Religion Books

Book SynopsisWith Numinous Seditions, celebrated poet and essayist Tim Lilburn investigates inner dispositions that might help us bear the new sorrows of the climate crisis. The book draws from the West’s almost forgotten contemplative tradition in its Platonic, Islamic, Christian, and Zoharic forms. It also explores ideas from modern philosophers Jan Zwicky, Gillian Rose, Dorothy Day, and Simone Weil, and from contemporary poets Don Domanski, Philip Kevin Paul, Anne Szumigalski, and Roberto Harrison. Lilburn suggests that listening, noticing, reading, and stretching our imaginations are all part of an interior stance that can assist with the difficult tasks of forming deep relationships with the land, with Indigenous peoples, and with pedagogy itself. Numinous Seditions is for scholars and readers interested in poetry, environmental philosophy, and in the possibility of a contemplative politics.Trade Review"Numinous Seditions proposes to expand the human imagination with a call to renewed vision. It invites the reader into active, thoughtful engagement with arguably the most crucial question of our time: what can I make of myself, in the world we have made for ourselves?" H. L. Hix, University of Wyoming"Among the book’s ample gifts are its refusal of confected hope and its hosting of a larger conversation. Here Ibn ‘Arabī brushes foreheads with Anne Szumigalski, Andrew Ahenakew’s polar bear shares the sky with the angel of pseudo-Dionysius. In contemplating shards of ancient wisdom, Lilburn seeks the grace needed to grieve the conflagration of the world." Warren Heiti, author of Attending: An Ethical Art“The lucent essays gathered in Tim Liburn’s new book offer what they adumbrate: a ‘refugium for attentiveness,’ opening lines of earthbound thought, enriching our lexicon, and retrieving forgotten practices in order to cultivate a contemplative, compassionate, and creative modus vivendi in the midst of the unspeakable sorrow of ecological unravelling, climatic disruption, and the continuing legacies of imperialist violence. Amongst them is a meditation on lectio divina that might be taken as a guide for reading these essays themselves, many of them tending towards the fragmentary, punctuated with pauses, and all of them replete with invitations to see, feel, and imagine otherwise.” Kate Rigby, author of Meditations on Creation in an Era of ExtinctionTable of ContentsPreface New Sadness Interiority and Climate Change Contemplative Practices, Contemplative Pedagogies Hoping for Something to Appear | The Poetry of Don Domanski Poetry’s Practice of Philosophy | Anne Szumigalski Reading William Chittick Reading Ibn ‘Arabi Happy Incompetencies, the Self’s Other Routes Poverty and the Doom of Acedia Ontological Loneliness and the Balm of Metaphor Two Readings on Snow, Two Readings on Sorrow In the Time of Extreme Heat, In the Time of the Discovery of Unmarked Graves at the Site of Residential Schools Numinous Seditions Dream Coda Glossary Reading Index

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Book SynopsisThe 'great fish' has probably made Jonah the best known of the twelve minor prophets of the Old Testament. The book bearing his name, comprising just 48 verses, has tantalized and intrigued its readers throughout the ages. However, undue preoccupation with the fish may cause us to miss what is actually going on in this narrative. Although the story of Jonah seems fairly straightforward on the surface, Rosemary Nixon explores its fascinating complexity to show how the author grapples with conflicting perceptions of God. While we might question some of the story's extra-ordinary features, we ourselves are also questioned by the God who called Jonah, and challenged to hear His word afresh. The Bible Speaks Today series covers every book of the Old and New Testaments, as well as Bible themes that run through the whole of Scripture. These revised editions are redesigned inside and out and have been sensitively updated with contemporary language and Bible translations to help you follow, study and teach the Bible in today's world.

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Book SynopsisThe internet is a tool box, not a toy box. Social media platforms are some of the tools we can use for building one another up. This is a guide on handing these tools, carefully. Social media is a tool that can be good. It can connect us with friends and family with an immediacy that previous generations could only wonder at. But it can also be used unwisely. Whether it’s harsh words, regrettable posts, or excessive scrolling, we should think about how God wants us to engage with social media. What does the Bible teach us? Jason Thacker’s helpful guide will help students explore the wisest ways to use social media.Trade ReviewStudents often ask, ‘where do I start?’ when attempting to comprehend and navigate the challenges of our digital age. A Student’s Guide to Social Media provides a solid launching point to understanding the difficulties of the digital age and how to faithfully navigate them while remaining rooted in the Christian faith. -- Katie Frugé (Director of Center for Cultural Engagement & The Christian Life Commission, Baptist General Convention of Texas)To use your tools well, it is crucial that you understand how they will attempt to shape your heart, mind, and soul. For that reason and many more I highly recommend reading A Student’s Guide to Social Media. -- Tim Challies (Author, ‘Seasons of Sorrow’)This is a short, important and a book that will help us all to reflect on our use of social media – or should that be social media’s use of us? -- David Robertson (Well–known pastor and apologist)We are always being discipled; either by culture or Christ. A danger of the world’s discipleship is that it often goes unnoticed. Track: Social Media wonderfully aids us in remaining sober–minded as we engage with social media to ensure that our use of technology conforms us to Christ, not culture. -- J. Garrett Kell (Pastor, Del Ray Baptist Church, Alexandria, Virginia)Jason Thacker is one of today’s foremost experts on ethics and technology. He’s also a godly family man whose love for Christ shines through in his writing. In this new addition to the RYM track series, Thacker helps youth grow in wisdom, giving them a clear framework for thinking theologically and acting ethically in their increasingly confusing online social world. -- Jared Kennedy (Editor, The Gospel Coalition)

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Book SynopsisNEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER ? Theauthor of Get Out of Your Head provides a revolutionary path to embracing a healthy relationship with your emotions, one that leads to life-giving connection with God and others as well as to a richer understanding of yourself.?This book is worth thousands of dollars of counseling.??Jonathan Pokluda, bestselling author and host of the Becoming Something podcastHow often have you heard, ?Don?t let your emotions get the best of you?? But what if instead of ignoring our feelings, we noticed them, named them, and let God use them to draw us closer to Himself and others?Many of us need to unlearn damaging messages about our emotions. We?ve been taught, for example, that emotions are untrustworthy, when, in fact, God can use them to help us see where we need His healing.In Untangle Your Emotions, Jennie Allen uses scientific research, biblical insight, and her own story to help you? exchange stuffing, dismissing, or minimizing your emotions for a five-step process to know what you feel and what to do about it? debunk the myth that feelings are sinful by learning how emotional maturity leads to deeper connection with God and others? live emotionally healthy by applying biblical wisdom and therapeutic research that works whether you self-identify as ?emotional? or not? sit with feelings that are confusing and painful by discovering the depth of God?s love and compassion for youFeelings aren?t something to fix; they are something to feel. As we discover how to name and navigate our emotions, we?ll learn how they can draw us closer to the God who built us?soul, mind, and heart.

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Book SynopsisBible teacher Lisa Harper exposes the utter humanity and compassion of Jesus shared by Luke. Dive deep into the well of perhaps the most common-man exposition of what a gift Jesus is in this new Beautiful Word Series study.

