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God: A Human History
by Reza AslanThe #1 New York Times bestselling author of Zealot and host of Believer explores humanity’s quest to make sense of the divine in this concise and fascinating history of our understanding of God. In Zealot, Reza Aslan replaced the staid, well-worn portrayal of Jesus of Nazareth with a startling new image of the man in all his contradictions. In his new book, Aslan takes on a subject even more immense: God, writ large. In layered prose and with thoughtful, accessible scholarship, Aslan narrates the history of religion as a remarkably cohesive attempt to understand the divine by giving it human traits and emotions. According to Aslan, this innate desire to humanize God is hardwired in our brains, making it a central feature of nearly every religious tradition. As Aslan writes, “Whether we are aware of it or not, and regardless of whether we’re believers or not, what the vast majority of us think about when we think about God is a divine version of ourselves.” But this projection is not without consequences. We bestow upon God not just all that is good in human nature—our compassion, our thirst for justice—but all that is bad in it: our greed, our bigotry, our penchant for violence. All these qualities inform our religions, cultures, and governments. More than just a history of our understanding of God, this book is an attempt to get to the root of this humanizing impulse in order to develop a more universal spirituality. Whether you believe in one God, many gods, or no god at all, God: A Human History will challenge the way you think about the divine and its role in our everyday lives.Advance praise for God “Breathtaking in its scope and controversial in its claims, God: A Human History shows how humans from time immemorial have made God in their own image, and argues that they should now stop. Writing with all the verve and brilliance we have come to expect from his pen, Reza Aslan has once more produced a book that will prompt reflection and shatter assumptions.”—Bart D. Ehrman, author of How Jesus Became God “Reza Aslan offers so much to relish in his excellent ‘human history’ of God. In tracing the commonalities that unite religions, Aslan makes truly challenging arguments that believers in many traditions will want to mull over, and to explore further. This rewarding book is very ambitious in its scope, and it is thoroughly grounded in an impressive body of reading and research.”—Philip Jenkins, author of Crucible of Faith
God: A Relationship Guide, Getting to Know Your Higher Power
by Judith E TurianA down-to-earth, funny guide to building an authentic lifelong relationship with one's Higher Power.Do you find yourself trying to find your Higher Power in other people? Are you so focused on the pursuit of success that you neglect your spiritual life? Do you see God as distant and unconcerned with your daily affairs? A down-to-earth guide to building an authentic lifelong relationship with one's Higher Power, God: A Relationship Guide reveals that--no matter how limited we believe we are in our capacity for love--God is ready to meet us halfway and to love us just as we are. We must simply learn to look within ourselves and invite God into our everyday lives to find grace.Similar to being courted, falling in love, and getting married, building an authentic relationship with God involves trust and lifelong dedication. Spiritual director and psychologist Judith E. Turian draws from her personal experiences and professional training to show us how to take a risk and let God in, get comfortable with God as a friend and companion, find joy and comfort in being around God, and deal with having the inevitable second thoughts about sustaining the relationship. Each stage is illustrated by personal, often humorous stories from the author's life and spiritual journey as she has grown in her relationship with the God of her understanding.
God: A Story of Revelation
by Deepak ChopraIn Deepak Chopra's powerful, groundbreaking, and imaginative new work, a unique blend of storytelling and teaching, the" New York Times" bestselling author explores the evolution of God. By capturing the lives of ten historical prophets, saints, mystics, and martyrs who are touched by a divine power, Chopra reveals a riveting portrait of a constantly changing God. Our belief--and therefore God itself--transforms with each passing century. In this new novel, Chopra brings to life the defining moments of our most influential sages, ultimately revealing universal lessons about the true nature of God. Job in the Old Testament experienced something completely different from Paul in the New Testament, Socrates chased a mercurial spirit almost unrecognizable to the strange voice that called to Rumi, and Shankara moved from town to town sharing the truth about a God that stood in marked contrast to the one that guided Anne Hutchinson--yet one sees an undeniable pattern. These visionaries took the human race down unknown roads, and Chopra invites us to revisit their destinations. Tearing at our hearts and uplifting our souls, "God" leads us to a profound and life-altering understanding about the nature of belief, the power of faith, and the spirit that resides within us all.
