, and Joy. Since then, it has become the 'Holy Book' of millions of people worldwide who have experienced a loving transformation to a more peaceful experience. Practicing A Course in Miracles and The Way of A Course in Miracles are practical companions to The Message of A Course in Miracles, the first volume of the Plain Language A Course in Miracles. Where MACIM lays out the theoretical foundation of the Course, PACIM provides a year of practical lessons to transform your experience to peace, and WACIM provides answers to common questions. These volumes also contain mentoring notes from the translator, a student and teacher of the Course since 1984. Together, these books offer a clear means for attaining lasting inner peace.

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Book SynopsisCrafted with all the skills that have made his previous books bestsellers, The Book of Secrets will be essential reading for Deepak Chopra's huge number of followers worldwide, and also appeal to everyone searching for the meaning of life, and looking for answers to the questions: Who Am I? Where Did I Come From? and Why Am I Here? Each of the fifteen chapters discusses a 'secret' - such as: The World Is In You; Transformation Is Not The Same As Change; Death Is Conquered By Dying Every Day; Everything Is Pure Essence. Chopra believes that 'Every life is a book of secrets ready to be opened', and that the only way to discover the answers to these secrets is to delve inside yourself, and cease to be a mystery to yourself. Only by going to 'the still point inside' can you see life as it really is.Trade Review"This inspiring book contains food for thought for anyone looking for answers to life's big questions... If you plan to work on your spiritual life over the festive season, this is one for your Christmas stocking" * Health and Fitness *The rock star of the new spirituality * Guardian *The poet-prophet of alternative medicine * Time *Undoubtedly one of the most lucid and inspired philosophers of our time * Mikhail Gorbachev *

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Book SynopsisPhilip Yancey's 'desert island book'!

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Book SynopsisA fresh examination of one of the most contentious issues in runic scholarship - magical or not? The runic alphabet, in use for well over a thousand years, was employed by various Germanic groups in a variety of ways, including, inevitably, for superstitious and magical rites. Formulaic runic words were inscribed onto small items that could be carried for good luck; runic charms were carved on metal or wooden amulets to ensure peace or prosperity. There are invocations and allusions to pagan and Christian gods and heroes, to spirits of disease, and even to potential lovers. Few such texts are completely unique to Germanic society, and in fact, most of the runic amulets considered in this book show wide-ranging parallels from a variety of European cultures. The question ofwhether runes were magical or not has divided scholarship in the area. Early criticism embraced fantastic notions of runic magic - leading not just to a healthy scepticism, but in some cases to a complete denial of any magical element whatsoever in the runic inscriptions. This book seeks to re-evaulate the whole question of runic sorcery, attested to not only in the medieval Norse literature dealing with runes but primarily in the fascinating magical texts of the runic inscriptions themselves. Dr MINDY MCLEOD teaches in the Department of Linguistics, Deakin University, Melbourne; Dr BERNARD MEES teaches in the Department of History at the University of Melbourne.Trade ReviewThe book gives the most very complete survey available of possibly magico-religious runic inscriptions and in this respect it is very useful. * SAGA-BOOK XXXII *

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Book Synopsis"God Crucified" and Other Essays on the New Testament's Christology of Divine Identity The basic thesis of this important book on New Testament Christology, sketched in the first essay 'God Crucified, is that the worship of Jesus as God was seen by the early Christians as compatible with their Jewish monotheism. Jesus was thought to participate in the divine identity of the one God of Israel. The other chapters provide more detailed support for, and an expansion of, this basic thesis. Readers will find not only the full text of Bauckham's classic book God Crucified, but also groundbreaking essays, some of which have never been published previously

