LITMIR.BIZ

Many people ask, «How can I live a more spiritual life, a life that can ultimately lead to enlightenment?» And by way of an answer this book describes four of the most important steps that we can take along the spiritual path–staying open to suffering, living a generous life, cultivating mindfulness and wonder, and accepting death but affirming joy. The Spiritual Guide offers a clear discussion of basic spiritual themes. It does not assume the truth of any given standpoint, and it has something to say to all people, regardless of their religious affiliation or lack of it. Most of us are profoundly concerned with meaning-of-life issues, but academic philosophy is remote while «new age» spirituality can be impossibly vague. This book uses parables, philosophical ideas, and stories from a variety of religious and philosophical traditions to illuminate what it means to live in a spiritual way. The Spiritual Guide is both practical and theoretical, and it speaks directly to readers as students of life.

Подробнее

Psychology and theology interface at four levels: theory development, research process, data collection, and clinical operation. At each level they connect in the model of humanness (anthropology) forming and functioning there; and in that model of humanness it is in personality theory that psychology illumes theology and that psychology illumines theology. A theologian who does not take full advantage of the way psychology illumines theology is not serious about the work of theology. A psychologist who does not take full advantage of the way theology illumines psychology is not serious about the field and practice of psychology. Science, Religion, and Health explains in readable style how that interface and mutual illumination works, and why it is crucial for Christian psychotherapists and pastors.

Подробнее

"Faith is the beginning of life, love is the end." "All things together are good, if you believe with love." "Faith and love are everything. Nothing is better than them." In his seven letters, Ignatius of Antioch puts the concepts of faith and love side by side in novel and gripping combinations. Olavi Tarvainen illuminates Ignatius's terse statements in this close study of his letters. In doing so, he sheds new light on an understudied theme in early Christianity. Yet he moves beyond the question of what these words collectively mean to ask how Ignatius employs them individually. By doing so, faith and love become a new lens through which to view the entire scope of Ignatius's theology in fresh and exciting ways.

Подробнее

The growth and religious commitment of the Latino community in the U.S. presents a unique set of challenges for pastors in that community. Walk with the People: Latino Ministry in the United States identifies and analyzes the contemporary challenges facing Latino churches in the U.S. and some of the issues they are likely to face in the future. Latino pastors and others working in the community need to understand and grapple with these challenges. As the Latino community continues to grow and diversify, effective church leaders in Latino congregations will need to retool their ministries to address these changes.

Подробнее

The message of Jesus Christ is timeless, and has never been more relevant than in our own day. Jesus' life, ministry, and teachings have inspired billions of people throughout the ages to follow him. The Gospel of Mark was the first gospel written, and presents the story of Jesus in a way that is dynamic, exciting, and profound. In thirty-one brief, accessible chapters, pastor and theologian S. H. Mathews reflects on the most significant passages in Mark's gospel. Whether used as a month-long daily devotional or as a guide to reading Mark's gospel, this book will be a trusted companion for those who seek to follow Jesus, or to understand his life and message more clearly.

Подробнее

This book will be a welcome addition to the libraries of those who are engaged in planning and leading worship. It provides thoughtful, expressive prayers that may be used during traditional worship services and also at retreats, at church events, and for the many occasions in life that call for a prayerful response. Encompassing many categories of prayer, the selections included will be a helpful resource for pastors, chaplains, worship leaders, and liturgists throughout the church year as they encourage those they serve to pray and to worship in spirit and truth.

Подробнее

The position and treatment of women in every religion, culture, and society have been subjects of concern for a long time. In every society, women fight for their emancipation from exploitive and oppressive patriarchal structures. The most contentious issues include domestic violence, gender discrimination and inequality in the areas of employment, leadership, and marriage. Domestic violence tops the list and is the worst enemy of any progressive and democratic society. It dehumanizes, disfigures, and demeans its victims and survivors. Shona Women in Zimbabwe–a Purchased People? explores the causes of domestic violence–the cultural practice of bridewealth, in particular–and assesses the extent to which it contributes to the proliferation of domestic violence among the Shona people of Zimbabwe. It then explores the Christian traditions, particularly, the Roman Catholic Church, in search of resources that can be used to emancipate Shona women from patriarchal subjugation. Finally, the book offers a pastoral response that is informed by the experiences of the Shona women, their cultural resources, and the Roman Catholic religious tradition.

Подробнее

If you are eager to learn how to gain greater awareness and understanding about the layers-of-truth and the often hidden facets of being female and clergy, this is the book for you! Discover the diamonds on each page as the author uses humor, wisdom, scriptures, and brief narratives to bring fresh sparkle to topics such as: –hearing a calling from God in a changing and sometimes biased society –balancing busy schedules –living into self-care –embracing forgiveness –being mentored and mentoring others in ministry –networking with male and female clergy colleagues and community leaders –negotiating benefits and salaries –keeping healthy sexual boundaries –maximizing play time with family and friends –learning quick tips for fashion, clothing, hairstyles, and even make-up It is the author's prayer that women in ministry, their families, colleagues, and faith communities will read and then be made more sensitive to the ways that all of us can support each other in our journeys to becoming even more brilliant in God's eyes.

Подробнее

God is alive with wonder, a soul-filling conflagration of improbable truth. He loves us as He detonates our spiritual assumptions, turning our religious worlds upside down. In The God We Do Not Know, we will attempt to gain insight into a God who demolishes us, it seems, at every turn. He possesses mind-bending intelligence, creativity, power, and love. Therefore, if we truly want to know Him, His truths will inevitably lead us into rough, unpredictable–but wondrous–terrain. We must investigate these truths; be stormed, shattered, and swept away, in love, by them. At times this journey is spiny and steep but, in every case, brimming with joy, with compassion, with wonder.

Подробнее

Are stress and feelings of inadequacy your constant companions?
Peaceful mom. It hardly seems that the words could go together. Yet the peace we crave can be ours in every season of raising children. Whether you have teenagers or toddlers, being a mom is a daunting and amazing responsibility. And it's a part of God's design for you.
You are deeply loved by God. Draw from the well of a relationship with him–even if it's a new well–to sift through all that the world plops in your path. Learn to partner with him. Grow stronger and more confident and begin to see your self the way God sees you–as a woman, as a mom, and as his child.
Be encouraged and motivated through prayer and dialogue examples, personal stories, and scripture applications. Consider your approach to being a mom, making commitments, and the power of forgiveness. Discover how God works through you to raise and shape your children, as you learn and grow with a peace that is truly beyond understanding.

Подробнее