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How Kerouac's On the Road Created a Generation of Half-Believers: Adapted from The Road Trip that Changed the World
by Mark SayersThe content in this short e-book is excerpted from The Road Trip That Changed the World, by Mark Sayers. The book examines the influence of Jack Kerouac on Western Culture and the Church from a Christian perspective.We live in a culture of the road—restless for adventure, glorifying experience, seeing life as a journey. Dissatisfied with where we are, we are constantly on the move to redefine our sense of home. Why do we see the world like this? How did we come to believe that our best chance of finding home is to be constantly moving?Jack Kerouac was one of America&’s original proponents of the culture of the road, documenting his famous road trip across America in his classic work, On the Road. The standards he set forth in that book have influenced Western culture and church so much that we still read his book, echo his philosophies, and make movies in the vein of his iconic road trip. (A movie adaptation of On the Road is set to release winter 2012.)In this twenty-minute read, Australian cultural commentator Mark Sayers examines how Kerouac&’s influence has shaped Western traditions, our cultural identity, and the church. By analyzing our culture of the road and its influence on us, he leads us to understanding what it means to have a true sense of home.
How Kerouac's On the Road Created a Generation of Half-Believers: Adapted from The Road Trip that Changed the World
by Mark SayersThe content in this short e-book is excerpted from The Road Trip That Changed the World, by Mark Sayers. The book examines the influence of Jack Kerouac on Western Culture and the Church from a Christian perspective.We live in a culture of the road—restless for adventure, glorifying experience, seeing life as a journey. Dissatisfied with where we are, we are constantly on the move to redefine our sense of home. Why do we see the world like this? How did we come to believe that our best chance of finding home is to be constantly moving?Jack Kerouac was one of America&’s original proponents of the culture of the road, documenting his famous road trip across America in his classic work, On the Road. The standards he set forth in that book have influenced Western culture and church so much that we still read his book, echo his philosophies, and make movies in the vein of his iconic road trip. (A movie adaptation of On the Road is set to release winter 2012.)In this twenty-minute read, Australian cultural commentator Mark Sayers examines how Kerouac&’s influence has shaped Western traditions, our cultural identity, and the church. By analyzing our culture of the road and its influence on us, he leads us to understanding what it means to have a true sense of home.
A Non-Anxious Presence: How a Changing and Complex World will Create a Remnant of Renewed Christian Leaders
by Mark SayersFor much of recent history individuals and institutions could plan, execute, and flourish with their visions of a better world. Volatile, complex forces could be addressed and confronted with planning and management. But crisis is a great revealer. It knocks us off our thrones. It uncovers the weaknesses in our strategies and brings to light our myths and idols. Our past strategies run aground, smashed by unpredictable and chaotic waves. Yet in the midst of the chaos of a crisis comes opportunity. The history of the church tells us that crisis always precedes renewal, and the framework of renewal offers us new ways forward. A Non-Anxious Presence shows how that renewal happens and offers churches and leaders strategic ways to awaken the Church and see our culture changed for Christ.
A Non-Anxious Presence: How a Changing and Complex World will Create a Remnant of Renewed Christian Leaders
by Mark SayersFor much of recent history individuals and institutions could plan, execute, and flourish with their visions of a better world. Volatile, complex forces could be addressed and confronted with planning and management. But crisis is a great revealer. It knocks us off our thrones. It uncovers the weaknesses in our strategies and brings to light our myths and idols. Our past strategies run aground, smashed by unpredictable and chaotic waves. Yet in the midst of the chaos of a crisis comes opportunity. The history of the church tells us that crisis always precedes renewal, and the framework of renewal offers us new ways forward. A Non-Anxious Presence shows how that renewal happens and offers churches and leaders strategic ways to awaken the Church and see our culture changed for Christ.
Reappearing Church: The Hope for Renewal in the Rise of Our Post-Christian Culture
by Mark SayersWhat if the rise of secularism is good news for the church?For decades, we set our hopes on technology, politics, and the appearance of peace. We wanted to believe we were headed somewhere better—that progress was happening. But now as our technology ensnares and isolates us, our politics threaten to tear us apart, and our cultural decline continues to accelerate, people are understandably distressed. But throughout history these periods of decline traditionally precede powerful spiritual renewal—and even revival. What if all the bad news in this world is actually good news for the church? Discover why there&’s reason to be wildly hopeful and how to prepare yourself and your church to be a part of renewal now and in the future.
