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Staging Faith: Religion and African American Theater from the Harlem Renaissance to World War II
by Craig R. PrentissIn the years between the Harlem Renaissance and World War II, African American playwrights gave birth to a vital black theater movement in the U.S. It was a movement overwhelmingly concerned with the role of religion in black identity. In a time of profound social transformation fueled by a massive migration from the rural south to the urban‑industrial centers of the north, scripts penned by dozens of black playwrights reflected cultural tensions, often rooted in class, that revealed competing conceptions of religion's role in the formation of racial identity.Black playwrights pointed in quite different ways toward approaches to church, scripture, belief, and ritual that they deemed beneficial to the advancement of the race. Their plays were important not only in mirroring theological reflection of the time, but in helping to shape African American thought about religion in black communities. The religious themes of these plays were in effect arguments about the place of religion in African American lives.In Staging Faith, Craig R. Prentiss illuminates the creative strategies playwrights used to grapple with religion. With a lively and engaging style, the volume brings long forgotten plays to life as it chronicles the cultural and religious fissures that marked early twentieth century African American society.Craig R. Prentiss is Professor of Religious Studies at Rockhurst University in Kansas City, Missouri. He is the editor of Religion and the Creation of Race and Ethnicity: An Introduction (New York University Press, 2003).
Staging Muslims in Britain: Playwriting, Performance, and Representation (Routledge Advances in Theatre & Performance Studies)
by Önder ÇakırtaşThis scholarly volume delves into the manner in which British Muslims articulate their cultural, social and religious identities through theatrical productions in 21st-century Britain and examines their portrayal within these performances.The study investigates the factors influencing the emergence and evolution of Islamic theatre in Britain, providing an in-depth analysis of plays by British playwrights of both Muslim and non-Muslim origins that have shaped the trajectory of British Islamic theatre from the late 20th century to the present. Önder Çakırtaş critically examines how British playwrights, predominantly of Muslim origin but also including some of non-Muslim origin, depict Muslim identity and culture from their unique perspectives, particularly in the context of post-9/11 society. Adopting a comprehensive approach to Islamic playwriting and performance, this book highlights the accomplishments and contributions of contemporary British playwrights, primarily from Muslim backgrounds.This study will be of significant interest to scholars and students in theatre studies, as well as related disciplines such as Islamic studies, sociology and political science.
Staging Witchcraft Before the Law: Scepticism, Performance as Proof, and Law as Magic in Early Modern Witch Trials (Elements in Magic)
by Julie Stone PetersWhile the judicial machinery of early modern witch-hunting could work with terrifying swiftness, skepticism and evidentiary barriers often made conviction difficult. Seeking proof strong enough to overcome skepticism, judges and accusers turned to performance, staging 'acts of Sorcery and Witch-craft manifest to sense.' Looking at an array of demonological treatises, pamphlets, documents, and images, this Element shows that such staging answered to specific doctrines of proof: catching the criminal 'in the acte'; establishing 'notoriety of the fact'; producing 'violent presumptions' of guilt. But performance sometimes overflowed the demands of doctrine, behaving in unpredictable ways. A detailed examination of two cases – the 1591 case of the French witch-demoniac Françoise Fontaine and the 1593 case of John Samuel of Warboys –suggests the manifold, multilayered ways that evidentiary staging could signify – as it can still in that conjuring practice we call law. This title is also available as Open Access on Cambridge Core.
Staging and Stagers in Modern Jewish Palestine: The Creation of Festive Lore in a New Culture, 1882-1948 (Raphael Patai Series in Jewish Folklore and Anthropology)
by Chaya Naor Yaacov Shavit Shoshana SittonThis fascinating case study describes the work of the people responsible for creating festive lore and its system of ceremonies and festivities--an inseparable part of every culture. In the case of the new modern Hebrew culture of Eretz Israel (modern Jewish Palestine)--a society of immigrants that left behind most of their traditional folkways--the creation of festival lore was a conscious and organized process guided by a national ideology and aesthetic values. This creative effort in a secular national society served as an alternative to the traditional religious system, adapted the ceremonies and festivals to a new historical reality, and created a new festival cycle that would give expression and joy to the values and symbols of the new Jewish society.Staging and Stagers in Modern Jewish Palestine claims that the system of ceremonies and festivals, in general, and each separate ceremony and festival were staged according to the staging instructions written by a defined group of cultural activists. The book examines three main stages--the educational network, rural society (particularly the cooperative sector), and urban society (most notably Tel Aviv)--and looks at the stagers themselves, who were schoolteachers, writers, artists, and cultural activists. Though cultural systems of festivals and ceremonies are often researched and described, scholarly literature rarely identifies their creators or studies in detail the manner in which these systems are created. Staging and Stagers in Modern Jewish Palestine sheds important light on the stagers of modern Jewish Palestine and also on the processes and mechanisms that created the performative lore in other cultures, in ancient as well as modern times.
