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Orthodox Christians and the Rights Revolution in America (Orthodox Christianity and Contemporary Thought)
by A. G. RoeberA distinctive and unrivaled examination of North American Eastern Orthodox Christians and their encounter with the rights revolution in a pluralistic American society.From the civil rights movement of the 1950s to the “culture wars” of North America, commentators have identified the partisans bent on pursuing different “rights” claims. When religious identity surfaces as a key determinant in how the pursuit of rights occurs, both “the religious right” and “liberal” believers remain the focus of how each contributes to making rights demands. How Orthodox Christians in North America have navigated the “rights revolution,” however, remains largely unknown. From the disagreements over the rights of the First Peoples of Alaska to arguments about the rights of transgender persons, Orthodox Christians have engaged an anglo-American legal and constitutional rights tradition. But they see rights claims through the lens of an inherited focus on the dignity of the human person.In a pluralistic society and culture, Orthodox Christians, both converts and those with family roots in Orthodox countries, share with non-Orthodox fellow citizens the challenge of reconciling conflicting rights claims. Those claims do pit “religious liberty” rights claims against perceived dangers from outside the Orthodox Church. But internal disagreements about the rights of clergy and people within the Church accompany the Orthodox Christian engagement with debates over gender, sex, and marriage as well as expanding political, legal, and human rights claims. Despite their small numbers, North American Orthodox remain highly visible and their struggles influential among the more than 280 million Orthodox worldwide. Orthodox Christians and the Rights Revolution in America offers an historical analysis of this unfolding story.
Out of the World (Cultural Memory in the Present)
by Peter SloterdijkIn this essential early work, the preeminent European philosopher Peter Sloterdijk offers a cross-cultural and transdisciplinary meditation on humanity's tendency to refuse the world. Developing the first seeds of his anthropotechnics, Sloterdijk theorizes consciousness as a medium, tuned and retuned over the course of technological and social history. His subject here is the "world-alien" (Weltfremdheit) in man that was formerly institutionalized in religions, but is increasingly dealt with in modern times through practices of psychotherapy. Originally written in 1993, this almost clairvoyant work examines how humans seek escape from the world in cross-cultural and historical context, up to the mania and world-escapism of our cybernetic network culture. Chapters delve into artificial habitats and forms of intoxication, from early Christian desert monks to pharmaco-theology through psychedelics. In classic form, Sloterdijk recalibrates and reinvents concepts from the ancient Greeks to Heidegger to develop an astonishingly contemporary philosophical anthropology.
Outlines of Mahayana Buddhism
by Daisetz Teitaro Suzuki"Outlines of Mahayana Buddhism" by Saisetz Teitaro (D.T.) Suzuki is a seminal work that provides a comprehensive and accessible introduction to the rich and complex world of Mahayana Buddhism. D.T. Suzuki, a renowned scholar and practitioner of Buddhism, masterfully distills the essential teachings, philosophies, and practices of this major Buddhist tradition, making it understandable for both scholars and general readers.In this book, Suzuki explores the historical development of Mahayana Buddhism, tracing its origins from early Buddhist teachings to its evolution into various schools and sects. He delves into key Mahayana concepts such as Sunyata (emptiness), Bodhisattva (enlightened beings dedicated to helping others achieve enlightenment), and the nature of Buddhahood. Suzuki's insightful analysis illuminates the profound spiritual and philosophical underpinnings of Mahayana thought, highlighting its distinct differences from Theravada Buddhism. His discussion includes the role of important Mahayana texts, such as the Lotus Sutra and the Heart Sutra, in shaping the tradition's doctrines and practices."Outlines of Mahayana Buddhism" is not only a scholarly work but also a deeply personal one, reflecting Suzuki's own experiences and deep reverence for the subject. His writing is both erudite and engaging, making complex ideas accessible without oversimplification. The book is enriched with illustrative examples, metaphors, and anecdotes that bring Mahayana principles to life.This classic text remains an indispensable resource for anyone seeking to understand the depth and breadth of Mahayana Buddhism. Whether you are a student of religious studies, a practitioner of Buddhism, or simply someone interested in exploring Eastern philosophies, D.T. Suzuki's "Outlines of Mahayana Buddhism" offers a profound and enlightening journey into one of the world's great spiritual traditions.
