The Bible and Homosexuality
"We hope that these essays will help LGBTQ people, their families, and their friends understand the individual passages from the Bible on homosexuality, be more able to respond when these verses are used against them and, most importantly, feel more at home with the Bible, where God desires to encounter and embrace all of us, including LGBTQ people."--from the forewordThis collection of articles challenges the view that Scripture is hostile to LGBTQ people and that what our ancient authors have to say on the topic can be readily understood. The Bible and Homosexuality provides a more nuanced, complicated view of same-sex relations in Scripture and offers LGBTQ Catholics (and their allies) sound methods of interpreting the most sacred text in Christianity. Additionally, texts speak to the margins, as did Jesus in his public ministry, and challenge modern readers to comprehend Scripture in a very different time from when it was written.Michael J. O'Loughlin is the executive director of Outreach, an LGBTQ Catholic ministry, and the author of Hidden Mercy: Catholics, AIDS, and Untold Stories of Compassion in the Face of Fear, which is based on the podcast series, "Plague: Untold Stories of AIDS and the Catholic Church." His work has appeared in The New York Times, The Atlantic, The Washington Post, Foreign Policy, and the Advocate.+
Let's Meet the GOD
What if meeting God has nothing to do with temples, rituals, or belief-and everything to do with how we live, act, and respond each day?In Let's Meet the God, Sandeep J. Chavan redefines divinity through the lens of Behavioral Spirituality, a framework born from his larger philosophy of Universal Energy Dynamics (UED). Rather than searching for God in distant heavens or dogmatic traditions, Chavan invites readers to rediscover the divine as the stillness beneath all consequences-the silent field behind every ripple of emotion, ego, and thought.Across four transformative parts, the book reveals how the ancient quest for God was never about worship but about alignment: Rethinking the Divine - moving beyond form and faith to understand God as structured stillness.Ripple, Ritual, and Reality - decoding how rituals were once designed to dissolve disturbances within.The God Within Behavior - exploring ego, karma, dharma, sin, and morality as field dynamics.Meeting God Without Dying - learning how awareness, stillness, and acceptance bring peace before death.Chavan presents God not as a supreme overseer but as the balance inherent in existence itself. Through simple metaphors, philosophical reflections, and practical guidance, he transforms complex spiritual and scientific ideas into accessible wisdom for modern readers.The book concludes with a series of appendices-daily practices, reflection guides, and cross-tradition parallels-offering readers a practical path toward inner alignment. It draws from the essence of Vedanta, Buddhism, Christianity, Sufism, and Taoism while remaining entirely universal and non-dogmatic.In an age of noise and division, Let's Meet the God brings spirituality back to its source: silence, self-awareness, and responsibility. It does not preach faith-it teaches observation. It does not ask for belief-it calls for balance.If you have ever questioned the nature of God, life, and consequence, this book will not give you ready-made answers. It will help you rediscover the stillness where all answers already exist.God never left. The frequency was always here. We just forgot to listen.
Phenomenology of the Sacred
In this work, Prabhuji explores phenomenology, one of the most influential philosophical movements of the twentieth century. He traces its development from Husserl, with his analysis of the intentional constitution of phenomena, which requires bracketing-by means of the epoch矇 and phenomenological reduction-the thesis of the natural attitude in order to describe experience as it is given. With Heidegger, phenomenology is reinterpreted as the method of fundamental ontology: an inquiry into the meaning of Being through the analytic of Dasein. Michel Henry shifts the focus to the self-affection of Life, understood as an immanent and non-intentional manifestation, invisible to the world's mundane and intentional phenomenality. Jean-Luc Marion radicalizes the principle of givenness and thematizes saturated phenomena, as part of an expansion of the method that some critics have called the "theological turn."On this basis, Prabhuji presents his Retroprogressive Phenomenology, an expanded phenomenology that inquires into revelation and the sacred, understood as the radiance of a primordial light before which consciousness opens in a receptive and meditative disposition. This perspective transforms our relationship with the world: consciousness and light are interwoven in the manifestation of Being, making perception and cognition possible. Likewise, he proposes light as the origin, principle, and ground of experience.
Spiritual Transformation
"This book is a luminous, grounded, and deeply empowering guide for anyone ready to move beyond old patterns and step fully into their soul's true path. Dr. K. Narayan speaks not just to the mind but to the heart and Higher Self. His wisdom is clear, loving, and rooted in real experience-and the energetic transmissions come through every word.If you're feeling called to rise, to serve, to heal, and to remember who you truly are-start here. This is more than a book. It's a roadmap to freedom, joy, and spiritual maturity. And it's written with humility, brilliance, and love."-Sonia ChoquetteAuthor of Trust Your Vibes and Ask Your GuidesSpiritual Transformation offers a profound yet practical guide to reclaiming inner peace, purpose, and unshakable joy. This book presents a 12-step journey designed to awaken your highest potential, break free from limiting patterns, and align with a life of divine fulfillment.Each step is a milestone on the path to spiritual liberation: Step 1: Upgrade Your Beliefs - Identify and reprogram beliefs that hold you back from spiritual empowerment and abundance.Step 2: Accelerate Your Spiritual Evolution - Learn about the stages of spiritual evolution and how to accelerate your growth.Step 3: Detoxify and Disconnect - Release toxic habits, relationships, and patterns to create space for alignment with your highest life.Step 4: Channel Higher Energies - Learn to harness universal life force energy for spiritual growth and healing.Step 5: Cultivate Daily Spiritual Practice - Build rituals that deepen your connection to your inner wisdom and your Higher Self.Step 6: Align with Soul Purpose - Discover your unique mission and live a life of meaning and impact.Step 7: Grow and Take Risks - Step beyond fear and comfort to embrace expansion and new possibilities.Step 8: Honor Your Time, Attention, and Money - Shift from scarcity to sacred stewardship of your resources.Step 9: Transform Your Health - Heal your body as a temple through energy, nutrition, and holistic wellness.Step 10: Transform Your Relationships - Cultivate deeper connections through love, boundaries, and conscious communication.Step 11: Pursue Joy - Make delight, play, and gratitude a daily practice.Step 12: Serve - Experience the ultimate fulfillment by contributing to the world with love.Blending timeless wisdom with modern insights, real-life stories, and actionable exercises, Spiritual Transformation is more than a book-it's a roadmap to living with freedom, joy, and divine purpose. Whether you're seeking healing, clarity, or a deeper connection to your soul, this guide will illuminate the path to your highest life.
