Religion Books

Book SynopsisUnlock your emotional power and live true to yourself with this deck of fifty mystical practices—an accessible introduction to the empowering side of magic from the authors of Basic WitchesSpells to Raise Hell distills Jaya Saxena and Jess Zimmerman’s Basic Witches, an exploration of feminine power and rejecting societal constraints, into a deck of fifty spells and rituals for the modern mystic. Each card features bold and playful artwork on the front along with any materials needed for the ritual—simple items like a pen and paper, a lipstick or photograph, or simple pantry ingredients for an empowering (and delicious) potion. The back of the card gives the instructions on how to complete the ritual and harness its energy. No black magic here—these spells are all about giving you a boost. Tap into your inner power and upend the status quo by casting spells to unlock your potential, including:A spell to make

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Book SynopsisDementia is experienced in different forms, in different ways and is coped with differently by different people, but with nearly 10 million new cases every year, it is something many people face. It’s tough on those with the disease, but it is also incredibly hard for the loved ones around them. Karen Martin’s story about her friend Kathleen, however, is overwhelmingly one of love and persistence. Despite their nearly half–century age difference, their commonality drew them to each other, and their genuine friendship uplifted them both. Charting the story from pre–diagnosis to Kathleen’s eventual passing, this moving tale highlights the difficulties and joys of facing dementia, through the lens of friendship. Trade ReviewAre we more than our memories? Karen Martin shares her journey to focus on a person, not a disease; a loved one living with memory loss, not a dementia victim; and a friend’s present and future, not just her fading memories. This book will be a fount of wisdom for anyone who cares for a friend with dementia. -- Dave Deuel (Senior Research Fellow, the International Disability Center; Catalyst for Disability Concerns, the Lausanne Movement; co–author, ‘Disability in Mission: The Church’s Hidden Treasure’)This book is poignant, insightful and hopeful. It will equip and edify in equal measure. -- Sam Allberry (Immanuel Church Nashville; author, ‘What God Has To Say About Our Bodies’)… I couldn’t help thinking as I read that what Karen and Kathleen experienced was a gift from God to them both but also to all who can eavesdrop through Karen’s account. … a profound meditation on memory and personhood, human identity and Christian discipleship. I’m delighted to see that this book has finally made it into print. -- Mark Meynell (European Associate Director, Langham Preaching, London)

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Book SynopsisBrimming with nearly seventy spells, tips, and activities, this illustrated book helps you take new steps on your personal journey into witchcraft. Award-winning author Deborah Blake teaches you how to build an altar, use divination tools, invoke deities, and much more. Covering a wide range of magical goals, this little book will help you improve your relationships, deepen your connection to nature, and live a successful, enchanted life.

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Book Synopsis''A page-turning retelling . . . so interesting and thought-provoking'' JENNIFER SAINT''A fresh and original take on the myth of Perseus . . . I was gripped by the human drama at the novel''s heart'' ELODIE HARPER*****Perfect for fans of Jennifer Saint, Elodie Harper and Natalie Haynes, author of Daughters of Sparta Claire Heywood returns with an imaginative reinterpretation of the myth of the great hero Perseus, bringing to life the voices of three women who are side-lined in the traditional version, and whose stories reveal a man who might not, in fact, be a hero at all. His mother Banished from her homeland thanks to a prophecy foretelling that her unborn child will one day cause the death of her father, Danae finds herself stranded, pregnant, and alone. Forging a new life for herself and for her young son Perseus will be the hardest thing she''s ever done.His trophy As a meTrade ReviewHeywood tells her story vividly, setting it convincingly in the period * Sunday Times on Daughters of Sparta *A fresh and original take on the myth of Perseus . . . I was gripped by the human drama at the novel's heart. -- Elodie HarperA beautifully woven tale, Heywood triumphantly reclaims the stories of three of Greek Mythology's most deserving women. With brilliant, confident writing, The Shadow of Perseus has illuminated the stories of ladies too often relegated to the role of villain or damsel. -- Claire M. Andrews, author of the Daughters of Sparta trilogyRe-energizes the Perseus myth . . . By re-interpreting the familiar characters in human terms, Claire Heywood gives new life and a startling new perspective to an old tale. Original and engrossing -- Margaret George, bestselling author of Helen Of Troy