Stain of Guilt (Hidden Faces Series #2)
by Brandilyn CollinsAs I drew, the house felt eerie in its silence. . . . A strange sense stole over me, as though Bland and I were two actors on stage, our movements spotlighted, black emptiness between us. But that darkness grew smaller as the space between us shrank. I did not know if this sense was due to my immersion in Bland&’s face and mind and world, or to my fear of his threatening presence. Or both . . . The nerves between my shoulder blades began to tingle. Help me, God. Please. For twenty years, a killer has eluded capture for a brutal double murder. Now, forensic artist Annie Kingston has agreed to draw the updated face of Bill Bland for the popular television show American Fugitive. To do so, Annie must immerse herself in Bland&’s traits and personality. A single habitual expression could alter the way his face has aged. But as she descends into his criminal mind and world, someone is determined to stop her. At any cost. Annie&’s one hope is to complete the drawing and pray it leads authorities to Bland—before Bland can get to her. Brandilyn Collins is the bestselling author of Brink of Death, Eyes of Elisha, and other novels. She and her family divide their time between the California Bay Area and Coeur d&’Alene, Idaho. Visit her website at www.brandilyncollins.com.
Stained Glass
by Roger RosewellFor over a thousand years stories of Christian belief and great moments in British history have filled the windows of our cathedrals and parish churches. The glow of painted and stained glass, its radiant colours and vivid pictures, has inspired generations of audiences and artists. This beautifully illustrated book traces the development of a unique art from its earliest beginnings in Anglo-Saxon England to the present day. It includes fascinating descriptions of medieval and renaissance glass, the religious upheavals of the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries which saw thousands of windows destroyed, the rebirth of the craft in Georgian and Victorian Britain, and the pioneering of exciting new styles and techniques by modern artists.Explanations of how stained glass windows are made, the secrets of medieval glaziers, the subjects that can be seen and where the best examples from the seventh to twenty-first centuries can be found add to its pleasures.
Stained Glass (Father Dowling Mysteries)
by Ralph McInernyTough times and the unsolved murders of anyone with ties to the Deveres---a family of wealthy parish patrons---back Father Dowling up against a wall in his struggle to save his church from the chopping block.With too many churches and not enough people to fill them, the Archdiocese has to make some cuts, and many of them, including the proposed closing of St. Hilary's, are dangerously close to the bone. Father Dowling rushes to drum up support from church officials and parishioners, including the Deveres, who don't want to see the stained glass windows they donated go anywhere other than the church they were meant for, but they can hardly be of help when those closest to them start turning up dead.Church politics, long-kept family secrets, and a determined killer come together to put St. Hilary's---a church that countless characters and devoted readers have come to love---and its parishioners in peril in Stained Glass, the latest in Ralph McInerny's treasured mystery series.
Stained Glass Ceilings: How Evangelicals Do Gender and Practice Power
by Lisa Weaver SwartzStained Glass Ceilings speaks to the intersection of gender and power within American evangelicalism by examining the formation of evangelical leaders in two seminary communities.Southern Baptist Theological Seminary inspires a vision of human flourishing through gender differentiation and male headship. Men practice “Godly Manhood," and are taught to act as the "head" of a family, while their wives are socialized into codes of “Godly Womanhood" that prioritize prescribed gender roles. This power structure privileges men yet offers agency to their wives in women-centered spaces and through marital relationships. Meanwhile, Asbury Theological Seminary promises freedom from gendered hierarchies. Appealing to a story of gender-blind equality, Asbury welcomes women into classrooms, administrative offices, and pulpits. But the institution’s construction of egalitarianism obscures the fact that women are rewarded for adapting to an existing male-centered status quo rather than for developing their own voices as women. Featuring high-profile evangelicals such as Al Mohler and Owen Strachan, along with young seminarians poised to lead the movement in the coming decades, Stained Glass Ceilings illustrates the liabilities of white evangelical toolkits and argues that evangelical culture upholds male-centered structures of power even as it facilitates meaning and identity.