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Book SynopsisWe live in an ever-increasingly complex world, but refreshment waits for you within these pages. Escape the anxiety—the let-downs, the distractions, the chaos—and color your way toward a quiet soul.Escape the stress of daily life and color your way toward quietness and strength. Even in our hectic world, God''s mercy and faithfulness are available. Slow down with this attractive, Bible-based adult coloring book and let God''s mercy and goodness renew your soul.With more than 90 pages of unique patterns and inspiring selections of Scripture and quotations alongside original illustrations from author and artist Jennifer Tucker, New Mercies I See invites you to turn down the volume, be still, and relax in God''s goodness. A beautiful way to relieve anxiety and treat yourself to the vital practice of self-care, this exquisitely designed adult coloring book features: 96 single-sided pages of art and inspiring text A la

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Book SynopsisTrade Review"A compact and serious academic work. With ten pages of bibliography and extensive footnotes, Farneth offers readers a wide-ranging survey of contemporary thinking on social theory and the nature and history of rituals."---Emily Soloff, The Christian Century "A welcome contribution to ritual studies and to the study of religion and politics by offering a nuanced and compelling account of ritual activities and their public/political role. . . . Farneth’s combination of theoretical acuity, lucid writing and argumentation, and frequent use of examples make this text a valuable resource. - Nicholas Buck, Reading Religion "

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Book SynopsisBased on vast clinical experience and breakthrough research, Shaunti Feldhahn and renowned sex therapist Dr. Michael Sytsma identify eight simple, transformational factors to help you and your spouse create the marriage you've always wanted. A fascinating, practical field guide to help you understand your spouse and move from disconnection to delight.

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Book SynopsisA clear, concise and detailed historical analysis of the eclectic and beautiful visual and material culture of paganism. For more than a thousand years, a diverse range of peoples, from Ireland to India and from the Andes to Australia, have been labelled âPaganâ by the Christians who encountered them. Since the twentieth century new groups have emerged â wiccans, druids, neo-shamans and heathens â who openly call themselves Pagans. But who are these Pagans and what do they believe? Which gods and goddesses do they revere? Do they worship nature? Do they practise divination and magic? From sacred plants imbued with supernatural powers to hand-carved amulets that repel evil, and from mischievous spirits of nature to holy mountains, Pagans find divine value in the natural world and spiritual significance in the material universe. Delve within these pages and examine the myriad paintings and sculptures, shrines and ceremonial objects that reveal the stories, symbols and rituals of PagTrade Review'A beautiful book … provides the reader with a very comprehensive picture of Paganism and the many different forms it can take' - Alexander Alich, University of Birmingham'This exploration of non-Abrahamic religious traditions has such visual punch that art lovers will be quickly converted' - RA Magazine'Corrects misconceptions and explains [Pagans’] intricate belief systems and rich histories, some stretching back to the dawn of civilization... Some of the book's most intriguing material focuses on practices that are nearly extinct today' - New York Daily NewsTable of ContentsIntroduction Ancient Ways 1: Goddesses + Gods 2: Myths + Legends 3: Numinous Nature Ritual 1: Sacred Sites 2: Witchcraft 3: Oracles + Divination Community 1: Festivals 2: Embodied Faith 3: Journeying

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Book SynopsisTradesmen look at buildings differently, depending on their trade: The carpenter casts an eye on the woodwork, the bricklayer on the brickwork and the painter on the walls and ceilings. Similarly, the greater a person's perception of Allāh’s names, the greater their alertness and understanding of life. Nothing passes them by, without thought and contemplation.When they see a display of mercy, they automatically and very naturally reflect on the names of Allah; Al-Rahīm” (The Most Merciful), Al-Ra’ūf (The Pitying), Al-Wadūd (The Affectionate). When they sense might and awe, they are overcome with the names “Al-Jabbār” (The Compeller), “Al-Muntaqim” (The Avenger) and “Al-Qahhār” (The Subduer). Eventually, they reach a station where every scene that unfolds, any sin which presents itself or any opportunity that drifts by, becomes a trigger for perusal and the remembrance of Allāh, the achievement of which is precisely the objective of this book.Table of Contents1. Tazkiyat al-nafs/purification of the soul and Allah’s Names 2. Principles that govern one’s understanding of Allah’s Names3. The Majestic Name Allah 4. The Majestic Name al-Hadi (The Ever -guiding) 5. The Majestic Name al-Hafiz (The Ever-Preserver) 6. The Majestic Name al-Fattah (The Oft-Opener) 7. The Majestic Name al-Shafi (The Healer)8. The Majestic Name al-Jabbar (The Ever-Restorer) 9. The Majestic Name al-Wakil (The Ultimate Trustee or The Ever-Disposer of Affairs) 10. The Majestic Name al-Ghafur (The Ever-Forgiving)11. The Majestic Name Al-Malik (The King)12. The Majestic Name Al-Dayyan (The Recompensor)13. The Majestic Name Al-Barr (The Ever Doer of Good)14. The Majestic Names Al-Sami[ (The All- Hearing) and Al-Baṣir (The All- Seeing)15. The Majestic Name Al-Khaliq (The Creator)16. The Majestic Name al-Halim/(the Forbearing, the Clement)17. The Majestic Name Al-Karim (the Generous)18. The Majestic Name al-Qarib (The Near)19. The Majestic Name al-Latif (the Ever Subtle) 20. The Majestic Name al-Nasir (The Granter of victory)21. The Majestic Names al-Rahman and al-Rahim (The Most Merciful) 22. The Majestic Name al-Samad (The Everlasting Refuge)23. The Majestic Name al-Ḥaqq (The Absolute Truth)24. The Majestic Name al-Ahad (The Only One)25. The Majestic Name al-[Aziz (The Mighty)

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Book SynopsisSasson's new book is a retelling of the story of the women's request for ordination. Inspired in particular by the Therigatha and building on years of research and experience in the field, Sasson follows Vimala, Patachara, Bhadda Kundalakesa, and many others as they walk through the forest to request full access to the tradition. The Buddha's response to this request is famously complicated and multi-faceted; he eventually accepts women into the Order, but attaches specific and controversial conditions (garudhammas). Sasson invites us to think about who these first Buddhist women might have been, what they hoped to achieve, and what these conditions might have meant to them thereafter. By shaping her research into a story, Sasson invites readers to imagine a world that continues to inspire and complicate Buddhist narrative to this day.Table of ContentsIntroduction Many Years Later: Vimala Remembers Chapter 1: The Buddha Said No Chapter 2: Vimala’s Story Begins Chapter 3: The Leap Chapter 4: The Gathering Chapter 5: The Past Comes Charging In Many Years Later: Vimala and Darshani Chapter 6: The Walking Begins Chapter 7: Patachara Chapter 8: Beads and Mirrors Chapter 9: The Long Road Chapter 10: Flying Horses Chapter 11: The Flying Sage Chapter 12: River Mud Chapter 13: Vesali Chapter 14: Hollowed-Out Mess Chapter 15: The Great Woman Tree Chapter 16: Bhadda Kundalakesa Chapter 17: Muttering and Mad Chapter 18: Motherhood Lost and Found Chapter 19: Ananda Chapter 20: The Eight Heavies Many Years Later: The Great Immensity Study Questions

