- Table View
- List View
Abraham's Dice: Chance and Providence in the Monotheistic Traditions
by Karl W. GibersonMost of us believe everything happens for a reason. Whether it is "God's will","karma", or "fate," we want to believe that nothing in the world, especially disasters and tragedies, is a random, meaningless event. But now, as never before, confident scientific assertions that the world embodies a profound contingency are challenging theological claims that God acts providentially in the world. The random and meandering path of evolution is widely used as an argument that God did not create life. Abraham's Dice explores the interplay between chance and providence in the monotheistic religious traditions, looking at how their interaction has been conceptualized as our understanding of the workings of nature has changed. This lively historical conversation has generated intense ongoing theological debates, and provocative responses from science: what are we to make of the history of our universe, where chance and law have played out in complex ways? Or the evolution of life, where random mutations have challenged attempts to find purpose within evolution and convinced many that human beings are but a "glorious accident"? The enduring belief that everything happens for a reason is examined through a conversation with major scholars, among them holders of prestigious chairs at Oxford and Cambridge Universities and the University of Basel, as well as several Gifford lecturers, and two Templeton prize winners. Organized historically, Abraham's Dice provides a wide-ranging scientific, theological, and biblical foundation to address the question of providence and divine action in a world shot through with contingency.
Three Faces of Antisemitism: Right, Left and Islamist (Studies in Contemporary Antisemitism)
by Jeffrey HerfThree Faces of Antisemitism examines the three primary forms of antisemitism as they emerged in modern and contemporary Germany, and then in other countries.The chapters draw on the author’s historical scholarship over the years on the form antisemitism assumed on the far right in Weimar and Nazi Germany, in the Communist regime in East Germany, and in the West German radical left, and in Islamist organizations during World War II and the Holocaust, and afterward in the Middle East. The resurgence of antisemitism since the attacks of September 11, 2001, has origins in the ideas, events, and circumstances in Europe and the Middle East in the half century from the 1920s to the 1970s. This book covers the period since 1945 when neo-Nazism was on the fringes of Western and world politics, and the persistence of antisemitism took place primarily when its leftist and Islamist forms combined antisemitism with anti-Zionism in attacks on the state of Israel. The collection includes recent essays of commentary that draw attention to the simultaneous presence of antisemitism’s three faces. While scholarship on the antisemitism of the Nazi regime and the Holocaust remains crucial, the scholarly, intellectual, and political effort to fight antisemitism in our times requires the examination of antisemitism’s leftist and Islamist forms as well.This book will be of interest to scholars researching antisemitism, racism, conspiracy theories, the far right, the far left, and Islamism.
Notes for a Decolonial Political Theology (Transforming Political Theologies)
by Silvana RabinovichAt the crossroads of ethics, poetics and politics, this innovative book outlines a series of notes to decolonize political theology. The author proposes counter-hegemonic forms of reading, which deconstruct domination by embracing fragility. The book opens with a diapason of prejudicelessness as a decolonial key, focusing on prejudices that hinder critical attention to a colonial political theology that perpetuates hatred. The first set of notes aims to ‘de-orientalize the Semite’ by reading midrashic and biblical texts in the present context, the second seeks to decolonize language by exploring the power of translation, and the third ponders decolonial theo-logics to outline a justice of the other. Connecting a number of fields, authors, and epistemologies, the book addresses the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and brings together Jewish thought, continental philosophy, and Latin American perspectives. It engages with a range of thinkers, including Benjamin and Arendt, and features an interview with Enrique Dussel as well as a foreword by Gil Anidjar. This is an important methodological proposal for interdisciplinary and intercultural political theology and a valuable contribution towards rethinking the paradigm of political theology beyond its Eurocentric and colonialist premises.