Death Grip on the Pommel
John Myerson is a powerful shamanic healer whose patients know him as a calm and protective presence. What they don't realize is the long struggle he's had to overcome an instinctive tendency toward violence and rage. This book tells the story of his work as a warrior, to attack only wisely, to overcome the fear he faced in dealing with himself, and to achieve an evolving understanding of the balance needed in order to love as well as to strike out. As his story unfolds, he shares what he's learned about discipline and recounts the stories of others he's worked with and learned from along the Way. Finally, he tells of facing his own nature and fear that leads to being given what some might call grace.Fascinating as his own story, Death Grip on the Pommel also offers insight and suggestions to others who seek to learn their own nature, both the light and the shadow sides, to achieve balance, and to move toward connection with an energy and Way of Being beyond themselves.John Myerson has given us a gift with this book, Death Grip on the Pommel. In it he traces his own journey from dark warrior to lightness and ultimately to balance and acceptance. This journey is one that we all should--and with Myerson's guidance-can take, even if we start from what he calls the light. The case studies and his personal experience can help us through our own journeys toward acceptance of who and what we are-just as we are.-Sandra Waddock, Galligan Chair of StrategyProfessor of ManagementBoston CollegeDeath Grip on the Pommel is the riveting Odyssey of a gifted shaman-warrior-healer learning the power and relationship of warrior energy and loving energy: discovering the balance between Doing (Yang) and Being (Yin); learning how to love and release from a posture of strength, not weakness; refining the path of discipline and realizing how to transcend resistance. This book, illustrated not only by the author's amazing story but also by actual case files, is a gripping read that is bound to keep you fascinated to the end.-Paul GallagherAuthor of Drawing Silk: Masters' Secrets for Successful Tai Chi Practice
Words from the Water's Edge
Words from the Water's Edge: The Mystical Writings of Llewellyn Vaughan-Lee is a vast and comprehensive anthology of a lifetime's work as well as a deeply personal telling of the author's own spiritual journey. Spanning more than three decades of teachings, this book of hand-picked sayings from selected writings, interviews, and some never before published works, shares wisdom from Vaughan-Lee's three distinct and interrelated focus areas: Sufism, oneness and the interdependence of life, and Spiritual Ecology--a call to know and relate to the Earth as a sacred being. Throughout, Vaughan-Lee seamlessly weaves in the story of one soul's journey, including the sorrows, ecstasy, and ultimately the love at the foundation of his life and path. Whether through personal reflections or general teachings, the book compels readers to embrace the Original Instructions that can align humanity at this time of cultural and ecological upheaval. Relevant to the committed spiritual seeker as well as to anyone searching for meaning, Words from the Water's Edge provides inspiration and guidance for how to live in--and beyond--"these broken times." Specific chapters explore topics such as the transformative power of love on the spiritual path, ways in which the Earth grows and changes in harmony with human consciousness, and how we can collectively respond to the Earth's need for relationships of care amidst the current climate crisis. For those familiar with Vaughan-Lee's recent work, they will recognize a tone of sorrowful acknowledgement of humanity's missed opportunities for cultural regeneration and spiritual evolution. However, Words from the Water's Edge includes timely guidance on how to take responsibility for a future grounded in spiritual awareness and in harmony with planetary forces beyond even the Earth. Vaughan-Lee has always been a master of sharing truths relevant to many people at many times, and this book is no exception. At its heart, however, is a deeply personal story of devotion to the Real that has unfurled itself throughout one mystic's lifetime of service. "These sayings leave traces of a lifetime walking between the worlds, holding a thread that has taken me into the beyond of the beyond, as well as back to the simple bliss of my garden, the red-tailed hawk sitting on a branch outside my window. And the ocean remains just over the hill, as wild and endless as the empty spaces in the heart, and the silence that has always called to me."--Llewellyn Vaughan-Lee
Dancing on the Edge of the Earth
In 1978 my wife and I left America to take the gospel to peoples living in primitive regions of Indonesian Borneo who had never heard of Jesus. At that time I had known Jesus for two years and had not finished reading the Bible. I had not led a Bible Study or taught Sunday School, but with my bullhorn had preached the gospel on the streets of Southern California. We had no training for missions, no mission agency or church to send or support us. I had no idea what we were going to do after arriving in Indonesia---except to trust the Lord. And God opened doors for us to "dance on the edge of the earth" for nearly nine years. By His grace we led to Christ many souls bound in the grip of witchcraft, idol-worship, and false religion. We saw many people miraculously healed and set free from demons. We made disciples and planted churches. This is the account of the unusual challenges and the mountain peaks we experienced as we followed our Messiah Jesus to the ends of the earth. Dancing on the Edge of the Earth is a refreshing, an encouragement, an inspiration, and a CHALLENGE to the body of Christ to make DISCIPLES of all nations, teaching them to obey EVERYTHING Jesus commanded---which includes healing the sick miraculously exactly as Jesus did as IRREFUTABLE EVIDENCE to the world that He is in fact the Promised Messiah
Dancing on the Edge of the Earth
In 1978 my wife and I left America to take the gospel to peoples living in primitive regions of Indonesian Borneo who had never heard of Jesus. At that time I had known Jesus for two years and had not finished reading the Bible. I had not led a Bible Study or taught Sunday School, but with my bullhorn had preached the gospel on the streets of Southern California. We had no training for missions, no mission agency or church to send or support us. I had no idea what we were going to do after arriving in Indonesia---except to trust the Lord. And God opened doors for us to "dance on the edge of the earth" for nearly nine years. By His grace we led to Christ many souls bound in the grip of witchcraft, idol-worship, and false religion. We saw many people miraculously healed and set free from demons. We made disciples and planted churches. This is the account of the unusual challenges and the mountain peaks we experienced as we followed our Messiah Jesus to the ends of the earth. Dancing on the Edge of the Earth is a refreshing, an encouragement, an inspiration, and a CHALLENGE to the body of Christ to make DISCIPLES of all nations, teaching them to obey EVERYTHING Jesus commanded---which includes healing the sick miraculously exactly as Jesus did as IRREFUTABLE EVIDENCE to the world that He is in fact the Promised Messiah
Heart of a Stranger
AN INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER! "A story that begs to be told. . . engrossing." --The Washington Post From the first Asian American to be ordained as a rabbi, a stirring account of one woman's journey from feeling like an outsider to becoming one of the most admired religious leaders in the world Angela Buchdahl was born in Seoul, the daughter of a Korean Buddhist mother and Jewish American father. Profoundly spiritual from a young age, by sixteen she felt the first stirrings to become a rabbi. Despite the naysayers and periods of self-doubt--Would a mixed-race woman ever be seen as authentically Jewish or chosen to lead a congregation?--she stayed the course, which took her first to Yale, then to rabbinical school, and finally to the pulpit of one of the largest, most influential congregations in the world. Today, Angela Buchdahl inspires Jews and non-Jews alike with her invigorating, joyful approach to worship and her belief in the power of faith, gratitude, and responsibility for one another, regardless of religion. She does not shy away from difficult topics, from racism within the Jewish community and the sexism she confronted when she aspired to the top job to rising antisemitism today. Buchdahl teaches how these challenges, which can make one feel like a stranger, can ultimately be the source of our greatest empathy and strength. Angela Buchdahl has gone from outsider to officiant, from feeling estranged to feeling embraced--and she's emerged with a deep conviction that we are all bound to a larger whole and mission. She has written a book that is both memoir and spiritual guide for everyday living, which is exactly what so many of us crave right now.