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Book Synopsis‘Give thanks to YHWH, for he is good, for his covenant faithfulness endures for ever’ (Ps. 136:1; a.t.) There are now numerous models that seek to explain how the biblical covenants relate to one another. In an attempt to evaluate these models, James Hely Hutchinson mines the rich seams of the book of Psalms. After covering the key data on covenant relationships in Books 1–3 of the psalter, Hely Hutchinson considers the perplexity expressed in the pivotal Psalm 89: in the face of the exile, the promises to David appear to be null and void. The building blocks of the response lie with the first five books of the Bible, and chiefly with the inviolable character of the promises to Abraham (Book 4 of the psalter). However, if the Abrahamic covenant is to reach fulfilment, the problem of sin must be dealt with once and for all, and a glorious new-covenant regime must be established in which a host of covenants converge in their fulfilment. Central to this regime, which lies beyond the exile, is the eternal rule of David’s superior, righteous seed and son who is also a perpetual priest and a suffering servant (Book 5). Identifying new-covenant newness as ‘eschatological satisfaction (fulfilment)’ and ‘transcendent inauguration’, Hely Hutchinson tackles a range of matters that contribute to our understanding of the contours of redemptive history. The overall aim is to enhance readers’ grasp of God’s breath-taking salvation plan, ability to handle Scripture aright and worship of the Master.Trade ReviewCreative, thoughtful, and attuned to the interconnectedness of Scripture... Pastors preaching on the Psalms will glean from Hutchinson's work, and students and scholars will reap a bountiful harvest. * D. A. Carson & Benjamin L. Gladd *James Hely Hutchinson carefully traces the place of the biblical covenants within the book of Psalms, demonstrating both their importance for the canonical shape of the book and also why this matters for us today. Widely read and closely attentive to the text, this is a vital treatment of this important topic. * David G. Firth, Trinity College Bristol *In this book, James Hely-Hutchinson offers an outstanding model for studies on biblical theology exemplifying careful biblical exegesis and showing awareness of relevant scholarly issues involved but also keeping in view the whole storyline of the Bible. He carefully traces from the Book of Psalms how, even in the Old Testament, all the biblical covenants point beyond themselves to something new, bigger and better in fulfilment of the new covenant. Both pastors and students will benefit from the perceptively laid out argument of this book. It is an invaluable source of information for years to come on covenant theology discussions and Psalms study. * Ma’afu Palu – Director of Graphe Bible College, Sydney. Senior Pastor, Tongan Evangelical Wesleyan Church *James Hely Hutchinson has dared to address some large, perpetually debated questions about the relationships among the biblical covenants through a new lens: the book of Psalms. In a creative interweaving of the messages of the different parts of the Psalter—understanding the Psalter as a unified collection in its final form—he shows how the major covenants—Adamic, Noahic, Abrahamic, Mosaic, Levitical, Davidic, and New Covenants—are addressed in the book of Psalms and highlights the continuities, discontinuities, and complementary elements among them. An intriguing read that I recommend with pleasure. * David M. Howard, Jr. Professor of Old Testament, Bethlehem College and Seminary *Answering the Psalmist's Perplexity stands as an indispensable resource for scholars delving into the Psalter, providing clarity on its relationship with biblical covenants, particularly the new covenant. Dr. James Hely Hutchinson's meticulous analysis of the Psalms' composition unravels the enigma that the psalmist ponders, shedding light on God's unwavering covenant faithfulness. In this scholarly work, JHH's insights not only enhance our understanding of the Psalter but also contribute to a deeper grasp of its pivotal role within the broader scope of redemptive history. * Angie Velasquez Thornton, Director of Women's Ministry for SOLA (TGC Quebec) *In this fascinating study, Hely Hutchinson deftly and meticulously explores several key issues within a single volume. Not only does he present a robust, holistic interpretation of the Psalter, but he also demonstrates how the relationship between various divine-human covenants informs and is informed by the Psalter’s arrangement. As such, this is a must read for all those interested in the Psalter’s biblical-theological significance and/or contrasting theological systems in which the relationship between various divine covenants is of key importance. * Paul R. Williamson, Lecturer in Old Testament, Hebrew and Aramaic, Moore College, Sydney *James Hely Hutchinson has spent more than two decades studying the arrangement of the psalms in the Psalter. His book provides a compelling account of the way that this arrangement reflects God’s salvation plan. By analysing the relationships between the different covenants mentioned across the Psalter, Hely Hutchinson provides fascinating insights into the way that the psalms work as a collection to give hope for the future ideal Davidic king who will bless and be blessed by a new-covenant people from all nations. He also explains and evaluates a spectrum of seven different positions on covenant relationships and irenically charts a way forward in the light of his findings in the Psalter. His book richly rewards careful reading. * Anthony R. Petterson, Lecturer in Old Testament and Biblical Hebrew, Morling College, Sydney *Here is an up-to-date, broad-sweeping engagement with the book of Psalms and its contribution to question of the relationship between the different biblical covenants. The reader finds here innovative interaction between Psalm 89 and the Psalter in its totality, set in the context of biblical theology and working with sound exegesis. Building on his previous work in Psalms studies, Hely Hutchinson tackles a difficult question: "What is new about the new covenant, according to the book of Psalms?" Many studies dealing with editorial criticism on the Psalter have been published in the last few decades. This one carefully locates the discussion not only in the Psalter itself, but also includes careful insights from the different covenants progressively revealed in Scripture. Answering the Psalmist’s Perplexity is a refreshing and challenging study, but also a model of biblical theology. * Pierre Constant, Chair of New Testament Studies, Toronto Baptist Seminary *My resonance with this book is deep and wide, methodological and exegetical. James Hely Hutchinson serves as a surefooted guide (in English! at your desk!) through the highest mountain passes of the Psalter: its editorial arrangement, its contribution to our understanding of the covenants, and its typological presentation of the coming king. Here is a book whose author has meditatively studied the Psalms, and reading this book is the next best thing to exegeting through the Psalter with him in class. So if you can't get to Belgium to take his class in French, avail yourself of what he has provided for you in this book. * James M. Hamilton, Professor of Biblical Theology, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary *

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Book SynopsisHow to live a life of wisdom and fulfilment in a far-from-perfect world? Menachem Fisch and Debra Band probe Qohelet’s inquiry into the value of life ‘under the sun’ in this work - the first illuminated manuscript of the entire biblical text, the first philosophical analysis tracing the coherent path of this biblical thinker’s full argument.Trade ReviewIlluminated manuscripts have a rich tradition to which this gem adds creatively. Not only does Debra Band's exquisite micrography, calligraphy, and artwork invite us to marinate in and meditate on Qohelet's suggestive composition, Menachem Fisch adds a unique and penetrating philosophical analysis. This work takes us from the ancient world of the Bible through medieval traditions of illumination and into a reading of Qohelet as a harbinger of post-modern thinking." - Peter A. Pettit, Teaching Pastor, St. Paul Lutheran Church, Davenport, Iowa"'Vanity of vanities, all is vanity,' wrote the mysterious author of the biblical Qohelet—Ecclesiastes, in English, from the Greek. 'There is nothing new under the sun.' For generations, the meaning of this haunting outlier text seemed clear and even merciless: in its endless cycling, nothing in the cosmos lasts, so nothing matters. Even if God is real, human life is in the end unreal and can have no real purpose. Resignation is the only valid response: at best, 'living for the moment;' at worst, existential despair. But what if there were something new under the sun? In this fresh approach to Qohelet, philosopher Menachem Fisch and scholar-artist Debra Band radically re-vision a text whose interpretation was 'settled.' Through exciting exposition that ranges from the history of rabbinical thought to analytical philosophy to the pain of personal loss, and illumined by Band's glowing paintings, the authors return us to the original Hebrew word on which Qohelet pivots: hevel. When hevel is not read 'figuratively' but is restored to its literal meaning as 'vapor' or 'mist,' an unexpected theology is revealed. What if the text were never a meditation on absurdity after all, but instead 'a vivid portrayal of the limits of human knowledge?' These limits can inspire us to return to our deepest human challenge: how should we live? Fisch and Band show how we can take up the question again in fascination—and even more, in hope. An unforgettable book." - Kimberley C. Patton, Professor of the Comparative and Historical Study of Religion, Harvard Divinity SchoolTable of Contents Foreword by Ellen F. Davis Preface by Moshe Halbertal Introduction by Menachem Fisch: Making Sense of Qohelet Introduction by Debra Band: Approaching the Book of Qohelet The IlluminationsFrontispieceChapter OneChapter TwoChapter ThreeChapter FourChapter FiveChapter SixChapter SevenChapter EightChapter NineChapter TenChapter ElevenChapter Twelve Chapter Commentary Materials 1Introduction: Setting the StageCommentaries on the Illuminations 2Introduction: Dashed Dreams of a Lasting AchievementCommentaries on the Illuminations 3Introduction: Qohelet's Great Turning PointCommentaries on the Illuminations 4Introduction: The Politics of CooperationCommentaries on the Illuminations 5Introduction: Foolishness Multiplied: The Religious DimensionCommentaries on the Illuminations 6Introduction: The Futility of HindsightCommentary on the Illuminations 7Introduction: Breaching the Limits of Self-CritiqueCommentaries on the Illuminations 8Introduction: Knowing the Limits of One's StrengthCommentaries on the Illuminations 9Introduction: The Case against HedonismCommentaries on the Illuminations 10Introduction: A Fool's DystopiaCommentaries on the Illuminations 11Introduction: The Beginning of an Optimistic EndCommentary on the Illuminations 12Introduction: When All Is Said and DoneCommentaries on the Illuminations Afterword by Menachem FischMysteries Dispelled: Qohelet in Biblical and Liturgical Context Key to Bible Translation Abbreviations

