In this new commentary on the controversial Gospel of Thomas, Simon Gathercole provides the most extensive analysis yet published of both the work as a whole and of the individual sayings contained in it. This commentary offers a fresh analysis of Thomas not from the perspective of form criticism and source criticism but seeks to elucidate the meaning of the work and its constituent elements in its second-century context. With its lucid discussion of the various controversial aspects of Thomas, and treatment of the various different scholarly views, this is a foundational work of reference for scholars not just of apocryphal Gospels, but also for New Testament scholars, Classicists and Patrologists.

Magic is usually defined as a non-modern phenomenon, contrasted with modern rationalism and science. However, the idea of magic has remained persistent in scholarly discourse throughout history from the Middle Ages to the Enlightenment and beyond. This volume explores how the notion of magic is articulated and theorised in the writing of history. Departing from writing "about" magic in history, this volume addresses magic as it relates to the trajectories of intellectual history as a whole, with particular reference to a diverse series of case studies in thought about magic. The author also engages with the history and philosophy of science; operating within this framework, the author argues that magic has always been figured as "medieval" in the formulation of the discourses of modernity, and that thinking or writing about magic has engendered multiple epistemological crises. Through these controversies, the idea of magic and the occult has profoundly unsettled the understanding of history in Western culture. The resulting study is an investigation of the implications of magic (and the study of magic) for intellectual history.

We all desire to live truer, happier and more meaningful lives; yet, many of us are uncertain how exactly to go about achieving enduring success and happiness. In her guidebook "Awaken and Unleash Your Victor," author Ogor Winnie Okoye shares time-tested principles, personal experiences, and dynamic strategies in order to help others awaken and unleash their inner victor.

In the wake of a miscarriage, a crumbling marriage, and a life overrun by immense stress and worry, Ogor Winnie Okoye was surprised to discover that the secret to enduring self-contentment, and triumph was buried deep within her soul. While relying on what she learned on her own journey of self-discovery, Ogor Winnie Okoye shares the victor-driven principles that will assist others in not only transforming their lives for the better, but also in helping to positively change and impact the world around them. Self-fulfillment and happiness seekers can learn how to

face fear and stop worrying about what others think;

embrace strengths and acknowledge weaknesses;

change negative thinking patterns;

attract positive and inspiring sensations;

manifest desires and goals.

"Awaken and Unleash Your Victor" shares inspiring advice that will encourage anyone to step out of the normal and onto a courageous path toward self-improvement.

From the 1990s the British developed an interest in
natural burial, also known as woodland, green, or ecological burial. Natural
burial constitutes part of a long, historical legacy for British funeral
innovation; from Victorian cemetery monuments and garden cemeteries through the
birth and rise of cremation to the many things done with cremated remains. The
book sets natural burial in the context of such creative dealing with death,
grief, mourning, and the celebration of life. Themes from sociology and
anthropology combine with psychological issues and theological ideas to show
how human emotions take shape and help people consider their own death whilst
also dealing with the death of those they love.
The authors explore the variety of motivations for
people to engage with natural burial and its popular appeal, using interviews
with people having a relationship with one natural burial site created by the
Church of England but open to all. They illustrate people's understandings of
life and death in the sacred, secular and mixed worlds of modern Britain.

In "Retha's Song: A Rhapsody of the Soul, "Retha hears her "God," the sun, speak to her for the first time at the age of seven. He speaks of a baby boy being born who lived far away from her and is her beloved. As long as she listens to God's voice and stays on her path and the young boy stays on his path, with God's guidance, they will meet.

She strays many times from the voice of God and her path. During the journey, she is struck with a devastating Bipolar Disorder, and her young son is diagnosed with Crohn's disease, which nearly took his life. Her faith began taking new direction, and she began experiencing phenomenal supernatural events in her life. Her intuition became increasingly powerful; however, internal, mind-altering suffering kept plaguing her.

Music, directed by the angels, was the compelling force that was the interwoven thread that could bring these two souls together, as they are both singers and songwriters. Could a miracle happen?