Religion & Spirituality - Books

The Yellow Leaves

Religion & Spirituality

In these original essays, short stories, and poems, the beloved Frederick Buechner reflects on the moments of transcendence in the midst of his daily existence. In a myriad of commonplace activities, he finds the presence of the divine, and he elegantly describes these persons, events, and observations, nimbly transporting readers into these realities. With his masterly crafted prose, Buechner edifies, inspires, and offers a timeless model for approaching our human experience.

Dare to Desire

Religion & Spirituality

Here is the perfect book for those ready to move beyond the daily grind to a life overflowing with adventure, beauty, and a God who loves us more passionately than we dared imagine. Far from promoting a "Carpe Diem" attitude adjustment, Dare to Desire is an invitation to a whole new life. But be warned - once you accept this invitation, you'll never see your world the same again.With brand new content as well as concepts from his three best-selling books (Sacred Romance, Journey of Desire, and Wild at Heart), John Eldredge takes readers on a majestic journey through the uncharted waters of the human heart. Combining powerful quotes, stunning photography, and the encouragement of an experienced trail guide, John Eldredge shows readers how to draw closer to a God who seeks to grant us our deepest desires.

The Truth in Jesus

Religion & Spirituality

This collection of sermons and theological essays by the beloved Victorian author explore the nature of God’s truth and how it is revealed to us. The Victorian author, poet, and theologian George MacDonald inspired some of the greatest writers of the early 20th century, including C.S. Lewis, who said MacDonald’s books were pivotal in leading him toward Christianity. But while MacDonald’s fiction remains popular—with such notable classics as Robert Falconer and At the Back of the North Wind—his theological nonfiction is often challenging for modern readers. Now MacDonald scholar and biographer Michael Phillips addresses this difficulty with this expertly edited edition of MacDonald’s sermons and essays about God’s truth. Each selection is accompanied by Phillips’s illuminating commentary, providing readers with an essential road map into the expansive world of George MacDonald’s theological writings.

The Baptism With the Holy Spirit

Religion & Spirituality

First published in 1895, “The Baptism with the Holy Spirit” is one of the first works written by R. A. Torrey, the American pastor, educator, writer, and evangelist. Born Reuben Archer Torrey in New Jersey in 1856, Torrey was educated at Yale University and Yale Divinity School before becoming a minister in Ohio. Torrey later joined Dwight L. Moody in his evangelical work in Chicago and became the superintendent of the Bible Institute of the Chicago Evangelization Society, now the Moody Bible Institute. Torrey traveled all over the world to preach and is believed to have converted over 100,000 people to Christianity. In “The Baptism with the Holy Spirit” Torrey sought to help clarify what is meant in the scripture by being baptized with the Holy Spirit as compared to being filled with the Holy Spirit. Filled with reassuring wisdom and thoughtful references to Biblical passages, Torrey explains how people can find the Holy Spirit within themselves through sincere practice and belief. Torrey also shows how the faithful can continue to access the power of the Holy Spirit to lead a truly remarkable and blessed life. Torrey’s instructions on how to lead a life filled with the Holy Spirit and power of God continues to encourage and guide devout Christians to this day.

The Rock of our Salvation

Religion & Spirituality

Electrifying, The Rock of our Salvation is Plumer’s stunning treatise on the Lord Jesus. Plumer dramatically captures the Day of Judgement when saint and sinner, living and dead, will face Him on that unknown but irrevocable day, the day for which all other days were made. Time then will cease, never again to be measured! Just boundless, incalculable eternity! Everything hidden shall be exposed and judged. A day of Final Separation, which is imminent. Bound to shake us out of spiritual lethargy! Spell binding!

The Existence and Attributes of God (Vol. 1&2)

Religion & Spirituality

The Existence and Attributes of God in 2 volumes is a series of discourses and lectures delivered by the great Stephen Charnock to the members of his congregation at Crosby Hall. Charnock discusses, in a logical flow of thoughts, the existence of God, and the untenability of maintaining an atheistic worldview. Unfortunately, however, the Discourses were cut short by Charnock's death in 1680.