The Evolution Of Religion
A piercing exploration of why humans believe reissued for a new age. Lewis Richard Farnell s landmark Anthropological Study of Religion returns, restored and reborn by Alpha Editions. In clear, compelling prose, The Evolution of Religion traces the development of religious thought from animistic roots and totemic practice through myth, ritual, polytheism, and the rise of ethical monotheism. Farnell combines field observations, comparative history, and philosophical inquiry to map the cultural evolution of religion, revealing how beliefs, institutions, and ceremonies shaped and were shaped by societies across human history. Readers will find lucid chapters on the origins of religious practices, religion and society, the anthropology of spirituality, and a rigorous religious evolution analysis that remains provocative today. Historically significant and literary in tone, this Lewis Richard Farnell book stands as a cornerstone in the history of religion and religious anthropology. Originally out of print for decades, this edition has been meticulously restored for today s and future generations retyped, proofed, and packaged with care. More than a reprint, it is a collector s item and cultural treasure: ideal for casual readers curious about the development of religious beliefs and for classic literature collectors and scholars of the anthropology of spirituality. Whether you study the development of religious beliefs, the origins of religious practices, or the broader anthropology of religion, this republished classic offers indispensable insight into the evolution of religion.
God Rescues His People
Within the book of Exodus are two fascinating story streams: The life of Moses, chosen from birth and put through a specific course of training to prepare him for his future leadership role. At a bush that burned but was not consumed he very reluctantly accepted God's commission to return to Egypt. This book charts the progress of Moses in his tentative steps to fit into the role God had given to him and how his confidence before the Pharaoh grew and his trust in and increasing intimacy with God became the stuff of legends. Once in the wilderness, it was Moses task, with God's help, to develop them into a functioning nation. The remarkable establishment of a new, structured nation which was born out of sacrificing a lamb. Initially a rabble that was driven out of Egypt in the early hours of the morning, only to be faced with the sea before them and Pharaoh's troops being them. Then the miraculous parting of the sea and the drowning of the Pharaoh and his army. We find out why the Pharaoh had to die. It is an inspirational book that leads the reader through the testing and trials as they adjust to the freedom from the work master's whip, and try the patience of both Moses and God. It also explains why Sinai is so vitally important to Israel then and now, and their progress though the nation's training in the wilderness under the fatherly and caring leadership of Moses. A fascinating and inspirational book with valuable teaching for all believers!
God's Promises for Women
Bestselling God's Promises(R) with more than 15 million sold--now available in New International Version(R). Nothing sets our minds and hearts at ease like the promises of God from His Word. For more than 25 years, the bestselling God's Promises line has put those promises at reader's fingertips. Now a new version offers those words of comfort and hope for women from the New International Version. The promises are grouped by topic, offering hope for times such as feeling overwhelmed, waiting on God, needing to know God's views on forgiveness, or growing spiritually. Whatever the need, whatever the question, God's Word answers with a promise. Features & Benefits: This bestselling series now features Scripture chosen just for women from the New International Version(R)Over 15 million copies sold in the God's Promises(R) lineEvery life situation is covered with Scripture, and this book gives readers biblical truths for every needConvenient resource filled with life-changing assurances for women
Run!
Don't just stand there-RUN!Sharing firsthand experience and hard-earned truths, RUN! provides a concise, biblical, easy-to remember strategy that will help you prevent and defeat sexual sin. You'll learn: - Practical insights on what temptation is and how to flee it.- Specific goals God has called you to pursue.- Who you need in your run club as you flee temptation.- Biblical insight and practical, applicable wisdom that will help prevent you from being the next victim of sexual sin-or help you dig out of a mess you've found yourself in.
Guide To God and Singularity Part 0 (My Perspective)
Guide to God and Singularity - Part 0 (My Perspective) explores one of humanity's greatest questions: What existed before existence? Through a unique framework, Shravan Nanda presents four fundamental concepts of God-Brahma (creation), Vishnu (sustenance), Shiva (void), and Shakti (energy)-showing how every religion, philosophy, and scientific idea converges into these perspectives. Yet the book goes beyond philosophy. It connects the search for God with the rise of artificial intelligence and humanity's path toward singularity. This is not a conclusion but a beginning-an invitation to challenge, question, and co-create. Part 0 is Shravan's personal perspective; Part 1, to be released in four years, will be a collective human vision for the future.
Housekeeping for the Soul
The ultimate guide to a better quality of life through a deep cleansing of the soul.
