Religion & Spirituality Books

The New Birth

The New Birth

Religion & Spirituality

If any doctrines within the whole compass of Christianity may be properly termed fundamental, they are doubtless these two,—the doctrine of justification, and that of the new birth: The former relating to that great work which God does for us, in forgiving our sins; the latter, to the great work which God does in us, in renewing our fallen nature. In order of time, neither of these is before the other: in the moment we are justified by the grace of God, through the redemption that is in Jesus, we are also “born of the Spirit;” but in order of thinking, as it is termed, justification precedes the new birth. We first conceive his wrath to be turned away, and then his Spirit to work in our hearts.How great importance then must it be of, to every child of man, thoroughly to understand these fundamental doctrines! From a full conviction of this, many excellent men have wrote very largely concerning justification, explaining every point relating thereto, and opening the Scriptures which treat upon it. Many likewise have wrote on the new birth: And some of them largely enough; but yet not so clearly as might have been desired, nor so deeply and accurately; having either given a dark, abstruse account of it, or a slight and superficial one. Therefore a full, and at the same time a clear, account of the new birth, seems to be wanting still; such as may enable us to give a satisfactory answer to these three questions: First, Why must we be born again? What is the foundation of this doctrine of the new birth? Secondly, How must we be born again? What is the nature of the new birth? And, Thirdly, Wherefore must we be born again? To what end is it necessary? These questions, by the assistance of God, I shall briefly and plainly answer; and then subjoin a few inferences which will naturally follow.

The Enduring Authority of the Christian Scriptures

The Enduring Authority of the Christian Scriptures

Religion & Spirituality

Valuable insights into key disputed topics from a veritable who's who of evangelical scholars In this volume thirty-seven first-rate evangelical scholars present a thorough study of biblical authority and a full range of issues connected to it.   Recognizing that Scripture and its authority are now being both challenged and defended with renewed vigor, editor D. A. Carson assigned the topics that these select scholars address in the book. After an introduction by Carson to the many facets of the current discussion, the contributors present robust essays on relevant historical, biblical, theological, philosophical, epistemological, and comparative-religions topics. To conclude, Carson answers a number of frequently asked questions about the nature of Scripture, cross-referencing these FAQs to the preceding chapters.   This comprehensive volume by a team of recognized experts will be the go-to reference on the nature and authority of the Bible for years to come. CONTRIBUTORS James Beilby Kirsten Birkett Henri A. G. Blocher Craig L. Blomberg D. A. Carson Graham A. Cole Stephen G. Dempster Daniel M. Doriani Simon Gathercole David Gibson Ida Glaser Paul Helm Charles E. Hill Peter F. Jensen Robert Kolb Anthony N. S. Lane Te-Li Lau Richard Lints V. Philips Long Thomas H. McCall Douglas J. Moo Andrew David Naselli Harold Netland Osvaldo Padilla Michael C. Rea Bradley N. Seeman Alex G. Smith R. Scott Smith Rodney L. Stiling Glenn S. Sunshine Timothy C. Tennent Mark D. Thompson Kevin J. Vanhoozer Bruce K. Waltke Barry G. Webb Peter J. Williams John D. Woodbridge