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Book SynopsisTHE INSTANTLY ICONIC NO. 1 BESTSELLER''Devotees of Midsomer Murders and Agatha Christie''s Miss Marple stories will feel most at home here'' Guardian''I''ve been waiting for a novel with vicars, rude old ladies, murder and sausage dogs... et voila!'' Dawn French''Cosy crime with a cutting edge'' Telegraph''Whodunnit fans can give praise and rejoice'' Ian Rankin''Charming and funny'' ObserverEven better than I knew it would be'' India Knight''Quintessentially English'' Sunday Express''An absolute joy'' Adam Kay''''Wry, tongue-in cheek and whimsical'' Daily Mail''Glorious'' Robert Webb ''Beautifully written, charming, funny, intelligent and mordant too'' Sunday Times''Pitch perfect'' Philip Pullman''A cunning whodunnit'' Daily ExpressCanon Daniel Clement is Rector of Trade ReviewI've been waiting for a novel with vicars, rude old ladies, murder and sausage dogs ... et voila! * Dawn French *The Reverend Richard Coles gives us a serpent in England's pastoral Eden - and whodunit fans can give praise and rejoice. * Ian Rankin *Cosy and charming, Murder Before Evensong is less about the shock and gore of murder than its ripple effect on a small, close-knit community. Devotees of Midsomer Murders and Agatha Christie's Miss Marple stories will feel most at home here. -- Fiona Sturges * GUARDIAN, Audiobook of the week review *Britain's favourite vicar might be hanging up the dog collar, but in Murder Before Evensong he proves to be the unlikely heir to Barbara Pym...Coles is free here to unleash a splendidly caustic wit on those parishioners who deserve it... as Daniel locks horns with his flock over the matter of whether the vintage pews in St Mary's can be moved to make way for a new lavatory, Coles rivals Barbara Pym in his ability to make supremely low-stake conflict gripping... Like all the best cosy mysteries, this is comforting but not anodyne. And the style suits the content perfectly: wonderfully feline when it comes to jokes, but moving easily to unselfconscious wisdom when required. Auden would have admired this novel for meeting his requirements for the classical detective story: but he might also have recognised Coles as being, at his best, a fellow artist with words. -- Jake Kerridge * THE DAILY TELEGRAPH *Even better than I knew it would be. Really well plotted... beautifully written, charming without being twee, funny, intelligent and mordant too. It's cosy, yes, but waaay better than "cosy crime" suggests. -- India Knight * SUNDAY TIMES *Murder Before Evensong is like a walk in the country on a warm summer's evening... one during which your fellow ramblers can be murdered horribly at any moment. Canon Daniel Clement is an inscrutable and erudite detective, while four-legged sidekicks Hilda and Cosmo are his delightful foils. You'll want to take a front row pew in Champton while this delicious series unfolds. * Janice Hallett, author of The Appeal *An absolute joy from cover to cover - funny, clever and wonderfully plotted. Praise be! * Adam Kay *Beautifully written and a warm funny joy from start to finish. * Sarah Millican *Perfect for those who like their cosy crime to have a cutting edge. * Ben Aaronovitch *Glorious. * Robert Webb *Champton joins St Mary Mead and Midsomer in the great atlas of fictional English villages where the crimes are as dastardly as the residents delightful. Canon Daniel Clement must solve mysteries temporal and theological while surviving his parishioners tender ministries. Delightful! And only Richard Coles could pull this off so joyfully and with such style. Biscuit-thieving Cosmo, too, will soon have his own fan club. * Damian Barr *Coles has a gift for subtle comic writing... beyond the fascinating story with its rich characters, the real discovery here is the sniffing out of the author's formidable talent for writing about English life with English humour. Roll on the rest of the series! -- The Reverend Jonathan Aitken * THE OLDIE *Coles does a wonderful job of bringing his congregation to life... [and] moves seamlessly between humour and something deeper... Charming and funny, it is just what you'd expect from the excellent Coles. -- Alison Flood * THE OBSERVER, Thriller of the Month *Coles' murderous take on a quintessentially English parish makes for a likeable, cosy crime caper. -- Jon Coates * SUNDAY EXPRESS *Cosy crime with a cutting edge. * SUNDAY TELEGRAPH *A good old page-turner with brilliantly drawn characters, from the aristocratic de Floures to Daniel's astute, snobbish mother, and dachshunds so real you can almost smell them. -- Rose Shepherd * SAGA, Book of the Month *[A] cunning whodunnit... This wise and often beautifully written novel remains most memorable as a sharp but sympathetic portrayal of everyday life in a small community and a clergyman's role within it. -- Jake Kerridge * DAILY EXPRESS *Richard Coles is one of the most sparkling, entertaining, clever and lovable people in public life, as rare and precious to British culture as a Norman cathedral. * Victoria Coren Mitchell *Murder Before Evensong has all the elements that make up a classic detective story: a pitch-perfect setting, a genuine puzzle, a gruesome murder (or more) and engaging characters. I enjoyed it very much. * Philip Pullman *Coles' rendering of his fictional church, St Mary's, in the village of Champton, twinkles with quirky detail and sharp humour. -- Paul Connolly * METRO *A wry, tongue-in cheek and whimsical debut with more than a trace of G. K. Chesterton's Father Brown... charming. -- Geoffrey Wansell * DAILY MAIL *Violent deaths aside, it's a cosy world of Desert Island Discs, flower rotas and walnut cakes, beautifully written and evocative, run through with the comforting, ancient liturgical rhythms that transport you to Evensong and gentle organ music in a cool country church on a summer's evening. -- Kate Green * COUNTRY LIFE *This has all the ingredients of a brilliant new cosy crime series. -- Susan Watson * MY WEEKLY *A brilliant crime romp set in a village full of gossip and secrets. -- Zoe West * WOMAN'S WEEKLY *A deliciously thrilling murder mystery. -- Susan Watson * WOMAN'S WEEKLY SUMMER SPECIAL *He's very good on the nitty-gritty of a clergyman's life. His likable protagonist Canon Daniel Clement's struggle to get parishioners to accept the installation of a new church toilet is every bit as gripping as his investigation of the inevitable series of mystifying murders. -- John Williams * MAIL ON SUNDAY *Coles is a sharp observer of human nature, but his observations are tempered with both humour and compassion, and much of the pleasure in the book lies in the incidental asides. -- CAROLINE CHARTRES * CHURCH TIMES *Coles adds another string to his bow with this witty, Barbara Pym-ish village whodunnit about a crime-solving cleric. * THE DAILY TELEGRAPH, Best Holiday Reads *

