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John Henry Newman (1801-1890) was a prominent figure in the religious history of England during the 19th century becoming nationally recognized by the mid-1830s. Originally an evangelistic Oxford scholar and clergyman in the Church of England, he was a leader in the Oxford Movement. This inspiring grouping of Anglicans wished to return the Church of England to the many Catholic beliefs and forms of worship. Newman left the Anglican Church and converted to Roman Catholicism, eventually acquiring the rank of Cardinal by Pope Leo XIII. Development of doctrine is a term used by Newman to describe the way Catholic teaching has become meticulous and explicit over the centuries. «An Essay on the Development of Christinan Doctrine» presents Newman's idea of development of doctrine to defend Catholic teaching from attacks by Anglicans and Protestants who saw certain elements in Catholic teaching as corruptions or innovations. To him, this doctrine was the natural and beneficial consequence of reason to reveal a truth that was not obvious at first.

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The authenticity of «The Book of Jasher» is debated by religious scholars. The book is referenced in Second Samuel, which some scholars point to as validation of its authentic origin. The author, Jasher, is supposedly the son of Caleb, a lieutenant of Moses and the book is believed by some to be one of the first books of the bible. «The Book of Jasher» recounts the biblical history from creation up to the time of Jasher. Regardless of its true origin, «The Book of Jasher» makes for interesting consideration amongst the other biblical scriptures.

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For students of Buddhism «The Dhammapada» is a must-read. This historic collection gathers various words spoken by the leader and founder of Buddhism. Each of the phrases in verse form coincides with a specific event that happened in Buddha's life, and he offers words of wisdom to shed light on these situations. This text is a staple in the Buddhist religion and is widely known as one of the most famous books in Eastern culture. Even though the thoughts of Buddha are his spoken word in written form, it is important for readers to remember that Buddha wanted all his philosophies to be open to interpretation and debate. With his verses, Buddha offers his own belief system for the world to analyze. For those who want to accept these words, they often find that «The Dhammapada» is an inspiration to change their lives. However, people from all different religions and creeds can find wisdom through Buddha's sayings; he looked at morality with a passive eye and willed his followers to treat everyone with the utmost respect. These and other beliefs can be found in «The Dhammapada,» which will be an interesting read for anyone wishing to challenge or expand their own thoughts and beliefs.

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John Henry Newman (1801-1890) was a significant figure in the religious history of nineteenth century England. Cardinal Newman was a leader of the Oxford Movement which eventually lead to the development of Anglo-Catholicism. No small presence within religious literature, John Henry Newman also wrote a great deal of tracts, hymns, and apologias. Here are collected thirty-two sermons, in Volume II of his «Parochial and Plain Sermons». These sermons are essential to an understanding of Newman's theological development as well as the dynamic changes that occurred within the Catholic Church in the 19th century. A diverse collection, Newman writes on «Faith without Sight», «Self-Contemplation», «The Indwelling Spirit», as well as much more. These sermons were all preached on Sundays by Newman at his Anglican parish, Saint Mary the Virgin, Oxford. Essential to any student of theology and philosophy, these sermons mark a great change in the Anglican and Catholic traditions.

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Sir James George Frazer developed an affinity for classic literature at a young age, which developed into a very real talent through his schooling at Glasgow University and then Trinity College at Cambridge, where he remained as a Classics Fellow for all but one year of his life. After the success of his first novel, «Totemism», in 1887, Frazer set out to create what was to become his defining work, «The Golden Bough: A Study in Comparative Religion». Originally a two-volume edition, the work expanded into multiple volumes, which in 1922 he edited down to the most widely-read abridged version, which has been reproduced here for this edition. It was initially celebrated as a remarkable study of comparative anthropology, but was later discredited by scientists because Frazer did not follow standard scientific procedures. Nevertheless, it could not be denied the work was an incredible literary accomplishment, influential towards the development of Western thought and such great 20th century thinkers as Freud, Anatole France, Margaret Mead, and Oswald Spengler.

