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Books > Humanities > Religion & beliefs > Aspects of religions (non-Christian) > Religious experience > General
Many scholars assume that all genuine religions are basically similar and that it is possible to define the sphere of religion in terms of the 'sacred' or the 'holy'. In this book, Max Charlesworth argues that we must take the diversity of religions as a primary fact. Any religion is an active response to a revelation of the divine, and human beings receive these revelations, interpret them and develop them in a variety of ways. To illustrate his thesis, he considers a number of examples of the 'invention' of religion, ranging from Australian Aboriginal religions to the Rhineland mystical movement associated with Meister Eckhart in the early fourteenth century, from the seventeenth-century sects like the Muggletonians, to Roman Catholic attempts in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries to construct a theological account of doctrinal development and also to formulate a Christian ethic.
Many scholars assume that all genuine religions are basically similar and that it is possible to define the sphere of religion in terms of the 'sacred' or the 'holy'. In this book, Max Charlesworth argues that we must take the diversity of religions as a primary fact. Any religion is an active response to a revelation of the divine, and human beings receive these revelations, interpret them and develop them in a variety of ways. To illustrate his thesis, he considers a number of examples of the 'invention' of religion, ranging from Australian Aboriginal religions to the Rhineland mystical movement associated with Meister Eckhart in the early fourteenth century, from the seventeenth-century sects like the Muggletonians, to Roman Catholic attempts in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries to construct a theological account of doctrinal development and also to formulate a Christian ethic.
Moments of peace and stillness give us a glimpse of how extraordinary our lives could be. Yet this sense of meaning and wonder is so easy to lose sight of in the hectic pace of modern living. In The Buddhist Path to Simplicity, Christina Feldman, an internationally renowned Buddhist teacher, shows you how to find harmony and balance by applying ancient Buddhist Wisdom to the here and now. The path of conscious simplicity she suggests allows us to fully recover ourselves, by rediscovering our sense of meaning and wonder. As a mother, a layperson and an internationally renowned teacher, Feldman knows the stresses and strains of modern life. In this book she shows how to harmonize and achieve balance and how to apply Buddhist wisdom to the here and now. She addresses subjects of compassion, speech, effort, intention, mindfulness and awakening. The path to peace, she suggests, is not necessarily complex or arduous. If we simply turn our attention to this moment, it will speak to us of wonder, mystery, harmony and peace. She demonstrates that there is no better moment in which to awaken and discover everything our heart longs for than this very moment.
Open your heart, strengthen your spiritual core, and discover how the sacred art of bowing can enrich your spiritual life. Daily, across America and across the world, people begin their day by bowing. Christians kneel for morning prayers, Muslims turn east to Mecca for the first salat (prayer) of the day, Jews daven (pray), and Buddhists prostrate themselves. Over the course of the day, many more people will find time to pause and, bending their body toward the earth, bow as part of their spiritual practice. from Chapter 1 "The Sacred Art of Bowing" serves as a welcoming introduction to the whys and ways of bowing. This ancient tradition so often mistakenly tagged as only part of Asian cultures has roots in nearly every religion around the world. In different forms in different faiths, people bow as a physical expression of their spiritual aspirations, humility, gratitude, and respect. " A companion for your journey rather than an instruction book, "The Sacred Art of Bowing" shares helpful insights that will inspire you to begin or deepen your own bowing practice through: A comprehensive look at bowing as practiced in many spiritual traditions Illustrations of bowing in practice Inspiring reflections from people who practice the sacred art of bowing Advice on how you too can incorporate bowing in your daily spiritual life
What do you do when life hasn't turned out the way you expected? When it feels like everyone else has it together but you're still figuring it out? And if God is meant to be your guide, why do you feel so lost? Tola Doll Fisher has asked these questions countless times and still doesn't have the answers. But as she explains in this series of 100 'life lessons' maybe that's okay... Refreshingly relatable and heartbreakingly honest, this is a book about discovering joy in the journey of a messy, work-in-progress walk of (sometimes failing, but still standing) faith.
This is the story of one family's pain, passion and will to survive as their loved one clings to life. We have all heard the saying, 'Miracles can happen every day,' but until you see one with your own eyes, you rarely believe that to be true. This story will help you believe in that saying. In April of 2017, Maria DeLuca Mckee and her entire family witnessed a miracle first-hand that will forever strengthen their faith, and the belief of everyone around them. An entire community came together for a cause that appeared hopeless until the very end. Maria was in a coma for nearly two weeks and the diagnosis was grim to say the least. It wasn't the first time in her life she was on the cusp of staring death in the face though, and that journey is also detailed in this tale. It is woven perfectly from past to present with dramatic reality in every chapter. Each chapter ends with a cliffhanger that will keep you wanting more as you will need to know what happens next. Included are very shocking details never before shared. This book goes beyond the patient on the table, and explores further into the family around Maria that went through every step of this hell with her. The story is told by her youngest son, Vince, who refused to give up hope and created a movement he lovingly titled "Fight Maria, Fight!"