TENNIS WITH GOD

Religion & Spirituality

“…Cox delivers an intriguing life story that depicts Eastern spiritual practice as a tonic to Western culture… He also arrestingly describes his own spiritual experiences on the path to enlightenment…” — Kirkus Reviews “Through it all, tennis plays an important role physically and spiritually, and lovers of that sport will grasp both the reality and the metaphor through the author’s accounts…he also provides welcome splashes of humor…” — Self-Publishing Review Enjoy a courtside seat as Brian Cox swings his tennis racket from hazardous war zones to the ashram of a Himalayan guru, and eventually to Mount Shasta, an area known for its occult legends. In Tennis with God, Brian, a globetrotting Foreign Service brat, travels with his family through hardship posts in Africa, Asia, South America, and the Middle East. Along the way, high-level tennis and table tennis are his faithful companions, as Brian perfects his game and aims to earn the respect and acceptance of his overbearing father. During his journey, Brian becomes fascinated by spiritual knowledge and the paranormal. His search for self-realization eventually leads him to a mystical healer who demonstrates miracles and has no patience for rules. Under this teacher’s unique tutelage, Cox begins to transform himself as he seeks to find a way to heal his relationship with his father, and with himself as well. Tennis with God combines the spirit of the travel writings of Paul Theroux with the personal metaphysical investigations of Dan Millman. With Cox as your guide, you’ll relish your time through a remarkable, true story where tennis and spirituality ultimately weave themselves into a cosmic Grand Slam.

The Missing Gospels

Religion & Spirituality

IS JESUS WHO YOU THINK HE IS?Perhaps you've heard the recent buzz about "alternative Christianities" and "new gospels." Speculations have shown up in magazines, documentaries, popular fiction, and even on the big screen. Much of the controversy stems from a library of ancient texts found at Nag Hammadi, Egypt. Now revolutionary questions about the Christian faith are being raised as a result of these findings:Is Jesus truly a divine Savior or just a teacher of wisdom?Is orthodoxy a by-product of third-century or fourth-century theologians?Did Judas betray Jesus because of evil intent or a request by Jesus?Does salvation include the physical body or just the soul?Darrell L. Bock takes you on a tour of the new claims as well as the controversial writings, examining their origins and comparing them with traditional sources. With discussion questions for group or individual study at the end of each chapter, The Missing Gospels will help you understand the messages of all of these writings so you can form your own opinion. This provocative work could even change what you believe!

The Necessity of Prayer

Religion & Spirituality

In any study of the principles, and procedure of prayer, of its activities and enterprises, first place, must, of necessity, be given to faith. It is the initial quality in the heart of any man who essays to talk to the Unseen. He must, out of sheer helplessness, stretch forth hands of faith. He must believe, where he cannot prove. In the ultimate issue, prayer is simply faith, claiming its natural yet marvellous prerogatives - faith taking possession of its illimitable inheritance. True godliness is just as true, steady, and persevering in the realm of faith as it is in the province of prayer. Moreover: when faith ceases to pray, it ceases to live. Faith does the impossible because it brings God to undertake for us, and nothing is impossible with God.

The Authorship of Hebrews

Religion & Spirituality

Is it possible for a serious New Testament scholar to accept the apostle Paul as the author of the book of Hebrews?Over the last few centuries the authorship of the book of Hebrews has been a contentious topic, but lately a strong scholarly consensus has emerged that Paul was not the author. There is no similar consensus about who did author the book; the consensus is entirely negative. Nonetheless, it takes some courage for a scholar to risk his reputation by challenging a so thoroughly assured conclusion of so many scholars.Yet this is precisely what Dr. David Alan Black has done. In this book he adapts some of his previous scholarly work for a broader audience, demonstrating both how one goes about determining the authorship of an ancient work, and also how one challenges a scholarly consensus.That is why we have chosen this volume as the inaugural volume of our Topic Line Drives series. Millions of churchgoers look to the introductions to various books in their study Bibles to answer questions of date, authorship, and background. But only those who read more than one introduction will be fully aware of the disagreements among scholars about those conclusions. How is it that scholars make a determination about authorship?Dr. Black has paid his dues in the practice of scholarship, and here he demonstrates how one challenges such a consensus. At the same time he will guide the reader through the various factors that influence a decision about the authorship of a book. We hope this book will give new life to your Bible study and will challenge you to study further, not just about this subject, but about many others.This book is for those who want to dig deeper than the notes in a study Bible and who want to understand what stands behind those conclusions.

A Discourse on the Damned Art of Witchcraft

Religion & Spirituality

William Perkins (1558-1602) was a Calvinist minister and theologian who was one of the foremost leaders of the Puritan movement in the Church of England. Working from the text of Exodus 22:18, "Thou shalt not suffer a Witch to live," Perkins delivers one of the most penetrating discourses on the subject of the devil, witchcraft and the occult in its various forms. He demonstrates the diverse ways that Satan uses witchcraft in its various forms, and shows how people of all kinds can be involved in the occult, either by entering into a covenant with Satan willfully, or they may enter into a league with Satan unintentionally, through superstition. He covers four main points: 1) What witchcraft is, 2) What is the ground of the practice of witchcraft, 3) How many kinds and differences there are of witchcraft, and 4) Its punishment. This is a powerful, biblical exposition of the Law of God and its application concerning this topic. This is a newly typeset and modern work, not a scan or a facsimile.

