Search results for ""jewish lights publishing""

A classic of faith-based activism—updated for a new generation. Why was Daniel Berrigan wanted by the FBI? Why did Robert Coles harbor a fugitive? Listen in to the conversations between these two great teachers as they struggle with what it means to put your faith to the test. Discover how their story of challenging the status quo during a time of great political, religious, and social change is just as applicable to our lives today. Thirty years ago, at the height of U.S. involvement in the Vietnam War, Daniel Berrigan, a Jesuit priest, was wanted by the FBI for his nonviolent protest activities. He hid in the house of Robert Coles, who would later win the Pulitzer Prize. The two began a dialogue that encompasses a fascinating range of topics, from war, psychology, and violence, to social institutions, compassion, activism, and family life. With this expanded, anniversary edition of a classic, new generations of readers can examine for themselves how spirituality is not only for ourselves, but often demands action and personal risk in the public arena. New to this edition, Robert Coles offers historical perspective on this turbulent time and assesses the progress of faith-based activism in the years since. Daniel Berrigan challenges today’s activists in a new afterword. Finally, a glossary of terms helps to clarify the key people, places, and movements that are often the subject of the Coles/Berrigan conversations.

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What does it mean to be young and spiritual today-when the New Age isn't exactly new, when female rabbis and ministers are no longer unusual, and when Eastern religion's ideas and practices are no longer considered exotic? Who are the faces behind today's fresh approaches to faith, approaches that are destined to shape the future of spiritual life in America? "Religion is not a crutch for the weak-minded. It is merely spirituality in its simplest, most rudimentary form. We have witnessed the hypocrisy, the moral and spiritual mediocrity of succumbing to tradition for tradition's sake. In an age when there are books on everything for dummies, my generation has opted to find out for themselves. I am a new adult, with decisions to make about my identity and my future. I am not about to surrender this newfound privilege. I am content with discovering my spiritual self through my own avenues. I am not in need of a crossing guard." -from God Within God Within represents citizens of the twenty-first century who are faced with a dizzying array of spiritualities: believer, seeker, Christian, Jew, Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, and Wiccan, to name just a very few. The result of a nationwide challenge extended to young adults born after 1974, in this book they share their experiences with all of these beliefs-some confident, some questioning-and introduce us to many shades in between. Sometimes irreverent-but more importantly, always relevant-this thought-provoking collection of writings, poetry, and art showcases the voices that are defining the future of religion, faith, and belief as we know it.

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Witty, wise, and powerful meditations on the New Testament are presented in the perfect form for readers with busy lives who sometimes find that there is not enough time in the day to focus on their spiritual well-being. Martin Copenhaver feels their pain and has packed this volume full of insight into the teachings of Jesus that anyone, no matter how busy, can find the time to digest, reflect on, and enjoy. In addition, a scripture and a prayer accompany each of the 140+ lessons, the distilled results of decades of spiritual scholarship and teaching.

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This practical resource for finding peace, meaning and God, from the pen of a sixth-century monk, can help guide your own spiritual journey. Many people today are realizing that the cultural focus on competition, success, acquisition and constant busyness is ultimately not satisfying. They hunger for a way of life that has more lasting value and deeper meaning. For centuries, people within and outside Christianity have turned to the writings of Benedict of Nursia, a sixth-century monk committed to shaping a life of humility and compassion, to guide their spiritual lives. His Rule speaks profoundly to our contemporary search for spiritual grounding. Anglican laywoman and writer Esther de Waal says that Benedict’s Rule helps her know “how to be human now today, tomorrow and for the rest of my life.”This accessible introduction to the Rule of Benedict, intended for readers unfamiliar with Benedictine monasticism, presents the Rule as a guide to a God-centered, balanced approach to life. It shows us how to use Benedict’s wisdom to build relationships and communities formed by love and respect. It offers historical background and personal reflections on Benedictine topics such as living in the present moment, balance, finding God in everyday life, individual and community prayer, hospitality, and healthy approaches to work and service.

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A practical and empowering resource, this book provides ideas and strategies for expressing a clear, forceful and progressive religious point of view that is all too often overlooked and under-represented in public discourse. It identifies the religious themes in today's great debates - gay rights, the needs of children and families, church-state separation and reproductive rights, including access to sex education, contraception and abortion care - and presents new language and methods for effective communication with the media, policy makers and community. It steers away from the polemics and jargon of politics - left, right, liberal, conservative, socialist - and instead relies on factual historical examples, current events and personal stories to illustrate the best ways to communicate the positive role faith can play in personal and public life by reinforcing the separation of church and state.