God: A Sunday School Demonstration (Distant Kingdoms: The Drodenar Project Ser. #Vol. 3)
by GillGod provides the evidential truth about God’s character and His purpose. You are at the center of God’s purpose and that can change your focus from temporary to eternal considerations. There is simplicity in the message from God and it is for everyone. The often-absurd things accepted from atheism and religion are believed because people want to believe them. The things from God are never random but always fit perfectly with His purpose. The “religions of the world” are complex and changing, and people ask, “Which one is right?” Religions such as Catholicism, Protestantism, Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, Mormonism, and we could include atheistic and agnostic thinking, are devastating to a successful life. They all share the same root problem: they are human-devised. We live in a precise, intelligent, and perfect creation and we should realize God has just as perfect a plan to fulfill His purpose. You will see that God is the perfect absence of evil and what that means to humankind. Over history, there has been nothing more destructive to the lives of people than religion. The distinction made is that the truth about God and life produces the best possible life here and in the hereafter, whereas error produces devastation. There is a real WAR, but few are aware of its existence and seriousness. It will be the only thing used to determine your success or failure. It is the spiritual war between YOU and SIN.
God: All That Matters
by Mark VernonIn this book:'Mark Vernon writes with sharp insight and a generous understanding of how humans search and create meanings to sustain their lives' - Madeleine Bunting, Guardian.Why doesn't God go away? God: All That Matters, by philosopher Mark Vernon,suggests that there is something odd about the way God is discussed today. It is often as if the divine were being examined in a test tube, in a search for empirical and objective confirmation of his/her existence. Yet, for people of faith, the experience of God is nothing if not subjectively real; they know God, in-so-far as they do, in their lives. Vernon therefore looks to move the argument on from the debates between atheist and religious fundamentalists, to look at how people through time have looked for, experienced, and explained God - in suffering, in nature, in morality, in peak experiences, in goodness, in the future and in love.This accessible and concise book will appeal to both students and general readers, giving a fascinating introduction to a wide range of perspectives on God.The All That Matters series:All That Matters books:All books in the All That Matters series are written by world experts in their subject field. These experts work to distil a topic and get right to its heart, making the book accessible for both students and general readers. Each compelling book contains new and interesting perspectives and tells stories that matter.The Author:Mark Vernon has an unparalleled ability to convey profound philosophical ideas in a manner that is both accessible and personal but also rigorous and challenging.'- Raymond TallisMark Vernon is a journalist, broadcaster, teacher and author of several books. He is an honorary research fellow at Birkbeck, University of London and has degrees in physics, and theology and a PhD in philosophy. He was a priest in the Church of England, left a convinced atheist, though now takes religious and spiritualpractice very seriously - a journey he has written about in his book How to be an Agnostic.Keep up with Mark Vernon on his website: www.markvernon.com.Other books in the All That Matters series:All That Matters - Interesting introductions to important issuesBooks on the following subjects are available from the All That Matters series: Muhammad, Water, Political Philosophy, Sustainability, Philosophy, Intelligence, Love, Russian Revolution, War, and Creativity.To find out more visit: www.allthatmattersbooks.comGod - philosophy - the way God is discussed today - divine - empirical - objective - existence of God - faith - experience of God - subjective - debate - atheist - religious fundamentalists - explaining God - suffering - nature - morality - goodness - love - accessible - concise - students - general readers - fascinating - introduction - perspectives on God - spiritual practice - agnostic - All That Matters - pocket book - Christianity - Judaism - Islam - Buddhism - Sikhism - non-religious - spirituality
God: All That Matters (All That Matters)
