Few issues today cause more public - and private - debate than the interaction of homosexuality and religion. From the question of gay marriage to the place of gays and lesbians within faith communities, religious leaders and lay members must deal with these issues for now and for years to come. What is the historical position of the major denominations? How are people of faith balancing their beliefs? This encyclopedia provides an overview of the various attitudes and responses that religions have had to the presence of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered persons within their communities. This is the most comprehensive volume to date on the intersections between religion and homosexuality. The coverage in Homosexuality and Religion: An Encylopedia is comprehensive: Synthetic overview essays examine topics such as "Homosexuality, Religion, and the Law," "Homosexuality, Religion, and the Biological Sciences," and "Homosexuality, Religion, and the Social Sciences." The A-Z entries cover a wide range of religious traditions across the world. From "African American Churches" to "Buddhism," "Episcopalians," "Hinduism," "Islam," "Judaism," "the Metropolitan Community Church," "Mormonism," "Presbyterians," "the Roman Catholic Church," "Seventh Day Adventists," "Southern Baptist Churches," "Unitarian Universalist," and more. Entries contain significant bibliographic references, including websites, for further study Homosexuality and Religion treats the complete cross-section of religious traditions and their understanding of and approaches to gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered persons.

Galileo. Newton. Darwin. These giants are remembered for their great contributions to one of the most important phenomena in world history: science. But what is often forgotten is the profound influence on their lives and works of that other great phenomenon of Western Culture: Christianity. This book, the first volume in the Greenwood Guides to Science and Religion, explores the many ways in which religion—its ideas, attitudes, practices, and institutions—interacted with science from the beginnings of the Scientific Revolution to the end of the 19th century. Infused with the most up-to-date scholarship, the volume is aimed at the nonspecialist audience, explaining in clear language how inextricably linked science and religion have been during most of the last 500 years. While discussing how science and religion occasionally clashed, this volume also explores the positive interactions these two institutions have experienced during this seminal period in Western history. The Christian Humanism of the 16th century promoted the new, utilitarian approach to natural knowledge that distinguishes Modern from Medieval science. The Jesuits were instrumental in the development of the experimental and mathematical sciences during the Scientific Revolution. In the 17th century, the English Puritans advocated alchemical science and their opponents, liberal Anglicans, promoted a new, mechanistic approach to the sciences. The geological advances of the 19th century were often religiously motivated; the discoveries of biblical criticism of the same period were inspired by the science of the day. This volume includes a selection of primary source documents to help readers understand the arguments and beliefs of the people of the time, and an annotated bibliography to assist readers in finding further information on the topics.

Sacred Dreams & Life Limiting Illness is about friendship. It is about soul-friendship and the writer's two decade experience as an Anam Cara (soul friend), Chaplain and Pastoral Counselor to persons with life-limiting illnesses. Many people living with a life-limiting illness report dream intensification and acceleration as their medical condition progresses. This book examines the psychological and spiritual significance of end-of-life dreams and how these dreams can be transformative to those searching for meaning and psychospiritual-healing in the midst of a terminal illness. The book also investigates the therapeutic value of dream therapy as a method that helps persons more effectively interface and process the existential and psychospiritual distress that accompanies life-limiting illness. Finally, this work explores through case studies how dreams can connect patients and clients to an authentic experience of the Divine and the Holy.

