Search results for ""skinner house books""

Throughout the ages, adherents of religious traditions from around the world have set apart certain writings and teachings as special, calling them scriptures, sacred texts or classics. And they have developed particular approaches to reading these texts. In this insightful new guide, Unitarian Universalist minister, Jonalu Johnstone, provides an introduction to reading sacred texts, discusses Unitarian Universalist views of scripture and suggests ways to use sacred texts within our congregations. Each chapter explores an aspect of engaging with scripture and includes a reading from a sacred text - the Hebrew Scriptures, the Christian Bible, the I Ching, the Dhammapada, the Qur'an and others, including more modern sources - and offers progressive commentary based on scholarly and spiritual approaches to these writings. SCRIPTURE UNBOUND explores many of these approaches, including historical-critical reading, chant, feminist interpretation, Jewish midrash, Unitarian Universalist practice and more. It provides guidance on selecting translations, considers individual and communal spiritual practice and reflects on some of the dangers of interpreting scriptures, including cultural misappropriation. This engaging volume invites readers into an adventure of encountering first-hand the words and stories that have inspired billions throughout the centuries. Exploring the wisdom of the ages helps equip us to understand the world we share with a diverse and evolving collection of religious voices.

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THE INTERFAITH FAMILY JOURNAL is an invaluable resource for families whose members practise different religions. Interactive exercises and activities help interfaith families reach a mutual agreement about how they want to honour their combined histories, cultures and beliefs in ways that nurture joy, creativity and empowerment. With space for writing directly in the book and suggestions for engaging in deep conversations arising from each partner's journaling, the book becomes a keepsake of the journey toward a family's unique interfaith practice and identity.

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In October 2015, a group of distinguished UU religious professionals of color gathered together in Chicago to embark on a radical project. The conference was sponsored by the UUMA’s Committee on Antiracism, Anti-oppression, and Multiculturalism. It started with the premise that discussions of race in Unitarian Universalism have too often presupposed a White audience and prioritized the needs, education, and emotions of the White majority. The goal was to reframe Unitarian Universalist anti-oppression work by putting the voices, experiences and learnings of people of color at the center of the conversation. The resulting book, Centering, captures the papers that were presented and the rich dialogue from the conference to share personal stories and address the challenges that religious leaders of color face in exercising power, agency, and authority in a culturally White denomination. Centering explores how racial identity is made both visible and invisible in Unitarian Universalist ministries.

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A captivating collection full of the sights and sounds of India, this is a book of stories from Ancient Hindu epics, myths and folk traditions. Thousands of years in their telling and retelling, these stories invite readers of all ages to explore one of the world's most ancient and varied religious traditions. Vivid dramas featuring gods, goddesses, kinds, sages and fools have been selected from Ancient Hindu epics, myths and fold traditions across India. The stories themselves convey key values such as honesty, generosity, devotion and justice and, also, introduce readers to unique religious and cultural observances. Included are vibrant colour illustrations and a resources section which provides background information on Hinduism.

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Here is a complete workshop to help lay people gain experience writing and preaching a full-length sermon for their congregation. This easy-to-use guide for both facilitators and participants provides a step-by-step lesson plan for eight sessions. Workshop members learn about the theory and theology of preaching, then practice writing and speaking with authenticity, gradually building toward composing quality 20-minute sermons. Workshop leaders learn to foster a supportive environment in which participants offer one another helpful feedback. The Shared Pulpit includes a separate leader's guide, readings for homework, sample sermons, and exercises to help first-time preachers polish their preaching craft.

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In twenty-two simple yet profound reflections, seasoned minister, Mark Belletini, explores the many and varied forms of grief. His honest, poetic essays serve as a prism, revealing the distinct colours and manifestations of grief in our lives. He addresses the way we respond to the loss of people in our lives, loss of love, loss of focus and loss of the familiar - understanding that grief is as much a part of our lives as our breathing. Belletini uses specific and personal stories to open up to the universal experience. NOTHING GOLD CAN STAY is a gift of awareness, showing how the shades of grief serve our deepest needs.

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Help children cultivate a practice of gratitude and a sense of wonder for the world around them with GOODNESS GRACIOUS. Meaningful, sweet and sometimes downright silly, Kathleen A. Green's "thankful thoughts," her child-friendly term for expressions of gratitude, help children say thank you for all aspects of their lives, from the earth and their families to their pets, teachers and even mac and cheese!