by Mark VernonIn this book:'Mark Vernon writes with sharp insight and a generous understanding of how humans search and create meanings to sustain their lives' - Madeleine Bunting, Guardian.Why doesn't God go away? God: All That Matters, by philosopher Mark Vernon,suggests that there is something odd about the way God is discussed today. It is often as if the divine were being examined in a test tube, in a search for empirical and objective confirmation of his/her existence. Yet, for people of faith, the experience of God is nothing if not subjectively real; they know God, in-so-far as they do, in their lives. Vernon therefore looks to move the argument on from the debates between atheist and religious fundamentalists, to look at how people through time have looked for, experienced, and explained God - in suffering, in nature, in morality, in peak experiences, in goodness, in the future and in love.This accessible and concise book will appeal to both students and general readers, giving a fascinating introduction to a wide range of perspectives on God.The All That Matters series:All That Matters books:All books in the All That Matters series are written by world experts in their subject field. These experts work to distil a topic and get right to its heart, making the book accessible for both students and general readers. Each compelling book contains new and interesting perspectives and tells stories that matter.The Author:Mark Vernon has an unparalleled ability to convey profound philosophical ideas in a manner that is both accessible and personal but also rigorous and challenging.'- Raymond TallisMark Vernon is a journalist, broadcaster, teacher and author of several books. He is an honorary research fellow at Birkbeck, University of London and has degrees in physics, and theology and a PhD in philosophy. He was a priest in the Church of England, left a convinced atheist, though now takes religious and spiritualpractice very seriously - a journey he has written about in his book How to be an Agnostic.Keep up with Mark Vernon on his website: www.markvernon.com.Other books in the All That Matters series:All That Matters - Interesting introductions to important issuesBooks on the following subjects are available from the All That Matters series: Muhammad, Water, Political Philosophy, Sustainability, Philosophy, Intelligence, Love, Russian Revolution, War, and Creativity.To find out more visit: www.allthatmattersbooks.comGod - philosophy - the way God is discussed today - divine - empirical - objective - existence of God - faith - experience of God - subjective - debate - atheist - religious fundamentalists - explaining God - suffering - nature - morality - goodness - love - accessible - concise - students - general readers - fascinating - introduction - perspectives on God - spiritual practice - agnostic - All That Matters - pocket book - Christianity - Judaism - Islam - Buddhism - Sikhism - non-religious - spirituality
God: An Anatomy
by Francesca StavrakopoulouAn astonishing and revelatory history that re-presents God as he was originally envisioned by ancient worshippers—with a distinctly male body, and with superhuman powers, earthly passions, and a penchant for the fantastic and monstrous."[A] rollicking journey through every aspect of Yahweh&’s body, from top to bottom (yes, that too) and from inside out ... Ms. Stavrakopoulou has almost too much fun.&”—The Economist The scholarship of theology and religion teaches us that the God of the Bible was without a body, only revealing himself in the Old Testament in words mysteriously uttered through his prophets, and in the New Testament in the body of Christ. The portrayal of God as corporeal and masculine is seen as merely metaphorical, figurative, or poetic. But, in this revelatory study, Francesca Stavrakopoulou presents a vividly corporeal image of God: a human-shaped deity who walks and talks and weeps and laughs, who eats, sleeps, feels, and breathes, and who is undeniably male. Here is a portrait—arrived at through the author's close examination of and research into the Bible—of a god in ancient myths and rituals who was a product of a particular society, at a particular time, made in the image of the people who lived then, shaped by their own circumstances and experience of the world. From head to toe—and every part of the body in between—this is a god of stunning surprise and complexity, one we have never encountered before.
God: An Honest Conversation for the Undecided (Dialogue of Faith)
by E. Glenn WagnerWhy do so many of God’s followers seem to prefer their boxed-in religion over God? Listen to their rhetoric and you might wonder how a Supreme Being could be so narrow and small, so angry and unattractive. It’s time to start over with an honest conversation instead of a box. If God does exist, there should be some clear indications of his being. And if humans bear God’s image, as the Bible indicates, then we should be able to connect with God on some level. This book is about God, not religion. It’s about questions more than watertight answers. It’s about the experience of God more than it is about incontrovertible evidence that he exists. God can’t be seen, but he can be found. And while he can’t be fully explained, he can be known and experienced. Religious boxes have a way of blinding us to spiritual reality. So this dialogue is all God, no box. Are you ready? From the Trade Paperback edition.