Pocket Taoist Wisdom

Pocket Taoist Wisdom

Religion & Spirituality

This compact collection of Taoism's greatest masterpieces introduces its most fundamental teachings and reveals the essential spirit of Tao.From the time of its earliest sages in prehistoric China, Taoists have looked to the underlying Way of all things (the Tao) as the essential guide to life. For them, the patterns of nature revealed the answers to their deepest spiritual questions and provided the inspiration for their unique teachings. Over the centuries, Taoism has blossomed into a profound tradition with a variety of forms—all united by a single, core philosophy of radical simplicity and natural living. Today, Taoism is most widely known through the Tao-te Ching, yet its corpus of literature is vast—ranging from philosophical dialogues and essays to astonishing fables, legends, proverbs, and more. This compact collection of Taoism’s greatest masterpieces introduces its most fundamental teachings and reveals the essential spirit of Tao.This book was previously published under the title The Taoism Reader.This volume includes: Tao-te Ching: The foundational source of Taoist thought by the legendary Lao TzuChuang-tzu: Philosophical dialogues from one of Taoism's most famous sagesHuai-nan-tzu: Teachings from the time of the Han dynasty on affairs of state, natural science, and Taoist psychologyWen-tzu: Records of further sayings by Lao Tzu on the art of livingTales of Inner Meaning: Fables, stories, and jokes from the Lieh-tzu and others on the subtleties of Taoist philosophySayings of Ancestor Lu: Teachings from Lu Yen, a seminal figure in the founding of the Complete Reality school of Taoism and master synthesizer of China's classic spiritual traditionsThis book is part of the Shambhala Pocket Library series.  The Shambhala Pocket Library is a collection of short, portable teachings from notable figures across religious traditions and classic texts. The covers in this series are rendered by Colorado artist Robert Spellman. The books in this collection distill the wisdom and heart of the work Shambhala Publications has published over 50 years into a compact format that is collectible, reader-friendly, and applicable to everyday life.

Magick

Magick

Religion & Spirituality

First published in Liber ABA (Part II), Aleister Crowley’s Magick is essential reading for students of Thelema and the occult. This guide to the principle tenets of black magic is a concise version of the more dense four-book magnum opus Liber ABA or ‘Book 4’ and is recommended to initiates.

Enfance, assistance et religion

Enfance, assistance et religion

Religion & Spirituality

Cet ouvrage rassemble un peu plus d’une quinzaine de contributions sur la place de l’enfant au cœur de la société européenne du xvie au xviiie siècle. Prononcées à l’occasion d’un colloque tenu à Lyon en juin 2005, elles sont un hommage à Jean-Pierre Gutton autant qu’un état des problématiques actuelles sur la question de la petite enfance. Des orphelins sans refuge aux monarques en herbe, des vertueuses enfances de saints aux pauvres adolescences des villes, des marâtres sans cœur aux pieuses fondatrices d’œuvres, des prêtres soucieux de catéchèse aux médecins intéressés par la santé publique, tout un univers enfantin ou préoccupé de questions enfantines s’offre à l’analyse d’une identité sociale aux limites trop souvent insaisissables. L’enfance, conçue comme un temps de la vie, conçue également comme une manière d’être au monde sous le regard de l’adulte, se voit ici déclinée dans son rapport au catholicisme et à la maladie. Cette enfance est vue de salut par sa contemplation d’abord, grâce à sa personnification dans la Trinité ou dans la Sainte Famille. Elle l’est aussi par l’engagement dévot et sincère qu’elle présuppose, que ce soit dans l’assistance aux pauvres ou dans l’éducation. Pour tout cela, mais aussi en raison de sa fragilité irréductible face à un monde jugé souvent hostile, cette enfance est cause d’inquiétude et de combats. Que l’on considère ces jeunes chrétiens captifs en terre musulmane aussi bien que ces petites vies confrontées à des mises en nourrice systématiques ou aux assauts de la variole, l’adulte se montre au fil des siècles de plus en plus soucieux de protection, tant spirituelle que médicale. Cet ouvrage invite donc à suivre des itinéraires originaux et multiples mais qui, pour la plupart, mettent en scène des soucis similaires de protection et d’éducation, dans l’espoir de préparer l’enfance à l’entrée dans le monde des adultes.

40 Days with God

40 Days with God

Religion & Spirituality

A unique devotional from the Grammy Award–winning Christian music star.   Bestselling author Rebecca St. James has been a defining voice in contemporary Christian music for decades, winning a Grammy and multiple Dove Awards among other honors. In 40 Days with God, she offers an inspirational devotional based on her reflections about her relationship with her heavenly Father, addressing topics from sin and sacrifice to friendship and faith.   Also included as a bonus to her fans are journal entries, song lyrics, and discussion questions.

