LITMIR.BIZ

Reflecting the spirit of East Indian myths, legends, and fables, these illustrations were compiled by one of the nineteenth century's foremost Orientalists. Edward Moor published The Hindu Pantheon in 1810, and this new volume draws upon his exposition of India's religious iconography to offer a spectacular array of images of Hindu deities.Dramatic engravings and line drawings include scenes from the Ramayana and Mahabharata as well as temple images of Krishna, Vishnu, Siva, and other major gods and goddesses. Many are derived from bronze figurines; others are reproduced from manuscript illustrations. All appear with captions for ease of identification.

Подробнее

In this groundbreaking work that made his reputation as a theologian, Albert Schweitzer traces the search for the historical person of Jesus (apart from the Christ of faith) and puts forward his own view of Jesus as an apocalyptic figure who preached a radical message of the coming of the Kingdom of God. Though Schweitzer's own proposals about Jesus no longer command assent, his lasting contribution, comprising the bulk of the book, is the critique of his predecessors. Through examining the works of more than 50 18th- and 19th-century authors and scholars, he shows conclusively that each historical reconstruction of Jesus was largely a fantasy made in their own self-image.Schweitzer's work has proved the touchstone for all subsequent quests for the «Jesus of history.» It also contributed in no small measure to the remarkable resurgence in Jesus studies in the latter part of the 20th century, which culminated in the much publicized and highly controversial findings of the Jesus Seminar.

Подробнее

Every Bible student knows there are several years in the life of Christ that are unaccounted for. But what accounts for that gap? Was Jesus in Nazareth from the ages of thirteen through twenty-nine? Or was he teaching and studying in India, as this thoroughly intriguing — and controversial — book suggests?  The story begins in 1887, when Russian explorer Nicolas Notovitch went on an expedition to learn about the customs of the people of India. During his travels, he visited a Buddhist monastery where he heard about a holy man, thought to be Jesus, who visited the region 2,000 years before. The Buddhists called him «Issa» — and there was an ancient document that could confirm the similarities. As Notovitch embarked on a treacherous journey to track down the evidence, he broke his leg in an accident and found himself recuperating at a monastery that possessed a copy of the document. The chief lama showed him a scroll that described a man with an uncanny resemblance to Jesus of Nazareth and his teachings. In spite of warnings from various churches, Notovitch published his findings. Whether you accept or deny this fascinating account of Christ's «missing years,» — a claim that's attracted widespread attention — you'll agree it makes compelling reading for people of all faiths. 

Подробнее

The perfect companion to Kahlil Gibran's classic, The Prophet, this elegant volume presents an original selection of works by the popular writer and artist. It consists of the complete texts and drawings of The Madman and The Forerunner, plus 20 additional illustrations—many long out of print—and a perceptive essay by art historian Alice Raphael. The Madman features a series of concise stories and verses offering uplifting views of human nature. Gibran warmly encourages his readers to abandon the superficial and embrace the true self, an outlook that recurs in The Forerunner and its 24 morality tales. Each of the poems, parables, and illustrations reflects Gibran's fervent belief in the transformative powers of love. This splendid keepsake edition of the renowned author's influential works is an ideal gift for any occasion.

Подробнее

A document of paramount historical importance, not only in terms of Christianity but also with respect to the development of Western religion. It chronicles the teachings of Jesus, who explains life's mysteries to his disciples and Mary Magdalene. Their discussions take place after Christ's resurrection and include accounts of his ascension into heaven.

Подробнее

Mysticism is usually thought of as an intense state involving personal unification with the Divine or Ultimate Reality. By its very nature, it is an ineffable experience, impossible to put into words. It is not impossible, however, to study the phenomenon, with an eye toward understanding not only its nature and manifestations, but its relationship to spirituality in general. This book is such a study. Widely considered the best book on mysticism for the general reader, this classic volume assembles a broad range of information scattered among monographs and textbooks in many languages.The work of a noted British authority on mysticism, it is divided into two parts: the first provides an introduction to the general subject of mysticism and its relation to metaphysics, psychology, theology, magic, and symbolism. The second and longer part contains a detailed study of the nature and development of spiritual or mystical consciousness, including such topics as the awakening of the self, the purification of the self, voices and visions, introversion, ecstasy and rapture, the dark night of the soul, and the unitive life. An interesting appendix provides a historical sketch of European mysticism from the beginning of the Christian era to the death of Blake.Richly documented with material drawn from such great mystics as St. Teresa, Meister Eckhart, St. John of the Cross, and William Blake, this remarkable study will be of immense interest to students, psychologists, theologians — anyone interested in this extremely personal and powerful form of spiritual life.

