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Ancient Religions (Blackwell Ancient Religions Ser. #3)
by Sarah Iles JohnstonReligious beliefs and practices, which permeated all aspects of life in antiquity, traveled well-worn routes throughout the Mediterranean: itinerant charismatic practitioners journeying from place to place peddled their skills as healers, purifiers, cursers, and initiators; and vessels decorated with illustrations of myths traveled with them. New gods encountered in foreign lands by merchants and conquerors were sometimes taken home to be adapted and adopted. This collection of essays by a distinguished international group of scholars, drawn from the groundbreaking reference work Religions of the Ancient World, offers an expansive, comparative perspective on this complex spiritual world.
Ancient Religions, Modern Politics: The Islamic Case in Comparative Perspective
by Michael A. CookWhy Islam is more political and fundamentalist than other religionsWhy does Islam play a larger role in contemporary politics than other religions? Is there something about the Islamic heritage that makes Muslims more likely than adherents of other faiths to invoke it in their political life? If so, what is it? Ancient Religions, Modern Politics seeks to answer these questions by examining the roles of Islam, Hinduism, and Christianity in modern political life, placing special emphasis on the relevance—or irrelevance—of their heritages to today's social and political concerns.Michael Cook takes an in-depth, comparative look at political identity, social values, attitudes to warfare, views about the role of religion in various cultural domains, and conceptions of the polity. In all these fields he finds that the Islamic heritage offers richer resources for those engaged in current politics than either the Hindu or the Christian heritages. He uses this finding to explain the fact that, despite the existence of Hindu and Christian counterparts to some aspects of Islamism, the phenomenon as a whole is unique in the world today. The book also shows that fundamentalism—in the sense of a determination to return to the original sources of the religion—is politically more adaptive for Muslims than it is for Hindus or Christians.A sweeping comparative analysis by one of the world's leading scholars of premodern Islam, Ancient Religions, Modern Politics sheds important light on the relationship between the foundational texts of these three great religious traditions and the politics of their followers today.
Ancient Religions: A Guide (Blackwell Ancient Religions Ser. #8)
by Sarah Iles JohnstonReligious beliefs and practices, which permeated all aspects of life in antiquity, traveled well-worn routes throughout the Mediterranean: itinerant charismatic practitioners journeying from place to place peddled their skills as healers, purifiers, cursers, and initiators; and vessels decorated with illustrations of myths traveled with them. New gods encountered in foreign lands by merchants and conquerors were sometimes taken home to be adapted and adopted. This collection of essays by a distinguished international group of scholars, drawn from the groundbreaking reference work Religions of the Ancient World, offers an expansive, comparative perspective on this complex spiritual world.
Ancient Roman Religion (Routledge Revivals)
by H. J. RoseFirst published in 1949, Ancient Roman Religion is an introduction to some of the most outstanding features of the complicated religion, or rather series of religions, which flourished in Rome between the earliest recoverable ages of her long history and the close of the classical epoch. This book will be of interest students of religion, literature and history.
Ancient Secret of Personal Power: Tetragrammaton
by Hilton HotemaIn the Great Mystic Symbolic Tetragrammaton of the Ancient Masters we have one of their deepest secrets; the discovery of what the Masters called the Sacred Four Elements, as they found that these elements enter into the constitution of everything known.Earth, Water, Air, and Fire are the elements that produce every formation, every object, every organism. The Masters then invented an appropriate symbol to embrace the Sacred Four Elements. This symbol is known to us as the Sphinx, the image of which has been found in all the lands of the ancient world, and just as far back in the night of time as it is possible for us to go.Professor Hilton Hotema again raises compelling questions regarding our physical, spiritual, and mental reactions to these Sacred Four Elements.