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Going beyond loss as a problem to be resolved, a grief to be worked through, Dr. Nancy Copeland-Payton, a spiritual director and ordained clergywoman, reframes loss from the perspective that our everyday losses help us learn what we need to handle the major losses. Weaving in spiritual and classical themes, personal and scriptural story, Dr. Copeland-Payton shows us that by becoming aware of what our lesser losses have to teach us, the larger losses of our lives become less terrifying. Each chapter includes a spiritual practice and questions for reflection to help you: · Mine the hidden depths of painful losses of things and places. · Traverse the devastating loss of relationships and the heart-wrenching death of people we love. · Overcome the steep, dark slopes of loss of beliefs and faith. · Venture past our fear of the losses of aging and our own death.

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Many depictions of Jesus show him as a character who coolly and calmly floats above the grit and grime of human existence. He doesn't hurt, he doesn't fear, he doesn't laugh and, most tragically, he doesn't love very passionately. He seems not to feel at all. But a closer look at the Bible reveals something surprisingly different. In this eye-opening spiritual study, Peter Wallace examines Jesus's actions as well as his teachings to uncover a passionate figure who was involved, present, connected, honest and direct with others. Through Wallace's deeply personal insights and compelling examples, you will be encouraged to model this passionate Jesus by building personal authenticity in every area of your own life, particularly in your self-acceptance and self-expression, your relationships with others and, above all, your relationship with God.

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"I gave at the office." It might be a cliché, but that familiar phrase accurately describes the way many of us still think about giving of our time, resources and money: as a mildly unpleasant obligation to fulfil every now and again, when someone asks. Yet giving is a profound act that can change your life and the lives of those around you. With gentleness and wisdom, this practical guide outlines the ways in which cultivating a lifestyle of generosity can be a source of personal transformation, spiritual renewal and deep joy. Readers will learn about: · Giving as Worship - how many faith traditions offer praise through giving · Giving as Justice - creating righteous equality in our world · Giving as Charity - providing for others out of a sense of connectedness · Giving as Stewardship - managing our resources for maximum benefit

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Sri Ramakrishna, one of the greatest spiritual personalities of our time, is widely recognised as the prophet of the harmony of religions. After perfecting the practice of several religions - including Christianity, Islam and various traditions of Hinduism - he declared, "As many faiths, so many paths." This modern, historically accurate portrayal of the life of Sri Ramakrishna explains several systems of Indian religious thought intimately connected with his life. It examines Sri Ramakrishna and his teachings and succeeds in conveying the story of the great mystic and the deeper spirit of that story, known as the Ramakrishna legend.

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Although they were written some 2,300 years ago, the pithy observations from the book of Proverbs about life and money - in all toil there is profit, but mere talk only leads to poverty - still ring true today. But these pearls of wisdom are far more than one-dimensional pieces of folksy advice. Taken together, they form a coherent system of language and metaphor that point to a much more profound understanding of the nature of wealth in our lives, and its connection to committing first to a life of wisdom. Join Timothy Sandoval as he guides you through key texts from proverbs, explaining their historical setting, their meaning and the impact their profound teachings can have on our financial lives today as individuals, as communities and as a nation. Topics include: · Finding and following the Way of Wisdom · Understanding the pitfalls of simplistic or moralistic views of wealth and poverty · Understanding the advantages and obligations wealth brings · Fresh perspectives on borrowing and lending · Ethical solutions to pressing economic problems, including social justice and treatment of the poor

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Just what is a soul, exactly? Where did the idea come from? How do we experience our souls? Two ancient Gnostic texts - The Exegesis on the Soul and The Hymn of the Pearl, both presented here in all-new translations - hold important clues to the development of the soul as a concept and reveal inspiring ways your own soul can remember and return to its unique, divine purpose. The Exegesis on the Soul depicts the soul as a feminine figure who has fallen into the corrupted world and must find her way back to the Divine. It is the story of the soul's struggle and redemption that will embolden your own spiritual pilgrimage. The Hymn of the Pearl is an allegorical story about a prince sent to retrieve a precious pearl but who soon forgets his purpose and falls asleep. It is a moving tale of the importance of remembering your soul's identity and calling - and knowing that only you can fulfil your destiny. Accessible facing-page commentary explains the Gnostic writings for you even if you have no previous knowledge of Gnosticism or early Christianity. Additional material draws on ancient religions, Platonism, Christianity, Judaism, Islam and modern philosophical and psychological notions of the soul to place the Gnostic teachings in a clear historical context. By following the development of this concept through time, you will more clearly perceive-and respond to-the divine spark found in your own soul.