Stained Glass Hearts: Seeing Life from a Broken Perspective
by Patsy ClairmontStained Glass Heartsreminds us just how brightly the light of God can shine even amidst our darkest moments, uncovering the promise and possibility of redemption and transformation.Comparing people to stained glass windows, Patsy Clairmont explains the power of God to restore and redeem that which seems devastated beyond repair, and she does so with the quick wit and deep insight of someone who has been there. And back. Themes of art and creativity are woven together with stories from Patsy’s own life. And special features include quotes, suggested scripture readings, sample prayers, and recommended music.With candor tempered by wind-whipped wisdom, Patsy provides a new lens through which to view our lives. Stained Glass Hearts is a perspective that gives us the chance to see our potential for color, sparkle, and great purpose through the grace of God.
Stainless Steal Hearts
by Harry Lee Kraus Jr.Promising surgical resident, Matt Stone, uncovers a secret so big it could ruin his medical career forever! When he finds out that chief surgeon Dr. Michael Simons and local abortionist are 'stealing' the hearts of aborted fetuses and giving them to infants with congenital heart problems, he has to make the most difficult decision of his life...
Staircase for the Sisters: A Story of Prayer and Saint Joseph
by John Joseph Pamela LoveTeach children ages 4 to 7 the power of a novena and saintly intercession with this engaging picture book about the Sisters of Loretto. When they had no way of accessing their choir loft in the Loretto chapel in Santa Fe, New Mexico, the sisters prayed a novena through St. Joseph’s intercession. Soon after, a mysterious man appeared and built them a miraculous staircase with two 360-degree turns, no center support, and made only of rare wood. <p>This is a fixed-format ebook, which preserves the design and layout of the original print book.</p>
Stairways to Heaven: By the bestselling author of A Message of Hope from the Angels
by Lorna ByrneLorna Byrne sees and talks with angels every day of her life and has done since she was a baby. As a child Lorna was told by the angels that her job on this earth was to share the wisdom and knowledge that God and the angels were giving her. When Lorna’s husband died, her world fell apart. In Stairways to Heaven she tells the story of how she pulled her life back together and how she, an uneducated mother of four, broke her silence and started to spread the angels’ message to the world. Lorna tells us of the future that God envisages for us – and some possible other futures, depending on the decisions we make. ‘Everyone must play their part’, she says. She reveals some of the most extraordinarily detailed information about angels and the way they work in the world, that has ever been written down. She also introduces us to the Guardian Angel of the Earth and explains why it is so important that we listen to him. She tells the tragic love story of two spirits who she met first as a young child. These spirits stayed close to her for twenty years using Lorna’s spiritual gifts to heal those who had done them wrong – and also to heal the descendants of those wrongdoers, whose lives were still being overshadowed. The overwhelming reaction of readers to Lorna’s writing – regardless of religious belief – is that it gives them hope, helping them to realise that no matter how alone they might feel they have a guardian angel by their side.
Stairways to Heaven: By the bestselling author of A Message of Hope from the Angels
by Lorna ByrneLorna Byrne sees and talks with angels every day of her life and has done since she was a baby. As a child Lorna was told by the angels that her job on this earth was to share the wisdom and knowledge that God and the angels were giving her.When Lorna's husband died, her world fell apart. In Stairways to Heaven she tells the story of how she pulled her life back together and how she, an uneducated mother of four, broke her silence and started to spread the angels' message to the world.Lorna tells us of the future that God envisages for us - and some possible other futures, depending on the decisions we make. 'Everyone must play their part', she says.She reveals some of the most extraordinarily detailed information about angels and the way they work in the world, that has ever been written down. She also introduces us to the Guardian Angel of the Earth and explains why it is so important that we listen to him.She tells the tragic love story of two spirits who she met first as a young child. These spirits stayed close to her for twenty years using Lorna's spiritual gifts to heal those who had done them wrong - and also to heal the descendants of those wrongdoers, whose lives were still being overshadowed. The overwhelming reaction of readers to Lorna's writing - regardless of religious belief - is that it gives them hope, helping them to realise that no matter how alone they might feel they have a guardian angel by their side. (P)2010 Hodder & Stoughton Audiobooks
Stake Your Claim
by Emmet FoxIn this classic text, the master teacher whose works have moved and inspired millions presents inspirational advice and simple self-help that will bring true success and happiness. These seventy-two meditative essays, each accomplished by a brief affirmation and a biblical quotation, are the keys to have a better and more prosperous life. When one becomes depressed or discouraged, nervous or frightened, when one needs to change one's mental and physical habits of living, Fox's direct and easy techniques help overcome life's difficult stretches and bring on health, happiness, and peace of mind.