Ancient Slavery and Its New Testament Contexts
by Christy CobbAn essential resource for understanding slavery in the New Testament and early Christianity Slavery permeated society in the ancient world. The realities of slavery and its shadows pervade the New Testament and other early Christian texts. Yet enslavement remains an under-taught aspect of the context of the New Testament and early Christianity. Because of this, readers are left with numerous questions about ancient slavery. How did people become enslaved? What kinds of work did enslaved people do? Who enslaved people? How did ancient slavery compare with more contemporary enslavement eras? Did anyone in the ancient world criticize slavery? Was ancient slavery racialized? Did Christians have a different understanding of slavery than others? These are just some of the questions students ask in higher education and in Bible study classrooms alike. This volume takes on these questions, introducing students to the textures, complexities, and material realities of slavery in the Greco-Roman world. Ancient Slavery and Its New Testament Contexts draws on the expertise of scholars around the world with a focus on introductory information, accessibility, and readability. It does not attempt to dismiss or downplay the role of New Testament texts in the perpetuation of either ancient slavery or slavery in the North American context. Rather, the volume helps students and teachers alike wrestle with the ongoing historical, theological, and ethical legacies of slavery in their own faith formation and engagement with the biblical text.
Ancient Taboos and Gender Prejudice: Challenges for Orthodox Women and the Church (Routledge New Critical Thinking in Religion, Theology and Biblical Studies)
by Leonie B. LiverisThis book explores the struggling genesis of a women's movement in the Orthodox Church through the ecumenical movement of the twentieth century at a time when militant conservatism is emerging in Orthodox countries and fundamentalism in the diaspora. Offering an understanding of the participation of women in the Orthodox Church, particularly during the 50 years of the membership of the Orthodox churches in the World Council of Churches, this book contributes to the ongoing debates and feminist analysis of women's participation, ministry and sexuality in the life and practice of the Church universal. The book reveals both the positive contributions to ecumenism and the difficulties confronting Orthodox women wishing to participate more fully in the leadership and ministry of their church.
Ancient Texts for the Study of the Hebrew Bible: A Guide to the Background Literature
by Kenton L. SparksThe Hebrew Bible represents no mere collection of books but a stunning array of literary genres. To fully illuminate the history and culture of the Old Testament, it is necessary to compare these ancient writings to similar texts written concurrently by Israel's neighbors. Beginning with an overview of the important literary archives of the ancient Near East, Sparks provides exhaustive references to the ancient literary counterparts to the Hebrew Bible's major genres. Surveying the ancient writings found throughout Egypt, Mesopotamia, Anatolia, and Palestine, Sparks provides a brief summary of each text discussed, translating brief portions and linking them to literarily similar biblical passages. Exploring over thirty genres--wisdom, hymns, love poetry, rituals, prophecy, apocalyptic, novella, epic legend, myth, genealogy, history, law, treaty, epigraphic materials, and others--it offers an exemplary guide to the fertile literary environment from which the canonical writings sprung. Rich with bibliographic material, this invaluable catalog enables the reader to locate not only the published texts in their original ancient languages but to find suitable English translations and commentary bearing on these ancient texts. A number of helpful indexes round out this outstanding resource. Providing students with a thorough introduction to the literature of the ancient Near East--and time-pressed scholars with an admirably up-to-date research tool--it will become a syllabus standard for a myriad of courses.
Ancient Water Agreements, Tribal Law and Ibadism: Sources of Inspiration for the Middle East Desalination Research Centre – and Beyond?
by Katariina SimonenThis book traces the development of Oman's inclusive agreements and highlights their importance for international negotiations, dealing with issues most relevant to humanity's own survival today, nuclear weapons or climate change.In Oman, a historical seafaring nation on the south-eastern corner of the Arabian Peninsula, a culture of agreement that accommodates the interests of everyone has developed around the division of scarce water resources.Life in the arid inland of the Omani Hajar mountains would not have been possible without water. Irrigation channel (falaj) construction is extremely old and skilful therein. Local practices evolved around the division of water and land on the basis of fairness. The community would be best served by inclusion and the avoidance of conflict.A specific Islamic school called Ibadi arrived at Oman early on in the eighth century. Ibadi scholars conserved local practices. Consultation and mediation by sheikhs and the religious leader, Imam, became the law of the land. The Omanis were known as the People of Consultation, Ahl Al Shura. In time, the practice of inclusive agreements would extend far beyond the village level, affecting Oman´s foreign policy under Sultan Qaboos. Oman´s water diplomacy succeeded in uniting the contestants of the Middle East Peace Process in the 1990s to work together on common problems of water desalination.