The Overcomers: God's Vision for You to Thrive in an Age of Anxiety and Outrage
by Matt ChandlerAre you ready to live fully prepared and fully equipped to handle anything life throws at you? As Christians, we can be courageous and confident, knowing that God has placed us in human history for His purposes, and He will empower us regardless of our circumstances. Drawing on the book of Revelation and historical examples, The Overcomers will put steel in the spines of believers and remind them of the fierce, conquering, commanding authority of God over all the earth.You were made for this exact moment in human history. Things may look gloomy, and you may feel discouraged, but because of the promise and hope found in Scripture, you can be brave, confident, and victorious today!In The Overcomers, Matt Chandler reminds readers that they don't have to be anxious or afraid of anything in the present or in the future because both have already been won. We are not victims but overcomers—and we are a key part of what God is working out in our day. God is at work in the mess, just as He has always been, and He continues to accomplish His purpose of seeking and saving the lost.In this book, believers will:Find courage and confidence from fellow believers who have gone before us.Feel empowered as God reminds them of His promises fulfilled and yet to come.Understand the strategies, tactics, and deceptions Satan uses to try to keep us paralyzed with anxiety and fear.Learn to live a victorious Christian life marked by the power and presence of God. The apostle John wrote his letter to a certain group of people in a particular place at a specific time. Although it was written to them, it was also written for us. The Overcomers takes a chapter-by-chapter view of Revelation rather than a line-by-line deep dive, helping readers practically understand what God wants to say to us today through this extraordinary book written thousands of years ago. Believers will be reminded that they are uniquely wired and uniquely placed in this moment in history as part of God's big plan to push back darkness and to establish light. Christ has overcome, and in Him we, too, are the overcomers!
Overflowing Mercies: 100 Meditations on the Tender Heart of God
by Craig Allen CooperWhat if your life was immersed in mercy? In a culture that is short on compassion, maybe that&’s difficult to imagine. There&’s not nearly enough patience or tenderness in the world. Maybe you&’re in the middle of a hard season and feel disheartened. Or you&’re struggling to show mercy and kindness to the people in your life. In this NOISY world, God&’s heart beats hard with love and mercy. But how can God share His heart with us when He doesn&’t have our attention? Best-selling author and Bible teacher Craig Allen Cooper opens readers to the beautiful, merciful heart of our triune God. In this 100-day devotional, you will be comforted as you meditate on God&’s character. You will find courage in His promises to you. And as you soak deeply in God&’s love and compassion, you will become better equipped to love and bless the family, friends, and people God has placed in your life. Enter into the soul-heartening journey of God&’s Overflowing Mercies.
Owning Disaster: Coping with Catastrophe in Abrahamic Narrative Traditions
by Aaron M. HaglerDelving into the intertwined tapestry of Jewish, Christian and Muslim sacred texts, exegesis, philosophy, theology, and historiography, this book explores the similar coping mechanisms across Abrahamic communities in reconciling the implications of disasters without abandoning their faith. Belief in a single, omnipotent God carries with it the challenge of explaining and contextualizing disasters that seem to contravene God’s supposed will. Through explorations of Jewish responses to the destruction of both the First and Second Temples, Christian responses to the Arab Muslim conquests, Muslim responses to the Crusades, and a variety of responses to the Mongol conquests, Aaron M. Hagler unveils the shared patterns and responses that emerge within these communities when confronted by calamity. Initial responses come in the forms of horrified lamentations, but as the initial shock dissipates, a complex dance of self-blame and collective introspection unfolds, as writers and theologians seek to contextualize the tragedy and guide their communities towards hope, resilience, and renewal. Of interest to scholars, theologians, and individuals seeking to explore interconnected notions of resilience within Abrahamic communities, Owning Disaster will resonate with readers eager to contemplate the intricate relationship between religious dogma, human resilience, and the profound questions that emerge when confronted with calamity.
