The Complete Idiot's Guide to Exploring God


Book Description

Today, with religion being talked about more than ever in the United States, and most Americans professing their belief in God, the time is ripe for an exploration of what God means, and has meant, throughout history. In this fascinating guide, Jeffrey Webb explores humanity's ideas of God, from the days of Pantheism through the Hebrew Scriptures and rabbinic tradition, to Christian Trinity and the New Testament, to the Qur an and God in the Sunni and Shi ite traditions, to present-day metaphysics and beyond. The religion category is hugely successful According to a 2003 Harris Poll, while only a quarter of Americans attend a religious service every week, 79% believe there is a God, and 66% are absolutely certain this is true The unbiased tone and coverage makes this book a perfect primer




The Complete Idiot's Guide to Christianity


Book Description

CIG to Christianityhelps readers define what Christianity is all about, from the roots of Catholicism and the three streams of Protestantism, to "Christianity without borders"-fundamentalism, evangelicalism, the Charismatic movement, and "New Age" Christianity. Whether people are searching for the right Christian church for themselves or seeking to understand the differences between denominations, this book is a fascinating look at where Christianity is right now. How different are Catholic and Eastern Orthodox churches? Lutherans and reformed denominations? Quakers and Mennonites? Can you be a Christian without belonging to a church?




The Complete Idiot's Guide to Understanding Intelligent Design


Book Description

An objective overview of the biggest controversy in American education. Intelligent Design is one of the hottest issues facing parents and educators to day, but it can be hard to separate the facts from the heated rhetoric. This expert and objective guide gets to the bottom of the questions: What is Intelligent Design? Should it replace or complement traditional science? What's all the fuss about? * Explains the terms, the controversy, and the involvement of the American courts * Indispensable guide for concerned educators and parents * Written by an expert in the field




The Complete Idiot's Guide to 20th-century History


Book Description

Provides an overview of the people, events, and ideas that shaped the twentieth century, covering wars and political conflicts, innovations in technology, and the contributions of such great minds as Sigmund Freud and Albert Einstein




The Complete Idiot's Guide to the Book of Revelation


Book Description

You’re no idiot, of course. You’re familiar with the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse and Judgment Day—especially in the wake of the new millennium. However, the Book of Revelation has existed for almost 2,000 years and is open to countless interpretations. Don’t get confused by scholarly analysis and religious dogma! The Complete Idiot’s Guide® to the Book of Revelation shows you how so many meanings are derived from the book’s text. In this Complete Idiot’s Guide®, you get: • Various ways to interpret Revelation and its symbols • A detailed examination of the key elements, including the Seven Seals and the Antichrist • A look at how the Jewish Old Testament and prophecies relate to Revelation




The Complete Idiot's Guide to Mary Magdalene


Book Description

Who was Mary Magdalene, really? Mary Magdalene plays a prominent role in the Bible, but who was she, really? How did her identity change from an intimate friend of Christ to a prostitute? The Complete Idiot's Guide to Mary Magdaleneexplores the woman she was, who she might have been, what we know for a fact, and how the persona of Mary of Magdalene has been interpreted and reinterpreted over the last 2,000 years. " Offers a balanced, easy-to-follow look at a very controversial subject " Includes scriptural references throughout and a quick look-up appendix to track mentions of Mary Magdalene, as well as resources and a chronology




The Complete Idiot's Guide to Communicating with Spirits


Book Description

You’re no idiot, of course. You know life is a journey and that physical birth and death are its points of transition. Many people, across cultures and faiths, believe the spirit lives on—and have experienced contact with the spirits of loved ones who have passed to the higher side. This contact is joyous, comforting, and healing—but you wonder if it’s really real and whether you can share in it, too. Don’t give up the spirit! The Complete Idiot’s Guide® to Communicating with Spirits will show you exactly how to uncover your own mediumistic capabilities and connect with those no longer on the earth plane. In this Complete Idiot’s Guide®, you get: --Tips on how to connect with your personal divine energy through prayer, meditation, and dreams. --Information on the birth of the human soul—as perceived through theological, metaphysical, and spiritual viewpoints. --Exercises to help you develop your mediumistic abilities. --Tangible evidence of the continuity of life as presented through the experiences and spirit drawings of medium Rita S. Berkowitz.




The Complete Idiot's Guide to Understanding Islam, 2nd Edition


Book Description

An up-close and up-to-date look at an often misunderstood faith This completely revised and updated guide explores the tenets of the Qu’ran (a.k.a. Koran), examines the history of the religion and its relationship to Christianity and Judaism, and features an expanded section on the true story behind “jihad.” It explores Islamic views on war and terrorism, including the Muslim perspective on the tragic events of September 11, and the subsequent U.S. presence in both Afghanistan and Iraq. • Excellent sales for the first edition • Islam is the fastest growing religion in America, with more than six million devoted followers • Features an expanded section on women in Islam, including their status within the Taliban, and the Islamic practice of polygamy




The Complete Idiot's Guide to the Middle Ages


Book Description

Shed some light on one of history’s darkest periods. The Complete Idiot’s Guide® to the Middle Ages gives readers the beginning, middle, and end of the era, starting with the fall of the Roman Empire in the year 550 and ending with the Renaissance in 1500—and covers some uncomfortable similarities between the so-called “Dark Ages” and today’s “modern world.” - A fascinating, fact-filled book that delivers more than a thousand years of history in easy-to-understand chapters. - Many AP European History students are urged to read an overview of medieval Europe to aid in their understanding of modern Europe, and a number of high schools have adopted elective courses in medieval history. - Complete with a timeline, a who’s who, and guides to further reading and the Middle Ages in film.




The Complete Idiot's Guide to Evangelical Christianity


Book Description

The word on spreading the word ... The Evangelical Christian movement is the fastest growing segment of American religion with 42% of all Christians in America identifying themselves as Evangelicals. Now, Evangelical Pastor David Cobia shares the genesis, history, and culture of this religion in America with a balanced, accessible tone. He also touches upon the controversies it's spawned regarding such topics as school curriculum, abortion, gay rights, and family structure. Written both for those inside the movement and those wanting to know more, it gives a clear, factual portrait of what this growing Christian movement is all about. --Balanced, positive yet objective tone and presentation of information --Provides a complete history of the movement, details about specific services and rituals, and interviews with Evangelical Christians about their beliefs and lifestyles --Discusses controversial topics and how Evangelical Christians feel about them