Sacred texts, scriptures and revered writings Books

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Book SynopsisFifty years after the discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls there have been many advances in the field of Qumran Studies. Yet much work remains undone. In particular the study of the scrolls has continued to follow long established historical critical methods while largely failing to incorporate recent advances in literary, ideological and sociological approaches.The essays collected here are the result of the Bristol Colloquium on the Dead Sea Scrolls held in September 2003. Here, ten scholars working in a diversity of areas demonstrate how these recent advances in scholarship increase our knowledge of the scrolls, their historical context, and their impact on modern critical scholarship. The contributors consider a wide range of approaches, ranging across discussions in sociology, anthropology, literary studies, post-colonialism and ideological criticism. These essays will help to take Qumran Studies forward in new and creative ways.This is volume 52 in the Library of Second Temple StudiTrade Review'This exciting collection of essays explores the applicatoin of new methods to the study of the Dead Sea Scrolls, with a special, but not exclusive, interest in social-scientific approaches...This is a seminal collection that I recommend highly for scholars and postgraduates working on the Dead Sea Scrolls and related ancient literature. James R. Davila * Journal for the Study of the New Testament *Table of ContentsThe Qumran Sect in the Context of Second Temple Sectarianism; Joseph P. Blenkinsopp, University of Notre Dame, USA; The Qumran Scrolls and the Demise of the Distinction Between Higher and Lower Criticism; George J. Brooke, University of Manchester, UK; 'Rewritten Bible' and 'Parabiblical Texts': A Terminological and Ideological Critique; Jonathan G. Campbell, University of Bristol, UK; Sects from Texts: On the Problems of Doing a Sociology of the Qumran Literature; Philip R. Davies, University of Sheffield, UK; 'Men of Perfect Holiness' (1QS 7:20): Social Scientific Thoughts on Group Identity, Asceticism and Ethical Development in the Rule of the Community; Louise J. Lawrence, University of Glasgow, UK; Another Look at the Lands of Damascus: The Spaces of the Damascus Document in the Light of Edward W. Soja's Thirdspace Approach; Liv Ingeborg Lied, University of Bergen, Norway; 'An Unauthorised Version': The Temple Scroll in Narratological Perspective; William J. Lyons, University of Bristol, UK; The Language of Gates and Entering: On Sacred Space in the Temple Scroll; Jorunn Okland, University of Oslo, Norway and University of Sheffield, UK. 'False Teaching, Lying Tongues and Deceitful Lips (4Q 169 frgs 3-4 2.8): The Pesharim and the Sociology of Deviance; Lloyd K. Pietersen, University of Bristol, UK; Probing the Possibilities and Pitfalls of Post-Colonial Approaches to the Dead Sea Scrolls; Andy M. Reimer, Canadian Bible College, Canada and University of Sheffield, UK

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Book SynopsisAmong the sacred books of India are the hymns of the Rig-Veda, the world’s first recorded poems; the “magical texts” of the Athara-Veda; the stirring pantheistic speculations of the Upanishads; and the Bhagavad-Gītā, a cosmic drama of divine self-revelation in human history on the field of human battle. Taken together they represent 3,500 years of a continuous religious tradition that is multifarious, inclusive, and, at the same time, wedded to a central spiritual vision.This edition features the translations and annotations of R. C. Zaehner, a pioneering scholar whose selections in this volume, first published by Everyman’s Library in 1966, have never been bettered as an introduction for the general reader to the Vedic tradition. Zaehner has chosen the most interesting and important verses, rendered in English that is accessible and vivid, and his introduction provides an excellent guide to the historical context, the philosophical significance, and the literary power of these beautiful and ancient texts.Introduction by R.C. Zaehner(Book Jacket Status: Not Jacketed)

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Book SynopsisWhile in the service of India’s Nizam of Hyderabad, Marmaduke Pickthall converted to Islam and, with the help of Muslim theologians and linguists, produced this clear and lovingly precise English interpretation of the Holy Koran. His work is honored by believer and non-believer alike for its unique combination of piety, scholarly rigor in its translation and explanatory notes, and deep feeling for the poetic beauty and moral grandeur of its Arabic original.With an Introduction by William Montgomery Watt

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Book SynopsisA revelation of the guiding spirit of the Islamic moral code.

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Book Synopsis Undoubtedly unique and most acceptable among all the exegetical renderings of the Holy Qur''an attempted so far in the English language.—Abul Hasan Ali Nadwi The Glorious Qur''an is an abridged edition of Abdul Majid Daryabadi''s Tafsir al-Qur''an, recognized for its meticulous English translation of the Arabic original and the use of comparative religion, anthropology, and history in its authoritative commentary of the Koran. Another valuable element of the work is the education it provides—its life-giving articles of faith, its life-sustaining teachings and its life-enriching worldview in a manner best suited for the English speaking world. Abdul Majid Daryabadi (1892–1977) was an eminent scholar, Qur''an commentator, notable Urdu writer and journalist, and editor of the magazines Sachch and Sidq. Trade ReviewUndoubtedly unique and most acceptable among all the exegetical renderings of the holy Qur'an attempted so far in the English language - Adul Hasan 'Ali Nadwi

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Book SynopsisExploring the nature of texts, this book explains how scriptures function within religions. Topics covered include the oral dimensions of scripture, canon formation, a study of the word in Hindu life, and the role of text in Buddhism.

