Religion & Spirituality Books

Prayer of the Heart in Christian and Sufi Mysticism

Prayer of the Heart in Christian and Sufi Mysticism

Religion & Spirituality

Guiding the reader through the stages of mystical prayer—a way to create a living relationship with the Divine within the heart—this book draws upon Christian and Sufi sources such as St. Teresa of Avila, ‘Attâr, St. John of the Cross, and Rûmî. Llewellyn Vaughan-Lee describes the stages of prayer: how prayer is first born of need, but then takes one deep within the heart, into the stages of union and ecstasy. Through mystical prayer, one is drawn into the silence of real communion with God. Here, in the silence within the heart, a meeting and merging takes place that carries one beyond the self into the mystery of divine presence. This exploration delves into the secret of how to pray without ceasing, in which prayer becomes alive within the heart, and includes a chapter on the need to pray for the well-being of the Earth. It brings together the Christian and Sufi mystical traditions and will benefit any practitioner of prayer who is drawn to discover a relationship with God within their heart.

Ave Mary

Ave Mary

Religion & Spirituality

«Immaginiamola questa ragazzina sedicenne che riceve la piú misteriosa delle visite, e si sente dire che presto avrà un figlio. È un annuncio che si fa al padre o allo sposo, invece il messaggero sceglie Maria e Maria sceglie di rispondere. Il Dio che ha rovesciato i potenti dai troni e innalzato gli umili fa di una ragazza la massima complice della salvezza del mondo». Dovevo fare i conti con Maria, anche se questo non è un libro sulla Madonna. È un libro su di me, su mia madre, sulle mie amiche e le loro figlie, sulla mia panettiera, la mia maestra e la mia postina. Su tutte le donne che conosco e riconosco. Dentro ci sono le storie di cui siamo figlie e di cui sono figli anche i nostri uomini: quelli che ci vorrebbero belle e silenti, ma soprattutto gli altri. Questo libro è anche per loro, e l'ho scritto con la consapevolezza che da questa storia falsa non esce nessuno se non ci decidiamo a uscirne insieme. Michela Murgia *** Da un paio d'anni per fortuna c'è stato un risveglio di brontolii femminili colti, intelligenti, creativi, appassionati, impeccabili, sottoforma di saggi di successo [...]. In questo fervore di scrittura femminile molto terrena, che chiama in causa i poteri contemporanei, la politica, la televisione, la pubblicità, le escort e le ministre con il tacco a spillo, appare finalmente il personaggio più inaspettato, umano e celestiale, antico ed eterno, celebre e sconosciuto, mitico e universale, da imitare e inimitabile: la Madonna. [...] Ave Mary intreccia sapienza e ironia, Sacre Scritture e vita, non dando tregua a tutti gli e errori che credenti chic e atei devoti hanno scritto e soprattutto diffuso attraverso la televisione. Natalia Aspesi - la Repubblica

Hacia una teología del Antiguo Testamento

Hacia una teología del Antiguo Testamento

Religion & Spirituality

En los estudios del Antiguo Testamento, ningún aspecto tiene tantas demandas como la teología. Al reconocer la mayor crisis en teología bíblica, la incapacidad de reafirmar y aplicar la autoridad de la Biblia, Walter Kaiser ofrece la solución a los asuntos sin resolver referentes a la importancia de su definición y metodología.Una buena comprensión de la teología bíblica, explica el autor, nos muestra un mapa al que cada escritor bíblico contribuyó consciente y deliberadamente. Sin embargo, esta unidad bíblica, que muchos teólogos temen adoptar por miedo a incorporar sin intención parte de sus conceptos, es la base fundamental que el mismo texto de la Biblia confirma. Esa base es la promesa de Dios.En la primera parte de su libro, el Dr. Kaiser discute la dificultad inherente al determinar la verdadera naturaleza, método, alcance y motivación para la teología del Antiguo Testamento. En la segunda, aplica su solución en forma clara y metódica al discutir en forma cronológica los períodos del Antiguo Testamento, desde el Prepatriarcal (Prolegómenos a la Promesa) hasta el Postexílico (Triunfo de la Promesa).

