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Why Should the Devil Have All the Good Music?: Larry Norman and the Perils of Christian Rock
by Gregory ThornburyThe riveting, untold story of the “Father of Christian Rock” and the conflicts that launched a billion-dollar industry at the dawn of America’s culture wars. In 1969, in Capitol Records' Hollywood studio, a blonde-haired troubadour named Larry Norman laid track for an album that would launch a new genre of music and one of the strangest, most interesting careers in modern rock. Having spent the bulk of the 1960s playing on bills with acts like the Who, Janis Joplin, and the Doors, Norman decided that he wanted to sing about the most countercultural subject of all: Jesus. Billboard called Norman “the most important songwriter since Paul Simon,” and his music would go on to inspire members of bands as diverse as U2, The Pixies, Guns ‘N Roses, and more. To a young generation of Christians who wanted a way to be different in the American cultural scene, Larry was a godsend—spinning songs about one’s eternal soul as deftly as he did ones critiquing consumerism, middle-class values, and the Vietnam War. To the religious establishment, however, he was a thorn in the side; and to secular music fans, he was an enigma, constantly offering up Jesus to problems they didn’t think were problems. Paul McCartney himself once told Larry, “You could be famous if you’d just drop the God stuff,” a statement that would foreshadow Norman’s ultimate demise. In Why Should the Devil Have all the Good Music?, Gregory Alan Thornbury draws on unparalleled access to Norman’s personal papers and archives to narrate the conflicts that defined the singer’s life, as he crisscrossed the developing fault lines between Evangelicals and mainstream American culture—friction that continues to this day. What emerges is a twisting, engrossing story about ambition, art, friendship, betrayal, and the turns one’s life can take when you believe God is on your side.
Why So Many Christians Have Left the Faith: Responding to the Deconstructionist Movement With Unshakable, Timeless Truth
by Michael L. BrownFROM THE BEST-SELLING AUTHOR OF JEZEBEL'S WAR WITH AMERICA, HYPER-GRACE, AND THE REAL KOSHER JESUSAt a time when the Bible and Christianity are considered untrustworthy, will we choose faith or follow the culture? This book will provide you with the facts and understanding you need to respond to difficult questions biblically and stay rooted in your faith even when others seem to be abandoning theirs. We are living in unprecedented times when Christian leaders are renouncing their faith and large numbers of believers are falling away. Is this the final apostasy prophesied by Jesus and Paul? And can we do anything to help those struggling with their faith? In Why So Many Christians Have Left the Faith, Dr. Michael L. Brown confronts the problem of &“Christian deconstruction&” with solid, faith-building answers and honest responses to difficult questions. He addresses:What the Bible says about an end-time falling away and whether that is what we are seeing in our day;How solidarity with and sympathy for the LGBT movement has brought with it a rejection of biblical values;The effect of leadership scandals on the credibility of the gospel;How the me-centered gospel is contributing to the current faith crisis by putting God on trial;The contemporary objections to the Bible&’s moral standards;The problem of pluralism; andWhat the Bible does and doesn&’t say about future punishment in hell, while also examining the scriptural statement that &“God is love.&”Looking at the stories of those who fell away as well as the larger cultural factors, this book offers solid answers to the major attacks against the Bible and helps readers build an unshakable faith.
Why Study History?: Reflecting On The Importance Of The Past
by John FeaWhat is the purpose of studying history? How do we reflect on contemporary life from a historical perspective and can such reflection help us better understand ourselves, the world around us, and the God we worship and serve? <p><p> In this introductory textbook, accomplished historian John Fea shows why Christians should study history, how faith is brought to bear on our understanding of the past, and how studying the past can help us more effectively love God and others. Deep historical thinking can relieve us of our narcissism; cultivate humility, hospitality, and love; and transform our lives more fully into the image of Jesus Christ.
Why Suffering?: Finding Meaning and Comfort When Life Doesn't Make Sense
by Ravi Zacharias Vince VitaleWhy would a loving and powerful God allow so much pain and suffering? In Why Suffering? Ravi Zacharias and Vince Vitale carefully walk you through a variety of responses that considered together provide a clear, comprehensive, and convincing answer. Responses like:Where there is the possibility of love, there has to be the reality of freedom, and therefore the possibility of pain. Wishing God had made a different world is to wish yourself out of existence. The cross is the key to a compelling and rational explanation for trusting in God in the face of suffering. In comparison with other world religions, the Christian response is highly distinctive. The reality of evil only makes sense in light of the reality of divine goodness. Relational knowledge about God takes the argument beyond reason to the presence of God amidst suffering. God's decision to allow temporal suffering is understandable when viewed from an eternal perspective. Divine goodness shows how to conquer not in spite of, but even through suffering. Here is a book written with great respect for the complexity of the issue, recognizing that some who read it will be in the trenches of deep suffering themselves and others questioning the very existence of a loving God. Why Suffering? provides an answer to the problem of pain and suffering with emotional sensitivity and intellectual integrity.
Why The Sky Is Blue
by Susan MeissnerWhat options does a Christian woman have after she's brutally assaulted by a stranger. . . and becomes pregnant? That's the heartrending situation Claire Holland faces. Happily married and the mother of two when she is attacked, Claire begins an incredible journey on the painful pathway to trusting God in all things. When Claire's husband, Dan, confesses he can't be a father to the expected child, Claire's decision to put the baby up for adoption creates a sense of tremendous loss for Claire. Later, unexpected circumstances turn this seeming loss into victory. This wonderful first novel isn't a love story. . . . but a life story, presenting the twin themes trusting God in tragic circumstances and reaping the rewards that eventually come with sacrificial loving.
Why The West Fears Islam
by Jocelyne CesariJocelyne Cesari examines the idea that Islam might threaten the core values of the West through testimonies from Muslims in France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and the US. Her book is an unprecedented exploration of Muslim religious and political life based on several years of field work in Europe and in the United States.
Why There is No God: Simple Responses to 20 Common Arguments for the Existence of God
by Armin Navabi Nicki Hise• "Science can't explain the complexity and order of life; God must have designed it to be this way." • "God's existence is proven by scripture." • "There's no evidence that God doesn't exist." • "God has helped me so much. How could none of it be true?" • "Atheism has killed more people than religion, so it must be wrong!" How many times have you heard arguments like these for why God exists? Why There Is No God provides simple, easy-to-understand counterpoints to the most popular arguments made for the existence of God. Each chapter presents a concise explanation of the argument, followed by a response illustrating the problems and fallacies inherent in it. Whether you're an atheist, a believer or undecided, this book offers a solid foundation for building your own inquiry about the concept of God.
Why This New Race: Ethnic Reasoning in Early Christianity
by Denise BuellWhy This New Race offers a radical new way of thinking about the origins of Christian identity. Conventional histories have understood Christianity as a religion that from its beginnings sought to transcend ethnic and racial distinctions. Denise Kimber Buell challenges this view by revealing the centrality of ethnicity and race in early definitions of Christianity. Buell's readings of various texts consider the use of "ethnic reasoning" to depict Christianness as more than a set of shared religious practices and beliefs. By asking themselves, "Why this new race?" Christians positioned themselves as members of an ethnos or genos distinct from Jews, Romans, and Greeks. Buell focuses on texts written before Christianity became legal in 313 C.E., including Greek apologetic treatises, martyr narratives, and works by Clement of Alexandria, Origen, and Tertullian. Philosophers and theologians used ethnic reasoning to define Christians as a distinct people within classical and ancient Near East society and in intra-Christian debates about what constituted Christianness. Many characterized Christianness as both fixed and fluid-it had a real essence (fixed) but could be acquired through conversion (fluid). Buell demonstrates how this dynamic view of race and ethnicity allowed Christians to establish boundaries around the meaning of Christianness and to develop universalizing claims that all should join the Christian people. In addressing questions of historiography, Buell analyzes why generations of scholars have refused to acknowledge ethnic reasoning in early Christian discourses. Moreover, Buell's arguments about the importance of ethnicity and religion in early Christianity provide insights into the historical legacy of Christian anti-Semitism as well as contemporary issues of race.