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Book SynopsisYou have just discovered the literary masterpiece that answers your questions about God, life in the inhabited universe, the history and future of this world, and the life of Jesus. The Urantia Book harmonizes history, science, and religion into a philosophy of living that brings new meaning and hope into your life. If you are searching for answers, read The Urantia Book!The world needs new spiritual truth that provides modern men and women with an intellectual pathway into a personal relationship with God. Building on the world''s religious heritage, The Urantia Book describes an endless destiny for humankind, teaching that living faith is the key to personal spiritual progress and eternal survival. These teachings provide new truths powerful enough to uplift and advance human thinking and believing for the next 1000 years.A third of The Urantia Book is the inspiring story of Jesus'' entire life and a revelation of his original teachingTrade ReviewLove Love is truly contagious and eternally creative. (p. 2018) "Devote your life to proving that love is the greatest thing in the world." (p. 2047) "Love is the ancestor of all spiritual goodness, the essence of the true and the beautiful." (p. 2047) The Father's love can become real to mortal man only by passing through that man's personality as he in turn bestows this love upon his fellows. (p. 1289) The secret of a better civilization is bound up in the Master's teachings of the brotherhood of man, the good will of love and mutual trust. (p. 2065) Prayer Prayer is not a technique of escape from conflict but rather a stimulus to growth in the very face of conflict. (p. 1002) The sincerity of any prayer is the assurance of its being heard. ... (p. 1639) God answers man's prayer by giving him an increased revelation of truth, an enhanced appreciation of beauty, and an augmented concept of goodness. (p. 1002) ...Never forget that the sincere prayer of faith is a mighty force for the promotion of personal happiness, individual self-control, social harmony, moral progress, and spiritual attainment. (p. 999) Suffering There is a great and glorious purpose in the march of the universes through space. All of your mortal struggling is not in vain. (p. 364) Mortals only learn wisdom by experiencing tribulation. (p. 556) Angels The angels of all orders are distinct personalities and are highly individualized. (p. 285) Angels...are fully cognizant of your moral struggles and spiritual difficulties. They love human beings, and only good can result from your efforts to understand and love them. (p. 419) Our Divine Destiny If you are a willing learner, if you want to attain spirit levels and reach divine heights, if you sincerely desire to reach the eternal goal, then the divine Spirit will gently and lovingly lead you along the pathway of sonship and spiritual progress. (p. 381) ...They who know that God is enthroned in the human heart are destined to become like him-immortal. (p. 1449) God is not only the determiner of destiny; he is man's eternal destination. (p. 67) Family Almost everything of lasting value in civilization has its roots in the family. (p. 765) The family is man's greatest purely human achievement. ... (p. 939) Faith ...Faith will expand the mind, ennoble the soul, reinforce the personality, augment the happiness, deepen the spirit perception, and enhance the power to love and be loved. (p. 1766) "Now, mistake not, my Father will ever respond to the faintest flicker of faith." (p. 1733) History/Science The story of man's ascent from seaweed to the lordship of earthly creation is indeed a romance of biologic struggle and mind survival. (p. 731) 2,500,000,000 years ago... Urantia was a well developed sphere about one tenth its present mass. ... (p. 658) 1,000,000,000 years ago is the date of the actual beginning of Urantia [Earth] history. (p. 660) 450,000,000 years ago the transition from vegetable to animal life occurred. (p. 669) From the year A.D. 1934 back to the birth of the first two human beings is just 993,419 years. (p. 707) About five hundred thousand years ago...there were almost one-half billion primitive human beings on earth. ... (p. 741) Adam and Eve arrived on Urantia, from the year A.D. 1934, 37,848 years ago. (p. 828)Table of ContentsIndexDefinition of TermsPronunciation GuideAdopted Corrections to the 1955 TextForewordPaper 1 - The Universal FatherPaper 2 - The Nature of GodPaper 3 - The Attributes of GodPaper 4 - God's Relation to the UniversePaper 5 - God's Relation to the IndividualPaper 6 - The Eternal SonPaper 7 - Relation of the Eternal Son to the UniversePaper 8 - The Infinite SpiritPaper 9 - Relation of the Infinite Spirit to the UniversePaper 10 - The Paradise TrinityPaper 11 - The Eternal Isle of ParadisePaper 12 - The Universe of UniversesPaper 13 - The Sacred Spheres of ParadisePaper 14 - The Central and Divine UniversePaper 15 - The Seven SuperuniversesPaper 16 - The Seven Master SpiritsPaper 17 - The Seven Supreme Spirit GroupsPaper 18 - The Supreme Trinity PersonalitiesPaper 19 - The Co-Ordinate Trinity-Origin BeingsPaper 20 - The Paradise Sons of GodPaper 21 - The Paradise Creator SonsPaper 22 - The Trinitized Sons of GodPaper 23 - The Solitary MessengersPaper 24 - Higher Personalities of the Infinite SpiritPaper 25 - The Messenger Hosts of SpacePaper 26 - Ministering Spirits of the Central UniversePaper 27 - Ministry of the Primary SupernaphimPaper 28 - Ministering Spirits of the SuperuniversesPaper 29 - The Universe Power DirectorsPaper 30 - Personalities of the Grand UniversePaper 31 - The Corps of the FinalityPaper 32 - The Evolution of Local UniversesPaper 33 - Administration of the Local UniversePaper 34 - The Local Universe Mother SpiritPaper 35 - The Local Universe Sons of GodPaper 36 - The Life CarriersPaper 37 - Personalities of the Local UniversePaper 38 - Ministering Spirits of the Local UniversePaper 39 - The Seraphic HostsPaper 40 - The Ascending Sons of GodPaper 41 - Physical Aspects of the Local UniversePaper 42 - Energy- Mind and MatterPaper 43 - The ConstellationsPaper 44 - The Celestial ArtisansPaper 45 - The Local System AdministrationPaper 46 - The Local System HeadquartersPaper 47 - The Seven Mansion WorldsPaper 48 - The Morontia LifePaper 49 - The Inhabited WorldsPaper 50 - The Planetary PrincesPaper 51 - The Planetary AdamsPaper 52 - Planetary Mortal EpochsPaper 53 - The Lucifer RebellionPaper 54 - Problems of the Lucifer RebellionPaper 55 - The Spheres of Light and LifePaper 56 - Universal UnityPaper 57 - The Origin of UrantiaPaper 58 - Life Establishment on UrantiaPaper 59 - The Marine-Life Era on UrantiaPaper 60 - Urantia During the Early Land-Life EraPaper 61 - The Mammalian Era on UrantiaPaper 62 - The Dawn Races of Early ManPaper 63 - The First Human FamilyPaper 64 - The Evolutionary Races of ColorPaper 65 - The Overcontrol of EvolutionPaper 66 - The Planetary Prince of UrantiaPaper 67 - The Planetary RebellionPaper 68 - The Dawn of CivilizationPaper 69 - Primitive Human InstitutionsPaper 70 - The Evolution of Human GovernmentPaper 71 - Development of the StatePaper 72 - Government on a Neighboring PlanetPaper 73 - The Garden of EdenPaper 74 - Adam and EvePaper 75 - The Default of Adam and EvePaper 76 - The Second GardenPaper 77 - The Midway CreaturesPaper 78 - The Violet Race After the Days of AdamPaper 79 - Andite Expansion in the OrientPaper 80 - Andite Expansion in the OccidentPaper 81 - Development of Modern CivilizationPaper 82 - The Evolution of MarriagePaper 83 - The Marriage InstitutionPaper 84 - Marriage and Family LifePaper 85 - The Origins of WorshipPaper 86 - Early Evolution of ReligionPaper 87 - The Ghost CultsPaper 88 - Fetishes, Charms, and MagicPaper 89 - Sin, Sacrifice and AtonementPaper 90 - Shamanism- Medicine Men and PriestsPaper 91 - The Evolution of PrayerPaper 92 - The Later Evolution of ReligionPaper 93 - Machiventa MelchizedekPaper 94 - The Melchizedek Teachings in the OrientPaper 95 - The Melchizedek Teaching in the LevantPaper 96 - Yahweh- God of the HebrewsPaper 97 - Evolution of the God Concept Among the HebrewsPaper 98 - The Melchizedek Teachings in the OccidentPaper 99 - The Social Problems of ReligionPaper 100 - Religion in Human ExperiencePaper 101 - The Real Nature of ReligionPaper 102 - The Foundations of Religious FaithPaper 103 - The Reality of Religious ExperiencePaper 104 - Growth of the Trinity ConceptPaper 105 - Deity and RealityPaper 106 - Universe Levels of RealityPaper 107 - Origin and Nature of Thought AdjustersPaper 108 - Mission and Ministry of Thought AdjustersPaper 109 - Relation of Adjusters to Universe CreaturesPaper 110 - Relation of Adjusters to Individual MortalsPaper 111 - The Adjuster and The SoulPaper 112 - Personality SurvivalPaper 113 - Seraphic Guardians of DestinyPaper 114 - Seraphic Planetary GovernmentPaper 115 - The Supreme BeingPaper 116 - The Almighty SupremePaper 117 - God the SupremePaper 118 - Supreme and Ultimate - Time and SpacePaper 119 - The Bestowals of Christ MichaelPaper 120 - The Bestowal of Michael on UrantiaPaper 121 - The Times of Michael's BestowalPaper 122 - Birth and Infancy of JesusPaper 123 - The Early Childhood of JesusPaper 124 - The Later Childhood of JesusPaper 125 - Jesus at JerusalemPaper 126 - The Two Crucial YearsPaper 127 - The Adolescent YearsPaper 128 - Jesus' Early ManhoodPaper 129 - The Later Adult Life of JesusPaper 130 - On the Way to RomePaper 131 - The World's ReligionsPaper 132 - The Sojourn at RomePaper 133 - The Return from RomePaper 134 - The Transition YearsPaper 135 - John the BaptistPaper 136 - Baptism and The Forty DaysPaper 137 - Tarrying Time in GalileePaper 138 - Training the Kingdom's MessengersPaper 139 - The Twelve ApostlesPaper 140 - The Ordination of the TwelvePaper 141 - Beginning the Public WorkPaper 142 - The Passover at JerusalemPaper 143 - Going Through SamariaPaper 144 - At Gilboa and in the DecapolisPaper 145 - Four Eventful Days at CapernaumPaper 146 - First Preaching Tour of GalileePaper 147 - The Interlude Visit to JerusalemPaper 148 - Training Evangelists at BethsaidaPaper 149 - The Second Preaching TourPaper 150 - The Third Preaching TourPaper 151 - Tarrying and Teaching by the SeasidePaper 152 - Events Leading up to the Capernaum CrisisPaper 153 - The Crisis at CapernaumPaper 154 - Last Days at CapernaumPaper 155 - Fleeing Through Northern GalileePaper 156 - The Sojourn at Tyre and SidonPaper 157 - At Caesarea-PhilippiPaper 158 - The Mount of TransfigurationPaper 159 - The Decapolis TourPaper 160 - Rodan of AlexandriaPaper 161 - Further Discussions with RodanPaper 162 - At the Feast of TabernaclesPaper 163 - Ordination of the Seventy at MagadanPaper 164 - At the Feast of DedicationPaper 165 - The Perean Mission BeginsPaper 166 - Last Visit to Northern PereaPaper 167 - The Visit to PhiladelphiaPaper 168 - The Resurrection of LazarusPaper 169 - Last Teaching at PellaPaper 170 - The Kingdom of HeavenPaper 171 - On the way to JerusalemPaper 172 - Going into JerusalemPaper 173 - Monday in JerusalemPaper 174 - Tuesday Morning in the TemplePaper 175 - The Last Temple DiscoursePaper 176 - Tuesday Evening on Mount OlivetPaper 177 - Wednesday, the Rest DayPaper 178 - Last Day at the CampPaper 179 - The Last SupperPaper 180 - The Farewell DiscoursePaper 181 - Final Admonitions and WarningsPaper 182 - In GethsemanePaper 183 - The Betrayal and Arrest of JesusPaper 184 - Before the Sanhedrin CourtPaper 185 - The Trial Before PilatePaper 186 - Just Before the CrucifixionPaper 187 - The CrucifixionPaper 188 - The Time of the TombPaper 189 - The ResurrectionPaper 190 - Morontia Appearances of JesusPaper 191 - Appearances to the Apostles and Other LeadersPaper 192 - Appearances in GalileePaper 193 - Final Appearances and AscensionPaper 194 - Bestowal of the Spirit of TruthPaper 195 - After PentecostPaper 196 - The Faith of Jesus

