Religion Books

Book SynopsisDrawn from a wide range of writings and featuring state-of-the-art translations, Basic Works offers convenient access to Thomas Aquinas' most important discussions of nature, being and essence, divine and human nature, and ethics and human action.The translations all capture Aquinas's sharp, transparent style and display terminological consistency. Many were originally published in the acclaimed translation-cum-commentary series The Hackett Aquinas, edited by Robert Pasnau and Jeffrey Hause. Others appear here for the first time: Eleonore Stump and Stephen Chanderbahn's translation of On the Principles of Nature, Peter King's translation of On Being and Essence, and Thomas Williams' translations of the treatises On Happiness and On Human Acts from the Summa theologiae.Basic Works will enable students to immerse themselves in Aquinas's thought by offering his fundamental works without internal abridgements. It will also appeal to anyone in search of an up-to-date, one-volume collection containing Aquinas' essential philosophical contributions--from the Five Ways to the immortality of the soul, and from the nature of happiness to virtue theory, and on to natural law.

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Book SynopsisWhy are more and more psychotherapists embracing meditation practice, while so many Buddhists are exploring psychology? "Both psychology and Buddhism seek to provide freedom from suffering," explains Bruce Tift, "yet each offers a completely different approach for reaching this goal." In Already Free, Tift opens a fresh and provocative dialogue between these two profound perspectives on the human condition. Tift reveals how psychotherapy’s "Developmental" approach of understanding the way our childhood wounds shape our adult selves both contradicts and supports the "Fruitional" approach of Buddhism, which tells us that the freedom we seek is always available. In this investigation, he uncovers insights for connecting with authentic experience, releasing behaviors that no longer serve us, enhancing our relationships, and more. "When we use the Western and Eastern approaches together," writes Bruce Tift, "they can help us open to all of life—its richness, its disturbances, and its inherent completeness."

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Book Synopsis"The important thing is not to think much, but to love much, and so to do whatever best awakens us to love." —St. Teresa of Avila Journey to the 16th century to discover the fiery passion of Saint Teresa of Avila, one of Christianity's most inspiring saints. A tireless reformer and the mentor of Saint John of the Cross, Teresa's greatest legacy is her revelation of ecstatic love for God—a love so powerful that it pierces the heart like a burning sword. Through illness, hardship, and persecution by the Inquisition, this courageous mystic lit the way with her unquenchable spirit to an "interior castle," a place of unimaginable beauty and light where no darkness can touch us. Saint Teresa of Avila gives you a direct link to the living presence of this brave and gentle woman, to draw upon her strength in your own times of need.

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Book SynopsisTrade ReviewWolfson's new book Heidegger and Kabbalah is arguably the magnum opus of his long and productive career. It stands as a landmark study in Judaism and philosophy. -- Shaul Magid * Los Angeles Review of Books *By embracing a helix of competing paradoxes, Wolfson expertly shines the luminous speculum of kabbalah upon the darkening speculum of Heideggerean thinking to venture beyond all boundaries, opening a clearing for all future philosophical expositions of Jewish mysticism that would have otherwise been forgotten. * Religious Studies Review *Table of ContentsIntroduction: Belonging Together of the Foreign1. Hermeneutic Circularity: Tradition as Genuine Repetition of Futural Past2. Inceptual Thinking and Nonsystematic Atonality 3. Heidegger's Seyn/Nichts and Kabbalistic Ein Sof4. imum, Lichtung, and Bestowing Refusal 5. Autogenesis, Nihilating Leap, and Otherness of the Not-Other6. Temporalizing and Granting Timespace7. Disclosive Language: Poiēsis and Apophatic Occlusion of Occlusion8. Ethnolinguistic Enrootedness and Invocation of Historical Destiny Bibliography Index

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Book SynopsisOne of Sangharakshita’s outstanding contributions to Buddhism has been to survey the whole range of Buddhist schools, each with its own approach, own language and so on, and to distil out what is most fundamental. You are a Buddhist because – and only because – you Go for Refuge to the Three Jewels. But how did this become clear to him and what in any case does it actually mean practically to go for Refuge to the Buddha, Dharma and Sangha? The nine texts in this volume, composed over a period of more than thirty years, show Sangharakshita's unfolding insight into the meaning, significance and centrality of Going for Refuge. It includes some of his most important communications to the Order he founded: on the ten ethical precepts, his relation to the Order, and the history of his Going for Refuge. And in reflecting on his own bhikkhu ordination there is a challenge to some of the Buddhist world's most deeply rooted assumptions. Sangharakshita writes not just as a student and scholar but with the devotion of one who himself Goes for Refuge and seeks to share the fruits of his journey with others.