A remarkable collection of essays written by an international team of contributors explores different aspects of religion in Japan. Subjects discussed include new religions in postwar Japan, beliefs about fox-possession in the Heian period, and the religious life of the first shogunate in the late twelfth century. The essays offer fresh insights into the rich religious traditions of Japan, many of which have been previously neglected in the English-language writing on Japan.
For many in the West, the ecstatic dancing ritual of whirling dervishes is
How can my congregation become more vital? " The Self-Renewing Congregation]" calls for renewal from
within, not without a renewal that begins with institutional
self-reflection, proceeds through a process of self-engagement, and
ends with self-generated innovations that can deepen the synagogue
congregation as a sacred community. The core of this book offers
any congregation seeking this path a compelling and realistic
roadmap, a vision, and a process that is rooted in applied research
and practical experience. from the Foreword by Dr. Ron Wolfson,
codeveloper, Synagogue 2000; Revitalizing and re-imagining the organization of our synagogues takes work Combining expert advice and experience garnered from congregations throughout North America, " The Self-Renewing Congregation" shows us how transformative change is possible. A complete resource full of ideas, information, and support, this is a guide for those of us involved in, or interested in, energizing our spiritual communities. Isa Aron, founding director of Hebrew Union College s Experiment in Congregational Education (ECE), offers concrete, practical information on how to bring about change through collaborative leadership, and helps us grow dynamic, successful congregations.
Discover the elemental approach to spirituality keys to self-healing and re-connection to the earth. "When we explore and savor and interact with these elements, we are both remembering a primal connection and forging it anew. Welcome, then, to this travel guide for a journey with a particular purpose: connecting with the elements that are so basic and universal to all of us. We will look at the many ways that different faiths have danced with earth, water, fire, and air throughout history, coming to a deeper appreciation of each way s uniqueness and a greater respect for one another s paths, at the same time remembering the commonality of our human beginnings." from the Preface The root of human spirituality is grounded in four elements earth, water, fire, and air. They are common to all people and almost every spiritual path; they are the keys to our understanding of Spirit; and they can help you achieve personal fulfillment and re-connection with others. This inspiring guidebook explains the role of the elements in different faith traditions and how they ve been incorporated into religious practices and ceremonies. You will be encouraged to explore your own spiritual connection to the elements through engaging activities, enlightening meditations, and evocative poems and prayers. Earth, Water, Fire, and Airis a celebration of how all people are connected by the elements. You will come away with a deeper relationship to others, your own spirit, and this sacred planet. You can t help but be drawn into the elemental approach to spirituality detailed in these pages. Identifying the four basic elements as humanity s first ways of knowing Spirit and reminding us of their value for spiritual nourishment, Earth, Water, Fire, and Air reveals our human interconnectedness and offers a fascinating look at element-based symbols, traditions, and ceremonies. Explore the spiritual traditions that have incorporated the elements into their practices, including: Buddhism Christianity Earth-honoring paths Hinduism Islam Judaism Creative activity suggestions serve to enrich our spiritual relationship with each element both individually and in community with others and to help us discover how deeply nourishing it can be to live in an elemental way.
In this groundbreaking book, Dr. Jeff Levin explores the latest compelling evidence of the connection between health and an array of spiritual beliefs and practices, including prayer, attending religious services, meditation, and faith in God. Drawing on his own and other published studies, Dr. Levin shows how religion’s emphasis on healthy behaviors and supportive relationships influences one’s overall health and how the optimism and hopefulness of those who profess faith promote the body’s healing responses. Filled with dramatic personal stories, God, Faith, and Health will alter the way you think about your body and your faith and will show you the path to improving your own health through spiritual practice. "Jeff Levin writes with incredible clarity, style, and passion. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in the religion-health connection, especially those wondering if such a connection exists at all." "Beautifully written and packed with compelling scientific evidence for the spirituality-health connection . . . . With the precision of a scientist, the courage of a true pioneer, and the artistry of a storyteller, Levin reminds us of what we can no longer afford to ignore: that our spiritual life matters mightily to our health and well-being at every level."
Jim Palmer's critically acclaimed Divine Nobodies was only half the story - the deconstruction and shedding of a religious mentality that hindered his knowing God. In his next book, Jim takes the reader along into the wide open spaces of exploring and experiencing God beyond religion. Jim writes, "It is no secret that God can be lost beneath the waving banner of religion. Divine Nobodies is my story of how this happened to me. Sometimes you have to disentangle God from religion, even Christ from Christianity, to find the truth. With the help of some unsuspecting nobodies, I uncovered a new starting line with God. As I've put one foot in front of another, I've experienced God in ways that are deeply transforming." Each chapter revolves around a central question related to knowing God on fresh terms: Is God a belief system? Is the Bible a landing strip or launching pad? Can what we're feeling inside be God? Are we too religiously minded to be any earthly good? Brian McLaren wrote, "I am tempted to say that Jim Palmer could well be the next Don Miller, but what they have in common, along with an honest spirituality and extraordinary skill as storytellers, is a unique voice." The Library Reviews said of him, "Jim Palmer's casual, yet compelling writing style cuts through the religious rhetoric and gets to the real issues...readers will love this author His sense of humor is alternately mixed with shocking sentences and poignant moments. Laced throughout is a refreshing honesty that ties his ideas together with a ribbon of reality...each turn of the page strips away a little more of the contrived mystery of Christianity until the simplicity and sincerity of it stands in realistic splendor." More and more people seek a deeper spirituality beyond status-quo religion. Others are left empty and weary from a shallow and narrow pop-Christianity. Palmer says that God's kingdom of love, peace, and freedom can be a present reality in any person's life. He proclaims that God is indeed in the process of birthing something deep and wide among unlikely people in unconventional ways, which is changing the world...one "nobody" at a time.
