In a world where humanity has so far failed to learn any positive lessons from two devastating world wars, where trillions of US dollars are being spent on armaments and new inventions to kill, where terrorism has been gaining control over reason, constructive dialogue and diplomacy, sheer madness seeks to control and run international relations. While a group of states attempt through globalization, international organizations, democratic theories and practices to establish an international order based on repudiating warfare as the mean to resolve conflicts whether economic, social, political or ideological, others have enlisted themselves in fundamentalist, fanatic and terrorist armies, to establish their new world order. They call their ideology divine and sacred, led by God himself, who, at this time is filled with anger and vengeance against His creation because it opted to follow a secular and democratic way of life. He is willing through terror, fear and unlimited oppression to destroy two-thirds of that creation. This cultural-religious conflict has become a reality formed of scattered groups of fundamentalists led by Iranian claims, that God is sending His messenger, Al-Mahdi, to perform the task and impose a divinely run world order.

This is a rich, informative, and inspiring compendium of the Christian tradition of prayer and contemplation from the earliest days of the Church to the present day. Included are selections from St. Ignatius of Antioch, Justin Martyr, St. Clement of Rome, St. Gregory of Nyssa, John Cassian, St. Augustine, St. Gregory of Sinai, St. Thomas Aquinas, St. Bonaventure, St. Ignatius Loyola, St. Teresa of Avila, St. John of the Cross, St. Catherine of Siena, St. Julian of Norwich, Brother Lawrence, St. Francis de Sales, St. Vincent de Paul, Lancelot Andrewes, St. Elizabeth of the Trinity, St. Edith Stein, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Hans Urs von Balthasar and Pope John Paul II. Levering has selected readings that capture how Christian saints and spiritual leaders through the ages have understood what prayer is, why we pray, and how we pray. The selections also integrate the Eastern Orthodox and Western understandings of prayer and contemplation. The book is perfect for study, meditation, and inspiration.

Same-Sex Marriage and Religious Liberty explores the religious freedom implications of defining marriage to include same-sex couples. It represents the only comprehensive, scholarly appraisal to date of the church-state conflicts virtually certain to arise from the legal recognition of same-sex marriage. It explores two principal questions. First, exactly what kind of religious freedom conflicts are likely to emerge if society embraces same-sex marriage? A redefinition of marriage would impact a host of laws where marital status affects legal rights_in housing, employment, health-care, education, public accommodations, and property, in addition to family law. These laws, in turn, regulate a host of religious institutions_schools, hospitals, and social service providers, to name a few_that often embrace a different definition of marriage. As a result, church-state conflicts will follow. This volume anticipates where and how these manifold disputes will arise. Second, how might these conflicts be resolved? If the disputes spark litigation under the Free Speech, Free Exercise, or Establishment Clauses of the First Amendment, who will prevail and why? When, if ever, should claims of religious liberty prevail over claims of sexual liberty? Drawing on experience in analogous areas of law, the volume explores whether it is possible to avoid these constitutional conflicts by statutory accommodation, or by separating religious marriage from civil marriage.

This book by Leon Trotsky makes a profound analysis and evaluation of Stalinism and the Soviet burreacracy. It was written in 1936 before Trotsky was murdered in Mexico by Stalin's secret police. Trotsky's thinking prophesied the collapse of the Soviet Union 60 years before it happened. This collapse was instigated by the buffon and drunk Boris Yeltsin as his leadership has led to the 'new oligarchy' in Russia. Trotsky was a very important leader in the October Revolution and it is thought that Lenin wanted him to take the leadership rather than the tyrant Stalin. This book is very impotant reading to everyone interest in Marxist theory and the history of Russia. A Collector's Edition.

By the author of the comprehensive, illustrated and now acclaimed Rudolf Steiner Handbook. The Way to the Sacred is for those interested in Rudolf Steiner's meditative path. Practical advice is given to esoteric students about problems encountered along the way. Sourced from thousands of pages of handwritten notes made by members of Rudolf Steiner's Esoteric School, (1902-1914). These provide a context for the 1924 Class lessons. Illustrations of the soul and the spirit, and other spiritual dynamics, derived from Steiner's indications. Evocative of ancient Egypt is Steiner's meditation on the Spiritual Sun. Also included is his Prayer to God, a Rose-Cross verse and his interpretation of the Beatitudes. The Way to the Sacred is an in-depth and illuminating guide to the process and problems encountered in meditating, coupled with helpful suggestions for the novice and the experienced meditant.

"The impact is indescribable.an extraordinary experience.. learning and living God's Word" says D. Jones when asked about this study. Others have described it as "exciting," "eye opening," "empowering," and "life changing." This devotional provides exciting exercises for spiritual development while opening your eyes to the daily "presents" from God. You will read, study, meditate, journal, pray and share effectively the Word of God with ease through this systemic approach. The innovative method meets the needs of those with strong biblical backgrounds and those who have never studied the bible. This comprehensive study through prayer was compiled to help you discover the blessings from promises of God. You will gain intimacy with God through this valuable time management approach guaranteeing immediate results. *Reading from the bible daily*Speaking scripture with confidence and boldness*Tools to begin your own bible study or prayer group*Integrate and enhance your Sunday School Class or ministry*Sharing your testimony worldwide*Effective leadership through group dynamics*Memorize one scripture a week*Journaling with personal life application*The ability to evangelize unbelievers for Christ *Create a timeless spiritual legacy for the next generationEngage your home, bible study, or workplace by discovering the blessings of biblical "presents" from God through the presence of God.