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Book SynopsisDavis brings cultural and historical colour to the task of interpreting one of the most studied parts of the Bible. The lessons in 2 Samuel from the life of Israel, and David in particular, have obvious modern parallels. Davis writes with a pastor’s heart AND the incisive brain of a respected theologian specialising in the Old Testament texts.Trade Review"Writers will say, Why can't I write like that? Scholars, Why am I not so well read? Expositors, Why didn't I see it all like that too? And readers will join in unanimous praise for a great feast of biblical truth made so digestible, garnished with so many apt illustrations and always focused on the God of all Grace. I have lost count of the number of titbits transferred to my notebooks for future use!" -- Alec Motyer ((1924–2016) Well known Bible expositor and commentary writer)"He combines the depth of understanding of a thorough-going Old Testament scholar with the breadth of insight of a biblical theologian and the perception of a preacher well used to addressing contemporary audiences to provide us with a commentary that brings the preaching potential of these books to life." -- Mark Johnston, Banner of Truth Magazine (Minister, Bethel Presbyterian Church, Cardiff, Wales)"Such sensitivity to the biblical theology of the text is a crucial correction to much of modern exposition...Reading the commentary is itself a devotional exercise." -- John W. Hilder in the Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society on Davis' commentary writing skills.... merits a five-star rating. This book is everything a commentary ought to be... preachers, Bible group leaders and belivers eager to understand 2 Samuel should sell their shirt to purchase this excellent commentary!H -- The Banner of Truth Magazine

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Book SynopsisIn this classic volume available now once again, Jay Haley in the controversial title article proposes an original interpretation of the Bible analyzing Jesus's actions as a man trying to build a mass movement to topple a power structure. Using wit and wry humour, Haley in the other essays discusses such topics as: what it takes to be schizophrenic; the art and technique required to have an awful marriage; and how to be an awful therapist. His rationale for a directive therapy is the subject of other essays.

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Book SynopsisEver since the first century, Christians have regarded the book of Isaiah as a high point of the Old Testament prophetic literature. Its key themes, such as the suffering servant, deliverance from exile, and new creation, have been viewed as reaching particular fulfilment in the gospel. Isaiah has been formative to the identity of the people of God. It is a text to be weighed, on which to meditate and pray, and through which to explore the ways in which God works. Isaiah has also received more than its fair share of scholarly examination. While many excellent resources are now available, these tend to be either introductory or highly specialized; there are fewer that bridge the gap between the two. This volume contributes to that need: it assumes some foundational knowledge and guides readers through current issues and approaches. Here is evangelical scholarship that will inform, stimulate and reward diligent teachers and preachers of the Old Testament. Contributors: John Goldingay, Philip Johnston, Nathan MacDonald, David Reimer, Richard Schultz, S. D. Snyman, Jacob Stromberg, Dwight Swanson, Torsten Uhlig, Rikk Watts, Paul Wegner, H. G. M. Williamson and Lindsay Wilson.

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Book SynopsisThe Da Vinci Code. Misquoting Jesus. The Jesus Papers. The Gospel of Judas. New portraits of Jesus continue to stir up interest and debate. The more unusual the portrait, the more it departs from the traditional view of Jesus, and the more attention it receives in the popular media. Critical study of the Gospels has often shed light on the Jesus of history - but has also distorted the Gospels and rendered Jesus unrecognizable. Why are some scholars so prone to fabricate a new Jesus? What methods and assumptions predispose them to distort the record? Why is the public so eager to accept such claims without question? Is there a more sober approach to finding the real Jesus? Craig Evans offers insights into the methods and biases of modern interpreters, whether scholars associated with the Jesus Seminar or popularizers like Michael Baigent and Dan Brown. He examines how we got today's New Testament text, how ancient historians did their work, what second-century Gnosticism was all about, and the way first-century Jewish and Greek culture informs scholarly study of the Gospels. Readers will come away with a new appreciation of the value and limits of contemporary biblical research.

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Book SynopsisThis volume addresses the means and ends of sacrificial speculation by inviting a selected group of specialists in the fields of philosophy, history of religions, and indology to examine philosophical modes of sacrificial speculation - especially in Ancient India and Greece - and consider the commonalities of their historical raison d'etre. Scholars have long observed, yet without presenting any transcultural grand theory on the matter, that sacrifice seems to end with (or even continue as) philosophy in both Ancient India and Greece. How are we to understand this important transformation that so profoundly changed the way we think of religion (and philosophy as opposed to religion) today? Some of the complex topics inviting closer examination in this regard are the interiorisation of ritual, ascetism and self-sacrifice, sacrifice and cosmogony, the figure of the philosopher-sage, transformations and technologies of the self, analogical reasoning, the philosophy of ritual, vegetarianism, and metempsychosis.Table of ContentsIntroductionPeter Jackson & Anna-Pya SjodinI: HISTORICAL AND COMPARATIVE APPROACHES TO RITUAL THOUGHT IN ANCIENT INDIA AND ARCHAIC GREECE1. The Principle of Equivalence and the Interiorization of Ritual: The 'End' of Ritual?Stephanie Jamison, UCLA2. Ritual as Abstract Action Clemens Cavallin, University of Gothenburg3. Lord over this Whole World: Agency and Philosophy in Brhadaranyaka Upanisad Anna-Pya Sjodin4. 'The End of Sacrifice' and the Absence of 'Religion': The Peculiar Case of IndiaGerald James Larson, University of California, Santa Barbara5. The Crisis of SacrificePeter JacksonII: RITUAL TRANSFORMATIONS IN LATE ANTIQUITY6. The End of Sacrifice RevisitedGuy Stroumsa, University of Oxford (Emeritus)7. The All as logike thusia Jorgen Podemann Sorensen, University of Copenhagen8. No End to Sacrifice in HermetismChristian Bull, Bergen University9. Beyond righteousness and transgressionJorgen Magnusson, Mid-Sweden University10. Sacrificial Subjectivity: On Transformative Faith in the Pauline Letters Hans Ruin, Sodertorn UniversityIII: REPERCUSSIONS OF SACRIFICE IN WESTERN PHILOSOPHY11. Philosophical sacrificeMarcia Sa Cavalcante Schuback, Sodertorn University

