Religious and spiritual figures Books

Book SynopsisBy emphasizing the ways the Bishops of Rome first leveraged the cult of St. Peter to their advantage, George E. Demacopoulos constructs an alternate account of papal history that challenges the dominant narrative of an inevitable and unbroken rise in papal power from late antiquity through the Middle Ages.Trade Review"The genius of Demacopoulos's book is that it takes an entrenched assumption about Roman papal authority-that the late ancient pope claimed to speak through Peter, Christ's chosen apostle, when asserting matters of doctrine or discipline-and turns it on its head." * Early Medieval Europe *"Demacopoulos's meticulous study with helpful appendices should be read carefully by everyone, especially by those who think that they already know well enough the history of the early papacy." * Tarmo Toom, Journal of Theological Studies *"The Invention of Peter makes a valuable contribution to two fields that have not yet much affected each other: intellectual history of the papacy and late antique cultural studies. It encourages fresh, innovative scrutiny of a subject too important to languish." * Kevin Uhalde, Ohio University *Table of ContentsIntroduction Chapter 1. Petrine Legends, External Recognition, and the Cult of Peter in Rome Chapter 2. The Many Faces of Leo's Peter Chapter 3. Gelasius' Domestic Problems and International Posture Chapter 4. The Petrine Discourse in Theoderic's Italy and Justinian's Empire Chapter 5. Restraint and Desperation in Gregory the Great's Petrine Appeal Postscript: The Life of St. Gregory of Agrigentum as a Seventh-Century Petrine Critique of the Papacy Conclusion: The Invention of Peter Appendices (translations by Matthew Briel) I: Pope Gelasius to Augustus Anastasius II: Tract VI Notes Bibliography Index Acknowledgments

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe Commentaries of Pius II (1405-1464), the only autobiography ever written by a pope, was composed in elegant humanistic Latin modeled on Caesar and Cicero. This edition contains a fresh Latin text based on the last manuscript written in Pius's lifetime and an updated and corrected version of the 1937 translation.Trade ReviewAeneas Sylvius Piccolomini, the Sienese humanist who became Pope Pius II, describes the election that brought him to the papal throne in a cold, mordant key that anticipates the Italian styles of Machiavelli and Guicciardini...For all his severity, Pius had a delightful way of describing cities and countryside. He could mock himself charmingly, as when he described his stay among the barbarian inhabitants of the British borders, who had never seen wine or white bread, and whose eager young women he refused to sleep with, as he stayed up all night for fear of bandits "among the heifers and nanny goats, who kept him from sleeping a wink by stealthily pulling the straw from his pallet." Pius's Commentaries, presented in a most elegant and informative way by Margaret Meserve and Marcello Simonetta, may well be the most entertaining work in the whole [I Tatti Renaissance Library] series. -- Anthony T. Grafton * New York Review of Books *

Read more less

Book SynopsisEarl Creps is known for his work in connecting the younger generation of postmoderns with their Boomer predecessors. The author of Off-Road Disciplines, Creps, in this new book, takes up the topic of how older church leaders can learn from younger leaders who are more conversant with culture, technology, and social context. In addition to making the benefits of what he calls reverse mentoring apparent, he also makes it accessible by offering practical steps to implement this discipline at both personal and organizational levels, particularly in communication, evangelism, and leadership. Creps'' new book is a topic of interest both inside and outside the church as older leaders realize that they''re not getting it when it comes to technologies (iPod, IM, blogging) or cultural issues such as the fact that younger people see the world in an entirely different way. Creps has been personally involved in reverse mentoring for several years and has spoken and written on the subjectTrade Review"Full of timely examples that can help keep ministry fresh and relevant." – The Living Church (January 2009) "I enjoyed reading Earl Creps’ Off Road Disciplines, but I was enthralled by Reverse Mentoring….Through these extremely personal and detailed stories Creps gives the reader a window into the emerging world with all of its new language, technology, music, and quirkiness." –Easum-BandyTable of ContentsAbout Leadership Network. Introduction: It Takes a Child to Raise a Village. Part One: Facing Reality. Chapter 1 Identity: “I Am Not Cool”. Chapter 2 Culture: “I Don’t Get It”. Chapter 3 Ministry: “I Am Not Relevant”. Part Two: Cultivating Spirituality. Chapter 4 Vision: Seeing Beyond Ourselves. Chapter 5 Wisdom: Knowing Beyond Our Information. Chapter 6 Relationship: Befriending Beyond Our Peers. Part Three: Experiencing Practicality. Chapter 7 Evangelism: Learning from Outsiders. Chapter 8 Communication: Learning from Listeners. Chapter 9 Leadership: Learning from Followers. Part Four: Developing Reciprocity. Chapter 10 Protégés: Developing R-Mentoring Relationships. Chapter 11 Processes: Embedding R-Mentoring in Organizations. Chapter 12 Interview: Joel and Rachel Mentor Earl and Janet. Epilogue I Was So Much Older Then; I’m Younger Than That Now. Notes. Acknowledgments. About the Author. Index.