P is for Pilgrim (Hodder Faith Young Explorers)
by Stephen CottrellAs you explore the Christian faith, you will soon encounter some challenging words: Trinity, Sacrament, Reconciliation, Sin, Incarnation, even the word 'Christ' itself. It isn't Jesus's surname! It is a title with a meaning and history.Sooner, or later, these words, and the ideas behind them, must be addressed and understood. It is simply not possible to be a Christian, without understanding sin and forgiveness, knowing what a sacrament is, or accepting Jesus as the Christ.This book is here to help. It explores and explains most of the key concepts and ideas that underpin the Christian faith."I had assumed that someone else had already written a book like this. It seemed such an obvious thing to do. But while I could find weighty tomes on the topics explored here, I couldn't find a book which covered all these things in ways that were accessible, comprehensive and friendly: a simple book about complex things, one which just about anyone could read and find helpful. So, I wrote one." - Archbishop Stephen Cottrell
P is for Pilgrim (Hodder Faith Young Explorers)
by Stephen CottrellAs you explore the Christian faith, you will soon encounter some challenging words: Trinity, Sacrament, Reconciliation, Sin, Incarnation, even the word 'Christ' itself. It isn't Jesus's surname! It is a title with a meaning and history.Sooner, or later, these words, and the ideas behind them, must be addressed and understood. It is simply not possible to be a Christian, without understanding sin and forgiveness, knowing what a sacrament is, or accepting Jesus as the Christ.This book is here to help. It explores and explains most of the key concepts and ideas that underpin the Christian faith."I had assumed that someone else had already written a book like this. It seemed such an obvious thing to do. But while I could find weighty tomes on the topics explored here, I couldn't find a book which covered all these things in ways that were accessible, comprehensive and friendly: a simple book about complex things, one which just about anyone could read and find helpful. So, I wrote one." - Archbishop Stephen Cottrell
The Palgrave Handbook of Christianity in Africa from Apostolic Times to the Present
by Andrew Eugene Barnes Toyin FalolaThis comprehensive Handbook provides chapter length surveys of the history of Christian missions and Christian churches on the African continent since the time of Christ. Africa is rapidly becoming the most Christianized region of the world. While common narratives about Christianity tend to present Christianity as a set of ideas and beliefs imposed on Africa from the outside, such narratives hold little meaning for African Christians or for those seeking to understand Christianity in Africa as an indigenous faith. The aim of the Handbook is to propose a set of scholarly starting points for a new set of narratives. The chapters collected here communicate an idea of Christianity as it has been embraced among African peoples at particular historical moments. It therefore grants voice to the various strands of African Christianity on their own terms, and offers scholarly study of what these voices teach us about how the world’s most adhered to religion is practiced and understood on the continent of Africa.
The Palgrave Handbook of Gendered Islamophobia
by Irene Zempi Amina Easat-DaasAgainst a backdrop of continually growing global Islamophobia, this handbook provides a comprehensive, interdisciplinary overview of the key issues, theories, debates, and developments in gendered Islamophobia, unpacking how Western, Orientalist constructions of Muslim men and women affect the lived experiences of Muslim men and women; impact social, legal, and criminological policies, practices, and discourse; and give rise to resistance against gendered Islamophobia. Drawing on theories from philosophy, sociology, gender studies, psychology and criminology, sections examine the interdisciplinary theoretical dimensions of gendered Islamophobia; illustrate the dynamics of gendered Islamophobia through the use of case examples in the UK, Europe, North America, Australasia, the Middle East, and South Asia. This handbook will be valuable reading for scholars, researchers, and policymakers around the globe in Gender Studies, Sociology, Criminology, Politics, and Law, whofocus on the intersections of gender and Islamopobia, and the impact on Muslim men and women respectively.
