Religious aspects of sexuality, gender and relationships Books

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Book SynopsisQueer Theologies: The Basics is a concise and illuminating introduction to the study of this controversial and discursive subject area. This book provides an accessible exploration into the major themes within queer studies, queer theologies, and themes of gender and sexuality in Christianity. Topics covered include: The development of queer theologies Queering âtraditionalâ theology Queer theologies in global contexts Queer Bible Queer theologies from queer lives With a glossary of key terms and suggestions for further reading throughout, this book is an ideal starting point for anyone seeking a full introduction to Christian queer theologies as well as broader themes in theology, gender, and sexuality.Trade Review‘This is a fabulous book, which introduces queer theologies in a rich and accessible way. Each chapter is beautifully written, and guides readers towards an enhanced understanding of this complex yet vital topic. It is a timely and welcome addition to theological studies, and will be of value to academics, students, pastors, and interested readers alike.’ — Caroline Blyth, University of Auckland, New Zealand ‘Greenough’s book is a rich compendium that gently initiates the reader into queer and LGBTI theologies from around the globe. It is indispensable for theological colleges and universities, seminaries, cell group meetings, faith formation courses, church camps and personal enrichment.’ — Joseph N. Goh, Monash University Malaysia‘Astonishing coverage for one slim volume. Greenough’s introduction exceeds all expectations in his ability to address so many topics, to reflect the diversity of the field and to do so in such an accessible and engaging way. This much-needed introduction does not shy away from the queerness of queer theology. Ranging from queer sacraments to the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, Greenough covers all the basics with a mix of poignancy, humour and audacious boldness.’ — Deryn Guest, University of Birmingham, UK ‘How to enter the ever-expanding field of queer theology, with its often complex theorisation of gender and sexuality, and its dense academic jargon? This book is the answer to that question. Chris Greenough has written a highly accessible yet comprehensive introduction to the subject – an important resource for students of queer studies who know little about theology, and for students of theology who know little about queer studies. Along the way he also provides critical direction, steering the reader towards new ways of engaging queer religious texts, and of thinking about queer religious lives, in contemporary global Christian contexts.’ — Adriaan van Klinken, University of Leeds, UK‘This is a fabulous book, which introduces queer theologies in a rich and accessible way. Each chapter is beautifully written, and guides readers towards an enhanced understanding of this complex yet vital topic. It is a timely and welcome addition to theological studies, and will be of value to academics, students, pastors, and interested readers alike.’ — Caroline Blyth, University of Auckland, New Zealand ‘Greenough’s book is a rich compendium that gently initiates the reader into queer and LGBTI theologies from around the globe. It is indispensable for theological colleges and universities, seminaries, cell group meetings, faith formation courses, church camps and personal enrichment.’ — Joseph N. Goh, Monash University Malaysia‘Astonishing coverage for one slim volume. Greenough’s introduction exceeds all expectations in his ability to address so many topics, to reflect the diversity of the field and to do so in such an accessible and engaging way. This much-needed introduction does not shy away from the queerness of queer theology. Ranging from queer sacraments to the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, Greenough covers all the basics with a mix of poignancy, humour and audacious boldness.’ — Deryn Guest, University of Birmingham, UK ‘How to enter the ever-expanding field of queer theology, with its often complex theorisation of gender and sexuality, and its dense academic jargon? This book is the answer to that question. Chris Greenough has written a highly accessible yet comprehensive introduction to the subject – an important resource for students of queer studies who know little about theology, and for students of theology who know little about queer studies. Along the way he also provides critical direction, steering the reader towards new ways of engaging queer religious texts, and of thinking about queer religious lives, in contemporary global Christian contexts.’ — Adriaan van Klinken, University of Leeds, UK"Queer Theologies is a helpful survey handbook for anyone who wants to familiarise themselves with developments in sexual theology from the late 1980s to the present day. Chris Greenough romps helpfully through the turn towards embodied theology, to LGBT theologies of identity (including reference to feminist, womanist and mujerista perspectives); then on to those that are more global, intersectional and postcolonial." - Alison Webster, WorcesterTable of ContentsIntroduction 1 The development of queer theologies 2 Queering ‘traditional’ theology 3 Queer theologies in global contexts 4 Queer Bible 5 Queer theologies from queer lives Afterword: beyond the basics

