Inclusion or Exclusion in the Sacred Texts and Human Contexts
This work delves into the fundamental issue of Otherness, from both sacred texts and communal experiences. While the title adopts the dyad of "inclusion" or "exclusion", these analyses broadly reflect nuanced critical considerations. Filled with profound psychological, theological, sociological, anthropological, and ethical dimensions, experiencing the Other is richly expressed within religious traditions. This book is a must for scholars interested in a multi-disciplinary approach to inclusivity and religion.
Spiritual Contamination, Have You Been Exposed?
Volume I of the series Spiritual Contamination - Have You Been Exposed? dives deep into the unseen forces that shape our spiritual lives and explores how we, often unknowingly, become vulnerable to spiritual attacks. This book offers an insightful examination of the nature of spiritual contamination-when demonic influences, whether through witchcraft, false teachings, or rebellion, latch onto our lives, leading us away from YAH's truth and protection. Through biblical references, real-life scenarios, and a powerful prayer of deliverance, readers are equipped with the tools to recognize, confront, and break free from spiritual strongholds.The closing chapter features a profound "Decontamination - Closing Prayer of Deliverance" that not only serves as a guide for personal prayer but also empowers readers to sever ties with spiritual deception, manipulation, and immorality. Citing key scriptures such as 2 Samuel 22, Revelation 19, and John 10, the prayer emphasizes breaking the power of Jezebel spirits and other wicked spirits that hinder spiritual growth. With a focus on repentance, spiritual warfare, and the authority of the name of Jesus Christ, this volume serves as both an educational resource and a spiritual weapon in the hands of believers seeking deliverance from spiritual contamination.This first volume is the beginning of a powerful series that encourages believers to maintain spiritual purity by recognizing and confronting the subtle yet wicked spirits at play in their lives.
Religion Is Not Done with You
A smart, irreverent, and accessible guide to thinking more deeply about how religion permeates and shapes the world around us -and why you need to understand the work it's doing Religion lurks in the floorboards of our daily lives, whether we want it to or not. A departure from more traditional approaches to "Religion 101," Religion Is Not Done with You gives thought-provoking context to the basics of religious studies by challenging readers to consider the origins of their assumptions about religion and broaden their perspectives on what religion is and does. Religion scholars and Keeping It 101 podcast duo Ilyse Morgenstein Fuerst and Megan Goodwin offer their straightforward, plainspoken overviews of religious studies theory: that religion is what people do (not just beliefs or individual practices); that people are complicated and messy and constantly changing, which means religion is also complicated and messy and constantly changing; that religion shapes what choices you get to make. Choices like what you can learn in school; how your government works; what kind of options you have (or increasingly don't have) in caring for your own body. Sure, you have the choice to participate in religion or not. But how you make that choice builds on your entire personal history, your connection to communities and regions, and the systems that surround you. All of which have been shaped by religion. Religion is systems and structures and assumptions we didn't create or choose - and, to be honest, we might not even like or agree with. You can feel however you want to feel about religion, but religion is shaping your world whether you like it or not. And if you don't like how religion is shaping our world? This book might just be your first step in diagnosing the problems and agitating for positive change. Even if you are done with religion, religion is not done with you.
So You Want To Lead
True leadership is more than authority and strength; it's about inspiring. uplifting, and guiding others through life's challenges.In So You Want to Lead, author and leadership expert Christopher E Omoijiade invites you to explore leadership in its most authentic form-beyond the typical traits of control and dominance-as you discover the rare qualities that make leaders truly remarkable, drawing from the lives of history's greatest figures.Leadership is not a position but a way of thinking and living. With insights forged through real-world experience, Chris provides a practical framework for balancing strategy with empathy, turning failure into growth, and mastering the art of resilience. As you will discover, impactful leaders are those who empower others, leading with both heart and mind.Whether you're a new leader or seasoned executive, So You Want to Lead equips you to lead with vision, purpose, and strength-transforming challenges into opportunities for growth.The greatness within you is ready to be awakened!
The Qur'an: Text and Commentary, Volume 2.1
The second volume of a world-renowned scholar's long-awaited Qur'an commentary, now available in English Angelika Neuwirth's six-volume commentary, published originally in Germany, offers a historical and philological analysis of the form, structure, and semantic message of each of the 114 Qur'anic suras. It brings together the fruits of the past hundred years of scholarship and provides access to the aesthetic, theological, linguistic, and semantic background required to appreciate the novelty, force, and historical position of the Qur'an. Contextualizing the Qur'anic message in the broader world of late antiquity, it bridges the gap between the inner-Islamic scholarly world and the academy. Skillfully translated by Samuel Wilder, this volume focuses on the early middle Meccan suras.
The Studia Philonica Annual XXXVI, 2024
The Studia Philonica Annual is a scholarly journal devoted to the study of Hellenistic Judaism, particularly the writings and thought of the Hellenistic-Jewish writer Philo of Alexandria (circa 15 BCE to circa 50 CE).
Mystic Martyr
This book is a poignant compilation of reflections and narratives from the life of Ahmad Ali Nayri, a humble yet impactful figure who dedicated his life to the service of God and his community. This biography chronicles the extraordinary journey of a young man who navigated the complexities of contemporary life while embodying the virtues of faith, sincerity, and sacrifice. Through the voices of his family and friends, readers are invited to witness Ahmad's spiritual evolution and his ultimate sacrifice as he answered the call of martyrdom, leaving a lasting legacy of devotion and moral integrity.