The Path of the Blue Raven
The Path of The Blue Raven is the story of a struggling man who all his life has wrestled with questions, searched for meaning and discovered it in unexpected places. Although representing the beginning of a new adventure in one man's life, this book is not just his story for it also offers a beautiful and breath-taking collection of real-life stories of others who walked a similar path and have found great healing and blessing through nature based spirituality. To many cultures, the raven was and is a symbol of initiation into a new path. In sharing his own journey, the author introduces readers to a world of like-minded people who have stepped off the mainstream path onto the path of personal magic. As the ex-Catholic monk Thomas Moore says, 'The soul has an absolute, unforgiving need for regular excursions into enchantment. It requires them like the body needs food and the mind needs thought.' This book offers pilgrims (of any path) a way back to the rich and deep inner magic of childhood dreams.
Being Ourself
Being Ourself is an accessible, original, and straightforward book which invites readers to recognize that we are all indivisible aspects of a single, yet infinitely diverse reality. The book provides the word Ourself to refer to this absolute whole because of the word's inherently inclusive nature. Being Ourself takes readers beyond oneness and interconnectedness, and directly into the experience of living consciously as part of the source and substance of reality itself.
Tame The Fire
Tame The Fire: Daily Affirmations for the Muslim Soul is a spiritual companion designed to nurture faith, resilience, and inner peace. Through powerful affirmations rooted in Islamic values, readers are invited to embrace self-love, gratitude, and trust in Allah's wisdom while navigating life's challenges. Each daily affirmation offers encouragement, healing, and reflection-drawing inspiration from the Qur'an, Hadith, and timeless Islamic principles. Perfect for Muslims seeking daily motivation, mindfulness, and emotional balance, this book serves as both a personal guide and a heartfelt gift.Whether used in the quiet of morning reflection or before rest at night, these affirmations help calm the mind, strengthen the soul, and remind readers of their divine worth. A beautiful tool for self-growth, spiritual alignment, and a deeper connection with Allah.
The Guild of Light
In the eighth of the series, The Guild of Light: The Art of Unity, Aria's journey takes a profound turn as she steps into her role as a master of co-creation within the ever-expanding Guild of Windkeepers. Guided by the enigmatic artist and mystical mentor, Mr. Koold, Aria is introduced to the boundless potential of art as a universal language of unity. Mr. Koold, who carries the mysterious wisdom of his Plutonian heritage, teaches Aria to use art not only as an expression but as a powerful tool for connection across dimensions, realms, and worlds.Together, they establish the New Creative Network, a cosmic web where artists, thinkers, and dreamers from across the universe can share their visions, harmonizing their intentions in a movement of love and understanding. Aria and Mr. Koold open Resonance Hubs, centers where others can gather to learn, co-create, and experience the energy of Agape firsthand. As they move forward, they discover that the Network has a life of its own, resonating with souls who feel the call to unity, drawing them into the transformative dance of co-creation.With each new connection, Aria realizes that art, in its highest form, can be a powerful bridge - a language that transcends words and reaches directly into the hearts of others. Through the Guild of Windkeepers, she issues an open invitation for all who yearn to create with purpose, to join in a shared legacy that reaches beyond time and space. The Guild of Light: The Art of Unity is a celebration of the transformative power of art, an inspiring tale of interconnectedness, and a reminder that, at the heart of creation, lies the unbreakable bond of unity and love.
The Guild of Light
In the eighth of the series, The Guild of Light: The Art of Unity, Aria's journey takes a profound turn as she steps into her role as a master of co-creation within the ever-expanding Guild of Windkeepers. Guided by the enigmatic artist and mystical mentor, Mr. Koold, Aria is introduced to the boundless potential of art as a universal language of unity. Mr. Koold, who carries the mysterious wisdom of his Plutonian heritage, teaches Aria to use art not only as an expression but as a powerful tool for connection across dimensions, realms, and worlds.Together, they establish the New Creative Network, a cosmic web where artists, thinkers, and dreamers from across the universe can share their visions, harmonizing their intentions in a movement of love and understanding. Aria and Mr. Koold open Resonance Hubs, centers where others can gather to learn, co-create, and experience the energy of Agape firsthand. As they move forward, they discover that the Network has a life of its own, resonating with souls who feel the call to unity, drawing them into the transformative dance of co-creation.With each new connection, Aria realizes that art, in its highest form, can be a powerful bridge - a language that transcends words and reaches directly into the hearts of others. Through the Guild of Windkeepers, she issues an open invitation for all who yearn to create with purpose, to join in a shared legacy that reaches beyond time and space. The Guild of Light: The Art of Unity is a celebration of the transformative power of art, an inspiring tale of interconnectedness, and a reminder that, at the heart of creation, lies the unbreakable bond of unity and love.
The Gates of Love
Some claim that if the tariqa were a path of Truth, people would not leave it. But then, what about Islam? From the moment some people left it: is it the Truth or not the Truth? And what about the messenger of Allah ﷺ? From the moment some broke their commitment to him, is it the Truth or not the Truth? Just the day the Qibla was changed, how many people abandoned their religion? And the day he ﷺ returned to the Most Merciful, how many abandoned Islam?So from the moment Islam emerged in this way, we are but a tiny point imitating and replicating this evolution in the 21st century. The issue does not lie in Islam; the issue lies in the intellect that has failed to understand Islam. As for Islam, it remains Islam.May Allah guide us. As for tassawuf, it remains tassawuf, the Path of Allah remains the Path of Allah and the Light of Allah remains the Light of Allah.
Nuggets 2
NUGGETS: A Guide for Women Engaged in Ministry, is designed to offer guidance and information to those engaging in ministry, with a special emphasis on inclusivity for both men and women. The author, Apostle Dr. Joyce Myrick Brown, shares individual experiences from over forty years of ministry, highlighting the unique challenges faced by women in this field. The book addresses the varying opinions and undeserved criticisms that women in ministry often encounter. It aims to enhance and motivate both men and women, guiding them towards a deeper understanding of their calling and the unique work of ministry. The introduction encourages readers to approach the book with an open mind, aiming to be most effective in their ministry work for the upbuilding of God's kingdom.