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Book SynopsisBy combining the spirit of fiction with the fabulism of Indian mythology and in-depth academic research, Vanessa R. Sasson shares the evocative story of the Buddha from the perspective of a forgotten woman: Yasodhara, the Buddha''s wife. Although often marginalized, Yasodhara''s narrative here comes to life. Written with a strong feminist voice, we encounter Yasodhara as a fiercely independent, passionate and resilient individual. We witness her joys and sorrows, her expectations and frustrations, her fairy-tale wedding, and her overwhelming devastation at the departure of her beloved.It is through her eyes that we witness Siddhattha''s slow transformation, from a sheltered prince to a deeply sensitive young man. On the way, we see how the gods watch over the future Buddha from the clouds, how the king and his ministers try to keep the suffering of the world from him and how he eventually renounces the throne, his wife and newly-born son to seek enlightenment. Trade ReviewSasson's Yasodhara and the Buddha explores the emotional dimensions to the story of the Buddha while also making new connections in familiar material ... to brilliant effect. * Times Literary Supplement *Yasodhara and the Buddha by Professor Sasson is a seminal and original contribution to Buddhism literature in terms of the life of the Buddha. An inherently fascinating, impressively informative, exceptionally well written, and thoroughly entertaining, Yasodhara and the Buddha is especially and unreservedly recommended for community, college and university library collections. * Midwest Book Review *Sasson’s book is a page-turner, an enchanting fairytale, and at the same time grounded in the realities of the human condition. I was captured and pulled into the events of a time and place to which I was already predisposed. It opened my eyes to the human side of Buddha’s story. * Shambhala Times *Vanessa R. Sasson combines the spirit of fiction with the beauty of Indian mythology and in-depth academic research. She shares the evocative story of the Buddha from the perspective of a forgotten woman: Yasodhara, the Buddha’s wife. * Integral Yoga Magazine *Yasodhara and the Buddha is splendid for conjuring visions of floating, of gods and a tree watching over Buddha, of doors of flowers in the forests, or of love walking in the form of a man as it speaks about human ways of comprehending life. * Asian Book of Reviews *A feminist rendering of an ancient myth, Yasodhara and the Buddha lovingly revives the story of the Buddha’s spouse for modern readers. Written by a religious scholar, the novel comes complete with scholarly sources, tracing its roots to the tradition of epic Indian religious storytelling. Marvellous. * Historical Novel Society *Table of ContentsIntroductory Note Foreword, Wendy Doniger Prologue 1: Beginnings 2: Monsoon Rain 3: Adjustments 4: Durga 5: Festival Day 6: Surpanakha 7: The Choosing 8: The Peacock Garden 9: The Competition 10: Wearing the Red Line 11: Soil and Suffering 12: News 13: The First Sights 14: The Fight 15: In the Arms of a Tree 16: Departure 17: Sadness 18: Tapestries 19: Holding on and Letting Go 20: Out the Gates 21: Devadatta 22: Splendour 23: The Return 24: Overcoming Obstacles 25: Departures Study Questions Notes

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Book SynopsisVibrant Death links philosophy and poetry-based, corpo-affectively grounded knowledge seeking. It offers a radically new materialist theory of death, critically moving the philosophical argument beyond Christian and secular-mechanistic understandings. The book's ethico-political figuration of vibrant death is shaped through a pluriversal conversation between Deleuzean philosophy, neo-vitalist materialism and the spiritual materialism of decolonial, queerfeminist poet and scholar Gloria Anzaldua. The book's posthuman deexceptionalizing of human death unfurls together with a collection of poetry, and autobiographical stories. They are analysed through the lens of a posthuman, queerfeminist revision of the method of autophenomenography (phenomenological analysis of autobiographical material).Nina Lykke explores the speaking position of a mourning, queerfeminine I, who contemplates the relationship with her dead beloved lesbian life partner. She reflects on her enactment Trade ReviewLykke challenges the entrenched dualist, Christian, secular, and colonial understandings of death and mourning by allowing her excessive mourning to continue unbounded ... By opening the door to a new understanding of death and mourning, Lykke leaves the reader with a deep sense of love and connection to the world and has us join her in asking, “what if every critter’s death was vibrant?” * Journal of Lesbian Studies *Composed of ashes, pearls, diatoms, longing and audacious thought, this book takes the reader beyond the life/death threshold, to an encounter with the posthuman that is both spectral and inexorably material. Nina Lykke takes posthumanist scholarship to a new place. * Maggie MacLure, Professor Emerita, Manchester Metropolitan University, UK *Through an interweaving of dimensions such as photography, poetry, storytelling, opera, miraculous co-becomings and philosophical reflections, Vibrant Death invites us to a process of un-learning of death beyond the idea of static nothingness. This book is a radical, sensorial and transformative project * Katja Aglert, independent artist and Professor of Art, Linköping University, Sweden *Vibrant Death is simply stunning across all registers: affective, methodological, theoretical and poetic. As a magical “travelogue”, its range and depth of inquiry around the issues of death and mourning are fearless and startlingly innovative. Lykke gives us a relentlessly posthuman, queerfeminist text that beautifully exemplifies an erotics of connection. * Margrit Shildrick, Guest Professor of Gender and Knowledge Production, Stockholm University, Sweden *Table of ContentsOverture: Travelling to the World of the Dead – A Triptych Chapter 1: Queering Death and Posthumanizing Mourning - Introduction Interlude I: Lacrimoso e Lamentoso (Crying and Lamenting) Chapter 2: The Excessive Mourner Interlude II: Vibrato Bruscamente (Abruptly Vibrating) Chapter 3. The Vibrant Corpse Interlude III: Silenzio Appasionato (Passionate Silence) Chapter 4: Is the Wall of Silence Breachable? Interlude IV: Ardente e Ondeggiante (Burning and Undulating) Chapter 5: Miraculous Co-Becomings? Interlude V: Milagrosa (Miraculous) Chapter 6: Pluriversal Conversations on Immanent Miracles Interlude VI: Glissando (Gliding Between Pitches) Chapter 7: Doing Posthuman Autophenomenography, Poetics, and Divinatory Figuring Interlude VII: Con Abbandono e Devozione (With Self-Abandon and Devotion) Coda - Between Love-Death and a Posthuman Ethics of Vibrant Death

