Spirituality and religious experience Books

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Book SynopsisA brilliant introduction to prayer' Richard Rohr, Author of Everything BelongsOne of America's most beloved spiritual leaders and the New York Times bestselling author of The Jesuit Guide to (Almost) Everything and Jesus: A Pilgrimage teaches anyone to converse with God in this comprehensive guide to prayer.What do we need to learn? That prayer changes usand so changes the world we live in; that God is always there before us; that it''s God''s action that makes the difference. Practical, comprehensive, and above all God-centered, this book is a deeply valuable companion for growing in faith.' Rowan Williams, former Archbishop of CanterburyIn The Jesuit Guide to (Almost) Everything, Father James Martin included a chapter on communicating with God. Now, he expands those thoughts in this profound and practical handbook. Learning to Pray explains what prayer is, what to expect from praying, how to do it, and how it can transform us when we make it a regular practice in our lives.A trusted Trade Review‘Prayer, Martin says, is building a relationship with God in the way other relationships are built: through conversing, listening, and spending time with one another. . . . With Martin's guidance, interested readers may see prayer as both the most natural yet transcendent thing in the world.’ Booklist ‘Personal, insightful, honest, practical, expansive, enriching, freeing, hopeful—these words only begin to describe this excellent book about prayer. Learning to Pray deserves to be in the hands and heart of anyone intent on engaging with the unfolding path of prayer.’Joyce Rupp, author of Anchors for the Soul ‘The life of prayer is essential for the believer. And yet so many people feel frightened by prayer. Fear not! James Martin has written a brilliant introduction to prayer, which will help you encounter the Living God, who wants to encounter you! Richard Rohr, author of Everything Belongs

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Book SynopsisTap into the power of the Enneagram with this essential companion workbook filled with exercises, reflection prompts, and guided questions that can help you unleash your true inner power and transform your life.Ian Morgan Cron, the bestselling author of The Road Back to You and The Story of You and master of the Enneagram, provides the tools you need to recognize and break free from the damaging, outdated stories you’ve been living and discover a more hopeful story that is better aligned with who you really are. In six steps Cron teaches you how to SOAR:  See your origin story Own your shadow side Awaken to your present moment Rewrite your new story Combining thought-provoking cues, dynamic questions, and motivating exercises with pages to record your reflections, The Story of You Workbook is the key to spiritual growth that will help you realize your true self.

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Book SynopsisThe Philokalia was published in Venice in 1782. It is an anthology of patristic writings from the Eastern Church, spanning the 4th to the 15th Centuries, which has been the subsequent focus of a significant revival in Orthodox spirituality. It presents an understanding of psychopathology and mental life which is significantly different to that usually encountered in western Christianity. It also presents accounts of both mental wellbeing and the pathologies of the mind or soul which are radically different to contemporary secular accounts and yet which also find remarkable points of similarity with contemporary psychotherapeutic approaches, such as cognitive therapy. The book provides an introduction to the history of the Philokalia and the philosophical, anthropological and theological influences that contributed to its information. It presents a critical account of the pathologies of the soul, the remedies for these pathologies, and the therapeutic goals as portrayed by the authors oTrade Review"This imaginative study succeeds in drawing out the riches of the Philokalia...a taster for a rich spiritual resource as well as a reminder of the essential yoking together of psychological and spiritual well-being." John Twisleton, New Direction, June 2011 "This is a profound work of scholarship and spiritual understanding that can be strongly recommended to believers of any religion or none." Professor Andrew Sims, Royal College of Psychiatrists- Spirituality and Psychiatry Special Interest Group Newsletter, No. 31, June 2011Table of ContentsAcknowledgements; Names & Abbreviations; Prologue; Influences and Foundations; The Passions; Remedies for the Passions; Mental Well-Being; Psychotherapy; On Thoughts and Prayer; Epilogue; Appendix 1: Constituent Works of the Greek Philokalia; Appendix 2: Authors of the Works included in the Greek Philokalia; Notes; Bibliography; Index.