Come, Have Breakfast: Meditations on God and Earth - Paperback
* Author has previously won the Grawemeyer Award * "'Come, have breakfast' (Jn 21:12) These three simple words followed by generous action open a portal into an ecological image of the living God who is active with cordial hospitality toward all creatures, nurturing their lives, desiring that all should be fed." In her latest work, prize-winning theologian Elizabeth Johnson views planet Earth, its beauty and threatened state, through the lens of scripture. Each luminous meditation offers a snapshot of one aspect of the holy mystery who creates, indwells, redeems, vivifies, and sanctifies the whole world. Together, they offer a panoramic view of the living God who loves the earth, accompanies all its creatures in their living and their dying, and moves us to care for our uncommon common home.
A Perfect Understanding
Reaching the lost with the Gospel of Christ is the most important task a man can undertake. If you put your faith in God, then you also must be faithful.This means first, you must admit that there is a God. Many do not!Secondly, you must take God at His word. Many do not!Thirdly, you must listen and hear the good news from God. Many do not!And fourth, the words of God must change your way of thinking, to the point of wanting it, in other words, to repent! Many do not!If you have only achieved one of these four scenarios, or if you have met all four of these points, you are lost and on your way to hell. You need to achieve point five.This fifth point of the equation, needed to please an Almighty God, is faith leading to belief. Without it, Man has no chance of eternal life. This Almighty God is ELOHIM, JEHOVAH, and ADONIA of the Old Testament. This Almighty God is God the FATHER, God the SON, and God the HOLY SPIRIT of the New Testament. This final part of God's plan is belief in the death, burial, and resurrection of this God the Son, the Lord Jesus Christ!"A Perfect Understanding" is the work by Fred to seize upon the aspect of what took place two thousand years ago in the life of Jesus Christ. Here he takes aim at this era in history and references every book in the New Testament, to confer what Luke presented. A fresh new look at Luke's writing is allocated. Using most of the books of the Old Testament as well as every book in the New Testament, gives a well-rounded look at the Gospel of Luke. This has been used in accomplishing the book.
Lords of the Cosmos
Welcome to the Anthropocene.Most of human history has been unremarkable and static. But Western civilization is different, sustaining rapid progress for generations. And we're just getting started.Lords of the Cosmos views the story of humanity through the lens of our most profound theories of progress, addressing such questions as: What sparks progress? What does progress entail? What is the role of human progress in the cosmic scheme of things?Lords of the Cosmos illustrates how humanity is the most powerful force in the universe, capable of creating any object the laws of physics allow. Authors Arjun Khemani and Logan Chipkin argue that suffering is intimately related to staticity, while creativity provides the only means to end suffering.An expansion of the script for the documentary of the same name, the ideas in these pages hold the potential to change our world for the better.
Lords of the Cosmos
Welcome to the Anthropocene.Most of human history has been unremarkable and static. But Western civilization is different, sustaining rapid progress for generations. And we're just getting started.Lords of the Cosmos views the story of humanity through the lens of our most profound theories of progress, addressing such questions as: What sparks progress? What does progress entail? What is the role of human progress in the cosmic scheme of things?Lords of the Cosmos illustrates how humanity is the most powerful force in the universe, capable of creating any object the laws of physics allow. Authors Arjun Khemani and Logan Chipkin argue that suffering is intimately related to staticity, while creativity provides the only means to end suffering.An expansion of the script for the documentary of the same name, the ideas in these pages hold the potential to change our world for the better.
The Return of the Cherub
The Return of the Cherub is a heartfelt sequel to Miracle - Conversations with a Cherub. Inspired by the author's late brother's life, the book continues with a series of imagined conversations where the child, appearing in his astral form, shares profound insights on love, friendship, duty, impermanence, and letting go. The narrative is both tender and transformative, weaving grief into wisdom and loss into spiritual guidance.Through these conversations, the author explores universal human struggles while capturing the essence of compassion, empathy, and acceptance. What begins as a fantastical tale resonates deeply as a spiritual journey, offering solace and perspective. Readers will find themselves reflecting on their own lives, emerging gentler, more compassionate, and wiser.
Thomas Merton
*Advance Praise & Reviews*"James Finley writes as compellingly as he speaks 'in the cadences of the mystic's voice, ' gently encouraging the reader along the way. In his inimitable storytelling style, Finley reminds us that we are not alone, gifting us with the 'presence-ing' of God in every breath, in all things, through the timeless wisdom of Thomas Merton."--Christopher Pramuk, author, Sophia: The Hidden Christ of Thomas Merton This new series, Turning to the Mystics, grows out of the much-loved podcast in which James Finley gently accompanies listeners into the wisdom of the Christian mystical tradition. Each volume offers a contemplative reading of one or two mystics, weaving their wisdom together with Finley's reflective commentary and simple practices for prayer. These mystics become living guides, offering room to notice how grace is already moving in the reality of our own lives and revealing the ever-present intimate nearness of God. In this volume, he delves into the mystical insights of Thomas Merton, the renowned Trappist monk, whom Finley first knew as his novice master at the Abbey of Gethsemani.
Universal Love: Surrendering to the God of Peace
Advance Praise & Reviews "In this short, valuable, and practical book, John shares his conversations with a young spiritual seeker named Will who came to him seeking spiritual guidance. As I read each chapter, I felt like I was meeting with John for coffee, sharing my struggles, and receiving his wisdom and encouragement. This book is a treasure."--Brian McLaren, author, Faith after Doubt This book arose from a young man's request that John serve as his spiritual director. He did not believe in God, but he believed in "love and truth and compassion." John replied that those are all names for God, and they agreed that they would speak of Universal Love. From this beginning, John discovered a new understanding of spirituality, and his own life of peacemaking as an exercise in "surrendering to the God of Peace." In short reflections, he outlines what this means, offers practical exercises, and shows how this might lead us more deeply into the meaning of discipleship in a world of violence and conflict.