Why Tolerate Religion?: Updated Edition
by Brian LeiterWhy it's wrong to single out religious liberty for special legal protectionsThis provocative book addresses one of the most enduring puzzles in political philosophy and constitutional theory—why is religion singled out for preferential treatment in both law and public discourse? Why are religious obligations that conflict with the law accorded special toleration while other obligations of conscience are not? In Why Tolerate Religion?, Brian Leiter shows why our reasons for tolerating religion are not specific to religion but apply to all claims of conscience, and why a government committed to liberty of conscience is not required by the principle of toleration to grant exemptions to laws that promote the general welfare.
Why Tongues?
by Kenneth E. HaginKenneth Hagin believes that the infilling of the New Testament believers with the Holy Ghost should be the pattern for Christians today. In Part 1, he discusses speaking in tongues in the book of Acts of the Apostles to show that speaking in tongues was evidence of people being filled by the Holy Spirit. In Part 2, the author explains the 10 reasons why modern "Believers" should speak in tongues. To make his points, the author first quotes Biblical scriptures and then explains them in terms of his Christian, theological understanding.
Why Trust the Bible?
by Rose PublishingRose Bible Basics series: Why Trust the Bible?Is the Bible an ancient document that has been tampered with? Has it been edited many times over the centuries and now is filled with errors? How can we know what the Bible really said when the originals no longer exist?Bestselling books that promote these doubts, such as Bart Ehrman's Misquoting Jesus: The Story Behind Who Changed the Bible and Why, are influencing today's news media, and these teachings are being treated as fact. Now is the time to address the topic of textual criticism in our churches and help Christians become better informed — ready to "defend the faith." "The Bible can be trusted," says author Dr. Timothy Paul Jones. The good news is that the Bible is reliable, even though it was hand copied and there are variations between texts. This ebook explains the variations and why they don’t affect the trustworthiness of the Scriptures.Dr. Jones' interest in this topic began many years ago when he came across these arguments in seminary. At first his faith was badly shaken and he wondered if he still believed. But as he dug deeper, he found answers. Dr. Jones shows the errors in critics'logic and facts —and does it in an easy-to-understand style with charts, diagrams, and explanations. This full-color ebook gives answers to the following claims by critics:•The Gospels were written long after Jesus lived by people who weren't eyewitnesses.•The stories about Jesus' life and death were not handed down reliably and not recorded accurately.•The Bible is full of textual errors, as proven by the Dead Sea Scrolls•The New Testament wasn't finalized until hundreds of years after Jesus and his disciples, so there could have been many other "Gospels" accepted and later rejected -- in addition to the four Gospels found in the Bible today.•The originals of the Bible are lost, therefore we have no way of knowing what it actually said.•The Bible was edited by people who had an "agenda" and changed many teachings.The chapter titles are How We Got the Bible; Dead Sea Scrolls; 100 Proofs for the Bible; Why Trust the Bible; 100 Prophecies Fulfilled by Jesus; and the Gospels "Lost" & Found.Full color, dozens of color photos and illustrations and charts.
Why Truth Matters: 10 Common Doctrinal Errors
by Rose PublishingWhat is truth, and how can we know? The Bible plainly reveals the errors and false teachings that Christians will be expected to identify and defend against. Learn to recognize the counterfeits through the light of God's truth. Christians often wonder why certain religious groups are called "cults" or are said to have "cultic teachings." The answer is fairly simple. The Scripture mentions 10 key Christian beliefs that cult leaders or aberrant teachers ignore or twist. You will learn each of these 10 beliefs and be able to give examples of truth vs. counterfeit teachings. The 10 Common Doctrinal Errors include: False Gospels, False Doctrine, False Gods, False Christs, False Spirits, False Prophets, False Apostles, False Teachers, False Visions, and False Miracles.
Why Waco? Cults and the Battle for Religious Freedom in America
by James D. Tabor Eugene V. GallagherAn account of the Waco tragedy, exploring the motivations of government agents, the media, cultbusters, the Branch Davidians, and their leader, David Koresh, and offering sympathetic explanations for the groups' possession of illegal firearms, unconventional sexual practices, and allegations of child abuse. Discusses the history of religious freedom in America, challenging stereotypes about unconventional religious groups. Includes extensive notes, and an unfinished manuscript by Koresh, plus lists of Branch Davidians who died in the attack, and those who survived.