The Rest of the Story
This book presents the story of medical missionaries Dr. Stanley Quanbeck and his wife Katharine Quanbeck, RN and how the Holy Spirit has been working through the years to bring the message of hope and eternal truth to the people of Madagascar. From the arrival of the first Protestant missionaries in 1818, to the present time, when there are now more that 8,000 Lutheran congregations scattered throughout the 1,000-mile-long island, the story of bringing the gospel to Madagascar is a powerful story. It is the tale of how the Spirit imbued God's messengers with courage, love, patience and an enduring faith in Jesus Christ.
Legends of Ancient Egypt - Stories of Egyptian Gods and Heroes
Unravel the myths and legends of Ancient Egypt with this captivating exploration of its gods, heroes, and beliefs. Legends of Ancient Egypt is a comprehensive and engaging treatise on Egyptian mythology, delving into the legendary stories that shaped the spiritual and cultural identity of one of history's most extraordinary civilisations. This timeless work examines the pantheon of Egyptian gods and heroes, exploring the myths and beliefs that governed life, death, and the cosmos for the people of Ancient Egypt. This study offers a compelling journey into the myths of creation, tales of divine conflict, and the quests of gods and mortals that have inspired readers for generations. It is an essential read for anyone fascinated by the mythology and history of Ancient Egypt.
Islamic Leadership and the State in Eurasia
The book presents the first integrated study of the relationship between official Islamic leadership (muftiship), non-official Islamic authorities, grassroots Muslim communities and the state in post-Communist Eurasia. It employs a history-based perspective and compares this relationship to that in both the Middle East and Western Europe.
The Dybbuk
The Dybbuk is the first comprehensive study of the historical and kabbalistic sources of the dybbuk phenomenon, from the first recorded case of dybbuk possession in Safed in 1571 onward. Dybbuk possession differs from possession by demons or Satan. Its origin is in the Kabbalistic concept of gilgul (transmigration) for sins that are so grievous that Gehenna is not sufficient punishment, and the soul must therefore wander until expiation is found. The dybbuk can temporarily find refuge in animals or people and can only be exorcised by a Baal Shem, a great kabbalist or expert in Jewish magic. In addition to describing the history and evolution of this concept, The Dybbuk includes English translations of all dybbuk stories discussed in the book, many translated for the first time.
From the Diaspora to the Homeland
Historically, Hazaras were a marginalised ethnic and religious community in Afghanistan. They were perceived as the 'labourer class' in the country for many decades. In turn they were at the bottom of the country's social hierarchy. However, since the 1990s and early 2000s, Hazaras have made great strides in various fields. After the fall of the first Taliban regime in 2001, Hazaras gained greater visibility in Afghanistan. This shift in the community's circumstances, predicated on educational success and an active civil society significantly impacted self-perceptions within the community, moving away from marginality and towards continued success. Thus shifting internal perceptions of Hazara identity and what it means to be Hazara in the present. The internalised negativity associated with being Hazara in the past has diminished, and there is now growing community confidence, political mobilisation and ethnic consciousness among transnational Hazaras. As a result, Hazara identity has shifted from being perceived as a marginalised identity to an identity which is now positively affirmed and proclaimed within the community, globally. This shift within the community, which has tremendously impacted Hazara ethnic consciousness, is the focus of this book.
Enuma Elish
This open access book is the first in a groundbreaking series making Babylonian literature accessible. It presents Enuma Elish in transcription and translation, with an introduction for non-specialist readers and essays from leading scholars in the field. Acting as a companion to the poem, the book provides readers with the tools they need to explore Enuma Elish in greater depth. Essays cover important historical and contextual information, offer discussions of key topics and explanations of technical terms, as well as suggestions of relevant further reading. The book's interpretive and reflective approach, which pays special attention to questions of poetic style, intertextual resonance, and literary and cultural significance, encourages a greater understanding of the poem as a work of literature while remaining grounded in philology. The critical essays examine Enuma Elish and the following themes: the poem's rhythm and style; its modern receptions, issues of gender, motherhood and masculinity; Marduk's rise to power; Babylonian astronomy; intertextuality and the poem as counter myth. Enuma Elish and the Library of Babylonian Literature series will be an indispensable companion for anyone interested in the literature, culture and religion of ancient Assyria. The ebook editions of this book are available open access under a CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 licence on bloomsburycollections.com. Open access was funded by LMU Munich and Princeton University.
Forty Days Of Sanctuary Prayer
This book will help you to enter into the presence of God using the Sanctuary Prayer model.
Walk with God and Win Spiritual Warfare
A Personal Encounter With God That Transforms Your LifeThe enemy is actively waging war to thwart and hinder believers from receiving their blessings by preventing the Word of God from bearing fruit in their lives. He aims to instill hopelessness in believers and distract them from understanding and fulfilling God's Word. God has destined every Christian for a personal encounter and a life-transforming "Word in season." Such encounters with God will never leave a person unchanged.Discover prayer tools and tips to combat the enemy's schemes and unveil your faith and blessings. This book invites you on a transformative journey to deepen your connection with the Holy Spirit. It will empower you to use prayer as a weapon for spiritual warfare, enhance your ability to discern the traps set by the enemy, and help you experience God in overcoming spiritual challenges.
Climb the Highest Mountain
The standard of Christian conduct in times of crises.Few pieces of Christian literature ever address the subject if division in the body of Christ. Fewer still address the problem of how a Christian should conduct himself in such times and how to survive the aftermath.Every Christian will face division at some time in his life. Many will be caught up in the vortex of a conflagration so great that they very well may be destroyed. Few believers - if any at all - are spiritually prepared for such a devastating ordeal. Gene Edwards raises a new standard of conduct for Christians who find themselves in such a crisis, and points them to a way out...unscarred.If you are one of those many Christians who have been profoundly affected by the beautiful story in the widely received A Tale of Three Kings, then you will wish to explore the message found in Climb the Highest Mountain.