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Book SynopsisTable of ContentsPreface xiii Acknowledgment vii 1 Reading the Parables through the Lens of Social Justice 1 1. Introduction 1 2. What Are Parables? 8 3. Why Parables? 13 4. The Parables as They Were Originally Heard 17 5. Parables and Mercy: An Entry Point into Social Justice 20 6. Exploring the Ethical Implications of the Parables through a Social Justice Lens 24 7. Reading the Parables through the Lens of Social Justice: A Proposal 32 2 Encountering the World and Words of Jesus 39 1. Introduction 39 2. Exploring Other Worlds: Some Key Concepts 41 3. The World of Jesus 42 Religious Context: Early Judaism 42 Sociopolitical Context: An Advanced Agrarian Society within the Roman Empire 54 4. The Words of Jesus 60 5. Words about Jesus 73 The Actions and Example of Jesus 74 Death and Resurrection 75 6. Postscript: Jesus and Crucified Peoples Today 78 3 The Parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25–37) 83 1. Introduction 83 2. The Text: Parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25–37) 85 3. Our First Step: Grasp the Story 85 4. Our Second Step: Going Deeper through Asking Questions 87 What Can We Know about the Characters? 87 Good Samaritan … and Bad Jews? 90 5. Our Third Step: Spot the Twist 92 6. Our Fourth Step: Consider the Metaphor 94 7. Our Fifth Step: Articulate the Challenge 98 8. Our Final Step: Consider Implications 102 Physical Care for Those in Need: The Corporal Works of Mercy 103 The Natural World 105 The Humanity of Our Enemies 106 4 Lost Sheep, Lost Coin (Luke 15:4–10) 109 1. Introduction 109 2. The Text: Lost Sheep, Lost Coin (Luke 15:4–10) 110 3. Our First Step: Grasp the Stories 110 4. Our Second Step: Ask Questions to Gain Understanding 112 What Glimpse Does Each Parable Give Us into Economic Realities in the First Century? 113 5. Our Third Step: Spot the Twist 115 6. Our Fourth Step: Consider the Metaphor 118 Lost and Found 123 Communal Rejoicing 124 7. Our Fifth Step: Articulate the Challenge 126 8. Our Sixth Step: Consider Implications 129 5 The Lost Sons (Luke 15:11–32) 136 1. Introduction 136 2. The Text: The Lost Sons (Luke 15:11–32) 136 3. Our First Step: Grasp the Story 137 4. Our Second Step: Ask Questions to Gain Understanding 142 5. Our Third Step: Spot the Twist 151 6. Our Fourth Step: Consider the Metaphor 153 7. Our Fifth Step: Articulate the Challenge 157 8. Our Sixth Step: Consider implications 163 6 The Parable of the Mustard Seed (Mark 4:30–32) 174 1. Introduction 174 2. The Text: The Parable of the Mustard Seed (Mark 4:30–32) 176 3. Our First Step: Grasp the Story 176 4. Our Second Step: Ask Good Questions 178 5. Our Third Step: Spot the Twist 183 6. Our Fourth Step: Consider the Metaphor 184 7. Our Fifth Step: Articulate the Challenge 187 8. Our Sixth Step: Consider Implications 192 7 The Pharisee and the Tax Collector (Luke 18:9–14) 202 1. Introduction 202 2. The Text: The Pharisee and the Tax Collector (Luke 18:9–14) 203 3. Our First Step: Grasp the Story 203 4. Our Second Step: Ask Questions to Gain Understanding 207 5. Our Third Step: Spot the Twist 214 6. Our Fourth Step: Consider the Metaphor 215 7. Our Fifth Step: Articulate the Challenge 219 8. Our Sixth Step: Consider Implications 221 8 The Laborers in the Vineyard (Matthew 20:1–16) 232 1. Introduction 232 2. The Text: The Laborers in the Vineyard (Matthew 20:1–16) 233 3. Our First Step: Grasp the Story 233 4. Our Second Step: Ask Questions to Gain Understanding 235 5. Our Third Step: Spot the Twist 238 6. Our Fourth Step: Consider the Metaphor 240 7. Our Fifth Step: Articulate the Challenge 245 Jon Sobrino and Ignacio Ellacuría 246 8. Our Sixth Step: Consider Implications 248 9 The Rich Man and Lazarus (Luke 16:19–31) 257 1. Introduction 257 2. The Text: The Rich Man and Lazarus (Luke 16:19–31) 258 3. Our First Step: Grasp the Story 259 4. Our Second Step: Going Deeper through Asking Questions 261 5. Our Third Step: Spot the Twist 266 6. Our Fourth Step: Consider the Metaphor 268 7. Our Fifth Step: Articulate the Challenge 274 8. Our Final Step: Consider Implications 277 Conclusion: Living into Our Humanity and Cultivating an Ethic of Love, Mercy, and Justice 282 1. Introduction 282 2. Summary of the Parables 285 3. Shared Themes throughout the Parables of Jesus 288 4. Conversation Partners 294 5. An Ethic of Love, Mercy, and Justice 302 Appendix 1: Sisters of Mercy Reflections on the Parables 309 Appendix 2: Questions for Individual Study and Group Discussion 326 Bibliography 333 Index 341

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Book Synopsis''A fascinating story about a religion in a surprisingly precarious position'' Dan Jones, Sunday Times''Superb storytelling ... captivating and profound'' Literary Review''A page-turner'' The SpectatorIn the fourth century AD, a new faith exploded out of Palestine. Overwhelming the paganism of Rome, and converting the Emperor Constantine in the process, it resoundingly defeated a host of other rivals. Almost a thousand years later, all of Europe was controlled by Christian rulers, and the religion, ingrained within culture and society, exercised a monolithic hold over its population. But, as Peter Heather shows in this compelling history, there was nothing inevitable about Christendom''s rise to Europe-wide dominance.In exploring how the Christian religion became such a defining feature of the European landscape, and how a small sect of isolated congregations was transformed into a mass movement centrally directed from Rome, Heather shows how Christendom constantly battled against both so-called ''heresies'' and other forms of belief. From the crisis that followed the collapse of the Roman Empire, which left the religion teetering on the edge of extinction, to the astonishing revolution in which the Papacy emerged as the head of a vast international corporation, Heather traces Christendom''s chameleon-like capacity for self-reinvention and willingness to mobilize well-directed force.Christendom''s achievement was not, or not only, to define official Christianity, but - from its scholars and its lawyers, to its provincial officials and missionaries in far-flung corners of the continent - to transform it into an institution that wielded effective religious authority across nearly all of the disparate peoples of medieval Europe. This is its extraordinary story.Trade ReviewHeather's sweeping and engaging history of the making of Christendom over a thousand years is full of reinterpretations and new insights... his approach makes for a startlingly fresh look at a familiar story, a non-triumphalist history of the triumph of Christianity, and his book is all the more powerful for it. -- Jane Shaw * Financial Times *Heather casts his eye across the whole medieval period as he unfolds a fascinating story about a religion in a surprisingly precarious position. -- Dan Jones * Sunday Times *It is more pressing than ever to understand how exactly Christianity came to dominate in Europe. Heather's account cuts through the myth of an innately Christian, culturally monolithic Europe... [and] sheds light on the mechanics of state coercion and intermittent violence which led to the birth of Christendom. It's no light reading - but there's enough drama to make it a page-turner. -- Eleanor Myerson * Spectator *A brilliant exercise in disenchantment ... superb storytelling ... Heather more than delivers. While Christendom is fabulously rich in telling detail, Heather is always mindful of the big picture. The book is at once captivating and profound. -- Costica Bradatan * Literary Review *One of the many delights of this weighty book is the abundance of little-heard but illuminating and intriguing stories that he weaves into the narrative to show how Christianity endlessly reinvented itself to maintain a winning formula .... the tale of how Christianity, from unlikely beginnings, became one of the great mass-member institutions of the world is expertly and entertainingly told. -- Peter Stanford * Daily Telegraph *

