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Skepticism and Belief in Early Modern England: The Reformation of Moral Value
by Melissa M. CaldwellThe central thesis of this book is that skepticism was instrumental to the defense of orthodox religion and the development of the identity of the Church of England. Examining the presence of skepticism in non-fiction prose literature at four transitional moments in English Protestant history during which orthodoxy was challenged and revised, Melissa Caldwell argues that a skeptical mode of thinking is embedded in the literary and rhetorical choices made by English writers who straddle the project of reform and the maintenance of orthodoxy after the Reformation in England. Far from being a radical belief simply indicative of an emerging secularism, she demonstrates the varied and complex appropriations of skeptical thought in early modern England. By examining a selection of various kinds of literature-including religious polemic, dialogue, pamphlets, sermons, and treatises-produced at key moments in early modern England’s religious history, Caldwell shows how the writers under consideration capitalized on the unscripted moral space that emerged in the wake of the Reformation. The result was a new kind of discourse--and a new form of orthodoxy--that sought both to exploit and to contain the skepticism unearthed by the Reformation.
Skepticism and Humanism: The New Paradigm
by Paul KurtzAs we begin the third millennium there is cause for cautious optimism regarding the human prospect. Democratic revolutions and the doctrine of universal human rights have captured the imagination of large sectors of humanity, while major advances in science and technology continue to conquer disease and extend life, contributing to rising standards of living, affluence, and cultural freedom on a worldwide basis. Paradoxically, at the same time ancient authoritarian fundamentalist religions have grown in vitriolic intensity along with bizarre New Age, media-driven paranormal belief systems. Also surprising is the resurgence of primitive tribal and ethnic loyalties, unleashing wars of intolerance and bitterness. In Skepticism and Humanism, Paul Kurtz locates these threatening developments within a long-standing and largely unchallenged theological worldview. He proposes, as an alternative to religion, a new cultural paradigm rooted in scientific naturalism, rationalism, and a humanistic outlook.An estimated 60 percent of scientists are atheists or agnostics. However, the skeptical world view has been given little currency even in advanced societies, because of a cultural prohibition against the criticism of religion. At the same time, science has become increasingly narrow and specialized so that few people can draw on its broader intellectual and cultural implications. Skepticism and Humanism attempts to meet this need. It defends skepticism as a method for developing reliable knowledge by using scientific inquiry and reason to test all claims to truth. It also defends scientific naturalism-an evolutionary view of nature, life, and the human species. Kurtz sees the dominant religious doctrines as drawn from an agricultural/nomadic past, and emphasizes the need for a new outlook applicable to the postindustrial information age. At the same time, he rejects postmodernism for abandoning science and embracing a form of nihilism.There can be no doubt that as a new global civilization emerges, scientific naturalism, rationalism, and secular humanism have something significant to say about the meaning of life. Skepticism and Humanism shows how they can to foster democratic values and social prosperity. The book will be important for philosophers, scientists, and all those concerned with contemporary issues.
Skepticism in Classical Islam: Moments of Confusion (Culture and Civilization in the Middle East)
by Paul L. HeckThe first major treatment of skepticism in Islam, this book explores the critical role of skeptical thinking in the development of theology in Islam. It examines the way key thinkers in classical Islam faced perplexing questions about the nature of God and his relation to the world, all the while walking a fine line between belief in God’s message as revealed in the Qur’an, and the power of the mind to discover truths on its own. Skepticism in Classical Islam reveals how doubt was actually an integral part of scholarly life at this time. Skepticism is by no means synonymous with atheism. It is, rather, the admission that one cannot convincingly demonstrate a truth claim with certainty, and Islam’s scholars, like their counterparts elsewhere, acknowledged such impasses, only to be inspired to find new ways to resolve the conundrums they faced. Whilst their conundrums were unique, their admission of the limits of knowledge shares much with other scholarly traditions. Seeking to put Islam on the map of the broader study of the history of scepticism, this book will be of interest to scholars and students of Religion, History and Philosophy.
