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The Creative Retrieval of Saint Thomas Aquinas: Essays in Thomistic Philosophy, New and Old
by W. Norris Clarke S.J.W. Norris Clarke has chosen the fifteen essays in this collection, five of which appear here for the first time, as the most significant of the more than seventy he has written over the course of a long career. Clarke is known for his development of a Thomistic personalism. To be a person, according to Saint Thomas, is to take conscious self-possession of one's own being, to be master of oneself. But our incarnate mode of being human involves living in a body whose life unfolds across time, and is inevitably dispersed across time. If we wish to know fully who we are, we need to assimilate and integrate this dispersal, so that our lives become a coherent story. In addition to the existentialist thought of Etienne Gilson and others, Clarke draws on the Neoplatonic dimension of participation. Existence as act and participation have been the central pillars of his metaphysical thought, especially in its unique manifestation in the human person.The essays collected here cover a wide range of philosophical, ethical, religious, and aesthetic topics. Through them sounds a very personal voice, one that has inspired generations of students and scholars.
The Creative Soul Within: Rediscover Your Imagination, Let Go of Stress, and Develop the Creative Gifts God Has Given You
by ZondervanWhen was the last time you did something just for the joy of it? The Creative Soul Within invites you on a 52-week journey to embrace the creative soul within you to help you grow in your relationship with God, yourself, and those around you. With each entry, you're invited to unplug, rediscover your imagination, let go of stress, learn how to play again, and take the deep and meaningful journey to develop the creative gifts the Lord has given you.The Creative Soul Within invites you to:Reflect on your emotions and let go of stressConnect back to the simple things that bring you joyReflect on God's faithfulness and His goodness in your lifeExplore your creative side with easy, guided prompts Each entry includes: A Bible verse about God's creation A brief and encouraging reflection about faith, friendship, nature, and beautyA simple writing prompt, craft, or gardening tip to help you engage your creative sideA low-budget shopping list, as needed For creatives of all skill levels, The Creative Soul Within is a perfect gift to give to people who want to know themselves and their God more deeply. Featuring four-color photography and a bright and fresh design, The Creative Soul Within is a beautiful gift for Mother's Day, graduations, birthdays, holidays, or self-purchase.
The Creative Suffering of the Triune God: An Evolutionary Theology
by Gloria L. SchaabIn this book, Gloria Schaab proposes that a viable response to cosmic suffering is the recognition that the triune Christian God participates in the very sufferings of the cosmos itself. She sets her argument within theology and science dialogue and specifically within the work of scientist-theologian Arthur Peacocke.
The Creator and the Cosmos: An Astrophysicist Reconciles Science and Scripture
by Hugh RossFew eternal themes intrigue individuals - believers and nonbelievers alike more than the mystery of creation and the Being of an eternal God.. Dr. Hugh Ross, a highly qualified and gifted cosmologist (a student of the universe) and astronomer/scientist gives us in this magnificent book irrefutable evidences of God's present and powerful working in His created universe. Most helpfully it is written in language readily understandable by those of us who are laypeople in the field of astrophysics. This is must reading for the seeking mind and heart.
The Creator in You
by Jordan RaynorWith engaging rhyme and stunning illustrations, this picture book sparks readers&’ imaginations with the big idea that God created human beings to make, model, and work like Him.The Creator in You is a book that children, graduates, and even many adults will treasure for a lifetime. This fresh perspective on the creation account from the Bible&’s first book, Genesis, helps readers see that &“the sixth day&” wasn't the end of creation—it was &“just the beginning.&”&“Before His day off, God had one more to-do. On His sixth day creating, God chose to make you.&” God made kids to create like he does—by filling the world with sand castles and s&’mores today, and businesses and books tomorrow. Through inspiring illustrations and text, readers of all ages will feel connected to God&’s story of creation in a deeply personal way, inspiring them to view their current and future work with purpose, enthusiasm, and joy.