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Book SynopsisWhat is the secret to a healthy, happy, fulfilling marriage?Nearly every marriage starts out happy, and if we''re honest, nearly every marriage at some point becomes unhappy. Is there a solution? Can an unhappy marriage really get back to being happy? Can it be truly and authentically happy--even better than it was at first? Kevin and Marcia Myers, married for thirty-seven years through nearly every challenge a couple can face, emphatically say yes. Revealing seven practices that offer help and hope for a happy and enduring marriage, The Second Happy is a captivating, practical resource that provides the tools necessary to tune-up, overhaul, or even rebuild your marriage. Practices to sustain and strengthen marriage include the following: breaking the quit cycle; picking a fair fight so both people win; keeping disagreements from escalating; and removing pretense from your relatio

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Book SynopsisI Want God, now revised and updated, will help you focus on your true pursuit of God and watch Him move your soul. Lisa Whittle amplifies the solution to the heart cry of the sick of me life.It is in the heart of every person to want God, but life gets loud, and we forget Him. We get consumed by our problems, our desires, ourselves. We forget our first encounter with the Savior and how much we once wanted Him. But Lisa Whittle believes that if we calibrate our attention, refocusing on God determines the perspective for everything in our life: what we fight for, what we tolerate, how we make decisions, what we choose, what we love, what we chase, what we let go of, and what we are willing to change.  A guidebook, a teacher, and a resource, all in one, I Want God brings rich simplicity to lif

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Book SynopsisTogether you can make it through anything. We live in a troubled society, and those maintaining order and justice are some of the most overworked, unappreciated, and underpaid. The nature of their jobs is taxing both personally and relationally. Bulletproof Marriage is a 90-day devotional that applies biblical principles to support and strengthen the marriages of military members, law enforcement officers, and first responders. Each day includes a Bible verse, inspirational reading, quick tips, action steps for both husband and wife, and a prayer. Sometimes the greatest love is not to sacrifice your life but to live a life of sacrifice. Invite God to help you make your marriage bulletproof.

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Book SynopsisCelebrated sex expert and bestselling author Dr. Ruth Westheimer bridges the gap between sex and religion in this provocative exploration of intimacy in the Jewish faithIn this light-hearted, lively tour of Jewish sexuality, Dr. Ruth K. Westheimer and Jonathan Mark team up to reveal how the Jewish tradition is much more progressive than popular wisdom might lead one to believe. Applying Dr. Ruth's acclaimed brand of couples therapy to such Biblical relationships as Abraham and Sarah, and Joseph and Potiphar's wife, the authors enlist Biblical lore to explore such topics as surrogacy, incest, and arranged marriages. They offer a clearer understanding of the intertwining relationships between sexuality and spirituality through incisive investigations of the Song of Songs, Ruth, Proverbs, Psalms, and some of the bawdier tales of the Prophets. One chapter provides a provocative new perspective on the Sabbath as a weekly revival, highlighting not only its spiritual nature, but also its maTrade ReviewAmerica's favorite sex therapist probably best known for making the word orgasm a TV talk show favorite, collaborates with Jewish Week editor Mark in a more significant accomplishment—a thoughtful study of the roles of sexuality in Judaica. * Booklist *