This volume completes the immensely learned three-volume "A History
of Religious Ideas." Eliade examines the movement of Jewish thought
out of ancient Eurasia, the Christian transformation of the
Mediterranean area and Europe, and the rise and diffusion of Islam
from approximately the sixth through the seventeenth centuries.
Eliade's vast knowledge of past and present scholarship provides a
synthesis that is unparalleled. In addition to reviewing recent
interpretations of the individual traditions, he explores the
interactions of the three religions and shows their continuing
mutual influence to be subtle but unmistakable.
"Promise of the Soul is a spiritual workbook. Through simple, accessible exercises and reflections, Kenny offers us practical and proven methods that have enabled thousands of his counseling clients to relinquish their separation from God’s love and live from the heart.... Step by step, Kenny’s approach shows us how we can release ourselves from self-imposed limitations and lifelong feelings of inadequacy to live a more soul-infused life. It is impossible to read this book without finding yourself somewhere in its pages and setting yourself free. It is a real opportunity." —From the Foreword by Rachel Naomi Remen, M.D., author of Kitchen Table Wisdom and My Grandfather’s Blessings "An excellent resource for creating a new covenant that will enable you to expand your belief system and your life." —Bernie Siegel, M.D., author of Love, Medicine and Miracles and Prescriptions for Living "This book, like the topic itself, is beautiful and enchanting. This spiritual light is steeped in the great traditions, yet its presentation is original, creative, and brilliant. An essential key to making peace with God is identifying and healing your spiritual covenant and realizing the promise of your soul." —Harold Bloomfield, M.D., author of Making Peace with God "Promise of the Soul is an exceptional guide to examining the spiritual promises or covenants we make with the sacred. Whether we are Christian, Buddhist, Jewish, Muslim, Hindu, or of any other faith, this book transcends all paths and beliefs to help each of us identify which sacred promises are limiting and which are beneficial to our spiritual unfolding and inherent well-being." —Angeles Arrien, Ph.D., author of The Four-Fold Way and Signs of Life "By bringing to light our basic beliefs about how life works, Dennis Kenny gives us room to breathe, to change, to be liberated from prisons of our own making. As a skilled chaplain and teacher, he shows us simple ways to become larger, happier people–all that God really wants us to be. This book might just set you free." —Wayne Muller, author of Sabbath and How, Then, Shall We Live?
Metaphors for God's Time in Science and Religion examines the exploratory work of metaphors for time in astrophysical cosmology, chaos theory, evolutionary biology and neuroscience. Happel claims that the Christian God is intimately involved at every level of physical and biological science. He compares how scientists and theologians both generate stories, metaphors and symbols about the universe and asks 'who is the God who invents me?
The quest for spirituality is universal, but with so many paths of spiritual nourishment to explore, how do we begin to find the one that is right for us? Our tradition provides us with appropriate vehicles to express our spirituality within the framework of Judaism. Jewish sages, taking into account the need and makeup of the individual Jew, have been very generous in outlining for us various alternatives . As you become aware of your emotional and intellectual needs, and search for an appropriate path to meet them with integrity, you will soon realize that you have a preference for certain paths among the many. from Chapter 9 Rabbi Rifat Sonsino a self-proclaimed rationalist offers a candid, comprehensive discussion of the major paths to spirituality within the framework of Judaism, and the differing way each path can help us on our quest to nourish the soul and enlighten the mind. Acts of transcendence, prayer, meditation, study, ritual, relationship and good deeds which is the best path for you? How can you follow it?
Why do some Western women choose to join Christian and Islamic revivalist movements in the present day? Revivalist religions (often called 'fundamentalist') have a reputation for the policing of gender boundaries and roles and the blanket subjugation of women. This study aims particularly to establish what the attractions might be for women who choose to swim against the prevailing consumerist current and affiliate themselves with such groups in a liberal democracy.
Why do some Western women choose to join Christian and Islamic revivalist movements in the present day? Revivalist religions (often called fundamentalist) have a reputation for the policing of gender boundaries and roles and the blanket subjugation of women. This study aims particularly to establish what the attractions might be for women who choose to swim against the prevailing consumerist current and affiliate themselves with such groups in a liberal democracy.
This insightful and provocative journey through spiritual
landscapes explores the ways in which spiritualities of life have
been experienced and understood in Western society, and argues that
today's myriad forms of holistic spirituality are helping us to
find balance in face of the stifling demands of twenty-first
century living. |
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