Awakened
Everything happening around us-in the past, present, or future-is directly influenced by the spiritual battle between the light and darkness. Satan's hopeless effort to thwart God's creation, will, and purpose takes place both in the heavenly realm, but also for us who live within the confines of time and our mortal bodies.In Awakened, Ralph Plumb delivers a prophetic call to prayer and action for followers of Jesus in America and all freedom committed countries. We live in perilous times, where evil infiltrates every mountain of influence - religion, family, business, government and beyond. Yet, hope remains.Understand the critical issues threatening your faith and country.Learn how to discern truth amid deception and spiritual warfare.Discover God's plan for living in spiritual freedom.In this kairos moment, God is calling His people to stand firm. Will you respond?
For a Time Like This
The true story of one man's journey in missionary service and some of the challenges he faced managing a mission aviation program in Papua New Guinea for three years during 2005 - 2007. With many photographs included, it provides an historical account of that period.Already an experienced pilot and missionary pastor, he nevertheless found himself feeling out of his depth leading an organisation thrown into turmoil by two accidents which claimed the lives of three pilot colleagues. Aware of evil intentions to undermine and destroy the ministry, he is constantly reminded of God's gracious hand at work in the midst of tragedy, even when he finds his own resources stretched to the limit. The author explores in some detail some of the management and operational challenges faced, and provides good insights into the practical aspects of an aviation operation serving the remote communities of PNG, while not camoflaging the mental health and burnout dangers faced.An honest and personal account of what it means to be a leader in a demanding cross-cultural Christian ministry. This story will be of real interest to people with an interest in aviation in remote areas, and Christians considering missions. The backdrop to the story is the battle against being overcome by the stresses involved.
Mafatih al-Jinan
The is a book of prayers and devotional observances. Among the religious traditions of humanity the Imami Shi'ah tradition within Islam is unmatched in its rich corpus of devotional texts (du'a and ziyarah literature) handed down from the original leaders of the faith, the Prophet Muhammad and the Imams of his family, the Ahl al-Bayt .The Mafatih al-Jinan is the most popular manual of Islamic devotional observances and prayer-texts by Shaykh Abbas Qummi, which draws its contents from well-known, reliable sources. As a manual of devotional literature, the Mafatih al-Jinan follows a long tradition established by the Misbah al-Mutahajjid of Shaykh Tusi (d. 460/1067) and followed up in the works of Sayyid Ibn Tawus (d. 664/1265), Kaf'ami (d. 905/1499) and others. Most of the contents of the Mafatih are drawn from these earlier works. Since its publication, the Mafatih has enjoyed an uncontested popularity among Farsi-speaking Muslims, and its Arabic and Urdu versions are widely used by the devout in the Arab world and the Indian subcontinent.The Book consists of two parts. The first part consists of supplications and devotional observances which are performed daily, weekly and on special occasions pertaining to the different months of the Islamic calendar.The second part pertains to the ziyarahs, or observances performed by pilgrims and visitors to the holy shrines at Medina, Najaf, Karbala, Kazimayn, Mashhad and other places.
On Being a Missionary (Abridged)
Adjusting to a New World Missionaries must adjust to new cultures, learn languages, work as a team, maintain healthy relationships, and discern best ministry practices. Nothing can fully prepare a person for life as a missionary. However, for almost thirty years, Thomas Hale's On Being a Missionary has helped to equip cross-cultural workers to not only survive but thrive in their calling. This abridged version of On Being a Missionary remains practical and accessible. It addresses the new realities of the changing missionary force. It also looks at the challenges of bonding with a new culture in an increasingly globalized and technologically connected world. The book is written for everyone with an interest in missions, whether the missionary on the field or the supporter at home. It is written by learners for learners. Drawing from years of experience, the authors provide down-to-earth advice and perspective concerning the problems, struggles, and failures that missionaries often face. At the same time, this book exposes various myths related to missionary life. Find out why a generation of mission workers has benefited from On Being a Missionary.
Hajj Book
Overview of the BookDeparture From Madeenah Munawwarah-Number of Sahaabah (radhiyallahu 'anhum), Wives and Niqaab, Date of Departure, KhutbahZul Hulaifah-First StopRowhaa - Second StopIthaabah - Third Stop'Arj - Fourth StopAbwaa' - Fifth Stop'Usfaan - Sixth StopSarif - Seventh StopZu Tuwaa - Eight StopIncidents Enroute - Anjashah (radhiyallahu 'anhu)- Camel of Safiyyah (radhiyallahu 'anha), Makkah Mukarramah - Ghusl, Moosa ('alaihis salaam), Entering, Tawaaf, Two Rakaats and Zamzam, Sa'ee, Love and ObedienceAbtah - Arrival of 'Ali (radhiyallahu 'anhu), Visiting Sa'd (radhiyallahu 'anhu)Mina - Proceeding to Mina, Tying Ihraam, Five Salaahs'Arafaat - Leaving Mina, Breaking the Custom of the Quraish, Historic Khutbah, Sanctity of a Muslim, Aspects of Ignorance, Treatment of Wives, Right of Husbands, Rights of Wives, Book of Allah, Conveyed the Message, Not Fasting, Joining Zuhr and 'Asr, Wuqoof and Du'aa, Perfection of Deen, Boasting about the Sahaabah (radhiyallahu 'anhum)Muzdalifah- Departure from 'Arafaat, Traveling with Calmness, Dismounting, Joining Salaahs and Sleeping, Women and Children, Pebbles and Wuqoof, Acceptance of Du'aa10th Zul Hijjah-Departure from Muzdalifah, Batnu Muhassir, Pelting, Farewell Hajj, Farewell Khutbah, Time has Rotated, Sanctity of a Muslim, Meeting Allah Ta'ala, Internal Fighting, Passing the Message, Importance of Segregation, Allocating Places, Slaughtering the Camels, Partaking of the Meat, Blessed Hair, Going to Makkah MukarramahRemaining Days-Pelting, Surah Nasr, Khutbah, Oppression and Extortion, Internal Fighting, Racism, Fulfilling the Trust, Insignificant Sins, True Muslim, Mu-min, Muhaajir and Mujaahid, Departure from Mina, Muhassab, Final Tawaaf and Fajr, 'Umrah of Aaishah (radhiyallahu 'anha)Return- Departure, Ghadeeru Khum, Night in Zul Hulaifah, Uhud, Du'aa, Like Hajj with Me
The Way to Human Perfection
The path to enlightenment starts from understanding 'the eternal viewpoint of life.' Through each chapter, author Ryuho Okawa navigates us to shift the perspective of ourselves from a 'finite self' living a limited life to an 'eternal self' living an eternal life. If we can recognize that our soul is eternal and every thought and action has consequences, then we can realize that caring and bringing joy to others are the keys to true happiness and success instead of being self-centered. Walking the path towards higher enlightenment is the source of improving character so we can build better relationships with others. It is the new value to unlock a bright future. 1. New Developments in Success Theory 2. The Way to Human Perfection 3. Love, Nurture, and Forgive 4. Rediscovering the Eightfold Path 5. What is Unlimited Love?