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Book SynopsisMany of us know and love the stories and characters of the Old Testament such as Joseph, Moses and Jonah. But how do we view its importance in relation to New Testament teaching and our 21st century experiences? This accessible yet powerful addition to the Pocket Guide series draw together the threads of Scripture to help us understand the power of God’s word when viewed in its completeness. Trade Review...If the world is still here in a hundred years' time, these thrilling pages will still be looked upon as a treasure trove among God's faithful people. -- Richard Bewes (OBE (1939 – 2019), formerly of All Souls Church, Langham Place, London, England)...it is a huge privilege to commend the author of the Pocket Guide you now hold in your hand- although, quite frankly, his work speaks for itself so well that it does not need me to approve it. -- D. A. Carson (Emeritus Professor of New Testament, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, Deerfield, Illinois)In nearly every conceivable way this little book is outstanding to the point that I can hardly believe so much useful content is concentrated into so few pages. If your typical book is coffee, Loving the Old Testament is espresso. It's clearly written, interesting, supported by meticulous and creative scholarship, not infrequently humorous, reverent and pious (in the best sense), and very practically applicable especially to a local church context. Furthermore, if you know anything about biblical studies from the last 100 years, you'll know that Moyter's is essentially the evangelical Gandalf. If you're a pastor, I'd encourage you to buy a couple dozen copies and keep them on your free book table or stocked in your bookstore. -- Timothy Raymond- Credo MagazineNow 90, Alec Motyer retains all his old clarity, warmth and charm as he shares his infectious affection for, and insight into, Jesus's Bible. This is a first-rate get-you-started book. -- J. I. Packer ((1926–2020), Board of Governors’ Professor of Theology, Regent College, Vancouver, Canada)A Christian's Pocket Guide to Loving the Old Testament, and Alec Motyer's recent volume Preaching? prove that faithful believers 'will still bear fruit in old age-they will stay fresh and green.' (Ps. 92:14) Why? Because they will continue proclaiming, 'The Lord is upright; he is my Rock, and there is no wickedness in him.' (Ps. 92:15) -- Tim Keller ((1950 – 2023) Redeemer City to City)Motyer is that rare scholar who can write plainly, say something quotable in a few words, and write sympathetically to ordinary folk. Who might benefit from this little book? My ninth-grade Bible students last year would have been much helped. This year's kids will thank me. It would make a nice study for a Sunday school class. Even the minister who has preached and taught through the Old Testament will enjoy the read and learn something, too. -- New HorizonsA welcome volume that will be useful for teachers trying to convince their students about the value of the Old Testament or for intelligent lay persons to learn from a seasoned pastor-theologian why they should love the Old Testament. -- Themelios Journal

