The Battle for Middle-earth


Book Description

Fleming Rutledge discovers the deeper religious meaning behind Tolkien's masterpiece.




Signs, Superstitions, and God's Plan


Book Description

“Brian Schmisek weaves together contemporary experience and writings with those of Greco-Roman classical antiquity. What a delight to discover the long arc of the quest for meaning in our beleaguered world. I found it comforting, challenging, and insightful. An interesting read in turbulent times.” —Sr. Simone Campbell, SSS, advocate, former leader of Nuns on the Bus, award-winning author of Hunger for Hope “In Signs, Superstitions, and God’s Plan, Brian Schmisek weaves together scripture, the classics, and modern thought in exploring the ways we have sought to give meaning to our lives, from entrails to religious faith to the stars in the sky. This scholarly but accessible book inspires the reader to consider how events in life unfold, and the meaning of her own life.” —Catherine Wolff, author, Beyond: How Humankind Thinks About Heaven “An indispensable resource for all of us who accompany others in developing the habitus of discernment and decision making, particularly theologians, transformational leaders, pastoral ministers, and educators who engage in reflective practice.” —Faustino M. Cruz; dean and professor of practical theology, Fordham University Graduate School of Religion “In Signs, Superstitions, and God’s Plan, Brian Schmisek displays the full panorama of his rich academic scholarship. With impressive credentials in philosophy, classical studies, and theology, he provides his readers with both wide-ranging examples of common and also some not-so-common human attempts to explain aspects of life on earth that baffle our understanding, frustrate our intentions, and leave us grasping for explanations.” —Frank Lazarus, president emeritus, University of Dallas Brian Schmisek is an award-winning author. He has had a distinguished career in Catholic higher education, most recently as provost and dean of faculties at St. Mary’s University of Minnesota. He was also dean at Loyola University Chicago and the University of Dallas.




Divine Inspirations


Book Description

Is a big fire not born out of just a small spark? Small sparks have the potential to turn into huge flames of fire, which have the dynamic ability to grow into an inferno that cannot be extinguished. Such is the power inherent in the potential of the human spirit, thoughts, ideas, gifts, and talents. Therefore, do not consider your thoughts, ideas, gifts, and talents insignificant to the ever-growing and emerging needs of humanity. Life is an ongoing research project. It is an odyssey of seeking knowledge of the sacred secrets and mysteries of our divinity and humanity. We are all involved in this collective and collaborative effort and venture of the enduring human spirit and enterprise of searching and researching for truths for the benefit of all.




God


Book Description

An inspired and impassioned historical examination of humanity's search for the divine From Plato to Wittgenstein and religions from Judaism to the Hindu tradition, interspersed with divine influences from Classical Greece, Romantic poetry, and the occasional scene from 'Alien', ‘God: A Guide for the Perplexed’ charts the path of humanity's great spiritual odyssey: the search for God. Leading the way through this minefield is acclaimed philosopher-theologian Keith Ward, blending the sublime and the eclectic in a narrative which offers wit, erudition and moments of genuine pathos. As a survey of the different manifestations of God through the centuries, and an examination of humanity's search for the divine, this is an engaging and informative book. As a deeply moving testament to our endless capacity for spiritual hope, it is compulsive reading for anyone interested in, or embarking on, the great quest for meaning. ‘A lively and very clearly written discussion summarizing and criticizing the thoughts of many significant thinkers.’ Times Literary Supplement ‘Wry but delightfully non-ironic, intelligent and clear, this book is a blessing. ‘ Publishers Weekly ‘Highly informed, witty and immensely accessible. One of the most congenial, lively and informative introductions to this field.’ Alister McGrath, Professor of Historical Theology, Oxford University




Baxter's Explore the Book


Book Description

Explore the Book is not a commentary with verse-by-verse annotations. Neither is it just a series of analyses and outlines. Rather, it is a complete Bible survey course. No one can finish this series of studies and remain unchanged. The reader will receive lifelong benefit and be enriched by these practical and understandable studies. Exposition, commentary, and practical application of the meaning and message of the Bible will be found throughout this giant volume. Bible students without any background in Bible study will find this book of immense help as will those who have spent much time studying the Scriptures, including pastors and teachers. Explore the Book is the result and culmination of a lifetime of dedicated Bible study and exposition on the part of Dr. Baxter. It shows throughout a deep awareness and appreciation of the grand themes of the gospel, as found from the opening book of the Bible through Revelation.




