Liturgy, a complex interweaving of word, text, song, and behavior is a central fixture of religious life in the Jewish tradition. It is unique in that it is performed and not merely thought. Because liturgy is performed by a specific group at a specific time and place it is mutable. Thus, liturgical reasoning is always new and understandings of liturgical practices are always evolving. Liturgy is neither preexisting nor static; it is discovered and revealed in every liturgical performance.
Jewish Liturgical Reasoning is an attempt to articulate the internal patterns of philosophical, ethical, and theological reasoning that are at work in synagogue liturgies. This book discusses the relationship between internal Jewish liturgical reasoning and the variety of external philosophical and theological forms of reasoning that have been developed in modern and post liberal Jewish philosophy. Steven Kepnes argues that liturgical reasoning can reorient Jewish philosophy and provide it with new tools, new terms of discourse and analysis, and a new sensibility for the twenty-first century.
The formal philosophical study of Jewish liturgy began with Moses Mendelssohn and the modern Jewish philosophers. Thus the book focuses, in its first chapters, on the liturgical reasoning of Moses Mendelssohn, Hermann Cohen, and Franz Rosenzweig. However, it attempts to augment and further develop the liturgical reasoning of these figures with methods of study from Hermeneutics, Semiotic theory, post liberal theology, anthropology and performance theory. These newer theories are enlisted to help form a contemporary liturgical reasoning that can respond to such events as the Holocaust, the establishmentof the State of Israel, and interfaith dialogue between Jews, Christians, and Muslims.

In this classic manual of faith, Reuben Archer Torrey examines the Holy Spirit, that readers may appreciate its divine nature. Describing the Holy Spirit with close quotations of scripture, Torrey immerses us with clarity supported by the Biblical New Testament. We learn how the Holy Spirit is distinct from both God and Jesus Christ, how it affects the material universe and every one of our lives, and how it was an important witness to the life and doctrines of Jesus. It is the Holy Spirit that acts to set believers on a path of ridding themselves of sin. We are all Sons of God; it is by guiding us towards that sensible eventuality that the Holy Spirit works its essential good within each of our souls. It not only fulfills a role as an educator of Christians needful of faith, but supervises the baptism and informs some of the greatest prophets, saints and apostles of spiritual wisdom.

This complete edition of Solomon Shaw's classic contains all 236 of the author's moving testimonies, arranged into three parts. Originally published in 1898, the Dying Testimonies of Saved and Unsaved were the product of a bold and extensive research project undertaken by the author. Shaw wished to collect and exhibit a range of different words and sentiments delivered by Christians and sinners as they lay close to the threshold of death, to demonstrate how some people die at peace while others die in the throes of fear, anger or sorrow. Some of the testimonies are derived from illustrious historical figures such as Sir Francis Newport and Cardinal Wosley, whilst others were sourced from ordinary Christians and non-believers on their deathbeds. A common theme throughout the book is the tone and topics undertaken by the terminally ill or expiring believers - in most cases, these testimonies evidence an inner peace and a willingness to join with the Lord in Heaven.

Pastor and writer Michael D. Kurtz reflects upon lessons learned from growing Christmas trees for nearly twenty years and applies these lessons to everyday faith and living in LESSONS FROM A CHRISTMAS TREE FARM. In the prologue Kurtz writes: The instructions from God's creation are pronounced and profound if we will open our eyes, minds, and hearts to the inherent lessons. Growing Christmas trees, like growing in the Christian faith, is neither quick nor easy. There is required of us patience, diligence, and hard work. And, above all, divine grace. devotional resource, by simply reading a chapter per day for one month. Or, LESSONS FROM A CHRISTMAS TREE FARM is ideal for small groups and Sunday School classes. Each chapter is designed around one theme with a section entitled Questions and Reflections at the conclusion of every chapter suitable for discussion. biblical and practical wisdom for living. As you read this engaging volume you will not only be entertained, you will also be encouraged and inspired in your spiritual journey.

O Glorious morning What a wonderful day Mornings are always full of expectation and hope for the days they bring forth. Each day, they shed a new light on life. The dew in the morning before the sunrise, is a soft touch that starts the day, which could be full of activity, or a day of slumber and relaxation. The beauty of morning is that it can never be the same for each day. It will always be new. It will always be different. And it will always be a gift. In the Maracas Valley of St. Joseph, Trinidad, where the author and her beloved husband, Roy, have resided for the past twenty-plus years, the morning mist veils the sun, and allows for a gentle movement into each new day. Mornings are about rebirth. This book about mornings presents a unique opportunity to look at the start of a variety of new beginnings, each with its own portent. The author moves the reader along on the journey of each special day. She receives what is presented, and works with it, never leaving hope behind. I can personally testify to this. She gave me hope and raised me up at a time when I had to "dig deep" to find it. She demonstrates how life has value for her in spite of what is thrown her way. She accepts her slice, and moves on like a flowing river. This book has a message for persons in all walks of life, and of all ages. Its messages are profound without being weighty. In essence, they are fresh, like the early morning breeze in the Maracas Valley of St. Joseph. It is her hope that readers will be blessed by bringing a fresh-breeze-perception to every morning.

It is Wonderful to the Christian Preacher to find how Relevant is the Gospel Message to the days through which we are Passing. And, further, that the Darker the days the more Relevent is the Gospel. Contents Include - Peter - Judas - Caiaphas - Herod - Pilate - Barabbas - Siman of Cyrene - Mary the Mother of Jesus - Longinus-The Roman Centurion - Dismas-The Crucified Revolutionary - Joseph of Arimathea - Cleopas of Emmaus

St. Ignatius of Loyola wrote the Spiritual Exercises between 1522 and 1524, and today, nearly five centuries later, Jesuits in training are still required to study it and follow its precepts during their first year in the novitiate. Not designed to be read cover to cover in one sitting, this book is made up of daily meditations meant to be closely examined in isolation over a period of about four weeks, under the guidance of a spiritual director. Though The Spiritual Exercises have traditionally been read primarily by those training for the priesthood, in recent years increasing numbers of lay people and non-Catholics are discovering its joys and insights. This edition-edited by Father Elder Mullan (1865-1925) and published in 1914-is essential for anyone interested in strengthening his or her faith and relationship with God. Spanish priest and spiritual philosopher SAINT IGNATIUS OF LOYOLA (1491-1556) has been described by Pope Benedict XVI as "a man of God," "a man of profound prayer," and "a faithful servant of the Church." The principal founder of the Society of Jesus, Ignatius was canonized in 1622. His writings include Letters and Instructions of St. Ignatius Loyola 1 (1524-1547).