La profezia finale

La profezia finale

Religion & Spirituality

Mai nella storia della Chiesa si è avuta una così spaventosa concentrazione di profezie che prospettano un tempo catastrofico per la cristianità e per il mondo. E sono profezie cattoliche, cioè legate a santi, pontefici e mistici o messaggi di apparizioni mariane riconosciute dalla Chiesa. Dal Segreto di Fatima, per il quale Benedetto XVI ha evocato il 2017 come anno cruciale, alle profezie di don Bosco, da quelle della beata Anna Katharina Emmerich alle apparizioni di Kibeho, fino alle apparizioni in Rue du Bac e Lourdes ricondotte dal cardinale Ivan Dias a una lunga catena di fatti soprannaturali che ci allertano sull'imminenza di un tempo apocalittico. Antonio Socci nella sua lettera aperta a papa Francesco richiama l'attenzione di tutti sui segni del presente, ma soprattutto sul rischio dell'apostasia, sulla situazione di smarrimento e confusione che si è creata nella Chiesa con il pontificato di papa Bergoglio, di cui esamina gli atti e le parole più controverse. "Quelli che viviamo" scrive Socci "sono tempi dolorosi, ma anche gloriosi, in cui siamo chiamati a testimoniare Cristo. E forse, come per Ninive, ascoltare i profeti e convertirsi potrebbe ancora salvare la città dalla sua rovina." Lucido, rigoroso, appassionato, questo appello a papa Francesco è un'invocazione rivolta al cuore di ognuno di noi, per ricordarci che non è più possibile ignorare gli avvertimenti ricevuti finora.

In buona fede

In buona fede

Religion & Spirituality

«In questo momento vedo la Chiesa su un crinale e mi viene in mente quando, durante l’assedio a Costantinopoli, i teologi si concentravano su disquisizioni sul colore degli occhi della Madonna.» Il cardinale Gerhard Müller, già Prefetto della Congregazione per la Dottrina della Fede con Benedetto XVI, ed esponente di spicco dell’ala più ortodossa della Chiesa, per la prima volta racconta dall’interno alcuni degli episodi salienti degli ultimi due pontificati. Una lunga intervista senza censure, a cura della vaticanista Franca Giansoldati, in cui il teologo tedesco spiega la confusione dottrinaria che rischia di soffiare sul fuoco di nuove eresie e affronta i temi più scottanti del papato di Francesco: dalla politica estera del Vaticano alla gestione degli scandali di pedofilia, dalle questioni di genere, aborto e fine vita alla rinuncia di Ratzinger, dalla guerra in Europa al rischio di uno scisma e alla previsione sul prossimo conclave. Cosa c’è stato all’origine dell’allontanamento dell’autore dall’ex Sant’Uffizio? È vero che la nomina dei nuovi cardinali risponde a un tentativo di accentramento di potere da parte del Papa? Quali sono i limiti dell’enciclica Praedicate Evangelium? Esiste una lobby gay in Vaticano? Perché sul controverso caso Becciu non è mai intervenuto il collegio cardinalizio? Perché il latino è ancora importante? Esiste una tendenza a riformare la Chiesa in senso protestante? E cosa sta succedendo alla Chiesa in Germania? E in America? Le risposte schiette e rivelatrici a queste e molte altre domande danno vita a un libro di riflessione e intervento attuale sulla religione nel XXI secolo ma anche all’inedito racconto personale di un protagonista della vita della Chiesa.

King of the Jews

King of the Jews

Religion & Spirituality

Only John's Gospel says that Jesus was crucified as Jesus the Nazorean, the King of the Jews. Jesus was the keeper of the ways of the first temple in Jerusalem. These had almost been lost when the Moses traditions came to dominate in the second-temple period. Jesus' mission was to restore the ways of the original temple. He entrusted his visions to John the Elder, a priestly disciple in Jerusalem, and John compiled them into the Book of Revelation. Later, John wrote his Gospel to show how the visions had been fulfilled. The background to the Fourth Gospel is temple tradition. John shows how Jesus' debates with the Jews centred on the great difference between the world of the second temple and the world of the priest-kings of the first temple from which Christianity emerged. The Johannine community were the Hebrew disciples of Jesus who saw themselves as the true high priesthood restored.

Dio, dove sei?

Dio, dove sei?

