Download or read book Beyond Spiritual Bigotry written by Randy Landis and published by Outskirts Press. This book was released on 2009-03 with total page 124 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Beyond Spiritual Bigotry is a brick-by-brick look at the building blocks of Christian fundamentalism written by a former Calvary Chapel Sunday school teacher. It is a call for universal tolerance in place of a blind and bigoted march toward Armageddon. Randy Landis promotes the concept that people who are convinced that others worship the wrong God are capable of unspeakable violence- be it the Spanish Inquisition or the events of September 11, 2001. Bigotry is not spiritual! Will humanity abuse its free will and destroy itself or awaken while there is still time?

Download or read book Beyond Religion and the Secular written by Wayne Hudson and published by Bloomsbury Publishing. This book was released on 2022-11-17 with total page 209 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Deploying a distinctive disaggregative approach to the study of 'religion', this volume shows that spiritual movements with extensive counterfactual beliefs have been much more creative than one might expect. Specifically, Wayne Hudson explores the creativity of six spiritual movements: the Bahá'ís, a Persian movement; Soka Gakkai, a Japanese movement; Ananda Marga and the Brahma Kumaris, two reformed Hindu movements; and two controversial American churches, The Church Universal and Triumphant and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Most of these movements have counterintuitive features that have led Western scholars making Enlightenment assumptions to dismiss them as irrational and/or inconsequential. However, this book reveals that these movements have responded to modernity in ways that are creative and practical, resulting in a wide range of social, educational and cultural initiatives. Building on research surrounding the ways in which spiritual movements engage in cultural productions, this book takes the international research in a new direction by exploring the utopian intentionality such cultural productions reveal.

Download or read book The Stolen Light of Women written by C. C. Campbell and published by . This book was released on 2014-11-28 with total page 398 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The Stolen Light Of WoMen: A Quest For Spiritual Truth Beyond Religion Follow the story of a mystic and academic as she examines the historical and spiritual truths behind the most controversial texts of the Bible. Life begins when the Light of the human soul accepts its destiny. Humanity has been lost to its Ego and time. This book will take you through the experience of a woman who lost herself, her soul, and her Light to the energy of regret. A regret that manifested itself in darkness, loss, and betrayal. Now, for the first time, one human Soul is recovered in hopes that many others will also find their Light. Allow this woman who has walked the path of both the academic and the mystic to teach you how to disconnect from the darkness that has come from the dogma of religious political agenda. By investigating the Biblical texts that have been used to oppress women and men by religious extremists, C.C. Campbell reveals the origins of our current religious climate of ignorance and intolerance. Why do extremists always focus on women? Why does the Bible seem to take such a hard stance against homosexuality? Are Christians truly following the teachings of Christ? Is Satan really behind all of the evil in the world? These are the kinds of spiritual questions that you will find answers to within this book. By revealing the true identity of Satan, the existence of God's Wife, and the hidden spirituality of human sexuality, she has sought to help women and men alike rediscover their souls. Written for the religious and the spiritual alike, this book can answer some of your deepest questions about your religion, humanity, and how to see your faith with new eyes. Penned with the insight of a mystic and the thorough research of an academic, this book can help you reclaim your divine Light.

Download or read book Beyond Oz written by Makena McChesney and published by Balboa Press. This book was released on 2021-07-30 with total page 227 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: After release from a 12-year cult experience, Makena embarks on an adventure to discover what it means to live life by direct reliance on Source, exclusive of a fear-based religious belief system. Her cult experience was restrictive and stripped her and her family of freedom of choice. Eventually, the cult doctrine nearly led to sacrifice of home and property. On attempting to escape the cult entrapment in 1990, she appealed to God to give her encouragement. She received a three-fold promise from two identical scripture passages that essentially described a release from imprisonment, a time of abundance, and lifetime financial security. The Beyond Oz experience covers a span of 26 years that ultimately delivers all three promises—the last of which appeared impossible when she experienced a devastating loss at age 60. She was also inspired to “close the book,” indicating the Bible and some of the more oppressive messages. She was divinely encouraged to follow her inner guidance, her higher self, Source. She transparently narrates the ups and downs, the highs and the lows, but all with the underlying lessons she brought forward from her cult experience—to release fear, ask Source, gain knowledge, take personal responsibility and above all to love self and fellowman.

