What do modern multiverse theories and spiritualist seances have in common? Not much, it would seem. One is an elaborate scientific theory developed by the world's most talented physicists. The other is a spiritual practice widely thought of as backward, the product of a mystical world view fading under the modern scientific gaze. But Christopher G. White sees striking similarities. He does not claim that seances or other spiritual practices are science. Yet he points to ways that both spiritual practices and scientific speculation about multiverses and invisible dimensions are efforts to peer into the hidden elements and even the existential meaning of the universe. Other Worlds examines how the idea that the universe has multiple, invisible dimensions has inspired science fiction, fantasy novels, films, modern art, and all manner of spiritual thought reaching well beyond the realm of formal religion. Drawing on a range of international archives, White analyzes how writers, artists, filmmakers, televangelists, and others have used the scientific idea of invisible dimensions to make supernatural phenomena such as ghosts and miracles seem more reasonable and make spiritual beliefs possible again for themselves and others. Many regard scientific ideas as disenchanting and secularizing, but Other Worlds shows that these ideas-creatively appropriated in such popular forms as C. S. Lewis's Chronicles of Narnia, the art of Salvador Dali, or the books of the counterculture physicist "Dr. Quantum"-restore a sense that the world is greater than anything our eyes can see, helping to forge an unexpected kind of spirituality.

With more than 700,000 books sold and over 500,000 social media fans and followers, anticipation is high for Bob Goff’s next book and Bible study.

As followers of Christ, there is question we need to be asking ourselves every day: How do we prove who we are? This doesn't refer to what our driver's licenses say we are, or what our careers suggest about who we are, or who other people tell us we are. Rather, this refers to what Jesus said we should be-and he said that his followers would be identified simply by how they loved people. Love isn't something we just haphazardly fall into; it is someone we become. Jesus wants us to love everybody, always.

In this five-session video study (DVD/digital downloads sold separately), bestselling author Bob Goff shares some of the stories from his life that have helped him understand what it truly means to love everybody the way Jesus loved them-without fear, insecurity, or restriction. This begins by loving people right where you are through serving and helping the neighbors God has placed into your world. It means loving people when they mess up and helping them move past the place of shame to acceptance. It continues by being courageous and following where God leads one step at a time-even if you feel you are flying blind. Above all, it means not just agreeing with Jesus but actually stepping out and doing what Jesus said.

"Gripping and true in all ways. This fine, affecting memoir will stay with me for a very long time."-Meg Wolitzer, author of The Female Persuasion "In this vividly written memoir novelist O'Hara shares a painful but ultimately beautiful account of her daughter Caitlin's life with cystic fibrosis. . . . Her compelling story will resonate with anyone seeking a light in the darkest depths of grief."-Library Journal In the vein of The Year of Magical Thinking and Beautiful Boy, an emotionally raw and inspiring memoir that illuminates a mother's grief over the loss of her adult child and considers the hope of soulful connections that transcend the boundary of life and death. When their only child was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis (CF) at the age of two, Maryanne O'Hara and her husband were told that Caitlin could live a long life or be dead in a matter of months. Thirty-one years later, Caitlin lost her battle with this devastating disease following an excruciating two-year wait on the transplant list and a last-minute race to locate a pair of healthy lungs. The sudden spiral of events left Maryanne in an existential crisis, searching to find an answer to the eternal question: Why we are here? During her final years, Caitlin had become a source of wisdom and comfort for her mother-the partner with whom she shared a deep spiritual quest to understand what it meant to have a soul. After Caitlin's passing, Maryanne began to notice signs-poignant, persistent synchronicities that seemed to lean toward proof of Caitlin's enduring presence. Weaving together a series of interconnected meditations with illuminating glimpses of life rendered via text messages, e-mails, and journal entries, Little Matches is a profound reflection on life and death, motherhood, the pain of chronic uncertainty, and finding inspiration in the unexpected sparks that light our way through the darkness.