My Name is Gracy: Finding my new mummy
by Lida Basson'My Name is Gracy' is a book that the Lord asked me to write in a dream. As I stepped out into His obedience, He also asked me to paint the cover of the book and showed me exactly how He wanted it to look. Gracy is a wild rabbit from England who shares her true story of how she lost her own family when she was only a baby and how she was rescued by her new mummy when she felt all alone, hungry and scared. From being fed with a little syringe to eating all on her own, Gracy shares how she grew bigger and stronger every day and how she realised it was Jesus who brought her to her new loving family. Gracy also discovers her new mum's love for Jesus and starts seeing how much He really loves and cares for all of us. She loves her new cat brother Simba very much and shares her own photos of her journey to take children a bit deeper into her story of true love and grace. Its a story that will warm any child's heart as they get to know Gracy and learn all about her new life with her new family and how Jesus provides for all their needs.
Ancient Christians and the Power of Curses: Magic, Aesthetics, and Justice
by null Laura Salah NasrallahAncient Christians and their non-Christian contemporaries lived in a world of 'magic.' Sometimes, they used curses as ritual objects to seek justice from gods and other beings; sometimes, they argued against them. Curses, and the writings of those who polemicized against curses, reveal the complexity of ancient Mediterranean religions, in which materiality, poetics, song, incantation, and glossolalia were used as technologies of power. Laura Nasrallah's study reframes the field of religion, the study of the Roman imperial period, and the investigation of the New Testament and ancient Christianity. Her approach eschews disciplinary aesthetics that privilege the literature and archaeological remains of elites, and that defines curses as magical materials, separable from religious ritual. Moreover, Nasrallah's imaginative use of art and 'research creations' of contemporary Black painters, sculptors, and poets offer insights for understanding how ancient ritual materials embedded into art work intervene into the present moment and critique injustice.
To Be Like Water: Cultivating a Graceful and Fulfilling Life through the Virtues of Water and Dao Yin Therapeutic Movement
by Margot RossiDrawing on South and East Asian philosophies and medicines, this book illustrates how our bodies and minds are influenced by our actions, habits, aging, trauma and thought patterns. Using the analogy of being like water, Margot Rossi presents a range of practices - including imagery, Daoyin therapeutic movement, yoga and mindful attention - that help build awareness and potentially shift our form, physiologically and neurologically.The first section of the book is dedicated to exploring the virtues of being like water, based on 30 years of Rossi's professional and personal experience. Each essay ends with Daoyin therapeutic movements, learned and interpreted from the oral teachings of 88th-generation Daoist master Jeffrey Yuen. The second section offers teachings of Classical Chinese Medicine theory for patients and practitioners alike. It includes detailed case studies, basic diagnostic steps and demonstrates how health concerns can be used as a foundation for change and growth.
Die Wissenschaft vom Leben nach dem Tod
by Alexander Moreira-Almeida Marianna de Costa Humberto Schubert CoelhoDieses Buch untersucht die besten verfügbaren empirischen Beweise für eine der schwierigsten und allgegenwärtigsten Fragen in allen Zeitaltern, Kulturen und Religionen: das Überleben des menschlichen Bewusstseins nach dem Tod. Es beginnt mit einem kontextuellen Überblick über den Glauben an ein persönliches Überleben und widerlegt fehlgeleitete historische und erkenntnistheoretische Argumente gegen die Vorstellung eines Überlebens nach dem Tod (z. B. irrational, rein religiös, wissenschaftlich unmöglich, von der Neurowissenschaft als falsch erwiesen). Das Buch gibt einen Überblick über die wissenschaftlichen Beweise für das Fortleben des menschlichen Bewusstseins nach dem Tod und konzentriert sich dabei auf Studien über Medialität, Nahtoderfahrungen, außerkörperliche Erfahrungen und Reinkarnation.Zu den behandelten Themen gehören:Der Glaube an ein Leben nach dem Tod in der heutigen Welt sowie in der Geschichte der Religionen und der Philosophie.Die wichtigsten fehlgeleiteten Argumente und Vorurteile gegen die wissenschaftliche Erforschung des Überlebens nach dem Tod.Was sind empirische Beweise für ein Überleben nach dem Tod?Die wichtigsten alternativen Erklärungshypothesen für das Überleben nach dem Tod.Die wichtigsten kulturellen Hindernisse für eine faire Untersuchung der verfügbaren Beweise für das Weiterleben des Bewusstseins nach dem Tod.Science of Life After Death ist ein unverzichtbares Hilfsmittel für Forscher, Professoren und Doktoranden sowie für Kliniker, Therapeuten und andere Fachleute in den Bereichen Entwicklungs- und klinische Psychologie, Spiritualität, Religions- und Bewusstseinsforschung, Psychiatrie, Neurowissenschaft/Neurologie, Phänomenologie/Philosophie, Komplementär- und Alternativmedizin und allen damit verbundenen Disziplinen.
