Since the middle of the last century, the emergence and development of fields as diverse as artificial intelligence, evolutionary science, cognitive linguistics, and neuroscience have led to a greater understanding of the ways in which humans think. One of the major discoveries involves what researchers refer to as conceptual mapping. According to theories of conceptual mapping, human thought is profoundly shaped by the ability to make connections. Simply put, human thinking is metaphorical all the way down. This insight has revolutionized the way in which scientists and philosophers think about the mind/body problem, the formation and function of language, and even the development of scientific progress itself. Until recently however, this research has gone largely unnoticed within Christian theology. But this revolution in understanding human cognition calls for broader and richer engagement with theology and religious studies: How does this new insight into human meaning-making bear on our understanding of religious meaning-making? And how might Christian theology interpret and respond to this new understanding of the development of human thought? This edited volume offers an introduction to conceptual mapping that is accessible to those with no previous knowledge of the field, and demonstrates the substantial resources this interdisciplinary research has for thinking about a variety of theological questions. The book begins with a chapter introducing the reader to the basics of conceptual mapping. The remaining chapters apply these insights to a variety of theological topics including anthropology, sacramental theology, biblical studies, ecumenical theology, and ethics.

In An Appeal to the World, His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama of Tibet illuminates the way to peace in our time, arguing for a form of universal ethics that goes beyond religion – values we all share as humans that can help us create unity and peace to heal our world.

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‘I see with ever greater clarity that our spiritual well-being depends not on religion, but on our innate human nature, our natural affinity for goodness, compassion and caring for others’

In this urgent ‘appeal to the world’, His Holiness the Dalai Lama addresses our time of division, calling on us to draw upon the innate goodness of our shared humanity to overcome the rancour, mistrust, and divisiveness that threaten world peace and sustainability.

Working with trusted collaborator Franz Alt, the Dalai Lama calls on the better angels of our nature to tackle a wide range of contemporary issues, from war, violence and intolerance to climate change, global hunger and materialism. Applying the techniques and teachings of Tibetan Buddhism – from listening and contemplation to meditation and nonviolence – His Holiness provides a roadmap forward.

Brief yet profound, An Appeal to the World is an inspiring message of love and optimism that can truly change the world.

Become a person God can use. Since "The Hiding Place" was first published in 1971, this story of courage, faith and survival has inspired and strengthened millions. But what makes Corrie ten Boom's story so special? And why has it become one of the best-known Holocaust survivor stories in the world? Pam Rosewell Moore invites you to get to know Corrie ten Boom better than ever before. As Corrie's constant companion for the last seven years of her life, Pam offers a penetrating glimpse into how Corrie's faith was formed and how she shared that faith with others before and after World War II. In these pages you will find intriguing personal letters among the Ten Boom family members, stories of selfless service as the war ravaged Europe and Corrie's reflections on a life lived in submission to God. You will learn important lessons of trust, hope, obedience, service and forgiveness, and what it means to walk as a child of the light. As you discover the heart of a woman who gave herself wholly to Jesus, you will find the strength and encouragement to live your own life with Corrie's brand of faith and love.

With over a quarter of a million copies sold, "Mindfulness in Plain English" is one of the most influential books in the burgeoning field of mindfulness and a timeless classic introduction to meditation. This is a book that people read, love, and share - a book that people talk about, write about, reflect on, and return to over and over again.
Bhante Gunaratana is also the author of "Eight Mindful Steps to Happiness," "Beyond Mindfulness in Plain English," "The Four Foundations of Mindfulness in Plain English," and his memoir "Journey to Mindfulness."

Each year of life brings seasons of loneliness, doubt, joy, confusion, fear, reasons for celebration, and occasions for grieving. 365 Pocket Prayers lets you grow closer to God with each passing day. With this convenient, easy-to-carry, quick-access prayer guide you will be able to express your hopes and heartaches to the God who listens in times both good and bad. Look for other books in the Pocket Prayers series from Tyndale.

This compelling volume explores how war magic and warrior religion unleash the power of the gods, demons, ghosts, and the dead. Documenting war magic and warrior religion as they are performed in diverse cultures and across historical time periods, this volume foregrounds embodiment, practice, and performance in anthropological approaches to magic, sorcery, shamanism, and religion. The authors go beyond what magic 'represents' to consider what magic does. From Chinese exorcists, Javanese spirit siblings, and black magic in Sumatra to Tamil Tiger suicide bombers, Chamorro spiritual re-enchantment, tantric Buddhist war magic, and Yanomami dark shamans, religion and magic are re-evaluated not just from the practitioner's perspective but through the victim's lived experience. These original investigations reveal a nuanced approach to understanding social action, innovation, and the revitalization of tradition in colonial and post-colonial societies undergoing rapid social transformation.