Spiritual Diversity in Social Work Practice


Book Description

Weaving together interdisciplinary theory and research, as well as the results from a national survey of practitioners, the authors describe a spiritually oriented model for practice that places clients' challenges and goals within the context of their deepest meanings and highest aspirations. Using richly detailed case examples and thought-provoking activities, this highly accessible text illustrates the professional values and ethical principles that guide spiritually sensitive practice. It presents definitions and conceptual models of spirituality and religion; draws connections between spiritual diversity and cultural, gender, and sexual orientation diversity; and offers insights from Buddhism, Christianity, Confucianism, Hinduism, Indigenous religions, Islam, Judaism, Existentialism, and Transpersonal theory. Eminently practical, it guides professionals in understanding and assessing spiritual development and related mental health issues and outlines techniques that support transformation and resilience, such as meditation, mindfulness, ritual, forgiveness, and engagement of individual and community-based spiritual support systems.




Explorations of Genesis: Unveiling Spiritual Dimensions (Verse 1.1 to Verse 4.6)


Book Description

The verses are explained in terms of - Catholic Tradition 2. Orthodox Tradition 3. Protestantism,4. Evangelicalism,5. Liberal Christianity, 6. Fundamentalism. 7. Esoteric Christianity,8. Gnosticism, 9. Hermeticism, 10. Christian Kabbalah 11. Rosicrucianism, 12. Anthroposophy, 13. Christian Mysticism. "Explorations of Genesis: Unveiling Spiritual Dimensions" takes readers on a profound journey into the depths of the biblical Book of Genesis. Through a multifaceted exploration, this book delves into the spiritual richness of Genesis, offering interpretations and insights from a diverse range of religious and mystical traditions. From the creation of the universe to the stories of Adam and Eve, Cain and Abel, and beyond, this book uncovers hidden meanings and unveils the spiritual truths embedded within these ancient narratives. Whether you approach Genesis from a religious, spiritual, or philosophical perspective, this book invites you to explore the profound depths of this foundational text and discover the timeless wisdom that continues to resonate with humanity. Embark on a transformative journey of self-discovery and spiritual exploration as you unveil the spiritual dimensions of Genesis in a way you've never experienced before."




Sorrow and Blood


Book Description

On behalf of the WEA Mission Commission, William Carey Library is pleased to launch a landmark anthology and resource. This is a new publication in the Globalization of Mission series, Sorrow & Blood: Christian Mission in Contexts of Suffering, Persecution, and Martyrdom. The editorial team of William Taylor (USA), Tonica van der Meer (Brazil), and Reg Reimer (Canada) worked over four years to compile this unique resource anthology. This book is the product of the Mission Commission's global missiology task force and a worldwide team of committed colleagues and writers. Some 62 writers from 23 nations have collaborated to generate this unique global resource and anthology. Ajith Fernando of Sri Lanka and Christopher Wright of the UK each wrote prefaces to the book This latest WEA volume has the potential of profoundly shaping our approach to mission in today’s challenging and increasingly dangerous world.




Our Spiritual DNA


Book Description

• Investigates the roles, energies, and essence of 12 Ascended Masters and how each of them holds a strand of our spiritual DNA • Traces the reincarnations of Ascended Masters Mother Mary and St. Germain through history, depicting the positive and shadow aspects of their archetypal energies • Offers charts that allow you to find out which Ascended Master you relate to and thus discover your own direct connection to the Divine DO YOU KNOW what Imhotep, Homer, and Nikola Tesla have in common? All three are said to be influential incarnations of Ascended Master St. Germain. How can we tell? Guided by renowned mystics, Carmel Niland suggests that, just as we carry physical DNA that shapes us across generations, we also carry an energetic code or spiritual DNA that links us back to the very source of our origins -- God -- a divine ancestry that throughout the centuries conveys itself in patterns of behavior, character traits, and life purpose, connecting each individual to a specific Ascended Master. The God essence expresses itself through archetypal energies in us, represented by 12 Ascended Masters who hold the 12 strands of our spiritual DNA. Thus, every person on this earth, no matter how ordinary or extraordinary, is an aspect of one of these Masters. Focusing on Mother Mary and St. Germain, Our Spiritual DNA explores the role, energies, and essence of these 12 Masters by examining some of history’s most important figures who have been instrumental in shaping our world. Hitherto unknown details about the lives of personalities like Queen Nefertiti, Julius Caesar, Cleopatra, Merlin, Isabelle of Castile, and Dante emerge in channeled conversations with the author’s spiritual guide, The Gatekeeper. Revolutionizing the Western view of reincarnation, this astounding book allows you to trace your own spiritual DNA through the reincarnations of the Ascended Masters, understand your spiritual and genetic connection to God, and realize that we are all divinely connected across gender, race, and time.