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Book SynopsisNo modern, well-versed literature lover can call their education complete without having read Augustine’s Confessions. One of the most original works of world literature, it is the first autobiography ever written, influencing writers from Montaigne to Rousseau, Virginia Woolf to Stephen Greenblatt. It is here that we learn how one of the greatest saints in Christendom overcame a wild and reckless past. Yet English translators have emphasised the ecclesiastical virtues of this masterpiece, at the expense of its passion and literary vigour. Restoring the lyricism of Augustine’s original language, Peter Constantine offers a masterful and elegant translation of Confessions.

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Book SynopsisThe Hebrew-English Diglot Testament displays the ESV Old Testament alongside the original Hebrew.

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Book SynopsisIn our hurried, everyday lives, time of day and even seasons can blur together, leaving us distanced from the natural world and spiritual rhythms.This book is a visionary and practical exploration of thoughts and meditations which can help us engage with the changing moods of the year. Rittelmeyer's descriptive sketches of the Christian festivals and subjects from the New Testament are offered as helpful spiritual signposts along the path of the year.The meditations can be used as devotions to help us deepen our own insight, and to stimulate creative and meaningful religious celebrations.

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Book SynopsisFrom the award-winning poet and playwright behind Barber Shop Chronicles, The Half-God of Rainfall is an epic story and a lyrical exploration of pride, power and female revenge.There is something about Demi. When this boy is angry, rain clouds gather. When he cries, rivers burst their banks and the first time he takes a shot on a basketball court, the deities of the land take note.His mother, Modupe, looks on with a mixture of pride and worry. From close encounters, she knows Gods often act like men: the same fragile egos, the same unpredictable fury and the same sense of entitlement to the bodies of mortals.She will sacrifice everything to protect her son, but she knows the Gods will one day tire of sports fans, their fickle allegiances and misdirected prayers. When that moment comes, it won't matter how special he is. Only the women in Demi's life, the mothers, daughters and Goddesses, will stand between him and a lightning bolt.Trade Review Praise for The Half-God of Rainfall: ‘I loved it … When I was making Good Omens and getting no time to read, I still found time to read it.’ Neil Gaiman on Twitter 'A world-beating exploration of mythology, power and sport, all stitched together by the unique and wonderful pen of Inua Ellams, a master craftsman in storytelling' Nikesh Shukla ‘If you love the swish of draining rain, you’ll love The Half God of Rainfall. Ellams creates a fresh flood of three-pointers and a Herculean dunk. The gravity of his message is as deep as a sunk shot from half-court’ Peter Khan ‘For 21st century readers who have fallen into the rhythm of the courts, this is mythopoetics at its best. By the strength of its careful braiding of song and swift slashes through a cross-pantheon of Yoruba and Greek deities, The Half-God of Rainfall stitches us into a single breath of wonder and shared delight at the journey of OluDemi Modupe. Inua Ellams possesses an intuitive and fluid grasp of the eternal virtues and heroic narratives that constitute our transglobal imaginations’ Major Jackson ‘Part Homeric-style epic, part female-focused revenge tragedy. Each line feels as though it’s carved into stone—solid, striking, glinting with beauty, but steeped in hard-edged truth. A true story for the ages, as well as for the politics of the present day’ Bridget Minamore ‘Ellams’ deeply moving epic transcends the printed word into dance and song. In reading, I became witness, worshipper and player’ C. S. Lozie ‘Inua writes in brimstone and beautiful’ William Augustus Chase Praise for Inua Ellams: ‘Ellams’ poetry gleams with a dusty, worn, deeply original beauty and he remains such wonderfully generous company’ Metro ‘There’s something uniquely 21st Century about Ellams’ voice which somehow absorbs the whole experience of colonialism without being totally defined by it’ Scotsman

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Book SynopsisA dialogue that focuses on messianism, on the relation of the Pythagorean system to the Kabbalah, and on the 'practical Kabbalah'.

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Book SynopsisAn anthology of excerpts and scriptures from a diverse selection of Christian mystics such as Francis of Assisi, Meister Eckhart, Julian of Norwich, Teresa of Avila, Thomas Merton, Bede Griffiths, and many others.The Christian mystics are a treasure of Western civilization, yet they remain little known. Andrew Harvey’s anthology confronts us with the mystics in their own words to show us how well they serve, even now, as guides for the spiritual life—and to challenge preconceived ideas about the path of Christianity. The selections here represent all eras of the Christian tradition as well as an amazing range of people who have embodied it.This book is part of the Shambhala Pocket Library series.  The Shambhala Pocket Library is a collection of short, portable teachings from notable figures across religious traditions and classic texts. The covers in this series are rendered by Colorado artist Robert Spellman. The books in this collection distill the wisdom and heart of the work Shambhala Publications has published over 50 years into a compact format that is collectible, reader-friendly, and applicable to everyday life.