Ancient Ways: Reclaiming the Pagan Tradition
by Pauline CampanelliPauline and Dan Campanelli's classic companion to Wheel of the Year is back for a new generation of readers to enjoyCelebrate the seasons of the year according to the ancient Pagan traditions. Ancient Ways shows how to prepare for and conduct the Sabbat rites, and helps you harness the magickal energy for weeks afterward. The wealth of seasonal rituals and charms within are drawn from ancient sources but are easily performed with readily available materials.Learn how to look into your previous lives at Yule. At Beltane, discover the places where you are most likely to see faeries. Make special jewelry to wear for your Lammas celebrations. For the special animals in your life, paint a charm of protection at Midsummer.Most Pagans feel that the Sabbat rituals are all too brief and wish for the magick to continue. Ancient Ways can help you reclaim your own traditions and heighten the feeling of magick all year long.Praise: "A delightful, joyous guide to celebrating the seasons and festivals with homespun magic." —Scott Cunningham, author of Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs "A delightful book that beautifully complements the authors' Wheel of the Year." —Ray Buckland, author of Practical Candleburning Rituals
Ancient Wisdom: An Introduction to Sayings Collections (Wisdom Literature From The Ancient World Ser. #1)
by Walter T. WilsonThis book surveys and analyzes twenty-seven major collections of wisdom sayings from antiquity, including texts from ancient Egypt, the ancient Near East, ancient Israel and early Judaism, early Christianity, and the Greco-Roman world. Through the diversity of these selections, readers are exposed to wisdom literature from a wide array of historical, cultural, and linguistic settings, which unfolds into a larger understanding of how different ancient peoples articulated a gnomic understanding of life. Throughout this useful guide, Walter Wilson keeps a constant eye on the relation of the wisdom texts to the worlds from which they emerged—paying close attention to each text&’s distinctive thematic profile and how its moral agenda was mapped onto the reader&’s social landscape. Where appropriate, he discusses affinities between the different collections and draws conclusions about ancient wisdom literature as a genre. For further study, each entry includes a short bibliography directing the reader to an up-to-date translation of the collection in question and other relevant secondary texts, making this an ideal starting point for anyone studying wisdom literature of the ancient world.
Ancient Zionism: The Biblical Origins of the National Idea
by Avi ErlichThe ancient Hebrews, Erlich argues, invented a unique basis for social unity by forging an imaginative link between religion (or law), literary culture, and the specific land of Israel. In this conception, the land, the law, and the people of Israel are one, a living metaphor expressed in the idea of Zion. The unity of land, law, and literature created by the Hebrews has been one of the most potent historical metaphors ever devised, strong enough to maintain a sense of national identity among Jews for over two thousand years. Without this Jewish literary culture, Erlich argues, there could have been no state of Israel, no matter what efforts were made by modern Zionist ideologues. This book reads the ancient text with ancient eyes that make it startling and fresh for those conditioned to the "modern" view of national identity as based on either race or ideology. Modern Zionism, like modern nationalism generally, is a drastically impoverished descendant of this original Jewish nationalism, and Erlich concludes that many problems not only of Israel but of all modern nations struggling to define themselves in a changing world really stem from the loss of this vigorous ancient alternative.
Ancient and Modern Religion and Politics
by John Randolph Leblanc Carolyn M. Jones MedineThis book brings a variety of voices into conversation about the issues of identity, community, tension and violence, and peace in the West: from Sophocles to Alice Walker, from Lincoln to Martin Luther King, Jr. and from Euripides to Edward Said.
Ancient, Medieval, and Modern Christianity: The Evolution of a Religion
by Charles GuignebertChristian scholar Charles Guignebert (1867 - 1939) lectured extensively on Christian history at the Sorbonne, and conducted a 23 year long "seminar" on the New Testament. In this extensive work, Guignebert illuminates the evolution of Christianity over nineteen centuries.
Ancient-Future Evangelism: Making Your Church a Faith-forming Community (Ancient-Future Faith Series)
by Robert E. WebberFollowing his well-received Ancient-Future Faith, Robert Webber presents a new model for evangelism and discipleship, the first in a series of four books applying his theoretical ideas to practical situations. <p><p>Part 1 of Ancient-Future Evangelism surveys evangelism and Christian formation throughout the church and then translates the process for twenty-first-century Christians. Webber presents evangelism as four distinct stages and suggests three accompanying rites of passage that can be easily adapted to any church tradition. <p><p>Part 2 underscores how the four-fold process of faith formation is interwoven with three theological principles: Christ as victor over evil, the church as witness to God's salvation, and worship as a witness to God's mission accomplished in Jesus. <p><p>Ancient-Future Evangelism will appeal to both emerging evangelicals as well as traditional church leaders. It relates faith to Christian practice by drawing wisdom from the past and translating those insights into the present and future life of the church.