Interpreting Scripture

Interpreting Scripture

Religion & Spirituality

Draws together the most important articles on Scripture and hermeneutics by distinguished scholar and author N. T. Wright. Interpreting Scripture brings together into one volume Wright's self-selected, key lectures, papers, and reflections on topics of scriptural interpretation, including:The Lord's Prayer as a Paradigm of Christian PrayerChristian Origins and the Question of GodFaith, Virtue, Justification, and the Journey to FreedomRevelation and Christian Hope: Political Implications of the Revelation to JohnApocalyptic and the Sudden Fulfilment of Divine Promise…and many more.Interpreting Scripture displays Wright's engaging prose, his courage to go where few have gone, and his joy to bridge the work of the academy and the church.  Here is a rich feast for any serious student of the Bible, especially of the New Testament. Detailed, incisive, and exquisitely nuanced exegesis, this collection will reward you with a clearer, deeper, and more informed appreciation of Scripture and its application to Christian life and thought today.Many of the included studies have never been published or were made available only in hard-to-find larger volumes and journals.

A Year with Aslan

A Year with Aslan

Religion & Spirituality

"Lewis combines a novelist's insights into motives with a profound religious understanding." —New York Times Book ReviewIn the tradition of A Year with C.S. Lewis, get your daily dose of inspiration from this one-of-a-kind devotional collecting 365 readings from the beloved Chronicles of Narnia. C.S. Lewis channeled his profound spiritual understanding into The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, Prince Caspian, The Voyage of the Dawn Treader, and the other books in his seminal fantasy series. This enthralling anthology (with lavish illustrations by Pauline Baynes) is the perfect gift for fans of the beloved children's books, and a peerless set of meditations for anyone looking to step through that secret door to their own world of devotion.

Biblical Archaeology

Biblical Archaeology

Religion & Spirituality

Public interest in biblical archaeology is at an all-time high, as television documentaries pull in millions of viewers to watch shows on the Exodus, the Ark of the Covenant, and the so-called Lost Tomb of Jesus. Important discoveries with relevance to the Bible are made virtually every year--during 2007 and 2008 alone researchers announced at least seven major discoveries in Israel, five of them in or near Jerusalem. Biblical Archaeology offers a passport into this fascinating realm, where ancient religion and modern science meet, and where tomorrow's discovery may answer a riddle that has lasted a thousand years. Archaeologist Eric H. Cline here offers a complete overview of this exciting field. He discusses the early pioneers, such as Sir William Matthew Flinders Petrie and William Foxwell Albright, the origins of biblical archaeology as a discipline, and the major controversies that first prompted explorers to go in search of objects and sites that would "prove" the Bible. He then surveys some of the most well-known biblical archaeologists, including Kathleen Kenyon and Yigael Yadin, the sites that are essential sources of knowledge for biblical archaeology, such as Hazor, Megiddo, Gezer, Lachish, Masada, and Jerusalem, and some of the most important discoveries that have been made, including the Dead Sea Scrolls, the Mesha Inscription, and the Tel Dan Stele. Subsequent chapters examine additional archaeological finds that shed further light on the Hebrew Bible and New Testament, the issue of potential frauds and forgeries, including the James Ossuary and the Jehoash Tablet, and future prospects of the field. Biblical Archaeology: A Very Short Introduction captures the sense of excitement and importance that surrounds not only the past history of the field but also the present and the future, with fascinating new discoveries made each and every season. About the Series: Combining authority with wit, accessibility, and style, Very Short Introductions offer an introduction to some of life's most interesting topics. Written by experts for the newcomer, they demonstrate the finest contemporary thinking about the central problems and issues in hundreds of key topics, from philosophy to Freud, quantum theory to Islam.

Proverbes pour toi

Proverbes pour toi

Religion & Spirituality

Dans les Proverbes, Dieu nous offre une sagesse pour la vie de tous les jours et il nous montre Jésus, qui est la sagesse personnifiée et illustrée. Ce commentaire pratique des Proverbes, accessible et passionnant, rédigé par Kathleen Nielson, donne vie à ces proverbes anciens, aidant les chrétiens ordinaires à voir à quoi peut ressembler une vie conforme à la sagesse de Dieu dans la grande multitude de situations et de décisions quotidiennes auxquelles nous sommes confrontés. Proverbes pour toi traite le livre des Proverbes de manière suivie plutôt que de manière thématique, afin que vous puissiez lire ce livre biblique comme prévu par l’auteur divin. Cet ouvrage propose également plus d'applications qu'un commentaire typique, ce qui en fait une excellente ressource pour les cultes personnelles, l'étude en petits groupes ou pour préparer des sermons.

