"Is Being Pro-Choice a Sin?" studies the wording in the Roman Catholic Church's official pronouncements, compares the related ambiguities and inconsistencies in the Church's official teachings regarding abortion, and brings to the forefront many yet unanswered questions about one of the most controversial issues of our time.

Len Belter relies on his personal experience as a practicing Catholic as he shares a detailed examination of the human reproductive process, formal church documents, and natural law concepts. Intended for church bishops and others who share Belter's misgivings, Belter questions why every fertilized human egg existing outside a woman's womb must be considered of equivalent moral value as a born human. While detailing where clarification and change are needed within church doctrine, Belter delves into such topics as: Why the Church ignores that many fertilized human eggs are naturally shed The significance of the historical understanding of the "male seed" What role fertility treatments play in the church's position The alleged sin of cooperating with evil "Is Being Pro-Choice a Sin?" raises many reflective questions for those both within and outside the walls of the Catholic Church while encouraging a reduction in accusatory rhetoric and an open dialogue.

Fear is the greatest motivator that exists outside of love-and yet these two seemingly opposing forces are in fact inseparably related to each other. As a Christian psychotherapist with twenty-five years of experience, I have come to the conclusion that nearly all emotional and psychological struggles share the same root condition I call disordered fear. Fear must be understood to be both accepted and overcome. It is not our heavenly Father's will or purpose for His children to live under the oppression and bondage of disordered fear, for we are created and destined to reverentially fear God alone. And this is precisely what Break Free comprehensively addresses.

Why are some marriages more successful, more satisfying, and more enduring than others?

The answer to this question is perhaps the most widely studied and best-known part of our marriage and family-therapy literature, although arguably, it is the least understood and certainly the least followed in terms of avoiding the pitfalls that lead to unsuccessful marriages. What this book proposes as an answer to this question is the nearest thing we have to a manifesto for marriage and family living. It provides us with a clear description of what married life should be like. No words or ideas sum up the intention of this manifesto better or indicate more clearly its challenge to contemporary marriages than the words "making marriage user-friendly."

Carole Fontaine, well known among biblical scholars for her feminist studies in the biblical wisdom traditions and the ancient Near East, is also a human rights and interfaith activist working on issues of violence against Muslim women in the Middle East and Southern Asia and a board member of many agencies such as the International Network for the Rights of Female Victims of Violence in Pakistan, and the Women's Forum against Fundamentalism in Iran. In this collection of her essays, mostly previously unpublished, she brings together these two concerns, distilling from the scriptures of Judaism, Christianity and Islam valuable insights into current questions of human rights. Unlike many writers, Fontaine recognizes the critical role of gender in the fundamental concept of the 'Other', so determinative for our view of humanity. In our days, Fontaine argues, human rights issues have taken on a new dimension in political discourse about war, peace and terror, where often an appeal is made to religious and scriptural justifications for the violation or preservation of rights. Fontaine urges attention to the priority of the sufferer in adjudicating meaning, and turns to the 'little texts' of daily ethics rather than grand theological abstractions in order to place 'scriptures' in meaningful conversation with the concrete realities of our world.

Do your fears and anxieties get in the way of living a spirit-filled life? Have you ever been victim to the illusion of control? Are you looking for spiritual recovery and personal growth? Are compulsions interfering in your relationships with others and with God? Do you have the peace that you want? While completing more than forty thousand hours of psychotherapy over thirty years, with individuals, couples, and families, Dr. Krummel realized that the fears, roles, and themes in his life were not unique. He became aware that his psychological and spiritual journey was a common one. Dr. Richard Krummel's new book, Fear, Control, and Letting Go: How Psychological Principles and Spiritual Faith Can Help Us Recover from Our Fears offers life-changing tools for recovery and transformation. The book provides tremendous insight into how one can grow behaviorally, emotionally, intellectually, and spiritually. "While you are waiting for someone or something else to change, change yourself." --Dr. Krummel "Give as you are able, according as the Lord has blessed you." (Deuteronomy 16:17) Dr. Krummel donates $1.00 from the sale of each book to several charities.