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Book SynopsisWalk the Camino Ingles or `English Way' from the Spanish seaport cities of A Coruna or Ferrol on the path long-trodden by British pilgrims arriving by sea. This lesser-known Camino route showcases the misty forests and enigmatic culture of Galicia, and can be walked in 4-7 days. With full-color stage maps and city maps, you'll always know where you and where you're going. Detailed accommodations listings show everything you need to know about pilgrim hostels (albergues) as well as private accommodations for each budget. Planning and route tips keep you informed, in a pocket-sized book with no fluff.

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Book SynopsisJoin experienced Israeli tour guide Jacob Firsel for five illuminating tours in the Galilee. - Nazareth and behind the scenes in Jesus' hometown. - Cana, Mt Tabor and Nain - the miracle of Jesus. - Capernaum - Jesus' base of ministry - Around the Sea of Galilee: now including Magdala Including full colour photos, detailed tour and site maps, information about driving and public transport. Go to Galilee provides everything you need for pilgrimage travel in the region that Jesus called home 2000 years ago. Travel through the New Testament and the teachings of Jesus in the land where it all took place.

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Book SynopsisInfinite Receiving is so much more than manifestation. When your purpose is truly aligned with what the universe wants for you, and you consciously take action, your dreams really can come true. This book will help you find your purpose and take actionable steps to live the life you want. Faith plus action equals miracles!Stop standing in your own way. We need to let go of fear, shame, guilt, and judgement in order to consciously receive all that we desire. When we open up our hearts and release self-doubt, we create energy that allows us to see more ‘magic’ in our lives and actively pursue our dreams. Through meditations, affirmations, and practical exercises, Suzy Ashworth will show you how to become more aware of your energy and help you to redefine your relationship with wanting. By following the four pillars of Infinite Receiving®, you can increase your state of awareness and attract much more into your life, including:· Sovereignty: Take ownership of your spiritual and inner authority, and lead with integrity and personal power.· Infinite possibilities: Trust yourself and believe you are worthy. Allow yourself to open up and create space to receive beyond your wildest dreams.· Community: Cultivate a supportive culture in any space you step into. When we come together, we all rise.· Embodiment: Become adept at taking yourself out of your mind and into your body and heart. You will talk the talk and walk the walk.Learn to consciously co-create a world beyond what you thought was possible by tuning into the frequency of Infinite Receiving®.

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Book SynopsisA New York Times Bestseller Taking the story of white supremacy in America back to 1493, and examining contemporary communities in Mississippi, Minnesota, and Oklahoma for models of racial repair, The Hidden Roots of White Supremacy is “full of urgency and insight” (The New York Times) as it helps chart a new course toward a genuinely pluralistic democracy.Beginning with contemporary efforts to reckon with the legacy of white supremacy in America, Jones returns to the fateful year when a little-known church doctrine emerged that shaped the way five centuries of European Christians would understand the “discovered” world and the people who populated it. Along the way, he shows us the connections between Emmett Till and the Spanish conquistador Hernando De Soto in the Mississippi Delta, between the lynching of three Black circus workers in Duluth and the mass execution of thirty-eight Dakota men in Makato, and between the murder of 300 African Americans during the burning of Black Wall Street in Tulsa and the Trail of Tears. From this vantage point, Jones offers a “revelatory…searing, stirring outline” (Kirkus Reviews, starred review) of how the enslavement of Africans was not America’s original sin but, rather, the continuation of acts of genocide and dispossession flowing from the first European contact with Native Americans. These deeds were justified by people who embraced the 15th-century Doctrine of Discovery: the belief that God had designated all territory not inhabited or controlled by Christians as their new promised land. This “blistering, bracing, and brave” (Michael Eric Dyson) reframing of American origins explains how the founders of the United States could build the philosophical framework for a democratic society on a foundation of mass racial violence—and why this paradox survives today in the form of white Christian nationalism. Through stories of people navigating these contradictions in three communities, Jones illuminates the possibility of a new American future in which we finally fulfill the promise of a pluralistic democracy.

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Book SynopsisWelcome to Daily Contemplations, a guided journal designed to inspire mindfulness and self-awareness with the encouragement of Islamic wisdom. Featuring quotes from notable Muslim poets, mystics, scholars, leaders, the prophet Muhammad and his companions, and the Quran itself, these pages touch on universal themes of gratitude, humility, patience, knowledge, nature, and more. Daily questions invite you to contemplate these topics and explore the roles they play in your life. Inviting and accessible, this journal is a powerful tool for self-discovery and development.

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Book SynopsisChristianity Today 2023 Book Award Finalist (History & Biography) New forms of worship have transformed the face of the American church over the past fifty years. Drawing on a wide range of primary sources, including interviews with dozens of important stakeholders and key players, this volume by two worship experts offers the first comprehensive history of Contemporary Praise & Worship. The authors provide insight into where this phenomenon began and how it reshaped the Protestant church. They also emphasize the span of denominational, regional, and ethnic expressions of contemporary worship.Table of ContentsContentsIntroduction: A Historical OverviewPart 1: The History of Praise & Worship1. The Headwater of Praise & Worship, 1946-652. Deepening the Channel for Praise & Worship, 1965-853. Increasing Currents in Praise & Worship, 1965-854. A Swollen River, Surging and Sweeping, 1985-95Part 2: The History of Contemporary Worship5. Subterranean Stirrings, Pre-19656. The First Wave of Contemporary Worship, 1965-857. The Second Wave of Contemporary Worship, 1985-Mid-1990sPart 3: The Confluence of Praise & Worship and Contemporary Worship8. The New Liturgical Normal, Late 1990sAppendixIndexes

