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The Crusades: A Very Short Introduction
by Christopher Tyerman"This Very Short Introduction, originally published as Fighting in Christendom, presents a clear and lively discussion of the Crusades and the debates and the controversies that surround them. Bringing together issues of colonialism, cultural exchange, and economic exploitation, Tyerman challenges our assumptions about the Crusades and encourages us to re-evaluate the relationship between past and present."--BOOK JACKET.
The Cry (The Chesson Valley Series #2)
by Luke SeibertOver a year has passed since the Civil War erupted, leaving Peter Brenton and the Army of Northern Virginia wearied, broken, and seemingly disillusioned from their invasion into Maryland. They had visions of a quick, easy resolution to the differences between the states, but that dream now has been laid in the grave of the past.As the Union and Confederate armies follow each other’s movements on the opposite sides of the Rappahannock River, the two forces come head to head at the small, quiet community of Fredericksburg. With Richmond only a few dozen miles away, Peter knows that they cannot fail to stop the Union advance. If they would be defeated there, the war would be over in a matter of weeks—but at even greater cost to his home of Virginia. Yet despite his fellow soldiers’ and his own loyalty to their homeland, Peter doubts whether their ragged condition will be able to withstand the Northern onslaught. Outnumbered, underfed, and poorly supplied, they seem to be little match for the Federal army that now opposes them. Will their dogged, Confederate determination be enough for them to hold their position? And with situations beginning to change in his personal life, will he even be able to subject his full attention to that task?
The Cry of the Huna: The Ancestral Voices of Hawaii
by Moke KupiheaExplores the breakdown in the chain of cultural transmission that has led to the decimation of Hawaiian spirituality, and how it can be restored• Shows how reconnection to the ancestral ways can be achieved through letting go and forgiveness of the effects of colonization• Reveals how the lessons of the decline of Hawaiian spiritual tradition reflect on other religions • Clarifies the complex nature of Hawaiian ancestral worshipHawaiian spirituality teaches that individuals can be truly fulfilled only if they are conscious participants in the long ancestral chain of witnessing and transmission that connects the present to the time of origins. The Cry of the Huna invokes the author's personal history as he recounts the decline of his people's spiritual tradition as a result of colonization. The breakdown of the Hawaiians' ties with their sacred land led them to forget not only the teachings of their ancestors, but also the chain of na aumakua they form, which connects this people to both the earth and the realm of the gods. While the na aumakua can be viewed with reverence it is not seen or worshiped as a God. Rather it is seen as a part of the chain of life that arose from one god's vision of creation. Aumakua is a compound of makua (parents) and au, the endless ancestral chain that stretches through time. Each individual on earth represents a temporary end to that chain. As we age and our vision of life slowly looks toward death, our descendents come forth to provide the next eyes in the chain of witnessing and transmission.The Cry of the Huna shows how the rupture of this chain has led to widespread alienation. An endless cycle of resentment and revenge is fueled by the loss of the Hawaiians' spiritual birthright. The connection to the aumakua, however, can be reforged, but only by untying the circular cords of revenge to allow forgiveness to occur in the present so that healing can take place in the future.
The Crystal Apothecary: 75 crystal remedies for physical, emotional and spiritual healing
by Gemma PetherbridgeWhether you are suffering from stress, insomnia, loneliness or heartbreak, or looking to improve your relationships, attract wealth, or let go of your fears, this beautiful reference guide can recommend a crystal to help your cause.With detailed descriptions of 75 crystals, their attributes and powers, information on how to select, cleanse and care for your crystals, and how to put them to use - whether by creating a crystal grid, meditating with your crystal, performing a crystal ritual or preparing an crystal elixir - this book will help you to harness the therapeutic power of crystals to heal yourself and transform your life.Divided into eight main chapters, each relating to a specific area of your life (Your Body, Your Mind, Your Heart, Your Soul, Your Emotions, Your Relationships, Your Obstacles and Your World), this book is inspired by ancient apothecaries of days gone by, which formulated medicines and dispensed healing herbs, while offering a wealth of advice and services to soothe their customers' ailments.An illuminating reminder of the healing power of crystals, The Crystal Apothecary is a book that you will return to again and again for many years to come.