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisAt one point in her life, author and co-founder of Redeemer Presbyterian Church Kathy Keller sought pastoral ordination. Yet she came to adopt the view that men and women have different roles in marriage and ministry, and that fulfilling such roles pleases God and leads to greater personal fulfillment.In this unapologetic but nuanced piece, Keller presents a caring and careful case for biblical gender differences and the complementarian view of women in ministry. At the same time, she encourages women to teach and lead in the church in ways that may startle some complementarians. Readers on both sides of this hot-button topic will be challenged by her ministry-tested and thoroughly Scriptural perspective.

Read more less

Book SynopsisChurches have split and denominations have formed over the issue of church government. While many Christians can explain their church''s form of rule or defend it because of its tried and true traditions, few people understand their church''s administrative customs from a biblical perspective.Who Runs the Church? explores questions such as: What model for governing the church does the Bible provide, and is such a model given for practical or spiritual reasons? Is there room for different methods within Christianity? Or is there a right way of doing church? And, finally, how (and by whom) should the church be governed?Four predominant approaches to church government are presented by respected proponents: Episcopalianism - represented by Peter Toon Presbyterianism - represented by L. Roy Taylor Single-Elder Congregationalism - represented by Paige Patterson Plural-Elder Congregationalism - represented by Samue

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisMany people have wondered where Mother Teresa found the motivation and the strength to give herself so totally to loving the poorest of the poor. This little book provides us with an answer. Collected here are Mother Teresa's favourite prayers; many written by herself, others which she and the Sisters of Charity used on a daily basis. Together they provide an intimate and rare portrait of a modern day saint for whom work and prayer were inseparable. Her days began and ended with prayer, and every activity was rooted in attentive listening to God. Mother Teresa's Prayer Book is therefore the ideal daily spiritual companion for all who are seeking to know and do God's will.

Read more less

Book SynopsisTrade Review"Rex’s nuanced account of Luther’s theology, steeped in deep learning and wry humour, demands attention."---Susannah Monta, Times Literary Supplement"Richard Rex's new book, The Making of Martin Luther, is brilliant in exposing the hair-raising character of his theology."---Melanie McDonagh, The Spectator"Readable, free of jargon, and entertaining. . . . This is a book that teaches. Its value lies in presenting briefly and pointedly what is distinctive about Luther’s theological development rather than repeating the partisan caricatures of his thought and role produced by later generations of both his detractors and his followers."---Bradley A. Peterson, Reading Religion"A quick read packed with lots of good information, The Making of Martin Luther is a nice jumping-off point for Luther scholarship, whether you’re a believer/theologian or a secularist/agnostic/atheist." * Manhattan Book Review *"Rex’s brilliantly written biography of Luther goes from the cradle not to the grave but to the immediate aftermath of the Diet of Worms. The thread he sees as giving spiritual and intellectual unity to this period of Luther’s life is the quest for certainty. . . . Considering Rex’s own passionate Roman Catholicism, this is a remarkably sympathetic portrait of the Reformer, and it is possibly the best concise study of Luther’s early reforming career that I have read."---Carl R. Trueman, First Things"Reading this book was a rewarding experience."---Susan C. Karant-Nunn, Journal of Ecclesiastical History"[Rex] puts forward a history of Martin Luther’s progress to intransigent reformer so excellent that both admirers and critics of Luther’s achievement must agree this is the best-researched, acutely observed, deeply pondered, and objectively reported account of his shattering of the Medieval Church as an uncontested European-wide phenomenon."---Patrick Madigan, Heythrop Journal"The quincentenary of Martin Luther's 95 Theses producecl a flurry of excellent books ín 2017 and Richard Rex's The Making of Martin Luther is another such example. The Making is not in any way a traditional biography. The major accomplishment here is that Rex offers readers a fascinating, concise, and provocative overview of arguably Luther's most important years from his penning the 95 Theses (1517) to his Ore the Bondage of the Witt (1525)."---Christopher Petrakos, Anglican and Episcopal History

