The book Darwin would be happy to hear about. Over 100 pages of absolutely nothing. Yes, this book is completely blank Nothing, zilch, nada - but still 100% accurate and completely inoffensive. You can help spread the no-word by purchasing a copy for all your friends, or leave a copy in the occasional hotel room. But don't preach about it Guaranteed not to start any wars and not a sin to buy, own, wave about or burn. Almost certainly not available on Kindle.

Faunalia is a controversial Pagan festival with a reputation for being wild and emotionally intense. It lasts five days, 80 people attend, and the two main rituals run most of the night. In the tantalisingly erotic Baphomet rite, participants encounter a hermaphroditic deity, enter a state of trance and dance naked around a bonfire. In the Underworld rite participants role play their own death, confronting grief and suffering. These rituals are understood as "shadow work" - a Jungian term that refers to practices that creatively engage repressed or hidden aspects of the self. Sex, Death and Witchcraft is a powerful application of relational theory to the study of religion and contemporary culture. It analyses Faunalia's rituals in terms of recent innovations in the sociology of religion and religious studies that focus on relational etiquette, lived religion, embodiment and performance. The sensuous and emotionally intense ritual performances at Faunalia transform both moral orientations and self-understandings. Participants develop an ethical practice that is individualistic, but also relational, and aesthetically mediated. Extensive extracts from interviews describe the rituals in participants' own words. The book combines rich and evocative description of the rituals with careful analysis of the social processes that shape people's experiences at this controversial Pagan festival.

This book is the compilation of the two parts of the "Inside a Non-Believer's Mind" series. In the first part, the author explains why he became a freethinker, and atheist, despite having a strong religious upbringing. He also explains the concept of atheism, and why he believes that our differences only reflect our humanity - that we all come from different parts of the world, different backgrounds, and have different belief systems. He only hopes that we can recognize that we are more alike than we are different. In the second, part, he argues that the concept of God is poorly explored by believers, and greatly explored by non-believers, when in reality should be the opposite. As religious people grow up in religious environments, at some point God becomes just a word without a definition, and people lose perspective of what they really mean when they say: I do believe in God. The author also defends the concept of morality on the absence of religion, which is of paramount importance for those who wonder about good and evil in a humanist, science-driven society. His only true objective is to promote reason and tolerance, and both believers and non-believers alike will find his work enticing, and thought-provoking.

This book is part of the TREDITION CLASSICS. It contains classical literature works from over two thousand years. Most of these titles have been out of print and off the bookstore shelves for decades. The book series is intended to preserve the cultural legacy and to promote the timeless works of classical literature. Readers of a TREDITION CLASSICS book support the mission to save many of the amazing works of world literature from oblivion. With this series, tredition intends to make thousands of international literature classics available in printed format again - worldwide.

Living Theurgy is a masterpiece combining scholarly excellence with lucid practicality. Theurgy ('god-working') is a combination of ritual mystical practices interwoven with philosophy and theology. It was developed by Iamblichus and other Neoplatonists inspired by the works of philosophers including Plato, Aristotle and Pythagoras, and Julian the Chaldean. Author and scholar Jeffrey Kupperman elucidates and makes accessible the core ideologies and practices of Theurgy, which evolved through more than 1000 years of Platonic philosophy and cultural transformations. Kupperman guides the reader through the contemplative and theurgical practices used by the Neoplatonists to create effective spiritual transformation in the practitioner. Philosophia (Philosophy) as the foundation of Theurgy is explored through techniques such as lectio divina ('divine reading') contemplation and visualisation. It focuses on discussion of key concepts including virtue, wisdom, bravery, temperance, justice, evil, political philosophy, beauty and love. Theologia (Theology) considers the One, also known as the Good, which is the source of all, through the spectrum of monotheism, polytheism and panentheism. It also explores different views regarding the nature and functions of the Demiurge, angels and daimons, and the human soul, and the practices of Theurgy, including the use of hymns and prayers. Theourgia (Theurgy) focuses on the practices, from purification and the use of signs, symbols and tokens to talismancy and the ensouling of eikons (divine images). The work concludes with a complete guide to the Invocation of the Personal Daimon, an essential step in the theurgic process of purification and illumination in seeking the Divine. Living Theurgy is a literary psychopomp for practitioners seeking effective methods of developing their knowledge and relationship with the divine through Neoplatonic praxis. It is essential reading for all those interested in traditional forms of magical, philosophical, and religious practice, and the history of the western mysteries. "Philosophy is purifying, religion illuminating, but theurgy is uplifting." Introduction, Jeffrey Kupperman

