Religion

Long after ordination in 1963, John Main discovered that the form of prayer advocated by the swami already existed within the mainstream of Western Christianity but had fallen into disuse. From then on, he was to devote his life to restoring this form of Christian meditation to its rightful place within the Church. His work began with the foundation of a meditation centre at Ealing Abbey in London and led, some years later, to the foundation of the Benedictine Priory of Montreal and the establishment of a worldwide spiritual family linked through the daily practice of meditation. Neil McKenty paints an attractive portrait of this compelling Irish monk whose teaching and writing on meditation were to transform the lives of thousands of men and women.

Almost every day for 35 years, Arthur Stace spent hours writing a single word - Eternity - on and around the streets of Sydney. Sometimes his mission took him much further afield, to country New South Wales and even to Melbourne.Stace's identity was a mystery for more than two decades. Then, after his 'unmasking' in 1956, he became a reluctant folk hero. By the time he died, in 1967, his was a household name and the word Eternity was ingrained in the soul of Sydney. It still is.In this long-awaited biography, the full story of Arthur Stace's life is told for the first time in vivid and often surprising detail. Drawing upon many original sources, some never before made public, this book will engross Christians and non-believers alike - anyone who loves a great Australian story.

This classic work of Reformed theology is the second of four volumes now available in English.

This translation presents the Analects in a revolutionary new format that, for the first time in any language, distinguishes the original words of the Master from the later sayings of his disciples and their followers, enabling readers to experience China's most influential philosophical work in its true historical, social, and political context.

The powerful combination of the perennial wisdom of Tao and Osho's insightful and inspirational interpretation makes this a true gem of a book - which will appeal not only to Osho's numerous followers, but also to the increasing number of people who are interested in the wisdom of Tao. Although previously little known, this is one of Osho's classics. He brings his unique perception to the world of Tao, and offers his penetrating and illuminating comments on these original sutras. As always, his inspirational anecdotes and stories illustrate the points he makes - about the spiritual search, love, acceptance and true peace and happiness. With wonderfully irreverent humour, Osho sets out to pierce our disguises, shatter our illusions, cure our addictions and demonstrate the self-limiting and often tragic folly of taking ourselves too seriously.

One of the key tenets of the Zen school of Mahayana Buddhism is that each one of us is already a Buddhaour enlightenment is inherent within us, and the practice of mindfulness is the tool to bring this truth to our full awareness. While it can bring much relief, this simple statement does not preclude the need for practice. We must strive to always be aware of our Buddha nature, rather than waiting until times of emotional upheaval when it is more difficult to practice. Thich Nhat Hanh uses the teachings of ninth century Zen Master Linji to elaborate on this simple truth and to give readers tools that can help awaken them to their true inner nature. Linji's recorded teachings are the most significant we have from the Ch'an school.One of the unique aspects of Linji's teaching, is the need to "e;wake ourselves up,"e; not only by means of sitting meditation and listening to enlightened teachings, but also through unique techniques such as the shout, the stick, and the empty fist. Master Linji emphasized direct experience of our true nature over intellectual explorations of the teachings, and he encouraged his students to not "e;become lost in the knowledge or the concepts of the teaching."e;Powerful, direct, and uncompromising, Thich Nhat Hanh's reflections on the teachings of Master Linji are destined to become classic Buddhist writings.

During the German occupation of Rome from 1942 to 1944, Monsignor Hugh O'Flaherty ran an escape organisation for Allied POWs and civilians, including Jews. Safe within the Vatican state, he regularly ventured out in disguise to continue his mission, which earned him the nickname 'the Pimpernel of the Vatican'. Kappler, the Gestapo chief in Rome, ordered him captured or killed. When the Allies entered Rome, Monsignor O'Flaherty and his colleagues had saved over 6,500 lives.

The magnetism a man feels when he sees a woman's body, that sensual urge, the surge of adrenaline, dopamine, and endorphins, isn't only given for a man's gratification, but to be channeled by a man to love his wife. In this ground-breaking eBook, Bill Perkins identifies eight reasons why men are attracted to a woman's beauty. But he goes much further. Each answer to the question, why do naked women look so good, also reveals a woman's fundamental need and helps a man know how to meet that need. By identifying eight vital needs of a woman, and showing a husband how to meet them, Perkins provides guidance to help a man become irresistible to his wife and for living more creatively and sensitively. Chapters are organized into three parts for easy reference. The first part provides one reason why naked women look so good. The second part identifies what need this reveals in a man's wife. And in the third part, simple steps are provided to help a man love his wife in a way that strengthens her self-image, builds her confidence and allows her to more freely give herself to her husband.

This first collection of Judith Plaskow's essays and short writings traces her scholarly and personal journey from her early days as a graduate student through her pioneering contributions to both feminist theology and Jewish feminism to her recent work in sexual ethics.Accessibly organized into four sections, the collection begins with several of Plaskow's foundational essays on feminist theology, including one previously unavailable in English. Section II addresses her nuanced understanding of oppression and includes her important work on anti-Judaism in Christian feminism. Section III contains a variety of short and highly readable pieces that make clear Plaskow's central role in the creation of Jewish feminism, including the essential "e;Beyond Egalitarianism."e; Finally, section IV presents her writings on the significance of sexual ethics to the larger project of transforming Judaism.Intelligently edited with the help of Rabbi Donna Berman, and including pieces never before published, The Coming of Lilith is indispensable for religious studies students, fans of Plaskow's work, and those pursuing a Jewish education.

