Religious Traditions

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.

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.

The Origins of Easter takes readers on a captivating journey through the hidden history of one of the world’s most cherished holidays. This book uncovers the fascinating interplay of ancient pagan traditions, early Christian practices, and modern customs that have shaped Easter into the global celebration we know today. From the goddess Eostre and her symbols of renewal, to the transformation of Easter eggs and the Easter Bunny, this exploration offers a fresh perspective on the deeper meanings of Easter. Delve into the rich history of Easter, discovering how fertility festivals, ancient ...

They believed they would live forever. So begins Mira Ptacin's haunting account of the women of Camp Etna - an otherworldly community in the woods of Maine that has, since 1876, played host to generations of Spiritualists and mediums dedicated to preserving the links between the mortal realm and the afterlife. Beginning her narrative in 1848 with two sisters who claimed they could speak to the dead, Ptacin reveals how Spiritualism first blossomed into a national practice during the Civil War, yet continues - even thrives - to this very day.

Pastor Creflo Dollar offers 10 compelling reasons why God hates religion - but loves for people to have real relationships with Christ. Religion has broken churches, fueled wars, and driven people away from the true Gospel of Jesus. Why I Hate Religion is a clarion call for people to ditch religion and embrace relationship.

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.

A controversial examination of the influence and presence of the Norse god Odin in contemporary history and culture.

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.

With this collection of classic tales from India, you will learn about the playful, loyal, strong, loving, and wise gods, goddesses, and heroes of India. You will discover how the deity Ganesh, the remover of obstacles, got his elephant head; how the goddess Parvati won the heart of the great god Shiva; and how the goddess Ganga came to Earth from Heaven in the form of the holy Ganges River. You will discover how Krishna’s childhood as superhero and mischievous boy prepared him to fulfill his destiny as an avatar of the god Vishnu.

This documentary will count as practices of the to day and, even within christianity are very ancient and, they have gone through generations to the present day.

Discover a timeless journey with One God One People. The Monotheistic Message of the Torah. This enlightening exploration delves into the profound spiritual heritage captured within the ancient scrolls of the Torah. As you turn each page, uncover the profound wisdom and enduring relevance of its teachings, which have guided people for millennia. This book sheds light on the central theme of monotheism that weaves through the narratives, laws, and prophetic visions of the Torah, illustrating how the belief in one God has shaped societies, cultures, and personal faith throughout history. ...

What does it mean to be both devout and modern? To live a life shaped by Jewish law while thriving in a world of technology, academia, and cultural diversity? Modern Orthodox Judaism for Beginners is your roadmap to understanding a faith that embraces tradition without retreating and engages with modernity without surrendering. Master the foundations of Jewish law. What is Halakha, and why does it still shape Jewish life today? Discover how it governs everything from ethics to daily routines, guiding everything from keeping kosher to handling workplace dilemmas. Faith and reason go hand in ...

Step into a world where ancient traditions and modern faith converge. Ethiopian Catholic Church: A Beginner's Guide reveals the beauty, depth, and resilience of one of the most distinctive expressions of Catholicism. This guide is your gateway to understanding a faith that has shaped lives and cultures for centuries. Immerse yourself in the Ge’ez Rite, a liturgical tradition steeped in history and spirituality. From its sacred chants to its rich symbolism, discover why this rite is celebrated as a cornerstone of Ethiopian Catholic worship. Uncover the church’s remarkable history, from ...

In The Heretic’s Handbook, the internationally bestselling author of The Secret History of the World has collected and codified ancient, secret wisdom from around the world, formulating a complete philosophy on how to live a happy and successful life. An acclaimed author and public speaker, Black shows how this body of knowledge has been declared ‘heretical’ both by the established church and by today’s atheistic intellectual elite.

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 ...

A history of how mystical and spiritual influences have shaped Russia’s identity and politics and what it means for the future of world civilization.

Fazlur Rahman was one of the great 20th-century Muslim modernists, whose prolific writing and sheer number of students who make up a who’s who of Islamic studies throughout North America reveal the impact that he has had on both academe and on Muslim communities throughout the world. The modernist approach is contrasted with the radical approach of Mawlana Mawdudi of Pakistan.

A LIVING LEGACY: CULTURE, FAITH, AND THE FUTURE OF APPALACHIA (Part 2 of "Beyond Elegy: Appalachia's True Story of Resilience and Hope") By Laurel Ridgewater In this compelling second volume, A Living Legacy delves deeper into the heart and soul of contemporary Appalachia, exploring the vibrant cultural traditions, spiritual foundations, and emerging future of this complex region. Through rich storytelling and meticulous research, this work illuminates how Appalachia’s traditional values and modern aspirations interweave to create a tapestry of resilience and innovation. Key explorations ...

Steve Saint was five years old when his father, missionary pilot Nate Saint, was speared to death by a primitive Ecuadorian tribe. In adulthood, Steve, having left Ecuador for a successful business career, never imagined making the jungle his home again. But when that same tribe asks him to help them, Steve, his wife, and their teenage children move back to the jungle. There, Steve learns long-buried secrets about his father's murder, confronts difficult choices, and finds himself caught between two worlds.

"With humor and lyrical grace," Kathleen Norris meditates on a place in the American landscape that is at once desolate and sublime, harsh, and forgiving, steeped in history and myth (San Francisco Chronicle). A combination of reporting and reflection, Dakota reminds us that wherever we go, we chart our own spiritual geography.