- Table View
- List View
What Is Veiling? (Islamic Civilization and Muslim Networks)
by Sahar AmerRanging from simple head scarf to full-body burqa, the veil is worn by vast numbers of Muslim women around the world. What Is Veiling? explains one of the most visible, controversial, and least understood emblems of Islam. Sahar Amer's evenhanded approach is anchored in sharp cultural insight and rich historical context. Addressing the significance of veiling in the religious, cultural, political, and social lives of Muslims, past and present, she examines the complex roles the practice has played in history, religion, conservative and progressive perspectives, politics and regionalism, society and economics, feminism, fashion, and art. By highlighting the multiple meanings of veiling, the book decisively shows that the realities of the practice cannot be homogenized or oversimplified and extend well beyond the religious and political accounts that are overwhelmingly proclaimed both inside and outside Muslim-majority societies. Neither defending nor criticizing the practice, What Is Veiling? clarifies the voices of Muslim women who struggle to be heard and who, veiled or not, demand the right to live spiritual, personal, and public lives in dignity.
What Is Zen?
by Alan WattsA fervent, lifelong student of Zen, Alan Watts shows us that it is both an experience — a singular, powerful moment of realization — and a simple way of life, with an awareness that affects every moment of every day. Adopted by mainstream America in a way that carries only a vague association of its roots in Zen Buddhism, Alan Watts makes it clear that any exploration of Zen must understand and embrace its roots as a form of Buddhist practice derived from its Chinese and East Indian sources. Examining the background of Zen in East Indian religion, Watts shows us its evolution through the religion of China. Zen is a synthesis of the contemplative insight of Indian religion and the dynamic liveliness of Taoism as they came together in the pragmatic, practical environment of Confucian China. Watts gives us great insight into the living moment of satori and the release of nirvana, as well as the methods of meditation that are current today, and the influence of Zen culturally in the arts of painting and pottery.
What it Means to be a Man: God's Design for Us in a World Full of Extremes
by Rhett SmithWe hear the story of David and Goliath and wonder, &“Do we have what it takes to slay the giant?&”Men today are confronted with many different expectations of who they&’re supposed to be and what role they should be filling. By looking at history, the clichés of manhood, and what intimacy with God looks like, this short book will help men (and women) rethink what it means to be a man in today&’s culture.Counselor and pastor Rhett Smith works through tough questions like: How can men look up to role models without following their flaws?Is it possible to strike a balance between passivity and aggression? How can men speak up, find intimacy, and take care of others without neglecting themselves?When Christ calls us to follow Him, He paves a path that is different than our cultural expectations, a path that leads us to a relationship with Him and to true knowledge of what it means to be a man.
What it Means to be a Man: God's Design for Us in a World Full of Extremes
by Rhett SmithWe hear the story of David and Goliath and wonder, &“Do we have what it takes to slay the giant?&”Men today are confronted with many different expectations of who they&’re supposed to be and what role they should be filling. By looking at history, the clichés of manhood, and what intimacy with God looks like, this short book will help men (and women) rethink what it means to be a man in today&’s culture.Counselor and pastor Rhett Smith works through tough questions like: How can men look up to role models without following their flaws?Is it possible to strike a balance between passivity and aggression? How can men speak up, find intimacy, and take care of others without neglecting themselves?When Christ calls us to follow Him, He paves a path that is different than our cultural expectations, a path that leads us to a relationship with Him and to true knowledge of what it means to be a man.
