In the United States, against the background of secularization, the religious atmospheres have changed radically in the past 40 years. In 1965, President Lyndon Johnson signed the Immigration and Naturalization Act, which opened America's doors to immigrants from all over the world. As a result, approximately one million immigrants legally enter the United States each year and bring with them religions traditions such as Islam, Buddhism, and Hinduism. Catholic Spirituality and Prayer in the Secular City presents the role of religion and spirituality in a rapidly changing religious scenario. Author Robert A. Burns explores ways Catholics have been called upon to develop their spiritual lives in the most religious pluralistic society that has ever existed. Burns acknowledges the struggle that many people face when seeking a deeper spirituality and do not now where or how to begin, and seeks to guide readers through the confusion and back to the meaning of spirituality. This book leads readers through the various approaches taken to achieving a deeper spiritual life by presenting and discussing the religious philosophies of spiritual leaders throughout history. Ultimately, Catholic Spirituality and Prayer in the Secular City provides readers with the ability to see themselves in a proper context by offering a new avenue for deeper spirituality.

This book has its origins in a comparative religions course Burns has taught at the University of Arizona for the past thirty years. Those who have enrolled in the class have come from diverse religious and cultural backgrounds. Whatever the mix, a shared curiosity about Christianity, Judaism, and Islam has always been present. Since the 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, students-as well as the general public-are especially interested in Islam. Like many Americans, they have little or no knowledge of the Islamic religion. This work touches upon the origins and central teachings of the Islamic religion and discusses the commonalties and differences between Islam and Christianity. Throughout the book, Burns poses and answers the kinds of questions most frequently asked by his students. This approach will be helpful to students in comparative religions courses, as well as other individuals interested in the connections between Christianity and Islam. The purpose of this book is to help alleviate the misinformation surrounding Islam and Christianity and to inspire a dialogue between the two religions. Such communication will, the author hopes, help promote justice and peace throughout the world.

In the United States, against the background of secularization, the religious atmospheres have changed radically in the past 40 years. In 1965, President Lyndon Johnson signed the Immigration and Naturalization Act, which opened America's doors to immigrants from all over the world. As a result, approximately one million immigrants legally enter the United States each year and bring with them religions traditions such as Islam, Buddhism, and Hinduism. Catholic Spirituality and Prayer in the Secular City presents the role of religion and spirituality in a rapidly changing religious scenario. Author Robert A. Burns explores ways Catholics have been called upon to develop their spiritual lives in the most religious pluralistic society that has ever existed. Burns acknowledges the struggle that many people face when seeking a deeper spirituality and do not now where or how to begin, and seeks to guide readers through the confusion and back to the meaning of spirituality. This book leads readers through the various approaches taken to achieving a deeper spiritual life by presenting and discussing the religious philosophies of spiritual leaders throughout history. Ultimately, Catholic Spirituality and Prayer in the Secular City provides readers with the ability to see themselves in a proper context by offering a new avenue for deeper spirituality.

The second Vatican Council, which concluded in December 1965, inaugurated a reformation process in the Catholic Church that continues to this day. Grounding his discussion in the documents that came out of Vatican II, Robert Burns addresses four critical questions that face the Church largely as an outcome of this first truly global Church council.

First, Burns presents an overview of the evolving Roman Catholic understanding of Jesus Christ. He follows with an analysis of authority within the Church, a matter of some contention in today's democratic societies, and a discussion of Catholicism as a global church incorporating people and practices from many cultures. Finally, Burns examines the validity of other religions in relation to the Christian claim that salvation through Jesus is unique and final.

A readable introduction for all Catholics interested in learning more about their church, the book includes features such as chapter summaries and study questions that also make it an ideal textbook for undergraduates or parish study.

David Hayman presents this documentary about Scottish poet Robert Burns. Hayman explores Burns' life from his childhood to his rise to fame throughout the nation while a team of experts use forensic technology to create a model of the writer's head to show, with as much accuracy as possible, what he would have really looked like.