Birthing a New Mysticism: A Contemplation in Ten Parts
Beverly Lanzetta, a leading contemplative scholar and theologian, has spent decades at the edges of spiritual tradition, charting the terrain where contemplative paths converge and the soul's evolution continues. Now, in ten contemplations, she offers language for what so many are sensing: we are not witnessing the decline of the sacred but its next emergence. A book for seekers--within our traditions and beyond them--who long for a spirituality deep enough to hold the via feminina, the intercontemplative path, the soul's seasons of transformation, and the anguish of global suffering. Lanzetta companions and invites readers to participate as the quickening pulse of holy matter is beating toward a new mysticism.
A Synod Diary
Modeled on John Reed's celebrated Ten Days that Shook the World, his lively chronicling of the October 1917 Russian Revolution, is a journal and commentary on and during the high point of the Bergoglio papacy-the October 2023 Synod on Synodality.Higgins has an introductory chapter that contextualizes the Synod and explains why it's special and potentially transformative. The book also contains a day-by-day record of personalities, crises, behind-the-scenes politics, lapses, triumphs.Endorsements"Like an ecclesiastical Sherlock Holmes, Dr. Higgins searched the aulas of the Vatican and walked the cobbled streets of Rome in search of clues and sources who would piece together what was really going on behind locked doors in the Vatican. This book is a remarkable achievement in doing that, but also a wonderful record written in colorful prose of an event that to the outsider was presented by the Vatican in awkward and uninviting language, or 'ecclesiastical bafflegab' as Higgins describes it. It's 'unputdownable'"--Garry O'Sullivan, publisher and editor, The Irish Catholic and The Synodal Times, Dublin, Ireland"In this erudite yet accessible work, Dr. Higgins provides us with a most helpful prelude outlining the background to the 2021-2024 Synod of Bishops on the themes of communion, participation, and mission. His diary entries, from his vantage point as an 'external observer' to the discussions going on in the synod hall, provide helpful insights into the deeper implications of the Synod for the Catholic Church, especially moving forward from the legacy of Pope Francis into the Petrine ministry of Leo XIV. All in all, delightful and insightful in equal parts!"--Raymond Lafontaine, episcopal vicar, Archdiocese of Montreal, table facilitator at the 2024 Synodal AssemblyMichael W. Higgins has been an administrator and teacher at several Canadian and U.S. Catholic colleges and universities. Currently he is Basilian Distinguished Fellow of Contemporary Catholic Thought, St. Michael's College, University of Toronto, and Distinguished Professor of Catholic Thought Emeritus at Sacred Heart University, Fairfield, CT. He has authored or coauthored numerous books, including The Church Needs the Laity: The Wisdom of John Henry Newman, and, with Kevin Burns, Impressively Free: Henri Nouwen as a Model for a Reformed Priesthood and Genius Born of Anguish: The Life and Legacy of Henri Nouwen.+
What If You Obeyed?
31 Commands to SIMPLY OBEY from the Living Word to bring about life changeWhat if some of the struggles you're going through are simply because you're not being obedient to the Word of God?As I was walking through marriage, raising my children, homeschooling, and working our family businesses...I desperately needed God's help. I dove into the Word of God, being determined to see miracles in my life like the ones that we read about in the Bible.Moving forward, I started hearing the words "It's simple obedience, Jackie, it's simple obedience." And then "Tell them it's simple obedience, it's not that complicated." God was saying, just obey, religion has complicated walking with Me. I started paying more attention to the simple commands in the Bible. I began obeying the Word, not just knowing it, or thinking it sounded nice, but actually obeying it. Doing this changed my life!Come along with me on this journey of obedience and watch your life shift to the abundant life that Jesus died for.
The Lord's Prayer
In The Lord's Prayer, Brother David Steindl-Rast, a Benedictine monk and beloved spiritual teacher, reflects on Christianity's most universal prayer in a way that transcends tradition, inviting all people into a deeper experience of gratitude, trust, and hope. Drawing from his lifetime of spiritual insight, Brother David explores each line of the prayer as a profound pathway toward inner peace and global compassion. Through meditative reflections and engaging conversations, he reveals how this ancient prayer speaks powerfully to the human condition today.Joining Brother David in this work is Brigitte Kwizda-Gredler, a medical sociologist and spiritual director whose presence enriches the book with fresh perspectives and lived wisdom. Their dialogue opens new insights into the prayer's timeless message, inviting readers of all backgrounds to see the Lord's Prayer not only as a sacred Christian tradition but as a prayer for all people. Perfect for personal reflection or group study, this book is a gentle yet powerful guide for anyone seeking to live with greater mindfulness, love, and connection.Brother David Steindl-Rast was born in 1926 in Vienna, Austria. He immigrated to the United States in 1952, joined a Benedictine monastery, and practiced Zen. He is cofounder of the Center for Spiritual Studies and a recipient of the 1975 Martin Buber Award. At present, Brother David serves a worldwide Network for Grateful Living through gratefulness.org, an interactive website with thousands of participants daily from more than 240 countries and territories. He currently resides in a monastery in his home country of Austria.
St. Martin of Tours
As a soldier of the Roman Empire, Martin gave away his cloak to a beggar, only to discover the beggar was Christ. As bishop of Tours, France, Martin lived in a hut and cared for the poor. Through this charming story, follow St. Martin from his childhood through his army career to becoming a bishop famous for his wisdom and humility."Who gives away their cloak in the dead of winter? Who marches into battle without sword or shield? Discover the simplicity and daring of Martin of Tours, who gave away his coat and his sword to follow Christ. A tale vibrantly illustrated and clearly told."--Joshua C. Benson, Catholic University; coauthor, with Margaret Carney, OSF, of Francis of Assisi: A Meditation on His Life and WritingsMichaela Hanauer is a Munich native. She studied law and has been a children's and young adult writer for more than fifteen years.Angela Gl繹kler was born in Rastatt in southern Germany. She studied illustration at the University of Applied Sciences in Hamburg.+
Child Born for Us
The infancy narratives are complex texts that tell us more than one may think about who Jesus is and what relationship we are invited to have with him. The reflections in the book are linked to five themes: Jesus's ancestors; Joseph, son of Jacob, father of Jesus; Mary the prophetess, mother of Jesus; the relationship between Nazareth, Jesus's hometown, and Bethlehem, the place of his birth. Finally, the fifth reflection focuses directly on Jesus himself and the moment of his birth.A careful reading of the biblical texts allows the reader to fully discover the relationship between God and the human person. Through understanding the plots, characters, and places described in the Bible, readers can uncover the meaning of the Scriptures for their life, beyond simply explaining the literal meaning of the text.A Child Born for Us is a guide for the reader, individual, or group seeking to deepen their understanding of the Gospel narratives of the infancy of Jesus.Rev. David Neuhaus, SJ, is a lecturer in biblical studies in Jerusalem, teaching both in Israel and in Palestine. He has been teaching scripture for twenty-five years in the Latin Patriarchal Seminary and in other institutions of higher learning. He spends a few months each year teaching at the Jesuit Institute of South Africa.Terence Creamer is codirector of Creamer Media and editor of Engineering News and Polity and digital editor of Mining Weekly. Debbie French is married to Terence and is an editor.+
Self Treatments including the Radiant I Am, 2nd edition
Emma Curtis Hopkins was the "teacher of teachers," who taught the founders of Unity, Divine Science, Church of Truth, and Religious Science-the woman who invented the term "Science of Mind" back in the 1890s. She healed hundreds and taught thousands, empowered by her own "line of reasoning" and "upward vision." These treatments, gathered from several of Hopkins' books and journals, inspire the reader and re-affirm the potential in our hearts and lives.