The Lived Experience of Palliative Chaplains: Practising Hospitality in an Inhospitable Land (Explorations in Practical, Pastoral and Empirical Theology)
by Caroline YihThis book explores the unique challenges of disenfranchisement faced by Christian chaplains working within the secular and pluralistic context of contemporary healthcare. The case study focuses on practitioners in Hong Kong and showcases the utilisation of interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) as a fruitful basis for practical theological endeavours. The role and perspective of the palliative chaplain as spiritual care specialist is examined, along with the tension that exists with the cultural and organisational context in which they operate. The chapters examine how end of life care practitioners can often face marginalisation, oppression, vulnerability, and disorientation among other difficult experiences that the author unites under a general theme of “homelessness”. The book contributes to discussions regarding fuller integration of the spiritual dimension within a holistic vision of end of life care provision. It will be of particular interest to scholars of practical theology and chaplaincy, as well as palliative medicine.
The Lived Experience of Palliative Chaplains: Practising Hospitality in an Inhospitable Land (Explorations in Practical, Pastoral and Empirical Theology)
by Caroline YihThis book explores the unique challenges of disenfranchisement faced by Christian chaplains working within the secular and pluralistic context of contemporary healthcare. The case study focuses on practitioners in Hong Kong and showcases the utilisation of interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) as a fruitful basis for practical theological endeavours. The role and perspective of the palliative chaplain as spiritual care specialist is examined, along with the tension that exists with the cultural and organisational context in which they operate. The chapters examine how end of life care practitioners can often face marginalisation, oppression, vulnerability, and disorientation among other difficult experiences that the author unites under a general theme of “homelessness”. The book contributes to discussions regarding fuller integration of the spiritual dimension within a holistic vision of end of life care provision. It will be of particular interest to scholars of practical theology and chaplaincy, as well as palliative medicine.
The Theological Power of Film (Routledge Studies in Religion and Film)
by James LorenzThis book explores the theological power of film and seeks to render a properly theological account of cinematic art. It considers: What theology and theological practice does cinematic art give rise to? What are the perceptual and affective potentials of film for theology, and what, if anything, is theological about the cinematic medium itself? The author argues that film is a fundamentally embodied art form, a haptic and somatic medium of perception-cum-expression. This, combined with the distinct temporal aesthetic of film, invests cinema with profound theological potentials. The chapters explore these potentials through theological-cinematic analysis, emphasising the themes of encounter, embodiment, time, and contemplation, as well as three intimately connected doctrines of Christian theology: creation, incarnation, and eschatology. Throughout the book, the films and writings of the Russian director Andrei Tarkovsky emerge as a singular illustration of the theological power of film, becoming a crucial resource for theologicalcinematic analysis.
The Theological Power of Film (Routledge Studies in Religion and Film)
by James LorenzThis book explores the theological power of film and seeks to render a properly theological account of cinematic art. It considers: What theology and theological practice does cinematic art give rise to? What are the perceptual and affective potentials of film for theology, and what, if anything, is theological about the cinematic medium itself? The author argues that film is a fundamentally embodied art form, a haptic and somatic medium of perception-cum-expression. This, combined with the distinct temporal aesthetic of film, invests cinema with profound theological potentials. The chapters explore these potentials through theological-cinematic analysis, emphasising the themes of encounter, embodiment, time, and contemplation, as well as three intimately connected doctrines of Christian theology: creation, incarnation, and eschatology. Throughout the book, the films and writings of the Russian director Andrei Tarkovsky emerge as a singular illustration of the theological power of film, becoming a crucial resource for theologicalcinematic analysis.
