This collection of essays constitute an extended argument for an anthropocentric, human-focused, study of religious practices. The basic premise of the argument, offered in the opening section, is that there is nothing special or extraordinary about human behaviors and constructs that are claimed to have uniquely religious status and authority. Instead, they are fundamentally human and so the scholar of religion is engaged in nothing more or less than studying humans across time and place and all their complex existence-that includes creating more-than-human beings and realities. As an extended and detailed example of such an approach, the second part of the book contains essays that address practices, rhetoric and other data in early Christianities within Greco-Roman cultures and religions. The underlying aim is to insert studies of the New Testament and non-canonical texts, most often presented as "biblical studies," into the anthropocentric study of religion proposed in the opening section. For a general reading of modern biblical scholarship makes clear the assumption that the Christian bible is a "sacred text" whose principal raison d'etre is to stand, fetish-like, as the foundational and highest authority in matters moral, ritual or theological; how might we instead approach the study of these texts if they are nothing more or less than human documents deriving from situations that were themselves all too human? Braun's Jesus and Addiction to Origins seeks to answer just that question-doing so in a way that readers working outside Christian origins will undoubtedly find useful applications for the people, places, and historical periods that they study.

Blindness A world that both horrifies and fascinates. Imagine you find your eyes aren't working quite right one day. You think you need glasses. Instead, over the next few months, while you lose your vision daily, you discover it is caused by a defect in your mitochondrial DNA. It is hereditary. There is no cure and no way to stop your vision loss. There is no way to predict how much sight you will lose. You could be anywhere from visually impaired to total darkness. You are the first one in your family to be effected so you had no idea this could happen. Typically you are a male at your prime -late teens to early 20's. But, you can be any age or any sex. In this collaboration you will meet a skydiver, lawyer, athlete, sailor, world golf champion, musicians, one who defied death 3 times, people desperate to try anything for a cure, and potentially the first and only person in the world ever cured. There is humor, despair, joy, and the spirit of human nature conquering extreme adversity. Even you may have been born with this genetic bomb - so Welcome to our World.

Ever wish for something to challenge your thinking? How about a fresh application of looking at something? Well, The Daily Thought Shaker (R) could be just what the doctor ordered. It is a collection of devotions that adhere to the truth of God's Word with new twists at just about every turn. Whether you like to start out your day with a new thought about how God wants you to live, or if you prefer to end your day thinking about God, The Daily Thought Shaker(R) can help. Just flip through the pages and take a random sample of the titles: "Batteries Not Included" (April 29-30), "Hypothetical Grace" (June 26), "Are You Done Yet?" (March 17-18), "Are You Living by Faith or by Credit?" (May 22), "Who in Hell Knows Your Name?" (October 29), and "Customized Christianity" (July 15), just to name a few. The Daily Thought Shaker(R) will challenge your thinking in the application of Biblical truth in your daily life.

Generational diversity has always existed, but it has now intensified due to the recent technology explosion, the early entry of younger generations into the workforce, and the late exit of Baby Boomers from the workforce. Many mangers have to deal with several generations on the same team. It requires a deeper understanding of management and better understanding of people skills to handle a diverse staff. In order to get the best from the entire team, it is important to satisfy their needs while retaining individual talent. Surveys indicate that fully 60% of employers report tensions between employees of different generations. Join Alex Steele as he uncovers the challenging differences between these generations and develops a game plan to lead a better team. Along the way, he discovers not only the skill to lead, but the skill to live. The journey is deep-rooted in pain and darkness at times. In the end he emerges, not only with a better understanding of people, but a better understanding of life.

When I was just twenty-eight years old, I was diagnosed with cancer and given no hope. What I thought would be my end was just the beginning of a journey laden with miracles that took me far from my home in Tennessee. From Nicaragua: Principles for Life and Mission chronicles that journey. It is a story that begins with a love that God gave me for a place I had never been and for a people I did not know.

With nothing more than that love, I purposed in my heart to go to Nicaragua to stand with its people in their struggle to make a better life for themselves. Following that commitment, God made provision for the planting of a ministry there that has changed tens of thousands of lives, including mine. For me, a special part of that divine provision proceeded from a miraculous reunion with my Central American family whose patriarch, Col. John Alexander Downing, traveled to Nicaragua in 1866 with a fellow Missourian who later became renowned as one of America's most famous literary icons.

Embedded in this extraordinary story of God events are principles for your life and mission.