Read more less

Book SynopsisMarco Politi takes us deep inside the power struggle roiling the Catholic Church worldwide, beginning with Benedict XVI's resignation and intensifying with the contested and unexpected election of Pope Francis. Politi's account balances the perspectives of Pope Francis's supporters, Benedict's sympathizers, and the Catholic laity.Trade ReviewA profound analysis of the Argentinean pope given by one of the most important experts on the Vatican in the world. -- Santiago Zabala, ICREA/Pompeu Fabra University Politi's coverage of Pope Francis, his internal opposition and vision for a changing church, belongs in every newsroom for the adroit treatment of how ferocious Vatican politics can be. This book will attract general readers, nuns, bishops, professors, students, cardinals, diplomats, politicians, and even their hatchetmen seeking insight on a pope who has captured the world's imagination -- Jason Berry, author of Render Unto Rome: The Secret Life of Money in the Catholic Church Politi is one of the world's most accomplished Vatican observers, and in many ways Francis is the pope he has been waiting his whole life to cover. This is Politi at his tea-leaf-reading best, which is very, very good. -- John L. Allen Jr., associate editor of the Boston Globe and Crux Marco Politi is a writer for our times, with his insight, access, and wisdom about an intriguing pontiff. Few people can dig up the nuggets and jewels about such important papal matters, and what Politi knows and serves up to his readers cannot be missed. Pope Francis Among the Wolves is surely another of Politi's 'must-reads.' -- Christiane Amanpour CNN, Chief international Correspondent Journalist and Vatican insider Politi draws upon a vast wealth of sources... This book is well translated and accessible to a wide audience of Francis's admirers and opponents, both inside and outside of the Catholic Church. Library Journal Politi certainly delivers on the subtitle's promise of a look inside the byzantine halls of the institutional Catholic Church. Publishers Weekly All Francis-watchers will want to-should-read Politi. Booklist [Pope Francis Among the Wolves] sheds light on the pope's revolution within church institutions. -- Elizabeth Webb AmericaTable of ContentsPreface Acknowledgments Translator's Note 1. The Smell of the Sheep 2. Francis's Fear 3. The Coup d'Etat of Benedict XVI 4. The Secrets of an Anti-Italian Conclave 5. The End of the Imperial Church 6. The Face of a Parish Priest 7. Walking with Unbelievers 8. The Hidden Women Priests 9. Death in Front of the Vatican 10. The Self-Critique of a Pope 11. The Program of the Revolution 12. St. Peter Had No Bank Account 13. The Enemies of Francis 14. The War of the Cardinals 15. The Italian Knot 16. A Resignable Papacy Notes Index

Read more less

Book SynopsisA lot has been written about Shirdi Sai Baba, the Master of the Age. Here is a book that explains his teachings and lessons in a rational and sagacious manner. Spiritual philosophies are explained logically and in a simple language. The author also introduces the concept of Sai-ism in the book. This book contains thoughts and messages from the author which have been published in magazines like The Heritage of Shri Shirdi Sai and Others. These articles, in quintessence, are based on the spiritual precepts of Baba, which are further elucidated from a devotee''s perspective. Some of the articles related to different concepts of religion and spiritualism for proper appreciation of the divine role of Sadguru Shri Sai Baba. Each concept is explained in a elucidative and lucid style for the easy understanding of the readers. The excellent clarity and presentation of the thoughts indicate the author''s immense popularity as a guru, guide, speaker and a leader of the global Sai movement. A must-read for all those who want to understand Shirdi Sai Baba.