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Book SynopsisFinalist, Award for Excellence in the Study of Religion, Analytical-Descriptive Studies, given by the American Academy of Religion A comprehensive collection of the pioneering work of Leonard Norman Primiano, one of the preeminent scholars in religious studies In 1995, Leonard Norman Primiano introduced the idea of "vernacular religion." He coined this term to overcome the denigration implied in the concept of "folk religion" or "popular religion," which was juxtaposed to "elite religion." This two-tiered model suggested that religion existed somewhere in a pure form and that the folk version transforms it. Instead, Primiano urged scholars to adopt an inductive approach to the study of religion and to pay attention to experiential aspects of belief systems, ultimately redressing a heritage of scholarly misinterpretation. Here for the first time, Leonard Norman Primiano's pioneering works have been collected into one volume, providing a foundational look at one of the preeminent scholars of twentieth-century religious studies. Vernacular Religion makes visible the dimensions of vernacular religion in North America, exemplifying the richness of its ability to explain key facets of American society, including especially thorny issues around race and sexuality. The volume also demonstrates a method of abiding engagement, the creation of ongoing relationships with those who are studied, and how the relationship between scholars and the communities they study inform an ethics of critical commitmentwhat Primiano calls an "ethnography of collaboration and reciprocity." This posthumous collection, edited by Deborah Dash Moore, brings together key studies in vernacular religion that explore its expression among such varied groups as Catholics, LGBTQ Christians, and the followers of Father Divine. Vernacular Religion models empathetic ethnographic engagement that embraces American religion in all its rich diversity, illuminating Primiano's enduring legacy.Trade ReviewReading this work, I feel nothing so much as grateful that someone had the idea to do this ‘collected works’ project. . . . Primiano’s study of Dignity is the best work on Dignity. His study of the Peace Mission is the best work on Father Divine. . . . This volume not only collects important essays, but also reflects to the field more of itself, a part that has been missing or under-told to this point. -- Julie Byrne, Monsignor Thomas J. Hartman Chair in Catholic Studies and Professor in the Department of Religion, Hofstra UniversityThis impressive volume persuasively recommends and gorgeously exemplifies a nuanced courageous scholarship of human engagement and commitment. -- Sally M. Promey, Director, Center for the Study of Material and Visual Cultures of Religion, Yale UniversityThe collection is compelling, with rich ethnographic details, and represents a major contribution to the field as a body of work. -- Jodi Eichler-Levine, Berman Professor of Jewish Civilization and Professor of Religion Studies, Lehigh University

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Book SynopsisEphraim Moses Lilien (1874-1925) was one of the most important Jewish artists of modern times. As a successful illustrator, photographer, painter and printer, he became the first major Zionist artist. Surprisingly there has been little in-depth scholarly research and analysis of Lilien's work available in English, making this book an important contribution to historical and art-historical scholarship.Concentrating mainly on his illustrations for journals and books, Lynne Swarts acknowledges the importance of Lilien's groundbreaking male iconography in Zionist art, but is the first to examine Lilien's complex and nuanced depiction of women, which comprised a major dimension of his work. Lilien's female images offer a compelling glimpse of an alternate, independent and often sexually liberated modern Jewish woman, a portrayal that often eluded the Zionist imagination. Using an interdisciplinary approach to integrate intellectual and cultural history with issues of gender, Jewish history Trade ReviewOnce you see what Swarts shows here, you’ll see an entirely new early Zionist culture. You’ll wonder why you never thought to ask the questions this book so deftly and convincingly answers. * Maya Balakirsky Katz, Bar-Ilan University Department of Jewish Art, Israel and editor Images: A Journal of Jewish Art and Visual Culture *Gender, Orientalism and the Jewish Nation: At the German Fin de Siècle widens our understanding of how artists at this period, in particular Ephraim Moses Lilien, used extensively portrayals of women to further the national goal of Zionism. By looking astutely at these images and seeing them within the social and historical context, Lynne M. Swarts has made a major contribution to the way gender and orientalism figured prominently in the building of a national idea. Her work, elegantly produced, deserves special recognition as she breaks new ground in thinking about the interrelationship between visual culture and historical phenomena. * Richard I. Cohen, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel, author of Jewish Icons. Art and Society in Modern Europe *A sound and informative analysis of a rich subject. Although it has a strong academic basis, the book is approachable, with many specialist historical aspects outlined. The many illustrations give us a view of Lilien’s art and related images. * Alexander Adams Art Blog *Table of ContentsIntroduction: Finding Blind Spots Chapter One: Ephraim Moses Lilien and His Oeuvre: Context and Contested Issues Chapter Two: ‘We Put All our Hope in Him’: Lilien, Zionism and Male Aesthetics Chapter Three: Boundaries and Borderlines: The ‘New Woman’ and the New Jewish Woman Chapter Four: The Dangerous ‘Other’: Lilien’s Femmes Fatales, Other Male Avant-garde Behaviour and Elsa Lasker-Schüler’s Transgendered Vision Chapter Five: Biblical Heroines, Biblical Illustrations and the Search for Meaning Chapter Six: Ost und West, Zionism and the Construction of German Jewish Orientalism Chapter Seven: The Exotic ‘Other’: Lilien’s Oriental Beauties and a Jewish Oriental Voice? Conclusion Bibliography

