'Human Rights and Reformist Islam' critiques traditional Islamic approaches to the question of compatibility between human rights and Islam, and argues instead for their reconciliation from the perspective of a reformist Islam. The book focuses on six controversial case studies: religious discrimination; gender discrimination; slavery; freedom of religion; punishment of apostasy; and arbitrary or harsh punishments. Explaining the strengths of structural ijtihad, Mohsen Kadivar's draws on the rational classification of Islamic teachings as temporal or permanent on the one hand, and four criteria of being Islamic on the other: reasonableness, justice, morality and efficiency. He rejects all of the problematic verses and Hadith according to these criteria. The result is a powerful, solutions-based argument based on reformist Islam - providing a scholarly bridge between modernity and Islamic tradition in relation to human rights.

When Vanessa Ochs begins to suspect her various physical ailments are due to her leading an "unsanctified life," she decides to travel to Jerusalem with her family to explore the sacred books of Judaism. Armed with a list of institutions and the names of women who specialize in teaching these sacred texts, Ochs sets out on a journey of discovery. She forges a personal relationship with her mentors, women who are determined to disprove the claim of Rabbi Eliezer ben Hyrcanus: "The words of the Torah should be burnt rather than taught to women." As her year in Jerusalem draws to a close, Ochs begins to find a way to reconcile her feminist views with her quest to live a life according to laws shaped by the "sexist" views of traditional Judaism.Part scholarly investigation, part anecdotal memoir, "Words on Fire" is an accessible portrait of a remote world and a fascinating, firsthand account of the clash between feminism and Judaism.

It's easy to trust God when everything is going well. But when adversity strikes--a school shooting, a cancer diagnosis, a financial setback--do you wonder if God cares or if He's even there at all? In this 31-day devotional, author Jerry Bridges tackles the doctrine of God's sovereignty. These daily readings set the biblical foundation for the essential goodness of His character. In a clear and warm manner, Bridges explains how you can and should choose to trust God no matter what happens in life.

The first book-length introduction to an exciting new interdisciplinary field written by an internationally recognized leader of the Contemplative Studies movement This is the first book-length introduction to a growing and influential interdisciplinary field focused on contemplative practice, contemplative experience, and contemplative pedagogy. Written by an internationally recognized leader in the area, Introducing Contemplative Studies seeks to provide readers with a deep and practical understanding of the nature and purpose of the field while encouraging them to find a place of their own in an increasingly widespread movement. At once comprehensive overview, critical reflection, and visionary proposal, the book explores the central approaches and issues in Contemplative Studies, tackles questions and problems that sometimes go unaddressed, and identifies promising new developments. The author also discusses contemplative pedagogy, an experiential approach to teaching and learning informed by and expressed as contemplative practice. This is a major introduction to a fast emerging interdisciplinary field that will be invaluable to those interested in the area. * The only comprehensive introduction to the emerging, interdisciplinary field of Contemplative Studies * Written by a distinguished leader in the Contemplative Studies movement who is founding Co-Chair of the Contemplative Studies Group of the American Academy of Religion * Informed by ten years of research and practice, the book explores the field s varied approaches and expressions * Offers critical reviews of trends which will create discussions both within and outside the Contemplative Studies * Liberally illustrated with both images and charts Introducing Contemplative Studies is a must-read for advanced undergraduates, graduate students, teachers and scholars in Contemplative Studies, as well as anyone who is curious about contemplative practice, meditation, contemplative experience, contemplative pedagogy, contemplative science, and, of course, the exciting field of Contemplative Studies generally.

Veiled women in the West appear menacing. Their visible invisibility is a cause of obsession. What is beneath the veil more than a woman? This book investigates the preoccupation with the veiled body through the imaging and imagining of Muslim women. It examines the relationship between the body and knowledge through the politics of freedom as grounded in a 'natural' body, in the index of flesh. The impulse to unveil is more than a desire to free the Muslim woman. What lies at the heart of the fantasy of saving the Muslim woman is the West's desire to save itself. The preoccupation with the veiled woman is a defense that preserves neither the object of orientalism nor the difference embodied in women's bodies, but inversely, insists on the corporeal boundaries of the West's mode of knowing and truth-making. The book contends that the imagination of unveiling restores the West's sense of its own power and enables it to intrude where it is 'other' - thus making it the centre and the agent by promising universal freedom, all the while stifling the question of what freedom is.