God: The Failed Hypothesis
by Christopher Hitchens Victor J. StengerThroughout history, arguments for and against the existence of God have been largely confined to philosophy and theology, while science has sat on the sidelines. Despite the fact that science has revolutionized every aspect of human life and greatly clarified our understanding of the world, somehow the notion has arisen that it has nothing to say about the possibility of a supreme being, which much of humanity worships as the source of all reality. This physicist and author contends that, if God exists, some evidence for this existence should be detectable by scientific means, especially considering the central role that God is alleged to play in the operation of the universe and the lives of humans. Treating the traditional God concept, as conventionally presented in the Judeo-Christian and Islamic traditions, like any other scientific hypothesis, Stenger examines all of the claims made for God's existence. He considers the latest Intelligent Design arguments as evidence of God's influence in biology. He looks at human behavior for evidence of immaterial souls and the possible effects of prayer. He discusses the findings of physics and astronomy in weighing the suggestions that the universe is the work of a creator and that humans are God's special creation. After evaluating all the scientific evidence, Stenger concludes that beyond a reasonable doubt the universe and life appear exactly as we might expect if there were no God. This paperback edition of the New York Times bestselling hardcover edition contains a new foreword by Christopher Hitchens and a postscript by the author in which he responds to reviewers' criticisms of the original edition.
God: The Most Unpleasant Character in All Fiction
by Dan BarkerEnglish ethologist, evolutionary biologist, and writer Richard Dawkins opens Chapter 2 of his New York Times bestseller The God Delusion by saying that the God of the Old Testament is "arguably the most unpleasant character in all fiction" and goes on to list nineteen negative character traits. Now, in God: The Most Unpleasant Character in All Fiction, Dan Barker, a former ordained minister and current atheist, proves that Dawkins was right. God: The Most Unpleasant Character in All Fiction contains verses from all thirty-nine books of the Old Testament. In Part I, Barker begins each chapter with his own commentary on one or two biblical stories that Barker and Dawkins have chosen to illustrate a characteristic on the list. A series of selected verses (and sometimes Barker's personal remarks) follow. Part II ends the book with eight chapters that expand on the original list as well as a final chapter that extends the list into the New Testament.
God: The Most Unpleasant Character in All Fiction
by Richard Dawkins Daniel BarkerExpanding on a concept from New York Times bestseller The God Delusion, former ordained minister and current atheist Dan Barker gives us a biblical play-by-play illustrating God's not-so-admirable qualities. <P><P>What words come to mind when we think of God? Merciful? Just? Compassionate? In fact, the Bible lays out God's primary qualities clearly: jealous, petty, unforgiving, bloodthirsty, vindictive--and worse! Originally conceived as a joint presentation between influential thinker and bestselling author Richard Dawkins and former evangelical preacher Dan Barker, this unique book provides an investigation into what may be the most unpleasant character in all fiction. Barker combs through both the Old and New Testament (as well as 13 different editions of the "Good Book"), presenting powerful evidence for why the Scripture shouldn't govern our everyday lives. This witty, well-researched book suggests that we should move past the Bible and clear a path to a kinder and more thoughtful world.