Religious Life in Late Classical and Hellenistic Rhodes
The ancient state of Rhodes was famous for many things in the Hellenistic period; it emerged as an economic powerhouse thanks to its strategic position on maritime trade routes, its status further bolstered by its proud independence in an era of great kings, and its cultural successes and heritage celebrated by contemporaries as well as later writers. But what did this state look like on the inside, and what social and religious forces contributed to its success? This book explores the origins of the Rhodian state in the late fifth century BC, a union born out of three separate city-states, Lindos, Cameiros, and Ialysos. By digging deep into the abundant epigraphic culture that survives, narratives emerge that tell the stories of these Rhodians and their communities. Despite the political unification and the foundation of a famed and successful capital city, Rhodes-town, the three old centres continued to exhibit distinctive and seemingly lively local religious cultures. What these looked like, and the question of whether they indicate cultic vitality rather than ossification, is considered in detail by examining the local pantheons and the religious dynamics and interactions that characterised and shaped them. Pulling together the diverse threads and local customs, a diachronic religious history of Rhodes is sketched. The role religion played in the social landscape of Hellenistic Rhodes is addressed through a thorough examination of priesthoods. Finally, providing a counterbalance to the institutional side of religion, the lived experience of Rhodian religious associations is depicted. The resulting picture offers a nuanced insight into the religious life and history of a Hellenistic city-state.
The People of the Song
When, in 1783, Moses Mendelssohn's German Psalms translation was published in Berlin, forward-thinking ideologues of Jewish cultural revival rendered its translator a redeemer of the songs of King David from exilic desolation. The People of the Song is the first study to examine Mendelssohn's conception of biblical Hebrew poetry as a particular manifestation of Judaism's universalism. The author traces how it helped forge a new foundational narrative that imagined Israel's covenant with God in sacred song, not in revealed law, portrayed King David as a bard, not a military leader, and envisioned national redemption of modern Jews as an aesthetic, not a political, revival.
The Lights of Guidance from the Knowledge Oceans of the Divine Side, Volume 2
"The Mahdi is the caliph appointed by Allah. May Allah hasten his emergence! May Allah answer us! You shall see the reality of khilāfa (successor-ship) with him. When Allah has dressed him and given him permission to man-ifest his khilāfa truly, you shall see what happens. He is the manifestation of the verse and He has subjected to you what is in the skies and what is on earth entirely from Him (Jāthiya 45:13). That is Ṣāḥib al-zamān (the spiritual leader of end times). He makes himself and the common people equal. It is not mere elevation and making the lowest higher. Rather with a single look he will make the servant reach his level. The common public will have wilāya ṣughrā (minor sainthood) and the elite will have wilāya kubrā (major sainthood). To all of them, what is on the Preserved Tablet will be unveiled and visible. They will have a folding of distance from east to west and they will have the power to appear in many places. They will have with them 'Be!-and it is.'"Mawlana Shaykh Nazim al-Haqqani (Suhba II.31)ABOUT THE AUTHORAlthough there are no longer prophets upon the earth, the Most Merciful Lord did not leave His servants without inspired teachers and guides. One such teacher is the late Shaykh Nazim al-Haqqani. A descendant not only of the holy Prophet Muhammad ÿ but also of the great Sufi masters, Abdul Qadir al-Gilani and Jalaluddin Rumi, Shaykh Nazim was gifted from earliest childhood with an extraordinarily spiritual personality. For more than seventy years Shaykh Nazim traveled the world in God's Way, spreading love, light and peace to the powerful and the meek, to celebrities and common folk alike. His teachings provide seekers a path through the spiritual secrets that give profound meaning to our existence and a holy connection to the Divine.
Jewish Ethics
Jewish Ethics: The Basics demonstrates how ancient and contemporary ideas have shaped and reshaped Jewish traditions about how to act toward others. Readers are introduced to foundational questions, controversies, and diverse ethical conclusions developed by Jewish thinkers throughout the ages. Topics addressed include: - Assumptions about Authority- Love, Compassion, Justice and Humility- Human Rights, War, Land and Power - Gender and Sexuality- Personal and Social Ethics- Environmental and Animal Ethics- Bioethical Issues Concise, readable and engaging, this is the ideal introduction for anyone interested in religious ethics, secular traditions, Judaism, and the field of Jewish ethics.
