World-changers. Rebels. Rejecters of the status quo. Throughout history, Christians were never meant to have a safe faith. Highlighting 50 people throughout the millennia, this book is a compilation of faith, facts, and art that celebrates the faith lives of spiritual giants and inspires you to grow in your own personal faith. Dangerous Faith is a collection of essays and inspiration about Christians who have changed the world. This four-color gift book features: the exploration of 50 diverse heroes of the Christian faith, including historical figures, cultural icons, political leaders, saints, and martyrs biographical information on the 50 people featured, including Coretta Scott King and Susan B. Anthony portraiture art and an easy-to-follow layout a presentation page for gifting and a ribbon marker This valuable resource is perfect for: men and women interested in learning more about the Christian faith, church history, and spiritual discipline homeschooling families or parents wanting to teach their children about historical Christianity a baptism gift or welcome gift for new church members gifting to loved ones who enjoy biographies and history Be inspired by spiritual heroes from many eras in history up to today and make their strength your own. If you enjoy this book, check out Dangerous Prayers.

St. Maximilian Kolbe is famous as the saint of Auschwitz who volunteered to die of starvation and thirst in place of another prisoner. But his heroic death in 1941 in the worst of the Nazi concentration camps was only the culmination of an amazing life-for St. Maximilian was fired by the supernatural ideal of conquering for Christ through Mary all souls in the entire world-to the end of time Full of interesting stories, this little book describes his mischievous boyhood, his youthful prophetic vision of two crowns, his dream of martyrdom, his use of modern printing technology to further Our Lady's work, his agreement with St. Therese the Little Flower, his "Cities of the Immaculata" (the one in Poland grew from 19 members to 762 and was the largest religious community in the world), his knowledge that he was fighting Satan, and his prison abuse for being a Catholic priest. Saint Maximilian Kolbe-Knight of the Immaculata shows the amazing deeds which Our Lady will accomplish through a person who consecrates himself to her. It is a book to inspire many more Catholics to consecrate themselves to Mary Immaculate-confident that through them too she will do great things

A major new account of the most intensely creative years of Luther's career The Making of Martin Luther takes a provocative look at the intellectual emergence of one of the most original and influential minds of the sixteenth century. Richard Rex traces how, in a concentrated burst of creative energy in the few years surrounding his excommunication by Pope Leo X in 1521, this lecturer at an obscure German university developed a startling new interpretation of the Christian faith that brought to an end the dominance of the Catholic Church in Europe. Luther's personal psychology and cultural context played their parts in the whirlwind of change he unleashed. But for the man himself, it was always about the ideas, the truth, and the Gospel. Focusing on the most intensely important years of Luther's career, Rex teases out the threads of his often paradoxical and counterintuitive ideas from the tangled thickets of his writings, explaining their significance, their interconnections, and the astonishing appeal they so rapidly developed. Yet Rex also sets these ideas firmly in the context of Luther's personal life, the cultural landscape that shaped him, and the traditions of medieval Catholic thought from which his ideas burst forth. Lucidly argued and elegantly written, The Making of Martin Luther is a splendid work of intellectual history that renders Luther's earthshaking yet sometimes challenging ideas accessible to a new generation of readers.

A Stirring Memoir on Parenthood and the Invisible Threads that Bind Us to Those We Are Meant to Love

The obstacles, surprises, and moments of grace that Jennifer Grant experienced, working through the adoption process to bring home her daughter from Guatemala, forever changed her life.

"Love You More" tells Grant's deeply personal story of adopting her daughter, Mia. The process confronted her notions about what family means, pushed her into uncomfortable places, and--despite the waiting, adjustments, and challenges of a blended family--brought abiding joy.

Written for all parents but especially those interested in adoption, "Love You More" includes discussion questions, tips for prospective adoptive parents, and suggestions for readers on how to reach out in love and support for the world's most vulnerable people, including orphans.