The Creed
by Luke Timothy JohnsonThis thoughtful, fully accessible exploration of the creed, the list of beliefs central to the Christian faith, delves into its origins and illuminates the contemporary significance of why it still matters. During services in Christian communities, the members of the congregation stand together to recite the creed, professing in unison the beliefs they share. For most Christians, the creed functions as a sort of “ABC” of what it means to be a Christian and to be part of a worldwide movement. Few people, however, know the source of this litany of beliefs, a topic that is further confused by the fact that there are two different versions: the Apostle’s Creed and the Nicene Creed. InThe Creed, Luke Timothy Johnson, a New Testament scholar and Catholic theologian, clarifies the history of the creed, discussing its evolution from the first decades of the Christian Church to the present day. By connecting the deep theological conflicts of the early Church with the conflicts and questions facing Christians today, Johnson shows that faith is a dynamic process, not based on a static set of rules. Written in a clear, graceful style and appropriate for Christians of all denominations,The Creedis destined to become a classic of modern writings on spirituality.
The Creed Explained
by Antonio Vecchini Silvia VecchiniIntroduce children ages 8-12 to the Apostles' Creed and the foundations of the Catholic faith. This guide explores each of the twelve "articles", or lines, of the Apostles' Creed piece by piece. Prayers, reflections, a notebook section and quotes from various saints and theologians give more depth to the articles. The Creed Explained offers the Apostles' Creed as a guideline for taking children through the basic tenets of Catholicism, and begins to bring them into a deeper understanding of God.
The Creed in Slow Motion: An exploration of faith, phrase by phrase, word by word
by Martin KochanskiI believe in one God, the Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth...The Creed is the bones of our faith. In all our different ways, it makes us who we are. But when we stand up and recite the Creed in unison, we have no time to contemplate what it is that we are committing ourselves to. The words rush past, their meaning blurred by familiarity. If we could only slow them down and hear them properly, they would have the power to change worlds. That is what The Creed in Slow Motion aims to do. This is a book for people who like to think things through from first principles. It will not tell you what to believe. (It is for you to engage your mind and discover that for yourself. And for unbelievers to learn what exactly they disbelieve, and why.)In forty short chapters, with clarity and wit, The Creed in Slow Motion draws examples from real-life stories, history and even science to uncover the core claims of Christianity. By turns it is deep, heartening, startling, revolutionary and even, by the world's standards, outrageous.
The Creed in Slow Motion: An exploration of faith, phrase by phrase, word by word
by Martin KochanskiI believe in one God, the Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth...The Creed is the bones of our faith. In all our different ways, it makes us who we are. But when we stand up and recite the Creed in unison, we have no time to contemplate what it is that we are committing ourselves to. The words rush past, their meaning blurred by familiarity. If we could only slow them down and hear them properly, they would have the power to change worlds. That is what The Creed in Slow Motion aims to do. This is a book for people who like to think things through from first principles. It will not tell you what to believe. (It is for you to engage your mind and discover that for yourself. And for unbelievers to learn what exactly they disbelieve, and why.)In forty short chapters, with clarity and wit, The Creed in Slow Motion draws examples from real-life stories, history and even science to uncover the core claims of Christianity. By turns it is deep, heartening, startling, revolutionary and even, by the world's standards, outrageous.
The Creed of Buddah
by BuddahPhilosophy is, in its essence, the quest of reality. In the attempt to determine what is real, one has to choose, in the first instance, between the percipient self and the things that it perceives. This choice may seem to be purely metaphysical, but sooner or later it becomes a moral choice and one which is decisive of the chooser's destiny.
The Creed: The Apostolic Faith in Contemporary Theology
by Berard L. MarthalerUnique among the many commentaries on the classic formulas of Christian faith, this book does not simply relate the Nicene-Constantinopolitan Creed and the Apostle's Creed to the apostolic faith of the New Testament, but presents them in light of contemporary theological issues. The revised edition features updated, expanded text, a glossary, and enhanced bibliographic resources.
The Creepy Caves Mystery
by Sheila WalshJoin Detective Will as he learns the importance of obedience. Will is spending summer vacation at his grandparents home by the sea. Will hears a sound and discovers footprints leading into a creepy cave. Even though his grandfather has told him not to enter the cave without him, Will disobeys and follows the clues to uncover the Creepy Caves mystery. Are robbers hiding their loot or is there a greater discovery that will leave Detective Will speechless? Join Will as he learns the importance of obedience. Scripture theme: Children, obey your parents the way the Lord wants. This is the right thing to do. (Ephesians 6:1)
The Creepy Sleep-Over
by Beverly LewisDunkum Mitchell's imagination kicks into high gear when he and seven classmates sleep over at Miss Hershey's house. Creepy sounds and weird shadows keep Dunkum wide-eyed and wanting to go home--until crazy Jason Birchall comes up with a better idea!