Four Views on the Spectrum of Evangelicalism

Religion & Spirituality

Understand the history, core values, and divisions as they've developed within the Evangelical Christian movement.Four Views on the Spectrum of Evangelicalismcompares and contrasts four distinct positions on the current fundamentalist-evangelical spectrum. Each contributor offers their case for one of four primary views:Fundamentalism – defended by Kevin T. Bauder Conservative/confessional evangelicalism – defended by R. Albert Mohler Jr.Generic evangelicalism – defended by John G. Stackhouse Jr.Postconservative evangelicalism – defended by Roger E. OlsonEach author explains and defends his position, which is critiqued by the other three authors. The Counterpoints series presents a comparison and critique of scholarly views on topics important to Christians that are both fair-minded and respectful of the biblical text. Each volume is a one-stop reference that allows readers to evaluate the different positions on a specific issue and form their own, educated opinion.

Telling Secrets

Religion & Spirituality

With eloquence, candor, and simplicity, a celebrated author tells the story of his father's alcohol abuse and suicide and traces the influence of this secret on his life as a son, father, husband, minister, and writer.

Grandir en humanité

Religion & Spirituality

«Ce livre m’a mis en joie ! Tant par la beauté de son écriture que par la pertinence de son propos. Rares, en effet, sont les ouvrages qui nous livrent en peu de mots l’essentiel de ce qu’il nous faut comprendre pour mener une “vie bonne”, à la manière dont l’entendaient les philosophes de l’Antiquité. Une vie qui, non seulement nous rend heureux, mais nous permet aussi d’accomplir notre nature humaine dans ce qu’elle a de meilleur. Tel est précisément le propos de ce livre si bien intitulé Grandir en humanité.» Frédéric Lenoir

Mysteries Of John

Religion & Spirituality

Metaphysical Bible students recognize in the Gospel of John a certain spiritual quality that is not found in the other Gospels. Although this is not true of all Bible readers, it may be said that those who look for the mystical find it in the language of this book. The book is distinctive in this respect and is so successful in setting forth metaphysical truths that little interpretation is necessary. Only in a few instances does the original writing conceal the deep truths that the student seeks to discern. Written language is at best a reflection of inner ideas, and even though a teacher couples ideas and words as adroitly as Jesus does, elucidation is sometimes difficult.

Proof of Heaven

Religion & Spirituality

The #1 New York Times bestselling account of a neurosurgeon's own near-death experience—for readers of 7 Lessons from Heaven. Thousands of people have had near-death experiences, but scientists have argued that they are impossible. Dr. Eben Alexander was one of those scientists. A highly trained neurosurgeon, Alexander knew that NDEs feel real, but are simply fantasies produced by brains under extreme stress.Then, Dr. Alexander’s own brain was attacked by a rare illness. The part of the brain that controls thought and emotion—and in essence makes us human—shut down completely. For seven days he lay in a coma. Then, as his doctors considered stopping treatment, Alexander’s eyes popped open. He had come back.Alexander’s recovery is a medical miracle. But the real miracle of his story lies elsewhere. While his body lay in coma, Alexander journeyed beyond this world and encountered an angelic being who guided him into the deepest realms of super-physical existence. There he met, and spoke with, the Divine source of the universe itself.Alexander’s story is not a fantasy. Before he underwent his journey, he could not reconcile his knowledge of neuroscience with any belief in heaven, God, or the soul. Today Alexander is a doctor who believes that true health can be achieved only when we realize that God and the soul are real and that death is not the end of personal existence but only a transition.This story would be remarkable no matter who it happened to. That it happened to Dr. Alexander makes it revolutionary. No scientist or person of faith will be able to ignore it. Reading it will change your life.

Religious and Spiritual Practices in India

Religion & Spirituality

This book explores the positive psychological aspects of religion and spirituality in the Indian context. It discusses the concepts and practices of Hinduism, Islam, Buddhism, Christianity, Jainism, and Sikhism and their impact on overall well-being. As the global enthusiasm for Indian spirituality grows, this book brings together scholars to share their perspectives and reflections on various religious aspects. The chapters offer readers a psychological "capsule" of mental health, well-being, compassion, kindness, character strength, mind-body relationship, and mindfulness, providing practical strategies for a better quality of life.Furthermore, this book offers insights into the different perspectives of happiness and well-being measured across diverse demographics. It also provides a qualitative conceptualization of happiness among older people, reflections on positive aging, and highlights the facilitators and inhibitors of happiness. With its comprehensive coverage and multidisciplinary approach, this book serves as a valuable reference for postgraduate and doctoral students of Psychology, as well as a treasure trove in the libraries for researchers and faculties associated with spiritual psychology, positive psychology, religious studies, comparative literature, mental health professionals, academicians, and anyone interested in allied health fields.