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Book SynopsisThis book, which is a collection of various essays on Africa and the Bible, is a must-read for scholars and students who are interested in exploring the intersection between the Bible and public spaces exposing the liberating and oppressing strands of the Bible. Given the enchanted African worldview, which includes belief in miracles, divine healing and prosperity, the Bible is the go-to-authority of many religious activities. Though at home, the Bible's role and function needs closer assessment. The critical question tackled in this volume is: how can Africa read the Bible from its various contexts to recover its usefulness on issues of gender, patriarchy and political and economic liberation? Yet equally, how do we guard against oppressive discourses that find support from the Bible such as polygamy, viewing women as unequal to men and growing economic disparities? In addition, throughout history, Africans are made to be comfortable with theologies that further distance them away froTable of ContentsMarianne Bjelland Kartzow: Preface – Acknowledgements – List of Abbreviations – Zorodzai Dube: Introduction: Critiquing the Institutionalized Meanings and Discourses – Elia Shabani Mligo: Is There a Bible in This Church?’ Contextual Theology, Reader-Response Criticism, and the Authority of the Bible – Phillip Musoni: Re-visiting Christology from an Indigenous Perspective: A Study of the New Images of Jesus in African Christianity in the Zimbabwean Context – EphraimTshuma: Jesus’ Influence in Africa: History, Hermeneutics, and Praxis – Lovemore Togarasei: The Bible and HIV and AIDS: Taking Stock of African Biblical Scholarship on the Subject – Gerald O. West: People’s Theology, Prophetic Theology, and Public Theology in Post-liberation South Africa – Loreen Maseno-Ouma: Patriarchy Ridiculed and Turned Upside Down: The Role and Place of Humour in Esther 1.1–22 – Zorodzai Dube: Alterity and Liminality in the Margin: Messiahs and Prophets in Zimbabwe and in Galilee – Jacobus(Kobus) Kok: No Shades of Grey? Jesus and the Creation of Liminal Identity and Space as Locus of God’s Presence: An Essay in Honour of Halvor Moxnes – Elia Shabani Mligo: Concluding Remarks: Halvor Moxnes, a Biblical Scholar and a Human Being – Contributors.