Why Wait?: 24 Reasons to Wait Until Marriage to Have Sex
by Rose PublishingWhy Wait? is a best-selling abstinence education booklet for Christians. It discusses one of the biggest challenges among teens and singles: pre-marital sexual activity. This bestselling full-color ebook presents 24 reasons--12 biblical and 12 medical and emotional--to think twice before risking health and happiness on sex outside of marriage. Emphasizing God's plan for marriage and his prohibition of sex outside of marriage, the ebook presents sobering statistics on sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and offers sensible information that helps people make an educated decision about their lives. A Basic Abstinence Education Program for Churches, Sunday School Classes, and Youth GroupsAlthough many public school students receive sex education in school, Christians have a distinct view of the sacredness of sex that is usually not presented in a classroom setting. This Why Wait Pamphlet is a very basic abstinence education overview from a Christian stance that presents a Christian viewpoint on human sexuality in a simple 1-2 hour discussion. Many churches divide the students by gender to discuss these topics once a year, often in April or May, when public school address the issue, but it can be used any time.The reality is that many students today have experienced sexual contact already. Some have been taken advantage of. Others were pressured or coerced. Some have simply been naive. This grace-filled pamphlet also helps those who want to be assured of God's constant love and good plan no matter what they have experienced. It is never too late to treat yourself with respect and expect others to do the same.Abstinence Education from a Christian Point of ViewTeens and single adults ask themselves, Why Wait? Why does God care if I have sex? Everyone else is doing it. In fact, these many people are often surprised to discover that God does have very good reasons for us to wait for sex until marriage. The pamphlet presents 12 of God's compelling reasons to wait, but also provides ideas for those who have not, as well as an encouraging section on "second-time virginity."Abstinence Education: Medical FactsThe ebook also offers "Quick Facts from Medical Science." For instance--Did you know that:* STDs (sexually transmitted diseases) cost $8.4 billion each year to treat in the United States alone?* Two-thirds of people with STDs are less than 25 years old?God's Design: Sacredness of Sexuality Within MarriageGod's design for sexuality limits it to marriage. While that view might seem extreme these days, his plan is a wise one, allowing time for true love and tenderness to grow and have its appropriate place in life. Sexuality can be misused and abused. It belongs to mature people who are committed to one another through marriage.24 Reasons to Practice Abstinence Before Marriage* 12 Biblical reasons to wait, with verses of Scripture that inspire and encourage* 12 health and emotional reasons, including issues of pregnancy, STDs and personal regret* Nine ideas for "keeping out of trouble," such as* Group dating* Staying away from places where "making out" is encouragedBiblical Reasons for Abstinence Before Marriage3 Examples from the Why Wait Pamphlet* Having sex with a person creates a kind of "oneness" that God intended for marriage only (1 Cor. 6:16). This oneness is not just physical; it is emotional and spiritual, too. God created sensuality in a loving marriage to build intimacy and trust, and to bond the couple. * To test the commitment of the other person. Some people promise marriage just to get sex, and then they back out of their commitment. Many people have sex with people they would never marry (Proverbs 5:3-12).* The Bible says we should run away from sexually immoral situations (1 Cor. 6:18). When you feel yourself being tempted, get away!Health & Emotional Reasons for Abstinence Before Marriage3 Examples from the Why Wait Pamphlet* To avoid death by fatal sexually transmitted diseases, such as AIDS, which cause more than 18,000 deaths annually.* To increase your chance of a happy, lasting marriage. People who have sex
Why We Are Who We Are: An Insightful Glimpse into Our Human Roles, Soul Personality, and Karmic Mandates
by Meetu BishtWe all have come across moments in life when we ask ourselves, &‘Who Am I?&’ and &‘What&’s my life purpose?&’ But often, we simply stop after the inquiry and spend our lifetimes chasing some dream—financial, personal, or societal—without thinking of the bigger picture. This way, we miss out on uncovering the deeper reality of life, its real purpose, and most importantly, why we are who we are. After her highly successful book, Living Spirituality, Meetu Bisht delivers an insightful text that brings us closer to understanding why we live the life that we live, the true purpose of our unique individual journeys, and the ways in which we can progress and evolve. The book elaborates on concepts such as soul personality and karmic mandates and also explains how our tendencies and certain karmic factors are responsible for our individual life scenarios and destinies. Why We Are Who We Are is relevant for all those who are keen to get a deeper understanding of their inner state and grow spiritually by living a life of greater meaning and purpose and by becoming a higher version of the self.