Reappearing Church: The Hope for Renewal in the Rise of Our Post-Christian Culture
by Mark SayersWhat if the rise of secularism is good news for the church?For decades, we set our hopes on technology, politics, and the appearance of peace. We wanted to believe we were headed somewhere better—that progress was happening. But now as our technology ensnares and isolates us, our politics threaten to tear us apart, and our cultural decline continues to accelerate, people are understandably distressed. But throughout history these periods of decline traditionally precede powerful spiritual renewal—and even revival. What if all the bad news in this world is actually good news for the church? Discover why there&’s reason to be wildly hopeful and how to prepare yourself and your church to be a part of renewal now and in the future.
The Road Trip that Changed the World: The Unlikely Theory that will Change How You View Culture, the Church, and, Most Importantly, Yourself
by Mark SayersCan&’t find no satisfaction? There&’s no shortage of prescriptions for restlessness out there: Seek adventure. Live your life. Don&’t hold back.Sound familiar?The Road Trip that Changed the World is a book challenging the contemporary conviction that personal freedom and self-fulfillment are the highest good. Like the characters in a Jack Kerouac novel, we&’ve dirtied the dream of white picket fences with exhaust fumes. The new dream is the open road—and freedom. Yet we still desire the solace of faith. We like the concept of the sacred, but unwittingly subscribe to secularized, westernized spirituality. We&’re convinced that there is a deeper plot to this thing called life, yet watered-down, therapeutic forms of religion are all we choose to swallow, and our personal story trumps any larger narrative.This is the non-committal culture of the road. Though driving on freely, we have forgotten where we&’re headed. Jesus said His road is narrow. He wasn&’t some aimless nomad. He had more than just a half tank of gas—He had passion, objectives, and a destination. Do you?
The Road Trip that Changed the World: The Unlikely Theory that will Change How You View Culture, the Church, and, Most Importantly, Yourself
by Mark SayersCan&’t find no satisfaction? There&’s no shortage of prescriptions for restlessness out there: Seek adventure. Live your life. Don&’t hold back.Sound familiar?The Road Trip that Changed the World is a book challenging the contemporary conviction that personal freedom and self-fulfillment are the highest good. Like the characters in a Jack Kerouac novel, we&’ve dirtied the dream of white picket fences with exhaust fumes. The new dream is the open road—and freedom. Yet we still desire the solace of faith. We like the concept of the sacred, but unwittingly subscribe to secularized, westernized spirituality. We&’re convinced that there is a deeper plot to this thing called life, yet watered-down, therapeutic forms of religion are all we choose to swallow, and our personal story trumps any larger narrative.This is the non-committal culture of the road. Though driving on freely, we have forgotten where we&’re headed. Jesus said His road is narrow. He wasn&’t some aimless nomad. He had more than just a half tank of gas—He had passion, objectives, and a destination. Do you?
Strange Days: Life in the Spirit in a Time of Upheaval
by Mark SayersWhat in the world is going on?These days the world has everyone spinning. Weekly terrorist attacks. The refugee crisis. Transgender bathrooms. Academic safe spaces. Tensions with Russia. A perpetually uncertain economy. The list goes on. It&’s enough to make us crazy… or want to put our heads in the sand. But we can&’t, because these are our times, and we must face them. So what many Christians are looking for is someone to communicate a way forward—someone who both understands culture and trusts the Bible. Mark Sayers is such a leader, one who &“writes from the future.&” He is a gifted cultural analysist who combines his biblical knowledge, curious mind, and pastoral heart to offer a guide to the times. Strange Days will help Christians slow down, get their bearings, and follow God with wisdom and tact in this wild world. &“Take heart, for I have overcome the world,&” Jesus said nearly 2,000 years ago. And that&’s the message of Strange Days, the message the church needs today.