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Book SynopsisA selection of key historical texts setting out the debate over religious imagery during the English Reformation, introduced and with a commentary by a leading scholar in the field.Trade Review'David J. Davis's admirable collection of documents illuminates the complexities of the debate about images provoked by the Reformation in sixteenth-century England. Bringing together Protestant and Catholic voices and combining critical texts with compelling pictures, it challenges the tired paradigms that have inhibited our understanding of the nexus between religion and the visual arts in the early modern period. It will be an excellent resource for scholars and students alike.' - Alexandra Walsham, Professor of Modern History, University of Cambridge 'David Davis challenges the idea that iconoclasm and Protestantism go hand in hand and presents with his book a major contribution to the academic debate on this issue. It is an enriching pleasure to read and consider his careful analysis of a wide variety of early modern texts and images. The sources presented here also make this book perfect for use in class.' - Herman Selderhuis, Professor of Church History, Theological University Apledoorn; Director, Refo50 'The volume is wide-ranging and fascinating. The historical background that Davis provides for each document and summary of arguments from both Protestants and Catholics are considerably helpful to understand the texts.... [O]verall this book is highly recommended for any scholars and lay readers who are eager to have a more comprehensive understanding about the issues of icons and idols in the Reformation period.' - Okky Karmawan, The Expository Times, Volume 129, Number 2, November 2017 '[D]avis' anthology is well-crafted and informative.... By including material from a variety of viewpoints, Davis ensures that readers from a variety of viewpoints and denominational background will find selections that resonate with their own understanding of the topic. The breadth and depth of the included material make Davis' anthology a helpful tool that offers the promise of continued use as a collection of authoritative documents on an important subject.' -Derek R. Davenport, Reviews in Religion and Theology, Volume 25, Issue 1, January 2018Table of ContentsList of Illustrations Acknowledgements Abbreviations General Introduction Part 1: The Early Reformation Document 1 - John Ryckes, The Image of Love (London, 1525) Document 2 - William Tyndale, An Answer unto Sir Thomas More's Dialogue (London, 1532) Document 3 - Martin Bucer, A Treatise Declaring and Showing that Images Are Not to be Suffered in Churches (London, 1535) Document 4 - Woodcut title-page, The Great Bible (London, 1539) Document 5 - John Calvin, The Sermons of M. John Calvin upon the Fifth Book of Moses called Deuteronomy (London, 1583) Document 6 - Roger Edgeworth, Sermons, Very Fruitful, Godly, and Learned (London, 1557) Document 7 - John Hooper, A Declaration of the Holy Ten Commandments (London, 1549) Part 2: The Elizabethan Reformation Document 8 - Woodcut of Ezekiel's Vision of Heaven, Geneva Bible (Geneva, 1560) Document 9 - Woodcut of Isaiah's Vision of Heaven, Bishops Bible (London, 1568) Document 10 - Marcus Gheeraerts the Elder, The Allegory of Iconoclasm (London, 1566:1568) Document 11 - Heinrich Bullinger, Fifty Godly Sermons (London, 1577) Document 12 - John Jewel, Homily Against the Peril of Idolatry and Superfluous Decking of Churches (London, 1571) Document 13 - John Martiall, A Treatise of the Cross (Antwerp, 1564) Document 14 - Nicholas Sander, A Treatise of the Images of Christ (Louvain, 1567) Document 15 - Peter Vermigli, The Common Places of the Most Famous and Renowned Divine Doctor Peter Martyr (London, 1583) Document 16 - Gregory Martin, A Discovery of the Manifold Corruptions of the Holy Scripture by the Heretics of Our Days (Rheims, 1582) Part 3: The Post-Reformation Document 17 - William Perkins, Two Documents Document 18 - William Bishop, A Reformation of a Catholic Deformed (English Secret Press, 1604) Document 19 - Robert Bellarmine, An Ample Declaration of the Christian Doctrine (English Secret Press, 1604) Document 20 - John Heigham, The Touchstone of the Reformed Gospel (St. Omer's Press, 1652) Document 21 - Richard Montagu, A Gag for the New Gospel?: No, a New Gag for an Old Goose (London, 1624) Document 22 - Anonymous, Controversii et compendium Becari (1625) Bibliography General Index

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Book Synopsis'I looked around and saw the people of New York, my people, with their faces set in cold worried lines, their bodies bent against the problems life had thrown at them. I stepped forward and lifted the bullhorn to my mouth. This time my voice rang out, Listen up, I've got some good news...'

