Motion Toward Perfection


Book Description

Ten authors follow Priestley's (1733-1804) evolution from Calvinism to Unitarianism.




Moving Past Perfect


Book Description

Perfectionism is about believing that if we can just do something perfectly, other people will love and accept us - and if we can't, we'll never be good enough. That belief is a burden that can negatively affect all areas of a person's life. In this positive, practical book (retitled and updated edition), psychologist Tom Greenspon explains perfectionism, where it comes from, and what parents can do about it. He describes a healing process for transforming perfectionism into healthy living practices and self-acceptance. Parents who want to help their kids move past perfectionism and live happier, healthier lives in which they're free to make mistakes, to learn, and to grow will benefit from this book. In addition, parents who struggle with their own perfectionism - and whose perfectionism takes a toll on the family - will find help for themselves within these pages.




Five Practices of Fruitful Congregations


Book Description

People are searching for a church shaped and sustained by Radical Hospitality, Passionate Worship, Intentional Faith Development, Risk-Taking Mission and Service, and Extravagant Generosity. These fundamental practices are critical to the success of congregations. Their presence and strength demonstrate congregational health, vitality, and fruitfulness. By repeating and improving these practices, churches fulfill their mission to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. Robert Schnase astutely weaves theological insight, practical advice, and exemplary stories into an inspiring book for pastors and laity alike. —L. Gregory Jones, Dean and Professor of Theology, Duke Divinity School Robert Schnase’s words are thoughtful, provocative, and challenging. Any congregation will find encouragement and insight to deepen faithfulness and multiply fruitfulness. —Lovett H. Weems, Jr., Distinguished Professor of Church Leadership, Wesley Theological Seminary Stimulating. Challenging. Uniquely helpful. Bishop Schnase gives us powerful language, rich examples, and practical suggestions for fulfilling the mission God gives us. —Janice Riggle Huie, Bishop of the Texas Conference of The United Methodist Church




The Month


Book Description







The Spiritual Works of Leo Tolstoy: A Confession, The Kingdom of God is Within You, What I Believe, Christianity and Patriotism, Reason and Religion, The Gospel in Brief and more


Book Description

In 'The Spiritual Works of Leo Tolstoy', readers are invited to explore the profound insights of one of the greatest Russian writers and thinkers of all time. This collection includes 'A Confession', 'The Kingdom of God is Within You', 'What I Believe', 'Christianity and Patriotism', 'Reason and Religion', and 'The Gospel in Brief', among others. Tolstoy's literary style is characterized by a sincere and contemplative approach to spiritual and philosophical questions, making this compilation a rich and thought-provoking read. The timeless themes of morality, faith, and the search for meaning in life are central to Tolstoy's writings, providing readers with a window into the author's innermost thoughts and beliefs. Leo Tolstoy, a prominent figure in Russian literature, was deeply influenced by his own spiritual journey and philosophical inquiries. His works often reflect his personal struggles with faith and his evolving views on religion, morality, and society. Tolstoy's commitment to social justice and his critique of institutionalized religion are evident throughout this collection, showcasing his reputation as a moral and intellectual leader of his time. I recommend 'The Spiritual Works of Leo Tolstoy' to readers interested in exploring the intersection of literature, philosophy, and spirituality. This compilation offers a unique opportunity to engage with Tolstoy's profound reflections on life's fundamental questions, making it a valuable addition to any scholar's library.




What Is a Number?


Book Description

Mysticism, number, and geometry : an introduction to Pythagoreanism -- The Elgin Marbles and Plato's geometric chemistry -- An introduction to infinity -- The flat Earth and the spherical sky -- Theology, logic, and questions about angels -- Time, infinity, and incommensurability -- Medieval theories of vision and the discovery of space -- The shape of space and the fourth dimension -- What is a number? -- The dual nature of points and lines -- Modern mathematical infinity -- Elegance and truth.




Blessing of the Animals


Book Description

Come into the Cathedral of the Earth to worship and to... find out how "swarm intelligence" is creating smarter phone systems inspired by the creativity and collective wisdom of the common ant; discover what happens when a visionary artist travels to Africa to bury the portraits of 23 primates who died in a Philadelphia zoo; ponder how cultures as diverse as the Cherokee, Chinese, Egyptians, and ancient Hindus identified the night's brightest star with a canine spirit guide; explore how meditation practice helps a Buddhist beekeeper fend off a disease that threatens most of the world's honeybees. These true stories and many more will make you laugh, weep, and marvel at the amazing creatures who share our planet, from the earthworm to the elephant, all in Blessings of the Animals.




After the Good News


Book Description

Progressive faith is at a crossroads. Liberal pulpits ring with grand sermons about the arc that bends toward justice, and about progress “onward and upward forever.” Meanwhile, the people in the pews struggle to attend to the suffering of their souls and the tragic aspects of life. In this engaging polemic, using stories and metaphor, Nancy McDonald Ladd issues a call for change. Speaking from a rising generation of clergy and lay leaders who formed their commitments to liberal religion at the end of the optimistic modernist age, she shows how the religious life is not characterized by endless human advancement, but by lurching movement, crisis-management, and pain. With humor and humanity, Ladd calls religious progressives to greater authenticity and truth-telling rather than blind optimism. She charts a course forward that includes reclaiming rituals of atonement and lament, and becoming more vulnerable and accountable in our relationships. She shows how, together, we might build a necessary and greater resilience among ourselves and for the generations to come.




Divine Simplicity and the Triune Identity


Book Description

There has been a recent revival of interest in the doctrine of divine simplicity in systematic and philosophical theology, following decades of intense reflection on the tri-personhood of the Christian God. While recent studies have produced a greater appreciation of patristic and scholastic theologies, they have not yet engaged in dialogue with proponents of the trinitarian revival that emerged in the latter half of the twentieth century in anything other than polemical terms. This book offers a theological defense of the doctrine of divine simplicity through careful reading of both exemplary historical theologians and Robert W. Jenson, an important American contributor to the trinitarian revival. After tracing continuities and discontinuities amongst select historical theologians, the book approaches Jenson with a multivalent account of divine simplicity. The result is a more nuanced interpretation of Jenson’s theology, an account of divine simplicity that responds to perceived problems, and new constructive proposals for divine simplicity in trinitarian theology.