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Book SynopsisPeople all around us are seeking wholeness and happiness and acceptance. These are good things to seek. But if we seek them in the wrong places, we will surely reap calamity. This is just what’s happening today regarding the LGBTQ movement. People are being told that if they follow their heart, their deepest instincts and desires, they’ll be whole and happy and affirmed. But this is not true. Gavin Peacock and Owen Strachan delve into what God’s Word says about gender identity and transgenderism.Trade ReviewPastor Peacock and Scholar Strachan form a rare combination and a dynamic duo in this thoroughly biblical response to the “strong winds of culture” that are blowing. They offer not just a “battle cry”, but also a “declaration of hope”. -- Tim Cantrell (Senior Pastor, Antioch Bible Church & President of Shepherds’ Seminary, Johannesburg, South Africa)Technology often only conspires with our wandering and warped passions to leave us in a state of enslavement and despair. However, this trilogy of books points to God’s word as our only hope through its holistic teaching on sexuality and through the gospel of God’s redeeming grace. I cannot too highly recommend a prayerful study of these books. They might prove a life–saver! -- Conrad Mbewe (Pastor, Kabwata Baptist Church, Kabwata, Zambia; Founding Chancellor, African Christian University, Lusaka, Zambia)I enthusiastically endorse this biblical sexuality trilogy on lust, homosexuality and transgenderism, written by men of conviction (Strachan and Peacock), who know what God has revealed in His Word and who understand the sinful struggles of fallen humanity. The authors have courageously written about some of the most sensitive issues of our times, denouncing the deviation from God’s original design, while always pointing to the person (Christ) who can give us the victory over such sinful desires and behaviors. If there was ever a generation in need of such a trilogy it is ours. What an insightful and powerful tool this will prove to be for the church of our time. These books are biblical, readable, practical and answer many of the questions many are asking. Every pastor, every leader, in fact, every person who wants to be thoroughly informed about these issues should read this trilogy. -- Miguel Nuñez (Senior Pastor, International Baptist Church, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic)This series directly applies biblical truth to urgent matters of human sexuality, and does so with both pastoral sensitivity and theological integrity. All too often the church fails to respond to sexual sin with both compassion and clarity. This series does both, and does so with courage, verve, and an ever–present reminder that Jesus Christ is making all things new. -- David Talcott (Assistant Professor of Philosophy, The King’s College, New York City)This biblically–centered and theologically–robust series on biblical sexuality is a tour de force. If you struggle with sexual sin, deal with questions about sexuality in your current ministry context, or desire to learn more about such issues, this trilogy of books is for you. -- Dustin W. Benge (Managing Director, Unashamed Truth)In this straightforward and powerful series, Strachan and Peacock relay a message of hope, transformation, and biblical recalibration because of Christ. These pages are a reveille bugle to wake up a generation sedated by sinful, sexual trajectories. This series is for pastors, parents, and anyone who desires biblical clarity in a world of confusion. -- Rick Holland (Senior Pastor, Mission Road Bible Church, Kansas City, Kansas)In a world where sex has become everything, anything, and nothing, Strachan and Peacock do a masterful job at helping the church recover and keep a Biblical theology of sexuality. In a sex–crazed world, here are wise words that are timely, truthful, and transformative! -- Philip De Courcy (Senior Pastor of Kindred Community Church, Anaheim Hills, California)Here is an extremely timely book for the cultural crisis in which we find ourselves. Addressing the issue of human sexuality head on, Owen Strachan and Gavin Peacock have delivered a brilliant analysis of the present day crisis over personal sexuality and gender issues. Not only do they make the right diagnosis, they also prescribe the one and only cure for this devastating problem. They offer the transforming power of the saving and sanctifying grace of God. You need to be conversant with the unchanging truths in this book. -- Steven J. Lawson (President, OnePassion Ministries and Professor of Preaching,The Master’s Seminary, Sun Valley, California)The terrible times of the last days are dominated by ‘feel good’ culture which has misled millions onto the destructive super–highway of illicit sex in its different forms. From Scripture, research and the experiences of individuals Peacock and Strachan expose the lies that tried and tested societal norms are bad and ‘follow your heart’ is good. This series is humble and hard–hitting – saying what needs to be said but which many Christian leaders have been afraid to say. However, this is no mere condemnatory diatribe pointing the finger. These pages are full of compassion. There is practical help for those struggling and a triumphant note that though sexual sin is overwhelming the power of the Lord Jesus Christ is greater. This is a very valuable piece of work. -- John Benton (Director of Pastoral Support, The Pastors’ Academy, London Seminary, London, UK)These books are floodlights in the worldly storm. They don’t claim to be exhaustive, but neither are they exhausting. They offer much–needed confidence to regular Christians on pilgrimage in this new dark age. But most of all, this trilogy highlights the compassion of Jesus Christ in the gospel. Read these books, share them with others, and let hope pierce the present darkness. -- Clint Humfrey (Senior Pastor, Calvary Grace Church, Calgary, Alberta)Owen Strachan and Gavin Peacock are men full of biblical wisdom and conviction. And that’s precisely what the church needs in this hour. The authors bring their wisdom and conviction to bear in this work as they engage some of the most pressing issues confronting the church. I heartily recommend this work to every gospel minister—and the church members they serve. -- Jason K. Allen (President, Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary)Strachan and Peacock confront sexual sin where it begins: in the heart. These men understand that Scripture, by the power of God’s Spirit, is the only instrument that can confront the sinful lusts that reside in the dark crevices of the heart. With biblical precision and pastoral care, Strachan and Peacock demonstrate the connection between heart desires and sinful behavior. You would do well to heed their biblical warning and instruction to tackle sinful actions by practically confronting sinful desires with the truth of God. -- T. Dale Johnson, Jr. (Executive Director, ACBC & Associate Professor of Biblical Counseling, Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Kansas City, Missouri)

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Book SynopsisA short, readable guide for young adults to what the Bible says about being a woman What does it mean to inhabit a female body, a female mind? In what ways do women reflect God’s glory? What does the Bible say about the role Christian women play? Abigail Dodds’ short, readable book tackles this important topic and shows the beauty of the role that God has created for women. Crucial reading for any young woman who seeks to glorify God. Track is a series of books designed to disciple the next generation in the areas of culture, doctrine and the Christian life. While the topics addressed aren’t always simple, they are communicated in a manner that is. Trade ReviewWomanhood is God’s good gift to humanity, and this book is a gift to the church. Crucial for today’s cultural climate when our kids are being conformed to the world’s ideas of identity, Track: Womanhood compellingly calls girls and young women to rejoice in who they truly are. Moms, discuss this book with your daughters! Youth group leaders, pass these out generously! Pre–teen and teenage girls, read Track: Womanhood and think deeply about what it means for you to be a woman. -- Keri Folmar (Author, Delighting in the Word Bible Study series and ‘The Good Portion: Scripture’ and co–host of Priscilla Talk)Today, many claim that the Bible is bad news for women. Nothing could be further from the truth! In this accessible and engaging book, Abigail Dodds shows that God’s creation design is good news – for all of us! -- Sharon James (Social Policy Analyst, The Christian Institute)Do you know that there is eternal purpose and meaning to your womanhood? It runs deeper than your skin, your clothes, your relationships, and even your self–perception. With honesty, wisdom, and clarity, Abigail Dodds reveals that God’s vision for our gender, our bodies, our singleness, our marriage, is so much bigger than that of the world. And Abigail strengthens our arms: demonstrating that though we live in a battle to preserve God’s biblical womanhood, we are not victims but women victorious in Christ! -- Natalie Brand (Bible teacher and author of ‘Priscilla, Where Are You? A Call to Joyful Theology’)