God: The Reconciliation of Faith and Reason in a Postsecular World
by Patrick GlynnIn the modern age science has been winning its centuries—old battle with religion for the mind of man. The evidence has long seemed incontrovertible: Life was merely a product of blind chance—a cosmic roll of an infinite number of dice across an eternity of time. Slowly, methodically, scientists supplied answers to mysteries insufficiently explained by theologians. Reason pushed faith off into the shadows of mythology and superstition, while atheism became a badge of wisdom. Our culture, freed from moral obligation, explored the frontiers of secularism. God was dead. "Glynn's arguments for the existence of God put the burden of disproof on those intellectuals who think that the question has long since been settled. " — Andrew M. Greeley But now, in the twilight of the twentieth century, a startling transformation is taking place in Western scientific and intellectual thought. At its heart is the dawning realization that the universe, far from being a sea of chaos, appears instead to be an intricately tuned mechanism whose every molecule, whose every physical law, seems to have been design from the very first nanosecond of the big bang toward a single end—the creation of life. This intellectually and spiritually riveting book asks a provocative question: Is science, the long-time nemesis of the Deity, uncovering the face of God? Patrick Glynn lays out the astonishing new evidence that caused him to turn away from the atheism he acquired as a student at Harvard and Cambridge. The facts are fascinating: Physicists are discovering an unexplainable order to the cosmos; medical researchers are reporting the extraordinary healing powers of prayer and are documenting credible accounts of near-death experiences; psychologists, who once considered belief in God to be a sign of neurosis, are finding instead that religious faith is a powerful elixir for mental health; and sociologists are now acknowledging the destructive consequences of a value-free society. God: The Evidenceargues that faith today is not grounded in ignorance. It is where reason has been leading us all along.
God: Theology for Every Person (Theology for Every Person Series)
by Malcolm B. YarnellKnowing, loving, and worshiping God is the call and privilege of every disciple of Jesus. Because all Christians are part of his royal priesthood, theology is not just for those teaching in the academy or serving in ministry vocations. Theology proper centers on God, exploring his existence, his divine nature, his Persons, and his attributes. In this book, you will find an overview of these truths in the doctrine of God as well as other great truths in the doctrine of divine revelation. You are not simply setting out on a journey toward deeper knowledge. If theological study only results in knowing abstract truths about God, then we have not done theology well. Right theology invariably leads to right living and right worship, and this is our ultimate goal in these books and in this life. God is the first volume of a three-part series entitled Theology for Every Person. The other volumes will include God’s Word to the World, which considers God in Christ and his works of creation, humanity, and redemption, and God’s Work in the World, which explores God the Holy Spirit and the divine works of salvation, the church, and the end.
GodSpace: Embracing the Inconvenient Adventure of Intimacy with God
by Keri Wyatt KentThink you don't have time or space for spiritual stuff? That intimacy with God is impossible?Here's how-in the life you already live-you can make time and space for God.GODSPACE offers seven practices that help busy Christians pay attention to God. They help us align our sometimes messy daily lives with our spirituality. And they strengthen our most important relationships, giving our lives meaning, significance, and purpose.It's not holding a set of beliefs, reading the Bible, going to church, or even praying that determines how we connect with God. It's our pace of life. When we live hurried and distracted lives, we miss the chance to experience the intimacy we desire with God.Experience God more deeply and live more joyfully by exploring these seven spiritual practices:SabbathHospitalityWorshipSimplicityGratitudeGenerosityCritical thinkingWith abundant wit, humorous anecdotes, and authentic sharing of her own joys and struggles, KERI WYATT KENT guides us toward a deeper and more meaningful faith in the midst of our overcrowded, cluttered lives. A lay pastor at Willow Creek Community Church, where she has been a member for thirty years, Kent is the author of eleven books. She speaks at events and retreats around the country. Learn more at www.keriwyattkent.com.
GodStories: Explorations in the Gospel of God
by Andrew WilsonIn fifty-six short narratives, GodStories explores the beautiful, triumphant, often heartbreaking and always glorious stories that make up the gospel of God—GodStories. Just as we have one God in three persons, and one church made up of many people, so in Scripture we have one gospel made up of many stories. Inside readers will rediscover the glorious mission of God, freedom from sin, and how the promises of God never fail.Andrew Wilson brings these GodStories to life with fresh and relevant insights on how the stories of Scripture profoundly affect your faith and theology. Prepare to be stunned and in total amazement at the many-faceted gospel story, the greatest story ever told.
