Previous studies reveal that religion, despite its ideal of solidarity, hospitality and compassion, has been the primary origin of ethnocentrism. However, other researches dispute this sweeping claim by indicating several other factors that affect this complex relationship. This empirical-theological study is an endeavour to dig deeper into these factors by examining the extent to which a number of religious images which are culled from five religious themes, namely, God, Jesus, Spirit, salvation and church, contribute to ethnocentrism. It situates these religious attitudes within the framework of the Dutch civil religion, and the different reactions to it by contemporary Dutch catholic believers.

With generosity, Fr. Oyafemi has organized for the hearer of the Sacred Word of God a written record that compels us to revisit our conversation with the Triune God. This collection of homilies is a treasure that reminds the reader/ hearer of the many ways that we are afforded to receive what God is always freely giving. In this book there are many blessings to be received, many blessings to share, and a great deal to think about. May the readers be delighted and encouraged to keep on talking with our awesome God. REV. DAVID JONES. PASTOR, ST BENEDICT THE AFRICAN (EAST) ARCHDIOCESE OF CHICAGO In this literary endeavor, Fr. Clem demystifi es the scriptural readings for Sunday Masses and Solemnities throughout the liturgical year "B" and clearly points out their signifi cance to every believer. He illuminates the contextual implications of those readings in concrete historical human conditions. This book is a great companion to help us navigate through life. DR MERCEDES AND DR KEN RUNDLE, MUNSTER, INDIANA

The issue of debt and how it affects our lives is becoming more and more urgent. The "Austerity" model has been the prevalent European economic policies of recent years led by the "German model". Elettra Stimilli draws upon contemporary philosophy, psychology and theology to argue that austerity is built on the idea that we somehow deserve to be punished and need to experience guilt in order to take full account of our economic sins. Following thinkers such as Max Weber, Walter Benjamin and Michel Foucault, Debt and Guilt provides a startling examination of the relationship between contemporary politics and economics and how we structure our inner lives. The first English translation of Debito e Colpa, this book provokes new ways of thinking about how we experience both debt and guilt in contemporary society.

Con toda generosidad, el Padre Oyafemi ha coleccionado para los que escuchan la Sant sima Escritura de Dios, un "record" que nos lleva a recapacitar nuestras conversaciones con el Dios Trino. Esta colecci n de homil as es un gran tesoro, que le recuerda al lector las tantas formas que hay de reconocer que hay que recibir lo que Dios nos da libremente. En este libro, se encuentran muchas bendiciones para recibir, para compartir, y mucho para pensar y meditar. Espero que los lectores se deleiten y se animen a seguir hablando de nuestro Dios maravilloso PADRE DAVID JONES, P rroco -Iglesia San Benedicto el Africano (Este) - Archidi cesis de Chicago. En este esfuerzo literario, el Padre Oyafemi, explica las lecturas de las Misas dominicales y Solemnidades del a o lit rgico "B." El Padre enfoca en el signifi cado para cada creyente; l ilustra el contexto de cada lectura en lo que se refi ere a la condici n humana. Este libro es un gran acompa ante - es una gran ayuda mientras navegamos a lo largo de la vida. DRA. MERCEDES RUNDLE Y DR.KEN RUNDLE. MUNSTER, INDIANA.

This is the first general comprehensive introduction to Manichaeism aimed at a non-specialist and undergraduate readership. This study will be a historical and theological introduction to Manichaeism. It will comprise a biographical treatment of the founder Mani, situating his personality, his writings and his ideas within the Aramaic Christian tradition of third century (CE) Mesopotamia. It will provide a historical treatment of the Manichaean church in late antiquity (250-700 CE), detailing the emergence of Manichaeism in the late Roman and Byzantine empires, in addition to examining the continuation of Manichaean traditions in the eastern world (China) up to the thirteenth century and beyond. The book will consider the theology of Mani's system, with the aim of providing a clear-eyed treatment of the cosmogonic, scriptural and ecclesiological ideas forming its foundations. The study will base its analysis on original Manichaean literary sources, together with rehabilitating the representation of Manichaeism in those writings that polemicised against the religion. The study will aim to demonstrate the highly syncretic nature of Manichaeism, and will look to move forward 'traditional' perceptions of the religion as being simply a form of Christian Gnostic Dualism.

While for the largest part of its history humankind has experienced its daily life in the 'here and now' in terms of a more fundamental, transcendent realm, a significant group of Westerners, in contrast, is living life without any reference to such a transcendent realm. From a Christian perspective, this situation is complicated by the fact that this loss of transcendence occurred in the Christian West. This raises the question of the relation between Christianity and secularization.How did the idea of the "Death of God" come about, where were its origins? Frederiek Depoortere presents a fascinating investigation into the history of the concept of God through Greek philosophy, Mediaeval theology, the Reformation to Early Modern philosophy. He proves that the roots of modern secularism can be traced back to the epistemology of the first metaphysicians of Greek philosophy and the Christian theologians, who developed their concepts further.

Islam is a very mysterious and complex faith, one of intellectual depth in prayer and practice. It is unfortunate that the teachings of Islam have been marred by centuries of intellectual malaise, political misdirection, extremism, and disunity, leaving many spiritual wanderers-both Muslim and non-Muslim-to ponder a plethora of unaddressed questions about these sacred teachings. In his newest book, The Muslim Book of Why: What Everyone Should Know about Islam, author, scholar, and leading jihad theorist Warithudeen Umar highlights the concept of ijtihad in an attempt to help answer many of today's most pressing questions about Islam.

Ijtihad is described as a creative and disciplined intellectual effort to derive legal rulings from Islamic sources while taking into consideration the variables brought on by the fluctuating circumstances of the Muslim world. Though the world has changed and expanded, humanity's need for these teachings viewed through the clarifying concept of ijtihad has not.

To right these wrongs of gross misguidance within Muslim society, we must deconstruct history in order to discern what went wrong after the revelation of the Qur'an was shared with the world. The Muslim Book of Why seeks to do so, refocusing Muslim thought on a life of faith, family development, and worship.

For thousands of years, the Jewish people have endured many atrocities. Some may wonder why the Jewish people have been subjected to this treatment instead of those from other races. In The Sacrificial Lamb, author Joey Kiser explains that God has not forsaken Jewish followers, but instead has named them His chosen people.

Using historical biblical examples, Kiser shares his experience and ideas about the history of the Jewish people and his ideas about Islam and the Christian faith. "The Sacrificial Lamb" shows why the Jewish people were chosen to be sacrificed so the world would not perish-a sacrifice to ward off the Devil's plan to destroy mankind.

"The Sacrificial Lamb" illustrates that now is the time to understand-a time to open the minds and hearts of all of mankind so the truth will lead us all to a better place to create a new world full of love and people caring for one another. It makes way for a world ready for kindness, joy, and understanding so we can live in peace for a thousand years.