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Book SynopsisTable of ContentsAcknowledgments Table of Contents Introduction Part I: Metaphysics and Ontology 1. Theravada Metaphysics and Ontology: Kaccanagotta (Samyutta-nikaya) and Abhidhammatthasangaha Noa Ronkin 2. Nagarjuna's Mulamadhyamakakarika (Fundamental Verses of the Middle Way): Chapter XXIV: Examination of the Four Noble Truths , Jay L. Garfield 3. Vasubandhu's Trisvabhavanirdenulla (Treatise on the Three Natures) , Jay L. Garfield 4. Santaraksita's "Neither-One-Nor-Many" Argument from The Ornament of the Middle Way (Madhyamakalamkara): A Classical Buddhist Argument on the Ontological Status of Phenomena , James Blumenthal 5. Mipam Namgyel: The Lion's Roar Affirming Extrinsic Emptiness , Matthew Kapstein 6. Dushun's Huayan Fajie Guan Men (Meditative Approaches to the Huayan Dharmadhatu) , Alan Fox 7. Dogen's "Mountains and Waters as Sutras" (Sansui-kyo) , Graham Parkes 8. Nishitani Keiji's "The Standpoint of Zen: Directly Pointing to the Mind" , Bret Davis Part II: Philosophy of Language and Hermeneutics 9. Sensation, Inference, and Language: Dignaga's Pramanasamuccaya , Richard Hayes 10. Jn?nagarbha's Verses on the Distinction Between the Two Truths , David Eckel 11. Language and the Ultimate: Do Madhyamikas Make Philosophical Claims? A Selection from Khedrupjey's Great Digest , José Cabezón 12. Zongmi's Inquiry into the Origin of the Human Condition (Yuanren lun): The Hermeneutics of Doctrinal Classification , Peter Gregory 13. Dogen's Shobogenzo Fascicles "Katto" and "Osakusendaba" , Steven Heine 14. Beyond Awareness: T?rei Enji's Understanding of Realization in the Treatise on the Inexhaustible Lamp of Zen, Chapter VI , Michel Mohr Part III: Epistemology 15. The approach to knowledge and truth in the Theravada record of the discourses of the Buddha , Peter Harvey 16. Dharmakirti and Dharmottara on the Intentionality of Perception: Selections from "An Epitome of Philosophy" (Nyayabindu) , Dan Arnold 17. The Role of Knowledge of Causation in Dharmakirti's Theory of Inference: The Pramana-varttika , Brendan Gillon 18. Yogacara Theories of the Components of Perception: The Buddhabhumy-upadenulla , Dan Lusthaus 19. Classification of Non-Authoritative Cognitive Processes (tshad min) in the Ngog and Sakya Traditions , Leonard W.J. van der Kuijp 20. Understanding the Two Truths: Tsongkhapa's Ocean of Reasoning: A Great Commentary on Nagarjuna's "Mulamadhyamakakarika" , Jay L. Garfield 21. The Deluded Mind as World and Truth: Epistemological Implications of Tiantai Doctrine and Praxis in Jingxi Zhanran's Jingangpi and Zhiguan yili , Brook Ziporyn 22. The Presencing of Truth: Dogen's Genjokoan , Bret Davis Part IV: Philosophy of Mind and the Person 23. Theravada Philosophy of Mind and the Person: Anatta-lakkhana Sutta, Maha-nidana Sutta, and Milindapa nha , Peter Harvey 24. Pudgalavada Doctrines of the Person , Dan Lusthaus 25. Vasubandhu's Abhidharmakonulla: The Critique of the Pudgalavadins' Theory of Persons , James Duerlinger 26. Vasubandhu's Abhidharma-ko?a: The Critique of the Soul , Charles Goodman 27. Candrakirti's Madhyamakavatarabhasya VI.86-97: A Madhyamaka Critique of Vijñanavada Views of Consciousness , C.W. Huntington, Jr. 28. nullantaraksita's Tattvasamgraha: A Buddhist Critique of the Nyaya View of the Self , Matthew Kapstein 29. Zhiyi's Great Calming and Contemplation: "Contemplating Mental Activity as the Inconceivable Realm" , Hans-Rudolph Kantor 30. "The Mind is Buddha": Pojo Chinul's Secrets on Cultivating the Mind , Jin Y. Park 31. Nishida's Conception of Person , Gereon Kopf Part V: Ethics 32. Theravada Texts on Ethics, Peter Harvey 33. The Bodhisattva Path: nullantideva's Bodhicaryavatara , William Edelglass 34. Asanga's Bodhisattvabhumi: The Morality Chapter , Gareth Sparham 35. Essentials of Observing and Violating Bodhisattva Precepts: Wonhyo's Non-Substantial Mahayana Ethics , Jin Y. Park 36. Thich Nhat Hanh's Interbeing: Fourteen Guidelines for Engaged Buddhism , William Edelglass 37. Joanna Macy: The Ecological Self , William Edelglass 38. Buddhist Feminist Reflections , Karma Lekshe Tsomo Contributors