Read more less

Book SynopsisJohn Adair is the world's leading authority on leadership and leadership development. Over a million managers worldwide have taken part in the Action-Centred Leadership programmes he pioneered. John was also the only British national serviceman to serve in the Arab Legion, where he became adjutant of a Bedouin regiment. He is the author of over 50 books, many of which are published by Kogan Page, including the leadership classics, Not Bosses But Leaders and How to Grow Leaders.Trade Review"Integrity, courage, practicality, and other virtues are the focus, and makes 'The Leadership of Muhammad' a certainly intriguing read. The Midwest Book Review, October 2010" * The Midwest Book Review *"Authoritative and wise." * Warren Bennis, Distinguished Professor of Management, University of Southern California *Table of Contents Chapter - 00: Introduction; Chapter - 01: In the black tents of Bani Sa’d; Chapter - 02: The shepherd; Chapter - 03: Caravan leader; Chapter - 04: Dwellers of the desert; Chapter - 05: Muhammad ‘the Trustworthy One’; Chapter - 06: Sharing in hardship; Chapter - 07: Humility; Chapter - 08: From past to present

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisRabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson was the charismatic leader of the Chabad Hasidic movement and its designated Messiah. Yet when he died in 1994, the messianic fervor he inspired did not subside. Through traditional means and digital technologies, a group of radical Hasidim, the Meshichistim, still keep the Rebbe palpably close—engaging in ongoing dialogue, participating in specific rituals, and developing an ever-expanding visual culture of portraits and videos. With Us More Than Ever focuses on this group to explore how religious practice can sustain the belief that a messianic figure is both present and accessible. Yoram Bilu documents a unique religious experience that is distinctly modern. The rallying point of the Meshichistim—that the Rebbe is "with us more than ever"—is sustained through an elaborate system that creates the sense of his constant and pervasive presence in the lives of his followers. The virtual Rebbe that emerges is multiple, visible, accessible, and highly decentralized, the epicenter of a truly messianic movement in the twenty-first century. Combining ethnographic fieldwork and cognitive science with nuanced analysis, Bilu documents the birth and development of a new religious faith, describing the emergence of new spiritual horizons, a process common to various religious movements old and new.Trade Review"In this fascinating study, Yoram Bilu, Israel's foremost scholar of Jewish popular religion, has succeeded in penetrating the world of Chabad's messianic subculture. He offers a brilliant analysis of how these Hasidim use visual media, apparitions, and letters to their deceased leader to create an 'apotheosis' of the Rebbe." -- David Biale * University of California, Davis *"This ethnographic exploration of the religious imagination in Chabad demonstrates that there is no one better equipped than Yoram Bilu to provide a theoretically sophisticated and phenomenologically sensitive account of the movement's messianic devotion to its deceased yet ever-present Rebbe." -- Thomas J. Csordas * University of California, San Diego *"With Us More than Ever is an important book for readers interested in Chabad, Hasidism, and contemporary Judaism. Its focus on the 'messianic ecology' yields a nuanced and dispassionate image of the acute messianism of the Meshichists—a community, or, perhaps, a state of mind, that has been discussed, criticized, and ridiculed, but hardly ever researched either quantitatively or qualitatively." -- Wojciech Tworek * Association for Jewish Studies Review *Table of ContentsContents and AbstractsIntroduction: Introduction chapter abstractThe messianic surge that swept Chabad in the late 20th century has not subsided following the death in 1994 of Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, the last president of Chabad and the designated Messiah in the eyes of most Hasidim. Since then, the movement has been able to maintain its popularity and dominance despite the catastrophic loss. Focusing on the Meshichistim ("messianists"), the radical Hasidim who deny the Rebbe's death, the introduction documents the means they employ to fill the void of the Rebbe's "occlusion." The book makes use of a media-studies approach to examine how these means fill the critical role of making the absent Rebbe present. The data are based on interviews with Meshichists, participant observations in their gatherings, and meticulous perusal of messianic publications, primarily periodicals. The discussion includes a description of the charged interrelationships that developed between the author and the Hasidim during fieldwork. 