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Book SynopsisReading Green: Tactical Considerations for Reading the Bible Ecologically operates on the premise that the Bible itself does not directly address the current ecological crisis and that expecting it to do so is anachronistic, for there was no ecological crisis on the agendas of biblical authors as they penned their works. The true challenge in the field is engaging biblical texts that do not present a positive ecological message (e.g., the stories of the flood and the plagues), or that seem to focus their messages so narrowly on human subjects and their interests that they marginalize or ignore the concerns of the other-than-human creation. To address this issue, this book provides a series of reading strategies which begin with the current ecological crisis. Present areas of interest, such as environmental racism and justice, film criticism, and reception history and exegesis, are employed to construct various approaches to mine the Bible for its contribution in addressing thTrade Review“It was good. And it still is. Increasingly, the need to engage the sacred Scriptures through the experience of the contemporary ecological crisis continues to present itself like an unsolved puzzle. The lurking danger with all biblical studies is that we are unable (or unwilling) to read Scripture in light of what is actually going on in our world. We have become excellent at answering eighteenth-century questions. This book is a game-changer. Within, Jeffrey S. Lamp actually helps us deal with twenty-first-century issues with eternal and biblical voices that draw us to the eternal. This is a much-needed volume. I wish I had it years ago.”—A. J. Swoboda, Pastor, Professor, and Author of Introducing Evangelical EcotheologyTable of ContentsEditor’s Preface – Acknowledgments – Introduction – Noah (2014) as Paradigm for Reading the Bible Ecologically – Earth, the Poor, and the Bible: The Criteria of Ecological Hermeneutics Re-Visioned – I Love to Tell the Story: The Narrative Subversion of the Bible’s Ecologically "Grey" Texts – Just Who Is the Lorax? Cli-Fi, Reception Exegesis, and Reading the Bible Ecologically – Creation as Judge: The Plagues, the Ecological Crisis, and the Book of Wisdom – What When Jesus Isn’t Green? Addressing the Concern – Conclusion – Index of Names – Index of Ancient Sources.