Mafatih al-Jinan
The is a book of prayers and devotional observances.Among the religious traditions of humanity the Imami Shi'ah tradition within Islam is unmatched in its rich corpus of devotional texts (du'a and ziyarah literature) handed down from the original leaders of the faith, the Prophet Muhammad and the Imams of his family, the Ahl al-Bayt.The Mafatih al-Jinan is the most popular manual of Islamic devotional observances and prayer-texts by Shaykh Abbas Qummi, which draws its contents from well-known, reliable sources. As a manual of devotional literature, the Mafatih al-Jinan follows a long tradition established by the Misbah al-Mutahajjid of Shaykh Tusi (d. 460/1067) and followed up in the works of Sayyid Ibn Tawus (d. 664/1265), Kaf'ami (d. 905/1499) and others.Most of the contents of the Mafatih are drawn from these earlier works. Since its publication, the Mafatih has enjoyed an uncontested popularity among Farsi-speaking Muslims, and its Arabic and Urdu versions are widely used by the devout in the Arab world and the Indian subcontinent.
Spurgeon
The priority a pastor places on preaching is best measured by his investment of prayer. Wholehearted prayer reflects high priority and limited prayer means low priority. It is tragic when sermons are mechanically written as an academic exercise with a brief invocation and benediction! This book contains the tools needed to develop a pulpit ministry that is prioritized in prayer. Charles Spurgeon is a worthy example of balancing theological acuity and pastoral spirituality. His example as illustrated in this book will point the pastor to Christ and call him to give himself "continually to prayer and the ministry of the word."
Traditiion
This book looks at the concept of tradition in the study of religion. It examines the history of the concept, uses in the discipline, theoretical perspectives (including Indigenous and post/decolonial studies, cognitive science and hermeneutics), and critical perspectives on key thinkers (Halbwachs, Gadamer, Ricoeur, J & A Assmann, Boyer, Morin) and recommendations for clearing the air of a key theoretical tension surrounding the concept of the invention of tradition. Questioning the use of 'tradition' as a synonym for 'religion, ' the book models a relational and ideology-critical approach to complex concepts. It engages with important theoretical issues, including opposition to 'modernity, ' Indigenous 'self-conscious traditionalism.' colonial discourses, intersections with ritual, agency and reason and 'the invention of tradition.' Discussions - with examples from a variety of religions and cultures - including African, Indigenous North American, south Pacific, Afro Brazilian, Japanese, Jewish, Christian, Muslim, Buddhist, Hindu and esoteric. Four case studies - on esoteric Traditionalism, Candomble, great/little traditions and Indigenous traditions in Canadian law - engage central ideas in greater detail.
Arabian Sinai
The last King of Babylon, Nabonidus (556-539 BCE), did not fade into obscurity after the Persian conquest in 539 BCE. He led a small contingent of exiles, along with his own family and supporters, to Jerusalem. He did not remain there but continued on "home" to Tayma, in Northwestern Arabia. His journey into Egypt was to secure a relic that would eventually 'change the world'. Nabonidus' presence in the Hebrew Bible is intentionally hidden beneath layers of etymology, allusion, and puns because his true name was considered anathema by the early Jews. His tale begins in the Song of Solomon, which predates both Genesis and Exodus; there he is given the pseudonym "Solomon." In Genesis, written after the exiles' migration, he is called "Abraham," and in Exodus he is "Moses." This detailed analysis presents an alternative paradigm for the exodus, placing it, undeniably, in the 6th Century BCE, and locating its route from Babylon to Canaan, to Tayma, Arabia, and finally, to Sela on the ridge of the Jordan Valley. The overwhelming evidence, predominantly etymological, within the Pentateuch, the Song of Solomon, parts of Daniel, and the book of Joshua, bears witness to an extraordinary man who had visions of a unified theory of divinity but fell foul of his own hubris. His tyrannous rule over the postexilic Jews in Arabia ended, but he carried on, building a trading dynasty on the shores of the Red Sea.
Pagan Religions in Five Minutes
Pagan Religions in Five Minutes provides an accessible set of essays on questions relating to Pagan identities and practices, both historically and in contemporary societies as well as informative essays on different Pagan groups, such as Druidry, Wicca, Heathenry and others. The book includes answers to a range of questions such as: How many Pagans are there? What do Pagans believe? Is Paganism a real religion or is it just made-up? Is Satanism a type of Paganism? Do all Pagans celebrate the solstices? Why is it written "Pagan" and other times "pagan"? Do they have sacred texts? Is Druidry the indigenous religion of Europe? What does the pentagram symbol mean? Can anyone be a witch? Are Pagans anti-Christian? The book also covers issues with terminology, including the labelling of ancient, non-Western and indigenous groups as 'pagan', common assumptions and misconceptions about Pagans, and more. Each essay is by a leading scholar in the field, offering clear and concise answers along with suggestions for further reading. The book is ideal for both the curious and as an entry book for classroom use and studying Paganism. Because each chapter can be read in about five minutes, the books offer ideal supplementary resources in classrooms or an engaging read for those curious about the world around them.
Reading Ruse
Philosopher of science Michael Ruse is an influential and provocative voice in current debates on biology, religion, and ethics. This collection brings into one volume representative samples of the broad range of Ruse's oeuvre, as represented in his academic books, mainly from post-2000. Ruse's writings in this period are gathered under seven headings, each with five readings: -Atheism, Belief, and Faith -Darwinism, Belief, and Religion -Darwin, Darwinism, and Darwinian Thought -Progress and Directionality in Evolution -Design, Telos, and Purpose in the Natural World -Naturalism, Sociobiology, and Their Entailments -Darwinian Ethics and Morality.