Skeptics Answered
by D. James KennedyIn this book, D. James Kennedy takes on some of the most-asked questions regarding the validity of the Christian faith and provides factual, well-reasoned answers. In clear, unassuming language, Dr. Kennedy examines the reliability of the Bible, the nature of God, and Christian faith in the face of life's harsh realities. Skeptics Answered affirms the faith of Christians everywhere and is ideal for both personal and group study. In addition, it makes an excellent gift for any non-believer who, as a matter of intellectual integrity, is willing to consider the clear evidence for the Christian faith.
Skid (Occupational Hazards Series, Book #3)
by Rene GutteridgeBlissfully unaware that Adantica Flight 1945 from Atlanta to Amsterdam is about to make aviation history, First Officer Danny McSweeney focuses his energies on navigating the turbulent personalities of an eccentric female captain, a co-pilot with a talent for tactless comments and conspiracy theories, and a lead flight attendant with an outsized attitude that definitely exceeds the limits for carry-on baggage. On the other side of the cockpit door, the unscheduled in-flight entertainment includes a potbellied pig, a jittery diamond courier, and the recently jilted Lucy Meredith, whose personal mantra of "What Would Oprah Do?" will be challenged by the sudden appearance of her ex and his new traveling partner. On her left sits Hank Hazard, whose unusually polite but constant requests--prompted by his covert role as a spy for the airline--test the limits of the crew's customer service. But as Lucy and the rest of the crew discover, Hank's odd behavior is linked to a quiet faith that may play a key role in the fate of everyone on board. Especially when an unexpected traveler sets this already bumpy flight on a course toward the unfriendly skies.
Skid: A Novel (The Occupational Hazards #3)
by Rene GutteridgeBlissfully unaware that Atlantica Flight 1945 from Atlanta to Amsterdam is about to make aviation history, First Officer Danny McSweeney focuses his energies on navigating the turbulent personalities of an eccentric female captain, a co-pilot with a talent for tactless comments and conspiracy theories, and a lead flight attendant with an outsized attitude that definitely exceeds the limits for carry-on baggage.On the other side of the cockpit door, the unscheduled in-flight entertainment includes a potbellied pig, a jittery diamond courier, and the recently jilted Lucy Meredith, whose personal mantra of "What Would Oprah Do?" will be challenged by the sudden appearance of her ex and his new traveling partner. On her left sits Hank Hazard, whose unusually polite but constant requests-prompted by his covert role as a spy for the airline-test the limits of the crew's customer service. But as Lucy and the rest of the crew discover, Hank's odd behavior is linked to a quiet faith that may play a key role in the fate of everyone on board. Especially when an unexpected traveler sets this already bumpy flight on a course toward the unfriendly skies.From the Trade Paperback edition.
Skies of Parchment, Seas of Ink: Jewish Illuminated Manuscripts
by Raymond P. Scheindlin Eva Frojmovic Diane Wolfthal Jenna Siman Jacobs Hartley Lachter Shalom Sabar Ágnes Vető Susan Vick Barbara WolffA superbly illustrated history of five centuries of Jewish manuscriptsThe love of books in the Jewish tradition extends back over many centuries, and the ways of interpreting those books are as myriad as the traditions themselves. Skies of Parchment, Seas of Ink offers the first full survey of Jewish illuminated manuscripts, ranging from their origins in the Middle Ages to the present day. Featuring some of the most beautiful examples of Jewish art of all time—including hand-illustrated versions of the Bible, the Haggadah, the prayer book, marriage documents, and other beloved Jewish texts—the book introduces readers to the history of these manuscripts and their interpretation.Edited by Marc Michael Epstein with contributions from leading experts, this sumptuous volume features a lively and informative text, showing how Jewish aesthetic tastes and iconography overlapped with and diverged from those of Christianity, Islam, and other traditions. Featured manuscripts were commissioned by Jews and produced by Jews and non-Jews over many centuries, and represent Eastern and Western perspectives and the views of both pietistic and liberal communities across the Diaspora, including Europe, Israel, the Middle East, and Africa.Magnificently illustrated with pages from hundreds of manuscripts, many previously unpublished or rarely seen, Skies of Parchment, Seas of Ink offers surprising new perspectives on Jewish life, presenting the books of the People of the Book as never before.