The Good News Book Of Sermons presents 25 sermons transcribed by Clyde Wilton from his 60 years of service as a pastor, chaplain, and minister of the Christian Gospel.

For countless generations people have talked of our Mother Earth. Now she speaks to us, sharing words of wisdom, tenderness and deep love. We live in challenging times when the rapidity of change can feel overwhelming. These "Messages from Gaia," received and written by author Mary Kirkpatrick, provide light for the path that is surely needed as we navigate into the future. In them, Gaia, our Earth Mother, shares the love pouring from her heart to ours, only love, always love, love overflowing.
Mary Kirkpatrick has captured the heart of Gaia through her own heart. Every message reflects the deep love and understanding that dwells within the human/Gaia relationship. The messages are affirming, poignant and beautiful. This book is a keeper
Nancy Joy Hefron
author of "The Wounded Heart" www.heartlights.net
"Messages from Gaia" gives us a glimpse into the heart of the planet, and the peace that comes from opening our eyes to all the life around us.
Cindy Reed Cindy Reed RN, PhD, Infinity
Health Solutions and Energy Medicine Maven

If you are inspired by a story that combines determination, courage, vulnerability and emotional resilience; while overcoming life s greatest challenges; then this is a must read Vividly told from the author s own experience; you ll travel with her through the heart wrenching lows and conquering highs. In this intimate, surprisingly honest and often stirring look at one woman s journey beyond damaging relationships and a life mired with shame, grief and guilt; she ultimately discovers the healing power of self acceptance and genuine forgiveness. Overcoming her fears, she opens her heart to connect with others again; and is finally free to live the life she has always imagined.

From 1942 until 2008 Herbert Palfrey has written poetry in praise of Jesus; it is his hope that purchasers of his book will enjoy, take comfort and feel as happy reading them, as he has in writing them.

Have you ever craved for a deep personal relationship with God? Do you question your faith in the Divine Spirit to work in your daily life? This book takes you on a remarkable modern day journey of faith with a couple in their quest for a deeper relationship with God. Brenda and Franklin CampbellJones share how their spirit was strengthened by following God's guidance on a journey across the country. Through dreams, signs, messages, and "coincidences," they come to terms with the forces of doubt, anxiety, and confusion. They learn to lean on the Divine Presence of the Holy Spirit.

This book will lower your excitement about religion but will intensify your pursuit to establish the kingdom here on earth. I never cease to be amazed at how so many who say they are followers of Jesus Christ can believe that Jesus has stopped forgiving, healing, and calling leaders into His vineyards when there is so much to do. This book is here to let everyone know that He (Jesus) has not returned yet, but His power still generates in those who have accepted Him as their Lord and savior and are willing to hold on to the faith. Leadership style does not mean that the agenda is different. Many leaders today are uncomfortable with the presence of another approach to ministry. It calls for us to observe that all the apostles had different styles in approaching situations and difficulties; yet, the ministry of Jesus was their priority alone. Leadership, just as everyone else, will have to make adjustments as long as leading is on the agenda and in process.

Shameless Verses takes you on a journey through chapters of the author's life from adolescence to womanhood. This book reveals some of Akira's deepest issues, prayers and praises. Exposed in this poetic collection are the author's real life experiences and observations on real life issues, as she presents many of her most intimate thoughts...unashamed!

Every child of God encounters spiritual warfare on many fronts. To help us to win our battles, the Lord of Hosts gave us the Holy Spirit as our Helper against the forces of hell. Relationship with Him is imperative as He brings with Him all that we will need to become more than conquerors. Every believer needs to manifest the character of Christ in waging war against the enemy. Every believer has a call of God, is anointed and graced, and must be able to function effectively in the Kingdom of God. Every believer must become conscious of the spiritual strategy to wage war against the enemy and be victorious. Every believer must become fully equipped to continue to establish God's Kingdom purpose on the earth. Every believer must discover connection with the Master's vision of the results expected. The Holy Spirit endows us with the capacity for winning every battle. The Holy Spirit equips us with the ability to wage successful warfare. The Holy Spirit encourages us with the strategy of a Kingdom warrior. The Holy Spirit enlightens us with the mentality derived from the wisdom of God. The Holy Spirit enables us with authority as we connect with the Master's vision. The picture that God has of every Kingdom Warrior must become realized in our individual lives. The church must aligned itself with the Vision that God has of it, and not seek to compromise God's vision for His church. We can be all that God said we will be, do all that He raised us up to do, and have all that He has promised us.