Religious Studies

Contrary to the teachings of the church today, in the first several centuries of Christianity’s existence, there was no consensus as to who Jesus was or why he had mattered. Instead, there were many different Christs. One had a twin brother and traveled to India; another consorted with dragons. One particularly terrifying Christ scorned his parents and killed those who opposed him.

The great series The Story of Civilization by Will and Ariel Durant is one of the most monumental achievements in historical writing. In its eleven massive volumes, it tells the story of Western civilization from its origins to the age of Napoleon. This volume, The Climax of Christianity, is taken from The Age of Faith, the fourth in the series. It covers the years between 1095—the launching of the First Crusade—and 1300: the age of Dante Alighieri, whose epic poem Divine Comedy is one of the greatest treasures of our civilization.

In Samuel Johnson's famous quote, "When a man knows he is to be hanged in a fortnight, it concentrates his mind wonderfully," we find a sobering observation about the power of impending death to focus one's thoughts. Thus is was for the mind and spirit of this soon-to-be martyr.

なぜ人は悩むのか　生きる目的は何なのか　どうすれば幸せになれるのか　その答えがこの本にあります。

Da Lucy all'esercito di terracotta, da Tutankhamon alla tomba del re Childerico; e poi ancora la mummia del Similaun, Troia, Ebla, l'antica Roma... Il racconto dell'archeologia attraverso dieci grandi scoperte. Un viaggio nel tempo e nello spazio che dalla Preistoria si spinge uno al Medioevo e tocca l'Europa, l'Asia e l'Africa. E, in controluce, i protagonisti, le idee e le tecniche che nel corso degli anni hanno reso sempre più affascinante il mestiere dell'archeologo.

Did Christianity begin as a mystery cult led by a man named Jesus? Did the initiation ritual contain mysterious ceremonies that only Jesus could perform? Who was the young man in the Gospel of Mark wearing nothing more than a sheet? Why was he there? Was he about to undergo the rites and rituals of initiation into the Jesus cult, or was he simply there to be baptized into the faith? Are there other “Gospels of Mark” out there? What do they say about Jesus, his life, death, and resurrection?

Long overshadowed, at least in books, by Egyptian goddesses such as Isis and Sekhmet, Larson's book focuses the spotlight squarely on the jackal-headed god. His book features history and mythology but is also a practical guide to working with Anubis now. It features devotional practices and modern worship that includes rituals, prayers/invocations, correspondences, altars, and epithets. The book leads the listener on a journey of exploration into all things Anubis, exploring his various facets.

This timeless collection of reflective essays invites you to explore themes of grief, loss, tragedy, and disruption through the eyes of an artist's soul. Originally conceived in the shadow of the fallen twin towers of the World Trade Center, near where Fujimura's New York art studio stood, this anniversary edition includes new essays unpacking the author's further insights into his concepts of culture care and a theology of making. Refractions carries the weight of history and the urgency of the moment, illuminating beauty, healing, and hope.

Many seek leadership rooted in Christian values to help navigate the challenges of modern life. Faith Fading takes you on a compelling journey through this pivotal transformation, examining how and why this change is occurring; while exploring ways faith can continue to guide us through these uncertain times.

For 50 years, John B. Cobb, Jr. has been teaching listeners that theology is not confined to biblical and doctrinal exegesis but rightly includes economics, politics, education, and science. His prophetic warnings about climate change date back to the early 1970s; his critiques of higher education and American foreign policy are incisive. But for all the pertinence of his views, Cobb has refrained from giving them full expression until now. In the preface to this book, which he aptly names his confession, Cobb writes:

In his captivating exploration, Joseph Lumpkin invites listeners to explore nine of the best-known Apocalyptic books. These books uncover the hidden depths of ancient Christian and Jewish visions and prophecies of the apocalypse. Through these texts we see what the earliest Christians believed heaven and hell would be and what rewards and punishments were waiting beyond death's door. These books of apocalypse, otherwise known as revelation of the end times allow us to view what was expected in the end times and what waits for us in the end of days.