And After the Fire: A Novel
by Lauren BelferNational Jewish Book Award WinnerThe New York Times bestselling author of A Fierce Radiance and City of Light returns with a powerful and passionate novel—inspired by historical events—about two women, one European and one American, and the mysterious choral masterpiece by Johann Sebastian Bach that changes both their lives.In the ruins of Germany in 1945, at the end of World War II, American soldier Henry Sachs takes a souvenir, an old music manuscript, from a seemingly deserted mansion and mistakenly kills the girl who tries to stop him.In America in 2010, Henry’s niece, Susanna Kessler, struggles to rebuild her life after she experiences a devastating act of violence on the streets of New York City. When Henry dies soon after, she uncovers the long-hidden music manuscript. She becomes determined to discover what it is and to return it to its rightful owner, a journey that will challenge her preconceptions about herself and her family’s history—and also offer her an opportunity to finally make peace with the past.In Berlin, Germany, in 1783, amid the city’s glittering salons where aristocrats and commoners, Christians and Jews, mingle freely despite simmering anti-Semitism, Sara Itzig Levy, a renowned musician, conceals the manuscript of an anti-Jewish cantata by Johann Sebastian Bach, an unsettling gift to her from Bach’s son, her teacher. This work and its disturbing message will haunt Sara and her family for generations to come.Interweaving the stories of Susanna and Sara, and their families, And After the Fire traverses over two hundred years of history, from the eighteenth century through the Holocaust and into today, seamlessly melding past and present, real and imagined. Lauren Belfer’s deeply researched, evocative, and compelling narrative resonates with emotion and immediacy.
And Baby Makes Five
by Debra CloptonTWO STUBBORN HUMANS, HIS DOG, HER DONKEY . . . ; AND A BRAND-NEW BABYA donkey with a penchant for breaking and entering. . . ;in search of alfalfa? Cort Wells had never heard of such a thing, until he and his dog moved into Mule Hollow. And the donkey's eight-months-pregnant owner was Lilly Tipps, raised by her man-hating grandmas. So when Lilly wound up in his barn - and his arms - Cort began to think the donkey was going to be the least of his worries. . . . ;
And Baby Makes Five
by Debra CloptonRe-read a fan-favorite Mule Hollow story by bestselling author Debra Clopton Take two stubborn humans. Add his dog, her donkey--and a brand new baby. A donkey with a penchant for breaking and entering? Cort Wells had never heard of such a thing, until he and his dog moved to Mule Hollow, Texas. Soon he found out the donkey's owner was Lilly Tipps, eight months pregnant and raised by her man-hating grandmas. So when one day Lilly wound up in his barn--and his arms--Cort began to think the donkey was going to be the least of his worries…. Originally published in 2006
And Baby Makes Five
by Gail Gaymer MartinThis is not what Felisa Carrillo envisioned when she left her home in Guadalajara. Sixteen, married to a handsome guy, heading to America. Who could have know her husband would turn abusive and "America" would mean migrant work and impoverished living? But here she is, years later, wiser but still in trouble. Chad Garrison is on a routine visit to his fields when he sees a young migrant worker double over in pain. He hurries to help, only to find she is about to deliver a child there in his field. He rushes her to the hospital, then finds himself drawn to her. Is Chad being taken in by a scheming, dishonest immigrant, as some of his friends suggest? Should Felisa be concerned that Chad has ulterior motives in his generosity toward her? Is this relationship God's doing or just a big mistake?