Why We Believe: Finding Meaning in Uncertain Times
by Prof. Alister McGrathBelief: surely it&’s a relic from the past, a hangover from a superstitious age that is totally out of sync with today&’s rational, science-led culture? 'A timely, often bracing and always highly stimulating book.' Tom Holland, author of Dominion and co-host of The Rest is History In today&’s science-driven, rational world, belief is dismissed as an artefact of a bygone era – something absurd at best, harmful at worst. The prevailing narratives paint belief as primitive, weird, even dangerous. But as life grows ever more confusing and our societies more atomised, contemplating something bigger than ourselves has never been more vital. Alister McGrath offers a fresh perspective on belief, presenting it not as a weakness of rational thought but as an essential tool for navigating uncertainty. Elegant and thought-provoking, Why We Believe reveals how belief provides meaning in the face of existential despair, how it fosters community and offers solace. As society moves beyond the dismissive rhetoric surrounding people of faith, here is a powerful manifesto for the re-enchantment of the Western mind. 'Scholarly, compulsively readable and with gems of information on every page... a must read.' Revd Fergus Butler-Gallie, author of A Field Guide to the English Clergy
Why We Celebrate Christmas: Everything to Know about Your Favorite Holiday (Why We Celebrate)
by Sarah CooleyCelebrate Christmas with this festive introduction for kids ages 6 to 9!Christmas is a magical time of year for people all over the world. They decorate their homes, sing songs, give gifts, and spend time together! Learn all about the history, traditions, food, and more with this book of facts and activities that encourage you to join in on the fun.So many ways to get festive—Discover how Christmas is celebrated by different people around the world with parties, music, decorations, and presents.Celebrate at home—Kids will explore Christmas customs with included activities like making Reindeer Cookies, crafting Christmas trees out of yarn, and playing a stocking stuffer guessing game.Fascinating facts and pictures—Vibrant illustrations and kid-friendly language help bring Christmas to life.Discover Why We Celebrate Christmas!Have you ever wondered why we exchange gifts on Valentine's Day? Or why we wear green on St. Patrick's Day? Get the rest of the Why We Celebrate series and learn about holidays from around the world!
Why We Celebrate Hanukkah: Everything to Know about Your Favorite Holiday (Why We Celebrate)
by Stacia DeutschCelebrate Hanukkah with this festive introduction for kids ages 6 to 9!Hanukkah is a Jewish holiday that is also called the Festival of Lights. For thousands of years, Jewish people have celebrated Hanukkah by lighting candles, chanting prayers, and playing games! Learn all about the history, traditions, food, and more with this book of facts and activities that encourage you to join in on the fun.So many ways to get festive—Discover how Hanukkah is celebrated by different people around the world with songs, gifts, and gatherings.Celebrate at home—Kids will explore Hanukkah customs with included activities like making your own stained-glass menorah decoration and learning how to play dreidel.Fascinating facts and pictures—Vibrant illustrations and kid-friendly language help bring Hanukkah to life.Discover Why We Celebrate Hanukkah!Have you ever wondered why we exchange gifts on Valentine's Day? Or why we wear green on St. Patrick's Day? Get the rest of the Why We Celebrate series and learn about holidays from around the world!