Paradox and Contradiction in Theology (Routledge Studies in Analytic and Systematic Theology)
by Jonathan C. RutledgeThis book explores and expounds upon questions of paradox and contradiction in theology with an emphasis on recent contributions from analytic philosophical theology. It addresses questions such as: What is the place of paradox in theology? Where might different systems of logic (e.g. paraconsistent ones) find a place in theological discourse (e.g. Christology)? What are proper responses to the presence of contradiction(s) in one’s theological theories? Are appeals to analogical language enough to make sense of paradox? Bringing together an impressive line-up of theologians and philosophers, the volume offers a range of fresh perspectives on a central topic. It is valuable reading for scholars of theology and philosophy of religion.
Parallel Lives, Congenial Visions: Christian Precursors of Modernity in China and Japan (Collectanea Serica. New Series)
by Leopold LeebThis book introduces the history of cultural exchanges between East Asia and the West through comparative biographical sketches of sixty personalities from China and Japan. These sketches illustrate how both countries, starting from a shared cultural heritage in script and Confucian, Buddhist, and Daoist worldviews, took rather different approaches in their encounters with the European world since the 16th to 17th centuries. In particular in the 19th century under external and internal pressure, both nations strove to modernize their societies by introducing technology and new ideas from the Western world, turning them into political rivals and even enemies. Thus, these biographical sketches also shed some light on the general dynamics of cross-cultural interactions between China, Japan, and the West up to the early 20th century.The Chinese and Japanese men and women presented in this book are outstanding personalities who tried to open up the road to international relationships, pioneers in their respective domains who introduced Western culture to their nations, precursors who strove for modernization, e.g., in the fields of translation, education, medicine, media, and social welfare. They testify to individual agency in these cross-cultural exchanges. Many of those who tried to be “cultural bridge-builders” since the 16th century were Christians, simply because the missionaries, who worked hard to learn the native languages of China and Japan, were the first to introduce new cultural elements to these countries. The universal scope and vision of the Christian faith enabled both missionaries and native believers to overcome narrow nationalism or xenophobia and turned them into cross-cultural mediators.
The Party Crasher: How Jesus Disrupts Politics as Usual and Redeems Our Partisan Divide
by Joshua Ryan ButlerIn this insightful, nonpartisan roadmap toward faithful political engagement and ultimate allegiance to Jesus, pastor Joshua Ryan Butler diagnoses the roots of political conflict tearing apart the church and prescribes a practical and prophetic way forward.&“A must-read for any and all who seek the way of Jesus.&”—Jay Kim, pastor and author of Analog ChristianHave you noticed a deeper level of political division in your community or church? If so, you&’re not alone. This powerful, accessible book exposes the religious nature of modern political movements and how they compete with faithfulness to Christ.Rather than retreat from the political realm, The Party Crasher will help you understand the politics of our age and equip you with the wisdom to faithfully navigate them. Key takeaways include:• How to develop a Christian posture for political life and promote unity in the church.• When to be bold.• How to identify and repent from our political idols.• How the way we worship can help us avoid division.This is not a book about putting politics aside, it&’s a book about putting politics in their place so that we might be better disciples of Jesus in whichever party or place we find ourselves.
Pascal's God and the Fragments of the World
by Martin NemoianuIn Pascal's God and the Fragments of the World, Martin Nemoianu offers a new interpretation of the thought of Blaise Pascal, drawn from the Pensées and beyond. The book takes Pascal's central theme to be the distinction - Infini rien - between the transcendent God and the created world, which, without God, would be nothing. Nemoianu identifies the distinction in Pascal, articulates it, and works through the difficulties attending the distinction's disclosure. He then considers the implications of the distinction for the nature of nature and the nature of the human being, culminating in the ideal of martyrdom. The book closes with treatment of a closely related theme: the relation between human freedom and divine grace, in the context of the vexed question of Pascal's Jansenism.