My Life : Guru Har Gobind: 15 Minute Read

My Life : Guru Har Gobind: 15 Minute Read

Religion & Spirituality

India is the land of great saints. Masters, Gurus and Philosophers who had given this world a new vision about the immortal value and message of humanities. In India Guru is always considered on a higher position than the God. The immense boon show showered on you is because of Guru only. The period of Guru Nanak to Guru Gobind Singh was a period of oppression of Hindu culture. The Hindu society was getting engrossed in evil like the theory of incarnation, idol-worship, untouchability and so on.But the appearance of Sikh Gurus has given nector to the Indian society and the perversion of the society ended. For them all the people of the world were like a family. There is a strong emphasis on equality and service. This encourages a spirit of cooperation and an equal sharing of resources. Although, the great soul has departed for His heavenly abode , but He will remain in the mortal world with His teachings. The book presents His life sketch, views and teachings in an easy to understand language, for the well being of our society. A must read book for everyone.

La llama de la consciencia

La llama de la consciencia

Religion & Spirituality

Estos textos de sabiduría, brillantes como joyas y escritos por uno de los grandes maestros espirituales de nuestro tiempo, nos permiten vivir la vida con mayor conciencia y profundidad espiritual. Esta experiencia de la presencia consciente y la claridad mental nos permite alcanzar la fortaleza de espíritu en todas las situaciones de la vida. La llama de la consciencia es como el sol resplandeciente: siempre ilumina y ahuyenta la oscuridad.

Christobiography

Christobiography

Religion & Spirituality

Are the canonical Gospels historically reliable?​ The four canonical Gospels are ancient biographies, narratives of Jesus’s life. The authors of these Gospels were intentional in how they handled historical information and sources.​ Building on recent work in the study of ancient biographies, Craig Keener argues that the writers of the canonical Gospels followed the literary practices of other biographers in their day. In Christobiography he explores the character of ancient biography and urges students and scholars to appreciate the Gospel writers’ method and degree of accuracy in recounting the life and ministry of Jesus. Keener’s Christobiography has far-reaching implications for the study of the canonical Gospels and historical Jesus research. He concludes that the four canonical Gospels are historically reliable ancient biographies.

To Everyone an Answer

To Everyone an Answer

Religion & Spirituality

In a society fascinated by spirituality but committed to religious pluralism, the Christian worldview faces sophisticated and aggressive opposition. A prior commitment to diversity, with its requisite openness and relativistic outlook, has meant for skeptics, critics and even many Christians that whatever Christianity is, it cannot be exclusively true or salvific.What is needed in this syncretistic era is an authoritative, comprehensive Christian response. Point by point, argument by argument, the Christian faith must be effectively presented and defended. To Everyone an Answer: A Case for the Christian Worldview offers such a response.Editors Francis J. Beckwith, William Lane Craig and J. P. Moreland have gathered together in this book essays covering all major aspects of apologetics, including:faith and reasonarguments for God?s existencethe case for Jesusthe problem of evilpostmodernismreligious pluralism and Christian exclusivismPreeminent in their respective fields, the contributors to this volume offer a solid case for the Christian worldview and a coherent defense of the Christian faith.

Das exegetische Proseminar

Das exegetische Proseminar

Religion & Spirituality

INHALT Editorial Stefan Fischer / Thomas Wagner Hauptbeiträge Thomas Wagner, Das Proseminar als Chance zur Entdeckung biblischer Textwelten - Aufgaben und Chancen Christina Hoegen-Rohls, Schritt für Schritt. Auf dem Weg in den Text, auf dem Weg zum Heil am Beispiel von Joh 4,1-42 Matthias Hopf, Exegese als Literaturwissenschaft. Der exegetische und didaktische Mehrwert literaturwissenschaftlichen Arbeitens Stefan Fischer, Hermeneutische Reflexion als notwendiger Bestandteil des Proseminars Lehr-/Lernbeispiele Jan Heilmann, Kurzrezensionen im exegetischen Proseminar Christian Stein, Die Chance des Anderen: Lektüre von Bibeltexten mit fachfremden Studierenden Rezensionen Erich Zenger u.a.: Einleitung in das Alte Testament, 9. aktualisierte Auflage hg. v. Christian Frevel (KStTh 1,1), Stuttgart 2016, rezensiert von Melanie Köhlmoos Sönke Finnern / Jan Rüggemeier: Methoden der neutestamentlichen Exegese. Eine Einführung für Studium und Lehre, Tübingen 2016, rezensiert von Jan Heilmann Interview … mit Peter Wick

