Religious Traditions

From classics such as the Odyssey and the Aeneid to fifth-century Christian apocrypha, narratives that described guided tours of the afterlife played a major role in shaping ancient notions of morality and ethics. In this new account, acclaimed author Bart Ehrman contextualizes early Christian narratives of heaven and hell within the broader intellectual and cultural worlds from which they emerged.

What if the tales from the Old Testament and other ancient writings, such as those from Sumer, Babylon, Egypt, and Greece, were not myths or allegory but accounts of actual historical events? Known for his ability to read and interpret ancient Sumerian and Akkadian clay tablets, Zecharia Sitchin (1920-2010) took the words of our most ancient ancestors as fact and, through decades of meticulous research, showed that they revealed a coherent narrative about the true origins of humanity and civilization.

Unlock the profound wisdom of Jewish heritage with "The Torah and Talmud for Beginners." This compelling 2-in-1 volume is designed to bring the essential teachings of these sacred texts to your fingertips. Whether you're new to Jewish studies or looking to deepen your understanding, this book offers a clear and comprehensive introduction to the foundational scriptures and wisdom of Judaism. Delve into the heart of Jewish spirituality with an engaging and accessible guide that makes ancient teachings relevant and understandable. Explore the Core Teachings: Journey through the pivotal stories...

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.

With his creation of the infamous Church of Satan in 1966 and his bestselling book The Satanic Bible in 1969, Anton Szandor LaVey (1930-1997) became a controversial celebrity who basked in the attention and even made a successful career out of it. But who was Anton LaVey behind the public persona that so easily provoked Christians and others intolerant of his views?

The tradition of the Himalayan sages that exists today is an unbroken chain that extends for more than 5,000 years. Undisturbed by the passage of time, this tradition is not concerned with teachings that apply only to a particular era of history or geographical region of the world - its entire emphasis is on the experience of the universal truth of who we are.

Unlock the secrets of Jewish law and tradition with "The Tosefta: A Beginner's Guide: Exploring Jewish Law and Tradition." This indispensable guide offers a window into one of Judaism's most profound texts, making ancient wisdom accessible to all. If you've ever been curious about the foundations of Jewish law, this book is your key to understanding. Step into the World of the Tosefta Dive Deep: Discover the intricate laws and ethical teachings that have shaped Jewish life for centuries. The Tosefta, often considered a supplement to the Mishnah, provides a richer, more detailed exploration ...

What do Soul Cycle, gratitude journals, and tech breaks have in common? For ter Kuile, they offer rituals that create the foundation for our modern spiritual lives. Casper ter Kuile, a Harvard Divinity School fellow and cohost of the popular Harry Potter and the Sacred Text podcast, explores how we can nourish our souls by transforming common, everyday practices - yoga, reading, walking the dog - into sacred rituals that can heal our crisis of social isolation and struggle to find purpose.

In one astonishing, short period–the ninth century BCE–the peoples of four distinct regions of the civilized world created the religious and philosophical traditions that have continued to nourish humanity into the present day: Confucianism and Daoism in China; Hinduism and Buddhism in India; monotheism in Israel; and philosophical rationalism in Greece. Historians call this the Axial Age because of its central importance to humanity’s spiritual development.

For billions of people, having a religious belief system provides purpose in life. For some, religion serves as a guide for moral behavior. After many years exploring the foundations of various world religions, Jason Boyett has written this comprehensive, easy-to-understand exploration of the 12 major world religions through a meticulous, yet unbiased lens. 12 Major World Religions offers an impartial look at where each of these belief systems intersects, how they differ, and why some have been - or are currently - misunderstood.

The legends of the Norse and Germanic regions of Europe—spanning from Germany and Austria across Scandinavia to Iceland and England—include a broad range of mythical characters and places, from Odin and Thor, to berserkers and Valhalla, to the Valkyries and Krampus. In this encyclopedia, Claude Lecouteux explores the origins, connections, and tales behind many gods, goddesses, magical beings, rituals, folk customs, and mythical places of Norse and Germanic tradition.

Discover a world where simplicity reigns and devotion guides every action. Plain Faith: Exploring Amish and Shaker Beliefs and Culture brings you two books in one—a captivating, in-depth exploration of America’s Amish and Shaker communities. In this double guide, The Amish for Beginners: An Introductory Guide to Beliefs and Practices and The Shakers: Understanding Beliefs and Practices reveal the rich traditions, compelling lifestyles, and unwavering faith of two of the country’s most intriguing groups. This isn’t just a book; it’s your invitation to step inside a world of ...

From Chant to Choir: Sacred Music in Religion and World Culture In From Chant to Choir, explore the profound power of music as it transcends time, cultures, and spiritual traditions. This captivating journey delves into the sacred sounds that have shaped religious practices across the globe—from the ancient rhythms of indigenous chants to the harmonies of modern worship. Discover how music has been used not only as a tool for devotion and connection to the divine but also as a source of healing, resistance, and transformation. With a focus on the rich and diverse traditions of Hinduism, ...

Scott Cunningham's classic introduction to Wicca is about how to live life magically, spiritually, and wholly attuned with nature. It is a book of sense and common sense, not only about magick but also about religion and one of the most critical issues of today: how to achieve the much-needed and wholesome relationship with our Earth. Cunningham presents Wicca as it is today: a gentle, Earth-oriented religion dedicated to the Goddess and God. Wicca also includes Cunningham's own Book of Shadows.

Discover the hidden wisdom of one of the world's oldest and most influential religions! "Judaism: A Primer for Gentiles" is your key to unlocking the mysteries of Jewish faith, culture, and traditions. Whether you're a curious outsider, an interfaith partner, or simply seeking to broaden your horizons, this comprehensive guide will open your eyes to a rich tapestry of beliefs and practices that have shaped history for millennia. Have you ever wondered about the true meaning behind Jewish holidays, or why kosher food is so important? Are you curious about the concept of the Messiah or the ...

The co-editors of Gnosis magazine explore the many esoteric traditions that Western culture has to offer. While terms from Eastern spiritual practices such as Zen, mantra, and karma have become part of our daily lexicon, the traditions of Western spirituality have been largely unexplored by people searching for non-mainstream routes to spiritual experience. But for those who identify with Western culture, Western religious traditions have their own wisdom teachings that are more suitable to their needs and expectations.

A History of Magic, Witchcraft and the Occult charts the extraordinary narrative of one of the most interesting and often controversial subjects in the world - from ancient animal worship and shamanism, through alchemy and divination to modern Wicca and the resurgence of the occult in 21st-century literature, cinema, and television.

Thousands of religions have adherents today, and countless more have existed throughout history. What accounts for this astonishing diversity? This extraordinarily ambitious and comprehensive book demonstrates how evolutionary systematics and philosophy can yield new insight into the development of organized religion. Lance Grande—a leading evolutionary systematist—examines the growth and diversification of hundreds of religions over time, highlighting their historical interrelationships.

Heathenry is one of the fastest growing polytheistic religious movements in the United States today. In A Modern Guide to Heathenry, listeners will have the opportunity to explore the sacred stories of the various heathen gods like Odin, Frigga, Freya, and Thor, and will be granted a look into the devotional practices of modern votaries.

At a time when we are all confronted by not one, but many crossroads in our modern lives - identity, technology, trust, politics, and a global pandemic - celebrated mythologist and wilderness guide Martin Shaw delivers Smoke Hole: three metaphors to help us understand our world, one that is assailed by the seductive promises of social media and shadowed by a health crisis that has brought loneliness and isolation to an all-time high.