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Book SynopsisA Buddhist manual for replacing an anxious, narrow, uncomfortable identity with one that is expansive, peaceful, and capable.   In the shamanic worldview of Tibet, the five elements of earth, water, fire, air, and space are accessed through the raw powers of nature and through non-physical beings associated with the natural world. The Tibetan tantric view recognizes the elements as five kinds of energy in the body and balances them with a program of yogic movements, breathing exercises, and visualizations. In Dzogchen teachings, the elements are understood to be the radiance of being, and are accessed through pure awareness.  Healing with Form, Energy, and Light offers the reader healing meditations and yogic practices on each of these levels. Tenzin Rinpoche''s purpose is to strengthen our connection to the sacred aspect of the natural world and to present a guide that explains why certain practices are necessary and in what situations practices are effective or a hindrance. And the world too is transformed from dead matter and blind processes into a sacred landscape filled with an infinite variety of living forces and beings."The secrets freely given in this volume can help us lay sound foundations for whatever yogic practice we may adopt. Tenzin Rinpoche has rendered all a great service." —Yoga Studies

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Book SynopsisA practical and inspiring guide for developing our ability to be happy and benefit others this commentary on The Thirty-Seven Practices of Bodhisattvas by Gyalsay Togme Sangpo is studied by followers of all schools of Tibetan Buddhism. The root text gives in thirty-seven short verses the essential practices leading to enlightenment. Gyalsay Togme Sangpo (1295-1369) was renowned as a bodhisattva in Tibet and revered for living according to the bodhisattva ideals and practices that he taught. He inspired not only his direct disciples but also generations of practitioners up to the present day. This extraordinary commentary by Geshe Jampa Tegchok clearly explains the popular practice of exchanging oneself with others for developing love and compassion for all living beings. It lays open the methods for doing glance stabilizing and analytical meditations and offers an in-depth discussion of the nature of emptiness. All the essentials are here for transforming our attitudes and developing courage and joy.

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Book SynopsisA guide to the famous Heart Sūtra that reveals the tenderness and compassion underlying the striking rhetoric of this popular Buddhist textThe radical message of the Heart Sūtra, one of Buddhism’s most famous texts, is a sweeping attack on everything we hold most dear: our troubles, the world as we know it, even the teachings of the Buddha himself. Several of the Buddha’s followers are said to have suffered heart attacks and died when they first heard its assertion of the basic groundlessness of our existence—hence the title of this book.Overcoming fear, the Buddha teaches, is not to be accomplished by shutting down or building walls around oneself, but instead by opening up to understand the illusory nature of everything we fear—including ourselves. In this book of teachings, Karl Brunnhölzl guides practitioners through this ‘crazy’ sutra to the wisdom and compassion that lie at its core.

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Book Synopsis Teresa Forcades, Spanish Benedictine nun, theologian, physician and political activist, is one of Europe’s leading radical thinkers. Marrying her Catholic faith with a passion for social justice, she came to prominence for her eloquent condemnation of the abuses of some of the world’s biggest pharmaceutical companies. She has gone on to found a leading Catalonian anti-capitalist independence movement and is one of the leading voices in the world today against the injustices of capitalism and the patriarchy of modern society and of her own church. In Faith and Freedom, her first book written in English, she skilfully weaves together her personal experiences with a reflection on morality, religion and politics to give a trenchant account of how the Christian faith can be a dynamic force for radical change. Placing herself in a powerful tradition of Catholic social doctrine and Liberation Theology, she applies her perspective to the issues most precious to her: freedom and love, social justice and political engagement, public health, feminism, faith and forgiveness. Structured around the five canonical hours that give its peculiar rhythm to the monastic day, this book is a thoughtful and bold polemic against the exploitation and injustice of the status quo. Its call for liberty, love and justice will resonate with anyone disaffected with a savage and destructive political and economic system that marginalises and murders the poor and undermines the very fabric of social life.Trade Review“Teresa Forcades offers a lucid and inspiring reflection on the mutually enriching relationship between contemplation and action, the spiritual and the political, faith and feminism. Structuring her book around the liturgy of the hours, she shows how the Christian life can be lived in a way that is deeply rooted in prayer and tradition, but also radically engaged with the contemporary world.”Tina Beattie, University of Roehampton “Sister Teresa's meditations, gracefully woven out of the daily Benedictine cycle of prayer, confront some of the most profound personal challenges of contemporary life. Let noone say that the religious life is a-political: Sister Teresa combines fearless intellectual analysis, radical resistance to injustice, and an unwavering commitment to the mystery and power of Christian forgiveness.” Sarah Coakley, University of Cambridge “Eye-opening and invigorating, Faith and Freedom demonstrates the power of faith combined with inquiry.”Foreword Reviews"It should be read slowly and prayerfully; there are spiritual gems on almost every page..."Franciscan"Forcades' book, her first in English, may be brief at just over a hundred pages, but with nearly every sentence containing a bit of wisdom, it requires a contemplative reading. If a reader gives the book the time it deserves, however, they will be richly rewarded."Bob Shine, Vice President of the Women's Ordination ConferenceTable of ContentsIntroductionChapter 1MATINS: LOVE AND FREEDOMthe biblical genesis and the Enuma Elish / creation vs. emanation / tzimtzum and perichorese / Augustine’s notion of freedomChapter 2LAUDS: SOCIAL JUSTICEliberation theology / the case of Guatemala / a critique of capitalism / my political experienceChapter 3SEXT: PUBLIC HEALTHpublic health systems / privatization and the WHO / the undue influence of pharmaceutical companies / medicalizationChapter 4RECREATION: FEMINISMmy experience of femininity and of feminism / the mother as object of desire / sexism in today’s society / feminist theologyChapter 5VESPERS: FAITHfaith and reason / the gospel of Judas / Gertrude of Helfta / María Jesús of ÁgredaChapter 6COMPLINE: FORGIVENESSthe testimony of a monastic sister / Lacan’s subject vs. the Christian person / Jesus’ parables / forgiveness and freedom