Stake Your Claim
by Emmet FoxIn this classic text, the master teacher whose works have moved and inspired millions presents inspirational advice and simple self-help that will bring true success and happiness. These seventy-two meditative essays, each accomplished by a brief affirmation and a biblical quotation, are the keys to have a better and more prosperous life. When one becomes depressed or discouraged, nervous or frightened, when one needs to change one's mental and physical habits of living, Fox's direct and easy techniques help overcome life's difficult stretches and bring on health, happiness, and peace of mind.
Stalemate: A Novel
by Icchokas Meras Jonas ZdanysA classic of Holocaust literature from “one of the great masters of the short novel.”—The New YorkerIn the Vilna Ghetto during World War II, Nazi Commandant Schoger demands that all children be sent to the death camp. When Abraham Lipman pleads with him to spare their lives, Schoger reconsiders, and tells Lipman there will be a chess match between himself and Lipman’s only surviving son, Isaac, a chess prodigy. If Isaac wins, the children will live, but Isaac will die. If Isaac loses, the children will die, but Isaac will live. Only a draw will save the ghetto from this terrible predicament.The chess game begins: a nightmarish contest played over the course of several evenings, witnessed by an audience impotent to act, staking the lives of their children on a stalemate. This is a moving story of a father and a son who shame their cruel perpetrator with their dignity, spirit, and extraordinary courage. Stalemate speaks to the power of humor even under the direst circumstances. As a parable that gives voice to the unspeakable, Stalemate is an antidote to despair.“Gripping . . . a truly memorable work.”—Booklist
Stalin's Holy War
by Steven Merritt MinerHistories of the USSR during World War II generally portray the Kremlin's restoration of the Russian Orthodox Church as an attempt by an ideologically bankrupt regime to appeal to Russian nationalism in order to counter the mortal threat of Nazism. Here, Steven Merritt Miner argues that this version of events, while not wholly untrue, is incomplete. Using newly opened Soviet-era archives as well as neglected British and American sources, he examines the complex and profound role of religion, especially Russian Orthodoxy, in the policies of Stalin's government during World War II.Miner demonstrates that Stalin decided to restore the Church to prominence not primarily as a means to stoke the fires of Russian nationalism but as a tool for restoring Soviet power to areas that the Red Army recovered from German occupation. The Kremlin also harnessed the Church for propaganda campaigns aimed at convincing the Western Allies that the USSR, far from being a source of religious repression, was a bastion of religious freedom. In his conclusion, Miner explores how Stalin's religious policy helped shape the postwar history of the USSR.
Stalker in the Shadows (The Sonoma Series)
by Camy TangA nurse’s act of charity makes her the target of a madman in this novel filled with “suspense that will hold your attention” (RT Book Reviews).“Consider this a warning.”Lately, nurse Monica Grant feels she’s being watched. Followed. And then she receives a threatening letter—accompanied by a dead snake. If she doesn’t stop her plans to open a free children’s clinic, she’ll end up dead, too.Terrified, Monica turns to former lawman Shaun O’Neill—who believes the same madman murdered his own sister five years before. She understands how much it means to the handsome, heart-guarding man to save her—and her dream. Even if he has to lure a deadly stalker out of the shadows—straight toward himself . . .Praise for Camy Tang“The story is never predictable.” —Publishers Weekly“[A] blend of wit, suspense, and romance.” —Booklist
Stalking God: My Unorthodox Search for Something to Believe In
by Anjali KumarLike millions of us, Anjali Kumar, a lawyer for Google, was not religious. But when her daughter was born, Anjali felt compelled to find God-or at least some form of enlightenment-that she could someday impart to her daughter.Knowing that she couldn't simply Google an answer to What is the meaning of life?, Anjali set out on a spiritual pilgrimage, and nothing was off limits. She headed to Peru to learn from shamans, practiced transcendental meditation, convened with angels, and even worked with a medium to speak with the dead-all while searching for answers to life's most universal questions: Why are we here? What happens when we die? Is there a God?
Stalking Season
by Sandra RobbinsYULETIDE STALKING After moving to the Smoky Mountains at Christmastime, Cheyenne Cassidy is ready for a fresh start-until danger from her past follows her to her new home. Cheyenne believed the stalker who killed her parents was dead, but somehow he's back and determined to kill her. And her only hope for survival is relying on Deputy Sheriff Luke Conrad. The lawman wants to help Cheyenne face down the obsessive madman, but he can't protect her if he doesn't know the full story. And Cheyenne has no choice but to trust him with a secret she's never revealed about her stalker. Armed with the knowledge of her tragic past, Luke will put his life on the line to keep her alive...but will that be enough to save her?