Towards a Theology of Same-Sex Marriage: Squaring the Circle
by Clare HerbertA transformative exploration of queer theology and the debate around same-sex marriage within the Church. Clare Herbert draws on her experience as a priest within the Church of England in a committed same-sex relationship and considers the questions that have shaped religious debate for many years. This book explores the concept of same-sex marriage in relation to the heteronormative definition of marriage, and its effect on past understandings of the sacrament. Interweaving stories from Christians struggling to reconcile their faith with their sexuality alongside wider queer theology and the theology of marriage, Herbert explores the unique understanding of God provided by the experience of committed same-sex love , and lays the groundwork for redefining the traditional definition of marriage.
Inclusive Judaism: The Changing Face of an Ancient Faith
by David Mitchell Jonathan RomainOne of the best-kept religious secrets has been the revolution that has been quietly taking place within Judaism over the last two decades, as it has sought to grapple with contemporary issues. These include mixed-faith marriages, gay relationships, women's empowerment, declining numbers, atheism and being trans. It has involved a willingness to abandon biblical laws that conflict with modern values. Most ground-breaking of all, it has meant re-defining what it means to be Jewish in the 21st century.Inclusive Judaism not only uncovers this religion revolution, but presents a challenge to all people of faith on how best to marry tradition and modernity. The book also reflects the soul-searching that has prompted rabbis to chart a new course, both out of principle and as a practical way of rescuing British Jewry from possible collapse if it did not adapt to the new social trends that affect us all.
Outcome Oriented Chaplaincy: Perceptive, Intentional, and Effective Caring
by Brent PeeryOutcome Oriented Chaplaincy (OOC) is a method of chaplaincy care that emphasizes achieving, describing, measuring, and improving the outcomes that result from a chaplain's work, alongside the parallel framework of evidence-based healthcare. This book examines the underlying principles of OOC and incorporates first-hand accounts of chaplains who have made a measured difference to patients and their families. Brent Peery draws on more than fifteen years of experience within the field of Outcome Oriented Chaplaincy, exploring its evolution and history within the complex culture of healthcare, and how its underlying principles of assessments, interventions, outcomes and documentation are most effectively put into practice. This practical guide will benefit chaplains interested in the approach of OOC, and identify a framework for providing the best spiritual care for those facing life's most difficult moments.
Mapping Faith: Theologies of Migration and Community
by David Mason Sheila Curran Ruth Padel Alison Phipps Ibrahim Mogra Faiza Omar Ric Stott Oliver Joseph Katy Radford Julie Khovacs Ivan Khovacs Hassan Rabbani Katherine Baxter Yvonne Green Tawona Sithole Rachel Godfrey Sofia Rehman Michael Nausner Robyn Ashworth-Steen Sayed Razawi Jacqueline Nicholls Aviva Dautch Pádraig Ó Tuama Harvey Kwiyani Hajra Williams Sally Style Mohamed Omar Jennifer Langer Issam Kourbaj Nazneen Ahmed Amir DarwishThis enlightening edited collection shows how migration shapes the lives of faith communities - and vice versa - through diverse prisms including diaspora, generational change, cultural conflict, conceptions of 'ministry' and artistic response. The contributors comprise writers, poets and artists from the three largest Abrahamic faiths (Judaism, Christianity, Islam) and beyond. They show how issues of migration are addressed through a variety of different media such as theological debate and shared community action, poetry and art.As issues of migration are an important factor in so many political and social debates, faith communities are looking for guidance on how to deepen their theological understanding of migration. This book helps them to reflect on their own practices and experiences, learn from their own traditions and engage in dialogue with diverse communities.*All royalties from book sales will be donated to The Helen Bamber Foundation - a UK-based charity that supports people who have survived extreme physical, sexual and psychological violence.*
Chaplains as Partners in Medical Decision-Making: Case Studies in Healthcare Chaplaincy
by Michelle Kirby Linda F. Piotrowski Martin Walton Paul Galchutt Jim Hogg Anne Windholz Nora Segar Keith W. Goheen Melanie Swofford Teresamarie T. Vilagos Debjani Mukherjee Abraham Axelrud Emily Rosencrans Karen Lieberman Christopher SmyreHealthcare chaplains working as part of interdisciplinary teams are frequently involved in contributing to discussions on all aspects of patients' wellbeing. This insightful collection of case studies shows how chaplains can effectively support patients and their families in making decisions regarding medical care, as well as for their spiritual needs.Reflecting the reality of medical decision-making, each case study follows a format where a chaplain and a non-chaplain (e.g. a doctor or a social worker) gives their response to the example considered, helping the reader to understand the chaplain's role in the decision making and how they can contribute constructively to the process. Adding another layer to the multifaceted role of the chaplain, this is essential reading for any chaplain in healthcare.