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Book SynopsisEveryone loves a Christmas carol - in the end, even Scrooge. They have the power to summon up a special kind of midwinter mood, like the aroma of mince pies and mulled wine and the twinkle of lights on a tree. It's a kind of magic. But how did they get that magic? In Christmas Carols Andrew Gant tells the story of some twenty carols, each accompanied by lyrics and music, unravelling a captivating - and often surprising - tale of great musicians and thinkers, saints and pagans, shepherd boys, choirboys, monks and drunks. We delve into the history of such favourites as 'Good King Wenceslas', 'Away in a Manger' and 'The Twelve Days of Christmas', discovering along the way how 'Hark, the Herald angels sing' came to replace 'Hark, how all the welkin ring' and how Ralph Vaughan Williams bolted the tune of an English folk song about a dead ox to a poem by a nineteenth-century American pilgrim to make 'O little town of Bethlehem'. Christmas Carols brims with anecdote, expert knowledge and Christmas spirit. It is a fittingly joyous account of one of our best-loved musical traditions.Trade ReviewAndrew Gant provides us with a fluent but flinty digest of the modern scholarship concerning 22 of our favourite seasonal songs. -- Kathryn Hughes * The Guardian *Gant's detective-story accounts of 22 Christmas melodies is a delight -- Christopher Hart * Sunday Times *Scholarly but conversational in in tone and rich in picturesque detail. -- Kirsty McClusky * The Tablet *

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Book SynopsisDigging for Diamonds explores 12 key facets which help you understand your unique God-given gifts and how you can live a valuable, purposeful life. Are you tired of living on planet shallow? Have you realised that there is nothing super about superficial? If so, then it's time to get real! What is hidden matters. What you can't see always shapes what you can see. And this is true for us too. God doesn't want us to be shallow people, so no matter how impressive (or not) we appear to be, it's what happens beneath the surface that matters most of all. So, it's worth digging a bit deeper to find out what is really valuable. Often it is in the hidden and slightly messy places where we find the greatest treasure of all. It's in the darkness that we often find diamonds. This book looks at 12 different facets of diamonds and the lessons we can learn from them, such as being unique but flawed, being resilient, knowing our value, being transformed and becoming a prism through which transformation happens. Cathy Madavan will in turns make you laugh and make you think. As you read and reflect on each chapter you will be challenged to move past the surface and to really dig deep into the treasure beneath the surface in your own life. You may well be richer than you realise. Content Benefits: Digging for Diamonds encourages us to dig deeper and discover more of the life-transforming treasures of our identity, strength, character and purpose that God has already placed within us - right where we are. Helps you to find the treasure hidden in the messiness of life Encourages you to be brave and move beyond the culture of shallowness to authenticity Uses the metaphor of diamonds to deliver life lessons Each chapter includes a Bible reading, teaching, questions and a prayer Studies themes such as identity and purpose Perfect for quiet times or discipleship groups as well as personal use Will encourage you to see that you are precious to God Gain a deeper understanding of your unique God-given identity and gifts Encourages you to live a valuable, purposeful life Written in an engaging and accessible style that is suitable for all to understand A perfect gift for any occasion to inspire friends, family or loved ones to dig deeper into God's truths Ideal inspirational gift for women A 40 Day Devotional companion is also available to explore the themes in more detail Audiobook narrated by author available Cathy Madavan is a regular speaker at events including New Wine and Spring Harvest Binding - Paperback Pages - 224 Publisher - Authentic Media

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Book SynopsisThis English-language edition of Walter Bauer's "Worterbuch zu den Schriften des Neuen Testaments" includes entries for many more words and over 25,000 additional references to classical, intertestamental, early Christian and modern literature.

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Garfield translates Nagarjuna's Mulamadhyamakakarika and provides a philosophical commentary. Mulamadhyamakakarika is the foundational text for all Mahayana Buddhism and is one of the most influential works in the history of Indian philosophy.