Skilful Means: A Concept in Mahayana Buddhism
by Michael Pye'Skilful Means' is the key principle of Mahayana, one of the great Buddhist traditions. First described in the Lotus Sutra, it originates in myths of the Buddha's compassionate plans for raising life from the ceaseless round of birth and death. His strategies or interventions are 'skilful means' - morally wholesome tricks devised for the purpose of enabling nirvana or enlightenment. Michael Pye's clear and engaging introductory guide investigates the meaning and context of skilful means in Mayahana Buddhist teachings, whilst tracing its early origins in ancient Japanese and Theravada thought. First published in 1978, and still the best explanation of the concept, it illuminates a core working philosophy essential for any complete understanding of Buddhism.
Skillful Grace
by Jamgon Kongtrul Adeu Rinpoche Chokgyur LingpaTara is an inspirational figure to many practitioners. She embodies the most compelling and vital qualities of the feminine: beauty, grace, and the ability to nurture, care for and protect. In addition, she is a true warrior, vanquishing fear and ignorance. One could say she is the earliest known Buddhist feminist.Skillful Grace is an entirety of instructions on deity practice centered on the female Buddha Tara. It covers everything from beginning to end. It has all the preliminaries, as well as the main part and the subsequent yogas. There is the outer and inner sadhanas with Tara and her retinue of twenty-one Taras that dispel the various fears. There is also the innermost practice of Tara with consort. It has all the details on the development stage, and describes completion stage both with and without conceptual attributes. Nothing is left out. It is utterly complete with treasure and pith instructions from Tulku Urgyen and Adeu Rinpoche, skillfully arranged by the translation/author team of Erik Pema Kunsang and Marcia Binder Schmidt.There are many explanations of the different Tara practices. However, Skillful Grace is unique in that it outlines an entire path, taking Tara as support. This book is s divided into three main sections. The first is the root text of this cycle, The Essential Instruction on the Threefold Excellence, according to the mind treasure of the profound essence of Tara as revealed by Chokgyur Lingpa. Following that is a commentary on this root text by Tulku Urgyen Rinpoche. Next is Jamgön Kongtrül and Adeu Rinpoche's synthesized commentary on the same text. In order to make this work less scholarly and more applicable to practitioners, we decided to paraphrase Jamgön Kongrtül commentary and blend it together with Adeu Rinpoche's teaching.The book is rounded out with a foreword by Tara Bennett Goleman, author of the best selling book Emotional Alchemy, in depth introduction by Marcia Schmidt, and various appendixes and footnotes.
Skillful Grace: Tara Practice for Our Times
by Tara Bennett-Goleman Erik Pema Kunsang Marcia Binder Schmidt Trulshik Rinpoche Adeu Tulku UrgyenTara is one of the most inspiring of Buddhist deities, embodying the most compelling and vital qualities of the feminine: beauty, grace, and the ability to nurture, care for, and protect. This complex goddess, whose practice transcends sect and class, is also a true warrior, vanquishing fear and ignorance-in a sense the earliest known incarnation of Buddhist feminism. Skillful Grace is an elegant introduction to practice and meditation techniques based on the Vajrayana path.The book is divided into three main sections. The first contains the basic text of Tara practice, The Essential Instruction on the Threefold Excellence, which connects the seeker to the profound essence of Tara as revealed by Chokgyur Lingpa. The other two sections feature enlightening commentaries on the text by Tulku Urgyen Rinpoche, Jamgön Kongtrül, and Adeu Rinpoche. Skillful Grace includes all the preliminaries of Tara practice, as well as its main part and the subsequent yogas. Tara Bennett Goleman's foreword, Marcia Schmidt's introduction, and various appendixes and footnotes add useful context.