Religion & Spirituality

In queste pagine Enzo Bianchi cerca di rispondere a una domanda fondamentale che l'uomo si pone fin dalla Creazione: "Dio, dove sei?". Un interrogativo che Dio stesso solleva in noi, suscitando la ricerca e il desiderio dell'uomo. Ma in questo cammino non siamo soli: il nostro Dio è il Dio deinostri padri e nell'analisi lucida ed esaustiva del priore di Bose ritroviamo quindi gli incontri fra il Signore e alcuni dei più significativipersonaggi dell'Antico Testamento, da Abramo a Giacobbe, da Mosè a Elia. Dio infatti non può essere incontrato che nella storia e nellacarne umana, in particolare dopo la vita terrena di Gesù Cristo: in lui, parola fatta carne, ha rivelato la sua Presenza agli uomini e ha trovato la sua dimora ultima. Proprio qui si situa lo specifico delcristianesimo, "il grande mistero dell'incarnazione, dell'umanizzazione di Dio": in Gesù il Signore si è manifestato, abita in mezzo al suo popolo, incontra l'uomo e l'uomo incontra Dio, e l'umanità del figlio unigenito è la tenda innalzata da Dio in mezzo a noi.

The Case for Easter Bible Study Guide

The Case for Easter Bible Study Guide

Religion & Spirituality

What do the Gospel accounts actually say about Jesus' death and resurrection? How can we know the biblical accounts are accurate?In his bestselling book The Case for Christ, Lee Strobel retraced his spiritual journey from atheism to faith by showing how the evidence he obtained from experts in the field of history, archaeology, and ancient manuscripts led him to the verdict that Jesus truly was the Son of God.In this four-week Easter study (DVD/digital downloads sold separately), Lee investigates the story surrounding the resurrection of Jesus—and how we can know that it is true.In each session, you'll explore:How to understand the differences between the Gospel accounts.How to use historical and medical evidence to build a strong case for Jesus' resurrection.Why the Gospel writers are credible when they make this claim.Who witnessed Jesus alive after the crucifixion and how it's clear that the early church carried on this teaching.The Case for Easter invites you and your group to examine the evidence for yourselves and point you to the conclusion that Jesus was the Son of God who conquered the grave.___________________Designed for use with The Case for Christmas Video Study/The Case for Easter Video Study (sold separately). This DVD is a set of two videos to accompany The Case for Christmas Study Guide and The Case for Easter Study Guide (each guide sold separately).

Never Doubt Thomas

Never Doubt Thomas

Religion & Spirituality

Theologian, philosopher, teacher. There are few religious figures more Catholic than Saint Thomas Aquinas, a man credited with helping to shape Catholicism of the second millennium. In Never Doubt Thomas, Francis J. Beckwith employs his own spiritual journey from Catholicism to Evangelicalism and then back to Catholicism to reveal the signal importance of Aquinas not only for Catholics but also for Protestants.Beckwith begins by outlining Aquinas' history and philosophy, noting misconceptions and inaccurate caricatures of Thomist traditions. He explores the legitimacy of a "Protestant" Aquinas by examining Aquinas' views on natural law and natural theology in light of several Protestant critiques. Not only did Aquinas' presentation of natural law assume some of the very inadequacies Protestant critics have leveled against it, Aquinas did not, as is often supposed, believe that one must first prove God's existence through human reasoning before having faith in God. Rather, Aquinas held that one may know God through reason and employ it to understand more fully the truths of faith. Beckwith also uses Aquinas' preambles of faith--what a person can know about God before fully believing in Him--to argue for a pluralist Aquinas, explaining how followers of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam can all worship the same God, yet adhere to different faiths. Beckwith turns to Aquinas' doctrine of creation to question theories of Intelligent Design, before, finally, coming to the heart of the matter: in what sense can Aquinas be considered an Evangelical? Aquinas' views on justification are often depicted by some Evangelicals as discontinuous with those articulated in the Council of Trent. Beckwith counters this assessment, revealing not only that Aquinas' doctrine fully aligns with the tenets laid out by the Council, but also that this doctrine is more Evangelical than critics care to admit.Beckwith's careful reading makes it hard to doubt that Thomas Aquinas is a theologian, philosopher, and teacher for the universal church--Catholic, Protestant, and Evangelical.