The Rule of St. Benedictforms the foundation for one of the oldest ongoing institutions in all of Western civilization. The Rule not only defines life for men and women in monasteries but has also become central to the spirituality of lay Christians across the globe. This gender-neutral translation is true to the original text but provides an alternative for individuals and groups who prefer such a version over the masculine language of the original as it was written for St. Benedict's monks. It also offers some background into the context in which it was written, as well as reflections on its meaning for contemporary life, making it a resource for those encountering the Rule for the first time or those who have cherished it for years. See also version with the Rule in inclusive translation only (no commentary) by Judith Sutera, OSB

In Myriad Intimacies postcolonial theorist, spiritual practitioner, and filmmaker Lata Mani oscillates between text and video, poetry and prose, genre and form, register and voice, and secular and sacred to offer a transmedia exploration of the interrelatedness of lives, concepts, frameworks, and aspects of self. She draws on concepts from tantra-a philosophy that celebrates matter as alive, embodiment as sacred, and the senses as a form of intelligence-alongside feminist, critical race, and cultural theory to meditate on the ways in which everyone and everything exists in mutually constitutive interrelations. Addressing issues ranging from desire, the body, nature, and love, to otherness, identity politics, social justice, #MeToo, and the COVID-19 pandemic, Mani foregrounds the power and necessity of recognizing relationality as foundational. Throughout, she offers a way of reframing what we think we know and how we come to know it, demonstrating that it is only by acknowledging and embracing the indivisible and interdependent nature of existence that we restore our true intimacy with each other and the world.

The Covid-19 pandemic has transformed the world we live in, more so than all the recent events put together. The pandemic has made humans question certain assumptions, relook at priorities and adjust life according to the new normal in the twenty-first century. As we take stock of the life ahead, beyond this cusp of change, focus emerges as the fulcrum to help ease this transformation. The Art of Focus, the second book in this three-part series, presents forty-five simple stories filled with revelations to enthral readers with learnings from the experiences of the protagonists and the dynamics of the situations that manifested in their lives. The first book in the series, The Art of Resilience, presented ingredients to the readers to help them inculcate resilience in challenging situations that manifested at the start of the Covid-19 pandemic. TheArt of Focus builds on the first book and inspires the resilient heart to develop a focused mind. This collective presentation will better equip the readers to take charge of their lives and adapt to the new normal effectively.

This book explores the wise and conscious use of spiritual resources within counselling and psychotherapy. Written by veteran clinicians from different spiritual perspectives, and from various therapeutic schools of thought, this book provides a broad view of how the spiritual is present within therapeutic practice. The work of counselling and psychotherapy is increasingly seeking to ground its efforts within the richness of spiritual traditions. One of the surprising developments of the contemporary psychotherapeutic scene is a growing reliance on both hard, objective sciences - such as, for example, neurology or Genetics - whilst at the same time engaging very subjective, "soft" sciences - such as states of consciousness studies, psychology of religion, clinical or Pastoral Theology, and the over-arching tasks of meaning-making. Written by and for clinicians who are also teachers in the field, this collection offers a variety of viewpoints in terms of the diverse spiritual traditions they draw from, theoretical sources that guide and inform them, or the spiritual applications they bring to their work. This book was published as a special issue of the Journal of Spirituality in Mental Health.

Bob Dawson has had a vast of experience, spanning over 35 years, with both the Spirit World, and the Spiritualist Movement and its periphery. During this time he has developed as a Healer and a Spiritualist Medium, and he has taken Spiritualist Church Services, workshops, and demonstrated Mediumship throughout the North West of England. In the past he was a committee member and former President of Rawtenstall Spiritualist Church, and is the Founder and Trustee of Rossendale Spiritualist Centre, which was established in 2003. During his life Bob has witnessed an array of what people would describe as paranormal events. Many would consider these magical, or even impossible, but in fact they are a reality, and adhere precisely to the Laws of Creation. He describes these events as life changing, in particular the physical phenomena that he has witnessed, and these are documented and critically examined within his book. In recounting these experiences Bob adds his own thought-provoking insight into the workings of Creation, and the function of the Spirit World through the evidence they have provided. He also explains the manifestation of our Spirit incarnation and reason for our progressive experiences in this world. This book provides the reader with an insight to what the Spirit World can achieve and demonstrate at our physical level, and points the way towards the self-discovery of who you truly are, which is not who you think you are. You Can't Die for The Life In You is a fascinating account which will continue to stimulate the readers' curiosity about the evidence, their identity, and life itself.