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Book SynopsisAn inspiring and moving collection of true encounters with the afterlife from the author of the Sunday Times bestsellers An Angel Called My Name and An Angel Healed MeHeaven Called My Name is a compelling collection of incredible true stories from people who believe they have heard the voice of heaven and reveals messages of comfort, guidance and inspiration. Using first-hand accounts from ordinary people whose lives have been forever transformed by an afterlife encounter, as well as her own experiences and insights, Theresa Cheung will answer the eternal questions that we all ask ourselves at some point in our lives, regardless of whether we follow a religion or not.*Is there a meaning and a purpose to my life?*What is my calling or my destiny? *Is there life after death?*Can I talk to a departed loved one in heaven?*Does heaven watch over me?The moving and honest accounts in Heaven Called My Name<

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Book SynopsisDrawing a comparison between religion and cinema-going, this text examines a range of contemporary films in relation to key theological concepts.Trade ReviewBy starting from issues explored in particular films, the book helps to ground theological debates in relation to human questions and experience. This really helps to bring the discipline of theology alive, and I wish this book had been available when I was a theology student.Gordon Lynch, Senior Lecturer in Religion and Culture, University of Birmingham, UKMarsh is correct! Theology is not just cognitive, but affective, aesthetic and ethical. And film has become a primary resource. Here is a helpful work-book for culturally-savy theology students and theologically-interested film-lovers.Robert K. Johnston, author of Reel Spirituality: Theology and Film in DialogueMarsh never reduces the theological analysis of culture to an imposition of theological concepts onto culture; rather, theology is developed in critical engagement with popular culture, within "peaceful mutual critique." He accomplishes this task with clarity, open-mindedness, and grace.John Lyden, Professor and Chair of Religion, Dana CollegeIn this thought-provoking book, one of the leading scholars in this rapidly growing area of study provides an imaginative series of connections between theology and film. Taking seriously the multiple backgrounds and contexts of the viewer, Marsh skilfully shows how films can open many windows onto profound theological questions and themes. He outlines with clarity the rich resources available for thinking creatively about the interactions between theology and the movies.Dr Jolyon Mitchell, New College, Edinburgh University'By starting from issues explored in particular films, the book helps to ground theological debates in relation to human questions and experience. This really helps to bring the discipline of theology alive, and I wish this book had been available when I was a theology student.' – Gordon Lynch, Senior Lecturer in Religion and Culture, University of Birmingham, UK'Marsh is correct! Theology is not just cognitive, but affective, aesthetic and ethical. And film has become a primary resource. Here is a helpful work-book for culturally-savy theology students and theologically-interested film-lovers.' – Robert K. Johnston, author of Reel Spirituality: Theology and Film in DialogueTable of ContentsPart One: Contextualizing Theology in a Media Age Part Two: A Systematic Theology through Film Part Three: Christian Theology in Practice

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Book Synopsis“Enlightenment does exist,” internationally renowned author and meditation master Jack Kornfield assures us. “Unbounded freedom and joy, oneness with the divine . . . these experiences are more common than you know, and not far away.” But even after achieving such realization—after the ecstasy—we are faced with the day—to-day task of translating that freedom into our imperfect lives. We are faced with the laundry. Drawing on the experiences and insights of leaders and practitioners within the Buddhist, Christian, Jewish, Hindu, and Sufi traditions, this book offers a uniquely intimate and honest understanding of how the modern spiritual journey unfolds—and how we can prepare our hearts for awakening. Through moving personal stories and traditional tales, we learn how the enlightened heart navigates the real world of family relationships, emotional pain, earning a living, sickness, loss, and dea