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Book SynopsisThe mother of God is often portrayed as a passive figure, yet Mary is described in Luke's gospel as a woman who exercised choice, questioned things, reflected, responded, spoke up, and demonstrated great faith. Mary had a voice.This unique Advent devotional from British theologian Amy Orr-Ewing invites us to hear the familiar Christmas story from an untold perspective: that of an ordinary, young, poor, oppressed woman who was chosen to play a significant and breakthrough role in the redemption of the world. It is no mistake that a woman gets to be a part of all this, and that her voice, her questions, her fears, and her actions matter.Through passages from Luke's gospel - the writer who used Mary as his primary witness for his account of Christ's life - and stunning paintings of the nativity from artists ancient and modern (including The Boy, The Mole, The Fox and The Horse illustrator, Charlie Mackesy, and famous masterpieces by Fra Angelico, Giotto, Chagall and Botticelli), Amy Orr-Ewing guides the reader through each day of Advent from Mary's point of view, exploring who she knew Christ to be."If leadership is about influence, then, after Jesus, Mary was the greatest leader of all time. Uniquely, she was present at the three great moments of our redemption: the incarnation, passion, and pentecost. In this book, Amy Orr-Ewing presents Mary's perspective-her fear, her faith, and her wisdom-to highlight how her life can offer hope to all who journey through tears, disappointment, lament, struggle, and pain." -Nicky and Pippa Gumbel, author, pioneers of Alpha, and Vicar of Holy Trinity Brompton, London"What better companions could there possibly be for our journey through Advent to Christmas than these two women: Mary, the mother of Jesus, who speaks more powerfully into this season than any other, and Amy Orr-Ewing, a trusted voice and respected friend whose insights never fail to encourage and inspire me." -Pete Greig, founder of 24-7 Prayer International and senior pastor of Emmaus Rd Church"A beautiful and intensely thoughtful set of Christmas reflections, given added depth by a stunning set of illustrations." -Professor Alister McGrath, University of Oxford"In Mary's Voice: Advent Reflections to Contemplate the Coming of Christ, Amy helps us to recapture the awe and wonder of the birth of Christ and what this means for us today. By elevating the voice of the young, strong, vulnerable, marginalized, courageous, obedient, faithful, and often overlooked, Mary, the mother of God, Amy unveils profound insights into the meaning of Christmas. This book will be a great companion as you prepare your heart during the Advent season. I have never been more captivated by Advent reflections and know you will see Jesus more clearly and love him more dearly as you journey through these pages." -Christine Caine, founder of A21 and Propel WomenTrade Review"If leadership is about influence, then, after Jesus, Mary was the greatest leader of all time. Uniquely, she was present at the three great moments of our redemption: the incarnation, passion, and pentecost. In this book, Amy Orr-Ewing presents Mary's perspective-her fear, her faith, and her wisdom-to highlight how her life can offer hope to all who journey through tears, disappointment, lament, struggle, and pain." -- Nicky and Pippa Gumbel, author, pioneers of Alpha, and Vicar of Holy Trinity Brompton, London"What better companions could there possibly be for our journey through Advent to Christmas than these two women: Mary, the mother of Jesus, who speaks more powerfully into this season thanany other, and Amy Orr-Ewing, a trusted voice and respected friend whose insights never fail to encourage and inspire me." -- Pete Greig, founder of 24-7 Prayer International and senior pastor of Emmaus Rd Church"A beautiful and intensely thoughtful set of Christmas reflections, given added depth by a stunning set of illustrations." -- Professor Alister McGrath, University of Oxford"In Mary's Voice: Advent Reflections to Contemplate the Coming of Christ, Amy helps us to recapture the awe and wonder of the birth of Christ and what this means for us today. By elevating the voice of the young, strong, vulnerable, marginalized, courageous, obedient, faithful, and often overlooked, Mary, the mother of God, Amy unveils profound insights into the meaning of Christmas. This book will be a great companion as you prepare your heart during the Advent season. I have never been more captivated by Advent reflections and know you will see Jesus more clearly and love him more dearly as you journey through these pages." -- Christine Caine, founder of A21 and Propel Women"Rich, deeply beautiful, and moving, Mary's Voice shows why Christmas, for all its fevered rush and consumerism, is still the festival that slows the racing mind, stills the overloaded heart, and creates wonder. Amy's meditations deepen our understanding and sympathy for Mary, for Advent, and for all women, too, but in a way that also makes her reflections rich for men and for all who seek for the meaning of life." -- Os Guinness, author of The Call"Looking through the lens of a woman in the twenty-first century about a woman in the first century, Mary's Voice is unlike any Advent devotional I've ever read. Amy Orr-Ewing compels her readers toconsider Mary's "enormity of responsibility" in the longing and waiting of the coming King. Capturing my heart into the wonder of the incarnation through the life and perspective of Mary, I know this book will make an impact in the lives of women for many more centuries to come." -- Rev. Lisa Wink Schultz, chief of staff, US Senate Chaplain's Office"In Mary's Voice, Amy has provided a beautiful and unique perspective surrounding Christ's birth. This devotional opened my eyes to a new way of imagining that first Christmas through Mary's eyes. What a gift!" -- Lauren McAfee, founder, Stand for Life, ministry director, Hobby Lobby Ministry Investments"As both a Christian and a pastor, I'm always looking for fresh insights, perspectives, and inspiration when considering the glory of the incarnation. Amy Orr-Ewing has provided all of that in her book Mary's Voice. A refreshing journey through the days of Advent with Mary, the mother of Jesus, as our guide. I loved it and am sure you will, too." -- Brian Brodersen, pastor, Calvary Chapel, Costa Mesa, California

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Book SynopsisIn Chronos, a leading French historian ranges from Western antiquity to the Anthropocene, pinpointing the crucial turning points in our relationship to time. François Hartog considers the genealogy of Western temporalities, examining the order of times and the divisions of time into epochs.Trade ReviewWith characteristic elegance, wit, and erudition, Hartog, the master thinker of historical time, offers a panoramic view of the past to show how a temporal order (re)fashioned by Christianity endures to this day and shapes our crisis-ridden sense of the present. This is a longue-durée perspective on the Anthropocene that only someone with Hartog's learning and brilliance could have provided. An indispensable guide to the present. -- Dipesh Chakrabarty, author of Provincializing Europe: Postcolonial Thought and Historical DifferenceChronos is a magisterial book, breathtaking in scope and precision. I cannot think of another historian who could have written this book in this way. François Hartog uniquely possesses the intellectual expertise and range to lead the reader through a sweeping history of the concept of time in the “West,” beginning with the Greeks in antiquity and ending with our current periodization of the Anthropocene. It is an important work on one of the most pressing topics of our day. -- Ethan Kleinberg, author of Haunting History: For a Deconstructive Approach to the PastThis book, masterfully translated by S. R. Gilbert, will undoubtedly become a classic. A Christian “revolution in time” led from Greek Chronos, to Augustine’s self, to modern change, and to the Anthropocene. Beautifully written, this is a book for everyone who wants to know why our time is what it is. -- Nitzan Lebovic, Apter Chair of Holocaust Studies and Ethical Values, Lehigh UniversityIn this brilliant, original, and profound book, François Hartog takes further his critical analyses of the sources and legacies of modern Western assumptions about time. He brings to light their urgent relevance to us today as we face challenges such as climate change, the Anthropocene, and potential global geopolitical catastrophe. -- Sir Geoffrey Lloyd, University of CambridgeMagisterial yet accessible, Chronos can make the rare claim to encompass all of recorded time in a relatively slim [book]. * New York Sun *Hartog's book offers necessary elucidation of how Westerners’ relationships with time brought us to this current moment. * Journal of the Royal Anthropological Institute *For those seeking insight into past conceptions of time or questioning how we arrived at our current presentist temporality, Chronos serves as a clear and concise starting point. * H-Sci-Med-Tech, H-Net Reviews *Hartog is a superbly gifted writer who wears his learning lightly and without recourse to jargon, and translator S .R. Gilbert has served his author’s conversational style well in rendering it into eloquent English. . . . An enjoyable tour and a welcome synthesis of current thought on the human experience of temporality. * The Philosopher *Table of ContentsTo Readers of the English EditionPreface: The Undeducible PresentIntroduction: From the Greeks to the Christians1. The Christian Regime of Historicity: Chronos Between Kairos and Krisis2. The Christian Order of Time and Its Spread3. Negotiating with Chronos4. Dissonance and Fissures5. In the Thrall of Chronos6. Chronos Destituted, Chronos RestoredConclusion: The Anthropocene and HistoryNotesIndex