Investigating the question 'can theology, description of the divine reality, be made truly scientific?', this book addresses logic and human knowledge alongside experimental religion. An important philosophic work by a prolific theologian also known for his later court case regarding conscientious objection, this book describes how it is possible to relate theological theory with religious experience of the divine the way that the sciences relate to human acquaintance with things and people in social experience.

An exploration of the culture of those who believe they are only partly human... "Fantasy and Belief takes the reader on an engaging journey into an under-researched corner of our haunted culture, a corner inhabited by the Otherkin. Along the way it explores several important trajectories for the study of the sacred and popular culture in the modern world. It should have broad appeal both inside and outside the academic community." - Christopher Partridge, Lancaster University Religion and spirituality are being transformed in our late modern and secularising times. New forms of belief proliferate, often notable for not being limited to traditional systems of reference or expression. Increasingly, these new religions present worldviews which draw directly upon popular culture - or occulture - in fiction, film, art and the internet. Fantasy and Belief explores the context and implications of these types of beliefs through the example of the Otherkin community. The Otherkin are a loosely-affiliated group who believe themselves to be in some way more than just human, their non-humanity often rooted in the characters and narratives of popular fantasy and science fiction. Challenging much current sociological thinking about spirituality and consumption, Fantasy and Belief reveals how popular occulture operates to recycle, develop, and disseminate metaphysical ideas, and how the popular and the sacred are combining in new ways in today's world.

Many regard religious experience as the essence of religion, arguing that narratives might be created and rituals invented but that these are always secondary to the original experience itself. However, the concept of "experience" has come under increasing fire from a range of critics and theorists. This Reader presents writings from both those who assume the existence and possible universality of religious experience and those who question the very rhetoric of "experience". Bringing together both classic and contemporary writings, the Reader showcases differing disciplinary approaches to the study of religious experience: philosophy, literary and cultural theory, history, psychology, anthropology; feminist theory; as well as writings from within religious studies. The essays are structured into pairs, with each essay separately introduced with information on its historical and intellectual context. The ultimate aim of the Reader is to enable students to explore religious experience as rhetoric created to authorize social identities. The book will be an invaluable introduction to the key ideas and approaches for students of Religion, as well as Sociology and Anthropology. CONTRIBUTORS: Robert Desjarlais, Diana Eck, William James, Craig Martin, Russell T. McCutcheon, Wayne Proudfoot, Robert Sharf, Ann Taves, Charles Taylor, Joachim Wach, Joan Wallach Scott, Raymond Williams

Many regard religious experience as the essence of religion, arguing that narratives might be created and rituals invented but that these are always secondary to the original experience itself. However, the concept of "experience" has come under increasing fire from a range of critics and theorists. This Reader presents writings from both those who assume the existence and possible universality of religious experience and those who question the very rhetoric of "experience". Bringing together both classic and contemporary writings, the Reader showcases differing disciplinary approaches to the study of religious experience: philosophy, literary and cultural theory, history, psychology, anthropology; feminist theory; as well as writings from within religious studies. The essays are structured into pairs, with each essay separately introduced with information on its historical and intellectual context. The ultimate aim of the Reader is to enable students to explore religious experience as rhetoric created to authorize social identities. The book will be an invaluable introduction to the key ideas and approaches for students of Religion, as well as Sociology and Anthropology. CONTRIBUTORS: Robert Desjarlais, Diana Eck, William James, Craig Martin, Russell T. McCutcheon, Wayne Proudfoot, Robert Sharf, Ann Taves, Charles Taylor, Joachim Wach, Joan Wallach Scott, Raymond Williams

In this book Paramahansa Yogananda offers prayers and affirmations that beginners and experienced meditators alike can use to awaken the boundless joy, peace, and inner freedom of the soul. Includes introductory instructions on how to meditate. An encouraging guide that teaches us through our own experience how to spiritually enrich our everyday life. More than 700,000 copies sold.