Подробнее

Since the dawn of the fifth century, theology students, religious scholars, and Christian readers have turned to this volume for instruction. Written by one of the foremost leaders in the development of Christian thought, it offers practical as well as theoretical guidance on how to read the Bible and explain the meaning of scripture. Augustine intended his treatise for the priests in his North African diocese of Hippo, but ultimately, the saint's counsel laid the groundwork for modern hermeneutics and semiotics.The first of On Christian Doctrine's four parts begins with an overview of the subjects treated in holy scripture. Subsequent parts discuss signs and their recognition, the distinctions between literal and figurative expressions, and the scriptures' stylistic combination of eloquence and wisdom. Above all, Augustine's text concerns itself with the ways in which individuals can live in harmony with Jesus' teachings. Christians and non-Christians alike value this work for its role in historical theology, its influence on the development of Biblical interpretation, and its insights into the mind of a great Christian philosopher and ecclesiastic.

Подробнее

Rediscovered in modern times, these «non-canonical» gospels, epistles, and other pieces were excised from the standard Bible by various church councils in the first four centuries of the Christian era. Here, among other texts, are writings describing the girlhood and betrothal of Mary and her life before Christ's birth; the childhood of Jesus, as described by Peter and Nicodemus; and the appearance of Christ before the gates of Hell, from whence he leads Adam and the saints to Paradise.Translated from the original languages, with 32 illustrations from ancient paintings and missals, The Lost Books of the Bible, helps give depth to the historical characters of Jesus, Mary, the apostles, and other figures of the New Testament. Presented without argument or commentary, these apocryphal texts are fascinating, often provocative, reading. An essential resource for the study of biblical history and theology, this authentic presentation of the «lost» Scriptures can be enjoyed for its beauty and directness, while also adding to one's understanding of life in Judea during the first century A.D.

Подробнее

R. H. Charles provides a definitive translation of one of the most noted apocalyptic works still in existence. Often described as «the lost book» of the Bible, The Book of Enoch seems to have been written in Palestine by several different authors in the first and second centuries B.C. For hundreds of years it was accepted by the early church fathers, but it was rejected by the council of Laodicea in A.D. 364. Today, it remains a written remnant of the Apocalypse—an ardent testament to hope and the triumph of good over evil in the dawning of a world to come. Rife with concepts of original sin, fallen angels, demonology, resurrection, and the last judgment, it is a vital document to the origins of Christianity.The Book of Enoch is comprised of various monumental works: The Book of Enoch, The Parables, The Book of the Courses of the Heavenly Luminaries, The Dream Visions, The Concluding Section, and The Noah Fragments. Each work is independent, but all the works are bound by a common theme: the punishment of the wicked and the blessedness of the righteous. This edition, complete with analysis and notes, is an indispensable resource for the study and understanding of both the Old and New Testaments.

Подробнее

Acclaimed by William James as «an addition to psychology of first-rate importance,» this pioneering work constitutes a classic modern study of the mystical experience. Author Richard Maurice Bucke, a distinguished progressive psychiatrist, explores the phenomenon of transcendent realization, or illumination. Bucke draws upon his firsthand experience of a life-altering insight to explore the theory of cosmic consciousness, an advance in mental evolution with the potential to raise existence to a higher plane. As valuable today as it was upon its 1901 publication, this landmark survey treats illumination from the standpoint of psychology, as a rare but definite and well-documented mental condition. It cites instances of sudden enlightenment experienced by mystics, philosophers, writers, and artists throughout history, noting an increasing frequency of episodes consistent with an evolutionary trend. Numerous case studies offer intriguing, real-life particulars of people and their personal epiphanies — from Buddha, Jesus, and Mohammed, to Dante, William Blake, Walt Whitman, and lesser-known individuals. A work of uplift and promise, this book offers readers a vista of extraordinary possibilities and a renewed capacity for hope and wonder.

Подробнее