From the author of Mother Wit, the much-loved guide to women's spirituality, come crystalline daily readings that inspire and guide women toward mindfulness, compassion, and centered contemplation. Diane Mariechild's practiced insight leads readers through the year with guided visualizations, advice, parables, and quiet inspiration that draws seekers toward the serene and ancient wisdom of Buddhism. This is clear and intelligent spiritual companion contains a wealth of stirring quotes from such luminaries as Alice Walker, Marion Wright Edelman, Anne Morrow Lindbergh, Pema Chödrön, Charlotte Joko Beck, and Maya Angelou. Their voices inspire Mariechild's graceful spiritual direction, which leads the Western mind toward a calm center and a compassionate engagement with the world.

Immigration is an issue of major concern within the Christian community. As Christians, how should we respond to the current crisis? Interweaving biblical narratives of border crossing and recent stories of immigrants at the US-Mexico border, this accessibly written book invites Christians to reconsider the plight of their neighbors and respond with compassion to the present immigration crisis. Julia Lambert Fogg, a pastor and New Testament scholar who is actively serving immigrant families in Southern California, interprets well-known biblical stories in a fresh way and puts a human face on the immigration debate. Fogg argues that Christians must step out of their comfort zones and learn to cross social, ethnic, and religious borders--just as Jesus did--to become the body of Christ in the world. She encourages readers to welcome Christ by embracing DREAMers, the undocumented, asylum seekers, and immigrants, and she inspires Christians to advocate for immigrant justice in their communities.

Working and living as an authentic Muslim-comporting oneself in an Islamically appropriate way-in the global economy can be very challenging. How do middle-class Muslims living in the Middle East navigate contemporary economic demands in a distinctly Islamic way? What are the impacts of these efforts on their Islamic piety? To what authority does one turn when questions arise? What happens when the answers vary and there is little or no consensus? To answer these questions, Everyday Piety examines the intersection of globalization and Islamic religious life in the city of Amman, Jordan. Drawing on in-depth ethnographic fieldwork in Amman, Sarah A. Tobin demonstrates that Muslims combine their interests in exerting a visible Islam with the opportunities and challenges of advanced capitalism in an urban setting, which ultimately results in the cultivation of a "neoliberal Islamic piety." Neoliberal piety, Tobin contends, is created by both Islamizing economic practices and economizing Islamic piety, and is done in ways that reflect a modern, cosmopolitan style and aesthetic, revealing a keen interest in displays of authenticity on the part of the actors. Tobin highlights sites at which economic life and Islamic virtue intersect: Ramadan, the hijab, Islamic economics, Islamic banking, and consumption. Each case reflects the shift from conditions and contexts of highly regulated and legalized moral behaviors to greater levels of uncertainty and indeterminacy. In its ethnographic richness, this book shows that actors make normative claims of an authentic, real Islam in economic practice and measure them against standards that derive from Islamic law, other sources of knowledge, and the pragmatics of everyday life.

Following Ryuho Okawa's renowned work, The Essence of Buddha, The True Eightfold Path explains how we can apply the Eightfold Path, one of the main pillars of Shakyamuni Buddha's teachings, as everyday guideposts in the modern-age to achieve self-innovation to live better and make positive changes in this uncertain age. In this book you will gain the following wisdom: * Where is the origin of "righteousness" and what is the precondition for practicing Eightfold Path "selfreflection?" * Why practicing the Eightfold Path can help us shed our ego? * How can we make our work more meaningful and rewarding? * How can we improve our time management skill and ability to realize our goals? * Why daily practice of Eightfold Path can generate our compassionate hearts and improves relationships? * How to maintain a peace of mind, Zen mindset, regardless of external factors and aim to attain higher enlightenment? In this comprehensive and practical guide, The True Eightfold Path is imbued with wisdom and power to bring out the potential of our souls to the fullest and transform our characters into virtuous leaders to help guide others. That is why the Eightfold Path is called a "treasure of humanity

On the night of November 19, 1973, following surgery, thirty-one-year-old wife and mother Betty J. Eadie died....

This is her extraordinary story of the events that followed, her astonishing proof of life after physical death. She saw more, perhaps than any other person has seen before and shares her almost photographic recollections of the remarkable details.

Compelling, inspiring, and infinitely reassuring, her vivid account gives us a glimpse of the peace and unconditional love that awaits us all. More important, Betty's journey offers a simple message that can transform our lives today, showing us our purpose and guiding us to live the way we were meant to -- joyously, abundantly, and with love.

A coming of age memoir about growing up queer in a strict Muslim household.

Mohsin grew up in a poor pocket of east London, in a devout shia Muslim community. His family were close-knit and religiously conservative. From a young age, Mohsin felt different but in a home where being gay was inconceivable he also felt very alone.

Outside of home Mohsin went to a failing inner city school where gang violence was a fact of life. As he grew up life didn't seem to offer teenage Mohsin any choices: he was disenfranchised from opportunity and isolated from his family as a closet gay Muslim.