The Supreme Wisdom Lessons
From its beginnings in 1930s Detroit, the Nation of Islam has relied on a guarded series of texts, known as the Supreme Wisdom Lessons, to initiate and educate members. These texts appear primarily as exchanges between Nation founder Fard Muhammad and his student, Elijah Muhammad. Memorization, recitation, and interpretation of the Lessons have been of central importance to the Nation throughout its history. Even after Elijah Muhammad's passing in 1975, the "orthodox" reforms of Elijah's son Wallace Muhammad (later Warith Deen Mohammed) were grounded in part on Wallace's authority to derive new meanings from the Lessons. The Lessons are also foundational for the Five Percenters, a community that emerged in 1960s Harlem through former Nation members' reinterpretation of the Lessons. This monograph, the first dedicated exclusively to the Lessons, places the Lessons in conversation with their historical milieu, exploring political and metaphysical discourses that informed Fard Muhammad's world. Attention is also given to the education programs offered to convicts at San Quentin, where Fard Muhammad was incarcerated in the 1920s, for insights into his pedagogy. This monograph additionally performs deep dives into the text of the Lessons, exploring the Lessons' process of codification, tracking differences between versions, and calling attention to points at which Elijah Muhammad appears to have performed edits within the text. Finally, The Supreme Wisdom Lessons looks at the diverse interpretive traditions surrounding the Lessons, and includes an annotated edition of the Lessons themselves.
Pagan Religions in Five Minutes
Pagan Religions in Five Minutes provides an accessible set of essays on questions relating to Pagan identities and practices, both historically and in contemporary societies as well as informative essays on different Pagan groups, such as Druidry, Wicca, Heathenry and others. The book includes answers to a range of questions such as: How many Pagans are there? What do Pagans believe? Is Paganism a real religion or is it just made-up? Is Satanism a type of Paganism? Do all Pagans celebrate the solstices? Why is it written "Pagan" and other times "pagan"? Do they have sacred texts? Is Druidry the indigenous religion of Europe? What does the pentagram symbol mean? Can anyone be a witch? Are Pagans anti-Christian? The book also covers issues with terminology, including the labelling of ancient, non-Western and indigenous groups as 'pagan', common assumptions and misconceptions about Pagans, and more. Each essay is by a leading scholar in the field, offering clear and concise answers along with suggestions for further reading. The book is ideal for both the curious and as an entry book for classroom use and studying Paganism. Because each chapter can be read in about five minutes, the books offer ideal supplementary resources in classrooms or an engaging read for those curious about the world around them.
Traditiion
This book looks at the concept of tradition in the study of religion. It examines the history of the concept, uses in the discipline, theoretical perspectives (including Indigenous and post/decolonial studies, cognitive science and hermeneutics), and critical perspectives on key thinkers (Halbwachs, Gadamer, Ricoeur, J & A Assmann, Boyer, Morin) and recommendations for clearing the air of a key theoretical tension surrounding the concept of the invention of tradition. Questioning the use of 'tradition' as a synonym for 'religion, ' the book models a relational and ideology-critical approach to complex concepts. It engages with important theoretical issues, including opposition to 'modernity, ' Indigenous 'self-conscious traditionalism.' colonial discourses, intersections with ritual, agency and reason and 'the invention of tradition.' Discussions - with examples from a variety of religions and cultures - including African, Indigenous North American, south Pacific, Afro Brazilian, Japanese, Jewish, Christian, Muslim, Buddhist, Hindu and esoteric. Four case studies - on esoteric Traditionalism, Candomble, great/little traditions and Indigenous traditions in Canadian law - engage central ideas in greater detail.
The Myth of Religious Neutrality, Revised Edition
Written for undergraduates, the educated layperson, and scholars in fields other than philosophy, The Myth of Religious Neutrality offers a radical reinterpretation of the general relations between religion, science, and philosophy. This new edition has been completely revised and updated by the author.
Let's Talk: Helping Saints Have Better Conversations about Sex
Are you struggling to find the right words when it comes to discussing sex and intimacy in your marriage? Let's Talk: Helping Saints Have Better Conversations About Sex opens the door to meaningful, honest dialogue within the framework of faith, guiding couples to build stronger, healthier relationships. This book challenges taboos and provides a fresh perspective on how open communication can transform intimacy into a source of joy and connection. In this book, you will learn how to: - Initiate open, respectful conversations about sex within a religious context - Use practical tools, like the "red, yellow, and green lists," to explore comfort zones and boundaries - Address common concerns and misunderstandings about intimacy with compassion and clarity - Foster an environment where both partners feel safe to express their desires, fears, and needs - Cultivate an ongoing dialogue about intimacy that grows with your marriage Let'?繫s Talk is a practical guide for couples in all phases of their married life. From dating and beyond, couples will learn how to have real and ongoing conversations about sex, intimacy, boundaries, and connection. Let'?繫s Talk will help you and your spouse to speak openly about your preferences, desires, and concerns for your sex life. You will be guided step by step to structure simple conversations that will continue throughout your married life.
My God
We are blessed to have an environment with blue skies, green trees, the earth beneath our feet, and air we can breathe. We live in an environment that was created to sustain life and we must acknowledge none of us were born with the knowledge to create the world we live in. God, the creator of heaven and earth, loves us immensely and stands afar to see if anyone will seek him, acknowledge him, or even try to understand who he truly is. He sent his son, Jesus Christ, to be God with us, and has left his Holy Spirit to be God within us. When I realized that we serve a living God, who hears us, listens, and loves each of us - uniquely and individually, it changed my life. God is knocking at the door of our hearts to see if we will let him in. He desires to be Your God, just as he is My God.