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Book SynopsisCritical scholarship on the Qur'an and early Islam has neglected the enigmatic earliest surahs. Advocating a more evolutionary analytical method, this book argues that the basal surahs are logical, clear, and intelligible compositions. The analysis systematically elucidates the apocalyptic context of the Qur'an's most archaic layers. Decisive new explanations are given for classic problems such as what the surah of the elephant means, why an anonymous man is said to frown and turn away from a blind man, why the prophet is summoned as one who wraps or cloaks himself, and what the surah of the qadr refers to.Grounded in contemporary context, the analysis avoids reducing these innovative recitations to Islamic, Jewish, or Christian models. By capitalizing on recent advances in fields such as Arabian epigraphy, historical linguistics, Manichaean studies, and Sasanian history, a very different picture of the early quranic milieu emerges. This picture challenges prevailing criticalTable of ContentsPreface – Acknowledgments – Maccabees Not Mecca: The Biblical Subtext and the Apocalyptic Context of Sūrat al-Fīl (Q 105) – Al-Ṣamad of Sūrat al-Iḫlāṣ (Q 112) – On the Genealogy of the Rasūl Function: From Eschatological Descent of the Astral Messenger to the Devotional Ascent of the Earthly Messenger – Sūrat al-Qadr (Q 97): Celebrating the Celestial Savior’s Descent and Refuting Christian Communal Ritual – Opening and Pouring-Out the Warner: Sūrat al-Šarḥ (Q 94) and the Construction of Quranic Prophetology – A Servant Wrapped in Glory: The Counter-Baptism of Sūrat al-Muddaṯṯir and Sūrat al-Muzzammil (Q 73 and 74) – Postface—Chronology and Geography – Works Cited – Index.

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Book SynopsisThe remarkable poem in Deut 32:143 is a triple conclusion to the life of Moses, to Deuteronomy and to the Pentateuch/Torah. In content and style, it is an encapsulation of history, prophecy, and wisdom, of a poetic quality hard to surpass. The song was supposed to be learned by heart, was given its own scroll in Qumran, and was, as far as we know, the first Hebrew text to be written colographically. Yet, the poem is shrouded in vagueness and ambiguity, and scholars have pondered its origins, function, meaning, and message. The Origins of Deuteronomy 32: Intertextuality, Memory, Identity plunges into the debate. Extensive theoretical discussions form the foundations for an analysis of similarities and dissimilarities between Deut 32 and other texts from many different perspectives. This indicates a close relationship to the Persian period edition of the Book of Isaiah. In light of a reconstruction of Yehud, theories of social memory and social identity formation are empTrade Review“It is to Tina Dykesteen Nilsen’s merit that she combines traditional exegetical methods with recent theories on memory and identity. By crossing these borders she argues that a scribal group who employed characteristics of Isaiah 56–66 wrote the ‘Song of Moses’ (Deut 32) between 530 and 450 BCE. It was inserted into Deuteronomy to form group identity by strengthening the memories of Moses, of key events in the group’s history, and of the law.” —Dr. Karl William Weyde, Professor, Old Testament Department, MF Norwegian School of Theology, Oslo“What makes The Origins of Deuteronomy 32: Intertextuality, Memory, Identity unique is its combination of three perspectives in recent scholarship: studies of memory, identity formation, and production of written texts. It is especially the latter that gives this book its impetus. By regarding texts not as oral traditions but as scribal products, the book argues that texts—not only phrases and oral traditions—would cross boundaries between scribal schools working in Persian period Jerusalem. Applied to Deuteronomy 32, this is a genuine renewal of old ‘literary’ positions.” —Kåre Berge, Professor of Old Testament at NLA University College, BergenTable of ContentsAcknowledgements – Part I. Question and Text – Introduction – A History of Research – Preliminary Issues – Part 2. What and When? Intertextual Connections – Theories and Methods of Intertextuality – Similes and Metaphors – Lexemes and Phrases – Archaisms, Forms, Themes and Biblical Parallels – Diachronic Explanations – Part 3. Why and by Whom? Memory, Identity and Scribal Production – Theories of Social Memory and Identity Formation – Memory and Identity in Deuteronomy and the Function of Give Ear – Isaianic Memory and Identity and the Work of Scribes – Conclusion – Index of Modern Authors.