Godcast
by Dan BetzerWith discernment and an eye for finding scriptural relevance in daily life, Dan Betzer shares a powerful collection of observation and insight from his beloved "Byline" radio and television programs in Godcast: Transforming Encounters with God. Contains 245 unique "godcasts" - read each in two minutes or less. Focused on life, the church, the bible, and a culture sometimes at odds with all of three. Each godcast includes a scriptural reference and a simple prayer. Unique collection for personal enrichment or as an empowering pastoral resource! An executive Presbyter of the General Council of the Assemblies of God, the senior pastor of the 10,000 member/adherent First Assembly of God Church in Fort Myers, Florida, and with over 60 years of media and ministry experience, Dan Betzer served as the familiar face and beloved voice for Revival time and Byline radio/TV for millions of viewers and listeners over a thousand radio and television stations. He continues to host daily television programs, has authored over 20 books, produced dozens of music and children's albums, and remains a dynamic and powerful speaker who has ministered in 61 nations.
Goddess Energy: Awakening the Divine Feminine through Myth and Magick
by Gabriela HerstikAwaken the Goddess within through spells, rituals, meditations, embodiment practices, and journal promptsIn this introduction to the Goddess across time and cultures, and Her many expressions of myth and magick, Gabriela Herstik guides us toward connecting to the Goddess in ourselves and establishing a relationship with Her that is personal, empowering, and transformative. Goddess Energy covers topics including: the history of the Goddess, Her role in modern society, and why it&’s imperative that we begin to work with and honor Herhow Goddess energy is for everyone, of any gender expression or sexual orientationconnecting to the elemental power of the Goddess of the Earthcalling on the Goddess of Protection and Healing in moments of needtransforming your life into a ritual for the Goddess of Lovethe potent mysteries of the Dark Goddess and how to embrace the shadow selfhonoring the Goddess through glamour, astrology, and sex magickworking with ritual, tarot, journal questions, and affirmations to attune to Goddess Energyand much more The Goddess path is one of alignment with the heart, with the universe, with nature—and with ourselves. To honor the Goddess, we don&’t have to go through anyone else but only remember the divine within. This is your power. This is Goddess energy. The Goddess is calling…Are you listening?
Goddess Power: Awakening the Wisdom of the Divine Feminine in Your Life
by Isabella Price&“A fascinating &‘herstory&’ of the Divine Feminine, rich in heart, depth and wisdom . . . an empowering message of hope and inspiration.&” —Katherine Woodward Thomas, New York Times–bestselling author At the dawn of religion, God was a Woman. The Divine Feminine is known by innumerable names and symbol-rich manifestations across the world&’s cultures. Throughout the ages the Goddess has been honored and worshiped as the Virgin Mary, Isis, Inanna, Asherah, Diana, Kuan Yin, Kali, Oshun, Athena, Pele, Sarasvati, Demeter, and White Buffalo Calf Woman, to mention just a few. Goddess Power takes you on a fascinating and, at times, surprising journey into the enduring essence of the Divine Feminine. Inside this book you will learn: • How the Goddess path offers an empowering message and inspiration • The importance of re-establishing a healthy balance and integration of both the &“masculine&” and the &“feminine&” archetypes • That the notion of God as archetypal &“Sky-Father&” is fairly recent in Western culture • Why the wisdom of the Goddess/Sacred Feminine has been ignored, distorted, and oppressed for centuries • How archetypes, mythic narratives, and qualities of Goddesses are alive within you and how they reveal intimate truths about yourself and others • How Goddesses can serve as empowering guides in your personal and professional life • Why especially black Goddesses/dark-skinned Mothers (e.g., Kali or Black Madonna) are a powerful symbol and catalyst for change in our times, both individually and collectively • And much, much more! &“An empowering message and inspiration that can be drawn from the Goddess so humanity might evolve toward higher awareness.&” —Karen Tate, author of Walking an Ancient Path and Goddess 2.0
Goddess Wisdom Made Easy: Connect to the Power of the Sacred Feminine through Ancient Teachings and Practices
by TanishkaLearn about the ancient goddess traditions and reconnect with your femininity, your natural cycles and your intuition.Ancient civilizations once worshipped female deities and women were the leaders, counsellors and healers of their communities. Through the ages, the wisdom of the Goddess was then forgotten, and people around the world lost their connection to ancient feminine wisdom. In this practical guide, Tanishka, a leading teacher and author of women's wisdom traditions, introduces the main Goddess cultures and explains how their teachings and practices can empower and transform your life today.You will learn: * the history, philosophy and practices of ancient Goddess traditions * the seven Goddess archetypes and their corresponding chakras * the life stages of the feminine journey and how to transition through each one * rituals to reconnect with your inner goddess * insight and tools to understand and align with the cycles of natureThis book was previously published under the title Goddess Wisdom (Hay House Basics series).