This collection of exercises, meditations and spiritual practices for self-development is selected from material given by Rudolf Steiner to members of his Esoteric School. Here is explanatory material to deepen and enhance meditative work, including several articles on the path of inner development and the obstacles to be faced on the way.

This new, enlarged edition contains further clarification of the exercises, descriptions of the future evolution of the world and humanity, plus later advice given by Steiner on the nature of breathing exercises and ancient and modern methods of initiation.

In one of his most popular lecture courses - formerly published as Man as Symphony of the Creative Word - Rudolf Steiner presents an extraordinary panorama of spiritual knowledge centring on the human being. We are the harmony of creation - a microcosm - containing within us 'all the laws and secrets of the world'. Steiner begins by speaking about our inner relationship to three ancient and sacred representatives of the animal kingdom - eagle, lion and bul - and to the forces of the cosmos that form them. He goes on to deepen these themes by approaching the plant and animal worlds in the context of planetary and cosmic evolution. A new category is then introduced: the elemental nature spirits - the metaphysical beings who work with plants and animals. Steiner gives a unique and intimate description of them and describes the cooperation they offer to mankind. Finally, the human being - the 'harmony of the Creative Word' - is placed at the heart of this spiritual celebration of life.

This is a cynical comedy about the 2nd Coming of Jesus Christ. People say "Jesus Saves." But when cast into the modern day paparazzi meatgrinder, can The Savior even save himself?

This Is A New Release Of The Original 1903 Edition.

This Is A New Release Of The Original 1878 Edition.

Writers know how a book can take on a new direction, a life of its own as s/he gets deeply into it. GODLESS has done this many times since I began it in 1987. I explain some of these changes within, but I want to share where I am in my atheism. Cynthia Sue Larson and Patricia Zerman "got it' when they read the book. I am no longer defensive about atheism as I realized how deeply rooted it is in my emotional life and my limbic brain. I no longer have to be offensive about it and my responses to attacks on the radio resulted in me being identified as "atheist lite." I don't think they meant I was a lightweight thinker (some may disagree), but that I was refreshingly honest, funny, and fair. Further, I didn't attack others' religious beliefs, but only explained why I felt my beliefs were based on many powerful emotional experiences and then later came my intellectual defenses or (to me) logical, rational explanations of my beliefs. I have observed that this is what everyone does. We are not basically logical, rational beings, but are ruled more by what we "feel" in our bodies. From childish arguments that sound like this - "You're stupid " - "No, You're stupid" - which continues with no additional changes until one gives up - to arguments between loved ones and the devastating "discussions" between representatives of nations or political or religious leaders that are emotionally based so NO compromises are possible. I love my wife, children, and grandchildren more than anyone or anything. Yet, they are all believers in God and some religion. At times, it has left me somewhat lonely as I have tread lightly on what I felt were the fallacies in their thinking and beliefs. I knew their beliefs were based on their need for some security, some protection from life's uncertainties, its unavoidable pains and lack of justice. What kind of husband and father would I be if I tried to take what religion was giving them and replace it with GOD lessness? I finally found what I now believe is a compromise that they and I can live with. This, the latest incarnation of this book, is an explanation of why, one atheist, emotionally believes what he does. Instead of attacking religion and religious believers like most of the recent popular atheist writers have done (and I respect and applaud them as they have awakened the world to another way of looking at reality) I have tried to take you on a journey through my mind and my emotional experiences. My book GOD-INTOXICATED: Becoming Paranoid (2007) much more deeply delves into my specific experiences and you can take whatever I offer - or not. My hope (faith) is that it will help you become a person that can live life that meets all your needs to become the most honest, less fearful, and completely human being that can allow, even encourage all others to live their lives as freely and fearlessly.I wrote in CAREGIVING: The ANSWERS ARE...(2012) that LOVE is the ultimate answer. The same is true for a life worth living. I think you'll be surprised that an atheist can help you live a loving, purposeful life. Read how Thinking the UNthinkable is seeing endless possibilities based on MUTUAL RESPECT and openness to others' experience of OUR world.