1Chabad and the Messianic Idea chapter abstractThe chapter follows the vicissitudes of the messianic idea in Chabad from the movement's inception to the stormy years of the seventh and last leader, Menachem Mendel Schneerson. As shaped by its founder, Rabbi Schneur Zalman, Chabad was less prone to messianic tension than were other Hasidic sects. The fifth admor, Rabbi Shalom Dov Ber, resorted to messianic discourse in the late 19th century in order to battle the lure of secular ideologies such as communism and Zionism. His son and successor, Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak, viewed the horrors of the Holocaust as messianic tribulations. But it was Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson who generated acute messianic turbulence by advancing to his Hasidim the notion of imminent redemption. The Rebbe's messianic vision, kept alive by the Hasidim after his departure, forms the background for the means and practices that constitute the messianic ecology in contemporary Chabad. 2Meshichist Sociology chapter abstractThe chapter presents the major sociological features of the Meshichists. The Meshichists are more prevalent in the movement's periphery. Of Chabad's two main centers, they are more strongly represented in Israel than in the U.S. and more among the younger Hasidim in either place. –. In accord with the enthusiasm and high commitment typically displayed by religious immigrants and converts anywhere, new Chabadniks, coming from secular or other religious backgrounds, are overrepresented among the Meshichists. As a result of their outreach activities, Chabadniks anywhere tend to be more socially and politically involved in the wider society than are other ultraorthodox Jews, and the Meshichists all the more so. One indication of their assimilation into Israeli society is their use of military language in articulating their ideas and activities. 3Writing to the Rebbe: The Holy Letters Oracle chapter abstractThis chapter discusses the bibliomantic device the Hasidim developed to continue the dialogue with the absent Rebbe. The technique is based on inserting a petition randomly into one of the thirty-two volumes of the Rebbe's collected letters. Even though these letters were written to other people at other times, the petitioners maintain that the answers they receive are germane to their own pleas. The veridicality of the answers is redoubled when they play out in the real world. Following the miraculous stories associated with the Holy Letters Oracle, the chapter discusses its growing popularity and accounts for its success. The popularity and success of the technique seem to confirm the assertion of the Meshichistim that despite his occlusion, the invisible Rebbe is more accessible than ever. 4Sensing the Rebbe: Traces and Practices of Embodiment chapter abstractHow do the Hasidim perceive the absent Rebbe as close and involved? This chapter discusses a broad range of signs or "traces" of the Rebbe, such as the Rebbe's abode, his armchair, the dollar bills he distributed for charity, and the water from his ritual bath, which the Hasidim are adamant to keep intact and, where possible, to replicate. Primarily in Chabad headquarters in Crown Heights, but also in Chabad Houses all over the world and in the Meshichists' homes, these artifacts serve as focal points for ritual practices that involve the Rebbe as an active participant. The traces and practices interweave to produce a "messianic ecology" that actualizes the Rebbe among his followers. In the religion-media paradigm, these traces and practices are conductors of his presence. 5Seeing the Rebbe I: Chabad's Visual Culture chapter abstractChapter Five is devoted to Chabad's visual culture as evidenced by the widespread use of still photographs and film footage of the Rebbe, which bolster his visual salience to an unprecedented extent in Judaism. The elaborate cult that has been developing around the Rebbe's images borders on iconophilia. The pictures serve as focal points for this wide-ranging visual cult. They are used as amulets, thwarting threats and curing maladies; as magnets drawing and attaching passersby to the Rebbe; and as icons triggering the elaborate ritual encounters between the Rebbe and his devotees. The chapter discusses the Rebbe's iconic picture, in which he is shown waving his hand in encouragement, and how it has taken on a life on its own. 6Seeing the Rebbe II: Dream and Waking Apparitions chapter abstractChapter Six maps the Rebbe's apparitions in dreams and then moves to reports of apparitions in normal waking states. The author proposes a psychocultural model to account for these apparitions, deeming them evidence of contextual accomplishment rather than psychopathological deficit. Two distinct clusters of apparition experiences emerge, one associated with ritual and the other with mundane settings. In comparison to Christian visionary experiences, the Rebbe's apparitions are hyper-realistic, literal reinforcements of the claim that the Rebbe is alive. While this claim is audacious ontologically, it limits the epistemological horizons of the messianic imaginary and detracts from its significance as a "taste" of the redemption. 