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Book Synopsis''A brilliant new take'' Janina Ramirez, author of Femina''A masterpiece of the historian''s art'' Peter Brown, author of Augustine of HippoThe powerful and surprising story of the four remarkable women who changed Augustine''s life - and history - forever.While many know of St Augustine and the Confessions, few know of the women whose hopes and dreams shaped his early life: his mother, Monnica of Thagaste; his lover; his fiancée; and Justina, the troubled empress of ancient Rome. Drawing upon their depictions in the Confessions, historian Kate Cooper skilfully reconstructs their lives against the backdrop of the late Roman Empire to paint a vivid portrait of the turbulent society they and Augustine moved through. She shows how despite their often precarious position, these women tried in their different ways to influence the world around them and argues that Augustine did not end his engagement because he was Trade ReviewFascinating and well-written, Queens of a Fallen World raises vital questions about the role of women in the founding centuries of Christianity, piecing together a rich backdrop to Augustine's life that has rarely emerged before. Cooper convinces us that these women can be recovered, and that through his words and thoughts, their lives shaped the future of a fledgling religion. A brilliant new take -- Janina Ramirez, author of FEMINA: A NEW HISTORY OF THE MIDDLE AGES, THROUGH THE WOMEN WRITTEN OUT OF ITA masterpiece of the historian's art. With a rare balance of state-of-the-art erudition and felicitous hypotheses, Kate Cooper has brought the hidden women in Augustine's early life into the light. Governed throughout by a humane sense of the texture of a distant late Roman society, she captures women's voices which we would not otherwise have heard -- Peter Brown, author of AUGUSTINE OF HIPPO: A BIOGRAPHYWhat an invigorating book! Cooper asks a haunting question: how different would our world be had this man married either his concubine - who was the loyal mother of his child - or the young heiress he was betrothed to, instead of withdrawing from sexual relationships altogether? -- Sarah Ruden, translator of Augustine’s CONFESSIONSA marvelous achievement . . . Cooper sketches an evocative landscape of the late Roman world in Milan and North Africa . . . Above all, her's is a world of human beings suffering heartache and loneliness while trying to reconcile the pull of the heart with the lure of ambition -- Susanna Elm, Sidney H. Ehrman Professor of European History, University of California, BerkeleyAn enchanting tour de force of sensitive and probing historical writing . . . Cooper's enquiry into the influence of women on Augustine - whether empress, mother, lover, saint, or slave - enriches his legacy -- Adrienne Mayor, author of THE AMAZONS: LIVES AND LEGENDS OF WARRIOR WOMEN ACROSS THE ANCIENT WORLDA bold and imaginative venture into challenging territory. Cooper casts new light onto the women of the ancient world - and one of the founders of Western thought -- Sarah Gristwood, author of THE TUDORS IN LOVE: PASSION AND POLITICS IN THE AGE OF ENGLAND'S MOST FAMOUS DYNASTY

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Book SynopsisAn introduction to Christian ethics that provides a new, constructive framework for Christian moral and political thought. It draws on and integrates classic sources and approaches with contemporary liberationist and critical voices while making the ethical relationship between human and nonhuman life a central concern.Table of Contents1. Christ and the struggle to live well; I. Describing Well: 2. Listening to creaturely life; 3. Listening to Scripture; 4. Listening to strangers; 5. Listening to cries for liberation; 6. Listening to ancestors; II. Acting Well: 7. Finitude and fallenness; 8. Call and commands; 9. Rules and regulations; 10. Virtues and vision; 11. Deliberation and judgment; III. Living Well with Others: 12. Intimacy; 13. Work; 14. Politics.

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Book SynopsisIn this exciting addition to Bloomsbury's Short Histories series, Steven Leonard Jacobs critically yet concisely examines the history of Judaism and the Jewish people, drawing from maps, photographs and archives to illuminate the history of one of the world's oldest religions.Beginning by establishing a definition of Judaism, Jacobs explores the historiography of the Jewish people, in addition to the role of memory in charting history. Including a comprehensive breakdown of the history of Judaism, the author splits discussion into defined eras, taking readers from the beginnings of Judaism, to the split between Judah in the South and Israel in the North, the united Monarchy, and the Age of the Prophets. Exploring the social structures and institutions of ancient Israel, Jacobs incorporates key themes such as civic life, economics, and art before analysing the interactions of Judaism with Romanism and Hellenism. Moving through the Middle Ages and Pre-Modernity, and acknowledgingTrade ReviewDo not be fooled by the title. This “short history” is every bit as deep and wide as we have come to expect from Professor Jacobs. It is beautifully written and includes hundreds of citations to secondary sources that will be of tremendous value to students and scholars alike. * Michael Dickerman, Adjunct Professor of Holocaust and Genocide Studies, Stockton University, USA *A Short History of Judaism and the Jewish People by Steven Jacobs is written with the general reader in mind. That is the text is clear and offers a full history never assuming that the reader already knows the details. It is even so comprehensive in this compacted text so that any student will be able to follow the history from the ancient world to the complex reality of modern Judaism. As Prof. Jacobs does this, he also draws on contemporary images (such as a reference to “Indiana Jones”). All of this makes for an excellent text well suited for the beginning student in any college classroom. * James Moore, Senior Research Professor, Valparaiso University, USA *Table of Contents1. Introduction The Operating Definition of Judaism Sociologically Speaking The Importance of the Literary Tradition The Centrality of the God of Israel Judaism, Jewish People, and God 2. Beginnings until the Monarchy Migratory Tribes Egyptian Monarchy Confederation of Tribes 3. Kingdoms of Judah and Israel Reign of Saul Reign of David Reign of Solomon Downfall of the Two Kingdoms 4. Social Structures of Ancient Israel Patriarchal Structure Rise of Urbanization 5. Before the Destruction of the First Temple to Alexander the Great The Age of the Prophets Babylonian Captivity Return to Palestine 6. The Second Temple Period and the Conflicts with “Hellenism” and “Romanism” Hasmonean Revolt and Rule Oppression under Roman Rule Destruction of the Second Temple 7. Aftermath of the Roman War Bar Kokhba Revolt Rise of Rabbinical Academies 8. The 4th to the 7th Centuries Constantine, Christianity, and the Edict of Milan Emergence of Islam 9. The 8th to the 15th Centuries: The Middle Ages The First Crusade Later Crusades and Jewish Oppression A Golden Age Jewish Expulsions and Diasporas 10. The 16th and the 17th Centuries: The Middle Ages and Transitions Internal Jewish Dynamics Further Christian Persecutions False Messiahs 11. The 18th and 19th Centuries: Pre-Modernity to Modernity Period of Jewish Emancipation Four Jewish Movements: Haskalah, Hasidism, Reform Judaism, Zionism Impact of Secularism 12. The 20th Century and Beyond: Modernity Immigration and Emigration Antisemitism in Europe Germany and the Holocaust/Shoah 13. The 21st Century Moment and Beyond American, Israeli, and Worldwide Jewish Survival American Jewish Communities State of Israel Jews Worldwide Antisemitism: Hatred Old and New The Middle East: Israel and Her Neighbours 14. Conclusions Bibliography Index

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Book SynopsisWINNER of Gourmand Awards 2023 Best Influencer Cookbook of the Year Discover 80 delicious, easy-to-make recipes perfect for the holy month of Ramadan.In this cookbook, you'll find all the recipes you need to make your Ramadan meals family-friendly, fuss-free and filling.From perfect predawn meals for Suhoor, to hearty and satisfying meals for Iftar, as well as dishes made for celebrating with friends and family during Eid al-Fitr, and all the accompanying salads, chutneys, breads, drinks and desserts you'll need, this book has all the most popular Ramadan dishes covered.Accompanied by gorgeous photographs throughout, these recipes from much-loved food blogger Anisa Karolia are for anyone looking to eat well before and after fasting.Trade ReviewThis Ramadan book is a lifeline for anyone who is fasting over this spiritual time and needs inspiration and trusted recipes. I know I will be reaching for this book each year. -- Shelina Permalloo, Masterchef winner & cookbook author

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Book Synopsis'A masterful, must-read contribution to conversations on power, justice, healing, and devotion from a singular voice I now trust with my whole heart'GLENNON DOYLE, author of Untamed**Roxane Gay's Book Club March 2023 Pick**When Lamya is fourteen, she decides to disappear. It seems easier to ease herself out of sight than to grapple with the difficulty of taking shape in a world that doesn't fit. She is a queer teenager growing up in a Muslim household, a South Asian in a Middle Eastern country. But during her Quran class, she reads a passage about Maryam, and suddenly everything shifts: if Maryam was never touched by any man, could Maryam be... like Lamya?Written with deep intelligence and a fierce humour, Hijab Butch Blues follows Lamya as she travels to the United States, as she comes out, and as she navigates the complexities of the immigration system - and the queer dating scene. At each step, she turns to her faith to make sense of her life, weaving stories from the Quran together with her own experiences: Musa leading his people to freedom; Allah, who is neither male nor female; and Nuh, who built an ark, just as Lamya is finally able to become the architect of her own story.Raw and unflinching, Hijab Butch Blues heralds the arrival of a truly original voice, asking powerful questions about gender and sexuality, relationships, identity and faith, and what it means to build a life of one's own.Trade ReviewAs funny as it is original. -- New York TimesA masterful, must-read contribution to conversations on power, justice, healing, and devotion from a singular voice I now trust with my whole heart, Lamya H.'s gorgeously written and life-affirming debut Hijab Butch Blues traces the intertwining of faith and doubt, and invites us all to a deeper, more loving way to live -- Glennon Doyle, author of UNTAMEDWith a supple skill, Hijab Butch Blues treats gender and devotion with a thrilling sense of multiplicity and expansiveness. This is a book attentive to the fullness of being human. Among the meshes of power and orthodoxy, Lamya H. moves with curiosity, humour and vulnerability, divining new sources of hope and of life. -- Seán Hewitt, author of ALL DOWN DARKNESS WIDEA singular memoir about identity, queerness, racism and resistance which engages with the Islamic faith in open, nuanced and quietly radical ways. I love Lamya's intimate, intelligent and honest voice -- Arifa Akbar, author of CONSUMEDA gracefully-wrought memoir about the importance of community, faith and family in a world that is so often unwilling to accept and celebrate each of us in our beautiful complexity -- Eleanor Bally * Skinny *Exploring the strength and stories of the Quran that inform her own experience and celebrating how we move forwards to accept different viewpoints and ideas while telling the tale of her life, this is a brilliant read to savour -- Francesca Brown * Stylist *A moving reconciliation of identity and faith -- Katie Goh * i-D Magazine *Lamya H has accomplished in words all the tenderness, defiance, and nuance that their story demands. To be invited into the richness of their interior world - the beauty of childhood skepticism, the complexity of Muslim storytelling, and the glory of life in a queer body - is no minor gift. Hijab Butch Blues is for anyone coming home to themselves in a world content to disorient us. Lamya H will show us the way -- Cole Arthur Riley, author of This Here FleshHIjab Butch Blues is a revelation, an emotional journey of faith, family, community and sexuality. With precision, compassion, and deeply observed storytelling, Lamya H - a new, distinctive voice - navigates the fault lines of life and love in a queer Muslim body -- Linda Villarosa, author of UNDER THE SKINA richly textured and deeply moving testament to the power of faith - not only in the divine, but in the human spirit. In spare yet poetic prose, the author gifts us with stories from her quest to find belonging as a queer hijabi immigrant in America. Leaping effortlessly from the personal to the political, Hijab Butch Blues is one of those rare texts that seamlessly weaves trenchant social analysis with gorgeous storytelling skill. This book is sure to become a queer classic -- Kai Cheng Thom, author of FIERCE FEMMES AND NOTORIOUS LIARSDespite contending with secrets and silence and shame, Lamya H has been brave enough and bold enough to live her own dynamic life: Muslim, queer, politically radical, devoted to her faith. Using memoir, theological discussions of Quranic surahs, and critical reflection on American culture and society, Lamya has fashioned in this book what I never thought possible: she describes a world in which I could live -- Kazim Ali, author of FASTING FOR RAMADAN

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Book SynopsisTrade Review"This fine book, by a most promising young scholar, is not only intellectually rewarding, it is prayerfully pondered—from cover to cover." —America Magazine"Hans Urs von Balthasar's Theology of Representation is a book that is long overdue. In his deeply probing and enormously informed book, Lett suggests that representation is both a theological keynote and a theological lever in Balthasar’s theology, which, if not systematic in a modern sense, nonetheless is always faithful to the matrix of doctrines and the interconnection of the excessive reality they intend. It most certainly is the best and most focused study of Balthasar’s soteriology that has yet appeared . . . [and is] one of the best books on Balthasar’s Christology. Most importantly—and it bears emphasizing—it is a book of deep theological thinking." —Cyril O'Regan, from the foreword“This book not only fills a significant gap in scholarship on Balthasar but also provides a nuanced and perhaps even provocative interpretation of Balthasar’s dramatic soteriology, challenging certain one-note readings that do not account for the broader context of Balthasar’s system.” —Jennifer Newsome Martin, author of Hans Urs von Balthasar and the Critical Appropriation of Russian Religious Thought * America Magazine *Table of ContentsAbbreviations Introduction Part 1. Theological Foundations for Representation 1. Introduction 2. Balthasar’s Mission Christology: The Theo-Dramatic Representative Part 2. Dramatic Action: He Acts in Our Place That We Might Act in His Place 3. Dramatic Representation: Recapitulation, Suffering, Tragedy, and Liberation 4. Emplaced Theosis: The Spirit as the Continual Representative Conclusion Bibliography

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Book SynopsisThe Egyptian Star Oracle is the first of its kind: an oracle deck that uses only authentic Egyptian artwork, spells, translations, names, and meanings to create a divination tool that is entirely Egyptian. The Egyptian Star Oracle is not merely an “Egyptian themed” deck, it is an authentic Egyptian Oracle, utilizing astrology as it was originally practiced in 2400 BC, with all Greek, Persian, and Hebrew influences stripped away. The foundation of this deck is the astrology practiced by the ancient “star priests” of Asyut for divination and evocation of the thirty-six unwavering stars known as "decans”. The cards are packed with information, transformative energy, and ritual magic details. Seasoned readers of the classic tarot will find many parallels between the meanings of this deck and the cards of the Minor Arcana. At the core of this deck are the thirty-six decans of Egyptian astrology. Each decan represents both a specific star and a deity. These are not the same as the thirty-six decans of modern astrology, although they are connected. Produced with exceptional detail, the Egyptian Star Oracle features 42 cards printed in full-colour with gilded edges, an extensive 144-page guidebook, and comes with a small Eye of Horus charm all packaged in a sarcophagus-shaped boxed adorned with motifs of Egyptian art. Renowned occultist and best-selling author Travis McHenry has sourced all the images on these cards from ancient Egyptian artwork, including papyrus, pottery, and from the walls of tombs. The background of each card contains a snippet of texts that the author personally gathered from the Pyramid of Teti in Saqqara. Each card includes historical details, meaning, and ritual uses. This oracle set is ideal for art lovers, those fascinated with ancient Egypt, tarot historians, and collectors alike.