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Book SynopsisThere are few writers on prayer who speak with more authority than Metropolitan Anthony. In this book we can share his spirituality and his deep understanding of the link between contemplation and action in Christian life.

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Book SynopsisHow can a preacher best address suicide from the pulpit? Pastors face many challenges. Suicide in a congregation is amongst the most heart-rending and intimidating. However, the preacher has a unique capacity to engender gospel hope for preparing the congregation and comforting the bereaved. To do so, preachers need help understanding the challenges and opportunities presented by addressing suicide from the pulpit. In Preaching Hope in Darkness, two practitioners in fields that do not typically interact--homiletics (Scott M. Gibson) and psychology (Karen Mason)--work together to support the preacher in this difficult task. Gibson and Mason offer wise advice on a range of topics such as suicide prevention, post-crisis care, and funeral sermon preparation. With an appendix of sample sermons and a sample funeral liturgy, Preaching Hope in Darkness is an essential go-to guide for this difficult topic.

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Book SynopsisInterprets satisfaction within the context of the divine mercy and not the divine justice. This unique contribution to satisfaction studies owes a great deal to the achievement of Saint Thomas Aquinas. In this sense, the book enacts a retrieval of the theology of the high classical period.

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Book SynopsisBeautifully-illustrated, matt-finished, lined notebooks with a Bible verse at the foot of each page.

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Book SynopsisWhat you believe is everything!Break free from bondages and live a life of victory through inspiring bite-sized teachings that will help you develop highly effective habits for right believing.Each daily experience includes: Today''s Scripture: A scripture to meditate on to recalibrate your mind and believe right about God''s heart and plans for you. Today''s Excerpt: A key truth about right believing that ministers and delivers God''s transforming grace to you. Today''s Thought: An uplifting, liberating, and powerful thought for the day. Today''s Reflection: A place to journal your thoughts and reflections. Today''s Prayer: A simple but powerful prayer to help you express your heart to your heavenly Father.

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Book SynopsisA beautifully compelling and liberating guide to the original nature of Zen in ancient China by renowned author and translator David Hinton.Buddhism migrated from India to China in the first century C.E., and Ch''an (Japanese: Zen) is generally seen as China''s most distinctive and enduring form of Buddhism. In China Root, however, David Hinton shows how Ch''an was in fact a Buddhist-influenced extension of Taoism, China''s native system of spiritual philosophy. Unlike Indian Buddhism''s abstract sensibility, Ch''an was grounded in an earthy and empirically-based vision. Exploring this vision, Hinton describes Ch''an as a kind of anti-Buddhism. A radical and wild practice aspiring to a deeply ecological liberation: the integration of individual consciousness with landscape and with a Cosmos seen as harmonious and alive.In China Root, Hinton describes this original form of Zen with his trademark clarity and elegance, each chapter exploring in enlightening ways a core Ch''an concept--such as meditation, mind, Buddha, awakening--as it was originally understood and practiced in ancient China. Finally, by examining a range of standard translations in the Appendix, Hinton reveals how this original understanding and practice of Ch''an/Zen is almost entirely missing in contemporary American Zen, because it was lost in Ch''an''s migration from China through Japan and on to the West.Whether you practice Zen or not, taking this journey on the wings of Hinton''s remarkable insight and powerful writing will transform how you understand yourself and the world.