"From page one of her courageously vulnerable, intoxicatingly funny memoir about faith and family, Jennifer Grant finds the God of grace in each pot of macaroni and cheese, sticky little hand, doctor's visit, late-night lawn mowing, and unlikely friend-turned-family-member that decorate her life."--Cathleen Falsani, author, "Sin Boldly"

"So much written about adoption seems to overlook this essential truth: adoption is about love. Jennifer Grant's story demonstrates this in every sentence and paragraph and on every page. She tells a story that is smart, funny, and brutally honest."--Jessica O'Dwyer, author, "Mamalita"

Ruth Blau: A Life of Paradox and Purpose explores the life of a curious, if not mysterious, character in modern Jewish history. Born a French Catholic, Ruth Blau (Ben-David) (1920–2000) lived a constantly twisting life. During World War II, Blau was active in the French Resistance, and under their command, she joined the Gestapo as a double agent. After the war, she studied philosophy as a PhD candidate at the Sorbonne during the 1950s. After converting to Judaism and moving to Israel in 1960, Blau was involved in concealing Yossele Schumacher, a seven-year-old child, as part of a militant conflict between ultra-Orthodox and secular Jews in Israel. In 1965, despite a huge scandal, she married Amram Blau, head of the anti-Zionist ultra-Orthodox Neturei Karta. After the death of her husband in 1973, Blau took upon herself to travel to Arab countries to help the Jewish communities in distress in Lebanon and Iran, where she met Yasser Arafat, head of the Palestinian Liberation Organization, and his deputy Abu Jihad. But the most significant connections she made were in Iran. In 1979, she met with the leader of the Iranian revolution, Ayatollah Khomeini. Ruth Blau: A Life of Paradox and Purpose represents the first full-length biography of this remarkable woman. Drawing on a trove of archival materials and interviews with those who knew Ruth, Motti Inbari offers a complex, multifaceted portrait of a woman undertaking a remarkable and influential journey through modern European and Middle Eastern history.

Hungry Heart Roaming meanders between two 'in-between' places. It leaves one beach at the turn of the tide, and a young boy with his grandmother, and ends with a grandfather with another young boy, when the tide begins to make, on another beach. In between it wanders through a lost and perhaps more hopeful Europe before finally coming to brief peace in the knowledge of a longer journey still to be made, and a recognition that to know is uncertain and to understand can only be partial. Remembering with affection the ignorant and thoughtless visions of youth, the journey maps the loss of innocence and its replacement (perhaps) by something like understanding, and acceptance.

This beautifully produced commemorative edition includes an account of the book's original publication by Merton's editor, Robert Giroux, an Introduction by Merton's biographer, Father William Shannon, and Merton's own Introduction to the Japanese edition.

"A wealthy Irish girl rescuing children in India? An English maid preaching the gospel in China? An American pilot serving missionaries in Ecuador? Christian Heroes" Then & Now chronicles the exciting, challenging, and deeply touching true stories of ordinary men and women whose trust in God accomplished extraordinary exploits for His kingdom and glory. These easy-to-read biographies are perfect for ages 10 to 100! Famous cricket player C.T. Studd (1860-1931) pioneered mission work in the interior of Africa.

How much can one man do to influence the world for Christ? How do we begin to measure the worth of his work? In this documentary, evangelism scholar Lewis Drummond examines the Billy Graham ministry phenomenon of the last half of the 20th Century-spiritually, culturally, and historically. As a personal friend and student of the Graham family, Drummond has compiled a book that is a great resource for any student, pastor, or layperson seeking a better understanding of the Graham ministry.

In this enlightening biography, Joseph Telushkin offers a captivating portrait of the late Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, a towering figure who saw beyond conventional boundaries to turn his movement, Chabad-Lubavitch, into one of the most dynamic and widespread organizations ever seen in the Jewish world. At once an incisive work of history and a compendium of Rabbi Schneerson's teachings, Rebbe is the definitive guide to understanding one of the most vital, intriguing figures of the last centuries.

From his modest headquarters in Crown Heights, Brooklyn, the Rebbe advised some of the world's greatest leaders and shaped matters of state and society. Statesmen and artists as diverse as Ronald Reagan, Robert F. Kennedy, Yitzchak Rabin, Menachem Begin, Elie Wiesel, and Bob Dylan span the spectrum of those who sought his counsel. The Rebbe was the only rabbi ever to receive the Congressional Gold Medal, and to have an American national day, Education and Sharing Day, proclaimed in his honor. No one has succeeded him in his position. Nevertheless, twenty years after his death, his movement has doubled in size, spreading to more than eighty countries, and his impact resonates still. But what was the secret of the Rebbe's success and influence? What principles of leadership guided him? And how did he rally such extraordinary devotion and resolve?

Rebbe explores Schneerson's overarching philosophies against the backdrop of treacherous history, revealing his clandestine operations to rescue and sustain Jews in the Soviet Union, and his critical role in the expansion of the food stamp program throughout the United States. More broadly, it examines how he became in effect an ambassador for Jews globally, and how he came to be viewed by many as not only a spiritual archetype but a savior. Telushkin also delves deep into the more controversial aspects of the Rebbe's leadership, analyzing his views on modern science and territorial compromise in Israel, and how in the last years of his life, many of his followers believed that he would soon be revealed as the Messiah, a source of contention until this day.