The Creole Historical Romance 4-in-1 Bundle
by Gilbert MorrisThe Creole Historical Romance Bundle is a 4-in-1 eBook series from bestselling authors Gilbert and Lynn Morris and includes The Exiles, The Immortelles, The Alchemy, and The Tapestry.The Creoles Series is a captivating group of novels set in nineteenth-century New Orleans, revolving around the romantic adventures of four girls who become close friends while attending the Ursuline Convent School in New Orleans. Each book focuses on one woman as she faces the trials of life and faith.The Exiles introduces Chantel Fontaine, who has finished her education at the Ursuline Convent. Readers will follow her through the streets and swamps of Louisiana as she falls in love, faces the loss of both her parents, and searches for the baby sister she thought was lost forever.The Immortelles follows Damita De Salvado who receives a beautiful slave girl, Rissa, for her sixteenth birthday. She mistreats Rissa, revealing her prejudice and hardening Rissa's heart. When her family experiences financial hardships, Damita grudgingly sells Rissa to a mysterious Christian doctor, Jefferson Whitman, who is Rissa's adopted brother. Now the tables have turned: Rissa is a wealthy, free woman, while Damita's family struggles to keep the plantation.The Alchemy focuses on Simone d'Or, a vivacious young woman hardened by high society life, and Colin Seymour, a talented young man from humble beginnings. As the famed singer and composer Lord Beaufort nurtures Colin's singing voice, Colin rises to stardom in the opera world. At first, Simone judges Colin as a man beneath her standing, but after hearing Colin at the opera, she finds herself captivated by his talent and passion. Meanwhile, Simone's brother places the family name in jeopardy by his gambling debt, and she must face the possibility of marrying Vernay, a rigid young man of equal status who is feared for his skill in dueling others to the death.The Tapestry is the striking conclusion to The Creoles Series sharing the story of Leonie Vernay. Abandoned as an infant on the steps of the Ursuline Convent School, Leonie has endured the emotional and financial poverty of an orphan. Now a young woman making her way as a humble seamstress in New Orleans, she is startled by a mysterious stranger who claims to know her identity--and her relatives. Will she find acceptance with her long-lost family, or is she on a misguided quest?
The Creole Historical Romance 4-in-1 Bundle
by Gilbert MorrisThe Creole Historical Romance Bundle is a 4-in-1 eBook series from bestselling authors Gilbert and Lynn Morris and includes The Exiles, The Immortelles, The Alchemy, and The Tapestry. The Creoles Series is a captivating group of novels set in nineteenth-century New Orleans, revolving around the romantic adventures of four girls who become close friends while attending the Ursuline Convent School in New Orleans. Each book focuses on one woman as she faces the trials of life and faith. The Exiles introduces Chantel Fontaine, who has finished her education at the Ursuline Convent. Readers will follow her through the streets and swamps of Louisiana as she falls in love, faces the loss of both her parents, and searches for the baby sister she thought was lost forever. The Immortelles follows Damita De Salvado who receives a beautiful slave girl, Rissa, for her sixteenth birthday. She mistreats Rissa, revealing her prejudice and hardening Rissa's heart. When her family experiences financial hardships, Damita grudgingly sells Rissa to a mysterious Christian doctor, Jefferson Whitman, who is Rissa's adopted brother. Now the tables have turned: Rissa is a wealthy, free woman, while Damita's family struggles to keep the plantation. The Alchemy focuses on Simone dÆOr, a vivacious young woman hardened by high society life, and Colin Seymour, a talented young man from humble beginnings. As the famed singer and composer Lord Beaufort nurtures Colin's singing voice, Colin rises to stardom in the opera world. At first, Simone judges Colin as a man beneath her standing, but after hearing Colin at the opera, she finds herself captivated by his talent and passion. Meanwhile, Simone's brother places the family name in jeopardy by his gambling debt, and she must face the possibility of marrying Vernay, a rigid young man of equal status who is feared for his skill in dueling others to the death.The Tapestry is the striking conclusion to The Creoles Series sharing the story of Leonie Vernay. Abandoned as an infant on the steps of the Ursuline Convent School, Leonie has endured the emotional and financial poverty of an orphan. Now a young woman making her way as a humble seamstress in New Orleans, she is startled by a mysterious stranger who claims to know her identityùand her relatives. Will she find acceptance with her long-lost family, or is she on a misguided quest?