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Book SynopsisBrand-new stories of witches and witchcraft written by popular female fantasy authors, including Kelley Armstrong, Rachel Caine and Sherrilyn Kenyon writing in their own bestselling universes! These are tales of witches, wickedness, evil and cunning. Stories of disruption and subversion by today's women you should fear. Including Kelley Armstrong, Rachel Caine and Sherrilyn Kenyon writing in their own bestselling universes. These witches might be monstrous, or they might be heroes, depending on their own definitions. Even the kind hostess with the candy cottage thought of herself as the hero of her own story. After all, a woman's gotta eat. Bring out your dread.Trade Review"a great selection for anyone who wants to get a jump-start on Halloween" - Black Gate

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Book SynopsisKyabje Tulku Urgyen Rinpoche's impeccable qualities were evident to all who met him and received pith instructions and empowerments from him. His teachings on mind nature and the path of the Great Perfection were unparalled. He had confidence and utterly pure trust based on the personal, direct understanding that buddha nature really is present in every sentient being. Just like oil is present in each and every sesame seed, any sentient being can realize the awakened state and thus has the basis for enlightenment.These pith instructions in Vajra Heart Revisited are concise, brilliant expositions on the path of Trekcho, starting with the ground, the preliminaries, shamatha, and viphashyana, Three Vital Words, up to and including teachings on guru yoga, and bardo. They are extremely clear explanations on all aspect of practice that the Dzogchen yogi can use as a manual of guidance and inspiration. They include key topics such as differentiating mind and awareness and threefold sky practice, among others. It is all that is necessary to attain full mastery and realization.The depth of Kyabje Tulku Urgyen Rinpoche's actual understanding was unsurpassed, and many Nyingma and Kagyü masters stood in awe of his comprehensive knowledge. He had thoroughly studied and practiced the Atiyoga, and his teachings on Dzogchen transformed the lives of those he touched with gentle, penetrating clarity. As a meditation teacher and a master of initiations, he was without peer.As he said, We should focus our minds on simplicity, the state of buddhahood, nonconceptual wakefulness Although you will not arrive at enlightenment immediately, if you aim towards it, as if intending to go to Bodhgaya, then no matter what happens on the way, if you never give up you will arrive. Since harm occurs in the mind, whatever disturbances arise in this body from aggregates, elements, and sense factors, just let go again and again into unfabricated naturalness. Then you will reach your destination, the state of Buddhahood.

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Book SynopsisAs technology increases your accessibility, it becomes harder to mute the background noise of your life and receive God''s guidance. Joyce Meyer calls this OVERLOAD, when the demands of your busy life become all-consuming and overwhelming. But to experience the joyful life God has planned, you must make time to focus on His Word. Then you''ll receive His healing calmness and gain the strength to take on life''s challenges, from physical ailments to problems in relationships. Through the practical advice and Scriptural wisdom in this book, you''ll learn how to unplug and free yourself from burdens that weigh you down. You''ll gain simple, effective tips for better rest and stress management and discover the fulfilling life you were meant to lead.Trade ReviewJoyce's book had a significant impact on my life * Esther Kuku, Premier Gospel Radio presenter *Sound practical advice and scriptural wisdom from the prolific pen of Joyce Meyer. * The Methodist Recorder *

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Book SynopsisThis parallel Bible allows you to compare side-by-side the rich nuances of meaning offered by the NIV/KJV/NASB/Amplified translations. Each two-page spread contains a complete Scripture portion from four popular Bible translations for easy comparison and study.

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Book SynopsisThe resurrection is the Big Story that turned a little Jewish protest movement into a world-transforming religion. And yet by Easter Monday we've almost forgotten about it and are planning our summer holidays. How can we re-capture the explosive power of the resurrection that ricocheted around the world? How can we live in the glow of resurrection and be an Easter people? How can 'there and then' become 'here and now'? That's what the On the Third Day course sets out to explore and discuss. The five sessions focus on: Session 1: Have I got news for you! Session 2: So what? The implications of the resurrection Session 3: ‘Let him Easter in us’: Personal discipleship in the light of the resurrection Session 4: Celebrating and praying Easter Session 5: A risen Church The course booklet of On the Third Day is accompanied by a lively CD, where Canon Simon Stanley grills New Testament scholar and author Tom Wright, writer Paul Vallely, Methodist minister Ruth Gee, and the Church of England’s first woman bishop, Libby Lane. This York Course is available in the following formats Course Book (Paperback 9781909107199) Course Book (eBook 9781915843173) Audio Book of Interview to support On the Third Day York Course (CD 9781915843104) Audio Book of Interview (Digital Download 9781915843098) Transcript of interview to support On the Third Day York Course (Paperback 9781909107205) Transcript of interview (eBook 9781915843180) Book Pack (9781739182014 Featuring Paperback Course Book, Audio Book on CD and Paperback Transcript of Interview) Large print (9781739182021)Trade ReviewAccessibly weaves substantial theology with Bible study, emphasizing that we need to unfamiliarize ourselves with the Bible, letting its sheer strangeness jolt us. Plenty of personal glimpses and fascinating detail include an Orthodox priest protesting that a prostitute is not a sinner, but an icon in the dustbin . . . * Church Times on GOD HAS NO FAVOURITES *The York Courses format is tried and tested . . . Leading us in theology and ecclesiology are a mix of activist and academic, also ecumenical [contributors]. The sessions are scholarly but not inaccessible . . . a clear outline of "environmental justice" . . . An ideal resource for individuals or groups. * New Directions on CARING FOR CREATION *An informative course . . . Caring for Creation digs deeper into issues, and is particularly good at calling out misplaced Christian attitudes. * Church Times on CARING FOR CREATION *