How do I find greater wholeness in my life and in my family s life?

"To appreciate the importance of the Bible and gain insight about ourselves from it, both Jews and Christians can use the process of "midrash: " The attempt to find contemporary meaning in the biblical text. The term "midrash" comes from the Hebrew root "darash" which means to seek, search, or demand (meaning from the biblical text). The starting point of our search for personal meaning is the Bible itself. Each generation, each reader, can approach the text anew and draw meaning from it." from "Self, Struggle & Change"

The stress of late-20th-century living only brings new variations to timeless personal struggles. The people described by the biblical writers of Genesis were in situations and relationships very much like our own, and their stories still speak to us because they are about the same basic problems we deal with every day.

Learning from Adam and Eve, can we find the courage not only to face our other side, but to draw strength from it? Learning from Leah and Rachel, can we stop competing with our loved ones, and begin to accept them and find ourselves? Sarah, Hagar, Lot, Ishmael and Isaac, Rebekkah, Joseph and his brothers, Jacob and Esau this vibrant cast of characters offers us new ways of understanding ourselves and our families and healing our lives.

A modern master of biblical interpretation brings us greater understanding of the ancient biblical text, and of the insights its characters give us about ourselves and our families today.

By bringing the people in Genesis to life husbands and wives, fathers and sons, brothers and sisters "Self, Struggle & Change" shows us how to find wholeness in our lives.

This book examines culture, religion and polity in the context of Buddhism. Gananath Obeyesekere, one of the foremost analytical voices from South Asia develops Freud's notion of 'dream work', the 'work of culture' and ideas of no-self (anatta) to understand Buddhism in contemporary Sri Lanka. This work offers a restorative interpretation of Buddhist myths in contrast to the perspective involving deconstruction. The book deals with a range of themes connected with Buddhism, including oral traditions and stories, the religious pantheon, philosophy, emotions, reform movements, questions of identity and culture, and issues of modernity. This fascinating volume will greatly interest students, teachers and researchers of religion and philosophy, especially Buddhism, ethics, cultural studies, social and cultural anthropology, Sri Lanka and modern South Asian history.

This book is a study on the nature and effects of the Theravada Buddhist religious experiences of the four supramundane fruits of the Noble Eightfold Path - the experience of the fruit which is stream-entry, once returning, non-returning and Arahanthship - with special focus on the experience of stream-entry.It represents the first time within Theravada Buddhist studies that a serious textual study has been combined with a substantial field research. Despite disciplinary rules which virtually prohibit a monk with higher ordination from discussing their personal religious experiences, this book presents seven comprehensive anonymous interviews conducted mainly with forest monks on their meditative experiences.The study presents a definition for the 'supramundane fruit' of the path and an alternate framework to discuss and evaluate Theravada Buddhist religious experiences. It then uses this framework to address some longstanding debates around the Theravada path and its fruits thus bringing experience back to the centre stage of these debates.

In Robert McGee's best-selling book "The Search for Significance," he helps readers realize the fact that they will never be content if they search for their significance in accomplishments or the opinions of others. Instead, God has given them significance and worth through the work of Christ on the cross. Because of McGee's classic book, more than two million readers have learned what it means to be free to enjoy Christ's love and forgiveness.

Now, McGee invites readers of his book to go on a 10-week journey of reflection, discovery, and ultimately victory as they learn how to implement, on a daily basis, the principles of "The Search for Significance." Each page of this valuable companion to The Search for Significance includes: Thought-provoking questions Essential biblical truths Space for readers to reflect on how God is calling them to a deeper realization of his love for them. Daily Prayer

Exquisitely designed with classic drawings and engravings, this uplifting volume of timeless words contains hundreds of selections relating to the increasingly popular topic of angels. Includes quotes from classic and contemporary times and from such varied sources as Catholic prayers, African proverbs, Dante, Curtis Sliwa and Zora Neal Hurston. Features thumbnail sketches of all people and works quoted.

Exquisitely designed with classic drawings and engravings, this uplifting volume of timeless words contains hundreds of selections relating to the increasingly popular topic of angels. Includes quotes from classic and contemporary times and from such varied sources as Catholic prayers, African proverbs, Dante, Curtis Sliwa and Zora Neal Hurston. Features thumbnail sketches of all people and works quoted.