This eye-opening volume examines ways in which religious institutions can be misused to mask illegal financial dealings, and steps law enforcement can take to combat these criminal activities. The chapters review legal rights and responsibilities of churches and the types of loopholes that can allow unscrupulous practices to flourish. This book offers local and global proposals for the study and practice of improving financial transparency for religious organizations, and assessing and curbing monetary crimes within their ranks. A sampling of criminal cases of financial wrongdoing by churches and temples spotlights the ingenuity involved in such scams as well as in the ongoing fight against them. Included in the coverage: * Religious freedom in the U.S. and Brazilian constitutional orders * Government regulation of religious organizations * Criminal investigations and cases involving financial crimes practiced by and through religious institutions * International religious activities and legal cooperation for repatriation of assets * Payments through illegal and disguised means, and the misuse of churches, temples, and charitable organizations *Proposals to improve the war against financial crimes within temples and churches Its unique subject matter and depth of information makes Churches, Temples, and Financial Crimes distinctly useful for professionals involved in efforts to curb this form of crime, particularly law enforcement personnel, prosecutors, and judges.

Nature plays an important and often neglected role in Jewish apocalypses. Most Second Temple Jewish apocalypses (ca. 200 BC - AD 100) do not oppose the material world, but view nature as damaged by human and angelic sin. Rather than expecting God to destroy the world, many look forward to God's dramatic eschatological deliverance of nature from corruption. Although Romans 8:19-22 was not written in the genre of an apocalypse, it shares the basic apocalyptic world view. The Apostle Paul follows that stream of apocalyptic thought that looks forward to the transformation of creation by an eschatological divine act, the reversal of the damage caused by sin, and the perfection of nature to share glory with redeemed humanity. A comparison of nature in Jewish apocalypses and Romans 8:19-22 reveals important insights into the theology of early Judaism and its influence on early Christian thought.

Covering the nonviolence traditions in all the major religions as well as the contributions of religious traditions to major nonviolent practices, this book addresses theories of nonviolence, considers each religion individually, and highlights what discrete religious perspectives have in common. Covering all the major-and some of the larger minor-religions of the world, Religions and Nonviolence: The Rise of Effective Advocacy for Peace examines the rich history of how human thinking on nonviolence has developed and what each religion offers to the theory and practice of nonviolence, providing a counterpoint to the perspective that religion has largely inspired violence and intolerance. It also traces the contributions of religious traditions to secular nonviolent practices, recognizes and explains why religion has historically inspired violence, and provides additional resources for investigating the crossroads of religion and advocacy of nonviolence and peace. The author addresses the nonviolence traditions in religions such as Bahai, Buddhism, Christianity, Ethical Atheism, the First Nations of North America, Judaism, Hinduism, Islam, Sikhism, Tenrikyo, and Revitalized Paganism. Ancient religions with important contributions to nonviolence-Zoroastrianism, Taoism, and Jainism-receive attention, as do Mo Tse and other Chinese philosophers as well as Pythagoras and other classical Greek thinkers. Students of religion, history of religion, sociology, or psychology will find this book key to achieving a balanced and therefore more accurate understanding of both religion and history. General readers will gain insights into the commonalities among different religions as well as each major religion's historical and current stances on issues of violence, such as human or animal sacrifice, slavery, war, and the death penalty. Explores all major world religions in the context of nonviolence in great detail Serves as academic material to supplement a lesson plan or as general interest reading for nonacademic audiences Highlights the history of each religion and its standing today Addresses the subject from the perspective of an author with a background in peace and conflict studies, psychology, and sociology

Free to Be Fruitful offers unique insight on how God brings freedom from bondage and how people may best minister freedom to one another. Taking key sections of Scripture, Joey Benami presents a comprehensive foundation for healing and freedom from bondage. This book will give you transforming
revelation about:
fruitfulness as the goal of spiritual freedom;
the obstacles to fruitfulness;
generational iniquities and curses;
spiritual bondage and oppression.
Free to Be Fruitful also explores how God redeems people, how He defeats Satan, and how to overcome unfruitfulness.