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Book SynopsisGyel-tsap Dar-ma-rin-chen states that Aryadeva''s Four Hundred Stanzas was written to explain how, according to Nagarjuna, the practice of the stages of yogic deeds enables those with Mahayana motivation to attain Buddhahood. Both Nagarjuna and Aryadeva urge those who want to understand reality to induce direct experience of ultimate truth through philosophic inquiry and reasoning. Aryadeva''s text is more than a commentary on Nagarjuna''s Treatise on the Middle Way because it also explains the extensive paths associated with conventional truths. The Four Hundred Stanzas is one of the fundamental works of Mahayana Buddhist philosophy, and Gyel-tsap''s commentary is arguably the most complete and important of the Tibetan commentaries on it. Mahayana practitioners must eliminate not only obstructions to liberation but also obstructions to the perfect knowledge of all phenomena. This requires a powerful understanding of selflessness, coupled with a vast accumulation of merit, or positive energy, resulting from the kind of love, compassion, and altruistic intention cultivated by bodhisattvas. The first half of the text focuses on the development of merit by showing how to correct distorted ideas about conventional reality and how to overcome disturbing emotions. The second half explains the nature of ultimate reality that all phenomena are empty of intrinsic existence. Gyel-tsap''s commentary on Aryadeva''s text takes the form of a lively dialogue that uses the words of Aryadeva to answer hypothetical and actual assertions questions and objections. Geshe Sonam Rinchen has provided additional commentary to the sections on conventional reality, elucidating their relevance for contemporary life. This is a republished version of Yogic Deeds of Bodhisattvas.

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Book SynopsisAn accessible commentary by a popular and respected Tibetan Buddhist master opens the door for Westerners to Karma Chagme's classic text that integrates two of the great meditation systems of Tibet: Mahamudra and Dzogchen.      This book grows out of an oral teaching that Khenchen Thrangu gave in Crestone, Colorado, on Karma Chagme's text Meaningful to Behold: The Essential Instructions of the Compassionate One on the Union of Mahamudra and Dzogchen. Thrangu Rinpoche explains in lucid detail the advanced meditation practices of Mahamudra and Dzogchen and also their similarities and differences, including advice on how to safely perform some of the more advanced Dzogchen practices. Many chapters include his answers to questions from the audience, which give the book an intimate feeling.

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Book SynopsisThis book of short inspirational readings, based on India’s Thousand Names of Vishnu, gives us warm, practical reminders to support us spiritually in our daily lives. Eknath Easwaran grew up hearing and reciting these names of the Lord as a child, and for him they were a constant reminder that there is a spark of divinity in everyone. Here he has selected some of the names and added a commentary on what each name means in daily living.These names of the Lord can prompt us to a be a little more considerate, a little more kind, a little more selfless with those around us. This is an uplifting book for readers from any tradition.

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Book SynopsisPart poetry, part paradox, always stirring and profound, Lao Tzu’s Tao Te Ching has been inspiring readers since it was written over two thousand years ago. This masterpiece is also one of the most frequently translated books in all of history, in part because the multiple meanings of the Chinese characters make it impossible to translate into a Western language in a strictly literal way. For this reason, many translations are either too loosely interpretive or are too overloaded with notes, thereby losing the clarity of the terse poetry found in the original Chinese. The extraordinary strength of Sam Hamill’s translation is that it has captured the poetry of Lao Tzu’s original without sacrificing the resonance of the text’s many meanings and possible interpretations. The result is a beautiful and deeply meditative rendering, one that is a delight to read over and over again. Accompanying Sam Hamill’s translation are seventeen Chinese characters brushed by one of the great masters of calligraphy, Kazuaki Tanahashi. Hamill provides a comment for each character, giving the reader a fuller sense of the richness of the original text and insight into the process of translation itself.

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Book SynopsisPreface; Hinduism: The Vedas; The Upanishads; The Bhagavad; Buddhism: The Pali Cannon; Confucianism: Lun-yu (The Analects); Taoism: Tao te Ching; Judaism: The Torah, Nev''im, Ketuvim, Talmud; Christianity: The New Testament (Gospels, Acts of the Apostles and the Epistles); Islam: Qur''an, Hadith; Zoroastrianism: Gathas, Yashts, Vendidad; Jainism: Tattvartha Sutra (Moksha Sutra); Sikhism: Guru Granth Sahib (Adi Granth); Shinto: Kojiki, Rokkokushi, Shoku Nikhaigi, Jinno Shotoki; Latter Day Saints: The Book of Mormon; Index.