Discourses on Spirituality (Guftar-ha-ye Ma'navi)
Spiritual Discourses is a translation of the Persian book Guftār-h璽-ye Ma 'nawi by the great Muslim thinker and reformer Ayatullāh Murtadā Mutahhari. This book is a collection of thirteen lectures delivered by the Ayatullah on various topics, such as the criteria for humanity, the school of humanity, spiritual freedom, nobility and magnanimity of spirit, worship and prayer, repentance, migration and ijthād, and belief in the unseen. All these lectures are on spiritual issues, so they are gathered in one collection.
The Zohar
This is the fourth volume of the Zohar's, covering the books of Exodus and Leviticus, the second and third books of the Torah. It covers the following portions (parashiot): Terumah (continued), Tetzaveh, Ki Tisa, Vayakhel, Pekudei, Vayikra, Zav, and Shemini. The Zohar is a mystical text that explores the deeper meanings of the Torah, helping people on a spiritual journey connect with their soul's essence.For over 700 years, the Zohar has been a key text in Jewish mysticism, offering insights into the Bible's stories and commandments, and uncovering hidden spiritual truths.It was written by Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai (Rashbi), a Jewish sage from the 2nd and 3rd centuries CE.
The Books of Enoch
This translation contains all 3 Books of Enoch: 1) 1 Book of Enoch (Also called The Ethiopic Book of Enoch) 2) 2 Book of Enoch (Also called The Slavonic Book of Enoch, The Secrets of Enoch). Also contains the extended version of 2 The Book of Enoch, The Exaltation of Melchizedek. 3) 3 Book of Enoch (Also called The Hebrew Book of Enoch) Although this book is considered apocryphal for the Western canon, it is contained in the Ethiopic Bible. It was considered sacred by some but it was left out of the Bible and disappeared for centuries until it was rediscovered in Ethiopic. According to most scholars, part of it was written in third century BCE and part of it in the first century CE (the part related to the Son of Man). Although the oldest complete copies of 1 Enoch are K-9 or Kebran 9, dated late fourteenth early fifteenth century and Ethiopian Monastic Microfilm Library (EMML 2080) of the fifteenth or fourteenth century, fragments found in Qumramin the 1950s are more than 2000 years old. Other old important manuscripts are Abbadianus 55 (possibly fifteenth century) and British Museum Orient 485 (first half of the sixteenth century).The 2nd Book of Enoch, the Slavonic Enoch, is another apocryphal book, found complete only in Old Slavonic manuscripts, and it was once present in the Old Slavonic Bible. It's usually dated to the first century CE although Matthew Black in The Oxford Guide to People & Places of the Bible state that there is no manuscript earlier than the fourteenth century BCE.The 3rd Book of Enoch, the Hebrew Enoch, is a Rabbinic text originally written in Hebrew usually dated to the fifth century CE. Some experts believe it was written by Rabbi Ishmael (second century CE).
Religious Truth
Truth informs much of the self-understanding of religious believers. Accordingly, understanding what we mean by 'truth' is a key challenge to interreligious collaboration. The contributors to this volume, all leading scholars, consider what is meant by truth in classical and contemporary Jewish thought, and explore how making the notion of truth more nuanced can enable interfaith dialogue. Their essays take a range of approaches: some focus on philosophy proper, others on the intersection with the history of ideas, while others engage with the history of Jewish mysticism and thought. Together they open up the notion of truth in Jewish religious discourse and suggest ways in which upholding a notion of one's religion as true may be reconciled with an appreciation of other faiths. By combining philosophical and theological thinking with concrete case studies, and discussion of precedents and textual resources within Judaism, the volume proposes new interpretations of the concept of truth, going beyond traditional exclusivist uses of the term. A key aim is to help Jews seeking dialogue with other religions to do so while remaining true to their own faith tradition: in pursuit of this, the volume concludes with suggestions of how the ideas presented can be applied in practice. CONTRIBUTORS: Cass Fisher, Jerome Yehuda Gellman, Alon Goshen-Gottstein, Avraham Yizhak (Arthur) Green, Stanislaw Krajewski, Tamar Ross
Cave of My Ancestors
Exploring family stories reveals the rich history of a seventh-century Buddhist shrine. As a young girl in Bombay, Kirin Narayan was enthralled by her father's stories about how their ancestors had made the ancient rock-cut cave temples at Ellora. Recalling those stories as an adult, she was inspired to learn more about the caves, especially the Buddhist worship hall known as the "Vishwakarma cave." Immersing herself in family history, oral traditions, and works by archaeologists, art historians, scholars of Buddhism, Indologists, and Sanskritists, Narayan set out to answer the question of how this cave came to be venerated as the home of Vishwakarma, the god of making in Hindu and Buddhist traditions. Cave of My Ancestors represents the perfect blend of Narayan's skills as a researcher and writer. Her quest to trace her family's stories took her to Ellora; through libraries, archives, and museums around the world; and across disciplinary borders. Equal parts scholarship, detective story, and memoir, Narayan's book ably leads readers through centuries of history, offering a sensitive meditation on devotion, wonder, and all that connects us to place, family, the past, and the divine.
