Does it make sense - can it make sense - for someone who appreciates the explanatory power of modern science to continue believing in a traditional religious account of the ultimate nature and purpose of our universe? This book is intended for those who care about that question and are dissatisfied with the rigid dichotomies that dominate the contemporary debate. The extremists won't be interested - those who assume that science answers all the questions that matter, and those so certain of their religious faith that dialogue with science, philosophy, or other faith traditions seems unnecessary. But far more people today recognize that matters of faith are complex, that doubt is endemic to belief, and that dialogue is indispensable in our day.
In eight probing chapters, the authors of The Predicament of Belief consider the most urgent reasons for doubting that religious claims - in particular, those embedded in the Christian tradition - are likely to be true. They develop a version of Christian faith that preserves the tradition's core insights but also gauges the varying degrees of certainty with which those insights can still be affirmed. Along the way, they address such questions as the ultimate origin of the universe, the existence of innocent suffering, the challenge of religious plurality, and how to understand the extraordinary claim that an ancient teacher rose from the dead. They end with a discussion of what their conclusions imply about the present state and future structure of churches and other communities in which Christian affirmations are made.

Defending Vedic Dharma: Tackling the Issues to Make a Difference The Vedic culture and its philosophy is one of the most deeply spiritual and all encompassing traditions in the world, and has been a major contributor to philosophical thought and the development of civilization. It does not take that long to understand, but it can take some serious consideration. Until then, there can be some aspects of it that are misunderstood or misinterpreted. Therefore, this book takes some of the issues of the day and describes what they are and the remedies for dealing with them in order to make a difference in how we participate in Vedic culture, how we can make it more effective in our lives, and how it can be perceived in a more positive way. All of this makes a difference in the objectives of preserving, protecting, promoting, and perpetuating the Vedic spiritual path. So this book shows some of the many uplifting and insightful qualities we can find in the Vedic tradition, of which everyone should be aware and can appreciate. Some of the stronger and important issues discussed within include: Why it is important to use the proper vocabulary to express Vedic concepts. Why all religions really are not the same, though many Hindus and gurus like to think they are. Time to wake up to reality. The power of a united Vedic community, and how it could rapidly change things if Hindus actually became more united and worked together. The importance of becoming a Dharmic leader and to do your part, and the danger of Hindu teachers who really do not lead in a way they should. The long-term but realistic cure for the corruption in India. The importance of Vedic temples as centers of sacred knowledge, and why temples should be open to everyone. How and why the Vedic texts say that the knowledge within them must be shared with everyone. The real purpose of the natural Vedic way of social arrangement, but why the present caste system in India should be changed or thrown out completely. An eight point action plan for how Hindus in America can best use the freedoms they have, which often exceed the decreasing freedoms in India, to cultivate their tradition to its fullest extent while they have the means to do so. The clarity with which these and other issues are addressed make this an important book for consideration.

This book provides a summarization of the most essential spiritual knowledge that will give you the key to spiritual awakening. The descriptions will give you greater insights and a new look at who and what you really are as a spiritual being. The idea that we are more than merely these material bodies is pervasive. It is established in every religion and spiritual path in this world. However, many religions only hint at the details of this knowledge, but if we look around we will find that practically the deepest and clearest descriptions of the soul and its characteristics are found in the ancient Vedic texts of India. Herein you will find some of the most insightful spiritual knowledge and wisdom known to mankind. Some of the topics include: How you are more than your body The purpose of life Spiritual ignorance of the soul is the basis of illusion and suffering The path of spiritual realization How the soul is eternal The unbounded nature of the soul What is the Supersoul Attaining direct spiritual perception and experience of our real identity This book will give you a deeper look into the ancient wisdom of India's Vedic, spiritual culture, and the means to recognize your real identity.