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Book SynopsisTrade Review"A remarkably lively and intelligent book."---Robert Irwin, Times Literary Supplement

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Book SynopsisThe most popular of the Norse goddesses is the Vanic deity Freya, found across the Norse myths and into modern mass media, yet often obscured by contradictory tales and external moral coding. Freya is an alluring deity of magic and fertility, a being so important in the mythology that gods and giants fought over her, yet she is never shown as a passive prize to be won only as a forceful being with agency and will of her own. Who is this powerful goddess who has left such a profound mark across not only Norse culture but also wider Western culture? Pagan Portals-Freya is a basic introduction to the Norse Goddess Freya that covers her history, mythology, associations, and modern appearances, and offers readers suggestions for how to begin connecting to Freya in their own lives.

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Book SynopsisA comprehensive survey of Syriac Christianity from its origins in Hellenistic and ancient Near Eastern cultures to the presentTrade Review“In this extraordinarily learned and wide-ranging book, an entire lost world is brought into the light. The Syriac World reminds us of the vigor and diversity that made up the culture and religion of the Middle East from Late Antiquity until today.”—Peter Brown, author of Through the Eye of a Needle“This is a marvelous gem of a book. In one short volume, we are given three thousand years of history. Readers will learn an enormous amount about Syriac literature and the history of Middle Eastern Christianity. This book is a small classic.”—Jack Tannous, author of The Making of the Medieval Middle East“The authors have provided a wonderfully readable, and beautifully illustrated, guide to the various aspects of the Syriac world: the narrative is exceptionally well informed, and the attention paid to material culture is particularly welcome. This is a book that every self-respecting library ought to have.”—Sebastian Brock, author of An Introduction to Syriac Studies“The Syriac World is a fine piece of scholarship, and a truly valuable contribution to the literature on Christian history. The authors present a picture of the Syriac world that is at once authoritative and attractive to the non-specialist reader.”—Philip Jenkins, author of Crucible of Faith: The Ancient Revolution That Made Our Modern Religious World

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Book SynopsisIn this book, William R. Osborne uses a clear and warm style to provide a distinct connection between the gospel and God's goodness, holiness, and mercy as seen in the You Are statements found in the Psalms.

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Book SynopsisThe Bible Study: Youth Edition is a 90-day study that takes you through each book of the Bible with an easy-to-follow framework that helps you better understand the Bible and feel confident in your faith. Written for middle-school and high-schoolers, you'll be able to find new and exciting ways of connecting to the Word. Start your journey by reading the entire New Testament and go through overviews of each Old Testament book. · Feel more engaged with easy-to-follow daily reading plans. · Grow your faith with powerful questions and reflections that help you uncover insights that last a lifetime. · Experience and connect with Scripture on a new level with an attractive design and beautiful, full-color pages throughout. Better understanding the Bible will transform your life from the inside out. Get to know what your faith means to you with a study that guides you from cover-to-cover, helping you unlock a deeper connection to God.

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Book SynopsisIn writing that sparkles and inspires, Anne Klein (Lama Rigzin Drolma) shows us how to liberate our buddha nature to be both human and a buddha too.This first volume in the House of Adzom series centers on Longchenpa’s seven trainings in bodhicitta, our awakened mind, the ultimate purpose of our practice and training. Anne Klein’s original composition masterfully weaves in Adzom Paylo Rinpoche’s commentary and Jigme Lingpa’s five pith practices and commentary on the trainings, in keeping with Longchenpa’s skillful integration of sutra, tantra, and Dzogchen, to resolve our most challenging questions about what awakening involves and how it relates to the truth of our human situation right now. As foundational teachings for Dzogchen practitioners, the seven trainings are framed as contemplations on impermanence, the adventitiousness of happiness and its short duration, the multiple causes of death, the meaninglessness of our worldly activities, reliance on the Buddha’s good qualities, the teacher’s pith instructions, and, ultimately, nonconceptual meditation on bliss and emptiness, clarity and emptiness, and reality itself.

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Book SynopsisReprint With 8 col.illustrations, the Story of a Near-Death Experience NDEs (near-death experiences) may have gained interest in the past few decades, but they were well documented in the Srimad-Bhagavatam thousands of years ago. What does the near-death experience teach us? The sharp philosophical and metaphysical debates that punctuate the action as Ajamila confronts the messengers of death and finds deliverance are bound to excite the interest of those concerned with life''s deepest questions.

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Book SynopsisReprint. Introduction to Bhagavad-gita is a valuable companion to any edition of the Bhagavad-gita, and every bit as informative as the book it was intended to introduce. Srila Prabhupada wrote it in 1968 as his introduction to Bhagavad-gita As It Isbefore he even knew if he''d be able to publish the entire Gitaand included within it the essence of all the Gita''s teachings.He begins the Introduction by advocating submissive aural reception as the proper mood for being able to understand the Bhagavad-gita at all. If we think the Gita is just another book, he says, we''re missing the point; its speaker, Krishna, is the Supreme Person Himself, and those who accept Him as such can get incalculable benefit from hearing His words. Introduction to Bhagavad-gita concisely explains all the Gita''s major themes, such as the difference between the self and the material body, how to prepare to leave the body at death, and how our eternal dharma (essential nature) differs from what''s known as religion.

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Book SynopsisResistance to Christianity is a revisionary account of the forms of thought and belief that have been rejected by orthodox Christianity over the course of the centuries.