Bringing God Back to Earth
Religion is an essential part of our humanity. We all follow some form of religion, in the original meaning of the word. But organised religion establishes definitions, boundaries and hierarchies which the founders would be amazed by. This is perhaps more true of Christianity than most other religions, due to the short life of Jesus, his sudden death, the lack of any contemporary records. His teaching about the kingdom of God is great; it could see us through our time on earth. But his followers watered it down and soon lost it altogether. It became a kingdom in heaven for the few, rather than one here and now for everyone. The Church, or Churches, that resulted became increasingly irrelevant, even a hindrance, to seeing it realised. Many will always find security and truth in the traditions that developed, and good for them. But for those who can't, for those who have given up on religion or never thought it worth considering, the original teachings are worth another look. If we could recover them and live by them, we could change ourselves and the world for the better. We could bring God back to earth.
A New and Living Way
In A New and Living Way: Christ in the Letter to the Hebrews, Kevin B. McCruden invites readers into a rich theological and pastoral reflection on one of the most distinctive portrayals of Jesus in the New Testament. With scholarly insight and accessible prose, McCruden explores how the Letter to the Hebrews presents Jesus as the eternal high priest--one who is both exalted in divine glory and deeply in solidarity with human suffering.Drawing on contemporary biblical scholarship and ancient literary context, McCruden illuminates Hebrews' dynamic balance between Christ's divinity and humanity. He shows how the letter's priestly Christology was shaped to encourage a marginalized community struggling to remain faithful, and how its message continues to speak powerfully to the needs of Christian readers today.This volume bridges academic rigor with pastoral sensitivity. It is ideal for students, ministers, and all who seek a deeper understanding of the theological beauty and enduring relevance of Hebrews."A clear, nontechnical, and eloquent introduction to the Christology of the Epistle to the Hebrews. Because Christology is so prominent in the argument of Hebrews as a whole, McCruden's discussion also functions as an engaging and brief guide to the book overall. He does a masterful job situating key aspects of Hebrews in their ancient context, and his interpretation of the author's Christological ideas is sensitive to the needs and concerns of modern readers."--Eric F. Mason, PhD, author of 'You Are a Priest Forever': Second Temple Jewish Messianism and the Priestly Christology of the Epistle to the Hebrews"Kevin McCruden here offers a brief introduction to important interpretive questions in and surrounding the Epistle to the Hebrews. He particularly attends to the significance of Jesus's humanity and heavenly exaltation for Hebrews' high-priestly Christology. This clearly written and approachable book will prove useful for anyone interested in exploring the distinctive Christological claims of Hebrews."--David M. Moffitt, PhD, University of St Andrews"This book provides an introduction to the Christology of Hebrews that distills recent decades of scholarship on Hebrews that is accessible and engaging. McCruden's path through theological issues is attentive to the complexities of the biblical text yet simple in its explanations. I highly recommend it for those who need an introduction to or an update on the Epistle to the Hebrews."--Madison N. Pierce, PhD, Western Theological SeminaryKevin B. McCruden is professor of religious studies and Flannery Chair in Catholic Theology at Gonzaga University. His research interests span multiple areas of New Testament criticism, especially the epistolary literature of the New Testament, including the Letter to the Hebrews and the Letters of Paul. He is the author and/or coeditor of five books.+
Hat Tip
Hat Tip: 7 Powerful Habits for Building a Fulfilling, Interconnected, Resilient Life is an inspiring exploration of gratitude's transformative power. Through heartfelt storytelling and timeless wisdom, the author reveals how gratitude can reshape your perspective, enhance self-esteem, enrich your relationships, help you foster a sense of abundance even in the most trying times, and guide you toward a life of resilience, fulfillment, and faith.Drawing from decades of personal experience and spiritual reflection, Badger delves into seven life-changing habits that cultivate gratitude as a guiding force. From keeping a gratitude journal to fostering realistic expectations and practicing joyful generosity, each habit is designed to help readers navigate life's challenges with optimism and grace. This book isn't just about saying "thank you"-it's about living a life of gratitude that turns struggles into stepping-stones and setbacks into opportunities.Rooted in biblical teachings, psychology, and the author's faith journey, Hat Tip explores how gratitude strengthens mental, emotional, and physical well-being while sharing practical tools and insights crafted to empower readers to embrace gratitude not just as a fleeting emotion but as a mindset that leads to lasting transformation.Discover the secrets of: Building Resilience: Learn how gratitude can help you overcome adversity and find strength in faith.Fostering Deeper Connections: Transform relationships with loved ones and your community through authentic appreciation.Enhancing Leadership and Creativity: Explore how gratitude fuels innovative thinking and compassionate leadership.Balancing Ambition and Contentment: Align your goals with gratitude to create a life of purpose and joy.Perfect for readers seeking spiritual growth, personal development, or a renewed sense of purpose. Are you ready to embrace the power of gratitude and tip your hat to a brighter, more fulfilling future?
