Seeking Sanctuary brings together poignant life stories from fourteen lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) migrants, refugees and asylum seekers living in Johannesburg, South Africa. The stories, diverse in scope, chronicle each narrator’s arduous journey to South Africa, and their corresponding movement towards self-love and self-acceptance.

The narrators reveal their personal battles to reconcile their faith with their sexuality and gender identity, often in the face of violent persecution, and how they have carved out spaces of hope and belonging in their new home country. In these intimate testimonies, the narrators’ resilience in the midst of uncertain futures reveal the myriad ways in which LGBT Africans push back against unjust and unequal systems.

Seeking Sanctuary makes a critical intervention by showing the complex interplay between homophobia and xenophobia in South Africa, and of the state of sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI) rights in Africa. By shedding light on the fraught connections between sexuality, faith and migration, this ground-breaking project also provides a model for religious communities who are working towards justice, diversity and inclusion.

This is above all a practical book. It discusses with a wealth of illustration and insight such subjects as the organization of the intellectual worker's time, materials, and his life; the integration of knowledge and the relation of one's specialty to general knowledge; the choice and use of reading; the discipline of memory; the taking of notes, their classification and use; and the preparation and organization of the final production.

Awakening: An Introduction to the History of Eastern Thought engages students with anecdotes, primary and secondary sources, an accessible writing style, and a clear historical approach. The text focuses on India, China, and Japan, while showing the relationships that exist between Eastern and Western traditions. Patrick Bresnan consistently links the past to the present, so students may see that Eastern traditions, however ancient their origins, are living traditions and relevant to modern times.

This volume takes as its object not religion as such but a set of interventions that raised to scholarly consciousness some of the intellectual problems and political stakes in the representation of religion. Its point of departure is Wilfred Cantwell Smith's early critique of European and North American productions of 'religion' as an object of knowledge. Selections take up something of the form and consequences of Smith's argument as the task of making explicit the historically determined status of religion's use as a category for describing and differentiating humans, their behaviors and social practices. Thematic links are made between classic interventions in Religious Studies and related fields of critical inquiry (including essays by Walter Benjamin, Roland Barthes, Joan Wallach Scott, and Jonathan Z. Smith) and their contemporary interlocutors. Framed innovatively by the themes of cultural and scholarly mapping, the critique of texts and textuality, and sexualized, racialized, and gendered constructions of the body, with each section prefaced by original contributions from leading scholars in the field (e.g. Amy Hollywood and Burton Mack), Readings in the Theory of Religion will prove indispensable to students and scholars in every sub-field of critical and cultural studies of religion.

Why do people study religion? How have they studied it in the past? How do we study religion today? Is the academic study of religion the same as religious education? These and many other questions are addressed in this engaging introduction to the discipline of religious studies, written by two experienced university teachers. The authors have crafted this book to familiarize novice students with key concepts and terminology in the study of religion. More advanced students will find a varied array of theoretical perspectives and methodological approaches to the field. Topics include: definitions of religion perspectives in the study and teaching of religion how religion began to be studied: traditional perspectives - philosophical and theological how people experience religion: perspectives in the study of religious consciousness and perception - phenomenological and psychological studying religion within communities: Social and cultural perspectives - anthropological, sociological, political and economic judging religion: critical perspectives -feminist approaches, the interaction of popular literature and religion contextual perspectives - historical and comparative. The book encourages students to think critically about the theories and methods presented. Students will find arguments for the strengths and limitations of these approaches, understand connections among religious studies and other intellectual movements, and develop their own ideas of how they might want to go about the study of religion. Summary boxes, a timeline, a glossary and other pedagogic aids help students grasp key concepts, along with a companion website at www.sastor.com.