A surpreendente graça nas decepções

A surpreendente graça nas decepções

Religion & Spirituality

Todos alimentamos falsas expectativas em várias áreas da vida. Em relação ao nosso relacionamento com Deus, isso não é diferente. Então, quando Jesus não corresponde a essas expectativas, ficamos decepcionados. Em A surpreendente graça nas decepções, Koessler explica como essas experiências difíceis podem ser a melhor coisa que pode nos acontecer, ainda que extremamente dolorosas. Na verdade, as frustrações decorrentes da aparente falha de Jesus em realizar nossos sonhos redefinem todas as nossas expectativas. É isso que significa graça surpreendente: a certeza de que toda dor e frustração podem nos aproximar ainda mais de Jesus.

Forgotten Trinity

Forgotten Trinity

Religion & Spirituality

While many of us struggle to understand it, the Trinity is one of the most important teachings of the Christian faith. It defines God's very essence and describes how he relates to us. And while it can be a difficult concept to get our heads around, it is crucial for believers to understand how God explains his triune nature in his Word.  In this book, James R. White offers a concise, understandable explanation of what the Trinity is and why it matters. While refuting the distortions of God presented by various cults, Dr. White shows how understanding this teaching leads to renewed worship and a deeper understanding of what it means to be a Christian. And amid today's emphasis on the renewing work of the Holy Spirit, The Forgotten Trinity is a balanced look at all three persons of the Trinity.  May this book deepen your understanding of this important doctrine while also drawing you closer to the triune God himself.

A Common Word

A Common Word

Religion & Spirituality

In late 2007 Muslim leaders from around the world together issued in the pages of The New York Times an open letter to Christian leaders inviting cooperation as a step toward peace. That letter, “A Common Word between Us and You,” acknowledged real differences between the two faiths but nonetheless contended that “righteousness and good works” should be the only areas in which they compete. The 138 signatories included over a dozen grand muftis, an ayatollah, and a Jordanian prince, and the document was widely considered a groundbreaking step toward reconciliation between Islam and Christianity — two major religions with a great deal in common. / That original letter and a collaborative Christian response — “Loving God and Neighbor Together” — both appear in this remarkable volume. Building on those original momentous documents, A Common Word further includes subsequent commentary and dialogue between Muslim and Christian scholars addressing critical and frequently asked questions. All in all, this eventful book encapsulates a brave and encouraging move toward harmony and accord between two world religions so often seen to be at odds.

Handbook of Religion and Health

Handbook of Religion and Health

Religion & Spirituality

The Handbook of Religion and Health has become the seminal research text on religion, spirituality, and health, outlining a rational argument for the connection between religion and health. For the past two decades, this handbook has been the most cited of all references on religion and health. This Third Edition is the most scientifically rigorous edition to date, covering the best research published through 2021 with an emphasis on prospective studies and randomized controlled trials. This volume examines research on the relationship between religion and health outcomes, surveys the historical connections between religion and health, and discusses the distinction between the terms ''religion'' and ''spirituality'' in research and clinical practice. It reviews research on religion and mental health, literature on the mind-body relationship, and develops a model to explain how religious involvement may impact physical health through the mind-body mechanisms. It also explores the direct relationships between religion and physical health, covering such topics as immune and endocrine function, heart disease, hypertension and stroke, neurological disorders, cancer, and infectious diseases; and examines the consequences of illness including chronic pain, disability, and quality of life. Additionally, most of its 34 chapters conclude with clinical and community applications making this text relevant to both health care professionals and clergy. This book is the most insightful and authoritative resource available to anyone who wants to understand the relationship between religion and health.

Sun of Righteousness, Arise!

Sun of Righteousness, Arise!

Religion & Spirituality

The astonishing theological creativity of Jrgen Moltmann continues in this new work, a vision of the Christian future, centered in God, God's reign, and God's justice or righteousness.Moltmann here brings together the biblical, historical, and theological elements of a new integrated Christian vision of the world, especially in light of our contemporary understandings of nature and the evolving universe. Anchored in the resurrection of Jesus, such a vision affirms that God is the God of resurrection promise, God is present in justice and righteousness, Jesus is the son of righteousness, and nature can be seen as the site of God's work toward the fulfillment of life. Here is a theological vision that can integrate our faith, inform our worldview, and fuel our life engagements.