Playful Principles for Conscious Living What if, to lead our most fulfilling life, there was nothing to acquire, nothing to accomplish, nothing to master? What if we are already home, already whole, already complete? What if, all that is needed, is to gently set down the burden? Unburden is an invitation to examine ideas, identities and concepts that bind and limit us. We begin to access the power and potency that comes from trusting the silence underlying all thoughts and experiences. In Nithya Shanti's inimitable voice, discover profound teachings, simply told. Nithya shares anecdotes, exercises for self-discovery and pointers for awakening, through a distillation of timeless wisdom and contemporary discoveries, along with his own innovations from decades of intensive teaching and practice. Let this book provoke, challenge and inspire us to step into a realm of awareness, gratitude and joy. As an everyday companion and guide, may it take us on what may well be the most significant shift we ever experience - being happy and fulfilled for no reason.

Now a" New York Times "Bestseller

As a college student he spent 16 days in the Pacific Ocean with five guys and a crate of canned meat. As a father he took his kids on a world tour to eat ice cream with heads of state. He made friends in Uganda, and they liked him so much he became the Ugandan consul. He pursued his wife for three years before she agreed to date him. His grades weren't good enough to get into law school, so he sat on a bench outside the Dean's office for seven days until they finally let him enroll.

Bob Goff has become something of a legend, and his friends consider him the world's best-kept secret. Those same friends have long insisted he write a book. What follows are paradigm shifts, musings, and stories from one of the world's most delightfully engaging and winsome people. What fuels his impact? Love. But it's not the kind of love that stops at thoughts and feelings. Bob's love takes action. Bob believes "Love Does."

When "Love Does," life gets interesting. Each day turns into a hilarious, whimsical, meaningful chance that makes faith simple and real. Each chapter is a story that forms a book, a life. And this is one life you don't want to miss.

Light and fun, unique and profound, the lessons drawn from Bob's life and attitude just might inspire you to be secretly incredible, too.

Endorsements:

"If this book does not make your heart beat faster, book the next flight to Mayo Clinic " --Bill Hybels, Senior Pastor, Willow Creek Community Church, Chairman, Willow Creek Association

"Bob Goff is a one-man tsunami of grace, a hurricane of love. He doesn't just talk about change, he really is change, as Love Does chronicles in such a vivid way. Yet, "Love Does" doesn't leave you feeling like you want to celebrate its author, it awakens a sense deep within that you, too, have an outrageous role to play in God's unfolding story or rescue and repair." --Louie Giglio, Passion Conferences/Passion City Church

"An interesting and compelling story (with Young Life roots) that ends with a practical challenge and punch: 'love does' and God can use you to do it " --Denny Rydberg, President, Young Life

"Every once in a while someone like Bob Goff shows up to remind us that some things matter a lot more than others. Love Does has a kind of 'north star' effect that will push you to refocus your life and energy on what is most significant. It doesn't just invite you to respond with your God-given potential, it invites you to become a part of what God can do beyond your potential." --Reggie Joiner, Founder and CEO of Orange

"We liked the book a lot. Mostly, the balloons on the cover. The rest was pretty good too. Lots of stories about how God helps us." --Aedan, Asher and Skye Peterson ages 13, 12 and 9

"This may look like a book. It's not. It is an invitation to enter into the greatest adventure you have ever known--your life as it was meant to be lived. Hang on " --Michael Hyatt, Author, "Platform: Get Noticed in a Noisy World, "MichaelHyatt.com

"Bob's ability to love people brings contagious hope and inspiration wherever he goes. The power of love showcased in this book will surely touch the hearts and souls of many people. Read Love Does and find a friend in one the world's best hidden secrets, a person who shows how love can create connection and make a difference--even across oceans." --George Tsereteli, Deputy Chairman of the Parliament of Georgia (former Russian Republic)

"There are some nasty rumors out there about treasure. Mostly that's it's buried and needs discovering. Or has to be mined. Or can only be located with a map and a big X. Not so, says the life of Bob Goff. Living from the center of your heart doesn't have to be complicated or elusive. Love just wakes up in the morning and gets busy loving. The treasure is sitting right there next to the pancakes. About 5 pages in, I knew my life and I were gonna have words." --Nicole Nordeman, Mother and Musician