7Schneersoncentrism: The Rebbe Steers the World chapter abstractFor the Meshichistim, the invisible Rebbe is the center of the world. Chapter Seven conveys this conviction through the notion of "Schneersoncentrism," the belief that the Rebbe steers the world and navigates its events. It discusses two broad domains where the Rebbe's imprint on the world is indelible, according to the Hasidim: natural disasters, which the Rebbe is able to stop, and manmade political upheavals, which the Rebbe can rectify. According to his followers, the Rebbe's fingerprints are evident in key historical moments such as the collapse of the Soviet Union, the Exodus of its Jews, and the American victory in the second Gulf War. 8The Apotheosis of the Rebbe chapter abstractChapter Eight deals with the sensitive issue of the Rebbe's deification, a corollary of his centrality in the universe. While the Chabad mainstream argues that attempts to deify the Rebbe are limited to the movement's lunatic fringes, it shows that activists in the Meshichist camp are not hostile to these attempts and, under special circumstances, are even willing to give them a voice. The mystical doctrine of the tzadik in Hasidism, which views him as part of the divine system of emanations, and the messianic shturem in Chabad today help attenuate the deep-seated resistance in Judaism to glorifying a human being. 9"To Make Many More Menachem Mendels": Creation and Procreation in Messianic Chabad chapter abstractChapter Nine illustrates the divine role accorded to the Rebbe in the fantasy lives of some of his followers by zooming in on his alleged role in one domain of human misery: infertility and birth problems. Drawing on a small sample of dreaming and waking apparitions, the chapter shows how the childless Rebbe "reproduces" himself by providing childless couples with children in his image. In these reports the Rebbe appears as a creator no less than as a progenitor. 10Holy Place and Holy Time in Meshichist Chabad chapter abstractChapter Ten discusses the spatial and temporal dimensions of holiness in the messianic religion. For the Meshichists, who ordinarily refrain from frequenting the Rebbe's sanctuary in Old Montefiori Cemetery in Queens, the most sacred site is the Rebbe's abode on 770 Eastern Parkway in Crown Heights, Brooklyn, dubbed "770." Viewed as the house of the Messiah and a wing of the future third Temple, 770 is the Meshichist hub, where the life routine with the Rebbe is kept intact. Replicas of 770 have been built in scores of places across the globe. The Meshichist emphasize two dates in Chabad's ritual calendar: Yod-Aleph (11) Nissan, the Rebbe's birthday, and Gimel Tammuz, the date of the Rabbi's disappearance, euphemistically called the Day of Redemption. 11The Omnipresence of Absence: Messianism in the Technological Age chapter abstractChapter Eleven discusses the present-absent virtual Rebbe, maintained in part by the magic of technology. In analyzing the properties of his virtuality, it is suggested that the Rebbe is multiple (reproduced), close and palpable, visible, accessible, and highly decentralized. The fact that the virtual Rebbe can be directly accessed and equally shared by all Hasidim poses a potential threat to Chabad's hierarchical structure and cohesion. 12Meshichists, Christians, Sabbateans, and Popular Culture Heroes chapter abstractThe dynamic common to past and present messianic movements is the focus of Chapter Twelve. It considers the struggles of Chabad's messianism in light of the Christian and Sabbatean precedents. It also poses a speculative comparison between the cult of the Rebbe that emerges from Chabad's visual culture and the adoration of charismatic entertainment and political celebrities in global popular culture. 13From Tzadik to Messiah: Comparing Chabad and Bratslav chapter abstractChapter Twelve proposes a systematic comparison of Chabad and Bratslav Hasidism. Both of these Hasidic movements lack the defining feature of a classic Hasidic sect, a serving tzadik-admor, yet they are enjoying unprecedented success. Can the flourishing of these two movements be attributed to the messianic expectations they both nurture? In support of this supposition, the chapter seeks to decipher the enigma of the growing popularity of these two "anomalous" Hasidic sects by dwelling on their propensity for border-crossing in various domains. Conclusion chapter abstractThe messianic surge that swept Chabad in the late 20th century has created the opportunity for studying the religious imagination at large, and as a subject in its own right. Messianic movements expand the boundaries of proper religious conduct and bring to the fore modes of action and experience the religious establishment shuns as extreme or subversive. The media and the practices that Meshichists employ to make the absent Rebbe present were born in this fertile, enabling ecology. More daring and pronounced than ordinary institutionalized religious beliefs and rites, they differ only in degree. The conclusion discusses the unprecedented extent to which the Rebbe-cum-Messiah is glorified, the boundless energy his elevated status generates in his followers, and their capacity to cope with the disappointment of his occlusion by sustaining a virtual Rebbe that is palpable and close.