Epic, intimate, and masterfully told, Rebbe is the definitive work on a monumental and multifaceted leader, written by one of today's most prominent and respected Jewish scholars.

Here is a powerful story of a 20th century slave who rose to the rank of mayor and the young man whose life he touched. Like Tuesdays with Morrie, in which Mitch Albom gleans wisdom from his mentor, Finding the Good is the story of Fred Montgomery and his influence on Lucas Johnson, a young reporter who learns of the transforming power of faith and love. Fred Montgomery, the son of sharecroppers in west Tennessee, and boyhood friend of Alex Haley, grew up in poverty, but had a faith and confidence instilled in him by his parents. Always at the mercy of white people, Fred worked hard and acquired his own farm in spite of opposition from his white neighbors. After losing two of his sons in separate drowning accidents, Fred tried twice to commit suicide. Bitter from years of frustration brought upon him by whites, Fred's attitude was changed by the sympathy and love shown to him by his neighbors, white and black alike. In 1988 he proved that faith and love can prevail by becoming the first black mayor of the once strongly segregated Henning, Tennessee. While telling this story, the author shows glimpses of his own life, in which many of his relatives, including his own father, succumbed to the lure of alcohol and drugs. Lucas Johnson lost all hope. He had no faith; he had no love. "Years have passed," he concludes," since I first met Fred Montgomery. . . . I'm a better person because of him. His life . . . gave me a credible blueprint on how to deal with life's problems and even grow stronger from them."

Both Bob and Brian Griese have led their teams through an undefeated season. But this biography explores a more significant meaning to living in victory. Both father and son have emerged bruised and battered but undefeated from some of life's toughest battles. In 1988, Bob Griese lost his wife and Brian lost his mother, Judi, after a five-year battle with cancer. When Bob made a decision to be a full-time dad to 12-year-old Brian, their shared grief, values, and commitment became the cornerstone of a very special father-son bond. "Undefeated" has all the makings of a dramatic, inspirational sports bestseller in the tradition of Dave Dravecky's "Comeback."

Shirley describes her family, and their early struggles, the trials and tribulations she went through during the Civil Rights movement, her early singing career, and her callilng to become a pastor and concert performer. With a combination of music, ministry, and the message in all of her performances, all who hear her know that she listens to God every step of the way. Shirley introduces each chapter of The Lady, the Melody, and the Word with just that: the melody (lyrics to her inspiring songs) and the word (Scriptures that have inspired her), and along the way she will introduce you to her own inspiring story.

""During my boxing career, you did not see the real Muhammad Ali. You just saw a little boxing. You saw only a part of me. After I retired from boxing my true work began. I have embarked on a journey of love.""
So Muhammad Ali begins this spiritual memoir, his description of the values that have shaped and sustained him and that continue to guide his life. In "The Soul of a Butterfly" the great champion takes readers on a spiritual journey through the seasons of life, from childhood to the present, and shares the beliefs that have served him well.
After fighting some of the fiercest bouts in boxing history against Joe Frazier and George Foreman, today Muhammad Ali faces his most powerful foe -- outside the boxing ring. Like many people, he battles an illness that limits his physical abilities, but as he says, "I have gained more than I have lost....I have never had a more powerful voice than I have now." Ali reflects on his faith in God and the strength it gave him during his greatest challenge, when he lost the prime years of his boxing career because he would not compromise his beliefs. He describes how his study of true Islam has helped him accept the changes in his life and has brought him to a greater awareness of life's true purpose. As a United Nations "Messenger of Peace," he has traveled widely, and he describes his 2002 mission to Afghanistan to heighten public awareness of that country's desperate situation, as well as his more recent meeting with the Dalai Lama.
Ali's reflections on topics ranging from moral courage to belief in God to respect for those who differ from us will inspire and enlighten all who read them. Written with the assistance of his daughter Hana, "The Soul of a Butterfly" is a compassionate and heartfelt book that will provide comfort for our troubled times.

