Sacred Theology

Written as a practical guide for monastic living, The Rule of St. Benedict covers topics such as charity, integrity, humility, family spirituality, and simplistic living. This timeless work has become a guide for religious communities throughout history, and St. Benedict himself is now widely recognized as the father of Western monasticism.

In this Very Short Introduction Stephen J. Davis discusses the history of monasticism, from our earliest evidence for it, and the different types that have developed from antiquity to the present day. He considers where monasteries are located, from East Asia to North America, and everywhere in between, and how their settings impact the everyday life and worldview of the monks and nuns who dwell there. Exploring how monastic communities are organized, he also looks at how aspects of life like food, sleep, sex, work, and prayer are regimented.

When a massive wildfire surrounded Tassajara Zen Mountain Center, five monks risked their lives to save it. A gripping narrative as well as a portrait of the Zen path and the ways of wildfire, Fire Monks reveals what it means to meet a crisis with full presence of mind.

Seasons of Wonder is a plea to view and encounter the divine not in terms of certitude but as a vast, unfolding mystery. Focused on the oft-forgotten idea that mystery and marvel are essential components of faith, each week reveals something to do - an easy activity centered around the wonder of being alive - as well as something to contemplate in conversation.

This double audio workbook for beginners contains two best-selling titles of the best-selling Secret of Now series: Living in the Now in Easy Steps: 7 Lessons & Exercises to Experience Inner Peace and Stop Negative Thinking in 7 Easy Steps: 7 Lessons & Exercises to Beat Depression & Pessimism. Based on the teachings of the German spiritual leader Eckhart Tolle, author of The Power of Now, A New Earth, and Stillness Speaks, this revealing audiobook centers on ending your inner distress and self-inflicted suffering.

In her inimitable style of memoir and personal reflection, Nora Gallagher explores the beauty and mystery of this most fascinating of topics. Whether exploring the history of Christian communion, taking us inside the workings of a soup kitchen, or sharing times of joy and sadness with friends, she reminds us what it means to partake of, and be part of, the body of Christ.

The author of the "dazzling epic" (Lev Grossman, Time) Brilliant delivers an indelible view of the ways silence affects those who seek it and those who have it imposed upon them. Through her original, intertwined histories of the penitentiary and the monastery, Jane Brox illuminates the many ways silence is far more complex than any absolute; how it has influenced ideas of the self, soul, and society.

"We are to love God for Himself, because of a twofold reason; nothing is more reasonable, nothing is more profitable." On Loving God is first a touching description of God's love for us as unmistakenly demonstrated in the death of His Son. Second, it is a call for us to joyfully respond to God like the child who runs and embraces her father whose love is sure. As St. Bernard writes, "They love all the more because they know themselves to be loved so exceedingly."

Mystic Magazine: Sikh Mystical Theology - A Conversation with Guru Nanak.

I bring forth the sacred doctrines, perennial teachings, and ancient wisdom within this book as I will follow the original line of consciousness and how it has spread throughout this known universe. I will give to us the conscious path throughout the three origins of this earth’s cycle. They are the belief structures that evolved from Animism in European, Indian, and Paleo-Indian. I will now explain how the plane of dark, created by the universal mind was corrupted and is attempting to be taken over by the outer universe within our own galaxy.

In their zeal for reform, early Protestant leaders tended to throw out Saint Benedict with the holy water. That is a mistake, writes Dennis Okholm, in Monk Habits for Everyday People. While on retreat in a Benedictine abbey, the author, a professor who was raised as a Pentecostal and a Baptist, observed how the meditative and ordered life of a monk lifted Jesus' teachings off the printed page and put them into daily practice. Vital aspects of devotion, humility, obedience, hospitality, and evangelism took on new clarity and meaning.

Originally written for monks, the principles in the Rule of St. Benedict may be applied by anyone — and in today’s hectic, changing world, following its principles offers a rich spiritual connection to the stability and wisdom of monastic life. This essential guide explains how people who live and work in “the world” are still invited to balance work with prayer, cultivate interdependence with others, practice hospitality, and otherwise practice their spirituality like monks.

Despite significant improvement in interfaith dialogue in some quarters between Christians and Jews, many Christians still maintain theological positions that are inimical to fundamental Jewish beliefs, and consequently, to the Jewish people. The essential perspective that sets the tone for Christian attitudes toward Jews and Judaism is their theological view of the Torah.

St. Francis of Assisi is one of the most venerated Christian figures, and his profound teachings, deep love of nature, and commitment to simplicity have resonated with generations of followers. St. Francis of Assisi, a title in the Essential Wisdom Library, offers a simple and universal introduction to Francis' life, his key teachings, and the spiritual practices that enriched his faith and the lives of those who follow his legacy.

Mystics Magazine: Christian Mystical Theology - A Conversation with Jacob Boehme.

Transcending Architecture considers the mysterious, profound, and real power of designed environments to address the spiritual dimension of our humanity. The book offers a wide, critical, and nuanced understanding of the lived relationship between the built and the numinous worlds. It examines phenomenological, symbolic and designerly ways in which the holy gets fixed and experienced through buildings, landscapes, and urban forms, and not just in institutionally defined religious or sacred places. Transcending Architecture brings together a stellar group of scholars and practitioners to share their insights: architect Juhani Pallasmaa and philosopher Karsten Harries, comparative religion scholar Lindsay Jones and architectural theoretician Karla Britton, sacred architecture researcher Thomas Barrie and theologian Kevin Seasoltz, landscape architect Rebecca Krinke and Faith & Form magazine editor Michael Crosbie, are among the illustrious contributors.

A profound call to Christian discipleship. An intensive course in Christian faith. A creative freedom to serve God that is deeply grounded in Scripture. These are ways to describe Sacred Listening, James L. Wakefield's adaptation of the classic Spiritual Exercises of Ignatius Loyola.

Mystic Magazine: Egyptian Mystical Theology - A Conversation with W. Marsham Adams.

As believers in Christ, many of us today fall into the trap of thinking we have to approach God in a certain way. But our creator made us all unique, and he designed us to connect with him in our own ways. For some, this might look like quiet contemplation. Others express praise through caregiving or theological discussions. It's important to discover the particular pathway that will best help you to experience God's presence.

Tulsi Devi (Vrinda—Holy Basil) is a sacred plant in Hindu belief. She is regarded as an earthly manifestation of the goddess Srimati Tulsi Devi, and is as an avatar of Lakshmi, and thus the consort of Vishnu. The offering of her leaves is mandatory in the worship of Bhagavan Sri Krishna. Tulsi is regarded as the holiest of all plants and a bridge between heaven and earth. A traditional prayer teaches the creator Brahma and the Ganges resides in her branches, all holy pilgrimage centers in her roots, all deities are in her stem and leaves, and the Vedas are found in parts of her branches.