Exploring one of the most controversial topics in contemporary theology, this scholarly volume reveals what the world's great faiths—East and West—preach about sexuality, with a special emphasis on American religion. What do the world's most important religious texts have to say about one of humanity's favorite activities? Editors David W. Machacek and Melissa M. Wilcox have brought together top scholars in the field of religious studies to ask and answer these critical questions. Carefully researched, elegantly written, and respectfully presented, Sexuality and the World's Religions explores the intersection of the spiritual and the carnal in Buddhism, Christianity, Confucianism, Daoism, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism, and African and Native American spiritual traditions. A separate section explores critical religious and sexual topics in American society, including the role of spirituality in gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender communities; the role of sex in the modern witchcraft community; and the ever thorny problem of religion and sexual liberty. Reconciling sexuality and spirituality in every human soul is one of religion's most important tasks. Students and other readers will find this timely and comprehensive volume of interest in exploring these issues.

This book examines the competing regimes of law and religion an offers a multidisciplinary approach to demonstrate the global scope of their influence. It argues that the tension between these two institutions results from their disagreements about the kinds of rule that should govern human life and society, and from where they should be derived.

The traditional Catholic Church views true celibacy as a gift from God. But today's reality paints a much different picture. In "Sex, Celibacy, and Priesthood, " the Most Rev. Lou A. Bordisso reviews the research on sexual activity and celibacy among Catholic priests. Featuring heart-wrenching, anonymous, and candid self-disclosures about the sexual behaviors of heterosexual, gay, and bisexual priests, Bordisso explores the meaning of celibacy in accordance with Roman Catholic Church teachings, doctrine, and canon law. "Sex, Celibacy, and Priesthood" provides an honest and frank study of current perspectives on celibacy in light of priestly sexual behaviors. It allows for Roman Catholic priests to speak out in their own voices about their struggles and the conflicts they experience between celibacy and their sexual activities. At a time when most are disgusted with the sexual scandal cover-ups, smokescreens, and veil of secrecy provided by many Roman Catholic bishops and their apologists, "Sex, Celibacy, and Priesthood" tells the truth and encourages us to think imaginatively and compassionately about an issue of crucial importance to the Roman Catholic Church at this moment in history.

Life is a continuum we must traverse from our beginning until our end. We experience many stages during this journey, and they are all a part of the process of enhancing our development and allow us to experience our destiny and purpose. Despite life's ups and downs, ins and outs, and good and bad, we must learn to hear and understand our purpose and remain steadfast until the end.

In Finished Th ings: Th e Promise of Completion author and pastor DeBorah Coleman uses Philippians 1:6 to provide encouragement to stay on the path that God has set out for us. She interweaves Scripture and biblical figures and ideas with her own insights, personal stories, and modern-day elements to show the importance of persevering, despite the obstacles, to reach the pinnacle of our faith.

Coleman communicates the importance of concentrating on our goals and staying in the game to fi nish the course. Get ready for some things to change. Get ready for people to change. Get ready for our own change. We are on the course that leads to completion. God promised to complete what he began in us.

Being a youth minister is not for the meek
Youth ministry is difficult and you need every useful resource you can get your handson. "The Whole Youth Worker, 2nd Edition" is advice straight from the heart of a guywho has been in the youth ministry trenches for over a decade. Whether you are a youthminister rookie or a seasoned pro, "The Whole Youth Worker, 2nd Edition" should be onyour resource shelf. Inside the new 2nd Edition, you will find advice on: Being a professional inside the officeDealing with criticismBalancing family and ministryChallenging your congregation's definition of successCreating a more parent-friendly ministryCreating a clear vision for ministryMinistering to others when your spirit is strugglingStaying health as a form of worship
And new insights available only in this edition include:
Advice on interviewing wellHow not to let an event become bigger than GodCelebrating successesWhen good kids make bad choices
Youth Ministers and Pastors Acclaim for "The Whole Youth Worker"
"Here is a brass-tacks companion for those who would aspire to being not a masterbut a servant, one who is willing to put forth great effort on the young, even thoughnot all the recipients will be appreciative. Jay Tucker is the opposite of preachy, he ispractical and instructional with down-to-earth language that brings a smile."--Most Rev. Heyward B. Ewart, PhD, DD, Metropolitan Archbishop, Holy Catholic Church International
"If you want to hear from the heart of a youth worker who struggles to enjoy the Monday-to-Friday part of youth ministry and wants to help you get through it too, then you need to read The Whole Youth Worker."--Mike Kupferer, Youth Ministry Exchange
"In The Whole Youth Worker, Jay gives us a glimpse at what it's like to be in the trenches--both good and bad. You will read this book and say, 'Been there--it's good to know I'm not alone '" --Rev. Bill Fisackerly, IV, Gulf Cove United Methodist Church
Learn more at www.JayTucker.net
The Spiritual Discovery Series from Loving Healing Press www.LovingHealing.com