What is the Sabbath, anyway? The holy day of rest? The first effort to protect the rights of workers? A smart way to manage stress in a world in which computers never get turned off and work never comes to an end? Or simply an oppressive, outmoded rite? In "The Sabbath World, " Judith Shulevitz explores the Jewish and Christian day of rest, from its origins in the ancient world to its complicated observance in the modern one. Braiding ideas together with memories, Shulevitz delves into the legends, history, and philosophy that have grown up around a custom that has lessons for all of us, not just the religious. The shared day of nonwork has built communities, sustained cultures, and connected us to the memory of our ancestors and to our better selves, but it has also aroused as much resentment as love. "The Sabbath World" tells this surprising story together with an account of Shulevitz's own struggle to keep this difficult, rewarding day.

The hard work required to make God real, how it changes the people who do it, and why it helps explain the enduring power of faith How do gods and spirits come to feel vividly real to people-as if they were standing right next to them? Humans tend to see supernatural agents everywhere, as the cognitive science of religion has shown. But it isn't easy to maintain a sense that there are invisible spirits who care about you. In How God Becomes Real, acclaimed anthropologist and scholar of religion T. M. Luhrmann argues that people must work incredibly hard to make gods real and that this effort-by changing the people who do it and giving them the benefits they seek from invisible others-helps to explain the enduring power of faith. Drawing on ethnographic studies of evangelical Christians, pagans, magicians, Zoroastrians, Black Catholics, Santeria initiates, and newly orthodox Jews, Luhrmann notes that none of these people behave as if gods and spirits are simply there. Rather, these worshippers make strenuous efforts to create a world in which invisible others matter and can become intensely present and real. The faithful accomplish this through detailed stories, absorption, the cultivation of inner senses, belief in a porous mind, strong sensory experiences, prayer, and other practices. Along the way, Luhrmann shows why faith is harder than belief, why prayer is a metacognitive activity like therapy, why becoming religious is like getting engrossed in a book, and much more. A fascinating account of why religious practices are more powerful than religious beliefs, How God Becomes Real suggests that faith is resilient not because it provides intuitions about gods and spirits-but because it changes the faithful in profound ways.

During its 1500-year Golden Age, Atlantis was at the height of its spiritual strength. Its inhabitants enjoyed incredible gifts including healing, levitation, clairvoyance and telepathy. Now, for the first time, world-renowned spiritual author Diana Cooper presents us with the first comprehensive guide to understanding the Golden Age of Atlantis. Discover the history and society of this most spiritual place and time, from the origins of Atlantis to the forces that finally caused its destruction. As well as revealing how to understand and use the Atlanteans' spiritual powers, Diana shows us how they lived, with new information about their homes, work, and their religious and social life. Diana reveals new information on the Temple of Poseidon, the Great Crystal of Atlantis and the original Sphinx, as well as on the awesome wisdom of the famous crystal skulls. There are easy-to-follow exercises to develop your spiritual powers, some of which were used by the High Priests and Priestesses themselves. Accessible yet inspirational, this book is the only guide you will need to understand the history of Atlantis - and how to harness its unique powers for yourself.

Using theory and step-by-step exercises, dancer, recovery ambassador and clinical counselor Dr. Jamie Marich expertly guides readers through seven primary elements of mindfulness in motion: breath, sound, body, story, mind, spirit and fusion, either for personal practice or in a group.

In Depression and the Soul, John Peteet proves the old adage that the best physician is also a philosopher. He considers how to approach the problem of depression within a larger context, and reviews current concepts of successful living relative to the heart (emotion and volition), the mind (cognition and coping), and the soul (the self in relation to transcendent reality). Each chapter goes on to further explore the relationship between depression and the context of a patient's entire life. This is done through consideration of how the existential struggles of depressed individuals engage their spiritual lives, by reviewing current empirical literature on depression and spirituality, comparing the perspectives of various spiritual traditions or world views, and summarizing ways that spirituality and depression interact.