Download or read book To Drink from the Silver Cup written by Anna Redsand and published by SCB Distributors. This book was released on 2016-08-08 with total page 314 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Anna Redsand was sixteen when she heard her mother say of two women who’d been discovered to be lovers, “They’re living in sin. They should see a doctor.” She knew in that moment that she would have to leave the security and intimacy of family, church, and home―the only world she had ever known. As that world faded, so too did everything that had been religious or spiritual inside her. The journey was to find what she’d lost—or replace it. Was there a faith community that could accept Anna as a lesbian, a doubter, and someone committed to social justice? To Drink From the Silver Cup is the story of Anna Redsand’s quest. It took her from a devout missionary life in the Navajo Nation into the shame and exile of being unwanted in the homeland, and then beyond through the uncharted territory of different religious, spiritual, and political directions. Always striving for authenticity, continuing to long for home, forty years after taking leave, Anna embarked on a deliberate experiment to see if return was possible―or whether too much had changed in her and too little in the church. In the past, most memoirs about conflicts between fundamentalist Christianity and sexuality have been written by gay men. Few, if any, have come to the same resolution that To Drink From the Silver Cup does. This is a unique and memorable story with resonance for both seekers and those who have never challenged their held beliefs.

Download or read book Beyond Religion written by Dalai Lama XIV Bstan-ʼdzin-rgya-mtsho and published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. This book was released on 2011 with total page 213 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: "Beyond Religion" is a stirring call to move beyond religion for the guidance to improve human life on individual, community, and global levels--including a guided meditation practice for cultivating key human values.

Download or read book Expanding the Boundaries of Self Beyond the Limit of Traditional Thought written by Oliver H. Jobson and published by Oliver H. Jobson. This book was released on 2005-05 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: 150 Word Description: "Expanding The Boundaries Of Self Beyond The Limit Of Traditional Thought."..communicates a direct perception of the self through realization, detailing a profound understanding of the laws of Karma, attraction, retribution, resonance and sin. With Oliver H. Jobson's dynamic personality, deep intellect and universal knowledge, he goes beyond traditional thought offering an autobiographical philosophical insight from research into World Faiths. He challenges readers to look within as he reveals the pertinent keys to unlocking the secret teachings behind all Religions. Jobson presents a synthesis linking religion, science, philosophy and our daily life into a reality of universal harmony, dispelling the bigotry, divisiveness and confusion that create religious separation and conflict in a fast shrinking global community. The essence of his book comprises five fundamental guiding principles, called the five E's; they are Examination of self, Expansion of mind, Edifying understanding, Eliminating erroneous thoughts and maintaining Equanimity and balance.

Download or read book Judaism Beyond The Surface written by Isaac Pirian and published by Independently Published. This book was released on 2023-12-13 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Introduction - Author's Insight & Reflections Israel, often referred to as the Holy Land, attracts millions annually, while billions more yearn to experience its spiritual allure. Despite its minuscule size compared to its hostile neighbors, Israel remains a focal point of global attention. Since its inception in 1948, it has triumphed in numerous existential wars and emerged as a global leader in various fields. However, the disproportionate media attention has often painted a distorted picture of Israel. The reality is starkly different; Israel is a harmonious tapestry of diverse faiths and backgrounds, where Jews, Muslims, Christians, and others coexist peacefully, all considering it the holiest place for pilgrimage. This book aims to elevate understanding of the spiritual essence enveloping a Jew's life, offering insights into Judaism without advocating for conversion. It's a journey to illuminate the spiritual and ethical landscape shaping Jewish existence and thought processes, drawing parallels with non-Jewish counterparts. The Book's Role in Combating Anti-Semitism Anti-Semitism, a deep-rooted prejudice against Jews, has persisted for centuries. This book serves as a beacon of understanding, aiming to dispel myths and misconceptions about Judaism and the Jewish people. By presenting an authentic portrayal of Jewish beliefs, traditions, and history, it endeavors to replace ignorance with knowledge, prejudice with understanding. The rise of misinformation in the digital age has exacerbated the spread of anti-Semitic sentiments. False narratives about Jews and Israel often find their way into mainstream discourse. This book, by offering comprehensive insight into Judaism, acts as an antidote to such misinformation. It provides readers with a foundation to challenge and counteract prejudiced views, fostering a culture of understanding and mutual respect. The Proliferation of Prejudice Anti-Semitism is symptomatic of a broader societal issue. The mechanisms that allow for the spread and acceptance of anti-Semitic views are the same that enable prejudices against other communities. When one form of prejudice is left unchecked, it creates an environment where other biases can thrive. By addressing and countering anti-Semitism, this book not only stands up for the Jewish community but also sets a precedent for challenging other forms of prejudice. It underscores the importance of education and understanding in building bridges between communities. When individuals are equipped with knowledge and empathy, they become allies in the fight against all forms of discrimination. A Global Implication Unchecked prejudice has global repercussions. History has shown that such sentiments can lead to widespread discrimination, social unrest, and even atrocities. Moreover, in an interconnected world, biases can quickly cross borders, affecting international relations. By promoting understanding and countering anti-Semitism, this book contributes to a global movement of tolerance and acceptance. It emphasizes the shared values that unite humanity, highlighting that more similarities bind us than differences. In doing so, it paves the way for a world where individuals are judged by their character and actions, not their religious beliefs or ethnic backgrounds. In conclusion, this endeavor is not just a reflection on the tangible but also spiritual aspects of the Holy Land and its guardians in a journey into the origins and history of Judaism. It's an exploration of what makes the land and its people holy, unraveling the mysteries of this small yet impactful nation. By understanding each other and embracing shared values, we can contribute to a world where respect and harmony prevail over prejudice and hate. Respectfully submitted: Isaac Pirian Email: [email protected]