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Book SynopsisFor many in the West, the teachings of the Qur'an are often enshrouded in mystery and fear. Yet Islam's holy book gave birth to one of the most powerful and enlightened civilisations the world has ever seen. By the sixteenth century, Muslim culture stretched from India to Africa to Europe, preserving with it the ancient learning that helped spawn the Renaissance. With its interwoven ideas of faith and reason, justice and mercy, the path of Islam - which literally means "surrendering to God's will" - offers a uniquely focused and balanced approach to living life with a profound awareness of God. With gentleness and insight, Sohaib N. Sultan leads you through the central themes of both the Qur'an and the collected sayings of Prophet Muhammad, known as hadith. These teachings dispel common misconceptions about Muslim beliefs and offer practical guidance for your own spiritual journey, from understanding the merciful nature of God; to cultivating peace and justice in the self, family and society; to answering questions about the afterlife and how to attain it. Now you can experience the wisdom of Qur'anic teachings even if you have no previous knowledge of Islam or Muslim writings. Insightful yet unobtrusive facing-page commentary explains the texts for you, allowing you to enter into the path of surrender to God.Trade Review"A superb guide ... intelligently illuminates each thematically arranged passage and concisely summarizes centuries of Islamic interpretive wisdom." —Scott C. Alexander, PhD,associate professor of Islam and director of Catholic-Muslim Studies, Catholic Theological Union “A comprehensive but accessible introduction.... Assists the reader in grasping the basic issues that underlie the teachings of Islamic spirituality.... Stimulating and thought-provoking, allowing the reader to dialogue with Islamic spirituality at a level very near to lived experience.” —Monastic Interreligious Dialogue “Lays before us ... the insights and beauty of one of the world's great sacred texts. A valuable book for any reader who honestly wants to understand the Qur’an and what it teaches.” —Michael Wolfe, author of The Hadj: An American’s Pilgrimage to Mecca “A clear distillation of Islam’s essentials from the sources, this book should prove useful for any introduction to Islam. Recommended.” —Choice “Takes complex, wide-ranging aspects of Islam and makes them clear and accessible for the non-Muslim and Muslim alike. Comes alive with thoughtfully presented insights and reflections. Whether you have a passing interest in Islam, or have serious questions about this community of faith, you will want to consult [this book].” —Rev. Steven Blackburn, PhD,Duncan Black Macdonald Center for the Study of Islam and Christian-Muslim Relations “A good introduction.” —Christian CenturyTable of ContentsForeword Introduction A Note on the Translation 1. On Contemplation, Reason, and Faith 2. On God and Divine Attributes 3. On Revelation and Scripture 4. On Prophetic Character and Message 5. On the Purpose and Responsibility of Human Life 6. On the Stages of Human Life 7. On the Psyche, Heart, and Soul 8. On Spiritual Practice and Discipline 9. On Laws in Daily Life 10. On Noble Character and Good Morals 11. On Envisioning a Just and Moral Society 12. On Pluralism, Inclusive Theology, and Interfaith Relations 13. On Peace, War, and Reconciliation 14. On Women and Gender Relations 15. On Marriage and Family Life Acknowledgments Notes Suggestions for Further Reading

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Book SynopsisYou may know the Bible as a testament of faith. But within this sacred book are also the world's first horror stories.

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Book SynopsisNewly revised commemorations for saints and occasions throughout the church year, updated as a result of changes from General Convention 2024.​  Lesser Feasts and Fasts supplements the Book of Common Prayer with material to commemorate numerous saints and occasions. This 2024 version of Lesser Feasts and Fasts includes new commemorations authorized by the General Convention of the Episcopal Church in 2024.

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Book SynopsisThe publication of the Book of Mormon in 1830 began a new scriptural tradition. Resisting the long-established closed biblical canon, the Book of Mormon posited that the Bible was incomplete and corrupted. With a commitment to an open canon, a variety of Latter Day Saint denominations have emerged, each offering their own scriptural works to accompany the Bible, the Book of Mormon, and other revelations of Joseph Smith. Open Canon breaks new ground as the first volume to examine these writings as a single spiritual heritage. Chapters cover both well-studied and lesser-studied works, introducing readers to scripture dictated by nineteenth- and twentieth-century revelators such as James Strang, Lucy Mack Smith, Sidney Rigdon, Harry Edgar Baker, and Charles B. Thompson, among others. Contributors detail how various Latter Day Saint denominations responded to scriptures introduced during the ministry of Joseph Smith and how churches have employed the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants, and the Lectures of Faith over time. Bringing together studies from across denominational boundaries, this book considers what we can learn about Latter Day Saint resistance to the closed canon and the nature of a new American scriptural tradition.Trade Review“A collection that treats the still-proliferating scriptures of the still-diverging branches of the Latter Day Saint movement both as a common phenomenon and as individual phenomena meriting equal intellectual seriousness and scholarly rigor is long overdue. This volume will be a landmark in Latter Day Saint studies.”—Jared Hickman, associate professor of English, Johns Hopkins University, and coeditor of Americanist Approaches to The Book of MormonTable of Contents Acknowledgments Churches and Movements Select Chronology Sources and Abbreviations Foreword Philip L. Barlow Part I: Introductory Essays 1. Opening the Canon: A New Scriptural Tradition Christopher James Blythe 2. Anchored in Revelation: Scripture and Schism in the Restoration Laurie F. Maffly- Kipp 3. Revelation, Scripture, and Authority in the Latter Day Saint Diaspora, 1840–1870 Richard L. Saunders Part II: Reception of Joseph Smith’s Revelations 4. Books of Mormon: Latter- day Saints, Latter Day Saints, and the Book of Mormon Joseph M. Spencer 5. The Church of Christ (Temple Lot): A Solae Scripturae Mormonism Chrystal Vanel 6. Joseph Smith’s Letter from Liberty Jail: A Study in Canonization Kathleen Flake 7. Lectures on Faith in the Latter Day Saint Tradition Richard S. Van Wagoner, Steven C. Walker, Allen D. Roberts, and Christine Elyse Blythe Part III: Case Studies in New Scripture: Nineteenth Century 8. Lucy Mack Smith and Her Sacred Text Janiece Johnson 9. Strangite Scripture Christine Elyse Blythe and Christopher James Blythe 10. The Book of Enoch “Revised, Corrected, and the Missing Parts Restored” Christopher James Blythe 11. William Bickerton’s Cooperative Views on Scripture and Revelation Daniel P. Stone 12. Scriptures for the Children of Zion: The Revelations of Sidney and Phebe Rigdon Jay Burton Part IV: Case Studies in New Scripture: Twentieth and Twenty- First Centuries 13. Harry Edgar Baker and The Word of the Lord Thomas G. Evans and Christopher James Blythe 14. The Levitical Writings of the House of Aaron Casey Paul Griffiths 15. The Hidden Records of Central Utah and the Struggle for Religious Authority Christopher C. Smith 16. Matthew Philip Gill, Joseph Smith, and the Dynamics of Mormon Schism Matthew Bowman Contributors Index