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe death of Pope John Paul II and consequent election of Pope Benedict XVI has shed light on a political process that the world has not been privy to for almost twenty-six years. People from around the world gathered in St. Peter''s Square, wondering who the next Vatican leader would be and how the election process really worked, while everyone from international news correspondents to local priests added their own opinions to the debate. With Heirs of the Fisherman, former Vatican insider John-Peter Pham presents us with a highly accurate portrait of the modern Vatican, --the only account to reveal the striking changes to papal succession procedures made by John Paul II. Blending political and ecclesiastical history, Pham goes beyond a mere description of the complex rituals--including a rare insight into the dramatic shifts inside the College of Cardinals, whose 100 members now hail from 50 nations around the globe. He takes us into the secret conclave, where the electors were kept Trade Reviewa rich mine of information on papal elections, including the election of Benedict XVI * William Gibson, Archives *an extraordinary book... This well-presented, attractive [book], much more than a coffee table addition the drawing room, is to be welcomed and enjoyed * John Greehalgh, Catholic Herald21.07.2006 *

Read more less

Book Synopsis''The basic idea of Zen is to touch the inner workings of our being, and to do this in the most direct way possible.''In this widely praised introduction, Dr D.T. Suzuki presents the nature, technique and practice of Zen with exceptional clarity, wisdom and frankness. A Japanese Zen master who was also a highly respected authority on Mahayana Buddhism and who regularly taught in the USA and Europe, Suzuki was uniquely qualified to explain Zen to an international readership.Zen is described by the author as the keystone of Oriental culture. This book is essential reading for all Zen students and for everyone who wishes to understand the psychology of the Far East.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThey may be coated in layers of myth and pious anecdote but dig deep enough and the pioneering leaders of Celtic Christianity are revealed as reassuringly human individuals, responding to their faith by deliberately living on the edges of society. From the goddess-nun Brigid and absent-minded Cainnech to severe ascetics such as Columbanus and Baldred, together they demonstrate a close connection with the natural world, an astonishing self-discipline and, above all, a rigorous commitment to what it meant to be ‘pilgrims for Christ’. Establishing a network of influential monastic communities, they travelled from the territories of the Atlantic seaboard – Ireland, Wales and Cornwall – across Scotland, the north of England and deep into continental Europe, transforming the religious experience of all they encountered.

Read more less

Book SynopsisI t is best, in one's sojourns across the Himalaya, to be cautious in chance encounters, for one could well encounter a saint, a siddha, a madman or a charlatan. Mystics and Sceptics, edited by Namita Gokhale, comprises essays on all of these.

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis biography of A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, originally in 6 volumes, is now in a 2-volume collectors' edition. Prof. Stillson Judah praises it as a tribute to Prabhupada's impact on American religious history in the '60s and '70s, offering valuable insights for scholars and those interested in his movement.

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisHerman Speelman deals with a central question in the intellectual history of the sixteenth century: to what extent can Calvin be regarded as responsible for the tendency in Calvinism or, broader, in Reformed Protestantism, to form a church which has its own ecclesiastical organization and office bearers? So far, claiming a great deal of independence for the church has been considered an important aspect of Calvin's legacy. In this line of reasoning, it is assumed that Calvin was a strong opponent of the church as a state organization that did not have its own governing body and power of excommunication. To better understand this issue, we first examine the position of the church within the city-state of Bern. Secondly, we direct our attention to the manner in which Calvin gave form to ecclesiastical life in Geneva. Next we deal with the church in France, and finally, we examine the influence of Calvin and French Calvinism on the organization of the Reformed church in The Netherlands in the 1570s.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis is a guide for those ready to deepen their spiritual practice while embracing their responsibilities in the world.

Read more less

Book SynopsisS.A. Rahman, a professor of Arabic, discusses Hadrat Ali's right to caliphate in his book, highlighting the religious and political aspects of his life. The book aims to bridge the gap between Shias and Sunnis through an objective study.

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisContributors explore various forms of shamanism worldwide, comparing practices and roles. Topics include Zande itchdoctors, Bayaka ork, Todas priests, Ainu shamanism, and Guajiro shaman's body. Discusses shamanistic symptoms, symbols, and genuine magic expression.

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe stories herein are as varied as the flora and fauna of the mountains.