Christians Hearing Voices: Affirming Experience and Finding Meaning
by Christopher C. CookIn this insightful book, accounts of voice hearers are presented, evaluated and interpreted by a Christian theologian and psychiatrist. By listening to the first-hand experiences of voice hearers and evaluating them in the light of Christian theology, the book enables the reader to understand the experiences of voice hearers as a part of Christian experience and to engage with the theological issues raised by them, including the nature of revelation. This engaging and thought-provoking collection looks at a range of stories - ranging from comforting to complex to simply conversational - to encourage debate and search for meaning and also show how the reader can adapt clinical and pastoral practice to better aid people in this situation.
Spirituality and Meaning Making in Chronic Illness: How Spiritual Caregivers Can Help People Navigate Long-term Health Conditions
by Kelly AroraMany spiritual caregivers, including chaplains, spiritual directors and clergy, are unaware of how they can support people with chronic health conditions. This book combines insights on chronic illness with spiritual care skills and suggestions to enhance well-being for people living with long-term illness.Using a narrative approach, the author reflects on the stories of two women - Dorothy from The Wizard of Oz, who travels from Kansas (a state of health) to Oz (an illness experience), alongside the author's personal experiences of managing an incurable autoimmune disease. Chapters will include guidelines and exercises that help equip caregivers to facilitate healing with people who live with long-term health conditions.
Chaplaincy and the Soul of Health and Social Care: Fostering Spiritual Wellbeing in Emerging Paradigms of Care
by Ken Donaldson Steve Nolan George Fitchett Julian Raffay Madeleine Parkes Derek Fraser Carlo Leget Neil Pembroke Daniel Nuzum Daniel Grossoehme George Handzo Tim Bennison Don Bryant Eva Buelens Hans Evers David Fleenor Kevin Franz Cheryl Holmes Jo Kennedy Raymond Reddicliffe Austyn Snowden Ian Stirling Mark Stobert Iain Telfer Anne VandenhoeckGathering together thoughts and visions of experienced practitioners, academics, educators and strategic leaders from around the world, this edited volume sheds light on the nature of chaplaincy and its role and significance within ever-changing contemporary healthcare systems.A wide range of issues central to spiritual care delivery are covered, including reflections on what it feels like to be cared for by a chaplain through illness; the nature of chaplaincy as a profession; and how chaplains can engage with healthcare institutions in ways that have integrity yet are also deeply spiritual. The focus throughout is that chaplaincy should not only be guidance for people in distress, as a form of crisis intervention, but is rather about helping to promote wellbeing and enhance people's quality of life.Where specialisms tend to fragment systems and individuals, this book seeks to show that true health and wellbeing can only be found through a holistic approach, and shows how chaplaincy can bring this to the table. This book is for anyone who recognises the centrality of spirituality for wellbeing, and wishes to see what that might look like in practice.
Crafting Meaningful Wedding Rituals: A Practical Guide
by Jeltje Gordon-LennoxThe trend towards a more secular culture in Western society means that there can be greater flexibility in a wedding ceremony, but couples are often faced with the challenge of preparing a meaningful celebration outside the traditional religious framework. This hands-on, practical guide demonstrates how to approach and prepare a secular wedding ceremony that honours a couple's relationship with honest vows and rituals true to their shared values. In addition, it provides guidance on structuring a ceremony for couples that come from very different cultural or spiritual backgrounds.Includes the tools necessary for the creation of a ceremony, such as a Ritual Identity Questionnaire, checklists, and many other resources.