Strange Days: Life in the Spirit in a Time of Upheaval
by Mark SayersWhat in the world is going on?These days the world has everyone spinning. Weekly terrorist attacks. The refugee crisis. Transgender bathrooms. Academic safe spaces. Tensions with Russia. A perpetually uncertain economy. The list goes on. It&’s enough to make us crazy… or want to put our heads in the sand. But we can&’t, because these are our times, and we must face them. So what many Christians are looking for is someone to communicate a way forward—someone who both understands culture and trusts the Bible. Mark Sayers is such a leader, one who &“writes from the future.&” He is a gifted cultural analysist who combines his biblical knowledge, curious mind, and pastoral heart to offer a guide to the times. Strange Days will help Christians slow down, get their bearings, and follow God with wisdom and tact in this wild world. &“Take heart, for I have overcome the world,&” Jesus said nearly 2,000 years ago. And that&’s the message of Strange Days, the message the church needs today.
The Trouble with Paris: Following Jesus in a World of Plastic Promises
by Mark SayersWhat if you're living in the wrong reality?Doesn't everyone want the good life these days? Our shopping mall world offers us a never-ending array of pleasures to explore. Consumerism promises us a vision of heaven on earth-a reality that's hyper-real. We've all experienced hyperreality: a candy so 'grape-ey' it doesn't taste like grapes any more; a model's photo so manipulated that it doesn't even look like her; a theme park version of life that tells us we can have something better than the real thing. But what if this reality is not all that it's cracked up to be? Admit it, we've been ripped off by our culture and its version of reality that leaves us lonely, bored, and trapped. But what's the alternative? In The Trouble With Paris, pastor Mark Sayers shows us how the lifestyles of most young adults (19-35) actually work against a life of meaning and happiness to sabotage their faith. Sayers shows how a fresh understanding of God's intention for our world is the true path to happiness, fulfillment, and meaning.
The Trouble with Paris Participant's Guide: Following Jesus In A World Of Plastic Promises
by Mark SayersThis DVD-based series helps people examine three different levels of reality: hyperreality-that which the media tells us we should seek; reality-the world we really live in; and God's reality-what we should ultimately be seeking. The Trouble with Paris emerged out of a series of talks that Mark Sayers had developed, originally titled "How Paris Hilton Made Me a Better Christian." This series of talks was responsible for hundreds of young adults rediscovering faith in profound ways. The product features four 20-minute video episodes full of unique animation, fast-paced teaching, and relevant subject matter. This participant's guide will serve as a companion to the DVD (sold separately).
The Vertical Self: How Biblical Faith Can Help Us Discover Who We Are in an Age of Self Obsession
by Mark SayersIt's time for a return to Radical Holiness.Welcome to the 21st century where you can now purchase and exchange personalities, depending on mood and circumstance; where you are told that you can be anyone you want to be, and identity is no longer based in a sense of self but rather in the imagery you choose at that moment. The Bible contains a radically different way of understanding our identity. The path that God has chosen for us to discover who we really are is the path of holiness. The most exciting thing is that this path is not for otherworldy saints, rather it is a path of earthy, gutsy holiness. It's a path that is not about basing your life on this world or of shunning your desires. Instead, it is about bringing your hopes, your dreams, your brokenness, your desires, your humanness under the Lordship of Christ. By doing this we don’t just discover a new way of living out our faith, we discover a liberating, revolutionary, life-embracing way of being truly human.
Exploring Islam: Theology and Spiritual Practice in America
by Salih SayilganExploring Islam is a comprehensive yet accessible introduction to the foundations of the Islamic faith, including its history, theology, and spiritual practice. The book also deals with issues such as jihad, the status of women, and the various sectarian divisions in Islam. Most distinctive about this work is its analysis of the lived experience of Muslims in modern American life. The book explores questions such as: <p><p> - What are the foundations of Islam? <p> - How do Muslims relate to and interpret the Qur'an? <p> - Who is the Prophet Muhammad? <p> - What does Shari'a law really mean? <p> - What are the major themes of Islamic theology? <p> - What are the theological and political issues that led to divisions among Muslims? <p> - Do Muslims and Christians believe in the same God? <p> - How do Muslims practice Islam in America? <p> - What are the challenges and opportunities for American Muslims? <p><p> In addressing these questions, Sayilgan offers readers a perspective that is scholarly, judicious, and engaging.
Beyond the Smoky Curtain
by Mary Harwell SaylerShe set out to carry the Good News to a brave world beyond the smoky curtain ... The Beloved Woman of the Cherokee Indian nation--Nan-ye-hi--is already legendary for her courage and wisdom when Priscilla Prescott arrives, bringing the message of God's love to the "heathen" tribes. Newly widowed, Priscilla must battle not only the first pain of grief and a strange fascination with the enigmatic Garth Daniels, but also a newborn conflict within.