The village of Montaillou was the last stronghold of the cult of Catharism in medieval France. Under the Inquisition of Bishop Fournier members of this sect were persecuted and some burnt at the stake, and the interrogations about the way they lived were chronicled in a Register. From this document Ladurie has reconstructed an intruging account of everyday peasant life in a medieval village. Montaillou gives us a unique glimpse into how people really lived 700 years ago: from their homes and the food they ate to their body language and attitudes to sex.EMMANUEL LE ROY LADURIE was born in 1929. He has had a distinguished career, serving as Administrateur G n ral of the Biblioth que Nationale de France (1987-94); member of the Institute (Academy of Moral and Political Sciences). He is a professor at the Coll ge de France and chair of the department of the History of Modern Civilization. 'Fascinating ... a Chaucerian gallery of vivid medieval persons' Hugh Trevor-Roper, Sunday Times'It is so good, so human that, as at the end of a great novel, one is sorry to leave the endearing company of the Clergue brothers, of the smiling Pierre Maury, of the generous B atrice, the saintly Authi brothers, the rascally B libaste' Richard Cobb, New Statesman'Sheer brilliance in the use of a unique document to reconstruct in fascinating detail a previously totally unknown world, the mental, emotional, sexual life of late thirteenth-century peasants in a remote Pyrenean village' Lawrence Stone, New York Review of Books

The Secret History of the Gnostics offers long-awaited illumination on the mystical movement that teaches 'gnosis' - knowledge of God as opposed to unquestioning faith. Acclaimed author Andrew Phillip Smith delves into the myths and practices of this ancient movement, exploring its popularity during 2nd century AD, its subsequent decline under the weight of orthodoxy in the Church, and its present-day resurgence. Gnosticism has travelled a fascinating path - from the Manichaeans in Modern Persia between the 3rd and 7th centuries AD, to the triumphs and tragedies of the Cathars in Southern Europe between the 12th and 14th centuries, to, finally, today's Mandaeans in Iraq. However, as the author points out, the revival of Gnosticism extends further than these narrow sects, offering inspiration to a legion of literary figures, including Dan Brown and Philip Pullman. Gnosticism's emphasis on personal over organized religion, in keeping with the doctrine of the early Christian era during which it thrived, has found particular resonance with today's multicultural world. The Secret History of the Gnostics is not simply an authoritative account of one sect's practical beliefs and customs - it is, in effect, a manifesto, an appeal to those inspired by or drawn to the Gnostic faith not to forget its origins.

Selected from sermons delivered by C. S. Lewis during World War II, these nine addresses show the beloved author and theologian bringing hope and courage in a time of great doubt. Addressing some of the most difficult issues we face in our day-to-day lives, C.S. Lewis's ardent and timeless words provide an unparalleled path to greater spiritual understanding. Considered by many to be Lewis's finest sermon of all, and his most moving address, 'The Weight of Glory' extols a compassionate vision of Christianity an dincludes lucid and compelling discussions on faith. Also included in this volume are "e;Transposition,"e; "e;On Forgiveness,"e; "e;Why I Am Not a Pacifist,"e; and "e;Learning in War-Time"e;.

Perhaps more relevant than ever before, Rob Bell's Velvet Elvis is his original and bestselling classic. In Velvet Elvis, Bell invites readers to wrestle with their faith, and offers a radical new perspective on Jesus, the church, and Christianity today. We know there's something more. We sense it, we feel it, and we want it. But how do we find it - a spirituality that stands up to the questions of an honest, searching mind? 'This book is for those who need a fresh take on Jesus and what it means for us to live the kind of life he teaches us to live,' writes Rob Bell. This new edition of Velvet Elvis, along with the relaunch of Rob Bell's three other classic works, offers what Rob does best: original and refreshingly personal perspectives on what Christianity is really about. 'We have to test everything,' writes Bell. 'Do that to this book. Don't swallow it uncritically. Think about it. Wrestle with it. Just because I'm a Christian and I'm trying to articulate a Christian worldview doesn't mean I've got it nailed. I'm contributing to the discussion. God has spoken, and the rest is commentary, right?'

How to Create an Atmosphere for More Effective Healing MinistryForemost healing expert and bestselling author Randy Clark unwraps the hard questions that baffle most Christians about healing prayer. Speaking from Scripture as well as from personal experience, in which the healing power of Jesus has become normative, Clark helps readers learn to:· walk in an atmosphere of effective healing ministry· navigate the balance between faith and expectation· pray with confidence· expect results every timeGrasping these easy-to-understand principles from a biblical foundation will increase the likelihood of healing when you pray. Let the power of God work through you, your prayer group, or your church for the healing breakthrough promised to every believer.