The Creole Historical Romance 4-in-1 Bundle
by Gilbert MorrisThe Creole Historical Romance Bundle is a 4-in-1 eBook series from bestselling authors Gilbert and Lynn Morris and includes The Exiles, The Immortelles, The Alchemy, and The Tapestry. The Creoles Series is a captivating group of novels set in nineteenth-century New Orleans, revolving around the romantic adventures of four girls who become close friends while attending the Ursuline Convent School in New Orleans. Each book focuses on one woman as she faces the trials of life and faith. The Exiles introduces Chantel Fontaine, who has finished her education at the Ursuline Convent. Readers will follow her through the streets and swamps of Louisiana as she falls in love, faces the loss of both her parents, and searches for the baby sister she thought was lost forever. The Immortelles follows Damita De Salvado who receives a beautiful slave girl, Rissa, for her sixteenth birthday. She mistreats Rissa, revealing her prejudice and hardening Rissa's heart. When her family experiences financial hardships, Damita grudgingly sells Rissa to a mysterious Christian doctor, Jefferson Whitman, who is Rissa's adopted brother. Now the tables have turned: Rissa is a wealthy, free woman, while Damita's family struggles to keep the plantation. The Alchemy focuses on Simone d'Or, a vivacious young woman hardened by high society life, and Colin Seymour, a talented young man from humble beginnings. As the famed singer and composer Lord Beaufort nurtures Colin's singing voice, Colin rises to stardom in the opera world. At first, Simone judges Colin as a man beneath her standing, but after hearing Colin at the opera, she finds herself captivated by his talent and passion. Meanwhile, Simone's brother places the family name in jeopardy by his gambling debt, and she must face the possibility of marrying Vernay, a rigid young man of equal status who is feared for his skill in dueling others to the death. The Tapestry is the striking conclusion to The Creoles Series sharing the story of Leonie Vernay. Abandoned as an infant on the steps of the Ursuline Convent School, Leonie has endured the emotional and financial poverty of an orphan. Now a young woman making her way as a humble seamstress in New Orleans, she is startled by a mysterious stranger who claims to know her identity--and her relatives. Will she find acceptance with her long-lost family, or is she on a misguided quest?
The Crescent Obscured: The United States and the Muslim World 1776-1815
by Robert J. AllisonFrom the beginning of the colonial period to the recent conflicts in the Middle East, encounters with the Muslim world have helped Americans define national identity and purpose. Focusing on America's encounter with the Barbary states of North Africa from 1776 to 1815, Robert Allison traces the perceptions and mis-perceptions of Islam in the American mind as the new nation constructed its ideology and system of government. "A powerful ending that explains how the experience with the Barbary states compelled many Americans to look inward . . . with increasing doubts about the institution of slavery. " —David W. Lesch, Middle East Journal "Allison's incisive and informative account of the fledgling republic's encounter with the Muslim world is a revelation with a special pertinence to today's international scene. " —Richard W. Bulliet, Journal of Interdisciplinary History "This book should be widely read. . . . Allison's study provides a context for understanding more recent developments, such as America's tendency to demonize figures like Iran's Khumaini, Libya's Qaddafi, and Iraq's Saddam. " —Richard M. Eaton, Eighteenth Century Studies
The Cresswell Plot
by Eliza WassThe woods were insane in the dark, terrifying and magical at the same time. But best of all were the stars, which trumpeted their light into the misty dark. Castella Cresswell and her five siblings???Hannan, Casper, Mortimer, Delvive, and Jerusalem??? know what it's like to be different. For years, their world has been confined to their ramshackle family home deep in the woods of upstate New York. They abide by the strict rule of God, whose messages come directly from their father. Slowly, Castley and her siblings start to test the boundaries of the laws that bind them. But, at school, they're still the freaks they've always been to the outside world. Marked by their plain clothing. Unexplained bruising. Utter isolation from their classmates. That is, until Castley is forced to partner with the totally irritating, totally normal George Gray, who offers her a glimpse of a life filled with freedom and choice. Castley's world rapidly expands beyond the woods she knows so well and the beliefs she once thought were the only truths. There is a future waiting for her if she can escape her father's grasp, but Castley refuses to leave her siblings behind. Just as she begins to form a plan, her father makes a chilling announcement: the Cresswells will soon return to their home in heaven. With time running out on all of their lives, Castley must expose the depth of her father's lies. The forest has buried the truth in darkness for far too long. Castley might be their last hope for salvation.