Elgar Advanced Introductions are stimulating and thoughtful introductions to major fields in the social sciences, business and law, expertly written by the world’s leading scholars. Designed to be accessible yet rigorous, they offer concise and lucid surveys of the substantive and policy issues associated with discrete subject areas. This Advanced Introduction sets out the difficulty of defining religion itself and the subsequent impact this has on creating laws which regulate and protect it. Taking a global comparative approach, Frank S. Ravitch guides the reader in how this unique interaction plays out in differing legal systems including in the U.S., Europe, and Asia. Providing further context by contrasting specific case studies, the book provides a rounded and coherent exploration of the complexities of law in relation to religion. Key Features: Addresses the many issues surrounding religious exceptions to general laws Considers the extent of separation between government and religion, and the role of courts in deciding religious questions Looks at the ways in which law may govern discrimination by government or by private entities, based on religion or religious concerns Explores the multifaceted interactions between religion and law in many areas, including human rights; public schooling; health and property; tax exemptions; and clergy abuse This foundational book offers a platform for researchers and students in the fields of law, political science, ethics, and religious studies. It also provides valuable insight for lawyers, judges and legislators with a focus on law and religion. .

Written by Clare Lloyd - an experienced teacher and examiner, and a trusted author - this new textbook fully supports Component 3 of the Eduqas AS and A Level Religious Studies specifications. Drawing on the most recent guidance, it will help students prepare for exam success. It is clearly laid out, accessible and concise, containing exactly what students need and no more. AO1 and AO2 content is separated and activities help students develop both skills. It also includes extensive exam support, including annotated model paragraphs.

Exploring the manifold relationships between religion and public administration, this topical book conceptualises and theorises the diverse influence of religions on the functioning of public administrative systems across the globe. International and comparative in approach, this book analyses the social and public dimensions to religion and its interplay with public administration as a field of social scientific inquiry and an area of professional activity. Taking methodological agnosticism as its sociological perspective to the study of the religious experience, chapters focus on Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism, Shintoism, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam to examine diverse religious compositions across both secularised and non-secularised societies and political regimes. The book uses a distinctive theoretical lens to analyse the influence of religions on organisational fit, public service motivation, individual and organisational behaviours and values, bureaucratic discretion, government funding, the delivery of public services, and the dynamics of social cohesion overall. It provides a fresh perspective on religion as a source of legitimacy and basis of accountability, responsibility, and delegation of power in public administration, institutional quality, and ethics. Students and scholars interested in the religious dimensions to public administration, policy, governance and management will find use in this book’s theoretical analyses. Its empirical findings will also be valuable to policymakers working in public administration and leaders of faith organisations engaged in public services.

This book explores the interface between HIV, AIDS and religion and makes a significant contribution to a growing body of scholarship that recognises the importance of religious engagement with the reality of HIV and AIDS. In many communities, the spiritual narrative is far more compelling than its bio-medical equivalent, making interdisciplinary collaboration crucial. The project that gave birth to this book brought together scholars from the fields of religion and theology and activists from local communities. Its content captures the collaborative character of the book and each chapter is accompanied by a practitioner response. Existing scholarly literature was analysed and interrogated in the context of local community knowledge. The task was to understand what work has been done; and to discern what remains to be done. The book has a strong African focus with local forms of Christianity and Islam featuring prominently.

The fire of love in some of its different forms is described in graphic detail in this book by Kenneth Payne. How does a God of love come into our lives - or does he? These personal encounters, from which the author has drawn strength and inspiration, act as an antidote to terrible events and anxieties of the present time. This is an encouraging book to read.

Welcome to the Church of St Mary Magdalene Our church and this book tell of the lives of ordinary people throughout the centuries, living, working and worshipping together. Its history reflects the unique significance of Stilton as both an agricultural settlement on the edge of the Fens and a staging point on the Great North Road. Through here have passed travellers of all descriptions, from Roman legions to Civil War armies and Napoleonic prisoners of war. So for a small church in a small parish, St Marya s retains memories of a surprising number of interesting people, the times in which they lived and their a footprints in the sand of timea that they left behind. Come and explore for yourself. Talk to some of todaya s parishioners and discover why St Mary Magdalene continues to be a thriving and dynamic church at the heart of village life.

Most of this book was at some point or other written as articles which could be read as stand-alone items so one way of reading this book would be to simply read it - a section at a time and hopefully with Bible in hand, looking up the passages I have used. Would that all walked with God and acknowledged his sovereignty! It is one of the great human tragedies that people generally choose to go their own way and that the relationship with their Maker is broken. If we are to 'put the world to rights' we must start with ourselves and ensure that our relationship with God is put right first and then we must continue to search out a path which will keep us in step with Him and ultimately bring us upon a path which will lead to a time and place on earth where all is right with God. First we must get to know God. Second understand the nature we have and how we are separated from Him. Thirdly it is necessary to understand that God has provided a way by which sin's breach has been resolved through the saviour God has provided; Jesus Christ. And finally, we need to know where we are headed. And who is going with us. It is important to acknowledge at this point that the answers to all our questions are in the Bible. How should we regard this book?