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Book SynopsisThe Mandaeans of Iraq and Iran are adherents of the last surviving Gnostic tradition from the period of Late Antiquity, and the Book of Kings is the capstone to one of their most sacred scriptures. A universal history in four parts, it concisely outlines the entire 480,000 year span of the material world, from its creation to its destruction in the maw of the great Leviathan, with details including a succession of antediluvian cataclysms that have previously wiped out all human life, the reigns of the kings who have reigned over humanity and are still yet to reign, a lament on the end of pagan antiquity under the reign of the Arabs, and the apocalyptic drama attending those who have the misfortune to live at the end of the world era. For the first time ever, this work appears in English in its entirety, complete and unabridged, and directly translated from original Mandaic manuscripts, with the events mentioned within it coordinated with our calendar. It also includes an extensive commentary illustrating its relationship to contemporary historical writing and with the sacred literature of Zoroastrians, Jews, Christians, Muslims, and other neighbouring religious communities living under Sasanian rule.Trade Review‘[The book] offers interesting insights into a Middle Eastern community during the era of the Byzantine and Sasanid empires. It is useful for those wanting to compare religious beliefs between cultures.’ Medievalists.net

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Book SynopsisOffering a convenient size and a large print, this Bible also provides over 43,000 cross-references to help you study anywhere.You don’t have to sacrifice readability for portability. With the NKJV Large Print Personal Size Reference Bible, you get the full text of the popular New King James Version presented in a large print format that’s easy to carry. And with Thomas Nelson’s NKJV Comfort Print®, this edition is even easier to read. An extensive cross-reference system and other essential study resources make this a Bible you’ll want with you, wherever your day takes you.Features include: 43,000 end-of-page cross-references allow you to find related passages quickly and easily Full-color maps show a visual representation of locations and themes in the Bible Easy-to-navigate dictionary-concordance for look

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Book SynopsisDemonstrates definitively that the secularization thesis is correct, and religion is losing its grip on societies worldwideIn the decades since its introduction, secularization theory has been subjected to doubt and criticism from a number of leading scholars, who have variously claimed that it is wrong, flawed, or incomplete. In Beyond Doubt, Isabella Kasselstrand, Phil Zuckerman, and Ryan T. Cragun mount a strong defense for the theory, providing compelling evidence that religion is indeed declining globally as a result of modernization. Though defenses of secularization theory have been mounted in the past, we now have many years' worth of empirical data to illuminate trends, and can trace changes not just at a given point in time but over a trajectory. Drawing on extensive survey data from nations around the world, the book demonstrates that, in spite of its many detractors, there is robust empirical support for secularization theory. It also engages with the Trade ReviewSociology professors Kasselstrand, Zuckerman, and Cragun examine the rise of secularization in this edifying entry. The authors draw on rich empirical evidence and careful analysis to make their case, and the global perspective is both ambitious and rewarding. Religion students and scholars will find this illuminating. * Publishers Weekly *Emphatically argues that when empirical measures and rigorous definitions are applied, religion declines. ... The authors take aim at refuting the stances of sociologists Rodney Stark, Peter Berger, Grace Davie, Christian Smith, and others who said otherwise. They also sift through the global survey data on religious beliefs, behaviors, and belonging. From this, they posit that the rationalization and differentiation of modernism has had exactly the effect that secularization theory predicted it would: that religions will decline as societies develop. * Library Journal *Featuring multiple decades’ worth of extensive and comprehensive data, the authors defend and formalize secularization theory in a way that is compelling yet simple. Indeed, Beyond Doubt will be the defining text on the undeniable proof that secularization theory is correct and here to stay. -- Steve Bruce, author of Secularization: In Defence of an Unfashionable TheoryPresents critics’ arguments against secularization theory fairly, yet the case the authors make I think critics will find difficult to reject. This book will make a significant contribution, not just to the sociology of religion, but to anyone interested in the role of religion in society today. -- Jesse M. Smith, co-editor of Secularity and Non-religion in North America

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Book SynopsisAn illuminating gateway to Indian philosophy and its explication in Tibet.Among the many works produced in the rich philosophical tradition of India’s classical age, few have had more impact than Dharmakirti’s Commentary on Valid Cognition (Pramanavarttika). Composed in India in the seventh century, it became the cornerstone for the study of logic and epistemology in the Tibetan Buddhist tradition. An important addition to any collection for the Sakya practitioner, Light of Samantabhadra translates the work of one of the premier scholars of the Sakya school, Gorampa Sonam Sengé (1429–89). Gorampa here illuminates the first two chapters of Dharmakirti’s treatise, those on using inference to enlighten oneself (svarthanumana) and on establishing valid cognition (pramanasiddhi), both to determine the authority of the Buddha as a valid teacher and to eliminate the cognitive obstacles to awakening. The root text is composed in compact verses, and these are translated here along with Gorampa’s word-by-word commentary that reveals their often-veiled meanings. These chapters explore key issues in the philosophy of language and the nature of conventional designation, the way to employ sound reasoning, the proof of past and future lives, and the way to eliminate the view of self. In the skilled hands of translator Gavin Kilty, these insights are made accessible to contemporary readers.

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Book SynopsisDenis Lacorne traces the emergence of the modern notion of religious tolerance in order to rethink how we should respond to its contemporary tensions. He defends the Enlightenment concept against recent attempts to circumscribe it, arguing that without it a pluralistic society cannot survive.Trade Review[Lacorne] gives no pat answers, but an implicit lesson runs throughout. Defending toleration is not like protecting a jewel. It takes fixity of aim but also a feel for the changing context, persistence with a task that never ends, and readiness to start again. Toleration does gradually spread. It can also suddenly vanish. * The Economist *I simply don’t know a book on toleration that compares to this one. Denis Lacorne has managed to weave together both an intellectual history of ideas about toleration and a wide-ranging international survey of policies related to it. Theory and practice come together in a very illuminating way and will expand the American reader’s horizon beyond our borders. -- Mark Lilla, author of The Once and Future Liberal: After Identity PoliticsLiving in a religiously tolerant society, Americans no longer understand what the challenge of achieving religious toleration originally meant: learning to coexist with beliefs and practices that one detested. Denis Lacorne begins this critical survey by recalling the great Enlightenment voices for toleration: Locke, Voltaire, and the American founders. But he then examines modern European and American disputes to demonstrate why the struggle for toleration and free exercise remains so problematic—a fight that never quite ends but that we grasp much better after reading Lacorne's crisp and incisive chapters. -- Jack N. Rakove, author of Original Meanings: Politics and Ideas in the Making of the ConstitutionA timely, erudite, and insightful book that sheds light on issues concerning whether and when contemporary democracies should restrict the practices and beliefs of nonmainstream religious and political groups. It is the best book written on this subject to date. -- Bruce Cain, author of Democracy More or Less: America’s Political Reform QuandaryThis insightful study will be useful to all who are interested in clarifying their own views of this critical subject. * Choice *Table of ContentsAcknowledgmentsNew Introduction for the American Edition1. Tolerance According to John Locke2. Voltaire and Modern Tolerance3. Tolerance in America4. Tolerance in the Ottoman Empire5. Tolerance in Venice6. On Blasphemy7. Multicultural Tolerance8. Of Veils and Unveiling9. New Restrictions, New Forms of Tolerance10. Should We Tolerate the Enemies of Tolerance?Epilogue for the American Edition: Tolerance in the Age of TerrorismNotesIndex