The Crib and the Cross: A Student's Guide Through the Life of Christ
by P. J. MeduriBack Cover: “WHO IS JESUS? WHAT IS HIS LIFE ABOUT? If you want to understand the life that changed the course of history, but find it difficult to understand the Bible and how it relates to us, The Crib and the Cross can provide this link. The Crib and the Cross takes the unique approach of telling the Biblical story in everyday language. Key Bible verses will come alive as you see Jesus as those who lived and walked with him did... ‘P.J. has a very unique ministry. He is a teacher and coach by day and pastor and author by night. He has put together a book that takes a look at Jesus Christ in a way anyone could understand. This book will help anyone gain an understanding and a deeper love for Jesus Christ.’” At the end of each chapter, the author provides his insights gained from the message of the chapter and relates them to modern day circumstances. Further, the author gives his testimony and explains to his readers how they, like him, can enter into the Christian faith.
The Criminalization of Christianity: Read This Book Before It Becomes Illegal!
by Janet L. FolgerThere is a war going on for the future of our country. Most people know that. What they may not know is that if Christians lose, the result won’t merely be enduring public policy we disagree with-it will be a prison sentence for those who oppose it. We’ve all seen the attack coming. First the Supreme Court said kids can’t pray in school. Then the Ten Commandments were ripped from the classrooms. Now pastors are being removed from their pulpits and put in jail for speaking out against homosexuality (Sweden). And things are only getting worse. How in the world did we get to this place? And why is it that Christians are singled out in this assault on morality? Serving as a wake-up call for America, this book will expose the truth that Christianity is being criminalized-and that we must stand up against it now . BACK COVER [Head] “You Have the Right to Remain Silent…” Which of the following actually happened in America ?A man is fired for displaying Bible verses in his work space. A judge orders a mother not to teach her daughter anything that could be considered “homophobic. ” High school students are trained to roam the halls in search of verbal “offenses” to report to law enforcement officers. A pastor faces a prison sentence for reading from the Bible. All of the above. [In smaller point size]: ANSWER: [PRINTED UPSIDE DOWN]: E) All of the above. Here’s where: A) Idaho , B) Colorado, C) West Virginia, and D) Pennsylvania . [back to normal body copy sized font]: As a Christian in this country, you may be understandably reluctant to speak out on moral issues like abortion, homosexuality, or pornography. But while we have therightto remain silent, that’s not what God calls us to do. Because if the world can silence the truth, itwillsilence the gospel. Don’t believe it? Read this book. INSIDE LEFT FLAP: (to wrap to back flap if more space is needed): The Agenda to Silence the Church InThe Criminalization of Christianity, Janet Folgerpresents a well documented and frightening road map of how Christianity is slowly becoming against the law in America. The movement to ban public prayer and to ban public displays of the Ten Commandments or of any other Christian symbols was only the beginning. She shows convincingly how the ultimate aim is to make Christianity against the law. The Criminalization of Christianityexplains where the threat is coming from and suggests what we as Christians can do to preserve our rights. -William J. Murray,Chairman Religious Freedom Coalition Son of Madalyn Murray O’Hair, plaintiff in a case to remove school prayer [Start of body copy]: People in New York are fired from their jobs. Kids in California are suspended from school. Pastors in Sweden are sentenced to prison. Their crime involves nothing more than exercising their religious freedoms. At first the attacks against Christianity were subtle. The Supreme Court ruled that children can’t pray in school. The Ten Commandments were removed from our classrooms and, later, our courtrooms. Now pastors are being imprisoned for speaking out against homosexuality from their own pulpits. How in the world did we get to this place in a “free” and civilized society? And how far will it go? While headlines reveal a gradual undermining of moral values in our society, the truth between those lines silently screams that our very freedom is at stake. Now this provocative book exposes the attack on values for what it is: a pointed war being waged against Christians and the faith they profess. A frequent guest on such programs as20/20, Hannity and Colmes, Hardball,and
The Crippled Angel