The Crystal Code: A Modern Guide to Crystal Healing
by Tamara DriessenDe-stress, recharge, and tune into your intuition with this indispensable guide to unlocking the power of crystals and creating positive change in your life.More than just sparkly decorations, crystals are ancient objects that possess holistic healing benefits to manifest harmony, health, and connection with ourselves on a deeper level. For crystal healer Tamara Driessen, they've been part of her life since she bought a hunk of rose quartz when she was eight years old. Ever since, she's used crystals to guide and heal herself, and later, others in one-on-one client sessions and sold-out monthly workshops in London. She sees these glittering stones as cosmic technology, absorbing, transforming, and transmitting energy. Within this book she teaches us about the unique properties of 70 potent crystals--each beautifully photographed--and how to work with them, whether you're looking to quiet your mind, enliven your heart, or cleanse your living space. Find out what crystal you can use to: * Boost confidence (peacock ore) * Calm anxiety (pure white celestite) * Feel more centered and in control (purple amethyst) * Get over your ex (rosy pink kunzite)She also includes best practices for cleansing your crystals (for the purest connection possible), programming them (so they know what you want help with), and charging them outdoors (to give them an energy boost from the elements). And whether you're a modern mystic, a newbie collector, or just crystal curious, once you've discovered which crystals are calling to you, Tamara's meditations and rituals for releasing negative energy will help you follow your intuition and shift or center your priorities.
The Crystal Mirror of Philosophical Systems: A Tibetan Study of Asian Religious Thought
by Geshe Lhundub Sopa Roger R. Jackson Thuken Losang NyimaThe Crystal Mirror of Philosophical Systems, by Thuken Losang Chokyi Nyima (1737-1802), is arguably the widest-ranging account of religious philosophies ever written in pre-modern Tibet. Like most Tibetan texts on philosophical systems, this work covers the major schools of India, both Buddhist and non-Buddhist, but then goes on to discuss in detail the entire range of Tibetan traditions as well, with separate chapters on the Nyingma, Kadam, Kagyu, Shije, Sakya, Jonang, Geluk, and Bon schools. Not resting there, Thuken goes on to describe the major traditions of China--Confucian, Daoist, and the multiple varieties of Buddhist--as well as those of Mongolia, Khotan, and even Shambhala. The Crystal Mirror of Philosophical Systems is unusual, too, in its concern not just to describe and analyze doctrines, but to trace the historical development of the various traditions. The Crystal Mirror of Philosophical Systems is an eloquent and erudite presentation exploring the religious history and philosophical systems of an array of Asian Cultures--and offering evidence that the serious and sympathetic study of the history of religions has not been a monopoly of Western scholarship.
The Crystal Path: The Ultimate Seven-Step Guide to Unlocking Your Power with Crystal Healing
by Georgina EasterbrookDiscover how to unlock your true potential through the power of crystals from TikTok superstar @athenascrystals __________ The life of your dreams is within your reach - and you already have what it takes to get it. Georgina Easterbrook, founder of Athena's Crystals and TikTok sensation, is your divine guide who will teach you how to harness the power of crystals and take control of seven key aspects of your life: LOVE MONEY HEALING CONFIDENCE PROTECTION MANIFESTING HAPPINESS Whether it's romantic love, emotional healing, achieving your career goals or manifesting your deepest desires, there is a crystal to help you every step of the way, from the mindful energy of Sodalite to the self-love brought by Rose Quartz. And with Georgina guiding you through every step, you can build a future that aligns with your innermost goals . . .In Spring, use Seraphinite if you're ready for some real change in your life.For the lunar eclipse in Scorpio, dive deep into your emotions with Labradorite, the stone of self-discovery.As we grow towards Summer, use Amazonite to embrace self-expression without anxiety, inspired by the Sun in Leo.You can make your dreams a reality - all you need to do to tap into your inner voice is follow the crystal path.