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Book SynopsisImagining the divine as female is rareeven controversialin most religions. Hinduism, by contrast, preserves a rich and continuous tradition of goddess worship. A Garland of Forgotten Goddesses conveys the diversity of this tradition by bringing together a fresh array of captivating and largely overlooked Hindu goddess tales from different regions. As the first such anthology of goddess narratives in translation, this collection highlights a range of sources from ancient myths to modern lore. The goddesses featured here battle demons, perform miracles, and grant rare Tantric visions to their devotees. Each translation is paired with a short essay that explains the goddess's historical and social context, elucidating the ways religion adapts to changing times.Trade Review"The volume offers impactful contributions to discussions of religion, culture, history, literature, and gender. The artful translations and studies remain accessible to the lay audience for which the work is intended (though perhaps slightly challenging in the more academic sections), while also offering unique content that will appeal to specialists in the field." * Religion *"A Garland of Forgotten Goddesses is a welcome supplement to the crowded subfield of studies on Hindu goddesses. It is certain to adorn syllabi and reading lists of both undergraduate classes on Hinduism and more advanced seminars on female divinities. Its contributors deserve many garlands and accolades for being part of this fine work." * Reading Religion *"A Garland of Forgotten Goddesses is a resplendent work on lesser explored goddess traditions that, through these English translations, are rendered accessible to a larger audience. It is laudable for reading the diverse traditions in their own light. . . . a valuable source to students, scholars, and readers of the Indian goddess traditions, South Asian studies, Indology, and Hindu studies." * Asian Affairs *Table of ContentsList of Illustrations Preface Acknowledgments Introduction Part One. Demons and Battle 1. Bhadrakālī: Slaying the Demon in the Backwaters Noor van Brussel 2. Cāmundi and Uttanahalli: Sisters of the Mysuru Hills Caleb Simmons 3. Kauśikī: The Virgin Demon Slayer Judit Törzsök 4. The Seven Mothers: Origin Tales from Two Early Medieval Purānas Shaman Hatley Part Two. Miracles and Devotees 5. Svasthānī: Goddess of One’s Own Place Jessica Vantine Birkenholtz 6. Kailā Devī: The Great Goddess as Local Avatar of Miracles R. Jeremy Saul 7. Bahucarā Mātā: She Who Roams Widely Darry Dinnell 8. Rāstrasenā: Hawk Goddess of the Mewar Mountains Adam Newman Part Three. Tantras and Magic 9. Rangda in the Calon Arang: A Tale of Magic Thomas M. Hunter and Ni Wayan Pasek Ariati 10. Tvaritā: The Swift Goddess Michael Slouber 11. Kāmeśvarī: Visualizing the Goddess of Desire Anna A. Golovkova 12. Avyapadeśyā: Indefinable Kālī Olga Serbaeva Glossary List of Deities and Characters Primary Sources References List of Contributors Index

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Book SynopsisTrade Review"Roberts makes Confucius an engaging figure. . . it’s as if we were actually talking to Confucius." * Asian Review of Books *Table of ContentsDedication and Acknowledgments Introductory Remarks Book One: Learning pursued . . . Book Two: Exerting political authority . . . Book Three: Eight rows of dancers . . . Book Four: Surrounded by the humane . . . Book Five: Gongye Chang is wived . . . Book Six: Our Yong here . . . Book Seven: I do not innovate . . . Book Eight: Taibo’s virtue . . . Book Nine: Rarely did Confucius speak . . . Book Ten: Home in his locale . . . Book Eleven: Those who first entered . . . Book Twelve: Yan Yuan asked about Ren . . . Book Thirteen: Zilu asked about governing . . . Book Fourteen: Xian asked about shame . . . Book Fifteen: Lord Ling asked about marshaling troops . . . Book Sixteen: The Jisun clan prepares to attack . . . Book Seventeen: Yang Huo sought a meeting . . . Book Eighteen: Weizi quit his office . . . Book Nineteen: Zizhang said . . . Book Twenty: Yao hath said . . . Appendix A: Terms and Titles Appendix B: A Timeline for Confucius’s Life Selected Bibliography