Where Do Diggers Celebrate Hanukkah? (Where Do...Series)
by Brianna Caplan SayresCelebrate Hanukkah with your favorite Diggers! For fans of the bestselling Where Do Diggers Sleep at Night? and its companion holiday vehicle books.It's Hanukkah! How do you celebrate? Do you light the menorah? Play dreidel with your friends? How about eating latkes and sufganiyot? Read all about diggers, cranes, cement mixers—and more—enjoying fun and festive Hanukkah nights after the sun sets!Children who can't get enough of trucks will love all the books in the bestselling Where Do... series.Where Do Diggers Sleep at Night?Where Do Diggers Celebrate Christmas?Where Do Diggers Trick or Treat?Where Do Diggers Take Vacation?Where Do Diggers Say I Love You?Where Do Steam Trains Sleep at Night?Where Do Jet Planes Sleep at Night?Where Do Speedboats Sleep at Night?
Where Do Diggers Hunt for Easter Eggs? (Where Do...Series)
by Brianna Caplan SayresCelebrate Easter with your favorite Diggers! For fans of the bestselling Where Do Diggers Sleep at Night? and its companion truck books.How do you celebrate Easter? Do you dress up in your Easter best? Dye eggs bold and bright? How about going to a parade? For sure! Follow diggers, cranes, cement mixers—and more—for a fun and festive day full of surprises! Children who can't get enough of trucks will love all the books in the bestselling Where Do... series.Where Do Diggers Sleep at Night?Where Do Diggers Celebrate Christmas?Where Do Diggers Trick or Treat?Where Do Diggers Take Vacation?Where Do Diggers Say I Love You?Where Do Steam Trains Sleep at Night?Where Do Jet Planes Sleep at Night?Where Do Speedboats Sleep at Night?
If..., Volume 1
by James Saywell Evelyn McfarlaneIn an elegant, two-color format, punctuated with intriguing drawings, If . . . poses hundreds of questions ranging from practical to maddening, moral to hilarious--which, if read alone, inspire self-exploration; if shared, spark fascinating discussions at gatherings, dinner parties, or meetings.From the Hardcover edition.
Emerging Ritual in Secular Societies: A Transdisciplinary Conversation
by Robert C. Scaer Michael Picucci Matthieu Smyth Lindy Mechefske Joanna Wojtkowiak Jeltje Gordon-Lennox Jacqueline Millner Isabel Russo Irene Stengs Gianpiero Vincenzo Ellen Dissanayake Christine Behrend Andrés Allemand SmallerThe growing absence of meaningful ritual in contemporary Western societies that has led to cohesive research of the history of ritualizing behaviour and traditional events in different cultures. The relatively new field of ritology which includes neuroscience, anthropology, cultural psychology, psychotherapy, and even art and performance, raises questions about the significance and practice of ritual today. While there is widespread literature on religious rites and practice, this book is the first of its kind to discuss the importance of secular rituals for cultural and personal growth. The contributors will provide an authoritative account of the science and history of rituals and their role in creating healthy societies in the modern age.
Christianity And Social Work: Readings On The Integration Of Christian Faith And Social Work Practice (fifth Edition)
by T. Laine Scales Michael S. KellyChristianity and Social Work is written for social workers whose motivations to enter the profession are informed by their Christian faith, and who desire to develop faithfully Christian approaches to helping.
On Faith: Lessons from an American Believer
by Antonin ScaliaOn Faith is an inspiring collection of the late Supreme Court justice Antonin Scalia's reflections on his own faith, on the challenges that religious believers face in modern America, and on the religious freedoms protected by the Constitution. Featuring a personal introduction by Justice Scalia's son Father Paul Scalia, this volume will enrich every reader's understanding of the legendary justice.Antonin Scalia reflected deeply on matters of religion and shared his insights with many audiences over the course of his remarkable career. As a Supreme Court justice for three decades, he vigorously defended the American constitutional tradition of allowing religion a prominent place in the public square. As a man of faith, he recognized the special challenges of living a distinctively religious life in modern America, and he inspired other believers to meet those challenges. This volume contains Justice Scalia's incisive thoughts on these matters, laced with his characteristic wit. It includes outstanding speeches featured in Scalia Speaks and also draws from his Supreme Court opinions and his articles. In addition to the introduction by Fr. Scalia, other highlights include Fr. Scalia's beautiful homily at his father's funeral Mass and reminiscences from various friends and law clerks whose lives were influenced by Antonin Scalia's faith.
The Best Catholics in the World: The Irish, the Church and the End of a Special Relationship
by Derek ScallyWhen Berlin-based journalist Derek Scally visited Christmas Vigil Mass in his hometown of Dublin, he found that like its congregants, the once-packed suburban church where he was an altar boy was quiet and slowly aging. A collective identity lost, the dwindling power of the Church in Ireland was undeniable. <p><p>The Best Catholics in the World is Scally's response—an empathetic and engaging voyage into the story of Irish Catholicism. Researched over three years, and including dozens of interviews conducted in Ireland and further afield, The Best Catholics in the World is a lively, original, moving and thought-provoking account of a country grappling with its troubling past and confusing present.
The Best Catholics in the World: The Irish, the Church and the End of a Special Relationship
by Derek ScallyTHE NUMBER ONE BESTSELLERShortlisted for the Irish Book Awards 2021'A great achievement . . . brilliant, engaging and essential' Colm Tóibín'At once intimate and epic, this is a landmark book' Fintan O'TooleWhen Dubliner Derek Scally goes to Christmas Eve Mass on a visit home from Berlin, he finds more memories than congregants in the church where he was once an altar boy. Not for the first time, the collapse of the Catholic Church in Ireland brings to mind the fall of another powerful ideology - East German communism. While Germans are engaging earnestly with their past, Scally sees nothing comparable going on in his native land. So he embarks on a quest to unravel the tight hold the Church had on the Irish.He travels the length and breadth of Ireland and across Europe, going to Masses, novenas, shrines and seminaries, talking to those who have abandoned the Church and those who have held on, to survivors and campaigners, to writers, historians, psychologists and many more. And he has probing and revealing encounters with Vatican officials, priests and religious along the way.The Best Catholics in the World is the remarkable result of his three-year journey. With wit, wisdom and compassion Scally gives voice and definition to the murky and difficult questions that face a society coming to terms with its troubling past. It is both a lively personal odyssey and a resonant and gripping work of reporting that is a major contribution to the story of Ireland.'Reflective, textured, insightful and original ... rich with history, interrogation and emotional intelligence' Diarmaid Ferriter, Irish Times'An unblinking look at the collapse of the Church and Catholic deference in Ireland. Excellent and timely' John Banville, The Sunday Times'Engaging and incisive' Caelainn Hogan, author of Republic of Shame'Remarkable . . . Essential reading for anyone concerned about history and forgetting' Michael Harding'Fair-minded . . . thoughtful' Melanie McDonagh, The Times'Very pacey and entertaining . . . and it changed how I regard Ireland and our history for good. Fantastic' Oliver Callan'Original, thought-provoking and very engaging' Marie Collins'A provocative insight into a time that many would rather forget' John Boyne'Challenging' Mary McAleese'Explores this subject in a way that I've never seen before' Hugh Linehan, Irish Times
Evidence of Angels
by Suza ScaloraFrom the bestselling author of "The Fairies" comes a stunning and luminescent book about angels that encourages young readers to open their eyes, their minds, their hearts, and themselves to the gifts that surround them, for angels are everywhere.
Free: Spending Your Time and Money on What Matters Most
by Mark ScandretteIf you already own a copy of Free, use the password found in the Group Learning Guide to access eight supplementary videos. Why does chasing the good life make us feel so bad? We dream big and spend our money and time chasing our dreams—only to find ourselves exhausted, deeply in debt and spiritually empty. Mark and Lisa Scandrette realized at the beginning of their lives together that what they want, what they need and what they were being told to want didn't sync up. In Free Mark (with a little help from Lisa) shares the secrets of how they bought a home and raised a family debt-free in the most expensive city in the United States—and how they've enjoyed good relationships, good adventures and good food along the way. Packed with helpful exercises for getting a handle on your money story, and designed for healing and generative money conversations with friends, Free gives you a path to financial freedom and spiritual flourishing that awakens your heart and energizes your soul.