Skills for Effective Counseling: A Faith-Based Integration (Christian Association for Psychological Studies Books)
by Elisabeth A. Nesbit Sbanotto Heather Gingrich Fred GingrichAnyone in a helping profession—including professional counselors, spiritual directors, pastoral counselors, chaplains and others—needs to develop effective communication skills. But learning these skills is like learning a new language: it takes time and practice to communicate effectively, and lack of practice can lead to the loss of one's ability to use this new language. Suitable for both beginning students and seasoned practitioners, Skills for Effective Counseling provides a biblically integrated approach to foundational counseling skills that trains the reader to use specific microskills. These skills include perceiving, attending, validating emotion and empathic connection. Chapters include textbook features such as sample session dialogues, role plays and a variety of both in-class and out-of-class exercises and reflection activities that will engage various learning styles.
Skills for Effective Counseling: A Faith-Based Integration (Christian Association for Psychological Studies Books)
by Heather Davediuk Gingrich Fred C. Gingrich Elisabeth A. Nesbit SbanottoSkills for Effective Counselingmulticultural counselingbiblical/theological applicationscurrent and seminal research related to microskillsdiagnostic and theoretical implicationsclinical tips for using skills in "real world" counseling settingsthe relevance of specific microskills to interpersonal relationships and broader ministry settings
Skills for Literary Analysis (Student)
by James P. StobaughEquips high school students to analyze classic literary genres, discern author's worldviews, and apply biblical standards. Helps you build vocabulary by using new words in every speech and essay. Gain in-depth instruction in the subjects of grammar, punctuation, and spelling. Learn to convey important ideas in both writing and speech in this easy-to-follow, daily format. This is a dialectic and logic level course that prepares students for later academic pursuits. This 35-week course presents diverse writings, from Shakespeare to Jack London, Lewis Carrol to Longfellow, and Sir Walter Scott to C.S. Lewis. Students are taught to analyze key elements of literature such as allegory narrative, satire, plot, setting, and more. While Dr. Stobaugh scrutinizes all literature from a Christian worldview, his instruction also helps students develop their skills in public speaking, writing, and discernment to empower them to be more effective Christian apologists. In the steps of Augustine, Milton, and Lewis, students are invited to analyze the classics with a keen, discerning eye, and to identify positive and negative components of literary worldviews emergent among the classics.
Skills for Literary Analysis (Teacher)
by James P. StobaughThe Teacher Guide for Skills for Literary Analysis: Lessons in Assessing Writing Structures.
Skills for Rhetoric (Student)
by James P. StobaughHelps high school students develop the skills necessary to communicate more powerfully through writing and to articulate their thoughts clearly.Develop creative writing skills including descriptive writing, poetry, and short stories.Cultivate the use of expository writing including research papers, analytical essays, problem-solution writing, and firsthand accounts.Learn the art of public speaking, including persuasive speeches, informative speeches, debates, and more.Rhetoric is the ancient skill of persuasive speech used by teachers, preachers, politicians, and others to influence, incite, and instruct. This course includes basic grammar and writing composition, and mastering this time-honored skill will set your students apart with distinguished written and oral abilities.This 34-week, critical-thinking course will take the student through the writing of numerous academic essays, several public speaking presentations, and an extensive research paper. Dr. Stobaugh weaves biblical concepts, readings, and applications throughout the curriculum to help equip students to stand firm in their faith and become the light of Christ in a deteriorating culture.
Skills for Rhetoric (Teacher)
by James P. StobaughRhetoric is the ancient skill of persuasive speech used by teachers, preachers, politicians, and others to influence, incite, and instruct. This course includes basic grammar and writing composition, and mastering this time-honored skill will set your students apart with distinguished written and oral abilities. This Teacher's Guide accompanies James Stobaugh's Skills for Rhetoric student book. It provides an instruction guide, daily concept builders, and weekly essay questions and tests.