And China Has Hands
by H. T. TsiangH. T. Tsiang’s And China Has Hands is a poignant and groundbreaking novel that explores the themes of race, class, and identity through the eyes of Wong Wan-Lee, a Chinese immigrant navigating life in Depression-era America. Written with sharp wit and unflinching honesty, this novel captures the struggles of marginalized communities striving for dignity and purpose in an unforgiving world.At the heart of the story is Wong’s journey as he searches for a sense of belonging and meaning while enduring exploitation, discrimination, and cultural alienation. Through his relationships, encounters with labor struggles, and reflections on his homeland, Wong becomes a lens through which Tsiang examines broader societal inequalities and the universal longing for justice and equality.Tsiang’s prose is both lyrical and biting, blending satire and earnest critique to create a vivid portrayal of immigrant life during one of America’s most turbulent eras. His narrative challenges stereotypes and questions the barriers erected by prejudice, while celebrating the resilience and humanity of those forced to fight against systemic oppression.And China Has Hands is a powerful testament to the enduring strength of the human spirit and the complexities of the immigrant experience. Often overlooked in its time, this novel remains a vital piece of literature, offering timeless insights into the struggles and triumphs of those who bridge cultures and defy expectations.For readers interested in social justice, immigrant narratives, and the history of Chinese-American literature, And China Has Hands is a deeply moving and thought-provoking work that resonates as strongly today as it did upon its original publication.
And Cowboy Makes Three (Cowboy Country #7)
by Deb KastnerShe fled their wedding years agoNow she’s back…with a baby!Coming home with a baby and no wedding ring was just what everyone in Cowboy Country expected from bad girl Angelica Carmichael. But she’ll brave their scorn to fulfill Granny Frances’s dying wishes, even if it means ranching with Rowdy Masterson…her jilted ex-groom. Rowdy’s still bitter but this new, softer Angelica—paired with a precious baby—might be too loveable to resist!
And Father Makes Three
by Kim WattersShe's saved countless lives, yet there's one person emergency room doctor Elizabeth Randall can't rescue-her adopted daughter, Jordan. Perhaps meeting her biological father, Blake Crawford, will be the lifeline Jordan needs. The handsome, guarded firefighter takes risks every day. But facing the daughter he never knew-along with lovely Elizabeth-has him thinking about family. With fatherhood thrust suddenly upon him, there's no way he can turn his back on his sick child. Will working together to give Jordan a second chance at life also lead them to a chance at love?
And God Said: How Translations Conceal the Bible's Original Meaning
by Joel M. HoffmanFor centuries, translations of the Bible have obscured our understanding and appreciation of the original text. Now 'And God Said' provides readers with an authoritative account of significant mistranslations and shows how new translation methods can give readers their first glimpse into what the Bible really means. And God Said uncovers the often inaccurate or misleading English translations of the Hebrew Bible and the New Testament that quotes from it. Sometimes the familiar English is just misleading. Other times the mistakes are more substantial. But the errors are widespread. This book tackles such issues as what's wrong with the Ten Commandments (starting with the word "commandments" ), the correct description of the "virgin" birth, and the surprisingly modern message in the Song of Solomon, as well as many other unexpected but thought-provoking revelations. Acclaimed translator Dr. Joel M. Hoffman sheds light on the original intention of the text and the newly developed means that readers can use to get closer to it. In And God Said his fresh approach has united the topics of religion, language, and linguistics to offer the first modern understanding since the Bible was written.
And God Saw That It Was Good
by Ken HamA wise preacher once said that from the beginning, God's existence has been obvious to all. That is the basis for all reality. But for many years, His very creative acts have been scorned by that one creature He loved above all others: man. In this astonishing new gift book from the popular speaker Ken Ham, the wonder and distinctness of god's creative acts are shared. Each devotion touches on an aspect of our world as seen through a biblical lens. For those who delight in the unique loving Creator, and for those seekers who wonder if He is real, these selected topics will inspire. Read and believe.
And God Spoke to Abraham: Preaching from the Old Testament
by Fleming RutledgeSixty superlative sermons on familiar Old Testament texts. Many Christian preachers today largely neglect the Old Testament in their sermons, focusing instead on the Gospel accounts of Jesus’ teachings and activities. As Fleming Rutledge points out, however, when the New Testament is disconnected from the context of the Old Testament, it is like a house with no foundation, a plant with no roots, or a pump with no well. In this powerful collection of sixty sermons on the Old Testament, Rutledge expounds on a number of familiar Old Testament passages featuring Abraham, Samuel, David, Elijah, Job, Jonah, and many other larger-than-life figures. Applying these texts to contemporary life and Christian theology, she highlights the ways in which their multivocal messages can be heard in all their diversity while still proclaiming univocally, “Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is One.”