The Path of Desire: Living Tantra in Northeast India
by Hugh B. UrbanA provocative study of contemporary Tantra as a dynamic living tradition. Tantra, one of the most important religious currents in South Asia, is often misrepresented as little more than ritualized sex. Through a mixture of ethnography and history, Hugh B. Urban reveals a dynamic living tradition behind the sensationalist stories. Urban shows that Tantric desire goes beyond the erotic, encompassing such quotidian experiences as childbearing and healing. He traces these holistic desires through a series of unique practices: institutional Tantra centered on gurus and esoteric rituals; public Tantra marked by performance and festival; folk Tantra focused on magic and personal well-being; and popular Tantra imagined in fiction, film, and digital media. The result is a provocative new description of Hindu Tantra that challenges us to approach religion as something always entwined with politics and culture, thoroughly entangled with ordinary needs and desires.
Paths on the Tree of Wisdom: A Course in 21st Century Kabbalah
by Mike BaisThe most up-to-date and comprehensive guide to the Kabbalah, making this complex mystical tradition easy to understand and use.Kabbalah is a tradition that is closely related to Judaism, but which has links also with Ancient Egyptian religion and currents all across the Near and Middle East. Outwardly it was studied and taught principally by Rabbis, but in fact on a more secret level its development was also taken forward by Moslem scholars, Renaissance princes, alchemists of all kind and magicians. It found its expression in the tarot deck and in the esoteric teachings of Aleister Crowley and Dion Fortune.In a way, it's all in here and Kabbalah holds the key to all the workings of the universe. We can use it to make sense of our own minds and motivations and become better happier people by relating more consciously to all that is. As Dutch teacher Mike Bais points out, we can also use this supremely flexible system to understand the universe and how it works and one of his key points in this book is that Kabbalah is ideally placed to bring science and spirituality back together again after centuries of estrangement. The book is full of diagrams and illustrations that enhance the text. The exercises and practical teachings here form a crystal clear course of study for anyone willing put in the time and change their lives.
The Pathway to Success: Letting God Lead You to a Life of Meaning and Purpose
by Joyce MeyerRenowned Bible teacher and #1 New York Times bestselling author Joyce Meyer shows readers how to realign their perspective on success to conform with God&’s vision for the kind of life that brings us true purpose and lasting joy. The world tells us that having a good job, owning your own business, money, fame, and influence are all important for a successful life. If we don&’t have them, we feel like a failure. But even when we achieve them, we still end up unhappy, unfulfilled, or lonely. God wants us to be successful, but His definition of success is not the same as the world's definition. The truth is, God&’s way of achieving the dreams and desires that truly fulfill us and bring genuine joy to our lives is very different—and that is what we need. In The Pathway to Success, you will discover a deeper understanding of what it means to seek success God's way. Through her practical, relatable insights based on God&’s Word, beloved Bible teacher Joyce Meyer reveals how to actively pursue the keys to true, lasting success. Full of rich encouragement and timeless wisdom, The Pathway to Success will allow you to refocus your life and fulfill your God-given destiny as you walk out the purpose He&’s planned for you.
Paul and Diversity: A New Perspective on Σάρξ and Resilience in Galatians (Routledge Interdisciplinary Perspectives on Biblical Criticism)
by Linda JoelssonThis book investigates attitudes toward diversity as expressed in Paul’s letter to the Galatians and proposes a renewed understanding of the term σάρξ as used in this letter. Σάρξ (sarx) is usually translated as "flesh" and has often been perceived in theological studies as a complicated and highly polysemous term. It is also a word whose interpretations have had far-reaching social, political, and religious consequences throughout history. The author argues in this volume that for Paul the term σάρξ is commonly adopted with reference to the collective group, and in light of a sense of collective identity in particular. A key assertion is that Paul was and remained a Jew and also continued to be deeply concerned with the prospects for the peaceful co-existence of Jews and Gentiles in the assemblies of God. The chapters draw on perspectives from classical rhetoric, modern linguistics, and social systems theory in order to describe the communicative structure of the letter, the construct of collective identity as described within this setting, and the potential for resilience in this construct. Offering a more coherent reading of Galatians, the book contributes positively to current discussions in Pauline studies and will be of interest to scholars of biblical studies and theology.