by Sara DouglassThe world that the former monk Thomas Neville knows is crumbling about him. The Holy Mother Church of Rome is losing its power and men are coming to question the nature of religion and the role of those who rule them by sword and cross. Thomas knows that it is not merely the dawning of a new time for men to try to think and judge for themselves but it is a direct result of the rift in the fabric of the world, where demons have escaped their prison and are trying to breach the very gates of heaven. The great archangel Michael gave Thomas the task to find the demons who now dwell in human form and expose their evil natures. To accomplish this he had to turn his back on one set of vows and return to his once lofty noble connections. In doing so, his life is caught up with his childhood friend Harold Bollinbroke, the fair young "Prince Hal" - who might be more (or less) than he seems. And he meets the fair young Margaret, an enigmatic beauty who he takes to wife - not out of love, but as a means to discover if she is one of those who would destroy mankind. Old friends, a new love, and temptations that will try his conscience. And his very soul. For Thomas is beginning to think that all that he knows may not be true. Faced with mortal love and friendships that he desperately wants and fears, he knows that time is growing short. And the choice that he makes will reshape the world.
The Cripps Mission
by Sir Reginald CouplandThe author of this book had been for several months in India studying the Indian constitutional problem when the Cripps Mission arrived. At Sir Stafford Cripps' request, Professor Coupland joined his staff, and this book is the result of close personal observation of the Mission at work, reinforced by a thorough knowledge at first hand of the background issues out of which the Cripps Mission was born.With admirable brevity and clarity Professor Coupland traces the course of events in India from the outbreak of the present war, through the "August Offer," the answering "Sapru Proposals," the arrival of Sir Stafford Cripps with the Draft Declaration, down to the final rejection of the Draft by all political parties. By a careful analysis of the attitudes of Congress and the Moslem League, as well as those of the minority groups, and the sharp divisions of opinion between opposing factions within the parties, the author is able to show why the negotiations, begun and carried on with high hopes on both sides, eventually broke down. The story of the Cripps Mission is told without bias by a man who cannot regard it as a complete failure, since for the first time in the history of Anglo-Indian relations, the essential sincerity of the British government in general and its emissary in the person of Sir Stafford Cripps in particular was in the main not questioned by the Indian people or their leaders.
The Crises of the Christ: The Seven Key Events of the Life of Jesus
by G. Campbell MorganThe Crises of the Christ: The Seven Key Events of the Life of Jesus by G. Campbell Morgan offers a profound exploration of pivotal moments in the life and ministry of Jesus Christ. With his characteristic depth and clarity, Morgan—renowned preacher, Bible scholar, and pastor—delves into the significance of these defining events, illuminating how they reveal Christ’s mission, identity, and purpose within God’s redemptive plan.Morgan structures the book around seven key “crises” in Christ’s earthly life, beginning with the Incarnation and culminating in the Resurrection and Ascension. Each chapter examines one of these turning points, which include His birth, baptism, transfiguration, crucifixion, resurrection, and more. Morgan provides rich theological reflections on these events, offering fresh insights into how they shaped Jesus’ ministry and the spiritual destiny of humanity.With keen attention to Scripture, Morgan emphasizes how each crisis was not merely an external event but a moment of deep spiritual importance that confronted both Christ and His followers with crucial decisions. These crises highlight the unfolding revelation of who Jesus is—fully God and fully man—and demonstrate the gravity of His mission to reconcile humanity with God.Throughout the book, Morgan connects these key events to the broader narrative of salvation history, showing how they collectively unveil the heart of the Gospel. His reflections encourage believers to respond to Christ’s life and sacrifice with faith, obedience, and personal transformation.The Crises of the Christ remains a timeless work for readers seeking a deeper understanding of the life of Jesus and the core events that define Christianity. Ideal for personal study, pastoral teaching, or devotional reflection, this book continues to inspire believers to engage with the life of Christ not just as history but as the ultimate revelation of God’s love and purpose for humanity.
