Showing titles in Religious Studies

Renowned and beloved as a prizewinning novelist, Dara Horn has also been publishing penetrating essays since she was a teenager. Often asked by major publications to write on subjects related to Jewish culture - and increasingly in response to a recent wave of deadly anti-Semitic attacks - Horn was troubled to realize what all of these assignments had in common: She was being asked to write about dead Jews, never about living ones.

There is no shortage of writings about the last days - often full of speculation and sensationalism. Where can we go for information we can trust? Join Bible scholar Ron Rhodes for an in-depth look at what we know to be certain about the last days - based on key teachings directly from Jesus. You’ll learn what the Lord himself said about the Rapture, the Tribulation Period, the Second Coming, the Future Judgment, the Millennial Kingdom, and more.

The findings of historians and archaeologists open a thrilling world of discovery as they bring their methods and insights to the iconic stories of the Bible. These 24 content-rich lessons take you on a multidimensional journey through the Bible, from Genesis to the Crucifixion, seen through the lens of the latest historical and archaeological research.

In this “eloquent understanding of how death is viewed through many spiritual traditions” (Publishers Weekly, starred review), Bart Ehrman recounts the long history of the afterlife, ranging from The Epic of Gilgamesh up to the writings of Augustine, focusing especially on the teachings of Jesus and his early followers. He discusses ancient guided tours of heaven and hell, in which a living person observes the sublime blessings of heaven for those who are saved and the horrifying torments of hell for those who are damned.

Originally published in the 16th century, this is the classic history of the lives, sufferings, and deaths of the early Christian martyrs. As interesting as fiction, it is written with both passion and tenderness, telling the dramatic story of some of the most thrilling periods in Christian history.

The Untold Story of the New Testament Church is a unique Bible handbook that weaves Acts and the Epistles together chronologically, creating one fluid story. This epic volume gives listeners a first-hand account of the New Testament drama that is riveting and enlightening. Get up-close and personal with apostles Paul, Peter, James and John and learn of their personal struggles. Learn what happened to all the apostles after the book of Acts was finished. Be ushered into the living, breathing atmosphere of the first century and uncover the hidden riches found in God’s Word.

Unlock the Secrets of Shingon Buddhism with This Essential Guide Are you ready to embark on a journey of spiritual discovery and transformation? "Shingon Buddhism: A Beginner's Guide" offers you a captivating introduction to one of Buddhism's most profound and mystical traditions. This book is not just an exploration; it's an invitation to delve into the rich tapestry of esoteric teachings, rituals, and art that define Shingon Buddhism. Discover the Origins: Dive deep into the fascinating history of Shingon Buddhism. Learn about Kūkai, the legendary monk who founded this tradition, and ...

What would you do if you were sitting quietly in your living room when a mysterious couple appeared from out of nowhere—and then told you they were “ascended masters” who had come to reveal some shocking secrets of existence and teach you the miraculous powers of advanced forgiveness? When two such teachers appeared before Gary Renard in 1992, he chose to listen to them (and ask a lot of impertinent questions). The result is this startling book: an extraordinary record of 17 mind-bending conversations that took place over nearly a decade, reorienting the author’s life.

Our body has an inert capability to keep itself in balance, and at an ideal weight. All we need to do is to support this inner wisdom. We need to heal ourselves from inside out. Unleash your infinite potential and heal your chronic illness.

"Countless hours of study and practice go into the ‘Arte Magical’ that need be done to understand it in its entirety. Lost histories and obscure magicians must become known, archaic traditions and shadowed ceremonies understood. Though for me, understanding the workings of magic was much more than studying the past, it was also about embracing the cutting-edge philosophies of the present and expanding subject of quantum mechanics and philosophy. Knowledge is not free, and I have paid for it with my time. The subject matter of the works presented, span centuries of occult tradition and ...

As a former Presbyterian minister, I baptized two of my infants. I was sincere. It was meaningful. I believed that infant baptism (paedobaptism) was biblical. However, I was sincerely and biblically wrong. Now, I am convinced that the baptism authorized by the Bible is the baptism of disciples. In fact, I believe the Bible authorizes the baptism of disciples alone. This position may also be called credobaptism, from the Latin verb credo, meaning believe or trust.

Superbly narrated by Mike Fraser, F. J. Sheed’s remarkable translation of this classic spiritual autobiography is finally in audio format, with an introduction by noted historian of late antiquity Peter Brown. Incorporated in this edition are a wealth of notes on literary, philosophical, biblical, historical, and liturgical topics by Michael P. Foley, an Editor’s Preface, and a timeline.

Since the earliest days of Christianity, believers have gathered in communities large and small, lifting one another up through the best and worst moments of life. It's where we feel the power of God's presence when our voices are raised in worship that touches heaven. It's where we learn and grow together. When we give as one, our generosity multiplies kingdom impact. Our faith is inspired and strengthened as we witness life change and miracles in our midst. It all happens here—In the Room.

Unlock the secrets of an ancient faith with Samaritanism: A Beginner's Guide: From Mount Gerizim to Modern Times. This captivating guide invites you into the world of the Samaritans, a community rich in history, tradition, and resilience. Discover the fascinating roots of the Samaritans, a people whose heritage is intertwined with the ancient Israelites. Learn about their unique beliefs, sacred texts, and the paramount significance of Mount Gerizim, the epicenter of their spiritual world. Immerse yourself in the pivotal moments that have shaped Samaritan history. From the Assyrian conquest ...

Courtney Weber (author of Brigid and The Morrigan) offers an informed, accessible journey through the lore and history of Hekate, the ancient goddess of crossroads, ghosts, and witchcraft, and reflects on Hekate’s relevance today. Tools and techniques for incorporating this goddess into your personal journey round out the book.

Malls, stadiums, and universities are actually liturgical structures that influence and shape our thoughts and affections. Humans - as Augustine noted - are "desiring agents", full of longings and passions; in brief, we are what we love. James K. A. Smith focuses on the themes of liturgy and desire in Desiring the Kingdom, the first book in a three-volume set on the theology of culture. He redirects our yearnings to focus on the greatest good: God.

Often seen as the author of timeless Christian theology, Paul himself heatedly maintained that he lived and worked in history's closing hours. His letters propel his listeners into two ancient worlds, one Jewish, one pagan. The first was incandescent with apocalyptic hopes, expecting God through his messiah to fulfill his ancient promises of redemption to Israel. The second teemed with ancient actors, not only human but also divine: angry superhuman forces, jealous demons, and hostile cosmic gods.

Unlock the profound wisdom of the Torah with "The Torah for Beginners: The Essentials of Jewish Scripture." This essential guide takes you on a journey through the foundational texts that have shaped Jewish faith and tradition for millennia. Whether you're new to Jewish studies or seeking to deepen your understanding, this book provides the clarity and insight you need. Step into the ancient world of the Torah and discover: The Genesis of Everything: From the creation of the world to the Garden of Eden, experience the epic beginnings that set the stage for humanity's journey. Guidance for ...

It was the final test. A chance to win not only the love of Allah, but the love of her father - something she had never been able to earn. Esther took a deep breath and raised her hand in the air. At the age of 18, she had just volunteered to become a suicide bomber. Defying Jihad is the true story of a girl growing up under radical Islamic rule, trained to believe her ultimate purpose was to serve Allah by dying as a jihadist. But two nights before she was to leave forever, she had a dream...one that would change the course of her destiny.

America is unique. No other nation in the world has experienced the widespread levels of stability, individual prosperity, and personal freedoms that have defined this nation. What made us different from other nations? Was it the people, the principles, or the blessing of God? It was all three, and they caused America to become the most exceptional nation in the history of the world.