A remarkable history of the powerful and influential social gospel movement. The global crises of child labor, alcoholism and poverty were all brought to our attention through the social gospel movement. Its impact on American society makes it one of the most influential developments in American religious history. Christopher H. Evans traces the development of the social gospel in American Protestantism, and illustrates how the religious idealism of the movement also rose up within Judaism and Catholicism. Contrary to the works of previous historians, Evans demonstrates how the presence of the social gospel continued in American culture long after its alleged demise following World War I. Evans reveals the many aspects of the social gospel and their influence on a range of social movements during the twentieth century, culminating with the civil rights movement in the 1950s and 1960s. It also explores the relationship between the liberal social gospel of the early twentieth century and later iterations of social reform in late twentieth century evangelicalism. The Social Gospel in American Religion considers an impressive array of historical figures including Washington Gladden, Emil Hirsch, Frances Willard, Reverdy Ransom, Walter Rauschenbusch, Stephen Wise, John Ryan, Harry Emerson Fosdick, A.J. Muste, Georgia Harkness, and Benjamin Mays. It demonstrates how these figures contributed to the shape of the social gospel in America, while arguing that the movement's legacy lies in its profound influence on broader traditions of liberal-progressive political reform in American history.

The volume will provide a coherent critical examination of current issues related to the religious roots of contemporary, i.e. post-1990 European identity, by analyzing the components of contemporary European identity, the presence of religion in the development of national identities, manifestation of religious roots in secular society, and the role of religion in further European integration and social inclusion. The publication will involve a multi and interdisciplinary approach to the theme, by bringing together scholars in history, religious studies, sociology, cultural studies, European studies, and international relations. The rigorously edited volume will provide a coherent analysis of the religious roots of Europe's identity today, with particular attention to the secular context of religious communities. Europe is often perceived as secular by most of its citizens, regardless of their creed. Bearing this in mind, the authors will build upon their expertise in different fields of arts and humanities to identify some of the key elements of European religious heritage and its manifestation in Europe's identity, be it secular or otherwise perceived. The authors will also indicate the role that these elements play in further European integration. With the focused approach, the publication will identify a number of similarities across faiths and, more holistically, vis-a-vis Europe. This will serve the readers to perceive their own identity in a wider context of shared values, reaching beyond a particular faith or non-religious framework.

The book defines and explores the Biblical concepts of "praise" and "worship." It also addresses several related issues: Is there a difference between praise and worship? How is praise or worship different from praise and worship? Is praise more important than worship? Is worship more important than praise? Must one follow the other? Can you have one without the other? How is music related to these concepts?

Phyllis saw the thread that the Lord had woven through her life-a thread of His faithfulness and strength to uphold her in the worst tragedy she could imagine.

All of this led to His calling for her to write and speak about His compassionate love for His children.

"This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope. It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness." (Lamentations 3:21-23)

"For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth." (Job 19:25)

A provocative down-to-earth functional approach for developing high-octane motivating skills to build race-ahead pace-setting organizations religious and non-religious based on Biblical principles. Lt. Colonel Kalivoda demonstrates that effective utilization of position and power is fully realized through dedicated service to those entrusted to us The Ones Who Get It Done. Keeping leadership and management simple in todays high pressure stress filled environment are brought into sharp focus. Hence, Back to Basics The Holy Bible. This fast-paced work zeroes in on the dignity of man recognizing and treating associates as children of God rather than your people. Reliance on others is paramount. Youre prompted to know yourself first on a journey through the book with the author. Contemporary buzz words as empowerment, entrepreneurship, synergism and servant leadership are shown to be nothing new. Secular thought on the subject is depicted as repackaging of common sense with Scripture references to the fact. This read will interest and influence the novice and seasoned. Use it for His glory and to your best advantage for energizing your effectiveness and realizing your goals. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Author Biographical Sketch Lt. Colonel Kalivoda retired from the United States Air Force as Squadron Commander and Chief of Supply for the 9th Strategic Reconnaissance Wing, home of the famed SR-71 Blackbird and U-2 aircraft. He holds numerous decorations from the Department of Defense, Joint Military Services and Department of the Air Force for his leadership capability. He is a graduate of The Ohio State University with a BSBA in Marketing, The University of Nebraska with a MA in Business Management, The Air Force Air Command and Staff College and The National Defense University. He is active in his parish and local communities in various capacities. He resides with his wife Rose and they are blessed with 4 children and 3 grandchildren. [email protected]