Skin in the Game: Living an Epic Jesus-Centered Life
by Rick LawrenceExplores the revolutionary idea that risk is a foundational requirement, not an optional step, of the true faith walk "Whoever finds their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life for my sake will find it." --Matthew 10:39 Christians are longing for more life in their lives, a sense that they're more present to Jesus and to their own story in the everyday. They're looking for the answer to the deepest question of human experience: "How do I find the freedom I crave, and become the person I long to be?" Too often, though, they're scared to risk too much to find the answer--so they simply continue to lead lives of "quiet desperation." Rick Lawrence says that's exactly the problem. We've seen too much. We know too much. And so we manage our risk so well that we choke off the very fuel that our soul needs to stay alive. In fact, risk should be a primary aspect of our relationship with Jesus, not the thing we avoid. In this book, Lawrence argues that if we pay attention to the way Jesus related to people, we discover that he asked every person he ever met to put their "skin in the game"--invest part of themselves. Only then did they find the life they always longed for. Lawrence asks eight key questions, including: * Will you embrace your shame? * Will you receive grace? * Will you confront your fears? * Will you wait, even when all hope is lost? With a vigorous, fast-paced, and conversational style, he uses these questions plus stories straight from Scripture and pop-culture corollaries to explore the kinds of risks we find in our lives today and how to stop waiting and start going all in for Jesus.
Skinny
by Laura L. SmithWhen the pressures of having good grades, good friends, a position on the dance team, and the perfect boyfriend become too much for Melissa, she turns to strict dieting to regain control.
Skinny Life: The Secret to Physical, Emotional, and Spiritual Fitness
by Crystal Dwyer HansenFor weight-loss, life-long health, spiritual well-being, it's not enough just to change what you do, says Crystal Hansen. Crazy as it may sound, she insists, the first thing you must change to guarantee results is what you believe!
Skipping Towards Gomorrah: The Seven Deadly Sins and the Pursuit of Happiness in America
by Dan SavageIn Skipping Towards Gomorrah, Dan Savage eviscerates the right-wing conservatives as he commits each of the Seven Deadly Sins himself (or tries to) and finds those everyday Americans who take particular delight in their sinful pursuits. Among them: Greed:
Skits That Teach, Volume 2 eBook: Banned in Wisconsin // 35 Cheese Free Skits
by The Skit Guys35 CHEESE-FREE SKITS If you're looking for fun and creative ways to involve your students in learning, you can stop looking. Skits That Teach provides you and your students everything you need to act out funny and compelling skits with total confidence. Search by topic or by group size to find the perfect comedic or dramatic sketch to help illustrate a point or just start a dialogue. The Skit Guys, Eddie James and Tommy Woodard, have tested these skits on teenagers around the country, and they've brought together some of the best for this great resource. Plus they give you everything you need for each skit---overview, characters, location, Scripture reference, props, direction pointers, and a complete script. The Skit Guys avoid the cheesy dialogues and scenes typically found in Christian dramas and instead bring fun characters, witty scripts, and entertaining situations to their skits, all categorized by: * Skits for Idiots (it would take an idiot not to be able to do them right!) * Monologues * Duets/Ensembles * Comedy * Drama * Scripture Readings
Skits That Teach: Lactose Free for Those Who Can't Stand Cheesy Skits