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"With beautiful images and words, The Garden of Time offers a magical path through the seasons and allows the sacred breath of life to blow through all our souls." - Sandy Eisenberg Sasso, author of The Shema in the Mezuzah In this story based on ancient Jewish legend, Adam and Eve walk through the Garden of Eden, noticing what is happening around them and deciding what holidays they will celebrate based on what they see, smell, hear and taste. Gorgeous text and art illuminate Judaism, the calendar and the environment for both children and adults. Guides to the Jewish holidays and Jewish iconography are included.

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An essential resource for anyone who wants to enter the next stage of their antiracist journey—recognizing, analyzing, and confronting the perpetuation of racism in our visual world. Images in the news, social media, advertisements, memes, websites, and selfies shape how we understand ourselves, our society, and our world. Even the images we don’t see have an impact on our daily lives. But images are not innocent. And we don’t have to be passive consumers. Our racial identities, assumptions, histories, and biases filter the images we absorb and affect how we interpret them. Are they problematic? How can you tell? Why should you care? Situated at the intersection of critical whiteness theory and visual culture, Through the Lens of Whiteness: Challenging Racialized Imagery in Pop Culture teaches readers visual literacy tools that expose racist messages, conventions, and symbols in images. Authors Diane S. Grimes and Liz Cooney help readers understand these patterns more deeply with detailed analysis of vivid image examples and personal stories to dismantle existing biases and develop an antiracist perspective. Grimes and Cooney are guided by the principle that white people bear the responsibility for dismantling racist structures and so primarily address white readers, but also offer this book in the hope that it will be a powerful tool of resistance for all readers.

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Groundbreaking in its depictions of joy and community, Authentic Selves celebrates trans and nonbinary people and their families in stunning photographs and their own words. Foreword by transgender activist Jazz Jennings and her mom and fellow activist, Jeanette Jennings.So often trans and nonbinary people’s stories are told only through the lens of their struggles and challenges, including their political battles for legal rights, but trans and nonbinary people live rich and fulfilling lives full of joy and community too. Authentic Selves: Celebrating Trans and Nonbinary People and Their Families is a sweeping compilation of life stories and portraits of trans and nonbinary people, as well as their partners, parents, children, siblings, and chosen family members.The compelling stories in Authentic Selves provide a glimpse into the real lives, both the challenges and the triumphs, of these remarkable people and their families—people like Senator Sarah McBride, disability justice advocate Parker Glick, drag entertainer TAYLOR ALXNDR, September 11th first responder Jozeppi Angelo Morelli, model Lana Patel, youth activist Elliott Bertrand, and so many others—all of whom are working to create a more just, diverse, and compassionate world.Developed in collaboration with PFLAG National and Transgender Legal Defense & Education Fund.

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Books about religion and the law are generally aimed at two audiences: lawyers and religious conservatives. These tendencies are a result of expectations on the subject as being either highly technical or arising from a conservative impulse to protect religious and cultural traditions. In FAITH ON TRIAL, legal scholar and Unitarian Universalist minister Mark J. T. Caggiano, argues that concerns about separation of church and state often serve to silence religious viewpoints of people on the Left, many of whom exit the conversation in the hope of protecting important social issues from religious infighting. But it is impossible to win a debate that you never join, and as Caggiano writes, it is paramount in these times that "religious liberals and progressives cultivate and refine an ability to articulate the need for moral changes within the political system. That goal will require an understanding of the law as well as a moral vision for the world." Geared toward religious progressives and liberals-and complete with historical context, legal analysis, and examples of specific legal cases and statues-FAITH ON TRIAL is an invitation to the religious Left to re-enter the societal debate about morals and ethics, with social progress and inclusion at the centre of a national conversation about religion and the law.

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“A wide-eyed and wonderful spiritual resource for young adults.” —Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat, Spirituality & Practice This elegant volume offers itself as a spiritual companion for young adults and all who live amid transitions and tensions. Dozens of carefully selected readings address themes that are prominent for people in their twenties and early thirties. The topics include: passion and purpose, identity, community, losing and finding, and justice and creation. Each section features reflections from Unitarian Universalist young adults, as well as poems, prayers, and opening and closing words from contemporary and ancient peoples. This treasury of uplifting and thought-provoking meditations can serve as a guide and provide comfort on our never-ending journey of becoming.

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