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Book SynopsisA concise and accessible history of four of the monastic orders in the middle ages. In 1274 the Council of Lyons decreed the end of various "new orders" of Mendicants which had emerged during the great push for evangelism and poverty in the thirteenth-century Latin Church. The Franciscans and Dominicans were explicitly excluded, while the Carmelites and Austin friars were allowed a stay of execution. These last two were eventually able to acquire approval, but other smaller groups, in particular the Friars of the Sack and Pied Friars, were forced to disband. This book outlines the history of those who were threatened by 1274, tracing the development of the two larger orders down to the Council of Trent, and following the fragmentary sources for the brief histories of the discontinued friaries. For the first time these orders are treated comparatively: the volume offers a total history, from their origins, spirituality and pastoral impact, to their music, buildings and runaways. FRANCES ANDREWS is Professor in Mediaeval History at the University of St Andrews.Trade ReviewSheds needed light on an obscure aspect of medieval mendicancy and is a great resource for those studying medieval religious institutional and social history. * RELIGIOUS STUDIES REVIEW *A fine study. [...] Deals elegantly with the difficulty of reconstructing the past from primarily normative sources and makes deft use of such evidence of personal experience and opinion as is extant. [...] In investigating this through a rare comparative study, Andrews has performed a great service to students of medieval religion. * ENGLISH HISTORICAL REVIEW *Would provide a valuable service even if it did no more than introduce readers to the variety of mendicant profession in thirteenth-century Europe. As it is, it does very much more than this. [...] Andrews manages to present her thesis with great clarity of organisation and lucidity of expression, yet without compromising the deep scholarship that obviously forms the bedrock of the book. * JOURNAL OF ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY *[An] interesting and thought-provoking study. Essential to anyone conducting research on the mendicant orders. Highly recommended. * CHOICE *A history that is both lively and definitive. [...] This is a very fine book, rescuing from obscurity an entire chapter of the medieval past. * THE TABLET *Students of late medieval religion will be glad to have this book, not only because it lacks a competitor but especially because of its solidity. * TLS *Definitely a volume to be welcomed. * THE SIXTEENTH CENTURY JOURNAL *Table of ContentsPart I: The Carmelites or White Friars - Frances Andrews Part II: The Augustinian (Austin) Hermit Friars - Frances Andrews Part III: The Orders Discontinued after Lyons 1274 - Frances Andrews Further Reading - Frances Andrews

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Book SynopsisIndepth study of one of the largest and most successful Islamist parties, examining its role in Lebanese politics and the wider Muslim umma.Trade Review'A fine exposition of the evolution, the religious and political philosophy of one of the most important movements in the contemporary Middle East' -- Tribune'This is one of the very best works on the subject' -- Middle East International'The most detailed and scholarly analysis to date of the ideology of the Lebanese Shi'a radical Hizb'ullah' -- CHOICETable of ContentsAcknowledgements Introduction 1. Political Accommodation And Violence In Non-Islamic States 2. The Islamic State And Democracy 3. The Concept Of The Guardianship Of The Jurisprudent 4. Islamic Universalism And National Identity 5. The Struggle With The West 6. The Resistance To The Israeli Occupation Of South Lebanon 7. Anti-Zionism And Israel 8. Anti-Judaism Conclusion Appendix 1: Miladi Equivalents To Hijri Years Appendix 2: List Of Hijri Months References Glossary Index

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Book SynopsisAn abridgment of the award-winning standard reference grammar of New Testament Greek, Greek Grammar Beyond the Basics, for use in intermediate Greek courses.Table of ContentsTable of Contents Illustrations Abbreviations Preface The Language of the New Testament Syntax of Words and Phrases Part I: Syntax of Nouns and Nominals The Cases The Cases: An Introduction Nominative Case Vocative Case Genitive Case Dative Case Accusative Case The Article Part I: Origin, Function, Regular Uses, Absence Part II: Special Uses and Non-Uses of the Article Adjectives Pronouns Prepositions Part II: Syntax of Verbs and Verbals Person and Number Voice Active Middle Passive Mood Indicative Subjunctive Optative Imperative Tense The Tenses: An Introduction Present Imperfect Aorist Future Perfect and Pluperfect The Infinitive The Participle Syntax of the Clause Introduction to Greek Clauses The Role of Conjunctions Special Studies in the Clauses Conditional Sentences Volitional Clauses (Commands and Prohibitions) Subject Index/Cheat Sheet Scripture Index