Hindu Approaches to Spiritual Care: Chaplaincy in Theory and Practice
by Lucinda Mosher Vineet ChanderShowing how spiritual care is practiced in a variety of different contexts such as healthcare, detention and higher education, as well as settings that may not have formal chaplaincy arrangements, this book offers an original and unique resource for Hindu chaplains to understand and practice spiritual care in a way that is authentic to their own tradition and that meets the needs of Hindus. It offers a Hindu perspective for all chaplains to inform their caregiving to Hindus.The book explores the theological and metaphysical roots of Hindu chaplaincy and puts forward the case for Hindu chaplaincy as a valuable spiritual practice. It covers the issues that arise in specific locations, such as college, healthcare, prison, military and the corporate sector. Chapters also examine Hindu pastoral care offered in other, 'non-chaplaincy' settings, such as LGBT centres, social justice work and environmental activism.Made up of some 30 essays by chaplains, scholars and other important voices in the field, Hindu Approaches to Spiritual Care provides spiritual caregivers with a comprehensive theoretical and practical approach to the relationship of Hinduism and chaplaincy.
Full of Character: A Christian Approach to Education for the Digital Age
by Frances WardEngaging with current philosophers and thinkers, this book questions the roots to our human condition. It considers the wisdom that traditional Christianity can bring to a Western culture preoccupied with post-truth, individualism and utilitarian methods of thinking.The desire for a fulfilling life is a common motivation to people, regardless of religious faith or non-faith. To be full of character - joyful, thoughtful, resourceful and truthful - we need habits of the heart. This book will explore the ways in which we can imagine our humanity differently, and find happiness as a direct result of becoming full of character.
Interfaith Worship and Prayer: We Must Pray Together
by Nikky-Guninder Kaur Singh Jay Atkinson Aaron Rosen Vishvapani Blomfield Alan Brill Hugh Ellis Usama Hasan Marcus Braybrooke Alan Race Carolyn Rosen Sheryl Kujawa-Holbrook Pashaura Singh Lucy Soucek Ibrahim Mogra Wendi Momen George Ballentyne Feargus O’Connor Yasuhiro Tanaka Yoshinobu Miyake Maneck Bhujwala Behram Deboo Jehangir Sarosh Bogodo Seelawimala Natubhai Shah Vinod Kapashi Hebron L Ndlovu Nokuzola Mndende Shaunaka Rishi Das Anantanand RambachanThis ground-breaking book contains contributions from 12 different religious traditions: Hinduism, African Traditional Religion, Judaism, Jainism, Buddhism, Zoroastrianism, Shintoism, Christianity, Islam, Sikhism, Unitarianism and Bahá'í. Interfaith worship and prayer can be complex, but this book demonstrates that in a world of many cultures and religions, there is an urgent need for religions to come together with trust and communication, especially when there is a crisis. Full of insights and examples of practice, the book demonstrates how religions can be a powerful means of unity and compassion. The book opposes the 'clash of civilisations' model as a way of interpreting the world and promotes peace, hope, and the possibility of cooperation. Religious believers can be sincere and committed to their own faith, while recognising the need to stand firmly together with members of other religious traditions.
Using Christian Contemplative Practice with Children: A Guide to Helping Children Explore Stillness and Meditation in Worship
by Sonia Mainstone-CottonHow stillness, mindfulness and other contemplative practices can be used with children in worship. Looking at the benefits this can offer for a child's wellbeing, and ability to reflect on their own beliefs, this guide is full of ideas and practical examples on how to introduce a more reflective approach to children's work in Christian settings.
Spiritual Care for Non-Communicative Patients: A Guidebook
by Walter Dixon Linda S. GoldingThis book enables chaplains to deliver vital spiritual care to non-responsive patients and their families. With exercises, worksheets and case studies, it demonstrates how chaplains can develop the confidence and skills needed to engage with patients in meaningful ways, while affirming their personhood and bringing comfort to their loved ones.