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Book SynopsisIn an uncertain world, it''s not always easy to put our worries into God''s hands. Beloved author and pastor Max Lucado weaves together biblical promises, gentle illustrations, and thoughtful practices to help you exchange your anxieties for God''s peace.Calm Moments for Anxious Days includes Scripture, devotional thoughts, and practical tools to help you release your anxieties one by one, breath by breath, into the safe hands of a God who will never leave you. Each brief but powerful entry includes: A heartfelt devotion with ideas for applying God''s Word to your circumstances A biblically-based promise or affirmation to replace your spiraling thoughts Space for you to write out prayers, worries, and reminders of God''s faithfulness  Including a quick-reference list of God''s promises, this 90-day devotional is ideal for seasons of stress, depression, and anxiety. Whether you’re facing grief o

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Book SynopsisUplne vydanie's povodnymi Sanskrtskymi textami, sprepisom do latinky, so slovenskymi, synonymami,'s prekladmi a's podrobnymi vykladmi Dodatky O autorovi Citovane pisma Vykladovy slovnik mien a vecnych pojmov Samskrt a klue k vyslovnosti Register Samskrtskych versov Register citovanych versov Vseobecny index

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Book SynopsisWhat is the meaning of life? As human beings, we cannot avoid this most basic question of earthly existence. Is consciousness simply an accident of the universe, as modern science would claim? On the other hand, many established religions suggest that life is a one-time experience, culminating in 'eternal life' in heaven or some kind of purgatory or hell. But how could this be equitable, given people's vastly differing life circumstances? As a response to such questions, the author discusses the concept of reincarnation - the development of individual souls over multiple lifetimes. She examines the idea of fate in relation to one's occupation. What is more important: a well-paid career or finding one's true vocation? Are our 'innate' talents and abilities the result of a gene-lottery at conception, or could they be related to pre-birth existence - to our own intentions for our forthcoming life on earth? The notion of reincarnation is a prerequisite for understanding one's personal destiny or karma - a personal life plan created before our incarnation on earth. Through such ideas, the consciousness of one's immortal soul-core - our inner being, that exists both before birth and after death - can be awoken. The transcript of this enlightening talk is a stimulating introduction to contemporary perspectives on the ancient teaching of reincarnation and karma.Table of ContentsEditor's Foreword - REINCARNATION AND KARMA, Lecture given to the general public on 11 November 2015 in Basel, Switzerland - Appendix 1: From a lecture given to a private audience on 7 December 2016 in Basel, Switzerland - Appendix 2: An extract from George Ritchie's Return from Tomorrow

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Book SynopsisFirst published in 1923, The Prophet is a collection of twenty-six poetic fables that centre around the prophet Al Mustafa, who, boarding a boat in the city of Orphalese, where he has lived for many years, prepares to sail home. On the voyage Al Mustafa is approached by a group of travellers, with whom he discusses deep topics - love, friendship, passion, pain, religion - and The Prophet becomes a manual and spiritual guide. This edition features the original illustrations prepared by the author, as well as an introduction by Dr Daniele Nunziata, which introduces the great work for a new generation.Trade Review'I have loved many books over the years, but the one I would never be parted from and read again and again is The Prophet by Kahlil Gibran.' (Lesley Pearse, The Independent)

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Book SynopsisA modern guide to the transformative practice of silent illumination from Chan Buddhist teacher Rebecca Li.Silent illumination, a way of penetrating the mind through curious inquiry, is an especially potent, accessible, and portable meditation practice perfectly suited for a time when there is so much fear, upheaval, and sorrow in our world. It is a method of reconnecting with our true nature, which encompasses all that exists and where suffering cannot touch us.The practice of silent illumination is simple, allowing each moment to be experienced as it is in order to manifest our innate wisdom and natural capacity for compassion. It can be integrated into all aspects of daily life and is meaningful for secular and Buddhist audiences, new and seasoned meditators alike. After guiding readers through the history and practice of silent illumination, Rebecca Li shows us how we can recognize and unlearn our ?modes of operation??habits of mind that get in the way of being fully present and engaged with life. Cultivating clarity on the empty nature of these habits offers us a way to unlearn and free ourselves from unhelpful modes such as harshness to self, perfectionism, quietism, striving for spiritual attainment, and more.Illumination offers stories and real-life examples, references to classic Buddhist texts, and insights from Chan Master Sheng Yen to guide readers as they practice silent illumination not just on their cushions, but throughout their lives.

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Book SynopsisA daily devotional to support, encourage, and inspire you on your cancer-healing journeyA healing mindset takes fortitude, faith, and courage--and acceptance of support when you need it most. As the survivor of cancer for over 15 years, Chris Wark, best-selling author of Chris Beat Cancer, knows the daily struggles involved in healing from cancer and wants to support you as you walk this path with God. This daily devotional offers nuggets of scripture, inspiration, encouragement, and actions for surviving life's difficult storms. Embrace the challenge and know that you have the divine guidance and power to prosper--mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Your future will be better than your past, better than you can even imagine.