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Book SynopsisEnjoy the expanded and updated editions of the best-selling 'Lord' Bible Study Series from Kay Arthur.  The 'Lord' study series is an insightful, warm-hearted Bible study series designed to meet readers where they are--and help them discover God''s answers to their deepest needs.Does It Sometimes Feel Impossible to Measure Up to God''s Standards?        On a hillside overlooking the Sea of Galilee, Jesus opened the doorway to the kingdom of God.         He challenged His followers to pursue a faith without compromise. Without anxiety. Without judgmentalism. He encouraged them to build a faith that bears fruit. A faith built on rock. A faith that would be true to the only Lord and Master.        Is that the kind of faith you want? It sounds impossible. It feels unreachable. How can you possibly measure up?         Let Kay Arthur lovingly guide you through the life-changing Sermon on the Mount in her devotional study, Lord, I''m Torn Between Two Masters. It will minister to you in intimate ways. And these are truths you can share easily with others in small groups.

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Book SynopsisAs the global marketplace grows and becomes more complex, increasing stress is placed upon employees. Businesses are acknowledging this change in work habits by adapting the work place to offer support through multifaith chaplaincy. Multifaith chaplaincy is based on developing relationships of trust between diverse faith communities and the public workplace. Through the experience of starting the first multifaith chaplaincy in Canary Wharf, the author offers insights into current conditions and challenges of chaplaincy in the business community.Writing as an Anglican priest, Fiona Stewart-Darling shows the importance of chaplaincy teams drawing on different faith traditions. This book is an important contribution to the emerging debate around the role of chaplaincy in faith and business communities. This research will be of particular interest to those working in or setting up chaplaincies in different contexts such as hospitals, prisons, town centre chaplaincies working with businesses and business leaders, particularly those involved in diversity and inclusion in the workplace.Trade ReviewA uniquely rich source of guidance for those on the journey to recognise and integrate faith more fully as a key ingredient in our working lives and in our capacity to contribute to society. -- Sir David Walker, former Chairman of the Multi-faith ChaplaincyContains a depth of understanding that combines sharp analysis of the complex coming together of faiths and workplaces in a global economy, facing the key issues (including the awkward ones), and offering wise ways through them. -- David F. Ford, Regius Professor of Divinity Emeritus, University of CambridgeTable of ContentsIntroduction. 1. Welcome to my World. 2. 'After Industrial Mission' - Why We Still Need Workplace Chaplaincy? 3. Multifaith Chaplaincy. 4. The Role of Wisdom alongside Ethics, Values and Culture. 5. Understanding Mission in the Context of Chaplaincy. 6. Why Faith Communities Need Chaplains and Why Chaplains Need Faith Communities. Conclusion: Open Questions. Appendix: The Golden Rule in Core Religious Texts. References. Further Reading.

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Book SynopsisIan Shaw charts the story of Christianity from its birth and infancy among a handful of followers of Jesus Christ, through its years of development into a global religious movement, spanning continents and cultures and transcending educational and social backgrounds.Trade ReviewWhat an original idea. Ian Shaw has presented the current scholarship in church history in a very engaging way. I hope this book is widely read... An absolutely outstanding volume! * Ian Randall, Senior Research Fellow, Spurgeon’s College *‘Christians today have largely lost their historical memory, and it is no surprise that as a result many are struggling to agree on the right way ahead for the church. Ian Shaw’s remarkable book, encompassing in one volume the entire chronological and geographical range of Christian history, will prove invaluable in helping Christians to recover their historical memory and hence to find wisdom for the future.’ * Brian Stanley, Professor of World Christianity, University of Edinburgh. *‘Believers need to know the story of their own faith, and Christianity: the Biography is a great place to start. It covers fascinating figures, movements, and trends across two millennia without ever getting bogged down or side-tracked. It is not only clear and accessible, but also inspiring and wise.’ * Timothy Larsen, McManis Professor of Christian Thought, Wheaton College *This is . . . an immense achievement of breadth of scope, clarity of focus, and fair-mindedness. It should have a starred place on every ordination-training reading list. * Church Times *

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Book SynopsisA masterpiece of women’s wisdom.—Christiane Northrup, M.D. The journey to capture her feminine soul and live authentically . . . makes a fascinating, well-researched and well-written story.—Publishers WeeklyIn celebration of the twentieth anniversary of its publication, a newly reissued edition of the bestselling author’s classic work of feminine spiritual discovery, with a new introduction by the author.I was amazed to find that I had no idea how to unfold my spiritual life in a feminine way. I was surprised, and, in fact, a little terrified, when I found myself in the middle of a feminist spiritual reawakening.—Sue Monk KiddFor years, Sue Monk Kidd was a conventionally religious woman. Then, in the late 1980s, she experienced an unexpected awakening, and began a journey toward a feminine spirituality. With the exceptional storytelling skills that have helped make her name,