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Book SynopsisHow did a group of scared peasants from a backwater of the Roman empire – followers of an executed criminal – form the largest religion on the planet? The story of Christianity, its transformation from an illegal sect to the religion of emperors, kings and presidents, and its spread across the globe, is an endlessly fascinating one. The History of Christianity gives readers an overview of these extraordinary 2,000 years. It is a history not only of how Christianity has changed the world, but also of how the world has changed Christianity. The nine chapters that constitute this volume are arranged almost chronologically and take us from the first Christians to Christian Rome, the Byzantine period, and the spread of Christianity in Russia and in Europe right up to the Reformation. Boxed features throughout the volume highlight especially important figures or themes from eachof these periods. The History of Christianity: The Early Church to the Reformation will be welcomed by all those wanting a lively and engaging presentation of the people, events, places, and plain curiosities that have formed the Christian story.Table of ContentsCONTENTSTimeline of Christian History 9Introduction 171. Christian Beginnings 19The Setting 19The Roman Empire 19Palestine 20Judaism 21The First Christians 26The Resurrection 26Jesus (Peter Walker) 27Pentecost 30The Christian Community 31Divisions and Disagreements 33A theology of mission: Paul(Jonathan Hill) 35Christian Writings 38The Faith of the Christians 39Living in the Last Days 39Faith in Christ 40The ‘New Israel’ 44Life in the Church 46The Christian Rites 46Leading the Community 48The Spread of Christianity 50Church and Synagogue 50Christianity in the Empire 53Beyond the Empire 55 2. The Young Church 58The Roman Empire 58Christianity in the Empire 60Becoming a Christian 60Leading the Community 62The Christian Life 66Ignatius of Antioch (Thomas Weinandy) 67The Catacombs 70The Christian Problem 71Hellenistic Culture 76Hellenistic Philosophy 77Hellenistic Religion 77Other Religions in the Empire 78The Hellenizing of Christianity 80The Decline of Jewish Christianity 80Institutions and Rites 82Hellenistic Theology 83Heresy, Orthodoxy and the Birth of Theology 84The New Prophecy 84Ebionism 85Gnosticism 85The Foundation of Orthodoxy 87A Christian philosophy: Origen (John McGuckin) 89The Role of Scripture 91 3. Christian Rome 96The Conversion of Constantine 96Christians in a Christian Empire 98The Arian Conflict 102Arius 102The Council of Nicaea 103The Crisis Deepens 105Athanasius, Hilary and Gregory of Nazianzus (Andrew Louth) 106The Crisis Resolved 109The Monks 111Antony of Egypt 111The Desert Fathers 112The Monastic Ideal 114New Disputes 115Jovinianism 116Pelagianism 116Augustine (Andrew Knowles) 118Schism 120The Empire Crumbles 121The Christological Controversy 126Cyril of Alexandria (Thomas Weinandy) 128 4. Africa, the Middle East andthe Missions East 131The Monophysite Movement and the Byzantine Empire 131Pseudo-Dionysius the Areopagite (Paul Rorem) 135The Monophysites and the Middle Eastern Wars 136Monophysitism Outside the Empire 138The Armenian Church 138Ethiopia 139The Nubian Kingdoms 141The Church of the East 143A Nestorian Church? 144Eastern Spirituality, from Ephraim the Syrian to Isaac of Nineveh (John Healey) 147Missions to the East 148Central Asia 149The Early Chinese Church 150The Mongols and the Yuan Dynasty 151The Malabar Church 152Nestorians in Indonesia 154The Coming of Islam 155The Church of the East under Islam 157Nubia in the Age of Islam 161Ethiopia in the Age of Islam 164New Dynasties, New Wars 165The Sabbatarian Controversy 166 5. The Byzantine Empire 168Byzantium and the Orthodox Church 168Emperors, Churches and Heaven on Earth 168The Monasteries 174Christ on Earth and Christ in Paint: The Controversies 176The Three Chapters 176Monotheletism 177From Monotheletism to Iconoclasm 179The Isaurians 179The Female Emperor and the Second Council of Nicaea 182The Final Phase 183Other Nations, Other Churches 185Rome 185Avars, Slavs, Bulgars and Magyars 186The Filioque (Thomas Graumann) 187Missions to Eastern Europe 189A Dwindling Empire 192New Heresies 193New Enemies, New Defeats 195The Last Days 197Gregory Palamas (Constantine Scouteris) 201 6. A New Europe 204Europe After the Empire 204Italy under the Ostrogoths 205Spain under the Visigoths 207The Franks 208Celtic Christianity 209The Conversion of Ireland 210A Monastic Church 210The development of the monasteries (Thomas O’Loughlin) 212The Celtic Missions 214The Rise of the Papacy 215The Bishops of Imperial Rome 215The Papacy and the Barbarians 217Mission and the Spread of Papal Power 219The church in England (Stephen Platten) 220Christianity and paganism (Lesley Abrams) 223Christianity in the Vice: The Late Dark Ages 224Al-Andalus and the Mozarebs 225The Carolingians 226The Age of Charlemagne 227The Carolingian Renaissance 229Tradition and innovation in ninth-century theology (Elina Screen) 231Hungary: The Eastern Border 232The Vikings 233 7. The High Middle Ages 237Medieval Europe 237The Emergence of Nations 237The Feudal System 238Feudalism and the Church 239Spirituality, Reform and the Papacy 240The Cluniac Movement 240Corruption and Reform 241Medieval religious life (Justin Clegg) 243Carthusians and Cistercians 247Innocent III and the Fourth Lateran Council 249The Friars 251Francis and Clare (Michael Robson) 253The World of Faith and Reason 255Early Scholasticism 255Scholasticism Develops 257The Flowering of Scholasticism 258Thomas Aquinas (Richard Cross) 260Buildings and Beauty 262Christendom and Its Neighbours 263Relations with the Byzantine Church 264The Crusades 266The Crusades and Europe 268Heresy and Orthodoxy 271The Waldensians 271The Cathars 273The Inquisition (Edward Peters) 275The Decline of the Middle Ages 277The Avignon Captivity and the Great Schism 278Critics and Reformers 280 8. Russia: The Heir of Byzantium 283The Conversion of the Russians 283Vladimir and the Links to Byzantium 284Christianity Becomes Established 285The Third Rome 286The Church under the Tatars 286Christianizing the Russians Paul Steeves) 287The Threat from the West 289The Rise of Moscow 291Art, Architecture and Christian Culture 293Ivan ‘The Terrible’ 294Ivan IV, the Hundred Chapters Council and a new state church (Paul Steeves) 295Monasticism and Spirituality 297The Russian Monasteries 297Russian Mysticism 300The Holy Fools 301Early Modern Russia 302The Time of Troubles 303The Great Sovereign 303Sects and Schismatics 304 9. The Reformation 306The Renaissance 306New Economies, New Societies 306Back to Basics 307Humanism and the cult of the ‘text’ (Kenneth Austin) 308Mysticism and Science 309The condemnation of Galileo (David Lindberg) 310Backlashes 314The Renaissance Papacy 315The Early Reformation 318Martin Luther and the 95 Theses 318The New Churches 322The Swiss Reformation 324The Radical Reformation 326The Church of England 327The Catholic Response 331The Council of Trent 332A new spirituality: The Carmelite mystics (Edward Howells) 333The Jesuits 336The Later Reformation 339John Calvin and the Reformed Tradition 339The Protestant Rome (Carl Trueman) 341Europe Divided 343Baptists and Quakers 347Witch hunting (Allison Coudert) 349The Wars of Religion 351Glossary 355Contributors 365Bibliography 367