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Book Synopsis★ Publishers Weekly starred review 2023 Christian Book Award® Winner (Christian Living) Christianity Today 2023 Book Award Finalist (Christian Living & Spiritual Formation) Outreach 2023 Recommended Resource (Christian Living) A "Best Book of 2022," Englewood Review of Books "This incisive and eloquent volume will expand readers' minds."--Publishers Weekly "A beautifully written book. . . . [Smith] offers a good, pastoral word to Christians today."--Christian Century Many Christians live a faith that is "nowhen." They are disconnected from the past or imagine they are somehow "above" the flux of history, as if every generation starts with a clean state. They lack an awareness of time and the effects of history--both personal and collective--and thus are naive about current issues, prone to nostalgia, or fixated on the end times and other doomsday versions of the future. Popular speaker and award-winning author James K. A. Smith explains that we must reckon with the past in order to discern the present and have hope for the future. Integrating popular culture, biblical exposition, and meditation, he helps us develop a sense of "temporal awareness" that is attuned to the texture of history, the vicissitudes of life, and the tempo of the Spirit. Smith shows that awakening to the spiritual significance of time is crucial for orienting faith in the twenty-first century. It allows us to become indebted to the past, oriented toward the future, and faithful in the present.Table of ContentsContentsIntroduction: When Are We? The Spiritual Significance of TimekeepingMeditation 1: Ecclesiastes 3:9-151. Creatures of Time: How to Face Our Forgetting2. A History of the Human Heart: How to Learn from GhostsMeditation 2: Ecclesiastes 7:10-143. The Sacred Folds of Kairos: How (Not) to Be Contemporary4. Embrace the Ephemeral: How to Love What You'll LoseMeditation 3: Ecclesiastes 11:7-12:85. Seasons of the Heart: How to Inhabit Your Now6. On Not Living Ahead of Time: How to Sing Maranatha!Epilogue: History in Heaven

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Book SynopsisThe full text of the trustworthy New King James Version with robust study notes, vibrant full-color images, and dozens of study resources to help you grow deeper in your faith.The New King James Study Bible, Full Color Edition is a reliable guide for your journey into God’s Word. This beautiful full-color Bible provides a complete resource for study, including over 1 million words of custom content contributed by top evangelical scholars. Over 1,000 articles, notes, word studies, photos, illustrations, maps, and other tools, combined with the accuracy and clarity of the New King James Version, make this Bible a perfect choice to help you deeply engage and understand Scripture.Trusted by readers worldwide, the NKJV Study Bible has been recognized with the ECPA Platinum Award for selling over 2 million copies across translations.

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Book SynopsisUncomplicating the Complicated Ways We Talk about Faith.You''re not alone. Many people think of theology—the study of the nature of God and His truth—as a subject for scholars and people with seminary degrees. It seems irrelevant to those of us with jobs and lives that aren''t wrapped up in highbrow academia.But the fact is that theology has everything to do with us. It''s essential to how we wrestle with our inner doubts and how we talk to others about what we believe. Its current runs through every political debate, moral judgement, and new idea.This companion workbook to Phylicia Masonheimer''s book Every Woman a Theologian brings the fundamentals of Christian theology down to earth in a straightforward, relatable way so that you can: Identify your existing beliefs about God, salvation, and the Christian life. Understand the vocabulary of theology without feeling overwhelmed. Develop a

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Book SynopsisDesigned for the pastor and Bible teacher, the Zondervan Exegetical Commentary on the Old Testament features today''s top Old Testament scholars and brings together commentary features rarely gathered together in one volume. With careful discourse analysis and interpretation of the Hebrew text, the authors trace the flow of argument in each Old Testament book, showing that how a biblical author says something is just as important as what they say.Commentary on each passage follows a clear structure to help readers grasp the flow and meaning of the text: The Main Idea of the Passage: A one- or two-sentence summary of the key ideas the biblical author seeks to communicate. Literary Context: A brief discussion of the relationship of the specific text to the book as a whole and to its place within the broader argument. Translation and Exegetical Outline: Commentators provide their own translations of each text, formatted to highlight its discourse strucTrade Review'Dr. Turner is to be commended for this excellent work that combines scholarly research and personal insight into Habakkuk's world. His scholarship is especially evident in detailed textual analysis and clarifying footnotes, but perhaps the most outstanding feature of the commentary is Dr. Turner's ability to present each verse as part of the overall literary context of Habakkuk in a captivating manner that is borne out of both careful study and personal experience. This is truly a wonderful addition to the Zondervan Exegetical Commentary on the Old Testament!' * KEVIN BURRIS, department chair, Bible and theology, Toccoa Fall College *'Ken Turner's work in Habakkuk is invaluable. His commentary offers discourse analysis and grammatical context to expertly support those teaching, preaching, or studying the book. The commentary's depth of insight makes it a resource I will continue to use.' * TAYLOR TURKINGTON, director, BibleEquipping.org; author, Trembling Faith *'Kenneth Turner has written a truly original and valuable commentary on Habakkuk. Readers interested in Hebrew will be pleased by the careful attention to grammar, syntax, and poetic analysis. Turner integrates this focus on text-level details with careful consideration of intertextual connections, integration with Christian theology, and even pastoral application. He insightfully avoids common exegetical pitfalls and persuasively argues for better solutions. Turner demonstrates how evangelicals can draw from the best of current scholarship while avoiding excessive focus on topics that are unfruitful for exposition in the church. Students, pastors, and scholars alike will all benefit from this important study.' * DAVID J. FULLER, assistant professor of Old Testament, Torch Trinity Graduate University, Seoul, South Korea *

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