The Crisis Of Art
by Nicholas Berdyaev S. Janos1st English translation from the Russian: "The Crisis of Art," an insightful booklet of 47 pages by the Russian religious philosopher Nicholas Berdyaev in 1918, originally comprised 3 articles. The present English text has been expanded into 9 related articles written by Berdyaev during this period, arranged into a threefold triadic schema. The 1st triad of articles in the present text are those contained in the original 1918 Russian text. The cover article, "The Crisis of Art," serving also as title to the booklet, examines cultural trends in art, both visual and literary, such as Symbolism, Decadentism, Cubism, Futurism (Filippo Marinetti) with mention of now obscure figures as Chiurlenis. Both "Picasso" visually and A. Bely's 1916 "Peterburg" novel give expression to the disintegrative features of the modern consciousness. The second triad of articles concern the Russian cultural figure, Vyacheslav Ivanov, mentioned in the initial article, concerning the lost aspect of "theurgy" in art, and attempts to recapture this in light of Nietzsche's Dionysianism. A "culture" as such in its dynamic youthful origins developes from within the "cultus," the "religious cult," and later ossifies losing its vitality. But such attempts at recapturing this initial experience typically prove artificial, prove to be mere "affectations of culture," of the genuine "experience," in Berdyaev's critique of Vyach. Ivanov. The third triad of articles further addresses this defect. The article on A. Bely's 1910 novel, "The Silver Dove," is a chilling account of a member of the Russian intelligentsia, intellectually very sophisticated but empty of soul and bearing, becoming involved with a Russian Khlysty-like sect, "the Doves." The second article, written abroad in 1923, addresses A. Bely's reminiscences of the Russian poet Aleksandr Blok (died 1921), and a failure at a "discerning of spirits" among the cultural element. The final Berdyaev article, on the obscure French Catholic figure Léon Bloy (died 1917), is the most engagingly unique in our text. Written in 1914, for nearly a century until 2005, this was the only source written in Russian on L. Bloy, and nigh impossible to find, but a treasure to peruse. Bloy is in ways considered final representative of a decadentist French literary cultural trend, whose names are unfamiliar to most. But L. Bloy is characteristic of no trend, nor would any trend be comfortable having him. Roughly contemporary to Nietzsche, he bears similarities with Nietzsche, but whereas Nietzsche retreated into lofty isolation, L. Bloy took the "low road" into the bourgeois muck of life. He is a man obsessed with the Absolute, with the "existential man," with the unrepeatable unique fate and destiny of each person, concerning which it is only for God to judge. At first impression he provokes and repels, he is an irascible and impossible fellow, an obsessive with uncouth words and mannerisms. But on second thought, as Berdyaev notes, he is typical of the Russian "holy fools" of old, and we come to feel fascination that we have encountered the perspicacity of a seer. He is a man at the extreme, one relying on no tomorrow or the day after, and his obsession at times borders on the demonic, as Berdyaev notes, requiring a "discerning of spirits." His intuition of the "aloneness" of both God and the individual person is unique. Bloy's critique of the "bourgeois" is not the typical socio-political label of ideologues, but a pervasively profound "metaphysics of bourgeoisness." Léon Bloy richly deserves further study as a significant French Catholic personalist and existentialist philosophic figure, which Berdyaev's article invites. The 10th article appended in our text was not penned by Berdyaev; rather, it suggests the threefold triadic structure to our text, symbolically. The present book is part of a continuing series of works of Russian religious philosophy in 1st English translation.
The Crisis in the Vatican Empire
by Massimo FrancoScandals, internal power struggles, whistleblowers, and the challenge of a quickly changing world. This book helps readers understand one of the most tormented periods of transition in the history of the Catholic Church. Benedict XVI's epochal decision to resign as pope not only ended his pontificate, but has revealed a new identity crisis within the Catholic Church--the paragon of virtue--forcing it into the awkward position of having to explain and to confess its own "sins" and convince the public that it is reforming and will change its behavior. The church is perceived by adversaries as the "second Kremlin," doomed to the same ruin that marked the fall of the Soviet empire. Massimo Franco analyzes the deep-seated causes and implications of the Catholic Church's disintegration.