The Cube and the Cathedral: Europe, America, and Politics Without God
by George WeigelWhy do Europeans and Americans see the world so differently? Why do Europeans and Americans have such different understandings of democracy in the twenty-first century? Why is Europe dying, demographically? In The Cube and the Cathedral, George Weigel offers a penetrating critique of "Europe's problem" and draws out its lessons for the rest of the democratic world. Contrasting the civilization that produced the starkly modernist "cube" of the Great Arch of La Defense in Paris with the civilization that produced the "cathedral," Notre-Dame, Weigel argues that Europe's embrace of a narrow and cramped secularism has led to a crisis of civilizational morale that is eroding Europe's soul and failing to create the European future. Even as thoughtful Europeans and Americans wrestle with these grave issues, many European political leaders continue to insist-most recently, during the debate over a new European constitution-that only a public square shorn of religiously informed moral argument is safe for human rights and democracy. The most profound question raised by The Cube and the Cathedral is whether there can be any true "politics"-any true deliberation about the common good, and any robust defense of freedom-without God. George Weigel makes a powerful case that the answer is "No"-because, in the final analysis, societies and cultures can only be as great as their spiritual aspirations.
The Cuckoo Syndrome: The Secret to Breaking Free from Unhealthy Relationships, Toxic Thinking, and Self-Sabotaging Behavior
by Andrea Anderson PolkIs there someone in your life who tries to monopolize your time and consume your energy? Or someone who leaves you feeling confused or misunderstood, but you cannot put your finger on exactly how or why? Is there someone with whom you are unable to have a rational conversation and things seem very complicated? Maybe this person is never satisfied, no matter how much you try to love, help, and please them. Are you the one doing all the work in a relationship? In The Cuckoo Syndrome, Andrea Anderson Polk, a licensed professional counselor, helps us fend off the cuckoos—unhealthy relationships, toxic thinking, and self-sabotaging behavior—in order to find our identity in Christ and discover new purpose, vision, and meaning in our lives.We know the cuckoo bird as a colorful wooden figurine that pops out of a clock and chirps the hours of the day to the delight of children and adults alike. In reality, the cuckoo bird is a parasite—invading the nest of other birds, destroying the eggs already present, and fooling the family into raising an ever-demanding, never-satisfied cuckoo chick. Polk, a licensed professional counselor, compares cuckoo birds—nature&’s infamous imposter—to the human experience, situations, and relationships demonstrating haunting confusion and unnecessary suffering. Cuckoos can invisibly sabotage our most intimate relationships, our ministries, and our careers—our deepest desires. In The Cuckoo Syndrome, Polk gives us new insight and ways to fend off these cuckoos that invade our &“nests&” with their devious disguises. Cuckoos can take many forms. There is the cuckoo of avoiding emotion, the fear cuckoo, the stress cuckoo, the shame cuckoo, the unresolved grief cuckoo, the perfectionism cuckoo, the counselor cuckoo, and probably the most insidious cuckoo of all: the religion cuckoo. Drawing from a depth of study in scripture, science, and psychology, Polk breaks us free from the cuckoo&’s snare by teaching us to embrace the desires of our heart as we uncover the truth of who we are, who others are, and who Jesus is. We can learn to establish great joy in our identity by committing ourselves to discover meaning in suffering and understanding how our pain is the genuine catalyst for purpose.
The Cul-de-Sac War
by Melissa FergusonAll&’s fair in love and prank wars. Bree Leake doesn&’t want to be tied down. She&’s had more jobs than she can count, and she plans to move as soon as the curtains fall on her less-than-minor stage role at The Barter—the oldest live performance theater in the US. But just when it&’s time to move on again, Bree&’s parents make her an offer: hold steady for a full year, and they will give her the one thing she&’s always wanted—her grandmother&’s house. Her dreams are coming true . . . until life at the theater throws her some curve balls. And then there&’s Chip McBride—her handsome and infuriating next-door neighbor. Chip just might be the only person whose stubborn streak can match Bree&’s. She would move heaven and earth to have him off her cul-de-sac and out of her life, but according to the bargain she&’s struck, she can&’t move out of her house and away from the man who&’s making her life miserable. So begins Bree&’s obsessive new mission: to drive Chip out of the neighborhood—and fast. Bree isn&’t the only one who&’s a tad competitive, and Chip is more than willing to fight fire with fire. But as their pranks escalate, the line between love and hate starts to blur—and their heated rivalry threatens to take a hilarious, heartwarming, and romantic new turn.