Myths and Legends of Ancient Greece and Rome

Myths and Legends of Ancient Greece and Rome

Religion & Spirituality

This is a comprehensive collection of all the major and minor gods of Rome and Greece, with descriptions of festivals and retellings of major mythological stories. The aim was to render the legends, which form the second portion of this work, a picture of old Greek life; its customs, superstitions, and princely hospitalities, for which reason they are given at somewhat greater length than is usual in works of this kind

Mere Christianity

Mere Christianity

Religion & Spirituality

"Mere Christianity" by C.S. Lewis is a timeless exploration of the essence of Christian belief. In this influential work, Lewis presents a compelling case for the core tenets of Christianity, addressing topics such as morality, theology, and the nature of God. With clarity and intellectual depth, Lewis engages readers in a thought-provoking journey, articulating the fundamental principles that underpin the Christian faith. Whether you are a believer seeking a deeper understanding or someone exploring religious philosophy, "Mere Christianity" offers profound insights into the foundations of Christian thought and morality. Lewis's articulate prose and logical reasoning make this classic a must-read for those pondering the meaning and significance of Christian beliefs in the modern world.

Towards a New Dharma of Peace Building

Towards a New Dharma of Peace Building

Religion & Spirituality

This volume deals with a new Dharma of peacebuilding and conflict transformations, drawing on the world's philosophical, religious, and spiritual traditions and many recent initiatives and experiments with peace. It deals with issues of sustainable peace, Dharma and Ubuntu of peace from African traditions, neurological insights of peacebuilding, traditions of conscientious objection, Satyagraha, possibilities of Gandhian Ahimsa, and moral and ethical limits of conflict and conflict resolution. It also presents the works of peace thinkers and activists such as Spinoza, Abhinavagupta, Tolstoy, Gandhi, Ulrich Beck, and others. It offers new initiatives and experiments in peace in different parts of the world—Palestine-Israel, Colombia, the Middle East, India, and South Africa. This pioneering and handy book is of interest to students, scholars, teachers, and activists working in peace and conflict studies, development studies, cultural studies, and religious studies as well as in different civil society organizations around the world.

On The Merits And Forgiveness Of Sins, And On The Baptism Of Infants

On The Merits And Forgiveness Of Sins, And On The Baptism Of Infants

Religion & Spirituality

Book I. In which he refutes those who maintain, that Adam must have died even if he had never sinned; and that nothing of his sin has been transmitted to his posterity by natural descent. He also shows, that death has not accrued to man by any necessity of his nature, but as the penalty of sin; He then proceeds to prove that in Adam’s sin his entire offspring is implicated, showing that infants are baptized for the express purpose of receiving the remission of original sin. Book II. In which Augustin argues against such as say that in the present life there are, have been, and will be, men who have absolutely no sin at all. He lays down four propositions on this head: and teaches, first, that a man might possibly live in the present life without sin, by the grace of God and his own free will; he next shows that nevertheless in fact there is no man who lives quite free from sin in this life; thirdly, he sets forth the reason of this,—because there is no man who exactly confines his wishes within the limits of the just requirement of each case, which just requirement he either fails to perceive, or is unwilling to carry out in practice; in the fourth place, he proves that there is not, nor has been, nor ever will be, a human being—except the one mediator, Christ—who is free from all sin. Book III. IN THE SHAPE OF A LETTER ADDRESSED TO THE SAME MARCELLINUS. In which Augustin refutes some errors of Pelagius on the question of the merits of sins and the baptism of infants—being sundry arguments of his which he had interspersed among his expositions of Saint Paul, in opposition to original sin. To his beloved son Marcellinus, Augustin, bishop and servant of Christ and of the servants of Christ, sendeth greeting in the Lord.

Diving Deep into Faith

Diving Deep into Faith

Religion & Spirituality

Writer Kate Williams provides scriptural, faith-based keys to build up your faith in God and serve him on a deeper level. Most Christians live on a hit-or-miss or must see it to believe it faith. God wants us to have full trust in his ability to take care of us in any situation. Learn through Gods Word how to build your temple that houses Christ in you and trust him in every situation in your life.