Everything Starts from Prayer

Religion & Spirituality

Mother Teresa’s collected writings offer inspiration and guidance for all spiritual seekers.“This book’s contents and title say it all. Mother Teresa is a role model for each of us. Pray we may become as she was, and heal the world by using prayer to lead us on the path to spirituality and God.” —Bernie Siegel, M.D.St. Teresa of Calcutta, the woman we all knew as Mother Teresa, was a devout Catholic nun, deeply devoted to Jesus. She expressed her ceaseless devotion in many ways, central among them her well-known work with the poor and the sick. Her lesser-known expressions of faith included her deep respect for all religions and her burning wish for all people to grow closer to God. With a longing to reach as many souls as possible, she wrote, “I’ve always said we should help a Hindu become a better Hindu, a Muslim become a better Muslim, a Catholic become a better Catholic.”This carefully arranged collection of Mother Teresa’s writings promises to both inspire and guide all people, from any or no faith tradition, who are seeking to find and walk a spiritual path.

L'engagement chrétien du jeune inadapté

Religion & Spirituality

E. Paulhus, né le 26 septembre 1924, à Sherbrooke, province de Québec, est actuellement Vice-Doyen de la Faculté des Sciences de l’Éducation de l’Université de Sherbrooke et Responsable du secteur de psychopédagogie de l’enfance inadaptée. Il est chargé, en outre, de la pastorale catéchétique de l’enfance et de la jeunesse inadaptées, au plan diocésain et provincial. Pendant plusieurs années il fut directeur de l’Institut Val du Lac (Sherbrooke) qui accueille des enfants et des jeunes de 7 à 18 ans, déficients moyens et légers, dont certains manifestent des troubles de la personnalité. Il est docteur en pédagogie des facultés catholiques de Lyon pour sa thèse bien connue sur « l’Éducabilité religieuse des déficients mentaux » (1957). Jean Mesny, né le 9 avril 1925, à Redon, est depuis douze ans responsable de l’enseignement religieux des inadaptés pour le diocèse de Lyon. Après avoir élaboré une méthode de catéchèse avec E. Paulhus ainsi que Marguerite-Marie Orban (Bruxelles) et le Frère Bellarmin Fontaines (responsable de l’enseignement religieux de la R.C.A.), il poursuit ses recherches avec une équipe internationale : Belgique, Canada, États-Unis, France, Italie, R.C.A., Suisse. Le présent ouvrage se propose d’apporter une première réponse à la question brûlante des possibilités d’engagement de foi du jeune inadapté. Il relate l’expérience réalisée depuis plusieurs années en France et au Canada et fournit au lecteur des moyens concrets d’action. Trois points entre autres retiennent l’attention : d’abord, la proposition aux enfants et aux jeunes d’un double engagement : au moment de la première maturité, soit à 14 ans ; et à l’entrée du jeune dans le monde adulte du travail. Ensuite, les incidences cliniques d’une catéchèse symbolique réalisée dans un climat communautaire. Enfin, l’application de cette expérience aux jeunes non handicapés. Les éducateurs et catéchistes spécialisés seront les premiers intéressés par cet ouvrage… mais aussi tout catéchiste et éducateur conscient de l’ampleur de sa tâche. Des prêtres de paroisse, si souvent désemparés devant le comportement de certains enfants apprendront, à travers ces lignes, à mieux connaître ceux-ci et entreverront plus clairement la façon de leur annoncer la Bonne Nouvelle. Bref, à commencer par les parents eux-mêmes, tous ceux qui pensent que l’éducation concerne la « personne » tout entière, liront ces pages avec intérêt.

The Bondage of the Will

Religion & Spirituality

On the Bondage of the Will was Martin Luther's reply to Desiderius Erasmus' work "On Free Will," which had appeared in 1524 as Erasmus' first public attack on Luther after Erasmus had been wary about the methods of Luther for many years. At issue was whether human beings, after the Fall of Man, are free to choose good or evil. Erasmus had asserted that all humans possessed free will and that the doctrine of predestination was not in accord with the teachings contained in the Bible. Luther's response was to reason that sin incapacitates human beings from working out their own salvation, and that they are completely incapable of bringing themselves to God. The debate between Luther and Erasmus is one of the earliest of the Reformation over the issue of free will and predestination.

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