Goddess Wisdom: Connect to the Power of the Sacred Feminine through Ancient Wisdom and Practices (Hay House Basics Ser.)
by TanishkaAncient civilizations worshipped female deities, and women were the leaders, counsellors and healers of nations. However, through various historical events, such as the arrival of Christianity in many cultures, the worship of the goddess was lost. In this book, author Tanishka shares the long-lost ancient culture of the goddess. This book unveils:• The history of the ancient goddess traditions• The 7 Goddess archetypes and their chakras• A woman's life stages and how to transition into each one• The 3 goddess paths of initiation used by ancient priestesses• Tools for understanding and aligning with the cycles of nature• Rituals and exercises to reconnect with your inner goddess...and much more!
Goddess Worship, Witchcraft, and Neo-Paganism
by Alan W. Gomes Craig HawkinsThe twentieth century has seen a remarkable revival of "the Old Religion," as adherents of New-paganism call the native religious traditions of Europe and tribal traditions from North America that predated Christianity. Many neo-pagan groups identify with Celtic (Druidic), Egyptian, Native American, Norse, or Roman traditions; others with modern science-fiction motifs; and still others with witchcraft. Neo-paganism is occultic in nature. A central figure in much of Neo-paganism is the Mother Goddess, who has been introduced and worshiped among certain feminists even in some mainline Protestant churches. Why this series? This is an age when countless groups and movements, old and new, mark the religious landscape in our culture, leaving many people confused or uncertain in their search for spiritual truth and meaning. Because few people have the time or opportunity to research these movements fully, these books provide essential information and insights for their spiritual journeys. Each book has five sections: - A concise introduction to the group - An overview of the group's theology -- in its own words - Tips for witnessing effectively to members of the group - A bibliography with sources for further study - A comparison chart that shows the essential differences between biblical Christianity and the group -- The writers of these volumes are well qualified to present clear and reliable information and help us discern religious truth from falsehood. This is an age when countless groups and movements, new and old, mark the religious landscape in our culture. As a result, many people are confused or uncertain in their search for spiritual truth and meaning. Because few people have the time or opportunity to research these movements fully, the Zondervan Guide to Cults and Religious Movements series provides essential information and insights for their spiritual journeys. The second wave of books in this series addresses a broad range of spiritual beliefs, from non-Trinitarian Christian sects to witchcraft and neo-paganism to classic non-Christian religions such as Buddhism and Hinduism. All books but the summary volume, Truth and Error, contain five sections: -A concise introduction to the group being surveyed -An overview of the group’s theology — in its own words -Tips for witnessing effectively to members of the group -A bibliography with sources for further study -A comparison chart that shows the essential differences between biblical Christianity and the group -- Truth and Error, the last book in the series, consists of parallel doctrinal charts compiled from all the other volumes. Three distinctives make this series especially useful to readers: -Information is carefully distilled to bring out truly essential points, rather than requiring readers to sift their way through a sea of secondary details. -Information is presented in a clear, easy-to-follow outline form with “menu bar” running heads. This format greatly assists the reader in quickly locating topics and details of interest. -Each book meets the needs and skill levels of both nontechnical and technical readers, providing an elementary level of refutation and progressing to a more advanced level using arguments based on the biblical text. The writers of these volumes are well qualified to present clear and reliable information and help readers to discern truth from falsehood.