What It Means to Be Moral: Why Religion Is Not Necessary for Living an Ethical Life
by Phil Zuckerman“A thoughtful perspective on humans' capacity for moral behavior.” —Kirkus Reviews“A comprehensive introduction to religious skepticism.” —Publishers WeeklyIn What It Means to Be Moral: Why Religion Is Not Necessary for Living an Ethical Life, Phil Zuckerman argues that morality does not come from God. Rather, it comes from us: our brains, our evolutionary past, our ongoing cultural development, our social experiences, and our ability to reason, reflect, and be sensitive to the suffering of others.By deconstructing religious arguments for God–based morality and guiding readers through the premises and promises of secular morality, Zuckerman argues that the major challenges facing the world today—from global warming and growing inequality to religious support for unethical political policies to gun violence and terrorism—are best approached from a nonreligious ethical framework. In short, we need to look to our fellow humans and within ourselves for moral progress and ethical action.“In this brilliant, provocative, and timely book, Phil Zuckerman breaks down the myth that our morality comes from religion—compellingly making the case that when it comes to the biggest challenges we face today, a secular approach is the only truly moral one.” —Ali A. Rizvi, author of The Atheist Muslim
What It Means to Be Protestant: The Case for an Always-Reforming Church
by Gavin OrtlundThese days many evangelicals are exploring the more sacramental, liturgical, and historically-conscious church traditions, including Roman Catholicism and Eastern Orthodoxy. This hunger for historical rootedness is a welcome phenomenon--but unfortunately, many assume that this need can only be met outside of Protestant contexts.??In What it Means to Be Protestant, Gavin Ortlund draws from both his scholarly work in church history and his personal experience in ecumenical engagement to offer a powerful defense of the Protestant tradition. Retrieving classical Protestant texts and arguments, he exposes how many of the contemporary objections leveled against Protestants are rooted in caricature. Ultimately, he shows that historic Protestantism offers the best pathway to catholicity and historical rootedness for Christians today.??In his characteristically charitable and irenic style, Ortlund demonstrates that the 16th century Reformation represented a genuine renewal of the gospel. This does not entail that Protestantism is without faults. But because it is built upon the principle of semper reformanda (always reforming), Protestantism is capable of reforming itself according to Scripture as the ultimate authority. This scholarly and yet accessible book breaks new ground in ecumenical theology and will be a staple text in the field for many years to come.
What Jesus Demands from the World
by John PiperThe four Gospels are filled with demands straight from the mouth of Jesus Christ. These demands are Jesus' way of showing us who he is and what he expects of us. They are not the harsh demands of a taskmaster. For example, the demand that we come to Jesus is like the demand of a father to his child in a burning window, Jump to me! Or like the demand of a rich, strong, tender, handsome husband to an unfaithful wife, Come home! What Jesus demands from the world can be summed up as: Trust and treasure me above all. This is good news! In What Jesus Demands from the World, John Piper has gathered many of Jesus' demands from the four Gospels. He begins with an introduction that puts the demands in a redemptive-historical context, then concisely examines each demand. The result is an accessible introduction for thoughtful inquirers and new believers, as well as meditative meat for veteran believers who want to know Jesus better. The Christian gospel is more than just a wonderful offer of saving grace; it is a demand for supreme loyalty, for surrender to the lordship of Jesus. We forget this too easily in our contemporary church, besieged as we are by a philosophy of pluralism that rejects ultimate authority and a culture of rights that scorns submissiveness. But John Piper reminds us of the real truth: obedience to Christ's commands is our absolute duty; yet, paradoxically, in his service is perfect freedom and joy! William J. U. Philip, Minister, St George's-Tron Church, Glasgow, Scotland, UK.
What Jesus Did: 365 Devotionals from the Gospel of John
by Phil WareA wonderful guide for beginning or ending your hectic day in the presence of God.What Jesus Did is a one-year devotional guide to the Gospel of John, using one short passage each day and following the Gospel in consecutive order. Each passage is followed by a reflection and a prayer. The reflection opens up the day's Scripture and shows how it challenges us to live for Jesus.