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An important contribution to the welcome growth of religious understanding and cooperation between Jews and Christians. Filled with warm sympathy for Christianity but also with sturdy intellectual honesty and loyalty to Judaism, this classic work continues to clearly and forcefully guide both Christians and Jews in timely, relevant discussion of the relationships between their faiths. Examining the Jewish views on Jesus throughout history and today, Rabbi Samuel Sandmel introduces the perspective of a rabbi of the liberal wing of Judaism, and presents the scholarship of the last century and a half as pursued by both Christians and Jews. Without prejudice but admittedly partisan, this book explains why Jesus is of cultural and historical interest to Jews, though not of direct religious interest. It drives home one of the most important lessons of our time—that Christians and Jews can be worlds apart theologically, but also very close in mutual understanding and in cooperation toward desirable human goals.

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Many Jewish people know the New Testament only through snippets of verse heard at a Christian wedding or funeral, or through a chapter read in literature class. Many are completely unfamiliar with the meaning or messages of Christian scripture and therefore hold strange or startling judgments about it.A Jewish Understanding of the New Testament introduces the text to Jewish readers. Samuel Sandmel applies scholarly criticism and provides historical background to the writings of the New Testament, revealing how the sacred literature of other religions can provide fresh perspectives on one's own beliefs. Without compromising his Jewish identity or encouraging any traditional Jewish stereotypes of the New Testament, Sandmel offers an enlightened view of Christian beliefs and encourages readers to acknowledge their common humanity with people of all religions. (Previously published by KTAV Publishing House, 1974, ISBN 0-870682-628.)

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What is globalization anyway? What are spiritually-minded people— on all sides of the issue—doing and saying about it? The economic and cultural dynamic of globalization is transforming the world at an unprecedented pace. But what exactly is it? What are its origins? What is its impact on our spiritual lives? This lucid introduction surveys the religious landscape, explaining in clear and nonjudgmental language the beliefs that motivate spiritual leaders, activists, theologians, academics, and others involved on all sides of the issue. Included are the points-of-view of: Bah’s • Buddhists • Earth-based and tribal religions • Hindus • Jews • Muslims • Protestants • Roman Catholics Unlike other books on this controversial issue, this easy-to-read introduction won’t tell you what to think; it gives you the information you need to reach your own conclusions. "As important as economics may be, it is not, as the great religions stress, the full measure of humanity. There is also connection to self, to others, to the ingrained values that have sustained cultures for generations and millennia, and to the belief in transcendence that gives it all meaning. In the end, what unnerves people most about globalization—including many in the West who may fairly be said to be on the winning side (economically, that is) of the process so far—is the threat it poses to that which is most precious to a life of satisfaction: our sense of meaning." —from the Conclusion

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The complete guide to spirit-filled speech and speaking with spirit "This book is a spiritual guide to using the holy gift of speech. It is a ... how-to ... grounded in a humble way of being, expressing an attitude of gratitude toward the tongue, in the knowledge that speech is a gift from God and we have a choice to use our mouths virtuously, in the most humble and searching sense of that word." —from the Introduction So much of our time is spent in conversation, yet little time is devoted to thinking about the words we choose to use, or the manner in which we speak. Taking the time to make our words count—to make our speech sacred—can lead to positive changes in our lives, and improve our relationships with others. Sacred Speech is a personal, warm-hearted approach to a complex matter—how we can use speech in holy ways. Drawing support from literary and spiritual sources, Rev. Donna Schaper offers compelling advice from her own experience as a clergyperson, teacher, partner, and parent, empowering us to: Acknowledge the Divine in the words we use Use speech to maximize the possibility of love and care Use speech to minimize fear Link, connect, and contact with others through words A clear invitation to improve our communications with others, Sacred Speech is ideal for spiritual and religious leaders, professionals who work in multifaith settings, the politically correct and the not-so politically correct, and anyone who wants to do more than simply "watch what they say."

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Grounded in the spiritual tradition of Judaism, this book provides healing rituals, psalms, and prayers that help readers initiate a dialogue with God to guide them through the complicated path of healing and wholeness.