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Book SynopsisThis is an edition of the presumed editio princeps of the printed Roman Missal, in the Ambrosian Library, Milan, S.Q.N. 11.14. The collation with other copies and the indices are vol. 33 of this series.

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Book SynopsisThis is a revised and updated edition of this seminal work on the responses of Islam to the modern world. Starting with the present-day condition of man in the modern world and the dilemma of the present-day Muslim, Seyyed Hossein Nasr discusses the interchange that has continued between Islam and the West over the centuries. The author then proceeds to examine the profound struggle in the Muslim world between the Islamic tradition and Western ideologies and culture concentrating on the present situations in the Arab world, in Iran, in India and in Pakistan.In addition to a new preface, this revised edition of Islam and the Plight of Modern Man includes two new chapters: ''Islam at the Dawn of the Third Christian Millennium'', and ''Reflections on Islam and the West: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow''.

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Book SynopsisBede Griffiths was well-known during his lifetime for his efforts to harmonize the spiritual practices of East and West, but the full range of his influence is only just becoming widely appreciated. In this biography, Shirley du Boulay shows his transformation from an idealistic, highly intelligent schoolboy into a man of profound wisdom who was revered by many as a holy man and a living saint. After a long and eventful journey, often filled with controversy and anguish, Griffiths eventually attained a spiritual wholeness at the Shantivanam ashram in India that is granted to few. It enabled him to express in simple and direct terms the underlying unity of religions, that beyond the darkness is "that Great Person, of the brightness of the sun".

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Book SynopsisWhat was Jesus of Nazareth really like? What effect did he have on those he met and befriended? How did he impart his teachings and perform his miracles? This book explores these questions through Joseph of Arimathea, one of the most enigmatic characters of the gospel.

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Book SynopsisA sequel to two collections of short songs ("Come All You People" and "There Is One Among Us") for use in worship. It is suitable for small choirs, social justice enthusiasts, multiculturalists and those who regard themselves a global Christian.

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