Paul and Imperial Divine Honors: Christ, Caesar, and the Gospel
by D. Clint BurnettHow did the imperial cult affect Christians in the Roman Empire? &“Jesus is lord, not Caesar.&” Many scholars and preachers attribute mistreatment of early Christians by Roman authorities to this fundamental confessional conflict. But this mantra relies on a reductive understanding of the imperial cult. D. Clint Burnett examines copious evidence—literary, epigraphic, numismatic, and archaeological—to more accurately reconstruct Christian engagement with imperial divine honors. Outdated narratives often treat imperial divine honors as uniform and centralized, focusing on the city of Rome. Instead, Burnett examines divine honors in Philippi, Thessalonica, and Corinth. While all three cities incorporated imperial cultic activity in their social, religious, economic, and political life, the purposes and contours of the practice varied based on the city&’s unique history. For instance, Thessalonica paid divine honors to living Julio-Claudians as tribute for their status as a free city in the empire—and Christian resistance to the practice was seen as a threat to that independence. Ultimately, Burnett argues that early Christianity was not specifically antigovernment but more broadly countercultural, and that responses to this stance ranged from conflict to apathy. Burnett&’s compelling argument challenges common assumptions about the first Christians&’ place in the Roman Empire. This fresh account will benefit Christians seeking to understand their faith&’s place in public life today.
Peace in the Dark: Faithful Practices as We Wait for the Light
by Jessica HerbergerHow do we stay faithful as we wait on God?The time after Good Friday but before Easter Sunday is one of the most overlooked portions of the Bible. We tend to rush ahead to the empty tomb seeking to find the resurrected Lord, but our lives don’t come equipped with a fast-forward button. We all face seasons of waiting where we long for a new or better future.Peace in the Dark invites you to look again and acknowledge the reality of Holy Saturday. The example of the early disciples in those in-between hours offers a depth of wisdom about what to do when things have gone wrong. Their practices can serve us as we face our own disappointments, trials, and even traumatic experiences. There is a way to not just live but to experience peace when God seems silent. Rooted in Scripture, nature, and her personal experiences of years of trial, Jessica Herberger guides us through what was happening on that day, why it matters, and how we can approach our Holy Saturdays with hope and faithfulness.
Peace in the Waiting: When You Love People Who Don't Love God
by June ChapmanYour call to love those who don&’t know Jesus does not mean you need to save them. Through real-life guidance and encouragement, Peace in the Waiting helps us navigate the grief, confusion, and urgency we feel for loved ones who have rejected or wandered away from God. Is your heart weary from praying for someone you love to know Jesus? Peace in the Waiting offers a hope-filled path as you turn from your own doubts and frustration to God&’s sovereignty and comfort. Drawing on her experience with a close friend, author June Chapman explores: How to name and process our sorrow over friends and family who don&’t know God Our confusion about some people being saved and not others Our questions about unanswered prayers Why we need to remember that a loved one&’s salvation is not up to us How we can embrace peace even in the longing we have for others to follow Jesus Peace in the Waiting calls us to take the focus off ourselves and trust in God&’s promises so that we might have a renewed sense of hope for those we love most.
The Peacock (Orca Echoes)
by Jennifer Tzivia MacLeodKey Selling Points It's the aftermath of World War II in Toronto and 10-year-old Barbara realizes that, while her father's away helping Jewish refugees in Europe, she has to be the one to solve the problem of the peacock living in their back garden before the winter comes. The Peacock delves into the experience of being Jewish in 1947 in Canada, what it was like to be a child during the war, the treatment of refugees by the world at large, and how the acts of kind individuals can make huge positive change. This historical fiction chapter book takes on a less-represented period of history, just after World War II, shining a light on the displaced persons living in encampments in Europe and what people tried to do to help, from the viewpoint of a Jewish Canadian family. The metaphor of the peacock (a stand-in for the refugees Barbara's father is helping) gives readers an entry point to think about displaced people but in a lighthearted way (with a happy ending). A bonus glossary will be online for readers interested in extra background about the book's context. Contains 22 black-and-white illustrations.