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Ten Amazing People shows kids that spiritual people can have an exciting impact on the world around them. Ten Amazing People uses vibrant pictures, fascinating profiles, and a wealth of intriguing information to bring to life the passion and actions of some of the past century's greatest leaders. Through thought, deed, and determined spiritual lives, these amazing people changed our world for the better. Coming from different backgrounds and faiths, representing different cultures and countries from around the globe, all of them had one thing in common: the belief that they had the power to make a difference by helping other people. This important and inspiring book is for children, parents, teachers, and librarians who care about what these ten amazing people cared about—peace among nations, protecting the environment, helping the poor and disadvantaged, racial equality, and making the world a better place. Ideal for character education. • Black Elk • Dorothy Day • Malcolm X • Mahatma Gandhi • Martin Luther King, Jr. • Janusz Korczak • Mother Teresa of Calcutta • Albert Schweitzer • Thich Nhat Hanh • Desmond Tutu

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Faith is the secret foundation of many lives-including, as this book reveals, the lives of many people we admire and look to for inspiration. In this moving book, soul-searching conversations unearth the importance of spirituality and personal faith for more than forty artists and innovators who have made a real difference in our world through their work. Seeing the ways that these lives have been strongly-even miraculously-affected by faith will serve as an inspiration to discover the spirit of God at work in your own life and work. Joanna Laufer's writing has appeared in numerous literary journals. She is a freelance editor, and an interviewer who specializes in the fields of religion and literature. Kenneth S. Lewis is a documentary film and television director of programs that focus on music and religion. He has received the CableAce award for his work

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Children from around the world show us God in ways that we may have forgotten! "When I looked out my window at the changing seasons, I didn't really see anything at all. My eyes were focused on my work and all the tasks I had to do each day.... Then one morning...racing to get to work, I caught a glimpse of the fiery red leaves of a Japanese maple tree in late autumn. For a moment I stopped in my tracks. It was a wake-up call. 'There is a world out there,' I thought, 'and a world beyond that world. And you,' I said to myself, 'are missing both. If this is what it means to be an adult, you need to find a way to see the world more like a child.'" from the introduction What does God do? How do we let God in? If you met God, what would you say? Here are the "theological" answers of young spiritual thinkers from around the world, representing more than twenty different religious traditions. In sharing how they see God, they'll help you to see God in new ways. In a poetic language of images all their own, these children re-awaken us to the mysteries and wonders of the universe, and lead us to our own understanding of the spiritual.

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The Gospels have been used to justify self-focused, self-absorbed and self-referential attitudes, and are often read as moralistic codes that do little more than produce guilt and fear in those who use them as compilations of behaviour. Yet break free from the rigidity of many translations and you find testament to a new way of living focused on friendship, emotional intimacy and respect of all beings. In his fresh and life-giving translation of the Gospels, beginning with the Book of Matthew, best-selling author and spiritual innovator Thomas Moore strips the Gospels of their theological agendas and reclaims them as a radically new way of imagining human life. He blends scholarship and pastoral guidance to highlight the Gospels' teachings on earthly, rather than otherworldly, living in which community, compassion, inclusiveness, prayer and healing are key elements. He draws deeply from Greek philosophy, literature and spirituality to craft an accurate and challenging yet accessible translation that, free of religious moralism and dogmatism, is beautifully imaginative and inspirational. His accompanying commentary cracks open words and concepts presented in the Gospels to reveal new meanings that are profoundly spiritual and non-exclusive. He explains hidden references to ancient Greek gods and goddesses and shows surprisingly how the Gospels teachings are similar to teachings of other traditions, such as Taoism and Buddhism. Rich in both soul and spirit, this extraordinary translation and commentary is for people of all spiritual and philosophical backgrounds who want to nourish their spiritual lives with expansive inspiration rather than narrow and negative interpretations.

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This is a prayer book for every day of the year for people who don't usually think about using a prayer book. Drawing on a wide variety of resources - lives of saints and sages from every age, psalms, guides for personal reflection and suggestions for practice - Rev. Larry J. Peacock offers helpful guidance for anyone hungry for a richer prayer life. Each day's reading has four parts: · Remember a notable person of faith or a significant event · Read a psalm or another scripture passage · Ponder that day's scripture or person of faith · Practise a variety of different ways to pray, including prayer through play, music and physical movement This new edition features the addition of ancient and modern sages from inside and outside the Christian tradition as well as updated resources for deepening your spiritual life throughout the year.