The Cult Next Door: A True Story of a Suburban Manhattan New Age Cult
by Elizabeth Burchard Judith Carlone William GoldbergDuring Thanksgiving vacation of her freshman year at Swarthmore College (1977), Elizabeth, at her mother's insistence, attended a "stress-reduction" session with a biofeedback technician on staff at a Manhattan psychologist's office. During that first visit, this man filled her ears with prophetic visions of a glorious future--the inheritance of those fortunate few who might choose to accompany him. His confidence and charisma entranced her, and she soon recruited two of her college roommates. When the psychologist fired his assistant two years later, Elizabeth and her mother followed. Over the next decade, this man, a malevolent genius and master of manipulating metaphysical concepts to benefit a self-serving agenda, organized a small, dedicated band of followers. "The Group" evolved into an incestuous family--a cult. Their brainwashed minds became fused with a distinctive, New Age doctrine. A coterie of spiritual "Navy Seals", they scrambled in terror, training to survive the inevitable cataclysm--one man's divine vision of Armageddon. Subsequent to a momentous event in August 1994, with the guru as high priest, "The Black Dog Religion" was born. Elizabeth sank into a pit of despair, darker than she ever could have imagined was possible. From the adolescent gullibility which seduced her astray, to the enlightenment which led her to freedom, you will travel an incredible journey. For anyone who has ever been trapped by a person who would not let them go, within this book lies a message of hope.
The Cult of CrossFit: Christianity and the American Exercise Phenomenon
by Katie Rose HejtmanekReveals the Christian foundations of CrossFitCrossFit in the United States has become increasingly popular, around which a fascinating culture has developed which shapes everyday life for the people devoted to it. CrossFit claims to be many things: a business, a brand, a tremendously difficult fitness regimen, a community, a way to gain salvation, and a method to survive the apocalypse. In The Cult of CrossFit, Katie Rose Hejtmanek examines how this exercise program is shaped by American Christian values and practices, connecting American religious ideologies to secular institutions in contemporary American culture.Drawing upon years of immersing herself in CrossFit gyms in the United States and across six continents, this book illustrates how US CrossFit operates using distinctly American codes, ranging from its intensity and patriarchal militarism to its emphasis on (white) salvation and the adoration of the hero and vigilante. Despite presenting itself as a secular space, Hejtmanek argues that CrossFit is both heavily influenced by and deeply intertwined with American Christian values. She makes the case that the Christianity that shapes CrossFit is the Christianity that shapes much of America, usually in ways we do not even notice. Offering a new cross-cultural perspective for understanding a popular workout, The Cult of CrossFit provides a window into a particularly American rendition of a Christian plotline, lived out one workout at a time.
The Cult of Saint Catherine of Siena: A Study in Civil Religion
by Gerald ParsonsThis book examines the origins, development and history of the cult of Saint Catherine of Siena. Gerald Parsons argues that the cult of Catherine of Siena constitutes a remarkable example of the cult of a particular saint which, across more than six centuries, has been the vehicle for an evolving sequence of civil religious rituals and meanings. He shows how the cult of this particular saint developed, firstly, as an expression of Sienese civil religion; secondly, as a focus for Italian civil religion; and finally into an expression of European civil religion. Instead of the predominantly devotional - and frequently essentially hagiographical - approach of much of the literature on Catherine of Siena, Parsons examines the significance of her cult from the perspective of civil religion and the social history of religion.