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Book SynopsisWithin contemporary orthodoxy, debates over sex and gender have become increasingly polemical over the past generation. Beginning with questions around women’s ordination, arguments have expanded to include feminism, sexual orientation, the sacrament of marriage, definitions of family, adoption of children, and care of transgender individuals. Preliminary responses to each of these topics are shaped by gender essentialism, the idea that male and female are ontologically fixed and incommensurate categories with different sets of characteristics and gifts for each sex. These categories, in turn, delineate gender roles in the family, the church, and society. Gender Essentialism and Orthodoxy offers an immanent critique of gender essentialism in the stream of the contemporary Orthodox Church influenced by the “Paris School” of Russian émigré theologians and their heirs. It uses an interdisciplinary approach to bring into conversation patristic reflections on sex and gender, personalist theological anthropology, insights from gender and queer theory, and modern biological understandings of human sexual differentiation. Though these are seemingly unrelated discourses, Gender Essentialism and Orthodoxy reveals unexpected points of convergence, as each line of thought eschews a strict gender binary in favor of more open-ended possibilities. The study concludes by drawing out some theological implications of the preceding findings as they relate to the ordination of women to the priesthood, same-sex unions and sacramental understandings of marriage, definitions of family, and pastoral care for intersex, transgender, and nonbinary parishioners.Table of ContentsList of Abbreviations | vii PART I 1 Setting the Stage | 3 2 (No) Male and Female: Recapitulating Patristic Reflections on Gender | 18 3 Gender Essentialism in Contemporary Orthodox Thought | 56 4 Person, Gender, Sex, Sexuality | 92 PART II 5 Women and the Priesthood | 123 6 Homosexuality | 135 7 Marriage: The Sacrament of Love | 145 8 Some Final Thoughts on Pastoral Care | 164 Conclusion | 177 Notes | 181 Bibliography | 233 Index | 255

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Book SynopsisThis proven, comprehensive resource covers every issue that affects Christian family life. It has been in print for over thirty years and has sold nearly 100,000 copies. This new edition is updated throughout with discussions of recent family-related issues. It includes a new chapter on work and family balance and a new section on the increasing role grandparents take in parental responsibilities.Table of ContentsContentsPart 1: Theological and Social Perspectives on Family Life1. A Theological Foundation for Family Relationships: Developing a Theology of the Family2. The Family as a Developing Biosocial SystemPart 2: Marriage: The Foundation of Family Life3. Mate Selection and Cohabitation: Romance and Reality4. Establishing Marriage: Moving toward Differentiated Unity5. A Model for Biblical MarriagePart 3: The Expansion of Family Life: Parenting and Beyond6. Parenting: The Process of Relationship Empowerment7. Developing a Mature, Reciprocating Self8. Family Spirituality: Nurturing Christian Beliefs, Morals, andValues9. Adolescence and Midlife: Challenging Changes10. The Joys and Challenges of Family in Later LifePart 4: Gender and Sexuality: Identity in Family Life11. Changing Gender Roles and Relations: The Impact on FamilyLife12. Becoming an Authentic Sexual SelfPart 5: Communication: The Heart of Family Life13. Intimate Communication: Expressing Love and AngerPart 6: The Social Dynamics of Family Life14. Work and the Family: Conflict or Collaboration?15. Through the Stress and Pain of Family Life16. Divorce and Single-ParentFamilies17. Complex Families in Contemporary SocietyPart 7: Family Life in Postmodern Society18. Biblical Family Values in a Modern and Postmodern World19. Creating a Family-FriendlySocietyIndex

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Book SynopsisSalvation. Freedom. Victory. Where there is a need in the world and where your passion lies is your life’s purpose. The need for the truth about homosexuality and JM Stellar’s passion for writing led her to discover her purpose—to author this life-changing book.On January 16, 1995, just as JM was about to fully embrace the lesbian lifestyle, she gave her life over to Jesus Christ. She completely stopped the pursuit of lesbianism and a whole new world of knowledge and truth opened up to her. Her overwhelming desires to be with other women dwindled. JM offers practical ways on how to overcome temptation and provides numerous examples of how she overcame these obstacles in her own life. Although faced with pitfalls along the way, she does not go back. Warranted by scripture, her story is honest, powerful, and awe-inspiring.When I Said Yes to the Holy Spirit is a compelling account of the transforming power of Jesus Christ. JM Stellar reminds us that if He could conquer death, He can conquer anything. And He wants to do the same for you.“I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me.” (Galatians 2:20) 