Read more less

Book SynopsisA timeless collection of prayers, quotes, poems and speeches for every occasion. Complete with a brief introduction to each piece and its author, this book features words and prayers from 300BC to the present day. It provides a great source of inspiration when planning a speech or ceremonial occasion or can be used for personal devotions.

Read more less

a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.

Read more less

a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.

Read more less

Book SynopsisKabir was a great iconoclastic-mystic poet of fifteenth-century North India; his poems were composed orally, written down by others in manuscripts and books, and transmitted through song. Scholars and translators usually attend to written collections, but these present only a partial picture of the Kabir who has remained vibrantly alive through the centuries mostly in oral forms. Entering the worlds of singers and listeners in rural Madhya Pradesh, Bodies of Song combines ethnographic and textual study in exploring how oral transmission and performance shape the content and interpretation of vernacular poetry in North India. The book investigates textual scholars'' study of oral-performative traditions in a milieu where texts move simultaneously via oral, written, audio/video-recorded, and electronic pathways.As texts and performances are always socially embedded, Linda Hess brings readers into the lives of those who sing, hear, celebrate, revere, and dispute about Kabir. Bodies of SonTrade ReviewRecommended. * J. Bussanich, CHOICE *Hess decodes (for the uninitiated) the experience, confidence, and wisdom of ordinary men and women of India. She shows us how people have been living out their inner and outer lives and how they have been enriching further the traditional "bodies of song" through performance. By this decoding, Hess has made a lasting contribution to our understanding of some of the most poignant aspects of Indian religiosity. * Purushottam Agrawal, ITM University, The Journal of Religion *Table of ContentsTransliteration ; Acknowledgements ; Preface ; 1. "You Must Meet Prahladji!" ; 2. Oral Tradition in the Twenty-first Century: Observing Texts ; 3. "True Words of Kabir": Adventures in Authenticity ; 4. In the Jeweler's Bazaar: Malwa's Kabir ; 5. Oral Tradition in the Twenty-first Century: Exploring Theory ; 6. A Scorching Fire, A Cool Pool ; 7. Fighting over Kabir's Dead Body ; 8. Political/Spiritual Kabir ; References ; Index

Read more less

Book SynopsisRobert Bellarmine was one of the pillars of post-Reformation Catholicism: he was a celebrated theologian and a highly ranked member of the Congregations of the Inquisition and of the Index, the censor in charge of the Galileo affair. Bellarmine was also one of the most original political theorists of his time, and he participated directly in many of the political conflicts that agitated Europe between the end of the sixteenth and the beginning of the seventeenth century. Stefania Tutino offers the first full-length study of the impact of Bellarmine''s theory of the potestas indirecta in early modern Europe. Following the reactions to Bellarmine''s theory across national and confessional boundaries, this book explores some of the most crucial political and theological knots in the history of post-Reformation Europe, from the controversy over the Oath of Allegiance to the battle over the Interdetto in Venice. The book sets those political and religious controversies against the background of the theological and institutional developments of the post-Tridentine Catholic Church. By examining the violent and at times surprising controversies originated by Bellarmine''s theory, this book challenges some of the traditional assumptions regarding the theological shape of post-Tridentine Catholicism; it offers a fresh perspective on the centrality of the links between confessional affiliation and political allegiance in the development of the modern nation-states; and it contributes to our understanding of the development of ''modern'' notions of power and authority.Trade Reviewan important contribution to and arguably necessary for studies of Bellarmine and of early modern Catholicism * Orlando O. Espín, Journal of the American Academy of Religion *Stefania Tutino is emerging as one of the more influential younger scholars on Catholic political theory ca. 1600, and her most recent book is yet another valuable contribution to this area of research. * Marcus Friedrich, Sixteenth Century Journal *Table of ContentsAcknowledgements ; List of Abbreviations ; Introduction ; 1570s-1580s: the foundations of Bellarmine's potestas indirecta ; 1580s-1590s: the controversies over the Controversiae ; The controversy over the Interdetto and the attacks against Bellarmine's theory ; Bellarmine and the Oath of Allegiance ; Robert Bellarmine and the potestas indirecta: Continental repercussions ; The making of a scapegoat: the case of Martin Becanus ; Robert Bellarmine and the Catholic Church: questions of power and authority ; Bibliography ; Index

Read more less