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Spirituality meets philosophy in the Brother Lawrence of the Resurrection collection «The Practice of the Presence of God and the Spiritual Maxims.» This challenging yet fruitful read describes Brother Lawrence's philosophy that a relationship with God is more important than the service and work done in God's name. Through a series of letters to nuns and other monks, he states that people become caught up in trying to prove their worth to God. According to Brother Lawrence, people should instead focus on knowing God's love. He attests that this love was the strongest experience in the Carmelite monk's life. While «The Practice of the Presence of God» is a short read, it makes up in theology what it lacks in length. Audiences read through Brother Lawrence's text multiple times because of his rich, complex, and uplifting ideas. His spiritual conversion in his early 20's, followed by his astounding religious insight as a monk, provides readers with thought-provoking ideas. He encourages them to question their own lives and see if they truly have a relationship with God. «The Spiritual Maxims» also details Brother Lawrence's philosophy about God's presence in daily life. These short but thoughtful texts can be read throughout the day for an inspirational boost. «The Practice of the Presence of God and the Spiritual Maxims» is no doubt a book that has changed many Christians' lives and is a must-read for anyone seeking spiritual or philosophical growth.

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"Orthodoxy" is an autobiographical account of how Gilbert K. Chesterton comes to believe in the virtues of Orthodox Christianity. As a youth Chesterton described himself as a pagan and an agnostic, however as he ages he sees the need in his life for a spiritual belief in Christianity. In «Orthodoxy,» Chesterton makes the compelling argument that one needs faith to live happily in society. Discover Chesterton's arguments for yourself in this timeless Christian classic.

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Friedrich Nietzsche's «The Antichrist» might be more aptly named «The Antichristian,» for it is an unmitigated attack on Christianity that Nietzsche makes within the text instead of an exposition on evil or Satan as the title might suggest. In «The Antichrist,» Nietzsche presents a highly controversial view of Christianity as a damaging influence upon western civilization that must come to an end. Regardless of ones religious or philosophical point of view, «The Antichrist» makes for an engaging philosophical discourse.

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John Henry Newman was a very prominent religious figure throughout his life. As such, he came under fire for his staunchly traditional beliefs. “Apologia Pro Vita Sua” is an articulation and defense of the stance he took regarding the Anglican and Roman Catholic churches. Once a clergyman in the Church of England, Newman believed that the church had regressed and strayed from certain Catholic tenets, regarding dogma and worship. Eventually, distraught by the Anglican Church, Newman left for the Roman Catholic Church, eventually receiving the title of Cardinal, granted by Pope Leo XIII. In 1864, Newman was attacked by Kingsley, an Anglican clergyman in a magazine article, criticizing Newman for lacking reason or regard for truth. “Apologia Pro Vita Sua” was Newman’s response, giving rise to the idea that Newman’s intelligence served as a balancing counterpart for his faith. Today, it is apparent that Newman’s lengthy essay silenced his critics.

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Charles Alexander Eastman (Ohiyesa) wrote “The Soul of the Indian” to examine the spiritual history of Native American’s before European settlement in America. Born of Minnesota Sioux parents in South Dakota, Charles Eastman spent his life working with Natives and Europeans to bridge cultural divides. Born into and raised by a traditional Sioux family, Eastman developed a deep connection to the life of American Indians. Yet at the age of 15 Eastman’s father persuaded him to adopt a European lifestyle. Consequently he graduated from Dartmouth in 1887 and continued medical studies at Boston University. Becoming one of the most traditionally educated Native Americans in the country, Eastman began writing works exploring the changing identities of Native Americans in the early 20th century. In 1902 he published “Indian Boyhood.” He followed with several books including “Old Indian Days”, and “Indian Stories Retold.” His 1911 work “The Soul of the Indian” vividly depicts Native spiritual and religious practices and beliefs, bringing their rich cultural origins to life. His career as an author led him into the sphere of political and cultural activism, making him an effective champion of Native American’s rights. Eastman’s lifelong work of mediation between two seemingly disparate cultures made him one of the most influential American Indians of his day. “The Soul of the Indian” is not to be missed by anyone interested in the diverse fabric of the American identity. This edition includes a biographical afterword.

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