But Mohsin had incredible drive and became the first person from his school to go to Oxford University. At university came the newfound freedom to become the man his parents never wanted him to be. But when he was confronted by his father and a witch doctor invited to 'cure' him Mohsin had to make a difficult choice.

Mohsin's story takes harrowing turns but it is full of life and humour, and, ultimately, it is an inspiring story about breaking through life's barriers.

Would you like to know what Billy Graham thinks about the most important issues of daily life? What about politics, presidents and terrorism? This book contains answers to questions many of us would ask Billy Graham if we had the good fortune to sit down with the person many call "America's Pastor." Best-selling author Bill Adler arranges topics from Graham's sermons, speeches, interviews, television appearances and writings in an easy to follow Q and A format.

Topics include Billy Graham on: Humor, Politics, Prayer, Technology and Religion, Race, Money, the Church, and Growing Older.

Hear Graham's responses to questions likeWhat will heaven be like?Why does God bring on natural disasters?What do you think about the mixing of religion and politics?What do you say to an atheist who doesn't think there is a God?What is the greatest spiritual threat facing the United States?How can we achieve world peace?

Read the inspiring tales that gave birth to fifty of today's most beloved worship songs.

Humorous anecdotes, poignant encounters, and touching narratives breathe life into lessons on character, leaving a legacy, true greatness, personal integrity, and overcoming adversity.

In "Something Else to Smile About," Ziglar shares stories of: "the country lawyer who won case after case by understanding his opponent's point of view""mediocre college athlete's who became legends in the professional ranks""a Catholic sister whose "tough love" motivates teh chemically additced to take personal responsibility""countless individuals who've learned that failure is an event, not a person"

Whether you need a morning shot of ambition or a refreshing thought before a good night's sleep, "Something Else to Smile About "is a daily source of motivation and encouragement you'll turn to again and again and enthusiastically share with others.

Let man's best friend guide you into deeper relationship with our greatest Friend.

We love our dogs! They teach us so much about unconditional love-they provide companionship and loyalty no matter the condition of our hearts and lives. In "Happy Tails, "Linda Winn shares inspirational dog stories of rescue and redemption that parallel the never-ending love God has for you. Each devotional story includes Scripture, quotations, and takeaway thoughts or prayers. It's the ideal companion book for dog lovers everywhere!

Move over dog lovers, "man" is getting inspurrrration from a new best friend-cats

God placed cats on earth with a special mission-to provide unconditional God-like love and support to their owners. In "Good Mews, " Kitty Chappell captures the playful and inquisitive characteristics we all love about the feline species, and she turns everyday occurrences into a practical life application. Her uplifting stories parallel real life circumstances in the overall scheme of God's view, ending with a scripture tie-in. It's a simple and fun approach to understanding ourselves and God a little better, and maybe even our cats, too Foreword by Martha Bolton, who's written comedy for performers such as Bob Hope, Phyllis Diller, and Mark Lowry. A great book for devotions
There are 35 million cat owners in the United States. Millions of these cat owners love their special pets enough to celebrate special days with them. More than 13 million cats receive birthday celebrations, and more than 37 million cats get Christmas gifts

Find Your Purpose Driven Life of Joy, Passion and SuccessWhen Angela Duckworth wrote her best-selling book Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance she could have been describing Sam Bracken who is the embodiment of living a life of grit and grace. Learn self-empowerment. In GUTS, Bracken explains why we need to dig deep and do soul searching to see what lights our fire within. Bracken's backstory would make Dr. Phil turn tail and run. His childhood and upbringing are unimaginably tough with years of abuse, even to the point where a relative set him on fire. What didn't kill Sam Bracken made him stronger. Now he is on a mission to bring self-empowerment to others. Grit and grace. When we say something takes guts, we usually mean it takes courage to do it. It takes guts to go skydiving or to run a marathon or to try out for the school play. We call it luck or stamina or intestinal fortitude in conquering the hard, albeit exciting, things in life. Look back at the great personalities who made a difference in history. What did they all have in common? Determination and tenacity. In short, GUTS! They might have had talent too, but without guts they would have gone nowhere. Science now tells us that lots of talented individuals produce great stuff, but very few produce a lot of great stuff and even fewer produce a lot of great stuff over a long career. What do these few highly productive people have in common? Grit and grace and a large helping of self-belief. Purpose driven life. GUTS is about actually getting there. You'll have to push past failure again and again. And it is also about beating the odds no matter how high they are stacked against you. To be a true leader, you have to start with yourself. Are you ready to do some soul searching and learn the secrets to guts, self-empowerment, and a purpose driven life? If you have read Girl on Fire, Attitudes of Gratitude, or Sam Bracken's other book My Orange Duffel Bag, you will want to read GUTS.

If you've ever wondered whether faith makes a difference in the worst times; whether God is real; or how humor can find its way even into life's battlefields . . . this inspirational book will show you.