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Book SynopsisThe writer has logically and in a beautiful manner proved that Quran Majeed is a balanced book, it is a miracle and proof of its being a book of God. In this book, Shah Al-Abidi has given common knowledge examples-of Urdu and Persian couplets, Bhagat Kabeers dohas, Mian Muhammed Bakhsh's and Hazrat Shah Sultan Bahoos philosophical poems and references from Maulana Roam, and put them in relevant manner thus enhancing the beauty, interest and value. I believe that lovers of Quran Kareem will find this book as a beautiful and invaluable presentation. This represents an aspect of Quran Majeed and the readers will find aiding strength to their faith. I hope, this book will become known and ever lasting. I pray to Almighty God that the writer, Mr. Akhter Moeed Shah Al-Abidi, had ongoing service to Quran Majeed, its readers and humanity. Abdul Khaliq Aawan Retired Director General, Pakistan Broadcasting Corporation

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Book SynopsisThus, unlike other editions of the Gita, this one is presented as it is--without the slightest taint of adulteration or personal motivation. This edition is certain to stimulate and enlighten with its ancient yet thoroughly timely message.

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Book SynopsisWritten during the Golden Age of Chinese philosophy, and composed partly in prose and partly in verse, the Tao Te Ching is the most terse and economical of the world's great religious texts. In a series of short, profound chapters it elucidates the idea of the Tao, or the Way, and of Te - Virtue, or Power - ideas that in their ethical, practical and spiritual dimensions have become essential to the life of China's powerful civilization. The Tao Te Ching has been translated into Western languages more times than any other Chinese work. It speaks of the ineffable in a secular manner and its imagery, drawn from the natural world, transcends time and place. The application of its wisdom to modern times is both instructive and provocative - for the individual, lessons in self-awareness and spontaneity, placing stillness and consciousness of the word around above ceaseless activity; for leaders of society, how to govern with integrity, to perform unobtrusively the task in hand and never to utter words lightly; for both, the futility of striving for personal success.D. C. Lau's classic English version remains a touchstone of accuracy. Informed by the most impressive scholarship this is a translation both for academic study and for general readers who prefer to reflect on the meaning of this ancient text unencumbered by the subjective interpretations and poetic licence of more recent 'inspirational' translations. Sarah Allan's masterly introduction discusses the origins of the work, sheds light on the ambiguities of its language, and places it firmly in its historical and philosophical context.The Everyman edition uses Lau's translation of the Ma Wang Tui manuscripts (discovered in 1973) in the revised 1989 version published by The Chinese University Press. The iconic text is presented uncluttered by explanatory notes. A chronology and glossary are included, together with the translator's informative appendices.Trade ReviewThe Tao Te Ching is a 2,400-year-old reminder that today, as then, every one of us has a choice to practise self-awareness and exercise our own power in and over the world. That might come as more of a nasty wakeup call than a comfort to some of us. As [David Foster] Wallace said: "It is unimaginably hard to do this, to stay conscious and alive in the adult world day in and day out." As hard as it is, for the moments we read it, the Tao Te Ching makes it seem at least possible. -- Damien Walter * Guardian *

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Book SynopsisCollection of Passages on the Nembutsu is the principle work by Honen.

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Book SynopsisThe basic sutra of the Fa-hsian School, The Scripture on the Explication of Underlying Meaning expounds the thought of the Yogacara, or Mind-Only School (Vijnanavada), stating that all phenomena are manifestations of the mind. It belongs to the middle period of Indian Mahayana Buddhism and is considered to have been composed at the start of the fourth century A.D.

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Book SynopsisRecords the life and teachings of Hui-neng, the Sixth Chan (Zen) Patriarch. This work is an eleventh-century compilation with ancillary materials.

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