Download or read book Beyond Rhetoric written by Samuel George Hines and published by Wipf and Stock Publishers. This book was released on 2011-04-01 with total page 193 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: In Beyond Rhetoric, the late Samuel Hines and Curtiss DeYoung place reconciliation at the very center of God's agenda for humankind. In so doing, they provide both inspiration and guidance for faithful Christian living that embraces a passionate pursuit of reconciliation.Ê

Download or read book Judaism Beyond The Surface A Spiritual Snapshot of Jewish Religion Culture written by Isaac and published by Isaac. This book was released on 2023-12-13 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Introduction - Author's Insight & Reflections Israel, often referred to as the Holy Land, beckons millions annually, while billions more yearn to experience its spiritual allure. Despite its minuscule size compared to its hostile neighbors, Israel remains a focal point of global attention. Since its inception in 1948, it has triumphed in numerous existential wars and emerged as a global leader in various fields. However, the disproportionate media attention has often painted a distorted picture of Israel. The reality is starkly different; Israel is a harmonious tapestry of diverse faiths and backgrounds, where Jews, Muslims, Christians, and others coexist peacefully, all considering it the holiest place for pilgrimage. This book aims to elevate understanding of the spiritual essence enveloping a Jew's life, offering insights into Judaism without advocating for conversion. It's a journey to illuminate the spiritual and ethical landscape shaping Jewish existence and thought processes, drawing parallels with non-Jewish counterparts. The Book's Role in Combating Anti-Semitism Anti-Semitism, a deep-rooted prejudice against Jews, has persisted for centuries. This book serves as a beacon of understanding, aiming to dispel myths and misconceptions about Judaism and the Jewish people. By presenting an authentic portrayal of Jewish beliefs, traditions, and history, it endeavors to replace ignorance with knowledge, prejudice with understanding. The rise of misinformation in the digital age has exacerbated the spread of anti-Semitic sentiments. False narratives about Jews and Israel often find their way into mainstream discourse. This book, by offering comprehensive insight into Judaism, acts as an antidote to such misinformation. It provides readers with a foundation to challenge and counteract prejudiced views, fostering a culture of understanding and mutual respect. The Proliferation of Prejudice Anti-Semitism is symptomatic of a broader societal issue. The mechanisms that allow for the spread and acceptance of anti-Semitic views are the same that enable prejudices against other communities. When one form of prejudice is left unchecked, it creates an environment where other biases can thrive. By addressing and countering anti-Semitism, this book not only stands up for the Jewish community but also sets a precedent for challenging other forms of prejudice. It underscores the importance of education and understanding in building bridges between communities. When individuals are equipped with knowledge and empathy, they become allies in the fight against all forms of discrimination. A Global Implication Unchecked prejudice has global repercussions. History has shown that such sentiments can lead to widespread discrimination, social unrest, and even atrocities. Moreover, in an interconnected world, biases can quickly cross borders, affecting international relations. By promoting understanding and countering anti-Semitism, this book contributes to a global movement of tolerance and acceptance. It emphasizes the shared values that unite humanity, highlighting that more similarities bind us than differences. In doing so, it paves the way for a world where individuals are judged by their character and actions, not their religious beliefs or ethnic backgrounds. In conclusion, this endeavor is not just a reflection on the tangible but also spiritual aspects of the Holy Land and its guardians in a journey into the origins and history of Judaism. It's an exploration of what makes the land and its people holy, unraveling the mysteries of this small yet impactful nation. By understanding each other and embracing shared values, we can contribute to a world where respect and harmony prevail over prejudice and hate. Respectfully submitted: Isaac Pirian Email: [email protected]