Ellos debian realizar algo que desafiaba todo su coraje. Debian ganar una batalla que habria de minar las fuerzas de los mas osados. Sin embargo, ellos aceptaron el desafio.. Editorial Vida, presenta en esta edicion de 'Biografias de Grandes Cristianos' en forma breve, las biografias simplificadas de algunos de los mas destacados personajes de la Iglesia de Cristo, del siglo pasado y principios del presente. Muchos se preguntan a que se puede atribuir el increible exito de siervos de Dios como Lutero, Bunyan, Wesley, Whitefield, Finney, Carey, Judson, y tantos otros. Ciertamente ni a sus talentos ni a su fuerza de voluntad. El verdadero misterio de la grandeza de los grandes cristianos ha sido, y es, la oracion. Para aquellos que andan con Dios en oracion, como anduvieron ellos, no hay en esto ningun misterio. Y para todos, la vida de esos hombres tiene mucho de atrayente; sus biografias nos inspiran y nos demuestran que la victoria del cristiano depende de la oracion."

""Many of my ardent admirers would be roundly shocked and disturbed if they realized that everything I believe is thoroughly moral, thoroughly Catholic, and that it is these beliefs that give my work its chief characteristics.""

--Flannery O'Connor

Flannery O'Connor's work has been described as "profane, blasphemous, and outrageous." Her stories are peopled by a sordid caravan of murderers and thieves, prostitutes and bigots whose lives are punctuated by horror and sudden violence. But perhaps the most shocking thing about Flannery O'Connor's fiction is the fact that it is shaped by a thoroughly Christian vision. If the world she depicts is dark and terrifying, it is also the place where grace makes itself known. Her world--our world--is the stage whereon the divine comedy plays out; the freakishness and violence in O'Connor's stories, so often mistaken for a kind of misanthropy or even nihilism, turn out to be a call to mercy.

In this biography, Jonathan Rogers gets at the heart of O'Connor's work. He follows the roots of her fervent Catholicism and traces the outlines of a life marked by illness and suffering, but ultimately defined by an irrepressible joy and even hilarity. In her stories, and in her life story, Flannery O'Connor extends a hand in the dark, warning and reassuring us of the terrible speed of mercy.

It was an outlawed book, a text so dangerous "it could only be countered by the most vicious burnings, of books and men and women." But what book could incite such violence and bloodshed? The year is 1526. It is the age of Henry VIII and his tragic Anne Boleyn, of Martin Luther and Thomas More. The times are treacherous. The Catholic Church controls almost every aspect of English life, including access to the very Word of God. And the church will do anything to keep it that way.

Enter William Tyndale, the gifted, courageous "heretic" who dared translate the Word of God into English. He worked in secret, in exile, in peril, always on the move. Neither England nor the English language would ever be the same again.

With thoughtful clarity and a reverence that comes through on every page, David Teems shares a story of intrigue and atrocity, betrayal and perseverance. This is how the Reformation officially reached English shores--and what it cost the men who brought it there.

Praise for David Teems' previous work "Majestie"""

"Teems . . . pulls together the story of this enigmatic king James] with humor and pathos . . . A] delightful read in every way." --PUBLISHERS WEEKLY

Finally available in English, this fascinating biography covers the entire life of the visionary and messenger of the Immaculate Conception. The saint of Lourdes, France, Bernadette spoke the very words of the Virgin Mary, teaching of the merits of prayer, penance and poverty. With over 100 photographs, this factual biography reads like a novel.

2017 marks the 200th anniversary of the death of Jane Austen, whose six completed novels have never been out of print. Best known for her novels, 'Sense and Sensibility', 'Pride and Prejudice', 'Mansfield Park', and 'Emma', first published anonymously, Jane commented, critiqued and illuminated the life of the English upper classes. But did Jane's writings highlight anything about her own spirituality? In this celebratory book, Paula Hollingsworth explores Jane Austen's gentle but strong faith and the effect it had both on her life and her writing. Drawing on Jane's life story, her letters, her friendships, her books and the characters portrayed, Paula shows the depth of Jane Austen's spirituality.

Eric Liddell, the Scottish 400m Olympic champion from the 1924 Olympic Games in Paris was immortalized in the Oscar-winning film Chariots of Fire. His refusal to race on a Sunday is now legendary. His story, however, goes far beyond the restrictions of a 2-hour movie. This vivid biography recounts the highs and lows of Liddell's athletics career, and uncovers his life after the Olympics as a missionary, and internment camp prisoner, in war-torn China. Drawing upon interviews with Liddell's surviving family and friends, Julian Wilson brings Eric to life through fascinating anecdotes, reminiscences, extracts from his letters and rare photographs. Discover the secret behind Eric Liddell's enduring legacy - the complete surrender of his life to God.

HarperCollins is proud to present its incredible range of best-loved, essential classics. Confessions describes Saint Augustine's conversion to Christianity and is the basis for his reputation as one of Christianity's most influential thinkers.