This book examines the lives of the famous Russian painter, thinker, and mystic Nikolai Roerich and his wife, Elena Roerich, the "mother" of Agni Yoga esoteric teaching. Extensively researched, it focuses on the couple's spiritual quest, resulting in their gradual transformation under the influence of theosophy, spiritualism and Elena's psychic "fiery experience" into mystics and gurus who fashioned their new version of the "myth of the Masters," the invisible guides of humanity. Special attention is given to N. Roerich's travels in Central Asia and Far East, his cultural and public activities and particularly his Buddho-Communist utopia. The myth of the Masters revived will appeal to those interested in New Age esotericism, mysticism, and Russian thought in the first half of the 20th century.

A nontheist Quaker scientist describes his views and those of other Quakers whose efforts over the years have resulted in a religious option that does not involve the supernatural.

My book is an inspirational and challenge to others to want to know God on a personal basis. This is my testimony of how God is working miracles in my life. All my life I have been trying to do things on my own. But when I realized that I could not make, i had to find another source. When i accepted Jesus as my Lord and Savior my life change. I begin to focus on the positives of life. Trusting in God is what makes our lives complete

Richard Trudeau writes, I'm a skeptic. I don't believe in supernatural beings or miraculous events. I don't believe in a supernatural God, or the soul, or miracles, or an afterlife. I don't believe that Jesus was raised from the dead on the third day--or the fourth day, or any subsequent day. My skepticism notwithstanding, there are stories in the Bible that I return to over and over. They engage my mind. They strengthen my heart. They nourish my spirit. While seeking neither to encourage skepticism nor to undermine it, I want to share my enthusiasm about these stories with fellow skeptics and others who might find my point of view interesting. I believe that for Christianity to flourish--and to a lesser extent, for Judaism to flourish--they need to be separated from the perceived necessity of belief in the supernatural. This book shows by a series of examples how this separation can be carried out.

Through the centuries, many wars have been waged in the name of religion. Today, there are currently some 26 conflicts in the world, in which religion plays a major role. Two Faces of God explores the four pillars of religion; theology, ritual, dogma and social consciousness, in an effort to determine the real cause of religious conflicts. Taking a closer look at these last two pillars, Two Faces of God concludes that religious dogma, and in particular the literal interpretation of the Scriptures, regardless of faith, is not only the cause of much of the current strife around the world, it is also the major focus of the world's media. Dogma breeds intolerance, mistrust, hatred, anger and violence and this is the first Face of God. However, it is social consciousness that is at the heart of most religions; offering comfort, hope, inspiration, solace and assistance to the less fortunate people of the world. This is the second Face of God.

The book is designed to assist the believer with removing excuses out of their lives so they can continue to progress. It is essential for every person to understand that they can live life to the fullest without relying on excuses. Every person on the planet faces issues and struggles. It is important to remove the excuses in order to break the grips of the problem.