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Book SynopsisConnect with the life-changing ministry of the Holy Spirit.Disciples of the Holy Spirit shows how a dynamic, close walk with God can be yours each day through the ministry of the Holy Spirit. As the energizer of your faith, the Spirit wants to bring you into a transforming communion with Christ. He wants to empower you to love your enemies, live without fear, and give generously out of an inner abundance. Your part? Simply yielding to him through the following spiritual disciplines: Solitude--helping you draw near to God for spiritual growth and vigor Surrender--helping you surrender to God''s will and purpose for your life, preparing you for effective ministry Service--helping you move into fellowship with others and partnership with God in reaching a broken world  As you practice the spiritual disciplines, your concept of what it means to be a Christian will acquire a new, life-changing dimension. Table of ContentsContents Preface: Hungry for Spirituality Acknowledgments I. Connecting to the Power of the Holy Spirit 1. The Power of the Holy Spirit 2. The Disciplines of the Holy Spirit II. Drawing Near to God: Disciplines of Solitude 3. Solitude and Silence 4. Listening and Guidance 5. Prayer and Intercession 6. Study and Meditation III. Yielding to God: Disciplines of Surrender 7. Repentance and Confession 8. Yielding and Submission 9. Fasting 10. Worship IV. Reaching Out to Others: Disciplines of Service 11. Fellowship 12. Simplicity 13. Service 14. Witness Epilogue: The Transformed Life Notes

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Book SynopsisThis reader offers a key selection of Emmanuel Levinas's most important philosophical writings.Trade Review"... an excellent introduction to the philosophy of Emmanuel Levinas." - The Jerusalem PostTable of ContentsSelections:Is Ontology Fundamental?Transcendence and HeightMeaning and SenseEnigma and PhenomenonSubstitutionTruth of Disclosure and Truth of TestimonyEssence and DisinterestednessGod and PhilosophyTranscendence and IntelligibilityPeace and Proximity

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Book SynopsisA clear and comprehensive explanation of the entire path to enlightenment. We all have the potential for self-transformation, and a limitless capacity for the growth of good qualities, but to fulfil this potential we need to know what to do along every stage of our spiritual journey. With this book, Geshe Kelsang offers us step-by-step guidance on the meditation practices that will lead us to lasting inner peace and happiness. With extraordinary clarity, he presents all Buddha's teachings in the order in which they are to be practised, enriching his explanation with stories and illuminating analogies. This is a perfect guidebook to the Buddhist path.Trade Review'Geshe Kelsang Gyatso both delights in and has a profound insight into the entire range of the teachings of Buddha. Difficult technical points are rendered into pleasantly readable prose, and the text as a whole is both absorbing and illuminating.' - Tibetan Review; 'This book is invaluable.' - World ReligionsTable of ContentsIllustrations; Acknowledgements; Preface; PART ONE - FOUNDATIONS AND THE INITIAL SCOPE: The Stages of the Path; The Qualities of the Author; The Qualities of the Teaching; Listening to and Teaching Dharma; Preparing for Meditation; What is Meditation?; Relying upon a Spiritual Guide; Our Precious Human Life; Meditation on Death; The Sufferings of the Lower Realms; Going for Refuge; Karma; PART TWO - THE INTERMEDIATE SCOPE: Developing the Wish to Attain Liberation; The Four Noble Truths; Meditation on True Sufferings; Delusions and Actions, Death and Rebirth; The Twelve Dependent-related Links; The Wheel of Life; The Path to Liberation; PART THREE - THE GREAT SCOPE: Entering the Mahayana; Developing Bodhichitta; Engaging in a Bodhisattva's Actions; Training the Mind in Tranquil Abiding; Training the Mind in Superior Seeing; Progressing through the Spiritual Grounds and Paths; The Vajrayana Paths; Full Enlightenment; Dedication; Appendix I - The Condensed Meaning of the Text; Appendix II - Sadhanas: 'Liberating Prayer', 'Essence of Good Fortune', 'Prayers for Meditation; Glossary; Bibliography; Study Programmes of Kadampa Tradition; Tharpa Offices Worldwide; Index

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