The Cult of St. Anne in Medieval and Early Modern Europe (Sanctity in Global Perspective)
by Jennifer WelshDr Jennifer Welsh received her M.A. in Medieval Studies from Cornell University in 2000, and her M.A. and PhD in History from Duke University in 2004 and 2009. Her dissertation dealt with the cult of St. Anne in late medieval and early modern Europe. After four years as a Visiting Assistant Professor at the College of Charleston in Charleston, SC, she started working as an Assistant Professor in the Department of History at Lindenwood-University Belleville in Belleville, IL in August of 2014. This is her first book.
The Cult of Tara: Magic and Ritual in Tibet (Hermeneutics: Studies in the History of Religions #2)
by Stephan Beyer"The real history of man is the history of religion." The truth of the famous dictum of Max Muller, the father of the History of Religions, is nowhere so obvious as in Tibet. Western students have observed that religion and magic pervade not only the forms of Tibetan art, politics, and society, but also every detail of ordinary human existence. And what is the all-pervading religion of Tibet? The Buddhism of that country has been described to us, of course, but that does not mean the question has been answered. The unique importance of Stephan Beyerís work is that it presents the vital material ignored or slighted by others: the living ritual of Tibetan Buddhists. The reader is made a witness to cultic proceedings through which the author guides him carefully. He does not force one to accept easy explanations nor does he direct one's attention only to aspects that can be counted on to please. He leads one step by step, without omitting anything, through entire rituals, and interprets whenever necessary without being unduly obtrusive. Oftentimes, as in the case of the many hymns to the goddess Tara, the superb translations speak directly to the reader, and it is indeed as if the reader himself were present at the ritual.
The Cult of Thomas Becket: History and Historiography through Eight Centuries (Sanctity in Global Perspective)
by Kay Brainerd SlocumOn 29 December, 1170, Thomas Becket, Archbishop of Canterbury, was brutally murdered in his own cathedral. News of the event was rapidly disseminated throughout Europe, generating a widespread cult which endured until the reign of Henry VIII in the sixteenth century, and engendering a fascination which has lasted until the present day. The Cult of Thomas Becket: History and Historiography through Eight Centuries contributes to the lengthy debate surrounding the saint by providing a historiographical analysis of the major themes in Becket scholarship, tracing the development of Becket studies from the writings of the twelfth-century biographers to those of scholars of the twenty-first century. The book offers a thorough commentary and analysis which demonstrates how the Canterbury martyr was viewed by writers of previous generations as well as our own, showing how they were influenced by the intellectual trends and political concerns of their eras, and indicating how perceptions of Thomas Becket have changed over time. In addition, several chapters are devoted a discussion of artworks in various media devoted to the saint, as well as liturgies and sermons composed in his honor. Combining a wide historical scope with detailed textual analysis, this book will be of great interest to scholars of medieval religious history, art history, liturgy, sanctity and hagiography.
The Cult of Trump: A Leading Cult Expert Explains How the President Uses Mind Control
by Steven Hassan*As featured in the streaming documentary #UNTRUTH—now with a new foreword by George Conway and an afterword by the author* A masterful and eye-opening examination of Trump and the coercive control tactics he uses to build a fanatical devotion in his supporters written by &“an authority on breaking away from cults…an argument that…bears consideration as the next election cycle heats up&” (Kirkus Reviews). Since the 2016 election, Donald Trump&’s behavior has become both more disturbing and yet increasingly familiar. He relies on phrases like, &“fake news,&” &“build the wall,&” and continues to spread the divisive mentality of us-vs.-them. He lies constantly, has no conscience, never admits when he is wrong, and projects all of his shortcomings on to others. He has become more authoritarian, more outrageous, and yet many of his followers remain blindly devoted. Scott Adams, the creator of Dilbert and a major Trump supporter, calls him one of the most persuasive people living. His need to squash alternate information and his insistence of constant ego stroking are all characteristics of other famous leaders—cult leaders. In The Cult of Trump, mind control and licensed mental health expert Steven Hassan draws parallels between our current president and people like Jim Jones, David Koresh, Ron Hubbard, and Sun Myung Moon, arguing that this presidency is in many ways like a destructive cult. He specifically details the ways in which people are influenced through an array of social psychology methods and how they become fiercely loyal and obedient. Hassan was a former &“Moonie&” himself, and he presents a &“thoughtful and well-researched analysis of some of the most puzzling aspects of the current presidency, including the remarkable passivity of fellow Republicans [and] the gross pandering of many members of the press&” (Thomas G. Gutheil, MD and professor of psychiatry, Harvard Medical School). The Cult of Trump is an accessible and in-depth analysis of the president, showing that under the right circumstances, even sane, rational, well-adjusted people can be persuaded to believe the most outrageous ideas. &“This book is a must for anyone who wants to understand the current political climate&” (Judith Stevens-Long, PhD and author of Living Well, Dying Well).