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Book SynopsisINSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLERFinancial Times' Best books of 2023 — Health & Wellness Life Worth Living is transcendent. A collection of wisdom punctuated by questions of great consequence, this is the only book you need to find your way from where you are to where you are called to be. --Kelly Corrigan, NYT bestselling author, host of Kelly Corrigan Wonders and PBS’s Tell Me MoreBased on the Yale class, a guide to defining and then creating a flourishing life, and answering one of life’s most pressing questions: how are we to live?AN OPEN FIELD PUBLICATION FROM MARIA SHRIVERWhat makes a good life? The question is inherent to the human condition, asked by people across generations, professions, and social classes, and addressed by all schools of philosophy and religions. This search for meaning, as Yale faculty Miroslav Volf, Matthew Croasmun, and Ryan McAnnally-Linz argue, is at the crux of a crisis that is facing Western culture, a crisis that, they propose, can be ameliorated by searching, in one’s own life, for the underlying truth. In Life Worth Living, named after its authors’ highly sought-after undergraduate course, Volf, Croasmun, and McAnnally-Linz chart out this question, providing readers with jumping-off points, road maps, and habits of reflection for figuring out where their lives hold meaning and where things need to change.Drawing from the major world religions and from impressively truthful and courageous secular figures, Life Worth Living is a guide to life’s most pressing question, the one asked of all of us: How are we to live?

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Book SynopsisExamine the questions of “how,” “what,” and “why” associated with religiousness and spirituality in the lives of older adults! New Directions in the Study of Late Life Religiousness and Spirituality explores new ways of thinking about a topic that was once taboo but that has now attracted considerable attention from the gerontological community. It examines various approaches to methodology and definition that are used in the study of religion, spirituality, and aging. In addition, it explores the ways that gerontological research can highlight the role of religion and spirituality in the lives of older adults. The first section will introduce you to new ways of thinking about research methodology and data analysis that can be applied to studying the complexity of older adults'' religious/spiritual practice and beliefs. You''ll learn several approaches to the study of phenomena that are both personal and also deeply embedded in commTable of Contents Charting a Course for the 21st Century Studies of Late Life Religiousness and Spirituality Part I. Epistemological Stirrings in the Study of Religiousness and Spirituality Examining Spirituality Over Time: Latent Growth Curve and Individual Growth Curve Analyses Uncovering Spirituality Resiliency Through Feminist Qualitative Methods Spiritual Issues in Health and Social Care: Practice into Policy? A Mighty Fortress Is Our Atheism: Defining the Nature of Religiousness in the Elderly Part II. Approaches to the Definitional Dilemma Practical Philosophies: Interpretations of Religion and Spirituality by African American and European American Elders Dwelling and Seeking in Late Adulthood: The Psychosocial Implications of Two Types of Religious Orientation Widows’ Spiritual Journeys: Do They Quest? The Role of Social Context in Religion Part III. The Fruits of the Religious Life Why Believe? The Effects of Religious Beliefs on Emotional Well Being Coping with the Uncontrollable: The Use of General and Religious Coping by Caregivers to Spouses with Dementia Effects of Religiosity and Spirituality on Depressed Affect and Prosocial Behaviors Religiosity, Afterlife Beliefs, and Bereavement Adjustment in Adulthood Afterword: A Conversation About Theories, Definitions, and Applications Index Reference Notes Included

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Book SynopsisA wide-ranging survey of the major ancient civilizations, religions and thinkers of the world, drawing out their key qualities and tracing the journey of humankind towards the twentieth century.Trade Review'It's great to see Floris reprinting these Anthroposophical classics … The Ascent of Man reminds us, among other things, that if we are not aware of our history, we are probably doomed to repeat it. Eleanor Merry traces the thread of light though many ages, civilisations, myth cycles and god-forms, and we meet many old friends within these pages.'-- Inner Light Magazine, Summer 2008'A classic work which gives a cross-cultural overview of the spiritual evolution of humanity, covering all the major civilisations down to our own time … [Merry] suggests that a spiritual awakening is now taking place, which will lead to a deeper understanding and heightened sense of responsibility.'-- David Lorimer, Scientific and Medical Network Review'Eleanor Merry's book is a page-turner, a compendium and a source of nuggets of wisdom, which provides a wonderfully coherent view of the development of humankind ... I found passage after passage had led me into other streams in my thoughts, and had enlightened my understanding … The Ascent of Man is a Classic of Anthroposophy. I also recommend the book to anyone with an interest in Christology, or who regards themselves as Christian. To read the book would benefit them greatly in understanding and in knowledge.'-- Gillies Dalzell-Payne, Perspectives, March-May 2009

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