Religious Thought

For at least the last fifty thousand years, and probably much longer, people have practiced religion. Yet little attention has been given, either by believers or atheists, to the question of whether this universal human behavior might have an evolutionary basis. Did religion evolve, in other words, because it helped people in early societies survive?

In many ways, we seem to be living in wintry times at present in the Western world. In this new book, Rowan Williams, former Archbishop of Canterbury and a noted scholar of Eastern Christianity, introduces us to some aspects and personalities of the Orthodox Christian world, from the desert contemplatives of the fourth century to philosophers, novelists and activists of the modern era, that suggest where we might look for fresh light and warmth.

Do You Seek God's Word to guide you? With the constant demands and pressures of daily life, it can be hard to regularly pause to be with and listen to God's voice. When you're having one of those days, you just want to know that someone is on your side. You have more than just someone, you have your Heavenly Father! He is with you. He is for you. This 365-day devotional collection includes a combination of Scripture, engaging explanations, and compelling reflection questions to encourage you in your daily walk with the Lord.Through this devotional, you'll: Discover how you can move forward ...

For those considering walking the Camino de Santiago or just interested in learning more about it, the author shares what led him to his pilgrimage, his initial concerns, the preparation and experiences while walking, the time and financial investment, and his reflections after the walk. He offers a look at the Camino journey that begins before you take your first step and does not end even after your last.

Samuel A. Oppenheim, the author of The Historical Evolution Of Judaism, With Comparisons To Other Systems Of Thought, traces the evolution of the Jewish religion as a response to historical events, and how its development interacts with the history of Jews as individuals and the outside world, and how Judaism compares to other religions. The author presents the text in a format to help the reader gain a better and more thorough understanding of Judaism and its interconnection both with Jewish history and other systems of thought, with specific emphasis on Islam and Christianity.

"In the Light of Truth: The Grail Message" is a classic work that offers clear and perceptive answers to questions which challenge every human being. Written between the years 1923-1937, it is a collection of 168 essays addressing all spheres of life ranging from God and the Universe to the Laws in Creation, the meaning of life, responsibility, free will, intuition and the intellect, the ethereal world and the beyond, justice and love. It answers eternal questions such as what does it mean to be human, what is the purpose of life on Earth, and what happens to "me" when I die.

Feeling trapped by unwanted thoughts and emotions can seem an inevitable part of life. But Eknath Easwaran, who taught meditation for 40 years, teaches us a way to break free. Just as a fitness routine can create a strong, supple body, spiritual disciplines can shape a secure personality and a resilient, loving mind. Easwaran takes the timeless teachings of the Buddha and other mystics and tells how we can train the mind not just during meditation but throughout the day.

Increasing numbers of conservative evangelicals are denying basic tenets of classical Christian teaching about God, with departures occurring even among those of the Calvinistic persuasion. James Dolezal's All That Is in God provides an exposition of the historic Christian position while engaging with these contemporary deviations. His convincing critique of the newer position he styles "theistic mutualism" is philosophically robust, systematically nuanced, and biblically based.

From the Introduction: The hand of eternal progress is brushing the cobwebs from the corridors of time and is again revealing to the human race the mysteries of being. As there is "nothing new under the sun", the searchlight of Truth is bringing to light only what has been known to the few in all generations. The time has now come when the few must become the many. The whole world, from the least to the greatest, must know the Truth, so that man may understand the great laws that govern his life.

With the trademark wisdom, humor, and honesty that made Anne Lamott's book on faith, Traveling Mercies, a runaway best seller, Plan B: Further Thoughts on Faith is a spiritual antidote to anxiety and despair in increasingly fraught times.

The Dhammapada is a collection of sayings of the Buddha in verse form and one of the most widely read and best known Buddhist scriptures. Each saying was made on a different occasion in response to a unique situation that had arisen in the life of the Buddha and his monastic community. It is a good introductory primer on Buddhist thought.

In this original and groundbreaking book, Andrew Newberg, M.D., and Mark Robert Waldman turn their attention to the pinnacle of the human experience: enlightenment. Through his brain-scan studies on Brazilian psychic mediums, Sufi mystics, Buddhist meditators, Franciscan nuns, Pentecostals, and participants in secular spirituality rituals, Newberg has discovered the specific neurological mechanisms associated with the enlightenment experience - and how we might activate those circuits in our own brains.

This is an ebook of poetry written with everyone in mind. The poems are meant to inspire and to give hope to those feeling down. The poetry touches on different facets of everyday life. These uplifting poetic words include poems about those we care deeply for including wives, mothers, husbands, and fathers. A kind word is capable of making or breaking someone's day. It's also an ebook where you can feast on life and religious poetry. The author has written with love this poetic ebook view of life through his own personal self expressions and experiences. Each poetry topic of interest is ...

Too many people stumble through life with an inaccurate view of who God is. They believe in His existence, but don't know how to relate to Him in a practical and meaningful way. As a result, they fail to achieve anything beyond a superficial relationship with their Creator, and live less-than-fulfilling lives. In Whatever, God, Fr. Anthony Messeh shares his unique story and the lessons he's learned that helped him go from a "don't get too close to God because He might ruin your life" Christian, to a fully devoted "I can't get enough of God in my life" believer.

You might already be attracted to paganism, but considering the variety of traditions and paths that fall in this category, you may need a spiritual guide. Seek no further! Whether you're interested in following the pagan path or just curious to know more, The Complete Idiot's Guide to Paganism audiobook will enlighten you on this fascinating array of nature-based beliefs and practices.

Sometimes it happens in a flash: a text, a blowup, a breakup. Other times, relationships simply fade: you and your spouse rarely make eye contact, you learn the friend you trusted is gossiping about you, the child who once held your hand is now an angry teenager. You go over and over conflicts in your mind and wonder How can I fix this? Or Is fixing this even possible? Or Why did I handle it that way?

A collection of new and previously published essays offering an interpretation of Plato at once new and in harmony with the best philosophical traditions of antiquity.

Julia Cameron shares beautiful prayers of empowerment followed by potent declarations and reflections on the nature of change and coping. They extend beyond affirmations to facilitate a powerful awakening of the potential of the human soul and to revitalize our abilities to transform our lives in the face of whatever the universe may put in our life's path. Transitions will help guide the soul and draw listeners toward the source of their inner strength. Whether listened to in one sitting, or over time, this is an audiobook no thoughtful being will want to be without.

Every summer, fifty-six-year-old Mari escapes the chaos of the big city to find solace in a small town in Minnesota, but this year, her vacation takes a dramatic turn when her best friend Theo is involved in an accident. As a trauma nurse, Mari is no stranger to tragedy, but this time, it hits too close to home. Fearing for Theo's life, she turns to her faith and prays for his recovery. This leads her on a spiritual odyssey guided by Theo's mysterious doctor. As Mari delves deeper into the unknown, she must confront a shocking truth that will test her faith and transform her heart. "Theo's ...

A beautifully raw and poignant collection of poetry and prose, Pillow Thoughts III continues the series from poet Courtney Peppernell. Fix yourself a warm drink and settle into Peppernell's words as she pens a tribute to her fans who are bravely continuing their journey from hurt to healing.