Why We Dance: A Philosophy of Bodily Becoming
by Kimerer LaMotheWithin intellectual paradigms that privilege mind over matter, dance has long appeared as a marginal, derivative, or primitive art. Drawing support from theorists and artists who embrace matter as dynamic and agential, this book offers a visionary definition of dance that illuminates its constitutive work in the ongoing evolution of human persons. Why We Dance introduces a philosophy of bodily becoming that posits bodily movement as the source and telos of human life. Within this philosophy, dance appears as an activity that humans evolved to do as the enabling condition of their best bodily becoming. Weaving theoretical reflection with accounts of lived experience, this book positions dance as a catalyst in the development of human consciousness, compassion, ritual proclivity, and ecological adaptability. Aligning with trends in new materialism, affect theory, and feminist philosophy, as well as advances in dance and religious studies, this work reveals the vital role dance can play in reversing the trajectory of ecological self-destruction along which human civilization is racing.
Why We Kiss under the Mistletoe: Christmas Traditions Explained
by Michael P. FoleyFrom the famed author of international bestseller Drinking with the Saints, every Christmas tradition explained and celebrated, as well as a glimpse into all the sometimes macabre and always fascinating nooks and crannies of the holiday. Deepen your knowledge of and love for Christmas!The definitive guide to every question you&’ve had about the Christmas holiday—and many more you&’ve never thought to ask! In Why We Kiss Under the Mistletoe, bestselling author Michael Foley dives deep into the history of Christmas and the customs that surround this beloved holiday. Learn about the fascinating origins of your favorite Christmas food, drink, observances, and songs. Discover how Saint Nicolas, a fourth-century Catholic bishop, became Santa Clause and who Santa&’s global competitors are (some of them will shock you). And dig into the forbidden history of the Yuletide season&’s dark and ghoulish side. Witty, imaginative, and wholly unique, Why We Kiss Under the Mistletoe is the stocking stuffer that will be revisited every year.
Why We Left Islam: Former Muslims Speak Out
by Joel Richardson Susan CrimpOne day, an American on the verge of converting to Islam said to one of the editors, Please, I fear I am about to make the biggest mistake of my life. Please give me one solid reason not to convert. This is the book Joel Richardson wishes he had at that moment. <P><P>Powerful, often shocking but always heartfelt, these essays from over a dozen individuals who have left Islam -- often in fear for their lives -- are remarkable for their honesty. <P><P>The stories of how these men and women freed themselves from this repressive and brutal religion are not just inspirational, but present a searing challenge to those Westerners determined to perpetuate the Islam is a religion of peace myth at all costs.
Why We Love the Church: In Praise of Institutions and Organized Religion
by Ted Kluck Kevin DeYoungThis book presents the case for loving the local church. It paints a picture of the local church in all its biblical and real life guts, gaffes, and glory in an effort to edify local congregations and entice the disaffected back to the fold. It also provides a solid biblical mandate to love and be part of the body of Christ and counteract the "leave church" books that trumpet rebellion and individual felt needs. Why We Love the Church is written for four kinds of people - the Committed, the Disgruntled, the Waffling & the Disconnected.
Why We Love the Church: In Praise of Institutions and Organized Religion
by Ted Kluck Kevin DeYoungThis book presents the case for loving the local church. It paints a picture of the local church in all its biblical and real life guts, gaffes, and glory in an effort to edify local congregations and entice the disaffected back to the fold. It also provides a solid biblical mandate to love and be part of the body of Christ and counteract the "leave church" books that trumpet rebellion and individual felt needs. Why We Love the Church is written for four kinds of people - the Committed, the Disgruntled, the Waffling & the Disconnected.
Why We Meditate: The Science and Practice of Clarity and Compassion
by Daniel Goleman Tsoknyi RinpocheA practical and soul-stirring guide to meditation that offers a much-needed antidote to the forces of stress that overwhelm so many of us—from the New York Times bestselling author of the &“thoughtfully written, persuasive&” (USA TODAY) Emotional Intelligence and renowned meditation teacher, Tsoknyi Rinpoche.We all experience negative emotions from time to time. But in a world with as much frenzy and pressure as ours, it&’s incredibly easy for these same emotions to become destructive. Now, by blending Eastern tradition with Western science, Why We Meditate effortlessly helps you embrace and understand meditation as never before. With accessible and eye-opening advice based on groundbreaking neuroscience, this guidebook helps you not only break free from negative patterns of thought and behavior but radically embrace your very being. Revolutionize your health, relationships, and soul with this book that is perfect for both serious meditators and those new to the practice.