A guide to the different sorts of retreats on offer (Ignatian, Myers Briggs, Enneagram etc.). It covers the purpose of retreats, who can benefit from them, the difference between group and individual retreats and between directed and undirected retreats. There is a section on each major type of retreat explaining what happens, the basic premise behind it, who it is suitable for and how to find a retreat. The book also contains case studies.

This book examines Sami shamanism in Norway as a uniquely distinctive local manifestation of a global new religious phenomenon. It takes the diversity and hybridity within shamanic practices seriously through case studies from a Norwegian setting and highlights the ethnic dimension of these currents, through a particular focus on Sami versions of shamanism. The book's thesis is that the construction of a Sami shamanistic movement makes sense from the perspective of the broader ethno-political search for a Sami identity, with respect to connections to indigenous peoples worldwide and trans-historically. It also makes sense in economic and marketing terms. Based on more than ten years of ethnographic research, the book paints a picture of contemporary shamanism in Norway in its cultural context, relating it both to the local mainstream cultures in which it is situated and to global networks. By this, the book provides the basis for a study revealing the development of inventiveness, nuances and polyphony that occur when a global religion of shamanism is merged in a Norwegian setting, colored by its own political and cultural circumstances.

Tramps, lazy, cheaters. Expressions like these were widely used by several masters in view of the multiple forms of transgressions committed by slaves. This type of (dis) qualification gained an even stronger contour in properties controlled by religious orders, which tried to impose moralizing measures on the enslaved population. In this book, the reader will come across a peculiar form of management, highly centralized and commanded by one of the most important religious corporations in Brazil: the Order of Saint Benedict. The Institutional Paternalism built by this institution throughout the 18th and 19th centuries was able to stimulate, among the enslaved, the yearning for freedom and autonomy, 'prizes' granted only to those who fit the Benedictines' moral expectation, based on obedience, discipline and punishment. The "incorrigible" should be sold while the "meek" would be rewarded. The monks then became large slaveholders, recognized nationally as great managers. However behind this success, they had to learn to deal with the stubborn resistance of those who refused to peacefully surrender their bodies and minds, resulting in negotiations and concessions that caused disturbances, moments of instability and internal disputes.

Keeping Religious Institutions Secure explores the unique vulnerabilities that churches, synagogues, and mosques face in regards to security, making them attractive to criminals who see them as easy targets. The text illustrates why all places of worship should think about security and the types of breaches that can drive people away. The book focuses on the most frequent security concerns experienced by houses of worship, including embezzlement, vandalism, assault, hate crime, and in rare cases, an active shooter-and how to help prevent them from occurring. Beginning with an overview of the basic security concepts and principles that can enhance the security of any religious facility, it then delves deeply into the particular security concerns of houses of worship, including the use of volunteers, protecting religious leaders, ensuring safety for children and teens, interacting with local law enforcement, handling the media, and much more.

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.

"Why am I going through so much hell on the job?"A victory was secured for you over two thousand years ago with three nails and a tree. When you trust the Lord to navigate your career, you will triumph over every weapon wielded against you in the workplace.For believers, acquiring a job is more than merely a means to meet financial obligations, fulfi l career aspirations, or display one's talent. For it also provides an avenue for the Holy Spirit to refine our spiritual weapons and perfect the fruit of the Spirit in our lives.Providing biblical guidance, practical wisdom, and hope for managing challenging issues and relationships at work, 3 Nails and a Tree is the answer to the constant cycle of conflict and dissention at work.As you read this book, I pray that the Holy Spirit will open the eyes of your heart to recognize Him as The Invisible behind the Visible in the Workplace.
"Biblically sound, practically helpful, wise and encouraging."-Marc D. Baldwin, PhD, Founder & President, Edit911, Inc. "For those seeking encouragement in the workplace, 3 Nails and a Tree willremind you that aft er the storm, there will be a rainbow.'"-Dwan Abrams, Bestselling author, editor, publisher