It is the objective of every functional, ministry-oriented church, to have leaders in place who are ready, willing, and able to direct new Christians and new members into ministry. That is always a beautiful thing, yet, there are many issues to be considered. Far too often, church leaders put people in ministry positions when: people are not certain where they should be working in ministry; people are still healing from emotional injury in their past which would affect their service in the position; people have not developed the proper attitude or temperament for the position; people are not willing to make the necessary sacrifice to be effective in the ministry position; people do not have the necessary experience for the particular ministry position; people do not want to be in the position. The results of a poor ministry placement is that, over time, church leaders become frustrated, the church worker becomes frustrated and church members receiving the ministry services become frustrated. As a result, the work does not get accomplished with maximum effectiveness, and the entire experience leaves a bad taste in everyone's mouth. As church leaders, we are certain to increase the chances of making a successful ministry placement by putting the right person, with the right skills set and temperament, in the right place, at the right time. "So You Want To Be A Mentor...Here's What You Should Be Asking Yourself" is the title of Chapter Four in this book. In this chapter, I've attempted to bring clarity to the essential role of mentoring. In this chapter I share, "No one arrives at the place they are in life without the influence of someone else, especially if they are blessed with success." That principle is true with positive or negative influences. Note the powerful principle in the final point of this chapter, "Be Sympathetic to the Growing Process" 10). Be Sympathetic to the Growing Process - Your protege will drop the ball and make mistakes. You can co"

Are you eager to ask the questions you've been told not to ask? Are you no longer satisfied with beliefs based on faith alone? Are you bold enough even to ask, "Is God real?" Most importantly, "are you willing to follow where the questions lead?" What is the book about? In "Rethinking God, the Cosmos, and Other Little Things," Gary Bond invites the reader to join him on his journey from belief to skepticism. This journey ultimately led to Bond's renouncing Christianity and his embracing a life of apostasy as a "rethinker." When Bond began rethinking the foundational beliefs upon which his life was built, life could not have been more safe, secure, and comfortable. He found himself a model Baptist church member, leader of a men's ministry, Sunday school teacher, facilitator of seminars, author of a Christian book, and owner of a Christian bookstore. But nagging doubts would eventually lead Bond to end the religious charade and become honest with himself. A central question permeated Bond's rethinking: "Does this make sense?" This book explores questions not only about God, the Bible, and religion, but "other little things" as well, such as the Universe, the American government, human motivations, religion-less morality-and yes, sex. Who is this book for? If you are comfortable and happy and confident in your beliefs, then this book will probably not persuade you otherwise. However, if you have persistent doubts about your belief system, then this book can serve as a catalyst to begin your own "rethinking" of why you believe what you believe. Perhaps you may begin to realize that while beliefs often serve as illusion builders, "dis"illusionment might provide a breakthrough to discovering reality. If you find yourself, as the author did, in any of the following circumstances, you may consider joining the journey: Burdened by a seeming lack of enough faith to accept what you're told by religious authorities Confused by the many interpretations of scripture and the resulting varying views and factions within the Christian community Fearful of expressing the inner doubt, "Is God a delusion?" and afraid to ask questions that would put you in the camps of agnosticism and atheism Not wanting to lose the respect and closeness of friends and family Scared that your doubts will doom you to an eternal hell Why should you read this book? This book will certainly have different effects on different readers. The author's experiences will not necessarily be your experiences. But there will be inevitable similarities, especially for those who question the Christian faith. Here are some possible benefits to reading "Rethinking God, the Cosmos, and Other Little Things": To better understand how beliefs can ensnare the mind, build illusions, and leave no room for questions To bring to light the many inconsistencies within the Christian religion that most Christians choose to ignore To realize that religion does not have to be off-limits to the logic and reason that you apply to every other facet of life To learn the methods of becoming a rethinker Bond's desire is that through reading this book, you may also experience the power of free thought. Consider this book a traveling companion on a journey of doubt and questions. The journey is surely not always easy and may disrupt your life completely. But Bond encourages you to take comfort in the knowledge that many sojourners have come before you, and many are joining the journey now. You are not alone.