Covering secret societies, mysterious ancient traditions, and the often-mistaken history of the world's religious symbols, this book takes readers on a tour through the fascinating world of religious symbolism and reveals the most mysterious and misunderstood facets of religion. Hidden Religion: The Greatest Mysteries and Symbols of the World's Religious Beliefs not only explores the history and origins of widely recognizable symbols, like the Christian cross and the Star of David, but also introduces readers to more obscure symbols from religious traditions around the world-even defunct ones like those of the ancient Aztec and Mayan societies. In addition, the book discusses the "religious secrets" found in the major religions, including secret societies of Christianity, Judaism, Islam, and Buddhism. Containing more than 170 entries, the encyclopedia is organized by religious category, such as Abrahamic, East Asian, and African Diasporic religions, then alphabetically within each category. Each entry is prefaced with a short introduction that explains where and when the religious tradition originated and describes the religion today. This information is followed by an analysis of the historical development and use of symbols along with an explanation of connections between symbols used by different religions, such as shared astrological symbolism in the form of moon, sun, or star motifs. Provides fascinating historical and contextual information about religious traditions and symbols Addresses the roots of some of today's most popular superstitions and conspiratorial theories Focuses primarily on religions that are dominant or are becoming widespread within the United States, allowing students to gain a better understanding of religion in American society and greater appreciation for cultural diversity Develops a unique thesis about utilizing religious archetypes to facilitate understanding of religious ritual and organizations Includes a phonetic pronunciation guide with each entry to help students become comfortable with unfamiliar terminology

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!

"I really believe we can find the answers to the questions and problems of life in God's word, the Bible, and I tried to convey that to my students over the years. Studying the Bible is spiritually enlightening and personally empowering to make you a better parent, child, friend and witness for Christ. Studying the bible can also be fun. By using the outline approach, you can organize your thoughts, and increase your understanding of the truths and principals from the scriptures. Read this book for some examples of outlining, then choose a scripture and make your own outlines."

Joao de Deus Brasil's book comprises two independent but related works: Why I Believe in God and Atheism: a Self-Delusion. In Why I Believe in God, the author reveals the origins of his faith whereas in Atheism: a Self-Delusion he refutes atheists' arguments expressed by their current world leader, Richard Dawkins, in his best-seller God, a Delusion. Regarding the renowned biologist's ideas, Joao de Deus states: In his book, Richard Dawkins does not provide any theory capable of scientifically justifying his negation of God's existence. And besides, he does not put forward any evidence whatsoever, either scientific or empirical, in support of that nonexistence. Between the lines of his own words, one can clearly see his subconscious knowledge about the life of the spirit, anterior and posterior to material life. By analyzing his quotations of other wise, monistic men, without even excluding the magnificent Albert Einstein, one can clearly perceive that they themselves have this subconscious knowledge, and they reveal it as they express their thoughts. Materialism is, therefore, a delusion. The true monist does not exist, for all of us have subconscious knowledge of our spiritual existence before, during, and after our material lives. We express ourselves according to this knowledge, whoever we are: believers or skeptics, intellectuals, scientists, or illiterate peasants. In the same way, we are also aware of the existence of God, and that's why faith is revealed in children. For the same reason, among many others as we have seen, faith is revealed in all peoples and cultures, with no exception. These realities, perfectly clear for those who want to see, provide irrefutable, absolute proof that atheism, like materialism and monism, is a self-delusion.

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.

Greetings! Welcome to Mary's journal of Jesus' early life. Can you imagine nurturing a baby, experiencing all the firsts of a toddler, teaching a young boy, tolerating a teenager, and enjoying the experiences of a young man, while always anticipating a promised kingdom? This was Mary's life. Very little is known of these early years, but Mary must have celebrated milestones just as we do today. Jesus had a first tooth, a first word, a first step, a first day of school, siblings, graduations, and other milestones like our children today. The only witness to all these events was Mary. Learn of Jesus' relationship with his brothers and sisters and many cousins, including John the Baptist and Matthew. In Jesus, My Son, you will watch Jesus' life unfold through the eyes of his mother.

In The Christ-Man Chronicles, Cooper-Giles posits a compelling argument for both clergy and politicians, and their social issues, which should manifest and morph into models of progressive change and enlightenment.This book chronicles somewhat the search for bin Laden and Al Qaeda, the "War on Terror," and the incidental attacks on Iraq in March 2003. The narrative also alludes to some reasons why there is much animosity and hatred toward America and some of its allies, especially so-called Israel, in the Muslim world. It affirms the double-standards, dubious, and often racist nature of America's government policies in both domestic and foreign affair: particularly, its arrogant imperialistic attitude in dealing with Third World countries.Nevertheless, Cooper-Giles proclaims that everyone has the conscious potent ability to become Christ-Men in their personal journey here on Earth with the discovery of one's "divine" mission and purpose, and the eventual understanding of being the person that one is meant to be: this knowledge is gained by distinguishing the difference between the illusionists and the creative value-producers around us Everyone should understand that they are made in the image of God, our Creator, as a distinct individual, who has a divine, a unique, and a separate soul-force different than anyone else on this planet...

This book is comprised of a compendium of motivational

essays that are intended to stimulate the mind and stir the

heart toward sensing the magnificence of the Almighty

Lord, Allah (Glory be to Him, the Most High), as also

to experience the beauty and wisdom of Islam, and to

imbibe the principles and precepts of life taught by

Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him).

The style of these discourses is generally intended to

educate both Muslims and non-Muslims on the spirit

and values of Islam, and on recognizing humanity and

human attributes within oneself, as well as to share

Islamic ethics, morality, philosophies, and principles

so as to promote the understanding of Islam and to

illuminate the purpose of life. Each essay is motivated by

several particularly insightful verses from the Qur'an and

traditions and sayings of the Prophet, which in themselves

are enlightening to read and reflect upon.

Upon moving to Minnesota and living next to an Amish community, I was intrigued to learn about Amish life. That moment came, when I was working in my garden one Sunday. A brother and sister of the nearby Amish family decided to come over and talk to me while they went for a walk. I was flattered to get to know some of the family. My husband came out to greet them as well. I knew in my heart that I was going to be a part of this moving, beautiful story of which this was only the beginning. I, being a patient soul, was prepared to get to know, learn, offer help, and advise, if they asked of me, or when I thought they needed to know something. I only wanted to help them, especially a young Amish woman, succeed in their way of life. All human emotions from sad, happy, indifferent, and outright hilarious, at times, are evident. There is an element of suspense in the story. Shortly after, it was time to end and put down my pen.

Does God care about you? Is He aware of your day-to-day activities, worries, afflictions, and sorrows?

God is not a distant, uninterested, uncaring being that created the world then left the inhabitants to fend for themselves. God engages in every aspect of your life.

Almighty God loves you with a deep and perfect love. He will call you to be His child, a part of His intimate family. He is aware of each minute of your existence. He knew you before you were born and has a divine purpose for your life. He never leaves you. He never forsakes you. He is always aware and available. He picks you up when you fall. He sets you back on the right path when you stray. He protects and comforts you through trouble when it comes. He forgives you over and over again when you lose sight, make wrong choices, and make mistakes.

He isn't distant at all. In fact, God is involved and concerned about everything regarding you, His child. Teresa Jones takes the truths from Psalm 139 and conveys biblical examples of God's intervention while providing an intimate walk through her personal testimony of living within His keeping.