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Everyone seeks forgiveness at some point in their lives-in families, from friends, in workplaces, in communities or from ourselves. While we all need forgiveness to repair or let go of broken relationships, how to seek forgiveness and conquer the barriers that prevent forgiveness often elude us. Drawing on insights from many fields-communication, psychology, counselling and theology-as well as the authors' original research, the authors provide specific guidance about the personal journey toward forgiveness and offer a variety of tools toward achieving this goal: Ways to understand the relationship between forgiveness, apology and reconciliation, and the conditions that make reconciliation appropriate or inappropriate; The elements of effective apologies; Recent research findings to help readers understand the psychological, relational and spiritual complexities of forgiveness; Real-life examples of people in various stages of forgiveness; How to assist others to forgive in families, friendships, the workplace and communities; Reflection questions to help readers-individuals or groups, personal use or in counselling settings-explore their own relationship with forgiveness.

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Beloved teacher, Rev. Jane E. Vennard, leads an inner exploration of the hopes and fears, joys and frustrations, gifts and limitations that influence teachers of all kinds - teachers like you - every day. Drawing on her own experience as well as stories from many teachers in conventional and unconventional settings, she inspires you to reconnect to your original desire to open minds and hearts to learning. With reflection questions, practices and activities, she helps you reinvigorate your passion for your vocation, your students and your subject, thus recognising how teaching is a sacred art. "Through stories, information and reflection, we [will look] inward, going more deeply into the discovery of who we are, not only as teachers but also as women and men for whom teaching is only a part of life. I believe the deepest calling . is the call to be who we truly are." ¯from Chapter Seven, "Teaching Who We Are"

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Even as the subject of spirituality in the workplace is gaining momentum, surveys show the number of workers satisfied with their jobs is decreasing. The Workplace and Spirituality aims to correct this drop in morale by helping business leaders restore meaning and purpose to the workplace. Each of the twenty contributors in this anthology is a business leader, teacher, speaker, or writer on the topic of workplace spirituality, representing the United States, Canada, Australia, Europe, and South America. Together, they offer a comprehensive and clear understanding of what it takes, and what it means, to be a "spiritual workplace." Written for business leaders, students of business management, policy-makers, and rising leaders. Includes notes, references, and index. Sample chapters include: . "The S-Word Revisited: New Horizons in Workplace Spirituality" . "Love and Truth: The Golden Rules of Leadership" . "Creating Edgewalker Organizations: Nurturing the Spiritual Leaders of Tomorrow" Dr. Joan Marques, Dr. Satinder Dhiman and Dr. Richard King are co-founders of the Business Renaissance Institute in Pasadena and co-authors of Spirituality in the Workplace.

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A joyful, welcoming book developed out of the author's twenty-year experience of leading women's retreats and groups. It invites women to go out into nature and look for the metaphors that have meaning for them, offering a path for a woman's journey, through nature, to her authentic, spiritual self. Combining creativity, playfulness and spiritual depth, Dr. Chickerneo poses eight life-changing questions that use the image of a clear flowing "wellspring" as a personal symbol of wholeness: Awakening: What in nature do you see as valuable and what does that tell you about yourself? Grounding: What in nature is a metaphor for who you are and who you want to become? Energising: Who were you before your wellspring became unclear? Transforming: How do you feel about transforming the condition of your wellspring? Clearing: What do you need to let go of in order to clear your wellspring? Nurturing: What does your wellspring need to flow again? Belonging: Are you in harmony with a clear wellspring? Balancing: How can you maintain a clear flowing wellspring while giving to others?

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The result of a nationwide survey of experts in leading universities and seminaries, as well as leading representatives of dozens of religious traditions and spiritual persuasions, this authoritative list of seventy-five includes martyrs and mystics, intellectuals and charismatics from East and West. Their lives and wisdom are now easily accessible in this inspiring volume. A celebration of the human spirit, ideal for both seekers and believers, the curious and the passionate, thinkers and doers. Spiritual Innovators profiles seventy-five remarkable people together in one accessible volume. Each profile includes: . Synopsis of innovator's life and the evolution of their spiritual leadership and influence. . Inspiring quotes-words of wisdom indicative of the innovator's life and teachings. . A guide to further examination of their works, ideas, organisations, movements, legacy. . Resources for more in-depth study.

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With ever-increasing pressures building in our lives, we often slip into believing that the world is a burdensome place. As a result, our souls tighten, our hearts become dull and our joy slowly drains away. Yet it doesn't have to be this way. Through penetrating reflections and practical tips for uncovering the blessed wonder in our lives "even in trying circumstances" Jay Marshall shows you how to recapture the goodness, holiness and abundance that saturate our world. The secret lies in opening yourself to divine blessings, which inspires thankfulness and responding by sharing that spirit with others in acts of thanking and blessing. Practices that will change your perspective and your life, include: Expectant Waiting - slowing down to perceive the presence of the Divine within you Sacramental Living - experiencing the Sacred in every situation Walking Cheerfully - cultivating a positive disposition "Answering that of God" in Others-elevating everyday interactions to the realm of spiritual discovery Whatever your spiritual tradition, this thoughtful book will help you rediscover your profound connection to God, to others and to the world.