Stalled: Hope and Help for Pastors Who Thought They'd Be There by Now
by Dale SellersChurches in America are closing at an alarming rate. Dale Sellers of 95Network believes this trend is largely due to discouragement among small-church pastors. Many church leaders begin ministry with dreams of making an eternal impact. But years of striving, stress, and strain have left them feeling defeated, disillusioned, and stalled. Thankfully, there is hope that ministry can turn around for the discouraged pastor. As a former minister who&’s been in the trenches, Sellers reveals that … God is not keeping score,it&’s impossible for a pastor to let God down, anddoing ministry from Jesus, not for Him, is a pastor&’s key to a thriving church.
Stan Lee: A Life in Comics (Jewish Lives)
by Liel LeibovitzFrom the prizewinning Jewish Lives series, a meditation on the deeply Jewish and surprisingly spiritual roots of Stan Lee and Marvel Comics Few artists have had as much of an impact on American popular culture as Stan Lee. The characters he created—Spider-Man and Iron Man, the X-Men and the Fantastic Four—occupy Hollywood’s imagination and production schedules, generate billions at the box office, and come as close as anything we have to a shared American mythology. This illuminating biography focuses as much on Lee’s ideas as it does on his unlikely rise to stardom. It surveys his cultural and religious upbringing and draws surprising connections between celebrated comic book heroes and the ancient tales of the Bible, the Talmud, and Jewish mysticism. Was Spider-Man just a reincarnation of Cain? Is the Incredible Hulk simply Adam by another name? From close readings of Lee’s work to little-known anecdotes from Marvel’s history, the book paints a portrait of Lee that goes much deeper than one of his signature onscreen cameos.About Jewish Lives: Jewish Lives is a prizewinning series of interpretative biography designed to explore the many facets of Jewish identity. Individual volumes illuminate the imprint of Jewish figures upon literature, religion, philosophy, politics, cultural and economic life, and the arts and sciences. Subjects are paired with authors to elicit lively, deeply informed books that explore the range and depth of the Jewish experience from antiquity to the present. In 2014, the Jewish Book Council named Jewish Lives the winner of its Jewish Book of the Year Award, the first series ever to receive this award.More praise for Jewish Lives: "Excellent." – New York times "Exemplary." – Wall St. Journal "Distinguished." – New Yorker "Superb." – The Guardian
Stand Against the Wind: Fuel for the Revolution of Your Soul
by Erwin Raphael McmanusYou know it all too well: life is fraught with challenging moments. When the storms of life blow-as they most certainly will-are you going to stand strong, bend, or break? Popular author Erwin Raphael McManus suggests that you discover how to rise above the normal reaction and learn to stand against the wind.Through thought-provoking chapters, McManus takes readers on a journey of transformation through the landscape of their character-from where they start out "Running Free," through "Rising Out of the Ashes," developing "Divine Imagination," and finally, reaching the "Greatness of Servanthood." Readers, ages 18-35, will appreciate this international consultant's expertise on culture, change, leadership, and creativity.
Stand Beautiful - picture book
by Chloe HowardTeach your child the importance of embracing their uniqueness, celebrating the differences in others, and having a positive outlook with Stand Beautiful. International speaker, TEDx speaker, and anti-bullying author Chloe Howard shows kids that they are perfect in their own imperfect ways.With humor and heart, Chloe and her friends take a road trip to encourage others who are struggling with loving themselves. After learning about their issues, Chloe and her friends spread positivity with easy-to-remember affirmations:Be proud of who you are.Stand up and accept yourself.Boldly face your beautiful self.Rock your differences.I am the best me there is.Stand Beautiful features colorful and adorable illustrations by Deborah Melmon. This picture book will help children ages 4 to 8 who struggle with issues stemming from anxiety, bullying, self-esteem, confidence, and acceptance.Born with a clubfoot, author Chloe Howard had five major operations by the time she was fifteen. Through her hardships, she learned that each of us is perfect in our own imperfect way. Chloe wants to help your child stand beautiful too!
Stand Beautiful: A story of brokenness, beauty and embracing it all
by Chloe Howard Margot StarbuckIn Stand Beautiful, international speaker and TEDx presenter Chloe Howard shares her story of overcoming injustice, battling self-doubt, and rising up to speak out, fueled by a powerful encounter with Bono from the band U2. Chloe’s story shows that even through brokenness and shame, we can venture toward hope, accept our unique selves, and share in our human experiences. Chloe boldly addresses the unlikely hero in each of us. Readers will be inspired to be brave, to speak up against injustice, and redefine beauty as more than what the eye can see. Chloe shares how faith enabled her to endure physical and emotional pain, spurring readers to delve into authenticity and stand beautiful.