Download or read book Beyond the Garden written by James B. Clay and published by Author House. This book was released on 2004-10-07 with total page 169 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Shakespeare said, All the worlds a stage; all the men and women merely players. We all have different scripts; but we all search for the same thing. From Macbeth, we get an answer for what it is we search, and nothing is but what is not. My book, Beyond the Garden, takes a look at conventional, fundamental religious thought which is prevalent today, and especially in thoughts such as the gay issue. I suggest that there is another view of life which includes all men and women as brothers and sisters and their sexual preferences. Just as Martin Luther King and the eightys ladies sought to bring freedom to the oppressed, so should the knights of today seek to bring freedom to all mankind. The new frontier becomes an inescapable acceptance of all humanity because that is the issue of unreality prevalent today. Each of us needs to learn that the one thing needful in this world of woe is understanding, acceptance and lasting relationships. This book offers a suggestion for those who want to find true freedom and oneness with his brothers and sisters and God. While some of the more conventional religious books have mainstream thought, Beyond the Garden differs in that it acknowledges other thought patterns to show the offal of our existence until we understand who we are. By coming to this understanding, we discover true freedom. The story of the biblical Cain represents the story of Israel; more than that, it is the story of everyone in his God given freedom outside the garden without compassion. The mark of Cain becomes the standard by which one lives in his freedom. For me, the mark represents an attempt to find true freedom which falls short of our goal as humans, or as Erich Fromm would say, Escape from Freedom. To get beyond the garden is mans lot in life. A more profound inspiration seems to compel us back to the garden where we will find our hearts desire. Herein the quest begins. In other words, we search for the truth beyond what is not!

Download or read book Beyond Shariati written by Siavash Saffari and published by Cambridge University Press. This book was released on 2017-02-16 with total page 221 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: A new reading of Ali Shariati's intellectual legacy on Iranian political discourse and concepts of Islam and modernity.

Download or read book Beyond Belief written by Robert P. Vande Kappelle and published by Wipf and Stock Publishers. This book was released on 2012-09-17 with total page 297 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The current age marks the transition from modernity to postmodernity, a period as impactful to the Western sensibility as any previous era. The role of religion and the future of Christianity are at stake. At this time of transition, many thoughtful individuals find themselves at a quandary, having reached a critical stage in their spiritual journey. Prompted by academia, science, reason, culture, and their own experience, they feel compelled to choose between the beliefs they inherited as children and the claims of science, reason, pluralism, and secularism. Beyond Belief suggests that one need not take an either/or approach on these issues; there is a better way, one that embraces adventure and ambiguity, science and religion, reason and faith, evolution and creation, and finds ways to live creatively with realities for which there are no easy explanations. Building on a paradigmatic journey of faith that involves three stages (precritical, critical, and postcritical understanding), Beyond Belief describes the quest for God and for authentic faith in the twenty-first century. The key point for this understanding is to replace belief with faith, acknowledging that belief in doctrines is not central, since they are themselves unprovable. This new theological perspective requires rethinking many of our cherished doctrines, including our understanding of God, Jesus, Scripture, prayer, miracles, and revelation.

Download or read book Beyond Eden written by Courtney Pace and published by University of Georgia Press. This book was released on 2022-03 with total page 411 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: A major figure in African American social justice movements and Black theological praxis and theory, Rev. Dr. Prathia Laura Ann Hall (1940–2002) had not been the subject of a book-length critical study until Courtney Pace’s Freedom Faith: The Womanist Vision of Prathia Hall was published by the University of Georgia Press in 2019. Now with the publication of Beyond Eden: The Collected Sermons and Essays of Prathia Hall, Pace provides a volume of seminal importance to the fields of womanist theology and ethics, Black church history, and African American history. Beyond Eden explores Hall’s preaching and research, curating a collection of her work to expand scholarship on her influence on American religion and Black churches. Hall pioneered womanist preaching, embodying the necessary interconnections among theology, social science, history, and practical ministry. She was a master organizer, not only leading her congregation but facilitating collaborations among national, regional, and local organizations to serve Black churches and Black communities. The sermons and essays in this volume showcase Hall’s womanist preaching brilliance, the seamless connection between church and the academy in her work, and her understanding of the gospel as Freedom Faith. A trailblazer in the womanist movement of the 1980s and 1990s, Hall merged Christian ethics with Black feminist thought during decades of civil rights activism and preaching. Although she had very few publications due to the demands of her multifaceted vocation, health limitations, and familial responsibilities, her extensive work has been transcribed from handwritten notes and audio recordings by editor Courtney Pace.