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Book SynopsisSexual development does not end in adolescence. There are advanced stages of glandular, emotional, and erotic development based in the lifelong "puberty of the spine." Known in India as kundalini awakening, these stages form the energetic basis of all yoga forms and deeper erotic aspirations. They present an opportunity for couples and individuals to explore the consciousness-expanding abilities of sexual energy as both spirituality and sexuality transform into what Michel Foucault called ars erotica, far beyond the Freudian scientia sexualissexuality of the Western world. Offering a guide to the advanced stages of human sexuality and a passionately infused tantric yoga practice, Stuart Sovatsky explains how to awaken the complete spinal puberty, resulting in spiritual intimacy and orgasmic pineal maturity that far surpasses the gratifications of modern sexuality. With illustrated instructions, he reveals flow-yoga asanas, mantras, and devotional breathing practices for solo kundalini yoga as well as couples'' yoga practices and chakra meditations to awaken the heart and the divinely eroticized mind. He shares inspiring stories from those on this path about ever-deepening life partnerships, enriched family life, enhanced personal creativity, profound new understandings of conception, masculinity, femininity, and gender itself as well as healing emotional scars of romantic breakups and sexual abuse. Sovatsky shows that by transcending conventional Western sexuality and returning to the ars eroticabeliefs of ancient India, we can harness the divine energy--glimpsed for only an instant by most people--at the heart of all erotic yearning.

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Book SynopsisAlways Becoming chronicles one young woman’s mental, physical, and spiritual journey into wholeness after experiencing a quarter-life crisis. One day while living the hustle-hard, success-driven American Dream, Tamra pulled into her driveway after a long day’s work to see her two babies and husband, and realized she felt completely void and totally overwhelmed. Tormented by suicidal ideation, loss of identity, and the revelation of suppressed childhood sexual trauma, Tamra arrived at the end of herself and the beginning of a relationship with Jesus. Always Becoming untangles the sexualized, materialized culture that has entangled and objectified females, through a healthy rediscovery of the intended identity of a woman. Her heartfelt and yet shocking story breathes life into the mental health crisis, demise of the marriage covenant and the plague of church hurt. This is a story about relationship and existing in the freedom and fulfillment of love that is promised to every person.

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

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

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Book SynopsisIs it theologically possible to hold that God's blessing can rest upon sexually-active same-sex relationships and same-sex marriages? Is it therefore legitimate for the Church of England to bless them? This study carefully examines the papers on blessing by Walter Moberly and Isabelle Hamley, produced for the Church of England's General Synod in July 2023, then explores the pattern for God's blessing, as found in Scripture. The principles are more widely applicable. Martin Davie concludes that if such prayers of blessing were to be authorised, it would mean deciding that God's rejection of same-sex unions no longer applies.Table of ContentsWITH GOD'S APPROVAL? A theological exploration of blessing same-sex couples, in dialogue with Walter Moberly and Isabelle Hamley Part I: An introduction to the papers by Walter Moberly and Isabelle Hamley Part II: A critical examination of the papers by Moberly and Hamley Part III: A biblical theology of blessing, and why it rules out the blessing of same-sex relationships Conclusion In summary

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Book SynopsisLike the Olympic torchbearers, Christians are also called to pass atorch from generation to generation. The light of biblical Christianityshines in the world today because faithful believers through theages dedicated themselves to the accurate transfer of doctrine to newChristians and then equipped them to live out this truth. This is ourlegacy, our calling in Christ, and the best inheritance we can leaveour children. There is no greater privilege or honor in life than to bea torchbearer for Christ.

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Book SynopsisHave you ever wondered how Eve experienced the new world God created at the beginning of time? Or what Hagar went through as a slave girl bearing the child of her owner? And how Martha felt when Jesus seemed to favour her lazy sister? This Bible study book is about women, written by women and for women. It is a tool to discover and apply the life lessons from women in the bible in our daily lives. Based on stories about women in the Bible, daily practical examples from African context and the discovery of biblical values, we hope that our sisters recognise themselves in it and that this may strengthen our faith, help in the struggles of everyday and above all that we may know we are valued by God.  

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Book SynopsisBarbara Hughes encourages women to joyfully pursue a disciplined life of godliness through insightful reflections on Scripture, wise questions for self-evaluation, and helpful suggestions for direct application. Newly redesigned.

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Book SynopsisThe Marriage Course, developed by Nicky and Sila Lee, is held over seven sessions. It offers any couple the tools to build a strong and healthy relationship that lasts a lifetime.

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Book SynopsisGuides parents in evaluating young men seeking their daughter's hand, assists young women in understanding the only kind of man they should consider marrying, and teaches young men how to grow in biblical manhood.

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