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For some people, the Bible's perspectives on sex may seem too one-dimensional or antiquated to apply to modern-day life. Others may hold up the Bible as the ultimate moral guideline when it comes to sex and human sexuality. A close reading of the Bible reveals that while its rules and lessons about sex and sexuality may not be applicable to all people at all times, this sacred scripture does offer surprising insight into our modern sexual lives. This intriguing guide demystifies the Bible, synthesising basic historical, theological, literary and linguistic ideas about the Bible's texts with our modern attitudes about sex. Thoughtful new translation and provocative commentary bridge the divide between biblical authority and our present-day views on gender roles, marriage, sexual orientation, virginity, lust and sexual pleasure. Drawing from Hebrew and Christian scripture, it examines the ways that the language of religion and the language of sex intersect. Now you can discover what the Bible says about sex with no previous background in theology or religious history. This SkyLight Illuminations edition offers insightful and engaging commentary that explains the historical context and religious worldviews of those who wrote the Bible as well as the role their perspectives play in current social debates. You will be encouraged to form your own opinion about what the Bible has to say about sex and gain a deeper understanding of your own sexuality.

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The yoga way maintains that spiritual quest is not a matter of choice but a vital necessity for total well-being. This comprehensive guide for spiritual seekers of all faiths and backgrounds presents a roadmap to Self-knowledge the goal of spiritual quest and shows that reconnecting with the centre of your being your true Self is real tangible and attainable. Exploring the route to spiritual fulfilment through the teachings of Yoga and Vedanta Swami Adiswarananda outlines the meaning of spiritual quest the nature of and the preparations necessary for the journey and the milestones you will use to chart your progress. He also draws from the sacred texts of these time-tested traditions to address the vital questions that often trouble spiritual seekers such as: · Which spiritual path should I follow? · How can I attain liberation? · What are the dangers and obstacles on the spiritual path? · How do I control the restless mind? · Why are there many religions and what is the way to interfaith unity?

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HOW DOES GOD LISTEN? encourages children to use all of their senses to explore and develop a personal relationship with God. How does God listen? How do we know God is listening to us? How Do I Know that God is listening? I can't see God. Well there are lots of things we can't see yet we know they are there. Children will find the answers to these questions as they engage their senses while the story unfolds learning how God listens in the wind, waves, clouds, hot chocolate, perfume, our tears and our laughter. The simple yet profound text, accompanied by vibrant colourful photographs, captures the experiences common to children of all faiths and backgrounds as they begin to understand the many ways God listens to us. Filled with wisdom and love HOW DOES GOD LISTEN? delights the senses and expands the ways we think about God and God's presence in our lives. HOW DOES GOD LISTEN? teaches children - and the rest of us - that God is everywhere and that the world is full of wonder. For ages 3-6

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Discover How Whitmans Spiritual Life and Vision Can Enlighten Your Own Whitmans collected poems and prose are not an object or icon to be gazed upon or revered but a transparency we look through to see ourselves with greater clarity, excitement, and meaning. They wake us up to our potential, to learning about and from ourselves. To experience his writing is to experience ourselves more deeply. from the Preface by Gary David Comstock Walt Whitman was the most innovative and influential poet of the nineteenth century. The self-proclaimed American Bard, Whitman challenged his contemporaries to resist conforming to society and shocked them with his embrace of the sensual. But beneath his manifesto for social revolution lies a vigorous call for spiritual revolution as well. This beautiful sampling of Whitmans most important poetry from Leaves of Grass, and selections from his prose writings, offers a glimpse into the spiritual side of his most radical themeslove for country, love for others, and love of Self. Whitman seeks to tear down the belief that the spiritual resides only in the religious and embraces the idea that nothing is more divine than humankind, nothing greater than the individual soul. Rich with passion, reverence, and wonder, this unique collection offers insight into Whitmans quest for self-discovery, which involved an ongoing mystical experience of the world. Though seemingly personal, his verse speaks to universal harmony and universal love, optimism and joy, and celebrates the outwardly mundane details of life through words electrified with love and spirit.

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