This textbook introduces and explores the ideas, practices and philosophy of engaged Buddhism. The movement holds that suffering is not just caused by the cravings of the mind, but also by political and social factors; therefore, engaged Buddhists 'engage' with social issues to achieve liberation. Paul Fuller outlines the movement's origins and principles. He then offers a comprehensive analysis of the central themes and issues of engaged Buddhism, offering new insights into the formation of modern Buddhism. The range of issues covered includes politics, gender, environmentalism, identity, blasphemy and violence. These are illustrated by case studies and examples from a range of locations where Buddhism is practised. Discussion points and suggested further reading are provided at the end of each chapter, which will further enrich undergraduates' grasp of the topic.

Are you longing for quiet, gentle peace and strengthening comfort? Are you searching for a sense of purpose, meaning, significance, and belonging? Are you aching to be understood, accepted, and loved for who you are? Listen to your Savior's gentle whisper, "Come unto Me." Writing with warmth and intimacy, Tania Frankie conveys that you are deeply loved by the Lord. He longs for you to draw near and rest in His kindness, love, grace, and peace. Through scripture examples, "Come Unto Me" shows how we can live our lives united with the loving heart of God. Each chapter provides scriptural evidence and examples. In the chapter "All That Is Beautiful," God tells us to enjoy the beauty that surrounds us. In "Be Yourself," we are reminded that God loves us just the way we are. In "I Am Real," God asks that we seek Him daily. "Come Unto Me" is a powerful, intimate devotional that will draw you into the loving heart of God. It will inspire you to walk in a deep and wondrous relationship with your heavenly Father, producing lasting peace, joy, purpose, and meaning.

Discussions on non-human animals, other-than-human persons and religion originally emerged within the context of Christian theology, eco-theology and Western-based environmentalism. In response to that, and by adhering to post-modern discourses on, for instance, indigeneity, mimicry and hybridity, the volume explores South Asian cultural manifestations and aspects of localised knowledge in relation to the construction and the Otherisation of the concept of body and behaviour in non-human animals. The study of non-human animals as other-than-human persons (actual animals, but also animal-spirits, animal deities, etc.) has marked a significant shift in the ethics/politics of the academic study of religion. The chapters in this book investigate how South Asian religions, with their sacred narratives, ritualised practices and popular performances, bear witness to the active presence of non-human animals as both culture makers/bearers and symbols of spirituality. Further to that, with bourgeoning debates on religion, indigeneity, eco-theology and environmentalism, the volume urges for a consolidation and promotion of an analysis of the twofold epistemic violence exerted towards animals as subaltern to human animals and to animals in Western and Christian traditions. The book is divided into fifteen chapters, each dealing with non-human animals and the concept of animality in different South Asian traditions, or various aspects of the same tradition. The structure of the book reflects that of what is probably the most popular collection of folk tales on animals in South Asia, the Pancatantra. Like the original text, the volume is divided into five books (tantras) whose single stories (our chapters) act as sub-strings inscribed in larger narrative frames. As in the original Pancatantra, the principal themes of each book are signalled by key words which provide the link between successive narrative cycles. Such a structural arrangement creates the backbone for the main body of the book allowing for an articulate, clear and reasoned discussion of single themes, such as 1) non-human animals as divine portents in situations of imbalance; 2) non-human animals as restorers of order and symbols of cultural identity; 3) non-human animals as exemplary beings and spiritual teachers in sacred narratives; 4) non-human animals as symbols of love and object of human reverence; 5) non-human animals as portents symbolising the life cycle, including its inevitable end. In the conclusion, the editors summarise what has been achieved with this academic 'narrative' and reflect constructively on its outcomes as well as future developments with respect to past and present scholarship.

Same-Sex Marriage and Religious Liberty explores the religious freedom implications of defining marriage to include same-sex couples. It represents the only comprehensive, scholarly appraisal to date of the church-state conflicts virtually certain to arise from the legal recognition of same-sex marriage. It explores two principal questions. First, exactly what kind of religious freedom conflicts are likely to emerge if society embraces same-sex marriage? A redefinition of marriage would impact a host of laws where marital status affects legal rights-in housing, employment, health-care, education, public accommodations, and property, in addition to family law. These laws, in turn, regulate a host of religious institutions-schools, hospitals, and social service providers, to name a few-that often embrace a different definition of marriage. As a result, church-state conflicts will follow. This volume anticipates where and how these manifold disputes will arise. Second, how might these conflicts be resolved? If the disputes spark litigation under the Free Speech, Free Exercise, or Establishment Clauses of the First Amendment, who will prevail and why? When, if ever, should claims of religious liberty prevail over claims of sexual liberty? Drawing on experience in analogous areas of law, the volume explores whether it is possible to avoid these constitutional conflicts by statutory accommodation, or by separating religious marriage from civil marriage.