What Jesus Intended: Finding True Faith in the Rubble of Bad Religion
by Todd D. HunterHave you lost your footing in church? Or has the church lost its footing? Many of us feel unsteady, disoriented, even crushed after an endless string of scandals within the walls of a place meant to offer compassion and safety. Others feel forced to draw back or distance ourselves from the church. All the while, our instincts tell us this is not what Jesus wanted for his people. But what did he intend? After four decades of ministry, Anglican bishop Todd Hunter is no stranger to betrayal and pain in the church. Still, he has hope. He believes more than ever that Jesus is who the world needs and that Jesus has plans for his followers. In What Jesus Intended, Hunter offers a vision for emerging from the rubble of bad religion and rebuilding faith among a community of sincere believers. By unpacking the purposes of Jesus, we can expose twisted, toxic religion for what it is and embrace the true aims of the gospel. Come for a fresh hearing of Jesus—one that offers us the healing and goodness we've always longed for.
What Jesus Meant
by Garry Wills"Garry Wills brings his signature brand of erudite, unorthodox thinking to his latest book of revelations. . . . A tour de force and a profound show of faith." (O, the Oprah Magazine) In what are billed "culture wars," people on the political right and the political left cite Jesus as endorsing their views. But in this New York Times-bestselling masterpiece, Garry Wills argues that Jesus subscribed to no political program. He was far more radical than that. In a fresh reading of the gospels, Wills explores the meaning of the "reign of heaven" Jesus not only promised for the future but brought with him into this life. It is only by dodges and evasions that people misrepresent what Jesus plainly had to say against power, the wealthy, and religion itself. But Wills is just as critical of those who would make Jesus a mere ethical teacher, ignoring or playing down his divinity. An illuminating analysis for believers and nonbelievers alike, What Jesus Meant is a brilliant addition to our national conversation on religion.
What Jesus Says about Earth's Final Days
by Mark HitchcockTwo days before He died, Jesus gave His closest followers a sweeping panorama of earth's final days. Responding to questions about the end times, Jesus' great speech on the Mount of Olives described the tribulation and His second coming - and offered several famous parables of practical application for the disciples. In a powerful indication of His priorities, Jesus devoted twice as much time to telling His followers how to live in light of His return as he did to describing the actual event. Readers will be inspired and equipped to live faithfully in expectation of Christ's coming.
What Jesus Started: Joining the Movement, Changing the World
by Steve AddisonOutreachSometimes we get so caught up in the power of Jesus shouting from the cross, "It is finished!" that we forget that Jesus started something. What Jesus started was a movement that began small, with intimate conversations designed to build disciples into apostles who would go out in the world and seed it with God's kingdom vision. That movement grew rapidly and spread wide as people recognized the truth in it and gave their lives to the power of it. That movement is still happening today, and we are called to play our part in it.
What Jesus Taught About Manifesting Abundance
by John AvanziniYou will find that one uninterrupted revelation threads its way through the entire chapter. It reveals the method for manifesting abundance in your life, and it lies within the simple truth of sowing and reaping.
What Keeps You Up at Night?: How to Find Peace While Chasing Your Dreams
by Pete Wilson"I just can't ever seem to shut off my brain and rest." It's easy to feel paralyzed by uncertainty. We want our questions answered, our decisions affirmed, and our plans applauded. But life doesn't come with an instruction manual and rarely follows a straight path. How would your life change if you learned to lean into uncertainty instead of waiting on the sidelines for just the right moment or opportunity? The paradox of faith is that you can't activate it until you act on it. Trust compels us to move forward. If you don't, then you'll be left with a laundry list of unrealized expectations. You were meant to experience a life of abundance and blessing, not frustration and failure. Clarity only comes when we look back. So if you wait until you have clarity, you'll never find it. Instead, you must move forward even when you feel scared to death. That is when you'll be able to turn the fears that keep you up at night into fuel for your journey. If you want to experience a breakthrough in your life, then you must find a new cadence that will provide the strength you need to move forward in spite of your doubts, questions, and fears. The rhythm of faith is not hinged upon our circumstances but our willingness to surrender. In his most insightful work since the debut bestseller, Plan B, Pete Wilson provides a plan for living that will lead you to a place of peace that you've only dreamed about and a life filled with meaning, significance, and satisfaction.