Apocalyptic Witchcraft
The spectre of witchcraft is haunting the West, the dead giving up their secrets. This is a ritual unveiling of these mysteries. It is a vision and a revelation of the mytho-poetic structure of the Art. Apocalyptic Witchcraft is a bold project which does not seek to impose an orthodoxy on what is the heresy of heresies. Instead, it suggests a way forward. Apocalyptic Witchcraft gives a compelling and profound account of the Sabbat and Wild Hunt as living experiences. These are the core of our ritual practice. Dream, lunar and, critically, menstrual magic are explored as a path to this knowledge. The wolf, the Devil, and the Goddess of witchcraft are then encountered in a landscape that ultimately reveals the witch to her or himself. These are not separate threads, but arise from a deep mythic structure and are woven together into a single unifying vision. Alternating between polemic, poetic and ecstatic prose, an harmonious course is revealed in a sequence of elegant stratagems. The book is threaded together with a cycle of hymns to Inanna, pearls on the tapestry of night. Seemingly disparate aspects are joined into a vision which is neither afraid of blessing nor curse. This is a daring undertaking, born from both urgency and need. It offers a renewed sense of purpose and meaning for a witchcraft that has seen many of its treasured ideas about itself destroyed. An apocalyptic age demands an apocalyptic witchcraft, and this is a book which is offered up to revolutionise the body of the craft, a way out of the dark impasse. Tradition is not static, it flows, and this work pours forth a vision for the future. Founded in pilgrimage and ritual, encountered in dreams and gleaned from the conversations of both doves and crows, a remarkable narrative unfolds. Its wings span from prehistory, through the witch panic and it emerges fully fledged into our present moment of crisis. It offers a witchcraft for our time. Apocalyptic Witchcraft is a controversial, luminous text. A shuddering paroxysm of eternal renewal beneath the serpent moon. It is neither a how-to book, nor a history, rather it is a magical vision of the Art in its entirety.
Our Master Muhammad ﷺ the Messenger of Allah. His Sublime Character & Exalted Attributes. Volume 2.
In this day and age, it is essential for the Muslim community and humanity at large to acquire a detailed description of the Best of Creation, the Messenger of Allah ﷺ. Our Master Muhammad ﷺ, the Messenger of Allah is a book of devotion written from the heart and addressing every heart that yearns to draw closer to best of Allah's creation. In this second volume of the book, the author details the exemplary character traits of our Prophet ﷺ, his devout worship, his noble lineage and progeny, and the blessings of his physical-self and personal effects, and his infallibility in both religious and worldly matters.This expression of Prophetic love and longing was written by the 'Pole of Prophetic love in our times', the venerable saint, Hadith scholar and exegete: Imam ʿAbdallah Sirajuddin al-Husayni His book is an exceptional demonstration of sound scholarship and spiritual realization."O you who love the Messenger of Allah ﷺ! Time has isolated us, tribulations have spread amongst us, the charlatans have spoken, and many people have preoccupied themselves with that which relieves neither hunger nor thirst. We have lost the warmth of the love of the Messenger of Allah ﷺ, the warmth that those who love him feel, and which those who yearn for him desperately seek, and in the beauty of which the most knowledgeable ones in Allah lose themselves. The reality of this love is absent, whilst claims to it are many, and the way of the Companions and the model of their love have been reduced to mere stories and legends. So let us renew our covenant with the Messenger of Allah ﷺ, and bear the banner of love to the most sincere and lasting love, and the most enduring and faithful reverence, and the brightest and most resplendent light, and the Beloved and Chosen One of Allah." -Shaykh Muhammad b. Yahya al-Ninowy
Mystery and Mime in the Rig Veda
In this significant contribution to comparative mythology Leopold von Schroeder (1851-1920), Professor of Indology at the University of Innsbruck and the University of Vienna, elaborates his theory that the dialogue form of some of the Vedic hymns points to mystery cultic practices of the Āryans that preceded the fire-worship characteristic of the Indo- Āryans. Schroeder connects this presumed early form of Indic drama with the dramatic representations of Crete, Greece, Italy and the Germanic lands and especially with the sacred dances and sword dances developed therefrom. Thus, the dances of the Cretan Curetes, the Phrygian Corybantes, the Salian priests of ancient Rome, the sword-dancers of the Germanic lands, and the Morris dancers of England are all traced back by Schroeder to the principal Vedic mythological figures of the Maruts and their leader, the heroic god Indra. By focusing on the mystery cults behind the Vedas Schroeder sheds light on the religious foundations of the dramatic arts in Europe as well as in India.
Our Master Muhammad ﷺ the Messenger of Allah. His Sublime Character & Exalted Attributes. Volume 1.
Modern times have made it even more important that Muslims acquaint themselves with their Prophet ﷺ, not only for the sake of their personal spiritual development, but also for the sake of the religion as a whole. There has perhaps never been a time when the world was more in need of an authentic depiction of the Best of Creation ﷺ. Our Master Muhammad ﷺ, the Messenger of Allah is a unique work discussing the noble qualities and characteristics of the Final Prophet ﷺ in a way that is infused with love and devotion. In the first volume of this book, the author depicts all the fine attributes of our Prophet ﷺ with respect to his physical beauty, his eloquence and wisdom, his exalted status, his sublime character and his mercy ﷺ.This expression of Prophetic love and longing was written by the 'Pole of Prophetic love in our times', the venerable saint, Hadith scholar and exegete: Imam ʿAbdallah Sirajuddin al-Husayni His book is an exceptional demonstration of sound scholarship and spiritual realization."It is as though the Shaykh was looking directly at the Messenger of Allah ﷺ before him as he wrote, deriving his beautiful expressions from the light of his ﷺ countenance, so that by divine providence his insight was opened, and he grazed in the pastures of subtle secrets, uncovering the beauty and perfection of the Messenger's ﷺ character, imbibing the fragrance of the Prophetic Sunna, bathing in the light of the Muhammadan reality and its meanings, and tasting of its fruits, and then gathering all of these illuminations in a work so noble and rarefied that it would not be surprising if it were to be read to a sick person and so cure him." -Shaykh Muhammad b. Yahya al-Ninowy
