This edited collection examines the important and multi-varied role that art plays in today's diverse society. Art is linked to the worldviews and mind-sets from which it results and, as a complex and ambiguous product of culture and perception, it can only be truly understood from multiple perspectives. Recognising this, Art in Diverse Social Settings brings together contributions from a diverse range of authors - including scholars and artists from different countries, artistic languages and art statements - to give fresh perspectives on central questions such as: What purpose(s) do the arts serve in contemporary diverse and pluralistic societies? What are the links between art and citizenship in a 'glocal' perspective? Can aesthetics be compared to faith, therapy or civic resistance? Is art a feasible tool to prevent and contest social injustice, raise social consciousness and resistance in the political arena? Can art promote social inclusion? How can artistic practices contribute to community development? The book contains three parts including Part 1 with theoretical chapters, and Parts 2 and 3 that present exemplary case studies illustrating art as a medium for communication and intervention in professional organizations, public spaces and/or the community.

The Gospel Train left the station long, long ago filled with believers traveling on a straight, resolute track toward an eternal, spiritual paradise. But along the way, different cars of believers were switched off the main track and are now traveling in a somewhat different direction. Even though they are now following many different sets of rails, they all believe they are on the only true path that will take them to their desired destination. This book reveals the ways in which different religions deviated from a common trunk into contrary, discordant branches that are now essentially at war with one another. The book focuses on what Christian Bibles actually say instead of what believers are told they say. It gives an accurate account of religious history from verifiable documents that are both ancient and up-to-date records from many different sources. The most tantalizing revelation is the nature of God as stated directly from Christian Bibles. Readers are encouraged to use their own Bibles to verify all references to scripture. Both chapter and verse are supplied for reference purposes. After reading this book, you will never again feel exactly the same way about your religion.

Art and Architecture in Ladakh shows how the region's cultural development has been influenced by its location across the great communications routes linking India with Tibet and Central Asia. Edited by Erberto Lo Bue and John Bray, the collection contains 17 research papers by experienced international art historians and architectural conservationists, as well as emerging scholars from Ladakh itself. Their topics range widely over time, from prehistoric rock art to mediaeval Buddhist stupas and wall paintings, as well as early modern castle architecture, the inter-regional trade in silk brocades, and the challenges of 21st century conservation. Taken together, these studies complement each other to provide a detailed view of Ladakh's varied cultural inheritance in the light of the latest research. Contributors include: Monisha Ahmed, Marjo Alafouzo, Andre Alexander, Chiara Bellini, Kristin Blancke, John Bray, Laurianne Bruneau, Andreas Catanese, Philip Denwood, Quentin Devers, Phuntsog Dorjay, Hubert Feiglstorfer, John Harrison, Neil and Kath Howard, Gerald Kozicz, Erberto Lo Bue, Filippo Lunardo, Kacho Mumtaz Ali Khan, Heinrich Poell, Tashi Ldawa Thsangspa and Martin Vernier.