This guide aims to help you wield the Word of God effectively, drawing on its wisdom to confront challenges, make decisions, and cultivate a life that reflects Christ’s love.

Scott Coley exposes the inner workings of the religious right’s propaganda—and how Christians can resist it. Good evangelical Christians are Republican. It seems like it’s always been this way. That means the propaganda is working. Scott Coley trains a critical eye on the fusion of evangelicalism and right-wing politics in Ministers of Propaganda.

This is an expanded edition of the book originally published in 1991. It was also previously published a couple times with updated content. This contains all the content from all previous editions, edited and updated with a new, never before published chapter, “A Christian Approach to Racism”.

A gripping exposé that exposes the dark underbelly of modern religious movements. This meticulously researched work uncovers the unsettling connections between the Christian Identity movement and the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR), revealing how religion has been weaponized for political gain and social manipulation.

Remember the childhood joy that came from playing in crunchy fall leaves? This devotional is a bit like a big pile of fun leaves. Just as every leaf has a different shape and hue, each devotion has a different subject and insight. The variety is what makes fall so vibrant and this devotional so relatable. You'll listen about Skittles® and otters. Facelifts and ladybugs. Kaleidoscopes and speed bumps. While the topics vary, the overarching goal is to draw us closer to God, the source of our joy.

St Sarapion, a friend of St Anthony the Great and St Athanasius, first lived as a monk and abbot in the Egyptian desert before becoming bishop of Thmuis. This is a translation of the Euchologion (or prayer book) of St Sarapion, which contains thirty prayers for Baptism, the Liturgy, and several other needs and situations.

Have you ever wondered why we’re here? Has each of us been created just so some of us can “get saved” and float on a cloud in our retirement home in the sky after we die, or is there some purpose that we are to be about right here and right now? Are Christians to live reactively, fending off attacks from the enemy and the world until we’re rescued, or is there a strategic purpose for us to fulfill here in life?

The Star-Spangled Banner: Its Preparation, Purpose, and Preservation was written to share a segment of the true history of what so many have fought and died for. Here is a miraculous set of events behind the story of preparing the flag and how the large flag inspired the well-known patriotic poem.

This book begins with a deeply thoughtful reflection on the nature of truth in the face of relativism, absolutism, and fanaticism showing Jesus Christ as the logic and love that undergirds and unites the universe.

In The Problem of Pain, C. S. Lewis tackles one of the most difficult and enduring questions in Christian theology: If God is both all-powerful and all-good, why does suffering exist? With his characteristic clarity and intellectual depth, Lewis explores the nature of pain and suffering, offering a philosophical and theological perspective on how they fit into the divine plan. Lewis delves into the complexities of human existence, discussing the role of free will, the consequences of sin, and the purpose of suffering in spiritual growth.

Cathy Otten tells the story of the ISIS attacks, the mass enslavements of Yezidi women and the fallout from the disaster. She challenges common perceptions of Yezidi female victimhood by focusing on stories of resistance passed down by generations.

Settling the Rapture Debate opens the door to a new way of understanding the timing of the rapture and the second coming. Have you already settled on a Rapture position? Are you still unsure about which is correct? In Settling The Rapture Debate, John Wiertzema guides you through interpreting nine major end-times events predicted in the Bible that when understood correctly reveal the true timing of the rapture in relation to the final seven years.

Journey of Reflections is an anecdotal exploration of faith and free will told through the intertwined lives of Joseph and the Dark Angel. Their story unpacks the complexities of divine gifts—free will, which gives us the power to choose, and faith, which calls us to trust in what we cannot see. As they navigate the trials of love, family, and societal struggles, Joseph and the Dark Angel confront their personal demons, find strength in vulnerability, and learn the wisdom of the Father’s plan.

"Gnosis Of Digits: Spiritually Understanding Numbers" invites listeners on a transformative journey into the sacred realm of numbers, illuminating their profound spiritual significance across cultures and traditions. This audiobook explores the divine aspects of numbers, revealing how each number embodies unique energies and archetypes that reflect the fundamental truths of existence.