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Book SynopsisIn many ways, I confess I do not feel especially at home in the Age of Reason. My personal roots are far more among those of the Early Church. Still, I gladly admit I cannot help feeling my heart kindled as I read about the mighty deeds wrought in and through the Evangelical preachers of that age. Thoroughly researched with beautifully linked arguments, biographies, context and discussions, Needham provides a riveting text: balancing fact and understanding in the wisdom of experience. The book offers a wealth of knowledge for pastors, missionaries, students and professors as they pursue their own education into the response of Christians during the 18th century towards these shifts in the tides of the affairs of men. Covering the period bracketing the Enlightenment Nick Needham’s new volume in the 2000 Years of Christ’s Power series, covers the social, economic, political and evangelical changes across two continents.Trade ReviewAs always, Needham remains attentive to the big picture, yet he also manages to maintain a grasp of the lesser known details throughout. Especially notable is Needham’s inclusion of the Eastern and Russian Orthodox Church. Highly recommended. -- Jonathan Master (President, Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary, South Carolina)… helpfully delineates the variegated state of professing Christendom in this crucial era with magisterial vim and verve. Highly recommended! -- Michael A. G. Haykin (Professor of Church History and Biblical Spirituality, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Louisville, Kentucky)As he assesses the European Enlightenment, evangelical revivals … and developments within Roman Catholicism and Eastern Orthodoxy from his consistently Reformed perspective, Needham provides illuminating reading for those who share that perspective, but perhaps even more for those who do not. -- Mark A. Noll (Author of ‘America’s Book: The Rise and Decline of a Bible Civilization, 1794–1911’)These volumes should be compulsory reading, first for pastors and elders called to teach and defend the faith, but also for Christians in general who desire to deepen their knowledge of the Saviour’s power throughout the church’s history. -- Ian Hamilton (President, Westminster Presbyterian Theological Seminary, Newcastle, UK )

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Book SynopsisWhen Amanda Held Opelt suffered a season of loss-including three miscarriages and the unexpected death of her sister, New York Times bestselling writer Rachel Held Evans-she was confronted with sorrow she didn't know to how face. Opelt struggled to process her grief and accept the reality of the pain in the world. She also wrestled with some unexpectedly difficult questions: What does it mean to truly grieve and to grieve well? Why is it so hard to move on? Why didn't my faith prepare me for this kind of pain? And what am I supposed to do now?Her search for answers led her to discover that generations past embraced rituals that served as vessels for pain and aided in the process of grieving and healing. Today, many of these traditions have been lost as religious practice declines, cultures amalgamate, death is sanitized, and pain is averted. In this raw and authentic memoir of bereavement, Opelt explores the history of human grief practices and how previous generations have journeyed through periods of suffering. She explores grief rituals and customs from various cultures, including:- the Irish tradition of keening, or wailing in grief, which teaches her that healing can only begin when we dive headfirst into our grief- the Victorian tradition of post-mortem photographs and how we struggle to recall a loved one as they were- the Jewish tradition of sitting shiva, which reminds her to rest in the strength of her community even when God feels absent- the tradition of mourning clothing, which set the bereaved apart in society for a time, allowing them space to honour their griefAs Opelt explores each bereavement practice, it gives her a framework for processing her own pain. She shares how, in spite of her doubt and anger, God met her in the midst of sorrow and grieved along with her, and shows that when we carefully and honestly attend to our losses, we are able to expand our capacity for love, faith, and healing.

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Book Synopsis When God’s people break their word, God keeps his promise.Not only is your story woven into God''s larger story, but you are also part of the tribe whom God is calling to himself. In the six lessons of People, you will explore how the nation of Israel was impacted by the unfolding drama of their cycle of revolt against God, and why the Lord commissioned a chosen people who would be a witness on earth of his faithfulness. Time and time again, God''s people turned their backs on him, but God was always quick to show mercy when they repented and called out to him. The cycle we see again and again throughout the Old Testament isn''t just about the Israelites; it''s also about us. We are all participants in the pattern of revolt, repentance, and restoration.People will help you see how God works out his glorious plans, despite our defiance, to bring his promises to fruition, and you

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Book SynopsisThis journey will be about discovering the strength you have within---born of the Holy Spirit in the full power of Jesus Christ---to get back up when everything around you is convincing you to stay down and defeated. Together we will learn from the Apostle Paul how to persevere, dig deep, and get back up when the world says it’s impossible.

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Book SynopsisTake your kids on an adventure through God’s Word with the #1 Bible for kids!The NKJV Adventure Bible® will get kids excited about reading the Scriptures! Kids will be captivated with the full-color features that make reading the Bible and memorizing their favorite verses engaging and fun. Along the way they will meet all types of people, see all sorts of places, and learn all kinds of things about the Bible. Most importantly, they will grow closer in their relationship with God.The Adventure Bible is recommended by more Christian schools and churches than any other Bible for kids, and the Adventure Bible brand has impacted more than 10 million individuals and families to date!Features include: Complete text of the New King James Version (NKJV) Full-color design throughout – makes learning about the people, places, and culture of the Bible even more engaging Life in Bib

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Book SynopsisAre you weary from your challenges, wounded by your battles, or worried your world is spinning out of control? Have the struggles pilfered the life out of your life? If so, the book of Esther brings welcome news: Relief will come!

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Book SynopsisTo many, the problem of evil and suffering constitutes by far the most serious objection to mainstream religious belief. For all its starkness and salience, though, the dilemma is also widely misinterpreted. That visceral feelings often dominate discussion is understandable on one level. But this can displace the clearer-headed thinking needed to shed greater light on the subject. In this brief but broad-ranging book, Rupert Shortt shows that belief in a divine Creator is much more coherent intellectually than many sceptics suppose. Basic misconceptions about core aspects of Judaism, Christianity and Islam can in turn spawn still greater caricatures of subjects including divine power. Having cleared the ground, Shortt goes on to discuss the nature of evil from a classical Abrahamic standpoint and how Christian resources in particular offer guidance in an area where raw emotion, conceptual thTrade ReviewRupert Shortt is clear and incisive in this new work of theodicy -- Iain McGilchrist'One of the most cogent writers of our day' -- Peter Sedgwick'Beguiling' -- Julia Neuberger'Deep theological knowledge and spiritual discernment' -- John Barton'Wise, informed and immensely thoughtful' -- Alister McGrathA stunning challenge to the casual atheism of our age -- Angela TilbyHis arguments are powerful -- Bishop Erik VardenThe book succeeds in presenting a reasoned case for holding fast to the reality of God, as Christianity understands it, and not shirking from the troubling existence of suffering. -- Mark Vernonintelligent and lucid -- Melanie McDonagha profoundly helpful book -- Timothy RadcliffeUnlike most participants in this lively debate, Rupert Shortt hasn't decided the answer before asking the question . . . After all, evil and suffering are not a problem to be fixed but a mystery to be entered. -- Sam WellsShortt has an admirable gift for making the obscure lucid, for chasing away confusions, and for saying a great deal in a small space without sacrifice of substance or profundity -- David Bentley HartRupert Shortt gets to grips with this philosophical, theological, pastoral and human conundrum incisively but sensitively -- Fr Alban McCoyThe Hardest Problem contains hard thought, emotional honesty and keen awareness of the issues. * TLS *This is an immensely attractive exposition of Christian faith, accessible to a wide readership, and ideal for discussion groups on these topics. * Church Times *

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Book SynopsisTable of ContentsPreface Maps Abbreviations Instructions to Wives and (More Briefly) to Husbands (3.1–7) Excursus: Preaching to the Spirits in Prison Exhortation to Keep Away From Sin and a Past Way of Life, for Judgment Will Come (4.1–6) Instruction to Elders and to the Whole Community (5.1–5) Bibliography

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