A special presentation of Buddha's teachings on compassion and wisdom that communicates their essence in a way that is easy to understand and put into practice. By developing and maintaining compassion and wisdom in daily life, we can transform our lives, improve our relationships with others and look behind appearances to see the way things really are. In this way we can find lasting happiness and accomplish the real meaning of our human life. With compassion and wisdom, like the two wings of a bird, we can quickly reach the enlightened world of a Buddha. From the author: 'I would particularly like to encourage everyone to read specifically the chapter "Training in Ultimate Bodhichitta". Through carefully reading and contemplating this chapter again and again with a positive mind, you will gain very profound knowledge, or wisdom, which will bring great meaning to your life.' This inspiring handbook of daily practice is perfectly suited to those seeking within Buddhism solutions to problems of everyday life, as well as for encouraging practitioners of all faiths to deepen their understanding and practice of the spiritual path.

As liberal democracies include increasingly diverse and multifaceted populations, the longstanding debate about the role of the state in religious education and the place of religion in public life seems imperative now more than ever. The maintenance of religious schools and the planning of religious education curricula raise a profound challenge. Too much state supervision can be conceived as interference in religious freedom and as a confinement of the right to cultural liberty. Too little supervision can be seen as neglecting the development of the liberal values required to live and work in a democratic society and as abandoning those who within their communities wish to attain a more rigorous education for citizenship and democracy. This book draws together leading educationalists, philosophers, theologians, and social scientists to explore issues, problems, and tensions concerning religious education in a variety of international settings. The contributors explore the possibilities and limitations of religious education in preparing citizens in multicultural and multi-religious democratic societies.

Combining spiritual insight with pragmatic guidance, this lighthearted yet practical handbook shows readers how to live a more balanced, richer life.

"Chicken Soup for the Soul: Christmas Magic "will warm readers' hearts and spread the wonder of the holiday season with its tales of love, joy, and awe. A fantastic holiday gift for the young and young at heart.
Christmas is a magical time of year -- a time of family, friends, and traditions. Readers will revel in the 101 holiday stories in "Chicken Soup for the Soul: " "Christmas Magic" that spread the special joy, wonder, and blessings of the season with its tales of finding the perfect Christmas tree, being with family, seeing the awe in a child's eyes, and enjoying the magic of the season.

#1 New Release in Miracles and New Thought Make Your Greatest Wish Come TrueReaders of The Miracle Morning, The Untethered Soul and The Universe Has Your Back will love Wishwork. What is your greatest wish? Do you want a new job? An influx of new clients? Zero credit card debt? A strong, healthy body? A passionate, exciting marriage? More free-time to relax in your backyard with a glass of Rose? You don't need a miracle to make your wish a reality. With Wishwork, you will visualize your #1 wish, write it down, focus on it, and take action for 21 days in a row to make your wish come true. Work for your wish: Alexa Fischer (TV and film actor, entrepreneur, and founder of Wishbeads, a fast-growing jewelry company) is your guide on this 21-day journey. You'll complete simple daily action steps and record your experiences, feeling your positivity and optimism grow with each passing day. Wishwork gently reminds readers that wishes don't just magically come true without any effort whatsoever-you've got to put in some work! Wishwork will motivate you to get off the couch, turn off Netflix, get moving, cultivate a positive mindset, and make your #1 wish come true-while keeping the process fun and uplifting, not daunting. Life's too short to wait on the universe to grant your wishes. Alexa will walk you through three simple but lifechanging steps to grant them yourself: Make a wish Do the work Watch it come true

In 1952, a woman named Hadija was brought to trial in an Islamic courtroom in the Cameroon Grassfields on a charge of bigamy. Quickly, however, the court proceedings turned to the question of whether she had been the wife or the slave-concubine of her deceased husband. In tandem with other court cases of the day, Harmony O'Rourke illuminates a set of contestations in which marriage, slavery, morality, memory, inheritance, status, and identity were at stake for Muslim Hausa migrants, especially women. As she tells Hadija's story, O'Rourke disrupts dominant patriarchal and colonial narratives that have emphasized male activities and projects to assert cultural distinctiveness, and she brings forward a new set of women's issues involving concerns for personal prosperity, the continuation of generations, and Islamic religious expectations in communities separated by long distances.