by Eddie James Tommy WoodardI’ve watched the Skit Guys for more than 10 years; Eddie and Tommy are storytellers. They were telling stories before storytelling was all the rage. In their latest book, the Skit Guys let us peek inside their incredibly creative minds.” -Allen Jackson, New Orleans Seminary “When it comes to skits, the Skit Guys have the corner market on the good stuff. They are engaging, thought provoking and hilarious without being cheesy or cliché. Their unique style is clean, clever, clear, and ... funny! You can’t go wrong with these two.” -Darren Whitehead, Director of Next Gen Ministries, Willow Creek Community Church “I’ve been in student ministry for over 30 years, and the Skit Guys are pretty much the greatest skit guys ever. Here’s another resource from the chimerical minds of Eddie and Tommy that will help us youth workers in the trenches. This book will aid you greatly in your continuous pursuit of excellence in the world of drama. In other words, buy this freaking book!” -Bob Johns, First Woodway, Waco, Texas (the guy that gave them their first gig) 35 CHEESE-FREE SKITS If you’re looking for fun and creative ways to involve your students in learning, you can stop looking. Skits That Teach provides you and your students everything you need to act out funny and compelling skits with total confidence. Search by topic or by group size to find the perfect comedic or dramatic sketch to help illustrate a point or just start a dialogue. The Skit Guys, Eddie James and Tommy Woodard, have tested these skits on teenagers around the country, and they’ve brought together some of the best for this great resource. Plus they give you everything you need for each skit—overview, characters, location, Scripture reference, props, direction pointers, and a complete script. The Skit Guys avoid the cheesy dialogues and scenes typically found in Christian dramas and instead bring fun characters, witty scripts, and entertaining situations to their skits, all categorized by: • Skits for Idiots (it would take an idiot not to be able to do them right!) • Monologues • Duets/Ensembles • Comedy • Drama • Scripture Readings THE SKIT GUYS are Eddie James and Tommy Woodard, two high school friends who love to communicate God’s Word in dynamic and captivating ways through the use of drama, teaching, and comedy. They’ve been involved in various ministries and impacting lives for more than a decade. The duo has written numerous dramas, plays, and humorous skits that cover a wide variety of topics. They’re the authors of Instant Skits along with their own Skit Guys resources. Eddie James has coauthored four volumes of the Videos That Teach series with Doug Fields.
Skulls to the Living, Bread to the Dead: The Day of the Dead in Mexico and Beyond
by Stanley H. Brandes<p>Each October, as the Day of the Dead draws near, Mexican markets overflow with decorated breads, fanciful paper cutouts, and whimsical toy skulls and skeletons. To honor deceased relatives, Mexicans decorate graves and erect home altars. Drawing on a rich array of historical and ethnographic evidence, this volume reveals the origin and changing character of this celebrated holiday. It explores the emergence of the Day of the Dead as a symbol of Mexican and Mexican-American national identity. <p>Skulls to the Living, Bread to the Dead poses a serious challenge to the widespread stereotype of the morbid Mexican, unafraid of death, and obsessed with dying. In fact, the Day of the Dead, as shown here, is a powerful affirmation of life and creativity. Beautifully illustrated, this book is essential for anyone interested in Mexican culture, art, and folklore, as well as contemporary globalization and identity formation.</p>
Skunk Girl
by Sheba KarimNina Khan is not just the only Asian or Muslim student in her small-town high school in upstate New York, she also faces the legacy of her "Supernerd" older sister, body hair, and the pain of having a crush when her parents forbid her to date.
Sky Above, Earth Below: Spiritual Practice in Nature
by John P. MiltonA renowned spiritual teacher guides you on a sacred passage into the temple of nature in this simple yet profound meditation guide. Since the 1940's, meditation master and vision-quest leader John P. Milton has led over 10,000 vision quests into the wilds of Colorado, the Himalayas, Bali, the Arctic, Mexico, and other powerful sites around the world. Now this pathfinder guides readers back to the wilderness within themselves, to discover how they are connected to the vast and wondrous mystery of nature. In Sky Above, Earth Below, Milton shares his Twelve Principles of Natural Liberation, then walks readers through the practice of relaxation, presence, cultivating universal energy, and more. &“Written out of boundless reverence for the Earth and life itself, [Milton] transfers the wisdom of Taoism into simple terms accessible to all readers regardless of personal background&” (Midwest Book Review).