The Posture
It is true that we can and should desire spiritual gifts, as the Scriptures declare; even the prophetic. However, before we pursue the gifts of the Spirit, we must understand the laws that govern the realm of gifts. Spiritual gifts do not operate by emotion, ambition, or entitlement; they are governed by spiritual principles, divine order, and eternal purpose.Understanding what God has made available, while equally comprehending what is not meant for us, is essential. This wisdom protects us from deception and positions us to receive what the Lord has truly offered us through His Son, Jesus Christ.We do not chase gifts blindly. We pursue with revelation, with humility, and with alignment. For only then can we truly receive, carry, and manifest the prophetic with purity, integrity, and supernatural power. Learn the posture God requires of you, so that you will be rightly positioned for the prophetic.
I Am Messiah
Divine principles, personal accountability, and the correction of the misrepresentation and weaponization of Rev. Sun Myung Moon reflect his beliefs and his commitment to serving others, even in the face of persecution and derogatory name-calling.
The Exile
As a college professor, Dr. Arik Greenberg had studied religion all his life, earning advanced academic degrees in his field. But none of this would sufficiently prepare him for his true spiritual journey. In The Exile, the first book of a trilogy, his challenge would be to rescue the family home from his mother's deadly compulsive hoarding, and to protect his parents from their mental illnesses, borne out of a family legacy of abuse. His journey would lead him from a simple, trusting, ingenuous faith-through stages of doubt, anger, and Job-like questioning-and ultimately to a more complex and nuanced relationship with the Divine.[Disclaimer: Contains graphic testimony of abuse, as well as some depictions of hoarding. Not for the faint of heart.]
A Daily Gift of Kindness
Kindness is the focus of the stories in this, the third book of the Daily Gift Book Series. The first focused on gratitude, and the second was hope.In a world filled with trials, confusion, instability, and divisiveness, we all need all three, especially a little kindness, to calm the storms of life.Many voices have come together to address the need for kindness. Some will define it, and some will provide it. We hope you will relate to these stories and share a little kindness with others in your life.Kindness is Free Sprinkle it Everywhere!
Living in the Presence of God
In a world of hardship, cruelty, crime, injustice, poverty, suffering, hopelessness, despair, death, and grief, people of faith who cultivate a lively relationship with God can enjoy empowerment toward true success. Cultivating a strong relationship with God is possible because God Himself makes such a life freely available. Anyone who trusts God's beautiful gift of Jesus can receive all that He wants for us, including love, joy, peace, strength, hope, and the gracious realization of all of God's eternal blessings. Roger H. Grummer, a pastor emeritus who has served congregations in North Carolina, Louisiana, and Texas, provides a scriptural foundation to walk closer with the Lord in this book. He answers questions such as: - How can you bolster your faith and better serve God? - How can you become more aware of the Bible's lessons? - What does it mean to live in the presence of God? - How do you make a prayer of supplication? Steeped with wisdom from the Bible, this book reveals examples and principles that will help you improve your relationship with God, maintain earthly relationships, and share His word with others.
Train Ride Through Heaven
A Train Ride Through Heaven implores its readers to visualize experiencing a train ride with a destination of "Heaven". There they will get the opportunity to speak with their loved ones who have crossed over and journeyed home to their final resting place. A place that author Davida Coleman believes peaks all of our curiosity, as the unknown awaits us all. So, do the questions we have about Heaven, God and our Ancestors final resting place.
Echoes Of Devotion
This book is inspired by the devotional legacy of the Mahārāshtrian saints and their timeless compositions. It seeks to offer readers a window into the lives of these revered spiritual figures, sharing the wisdom and guidance that have profoundly influenced the author's own journey. Through these pages, the author hopes to deepen readers' understanding of Maharashtra's saintly tradition and inspire them to embrace its enduring lessons of devotion, humility, and inner fulfillment.
105 Esoteric Traditions of the World Book IV
Esoteric Traditions of the World - Volume IV: Future Seeds of Sealed WisdomThe sacred is not dying. It is mutating.For centuries, the world's esoteric traditions have survived exile, suppression, and obscurity. From the temples of Egypt to the mountain hermitages of Tibet, from the vine medicine songs of the Amazon to the internal alchemy of China, these living currents have persisted-guarded by small circles of initiates, passed in whispers, kept alive through disciplined practice.In the first three volumes of Esoteric Traditions of the World, Laing Z. Matthews charted 105 sacred paths-mapping their origins, tracing their survival, and revealing the symbolic architectures that hold their power.Now, in Volume IV, we arrive at a new threshold.The 21st century's acceleration-technological, cultural, ecological-presses these traditions as never before. Some shatter into performance and marketing. Others adapt with startling resilience, forming unexpected hybrids that merge root and ray, serpent and dove: Amazonian ayahuasca interfacing with artificial intelligence.Sacred geometry animating living code.Taoist microcosmic orbit meeting Tibetan rainbow body logic.Dreaming networks cohering fields of awareness without physical presence.This book serves both as a witness-documenting endangered forms before they vanish-and as a manual for those called to carry the seed forward. It offers three survival criteria-Rootedness, Resonance, and Ritual Integrity-as a lens for discerning which new forms hold the fire and which are empty shells.You will also meet the modern warriors of awareness: practitioners training quietly in energy passes, recapitulation, and stalking; dreamers who gather for coherence rather than ego; hybrids who navigate ancient maps with contemporary tools. These are the perceptual renegades who move between worlds without leaving footprints.Inside you'll find: Profiles of living hybrid traditions that adapt without betrayal.Warnings against commodification, mimicry, and shallow repackaging.Criteria for recognizing what will survive the century's trials.Visionary reflections and practical rituals for shifting your own assemblage point.A closing invocation for those who will guard and plant the future's sacred seeds.Neither utopia nor apocalypse, this is initiation-a purifying passage where only what has passed through fire, body, and silence will enter the next world intact.For the scholar, this is a field record of rare and endangered lineages. For the practitioner, it is a set of keys for meeting the sacred where it now lives. For the carrier of the seed, it is a reminder: You are not here to worship the ashes. You are here to light the next fire.