Download or read book Beyond Belief Beyond Conscience written by Jack N. Rakove and published by Oxford University Press. This book was released on 2020-05-01 with total page 241 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Today, Americans believe that the early colonists came to the New World in search of religious liberty. What we often forget is that they wanted religious liberty for themselves, not for those who held other views that they rejected and detested. Yet, by the mid-18th century, the colonists agreed that everyone possessed a sovereign right of conscience. How did this change develop? In Beyond Belief, Beyond Conscience, Pulitzer Prize-winning author Jack Rakove tracks the unique course of religious freedom in America. He finds that, as denominations and sects multiplied, Americans became much more tolerant of the free expression of rival religious beliefs. During the Revolutionary era, he explains, most of the new states moved to disestablish churches and to give constitutional recognition to rights of conscience. These two developments explain why religious freedom originally represented the most radical right of all. No other right placed greater importance on the moral autonomy of individuals, or better illustrated how the authority of government could be limited by denying the state authority to act. Together, these developments made possible the great revival of religion in 19th-century America. As Rakove explains, America's intense religiosity eventually created a new set of problems for mapping the relationship between church and state. He goes on to examine some of our contemporary controversies over church and state not from the vantage point of legal doctrine, but of the deeper history that gave the U.S. its own approach to religious freedom. In this book, he tells the story of how American ideas of religious toleration and free exercise evolved over time, and why questions of church and state still vex us.

Download or read book Queering Creole Spiritual Traditions written by Randy P Lundschien Conner and published by Routledge. This book was released on 2014-04-08 with total page 408 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: What roles do queer and transgender people play in the African diasporic religions? Queering Creole Spiritual Traditions: Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Participation in African-Inspired Traditions in the Americas is a groundbreaking scholarly exploration of this long-neglected subject. It offers clear insight into the complex dynamics of gender and sexual orientation, humans and deities, and race and ethnicity, within these richly nuanced spiritual practices. Queering Creole Spiritual Traditions explores the ways in which gender complexity and same-sex intimacy are integral to the primary beliefs and practices of these faiths. It begins with a comprehensive overview of Vodou, Santeria, and other African-based religions. The second section includes extensive, revealing interviews with practitioners who offer insight into the intersection of their beliefs, their sexual orientation, and their gender identity. Finally, it provides a powerful analysis of the ways these traditions have inspired artists, musicians, and writers such as Audre Lorde, as well as informative interviews with the artists themselves. In Queering Creole Spiritual Traditions, you will discover: how the presence of androgynous divinities affects both faith and practice in Vodou, Candomble, Santeria, and other Creole religions how the phenomenon of possession or embodiment by a god or goddess may validate queer identity and nurture gender complexity who practices the African-derived spiritual traditions, what they believe, and who their deities are how these faiths have influenced the art and aesthetic traditions of the West This landmark book opens a fascinating new world of thought and belief. The authors provide rigorous documentation and faultless scholarly method as well as personal experience and the testimony of believers. Queering Creole Spiritual Traditions sheds new light on two widely different fields: LGBT studies and the theology of the African diaspora. A thorough bibliography points the way to further study, and an extensive photograph gallery provides a unique look at the believers and their practices. Every library with holdings in queer theory, African mythology, or sociology of religion should have this landmark volume.

Download or read book Beyond Prejudice written by John Dixon and published by Cambridge University Press. This book was released on 2012-01-12 with total page 346 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The concept of prejudice has profoundly influenced how we have investigated, explained and tried to change intergroup relations of discrimination and inequality. But what has this concept contributed to our knowledge of relations between groups and what has it obscured or misrepresented? How has it expanded or narrowed the horizons of psychological inquiry? How effective or ineffective has it been in guiding our attempts to transform social relations and institutions? In this book, a team of internationally renowned psychologists re-evaluate the concept of prejudice, in an attempt to move beyond conventional approaches to the subject and to help the reader gain a clearer understanding of relations within and between groups. This fresh look at prejudice will appeal to scholars and students of social psychology, sociology, political science and peace studies.