The Cult of the Fox: Power, Gender, and Popular Religion in Late Imperial and Modern China
by Xiaofei KangThe shamanistic fox cult has flourished in China from the late 16th century up to the present. It was and is an "illicit" cult in late Imperial and modern China, yet it flourished among a wide range of social classes. The fox is a marginal figure for the Chinese in a number of senses: it cannot be domesticated, yet it preys on domestic animals; it can appear in the guise of a man or a woman; it can act as ghost or ancestor; it can ensure fertility or provide moral guidance. The fox cult bypassed state and elite control and flourished in private and at a local level. Kang looks at the fox cult as a vibrant Chinese popular religion, where issues of power and gender were challenged and reshaped. It is the first book to consider the cult (Robert Hymes calls it "the work on fox spirits in China"), and it does so through informal historical writings, popular literature, and ethnography. Finally, the book discusses the role of the cult in the study of Chinese religion and how it compares to fox spirits in other cultures. The book makes an important contribution to the study of Chinese religion, history, and culture. It can be used in courses on popular religion, East Asian studies, ethnography of China, and related areas.
The Cult of the Fox: Power, Gender, and Popular Religion in Late Imperial and Modern China
by Xiaofei KangFor more than five centuries the shamanistic fox cult has attracted large portions of the Chinese population and appealed to a wide range of social classes. Deemed illicit by imperial rulers and clerics and officially banned by republican and communist leaders, the fox cult has managed to survive and flourish in individual homes and community shrines throughout northern China. In this new work, the first to examine the fox cult as a vibrant popular religion, Xiaofei Kang explores the manifold meanings of the fox spirit in Chinese society. Kang describes various cult practices, activities of worship, and the exorcising of fox spirits to reveal how the Chinese people constructed their cultural and social values outside the gaze of offical power and morality.
The Cult of the Mother of God in Byzantium: Texts and Images (Birmingham Byzantine and Ottoman Studies)
by Leslie Brubaker and Mary B. CunninghamThis volume, on the cult of the Theotokos (Virgin Mary) in Byzantium, focuses on textual and historical aspects of the subject, thus complementing previous work which has centred more on the cult of images of the Mother of God. The papers presented here, by an international team of scholars, consider the development and transformation of the cult from approximately the fourth through the twelfth centuries. The volume opens with discussion of the origins of the cult, and its Near Eastern manifestations, including the archaeological site of the Kathisma church in Palestine, which represents the earliest Marian shrine in the Holy Land, and Syriac poetic treatment of the Virgin. The principal focus, however, is on the 8th and 9th centuries in Byzantium, as a critical period when Christian attitudes toward the Virgin and her veneration were transformed. The book re-examines the relationship between icons, relics and the Virgin, asking whether increasing devotion to these holy objects or figures was related in any way. Some contributions consider the location of relics and later, icons, in Constantinople and other centres of Marian devotion; others explore gender issues, such as the significance of the Virgin's feminine qualities, and whether women and men identified with her equally as a holy figure. The aim of this volume is to build on recent work on the cult of the Virgin Mary in Byzantium and to explore areas that have not yet been studied. The rationale is critical and historical, using literary, artistic, and archaeological sources to evaluate her role in the development of the Byzantine understanding of the ways in which God interacts with creation by means of icons, relics, and the Theotokos.