What Kids Wish Parents Knew about Parenting
by Joe WhiteIt's an alarming moment when it dawns on parents that their child is in trouble. And if you aren't perceptive you may never know until you find a half-smoked marijuana joint in a jeans pocked on laundry day or a sexy love note left inadvertently on a dresser or a citation from the police. In times like these, when children are making adult decisions that are often devastatingly destructive, parents must examine the facts and learn how to be what their kids need them to be before it's too late.
What Kind of Fool
by Rhonda McknightAngelina Preston tunes out the voice of God when she decides to divorce her husband, Greg. She's forgiven him for his affair, but she won't forget, even though her heart is telling her to. Shortly after she files divorce papers, she finds out her non-profit organization is being investigated by the IRS for money laundering. In the midst of the very public scandal, Angelina becomes ill. Through financial and physical trials, she learns that faith and forgiveness may really be the cure for all that ails her, but can she forgive the people who hurt her most?Sexy, successful Dr. Gregory Preston didn't appreciate his wife when he had her. His affair with a devious man-stealer has him put out of his home and put off with women who continue to throw themselves at him. Greg wants his wife back, but he'll have to do some fancy operating to get her. When the secrets and lies from his past continue to mess up his future, Greg finds himself looking to the God he abandoned long ago for a miracle only faith can provide.Samaria Jacobs finally has the one thing she's always wanted: a man with money. The fact that she's in love with him is a bonus, but even so, life is anything but blissful. She's paying for her past sins in ways she never imagined and living in fear that the secret she's keeping will separate them forever.
What Language Shall I Borrow?: A Male Response to Feminist Theology
by Brian A. WrenThe author of this book writes from the experience of being English, white, male, and heterosexual, and as one who values the Reformed tradition and has been shaped and enriched by it.
What Lies Within (Family Honor Series #3)
by Karen BallNothing's going to stop Kyla... until the ground crumbles beneath her feet. Kyla Justice has arrived. Her company, Justice Construction, is one of the most critically acclaimed, commercially successful companies in the Pacific Northwest. And yet, something is missing. Not until she's called on to build a center for inner-city kids does she realize what it is: her sense of purpose. Now nothing can stop her, not the low budget, not supply problems, not gang opposition, not her boyfriend's suggestion that she sell her business and marry him-and most especially not that disagreeable Rafael Murphy. Rafe Murphy understands battle. Wounded in action, this Force Recon Marine carries the scars-and the nightmares-to prove it. Though he can't fight overseas any longer, he's found his place as a warrior in the civilian world. So he soldiers on, trusting that one of these days, God will reveal to him why Rafe survived the ambush in Iraq. That day has arrived. Kyla and Rafe both discover that determination alone won't carry them through danger and challenges. When gang violence threatens their very foundations, there's only one way to survive: rely on each other, be real-and surrender to God. In other words, risk everything...
What Lies Within (Family Honor Series Book #3)
by Karen M. BallKyla Justice's name means "victorious." But that's the last thing she feels. Having fought long and hard to establish her construction business, her schedule is now full of plans for malls and subdivisions, but her heart is empty. Where are the projects that matter? Then she's given the opportunity to build a center for inner-city kids. The obstacles don't stop her: opposition from area gangs, minimal funding, hesitant and deceptive suppliers, even the man who claims to love her and would marry her---if she would sell her business. Soon things get messier and lives are endangered. Will Kyla learn to accept what lies within her and rely on others not just to succeed, but to survive?
What Love Built: An Amish Homecoming Story
by Kathleen FullerAn Amish Homecoming story from bestselling author Kathleen Fuller.Carolyn Yoder left her home in Birch Creek ten years ago. Presented with the opportunity to pursue a lifelong dream, she moves back to start a new life and a new business. Independent and headstrong, Carolyn is determined to forge ahead with the opening of her bakery, but she’s in over her head and needs help with the cleaning, shopping, and deliveries.Atlee Shetler hasn’t been able to get over the loss of his wife, so he decides to move away from the memories of his hometown and settle in Birch Creek. A carpenter by trade, he takes a job renovating the new bakery and finds the project—and its owner—to be much more than he bargained for. Atlee has his work cut out for him, professionally and romantically.Through God’s help and healing, Carolyn and Atlee find peace, love, and a brighter future than either of them imagined.
What Love Remembers
by Muncy G. ChapmanSet on the outer Florida Islands, this is a Christian romance by a popular Christian romance writer
What Mad Pursuit: A Personal View of Scientific Discovery
by Francis CrickCandid, provocative, and disarming, this is the widely-praised memoir of the co-discoverer of the double helix of DNA.
What Made Jesus Mad?: Rediscover the Blunt, Sarcastic, Passionate Savior of the Bible
by Tim HarlowWhile Christians love to focus on a gentle, tender Jesus, Harlow offers an unforgettable reintroduction to the true character of Jesus and invites us to get to know the savior who was gracious but also blunt, sometimes sarcastic, and wildly passionate about bringing people to the heart of God. We often don&’t know what to do with the Bible&’s stories of Jesus' righteous rage. Yet the truth is, while the Son of God was loving and tender, his words could be equally sharp and biting. The same man who said, &“Love your enemies&” (Matthew 5:44) also said, &“You snakes, how will you escape being condemned to hell?&” (Matthew 23:33). With compelling storytelling and enlightening examinations of Scripture, Tim Harlow journeys through the gospels and looks at what, and who, ignited Jesus&’ anger. He guides us through instances of Jesus&’ anger in response to the barriers people put up:in the temple, where money changers literally denied access to the Father, especially for the non-Jews and the poor;during his teaching, when little children were denied access;on the Sabbath, when religious leaders put rules above relationship and suffering above healing; and many more.What if, Harlow asks, by coming to understand God&’s holy anger, we come to know a savior we never knew before? How can we respond like Jesus when good intentions, prejudices and judgments, traditions and rules, and selfish and joyless people conspire to keep others from God&’s presence?
What Makes a Church Sacred?: Legal and Ritual Perspectives from Late Antiquity (Transformation of the Classical Heritage #63)
by Mary K. FaragA free open access ebook is available upon publication. Learn more at www.luminosoa.org. What is the purpose of a church? Who owns a church? Mary K. Farag persuasively demonstrates that three groups in late antiquity were concerned with these questions: Christian leaders, wealthy laypersons, and lawmakers. Conflicting answers usually coexisted, but from time to time they clashed and caused significant tension. In these disputes, juridical regulations and opinions mattered more than has been traditionally recognized. Considering familiar Christian controversies in novel ways, Farag’s investigation shows that scholarship has misunderstood well-known religious figures by ignoring the legal issues they faced. This seminal text nuances vital aspects of scholarly conversations on sacred space, gift giving, wealth, and poverty in the late antique Mediterranean world, making use not only of Latin and Greek sources but also Coptic and Arabic evidence.
What Makes a Hero?: The Death-Defying Ministry of Jesus (What Makes a Hero?)
by Matt RawleWhat Makes a Hero? offers us an image of what it looks like to be victorious over trials and temptations. Looking at pop culture heroes and others through the lens of faith, Matt Rawle shows how Jesus turned the concept of hero on its head. In keeping with his theme “Pop in Culture,” the book examines how good vs. evil, right vs. wrong, and overcoming adversity are fundamental to how Christians understand salvation. Heroes help us discern the good, fight for what’s right, define identity, execute justice, spark revolution, and save lives. Rawle enters the Gospel story to tell quite a different victory story—one obtained through humility, obedience to the cross, and an empty tomb. How does Jesus redefine what it means to be a hero? Additional components for a six-week study include a comprehensive Leader Guide, a DVD featuring Matt Rawle, a Worship Resources Flash Drive, and youth and children resources.