Goddess as Nature: Towards a Philosophical Thealogy
by Paul Reid-BowenGoddess as Nature makes a significant contribution to elucidating the meaning of a female and feminist deity at the beginning of the twenty-first century. Bridging the gap between the emergent religious discourse of thealogy - discourse about the Goddess - and a range of analytical concerns in the philosophy of religion, the author argues that thealogy is not as incoherent as many of its critics claim. By developing a close reading of the reality-claims embedded within a range of thealogical texts, one can discern an ecological and pantheistic concept of deity and reality that is metaphysically novel and in need of constructive philosophical, thealogical and scholarly engagement. Philosophical thealogy is, in an age concerned with re-conceiving nature in terms of agency, chaos, complexity, ecological networks and organicism, both an active possibility and a remarkably valuable academic, feminist and religious endeavour.
Goddess in My Pocket: Simple Spells, Charms, Potions, and Chants to Get You Everything You Want
by Patricia TelescoStir your morning coffee counterclockwise to reduce negativity or clockwise to jump start your day with positive, empowering energy. Dust your shoes with charismatic cinnamon before you leave the house. Grow a pot of lavender at your desk to promote peace. Place a bay leaf under each leg of the office copier to keep it copying smoothly. These are but a few of Patricia Telesco’s enchanted tips to keep your pocket brimming with magical ideas. A charming guide to taking control of your own luck, love, joy, and prosperity, Goddess in My Pocket shows you how to recognize and activate the goddess power already within you. Whether you seek a promotion potion, dream of igniting a romance, need an amulet for your asthma, or just want to keep the car mechanic away. Practricia Telesco gives you the tools to make it happen. At home, in the office, or on the road, Goddess in my Pocket is magic at your fingertips.
Goddess of the Americas: Writings on the Virgin of Guadalupe
by Ana CastilloGoddess of the Americas is a brilliant essay collection and an impassioned, unorthodox celebration of the Virgin of Guadalupe: mother goddess, patron saint of Mexico, protector of the downtrodden, who made her first appearance on American soil in 1531. Through a variety of forms -- original essays, historical writings, short fiction, drama, and poetry -- the illustrious contributors to this literary anthology examine the impact this potent deity, the Lady of Guadalupe, has had on the people and culture of Mexico, and her influence beyond that country, in Latin America, North America, and Europe.An unprecedented contribution to the literature of the Americas, Goddess of the Americas is an invigorating investigation, an idiosyncratic adoration, and a profound recognition of our need for the sacred, unwavering love of the mother goddess.Francisco Alarcon * Luis Alfaro * Gloria Anzaldua * Ronnie Burk * Rosario Castellanos * Ana Castillo * Denise Chavez * Sandra Cisneros * Felipe Ehrenberg * Clarissa Pinkola Estes * Rosario Ferre * Francisco Goldman * Guillermo Gomez-Pena * F. Gonzalez-Crussi * Nancy Mairs * Ruben Martinez * Pat Mora * Cherrie Moraga * Octavio Paz * Elena Poniatowska * Margaret Randall * Jeanette Rodriguez * Luis Rodriguez * Richard Rodriguez * Miriam Sagan * Luisah Teish * Liliana Valenzuela
Goddess on the Frontier: Religion, Ethnicity, and Gender in Southwest China
by Megan BrysonDali is a small region on a high plateau in Southeast Asia. Its main deity, Baijie, has assumed several gendered forms throughout the area's history: Buddhist goddess, the mother of Dali's founder, a widowed martyr, and a village divinity. What accounts for so many different incarnations of a local deity? Goddess on the Frontier argues that Dali's encounters with forces beyond region and nation have influenced the goddess's transformations. Dali sits at the cultural crossroads of Southeast Asia, India, and Tibet; it has been claimed by different countries but is currently part of Yunnan Province in Southwest China. Megan Bryson incorporates historical-textual studies, art history, and ethnography in her book to argue that Baijie provided a regional identity that enabled Dali to position itself geopolitically and historically. In doing so, Bryson provides a case study of how people craft local identities out of disparate cultural elements and how these local identities transform over time in relation to larger historical changes--including the increasing presence of the Chinese state.