The Cult of the Saints: Its Rise and Function in Latin Christianity
by Peter BrownFollowing the fall of the Roman Empire in the West, the cult of the saints was the dominant form of religion in Christian Europe. In this elegantly written work, Peter Brown explores the role of tombs, shrines, relics, and pilgrimages connected with the sacred bodies of the saints. He shows how men and women living in harsh and sometimes barbaric times relied upon the merciful intercession of the holy dead to obtain justice, forgiveness, and to find new ways to accept their fellows. Challenging the common treatment of the cult as an outbreak of superstition among the lower classes, Brown demonstrates how this form of religiosity engaged the finest minds of the Church and elicited from members of the educated upper classes some of their most splendid achievements in poetry, literature, and the patronage of the arts. "Brown has an international reputation for his fine style, a style he here turns on to illuminate the cult of the saints. Christianity was born without such a cult; it took rise and that rise needs chronicling. Brown has a gift for the memorable phrase and sees what the passersby have often overlooked. An eye-opener on an important but neglected phase of Western development."--The Christian Century. "Brilliantly original and highly sophisticated ... [The Cult of the Saints] is based on great learning in several disciplines, and the story is told with an exceptional appreciation for the broad social context. Students of many aspects of medieval culture, especially popular religion, will want to consult this work."--Bennett D. Hill, Library Journal.
The Cult of the Saints: Its Rise and Function in Latin Christianity, Enlarged Edition
by Peter BrownA new edition of the &“brilliantly original and highly sophisticated&” study of saint worship after the fall of the Roman Empire (Library Journal). In this groundbreaking work, Peter Brown explores how the worship of saints and their corporeal remains became central to religious life in Western Europe after the fall of the Roman Empire. During this period, earthly remnants served as a heavenly connection, and their veneration is a fascinating window into the cultural mood of a region in transition. Brown challenges the long-held two-tier idea of religion that separated the religious practices of the sophisticated elites from those of the superstitious masses, instead arguing that the cult of the saints crossed boundaries and played a dynamic part in both the Christian faith and the larger world of late antiquity. He shows how men and women living in harsh and sometimes barbaric times relied upon the holy dead to obtain justice, forgiveness, and power, and how a single sainted hair could inspire great thinkers and great artists. An essential text by one of the foremost scholars of European history, this expanded edition includes a new preface from Brown, which presents new ideas based on subsequent scholarship. &“Informative…demonstrates once again Brown&’s genius for sharing with his readers the fruits of not only his own painstaking and meticulous scholarship but also his penetrating understanding of the evolution of Western culture as a whole.&”—Religious Studies
The Cult of the Virgin Mary: Psychological Origins
by Michael P. CarrollTracing devotion to Mary to psychological and historical processes that began in the fifth century, Michael Carroll answers intriguing questions: What explains the many reports of Marian apparitions over the centuries? Why is Mary both "Virgin" and "Mother" simultaneously? Why has the Marian cult always been stronger in certain geographical areas than in others? The first half of the book presents a psychoanalytic explanation for the most salient facts about the Marian cult and the second addresses the question of Marian apparitions.
The Culting of America
by Ron RhodesTragically millions of people today are utterly oblivious to the new breed of cultic invaders now conquering the West. Who are these intruders? They blend in well with mainstream America - too well. They're right next door to our schools, businesses, and medical offices. They include today's most watched executives, professionals, and media personalities. In fact, the cults are very much a part of our everyday lives - and many of us don't even know it! Join cult expert Ron Rhodes as he takes a fascinating look at why the cults have been so successful at spreading darkness all across out land. How can we counter the approaching darkness? and what must we know to protect ourselves, our families, our friends?
The Cultivated Life: From Ceaseless Striving to Receiving Joy
by Susan S. PhillipsDallas Willard Center 2016 Book and Research Award FinalistHearts Minds Bookstore's Best Books of 2015, Spirituality and the Devotional LifeThe Cultivated Life.