At first glance, Orthodox Judaism is not compatible with the prevailing world view of equal treatment for all people, regardless of their race, gender or religion. But modern Orthodox Jews share the sense that egalitarianism is a positive moral value, so they cannot simply dismiss this contemporary ethos as incompatible with their faith. In a range of ways and variety of perspectives from the leading Orthodox scholars in the field, this collection of essays explores the affinities and disaffinities between egalitarianism and Jewish tradition.

During hard times, Shawn Kilgarlin has felt the Scripture's messages guiding her life. In God's Love Letters, she brings together thoughts about the day-to-day guidance Biblical passages provide and how understanding God's love leads to spiritual resiliency-the strength to cope with life's problems. Shawn shares her remarkable journey using real life, day-to-day examples. She illustrates how you can use the Bible as a guide to love and praise God and live according to His word. You will come away with a deeper understanding of what bouncing back from adversity means in the Christian life. Join Shawn on her journey to understand: The characteristics of love The power of forgiveness The Christian way to praise and show gratitude to God How to use the Bible as a guide to enrich all your relationships How living a Christian life helps you develop spiritual resiliency God's Love Letters reminds us that God doesn't promise an easy life, but He gives us the faith to make it through difficulties. Use this uplifting book-and its abundantly quoted and interpreted scriptures-to help you rise above adversity and develop your own spiritual resilience.

Spirituality in Dark Places explores the spiritual consequences and ethics of modern solitary confinement. Jeffreys emphasizes how solitary confinement damages our spiritual lives, focusing particularly on how it destroys our relationship to time and undermines our creativity. Solitary inmates experience profound temporal dislocation that erodes their personal identities. They are often isolated from music, art, and books, or find their creativity tightly controlled. Informed by experiences with inmates, chaplains, and employees in the Wisconsin Department of Corrections, Jeffreys also evaluates the ethics of solitary confinement, considering but ultimately rejecting the argument that punitive isolation justifiably expresses moral outrage at heinous crimes. Finally, Jeffreys proposes changes in solitary confinement in order to mitigate its profound damage to both prisoners and human dignity at large.

" ... Take advantage of this resource to effectively enhance your ability to exercise faith within life's decisions."
-Anthony L. Johnson PhD, author of To Be Determined Director, Growing Through Life Experiences, Inc., Colleyville, Texas

In Life under Construction, seasoned minister Kenneth Raymond utilizes biblical wisdom to help individuals with high-impact decision-making.

With more than twenty years of experience in faith-based leadership, Kenneth Raymond encourages believers to follow the will of God and the influence of the Holy Spirit to improve decision-making. While portraying the decision-making process utilized to achieve the visions

God provided to role models Adam, Abraham, Joseph, and other biblical figures, Kenneth Raymond teaches Christians how to:
Close the door on negativity by eliminating errors in judgment caused by external influences. Understand how God continues to teach individuals how to employ their gifts and His strategies to reach their destinies. Seize the opportunity to develop new skills for long-term success. Learn how to maximize the power of God's word and the Holy Spirit to overcome obstacles in life. God's desire is that each of us lives our days in prosperity and our years in pleasure. Life under Construction aids the Body of Christ in moving forward in the plans of God by providing real answers to real problems.