What does God want to say and do in your worship service?As a pastor or worship leader, planning a meaningful, relevant, and theologically rich worship experience for your church is of the upmost importance. How do you meet the demands of the modern congregation without getting in the way of what God is doing through worship?Created to Worship: God's Invitation to Become Fully Human is a resource that provides a theology of worship in the Wesleyan tradition. This book will help you plan for a worship service in a discerning manner, while answering the question, 'What does God want to say and do today?'

Amazing Grace Volume Three speaks about the life and work of the English evangelist Gary Punch. Gary Punch can be described as London's best loved evangelist, preaching the gospel of Christ to thousands of people on the streets of London in a professional, dedicated and caring way. This book is also a tribute to Gary's wife Susan Punch. I do hope you enjoy reading it!

Dated 1909, A dialogue took place between a man and his Lord, stretching beyond the imaginations of all and superseding the works of man Allama Iqbal raises a series of complaints titled; Shikwa. The East was swept back in total astonishment as the controversy had begun. But little did they know that where there is a complaint surely a response will follow and it sure did. 1913 was the year the Allama Iqbal reclaimed his lost glory with the much awaited responce publication of Jawaab-e-Shikwa. It was claimed a `masterpiece'. It would be unjust not to translate it and relay such a unique, classical piece of work of Iqbal's.

This book examines the foundation of the London Jews Society (LJS) in 1809, and the construction of Palestine Place in 1813 at Bethnal Green in East London. The early supporters of the LJS from 1815 were Anglican Evangelicals, including William Wilberforce and Charles Simeon. A mission centre was established at Palestine Place on a five-acre site, which incorporated an Episcopal Jews' Chapel; separate schools for boys and girls; staff houses; a missionary training college and a House of Industry, which provided work for converted Jews, especially by printing leaflets and books.

Christian Philosemitism is a new genre of research into the development of the positive response by Evangelicals towards the Jews from the Puritan era. Lewis Way has been chosen as the leading example of Evangelical Anglican philosemitism between 1810 and 1840. The London Jews Society (LJS) was founded in 1809, Way was actively involved from 1811 and his substantial financial gift rescued the Society from ruin in 1815. Christian Philosemitism developed from the Puritan period and was strengthened by the Readmission of the Jews in 1656. A new impetus was given at the end of the eighteenth century, when in the challenging context of the social, religious and political upheaval in England following the French Revolution the LJS was founded.

THE HOLY CLONE examines the claims of the Bible from the perspective of modern scientific progress. The outcome is a radically new interpretation of this old and familiar material. In recent decades, the profound broadening of our technological horizons has been accompanied by new academic and archaeological developments in biblical research. When these factors are put together, and related to events in recent history, it is proposed that a seemingly incredible and challenging view of the Bible begins to emerge. An awesome picture starts to form that promises to place traditional beliefs in a very new light. The advent of new technologies such as human cloning and time travel - and their potential implication - investigated in relation to this updated biblical scenario. This book is addressed to a general readership, and it offers an unprecedented and astounding new insight into enduring enigma of the Bible. When seen from our present viewpoint, biblical information strongly suggests that the prophesied return of Jesus Christ, and the retribution of the `Last Judgment', is already taking place in our own time; and that it is now possible that he is alive on earth today - in his actual flesh. The Bible states that Christ's initial return will be covert, and protected by the secrecy. This book also proposes that the traditional idea of the Holy Spirit may represent the effects of a created program that materialised with the Big Bang. These extraordinary and startling ideas are powerfully supported by new scientific, historical and biblical evidence. The book is illustrated by the author.

Most people, on hearing a quotation from the Bible whether in a church service, or elsewhere, would assume a serious face and seldom laugh. Yet this is not always the case. Father Ken Payne manages to draw on the amusing side of someof the Gospel passages.