A Peddler’s Tale: Religious Exile and Community in Early Modern Switzerland
by Kristine WirtsIn 1685, the revocation of the Edict of Nantes made Catholicism the only recognized religion in France and criminalized the practice of Calvinism, throwing the minority Protestant population into crisis. A Peddler’s Tale personifies these events in the story of Jean Giraud, a Protestant merchant-peddler, and his various communities. Drawing on Giraud’s account book; municipal, parish, and consistory records; and death inventories, Kristine Wirts ably reconstructs Giraud’s familial, commercial, and religious circles. She provides a detailed description of the persecution of Giraud and his fellow church members in La Grave, France, as well as their flight across the Alps to Vevey, Switzerland. The town’s residents did not welcome all refugees equally, often expelling Huguenots without social connections or financial resources. Those allowed to stay worked diligently to reestablish their lives and fortunes. Once settled in Vevey, Giraud and his extended family supported themselves by moneylending and peddling books, watch parts, and lace products.In contrast to past studies on the Huguenot diaspora that often depicted those fleeing France in heroic terms, A Peddler’s Tale exposes the harsh economic realities many exiles faced, as well as the importance of social relationships and the necessity of having financial means to secure passage and sanctuary. Wirts contends that Huguenotrefugees who succeeded in obtaining permanent residency in Vevey shared one important element: many derived their livelihood from the burgeoning economic ties and social bonds that emerged with the rise of capitalist markets. A compelling microhistory, A Peddler’s Tale ultimately illustrates the role and power of informal networks in sustaining and fostering early modern communities.
People of Kituwah: The Old Ways of the Eastern Cherokees
by John D. Loftin Benjamin E. FreyAccording to Cherokee tradition, the place of creation is Kituwah, located at the center of the world and home to the most sacred and oldest of all beloved, or mother, towns. Just by entering Kituwah, or indeed any village site, Cherokees reexperience the creation of the world, when the water beetle first surfaced with a piece of mud that later became the island on which they lived. People of Kituwah is a comprehensive account of the spiritual worldview and lifeways of the Eastern Cherokee people, from the creation of the world to today. Building on vast primary and secondary materials, native and non-native, this book provides a window into not only what the Cherokees perceive and understand—their notions of space and time, marriage and love, death and the afterlife, healing and traditional medicine, and rites and ceremonies—but also how their religious life evolved both before and after the calamitous coming of colonialism. Through the collaborative efforts of John D. Loftin and Benjamin E. Frey, this book offers an in-depth understanding of Cherokee culture and society.
The Perilous Fight: Overcoming Our Culture's War on the American Family
by Ben Carson, M.D.Learn from one of our leading conservative voices how we can return to the biblical values our nation was founded upon, especially the vital importance of the family, in order to secure a prosperous future for generations to come.Does America no longer feel like home? Widespread divorce rates, the erosion of traditional marriage, the popular rise of radical ideologies, attacks on faith, and government interference are only a few of the factors contributing to the struggles of families in our culture. And because of the importance of healthy families to every part of our national life, the breakdown of the family threatens to rob us of the country we love. But it doesn't have to be this way.Like many of us, Dr. Ben Carson fears we are losing the country we love. In this provocative and ultimately hopeful book, he gives us the facts, inspiration, and theory-to-action answers we need to restore a key foundation of America: the family.The Perilous Fight equips us to understand:The hard data behind the breakdown of the family and its effects on our society, including poverty, crime, and deteriorating educationThe core biblical beliefs that led our nation into unprecedented freedom and prosperity--and why abandoning those beliefs led to the social decline we see todayThe fresh ideas and public policy options that could reverse negative trends impacting the family while maintaining a balance between constitutional freedoms and governmental involvement This is a practical and inspiring book for anyone who:Feels discouraged about the state of our country and its institutionsNeeds hope that there are commonsense, attainable solutions that we all can practiceAppreciates a conservative, Scripture-based approach to restoring faith, liberty, community, and life in America Strong families are the cornerstone of strong communities. Strong communities build a strong nation. Only when we prioritize the family as an institution established by God will we proudly remain the land of the free and the home of the brave.