Post-Materialist Religion discusses the transformations of the individual's worldview in contemporary modern societies, and the role general societal value change plays in these. In doing so, Mika Lassander brings into conversation sociological theories of secularisation and social-psychological theories of interpersonal relations, the development of morality, and the nature of basic human values. The long-term decline of traditional religiosity in Europe and the emerging ethos that can be described as post-secular have brought religion and values back into popular discussion. One important theme in these discussions is about the links between religion and values, with the most common assumption being that religions are the source of individuals' values. This book argues for the opposite view, suggesting that religions, or people's worldviews in general, reflect the individual's priorities. Mika Lassander argues that the transformation of the individual's worldview is a direct consequence of the social and economical changes in European societies since the Second World War. He suggests that the decline of traditional religiosity is not an indication of linear secularisation or of forgetting traditions, but an indication of the loss of relevance of some aspects of the traditional institutional religions. Furthermore, he argues that this is not an indication of the loss of ethical value base, but, rather, a change in the value base and consequently the transformation of the legitimating framework of this value base.

I lost my joy of loving God and loving others as myself, as I expressed my thirsting and hungering for God in unhealthy ways. Instead of utilizing God's light to guide me, I often turned to alcohol and the -isms that had become part of my life: workaholism, perfectionism, caretakerism, and athleticism.

My refusal to accept that I had developed the disease of alcoholism, after drinking normally for twenty-five years, created insane scenarios, as I turned to alcohol for relief when in a state of dis-ease with life, but that relief valve became my enemy. This was further complicated by doctors not understanding alcoholism and the consequences of prescribing medications to me for pain and anxiety. As I walked through the valley of the shadow of death, I thought I walked alone.

My heart, soul, body, and mind wrestled with God over my denial of this disease called alcoholism. How could I, a Christian for over fifty years, be struggling with this disease? How could I have hurt God, others, and me? How could I be such a poor witness? Would I face the truth with God and let Him reveal the damage done to my foundation? Would I face God, myself, and others and make amends? Or would I continue to run and hide in my alcoholism and other -isms?

As I turned to God, His light revealed to me the truth about myself and what I needed to do in order to be in His will. As I choose to be recovered in God's Spirit each moment, the spirits of alcoholism and other -isms flee; but only as long as I choose to ?Be still (cease striving) know God? and live In His will, not mine.

A former soldier, French mystic Nicholas Herman, aka BROTHER LAWRENCE (1611?-1691), was converted to a powerful love of God at age 18 by a humble observation of nature, and his thoughts, collected in these two uncomplicated works of devotion, remain among the most pure and most powerful adorations of the divine. A lay Carmelite brother, Lawrence spent most of his time in the monastery's kitchens, and his simple, earthy observations on the direct paths to communication with God continue to inspire those seeking a stronger, more potent spirituality today.

By His selfless sacrifice, Jesus Christ did much more than put the believer on probation. Are you short of words to defend "once saved always saved?" Each chapter uses a biblical illustration which undeniably proves that salvation cannot be lost. This book turns the spotlight on truth against which nothing can be done.

LIFT UP YOUR EYES is a book of daily devotions written by a Christian pastor who over a lifetime of ministry has come to know the hungers and hurts, the hearts and hopes of humanity.

It consists of 374 one-page devotions chosen from over two decades of religious columns written for the Saturday editorial page of the Temple Daily Telegram, by the Rev. Clyde E. Nichols, Minister Emeritus of the First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) of Temple Texas where he served as senior minister for 23 years from 1963 to 1986.

The book contains 365 devotions, one for every day of the year, plus eight for movable holidays (Martin Luther King Day, Easter, Thanksgiving, etc.). Each of the devotions is matched with a carefully chosen memory verse from the Bible.

Using wonderful stories, humor, Scripture and anecdotes, this book speaks to the real life situations we all confront and helps us do a better job of meeting them. Each of the daily devotions is calculated to lift the spirit, focus the mind, and bring a more positive perspective on all we are facing. It is for young and old alike-children, teenagers, adults, senior citizens.

Kept on the coffee table or night stand, LIFT UP YOUR EYES can be read daily with one's devotions or picked up, opened anywhere, and read two or three at a time for comfort, challenge, personal growth, self-development and self-esteem.

To spend a year with LIFT UP YOUR EYES is to grow in the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ.