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New England Nightmares: True Tales of the Strange and Gothic
by Keven McQueenNew England is renowned for its quaint towns, beautiful landscapes, and busy ports. But it is also infamous as the setting for unexplained deaths, ghost stories, bizarre murders, and peculiar wills and epitaphs.In New England Nightmares: True Tales of the Strange and Gothic, author Keven McQueen explores the darker and stranger side of New England and the Mid-Atlantic. With shocking and unforgettable tales from the tip of Maine all the way to the New Jersey shore, this eerie collection explores our fascination with death and the unknown, including tales of medical students digging up bodies to dissect, of a murderer's bones being wired together after death, and of Dr. Timothy Clark Smith, who requested that he be buried with a breathing tube and glass window so he could see the outside world.An intriguing and frightful look into the odder side of the Northeast, New England Nightmares promises to send chills down your spine.
The Prayers and Tears of Jacques Derrida: Religion without Religion (Indiana Series in the Philosophy of Religion Ser.)
by John D. Caputo"Caputo's book is riveting. . . . A singular achievement of stylistic brio and impeccable scholarship, it breaks new ground in making a powerful case for treating Derrida as homo religiosis. . . . There can be no mistaking the importance of Caputo's work." —Edith Wyschogrod"No one interested in Derrida, in Caputo, or in the larger question of postmodernism and religion can afford to ignore this pathbreaking study. Taking full advantage of the most recent and least discussed writings of Derrida, it offers a careful and comprehensive account of the religious dimension of Derrida's thought." —Merold Westphal
Dreams Deferred: A Concise Guide to the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict & the Movement to Boycott Israel
by Cary NelsonDreams Deferred arrives as debates about the future of the Middle East and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict intensify under the extraordinary pressure of a region in chaos. The book empowers readers to be informed participants in conversations and debates about developments that increasingly touch all of our lives. Its sixty concise but detailed essays give facts and arguments to assist all who seek justice for both Israelis and Palestinians and who believe the two-state solution can yet be realized. Inspired both by the vision of a democratic Jewish state and by the need for Palestinian political self-determination, the book addresses the long history of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and its current status. It demonstrates that the division and suspicion promoted by the Boycott, Sanctions, and Divestment (BDS) movement will only undermine the cause of peace.
Jonah in the Shadows of Eden (Biblical Literature)
by Yitzhak BergerYitzhak Berger advances a distinctive and markedly original interpretation of the biblical book of Jonah that resolves many of the ambiguities in the text. Berger contends that the Jonah text pulls from many inner-biblical connections, especially ones relating to the Garden of Eden. These connections provide a foundation for Berger's reading of the story, which attributes multiple layers of meaning to this carefully crafted biblical book. Focusing on Jonah's futile quest and his profoundly troubled response to God's view of the sins of humanity, Berger shows how the book paints Jonah as a pacifist no less than as a moralist.
The Jewish Eighteenth Century: A European Biography, 1700–1750 (Olamot Series in Humanities and Social Sciences)
by Shmuel FeinerThe eighteenth century was the Jews' first modern century. The deep changes that took place during its course shaped the following generations, and its most prominent voices still reverberate today. In this first volume of his magisterial work, Shmuel Feiner charts the twisting and fascinating world of the first half of the 18th century from the viewpoint of the Jews of Europe. Paying careful attention to life stories, to bright and dark experiences, to voices of protest, to aspirations of reform, and to strivings for personal and general happiness, Feiner identifies the tectonic changes that were taking place in Europe and their unprecedented effects on and among Jews. From the religious and cultural revolution of the Haskalah (Jewish Enlightenment) to the question of whether Jews could be citizens of any nation, Feiner presents a broad view of how this century of upheaval altered the map of Europe and the Jews who called it home.
The Golden Age of the Lithuanian Yeshivas
by Ben-Tsiyon KlibanskyThe Golden Age of the Lithuanian Yeshivas tells the story of the last chapter of Jewish rabbinical schools in Eastern Europe, from the eve of World War I to the outbreak of World War II.The Lithuanian yeshiva established a rigorous standard for religious education in the early 1800s that persisted for over a century and continues to this day. Although dramatically reduced and forced into exile in Russia and Ukraine during World War I, the yeshivas survived the war, with yeshiva heads and older students forming the nucleus of the institutions. These scholars rehabilitated the yeshivas in their original locations and quickly returned to their regular activities. Moreover, they soon began to expand into areas now empty of yeshivas in lands occupied by Hasidic populations in Poland and even into the lands that would soon become Israel.During the economic depression of the 1930s, students struggled for food and their leaders journeyed abroad in search for funding, but their determination and commitment to the yeshiva system continued. Despite the material difficulties that prevailed in the yeshivas, there was consistently a full occupancy of students, most of them in their twenties. Young men from all over the free world joined these yeshivas, which were considered the best training programs for the religious professions and rabbinical ordination. The outbreak of World War II and the Soviet occupation of first eastern Poland and then Lithuania marked the beginning of the end of the Yeshivas, however, and the Holocaust ensured the final destruction of the venerable institution.The Golden Age of the Lithuanian Yeshivas is the first book-length work on the modern history of the Lithuanian yeshivas published in English. Through exhaustive historical research of every yeshiva, Ben-Tsiyon Klibansky brings to light for the first time the stories, lives, and inner workings of this long-lost world.
Ruth Blau: A Life of Paradox and Purpose (Perspectives on Israel Studies)
by Motti InbariRuth Blau: A Life of Paradox and Purpose explores the life of a curious, if not mysterious, character in modern Jewish history. Born a French Catholic, Ruth Blau (Ben-David) (1920–2000) lived a constantly twisting life. During World War II, Blau was active in the French Resistance, and under their command, she joined the Gestapo as a double agent. After the war, she studied philosophy as a PhD candidate at the Sorbonne during the 1950s. After converting to Judaism and moving to Israel in 1960, Blau was involved in concealing Yossele Schumacher, a seven-year-old child, as part of a militant conflict between ultra-Orthodox and secular Jews in Israel. In 1965, despite a huge scandal, she married Amram Blau, head of the anti-Zionist ultra-Orthodox Neturei Karta. After the death of her husband in 1973, Blau took upon herself to travel to Arab countries to help the Jewish communities in distress in Lebanon and Iran, where she met Yasser Arafat, head of the Palestinian Liberation Organization, and his deputy Abu Jihad. But the most significant connections she made were in Iran. In 1979, she met with the leader of the Iranian revolution, Ayatollah Khomeini.Ruth Blau: A Life of Paradox and Purpose represents the first full-length biography of this remarkable woman. Drawing on a trove of archival materials and interviews with those who knew Ruth, Motti Inbari offers a complex, multifaceted portrait of a woman undertaking a remarkable and influential journey through modern European and Middle Eastern history.
Jewish Literary Eros: Between Poetry and Prose in the Medieval Mediterranean (Sephardi and Mizrahi Studies)
by Isabelle LevyIn Jewish Literary Eros, Isabelle Levy explores the originality and complexity of medieval Jewish writings. Examining medieval prosimetra (texts composed of alternating prose and verse), Levy demonstrates that secular love is the common theme across Arabic, Hebrew, French, and Italian texts. At the crossroads of these spheres of intellectual activity, Jews of the medieval Mediterranean composed texts that combined dominant cultures' literary stylings with biblical Hebrew and other elements from Jewish cultures. Levy explores Jewish authors' treatments of love in prosimetra and finds them creative, complex, and innovative.Jewish Literary Eros compares the mixed-form compositions by Jewish authors of the medieval Mediterranean with their Arabic and European counterparts to find the particular moments of innovation among textual practices by Jewish authors. When viewed in the comparative context of the medieval Mediterranean, the evolving relationship between the mixed form and the theme of love in secular Jewish compositions refines our understanding of the ways in which the Jewish literature of the period negotiates the hermeneutic and theological underpinnings of Islamicate and Christian literary traditions.
An Amish Patchwork: Indiana's Old Orders in the Modern World
by Steven M. Nolt Thomas J. MeyersIndiana is home to the world's third-largest Amish population. Indiana's 19 Old Order Amish and two Old Order Mennonite communities show a surprising diversity despite all that unites them as a distinct culture. This contemporary portrait of Indiana's Amish is the first book-length overview of Amish in the state. Thomas J. Meyers and Steven M. Nolt present an overview of the beliefs and values of the Amish, their migration history, and the differences between the state's two major Amish ethnic groups (Pennsylvania Dutch and Swiss). They also talk about Indiana's Old Order Mennonites, a group too often confused with the Amish. Meyers and Nolt situate the Amish in their Indiana context, noting an involvement with Indiana's industrial economy that may surprise some. They also treat Amish interaction with state government over private schooling and other matters, and the relationship of the Amish to their neighbors and the tourist industry. This valuable introduction to the Indiana Amish deserves a place on every Hoosier's bookshelf.
Gendering Modern Jewish Thought (New Jewish Philosophy and Thought)
by Andrea Dara CooperThe idea of brotherhood has been an important philosophical concept for understanding community, equality, and justice. In Gendering Modern Jewish Thought, Andrea Dara Cooper offers a gendered reading that challenges the key figures of the all-male fraternity of twentieth-century Jewish philosophy to open up to the feminine.Cooper offers a feminist lens, which when applied to thinkers such as Franz Rosenzweig and Emmanuel Levinas, reveals new ways of illuminating questions of relational ethics, embodiment, politics, and positionality. She shows that patriarchal kinship as models of erotic love, brotherhood, and paternity are not accidental in Jewish philosophy, but serve as norms that have excluded women and non-normative individuals.Gendering Modern Jewish Thought suggests these fraternal models do real damage and must be brought to account in more broadly humanistic frameworks. For Cooper, a more responsible and ethical reading of Jewish philosophy comes forward when it is opened to the voices of mothers, sisters, and daughters.
Moses Mendelssohn's Living Script: Philosophy, Practice, History, Judaism
by Elias SacksMoses Mendelssohn (1729–1786) is often described as the founder of modern Jewish thought and as a leading philosopher of the late Enlightenment. One of Mendelssohn's main concerns was how to conceive of the relationship between Judaism, philosophy, and the civic life of a modern state. Elias Sacks explores Mendelssohn's landmark account of Jewish practice—Judaism's "living script," to use his famous phrase—to present a broader reading of Mendelssohn's writings and extend inquiry into conversations about modernity and religion. By studying Mendelssohn's thought in these dimensions, Sacks suggests that he shows a deep concern with history. Sacks affords a view of a foundational moment in Jewish modernity and forwards new ways of thinking about ritual practice, the development of traditions, and the role of religion in society.
Heidegger and Kabbalah: Hidden Gnosis and the Path of Poiesis (New Jewish Philosophy and Thought)
by Elliot R. WolfsonWhile many scholars have noted Martin Heidegger's indebtedness to Christian mystical sources, as well as his affinity with Taoism and Buddhism, Elliot R. Wolfson expands connections between Heidegger's thought and kabbalistic material. By arguing that the Jewish esoteric tradition impacted Heidegger, Wolfson presents an alternative way of understanding the history of Western philosophy. Wolfson's comparison between Heidegger and kabbalah sheds light on key concepts such as hermeneutics, temporality, language, and being and nothingness, while yielding surprising reflections on their common philosophical ground. Given Heidegger's involvement with National Socialism and his use of antisemitic language, these innovative readings are all the more remarkable for their juxtaposition of incongruent fields of discourse. Wolfson's entanglement with Heidegger and kabbalah not only enhances understandings of both but, more profoundly, serves as an ethical corrective to their respective ethnocentrism and essentialism. Wolfson masterfully illustrates the redemptive capacity of thought to illuminate common ground in seemingly disparate philosophical traditions.
Seeking a Sanctuary: Seventh-day Adventism and the American Dream
by Malcolm Bull Keith LockhartThe completely revised second edition further explores one of the most successful of America's indigenous religious groups. Despite this, the Adventist church has remained largely invisible. Seeking a Sanctuary casts light on this marginal religion through its socio-historical context and discusses several Adventist figures that shaped the perception of this Christian sect.
Emmanuel Levinas: Basic Philosophical Writings (Studies in Continental Thought)
by Adriaan T. Peperzak, Simon Critchley, and Robert BernasconiEmmanuel Levinas (1906–1996) has exerted a profound influence on 20th-century continental philosophy. This anthology, including Levinas's key philosophical texts over a period of more than forty years, provides an ideal introduction to his thought and offers insights into his most innovative ideas. Five of the ten essays presented here appear in English for the first time. An introduction by Adriaan Peperzak outlines Levinas's philosophical development and the basic themes of his writings. Each essay is accompanied by a brief introduction and notes. This collection is an ideal text for students of philosophy concerned with understanding and assessing the work of this major philosopher.
A Good Man: Rediscovering My Father, Sargent Shriver
by Mark K. ShriverIn this intimate portrait of an extraordinary father-son relationship, Mark K. Shriver discovers the moral principles that guided his legendary father and applies them to his own lifeWhen Sargent "Sarge" Shriver—founder of the Peace Corps and architect of President Johnson's War on Poverty—died in 2011 after a valiant fight with Alzheimer's, thousands of tributes poured in from friends and strangers worldwide. These tributes, which extolled the daily kindness and humanity of "a good man," moved his son Mark far more than those who lauded Sarge for his big-stage, headline-making accomplishments. After a lifetime searching for the path to his father's success in the public arena, Mark instead turns to a search for the secret of his father's joy, his devotion to others, and his sense of purpose. Mark discovers notes and letters from Sarge; hears personal stories from friends and family that zero in on the three guiding principles of Sarge's life—faith, hope, and love—and recounts moments with Sarge that now take on new value and poignancy. In the process, Mark discovers much about himself, as a father, as a husband, and as a social justice advocate. A Good Man is an inspirational and deeply personal story about a son discovering the true meaning of his father's legacy.
When It Hurts to Hope: Honest Conversations about Living with Unmet Longing
by Rachel MillerEmbrace the tension of unmet longing and choose hope—even when life doesn’t look like you thought it would. Maybe you’ve chosen to bury your dreams, denying your desires and sleepwalking through life. Maybe you’ve let your longing take the driver’s seat and now you feel frantic and out of control. Even worse, you find yourself growing cold to God, wondering, If I never get what I want, is God still good? This book tackles that hard question—and many others. When It Hurts to Hope will show you the middle ground between burying your longings and overindulging them. Rachel Miller offers encouragement and practical advice on how to honor God and honor your desires at the same time, sharing tools for readers to be emotionally and spiritually healthy. Through storytelling, Scripture, and humor, this book will help you choose hope in tough seasons like unwanted singleness, infertility, chronic illness, and career frustrations. Ultimately, Jesus is the only one who can meet every longing. Delayed dreams can deepen our intimacy with God while we hope for the day when he wipes away every tear and heals every heartache.
Wounded Shepherd: Pope Francis and His Struggle to Convert the Catholic Church
by Austen IvereighFollowing his critically acclaimed The Great Reformer, Austen Ivereigh's colorful, clear-eyed portrait of Pope Francis takes us inside the Vatican's urgent debate over the future of the church in Wounded Shepherd.This deeply contextual biography centers on the tensions generated by the pope’s attempt to turn the Church away from power and tradition and outwards to engage humanity with God’s mercy. Through battles with corrupt bankers and worldly cardinals, in turbulent meetings and on global trips, history’s first Latin-American pope has attempted to reshape the Church to evangelize the contemporary age. At the same time, he has stirred other leaders’ deep-seated fear that the Church is capitulating to modernity—leaders who have challenged his bid to create a more welcoming, attentive institution.Facing rebellions over his allowing sacraments for the divorced and his attempt to create a more "ecological" Catholicism, as well as a firestorm of criticism for the Church’s record on sexual abuse, Francis emerges as a leader of remarkable vision and skill with a relentless spiritual focus—a leader who is at peace in the turmoil surrounding him.With entertaining anecdotes, insider accounts, and expert analysis, Ivereigh’s journey through the key episodes of Francis’s reform in Rome and the wider Church brings into sharp focus the frustrations and fury, as well as the joys and successes, of one of the most remarkable pontificates of the contemporary age.
Rahab: Rediscovering the God Who Saves Me
by Shadia HrichiStep into the story of Rahab, a woman who witnessed no miracles and knew none of God’s laws. She merely heard of God’s power—and believed.The story of Rahab appears after God commissions Joshua to lead the Israelites after the death of Moses. No sooner do the people come to the edge of the Promised Land than God puts the whole drama on hold to tell us the story of a Canaanite prostitute. This interruption of the conquest story gives us our first glimpse into the theological significance of Rahab’s story.In the New Testament, Rahab holds a surprisingly prominent position in several key faith passages—as well as being listed in the lineage of Christ! In fact, she marries a prince! The prostitute marries a prince! This is the stuff of movies. The heartbeat of the Bible is God’s passionate pursuit of his adulterous Bride—a theme that echoes within the depths of every human heart.But the best part? Rahab’s story is our story. It’s a story centered on three key themes, without which there would be no Bible, no gospel, and no Savior: faith, grace, and salvation. Through her daring faith, Rahab hid enemy spies, defied her king, risked her life, and found the living God. By the time you finish this six-week study, you will never look at the story of Rahab the same way again.
The Apocalypse A Series of Special lectures on the Revelation of Jesus Christ Vol. II [Revised Text] (The Apocalypse A Series of Special Lectures on the Revelation of Jesus Christ [Revised Text] #2)
by Joseph A. SeissDive into the profound mysteries of the Book of Revelation with Joseph A. Seiss's The Apocalypse: A Series of Special Lectures on the Revelation of Jesus Christ. This seminal work offers an in-depth exploration of one of the Bible’s most enigmatic and compelling books, providing readers with a comprehensive understanding of its prophetic visions and theological significance.Joseph A. Seiss, a renowned theologian and biblical scholar, brings his extensive knowledge and insightful perspective to this series of lectures. With meticulous attention to detail and a deep reverence for the scriptural text, Seiss deciphers the complex symbolism and intricate imagery found in the Book of Revelation. He guides readers through its chapters, offering clear explanations and thoughtful interpretations that illuminate the apocalyptic messages conveyed by the Apostle John.The Apocalypse covers a wide range of themes, including the nature of divine judgment, the ultimate triumph of good over evil, and the promise of a new heaven and new earth. Seiss's lectures delve into the historical context of the Revelation, its place within the broader biblical canon, and its relevance to contemporary Christian faith and practice.Throughout the book, Seiss emphasizes the hope and encouragement that the Revelation offers to believers, portraying it not as a text of fear, but as a profound source of comfort and inspiration. His eloquent and accessible writing style makes complex theological concepts understandable, inviting readers to engage deeply with the spiritual truths of the Apocalypse.Join Joseph A. Seiss in unraveling the mysteries of the Book of Revelation and discover the powerful and enduring message of hope and redemption it contains. This timeless work continues to inspire and enlighten readers, offering a profound exploration of the ultimate revelation of Jesus Christ.
Islam and the Divine Comedy
by Miguel AsinIn Islam and the Divine Comedy, renowned Spanish scholar Miguel Asín Palacios explores the profound connections between Islamic literature and Dante Alighieri's Divine Comedy. Through meticulous research and insightful analysis, Palacios presents compelling evidence that Dante's masterpiece was significantly influenced by Islamic traditions, particularly the Mi'raj, the Prophet Muhammad's ascension to Heaven.This groundbreaking study delves into the rich tapestry of medieval Islamic culture, tracing the intellectual and spiritual exchanges between the Muslim world and medieval Europe. Palacios illuminates the shared themes, imagery, and narratives that suggest a confluence of ideas between Dante and Islamic sources. He examines various literary and philosophical works, including the writings of Islamic mystics like Ibn Arabi and the Book of the Ladder, revealing their potential impact on Dante's vision.Islam and the Divine Comedy not only enhances our understanding of Dante's epic poem but also enriches our appreciation of the interconnectedness of world cultures. Palacios' scholarship challenges conventional literary boundaries, inviting readers to consider the broader historical and cultural contexts that shaped one of the greatest works of Western literature. This book is an essential read for anyone interested in comparative literature, medieval studies, and the enduring legacy of cross-cultural exchange.
How Christ Came To Church: The Pastor's Dream - A Spiritual Autobiography
by A. J. GordonExperience a profound spiritual awakening with A. J. Gordon's How Christ Came to Church: The Pastor's Dream - A Spiritual Autobiography. This inspiring and deeply personal account offers a glimpse into the transformative journey of A. J. Gordon, a prominent 19th-century pastor, and theologian, whose life and ministry were profoundly changed by a vivid spiritual encounter.In this spiritual autobiography, Gordon recounts a remarkable dream in which Christ Himself appeared and attended his church. This divine visitation serves as the central theme around which Gordon reflects on his own spiritual growth, his calling to ministry, and the ways in which this extraordinary experience reshaped his approach to faith and leadership.How Christ Came to Church is more than just a retelling of a dream; it is a heartfelt exploration of the nature of true Christian ministry and the presence of Christ in the life of the believer. Gordon's narrative delves into the impact of this experience on his preaching, his pastoral care, and his personal devotion, offering readers a vivid portrayal of how a single moment of divine intervention can lead to a lifetime of spiritual renewal.Throughout the book, Gordon shares insights and reflections that are both deeply theological and intensely practical. His writing is imbued with a sense of humility and reverence, inviting readers to contemplate their own spiritual journeys and the presence of Christ in their lives. The book challenges readers to seek a more authentic and vibrant faith, grounded in a personal relationship with Jesus.How Christ Came to Church is an essential read for pastors, church leaders, and anyone longing for a deeper, more intimate experience of God’s presence. A. J. Gordon’s eloquent and heartfelt testimony continues to inspire and encourage believers to seek the transformative power of Christ in their own lives and communities.
Hermeneutics in Romans: Paul's Approach to Reading the Bible
by Timo Laato Bror Erickson Kristina Odom Weslie Odom"And behold, a lawyer stood up to put him to the test, saying, "Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?" He said to him, "What is written in the Law? How do you read it?" (Luke 10:25-26)Eternal life is found within the pages of Holy Scripture, both in the Old Testament Torah referred to as "the Law" in this exchange between Jesus and the lawyer, and in the New Testament written in the wake of Christ's resurrection. But as Jesus points out, it matters how you read Holy Scripture, and this is where the art of hermeneutics, the study of interpretation, makes its entrance. In Hermeneutics in Romans, Dr. Timo Laato returns to the old Lutheran maxim that scripture interprets scripture. Usually this maxim meant that portions of scripture that were clear should be used to shed light on portions of scripture that are unclear. Dr. Laato takes it even one step further. He turns to Romans to study the hermeneutical principles that Paul used to interpret the Old Testament in that epistle. This results in a dynamic view of the Bible, rescuing hermeneutics from the dead atheistic presumptions that have governed academic hermeneutical research since Kant. Not only does Dr. Laato's approach make immanent sense on the face of it, it breathes life into the study of scripture and delivers eternal life to the reader in Jesus Christ who proves to be the ultimate hermeneutical key.
The Historical Jesus and Mythical Christ: A Lecture
by Gerald MasseyUnveil the profound and often contentious intersections between history and mythology with Gerald Massey's The Historical Jesus and Mythical Christ: A Lecture. This thought-provoking work delves into the enigmatic figure of Jesus Christ, exploring the dual narratives of his existence as both a historical figure and a mythological archetype.Gerald Massey, a renowned poet, scholar, and Egyptologist, brings his extensive knowledge and critical eye to bear on the origins and development of Christian theology. In this compelling lecture, Massey investigates the evidence for the historical Jesus, examining ancient texts, historical records, and the socio-political context of the time. He juxtaposes this with the mythological dimensions of Christ, drawing parallels with earlier deities and religious traditions.The Historical Jesus and Mythical Christ challenges conventional understandings of Christianity’s central figure, presenting a nuanced analysis that encourages readers to consider the synthesis of historical fact and mythic symbolism. Massey's eloquent and persuasive arguments invite readers to question long-held beliefs and to explore the deeper layers of religious narrative and tradition.Through this lecture, Massey explores themes such as the origins of Christian doctrines, the influence of pre-Christian myths on the story of Jesus, and the symbolic meanings embedded within the Christ narrative. His insightful approach provides a rich tapestry of historical and mythological scholarship, making this work a valuable resource for theologians, historians, and anyone interested in the intersections of religion, mythology, and history.
Nichiren: The Philosophy And Life Of The Japanese Buddhist Prophet
by Masaharu AnesakiDelve into the compelling life and profound teachings of one of Japan’s most influential religious figures with Masaharu Anesaki’s Nichiren: The Philosophy and Life of the Japanese Buddhist Prophet. This comprehensive biography offers an insightful exploration of Nichiren, the fervent 13th-century Buddhist reformer whose teachings and legacy continue to resonate deeply within Japanese Buddhism.Masaharu Anesaki, a distinguished scholar of Japanese religion and philosophy, meticulously traces Nichiren’s journey from his early life to his emergence as a dynamic religious leader. Through detailed historical analysis and thoughtful interpretation, Anesaki illuminates Nichiren’s passionate commitment to his beliefs, his fearless advocacy for the Lotus Sutra, and his enduring quest for social and spiritual reform.Nichiren delves into the core principles of Nichiren’s philosophy, emphasizing the importance of the Lotus Sutra as the ultimate teaching of the Buddha. Anesaki elucidates Nichiren’s doctrines, including his views on karma, the nature of enlightenment, and the role of personal faith and practice in achieving spiritual liberation. The book also explores Nichiren’s confrontations with political and religious authorities, his periods of exile, and his unwavering dedication to propagating his teachings despite significant opposition.Nichiren: The Philosophy and Life of the Japanese Buddhist Prophet is an essential read for anyone interested in Buddhism, Japanese history, or the lives of transformative religious leaders. Anesaki’s work stands as a testament to the enduring power of Nichiren’s teachings and his remarkable contribution to the spiritual and cultural fabric of Japan.Join Masaharu Anesaki in uncovering the life and philosophy of Nichiren, a visionary prophet whose message of faith, resilience, and enlightenment continues to inspire across the centuries.
Take Courage: Essays in Honor of Harold L. Senkbeil
by Mark A. Pierson Timothy J PaulsTake Courage is a collection of essays, written by pastors and professors, about the care and cure of souls in the 21st century. As spiritual physicians, pastors are called to diagnose and treat all those suffering with the disease of sin. This noble task requires much from these undershepherds who are placed over Christ's flock. Yet the Good Shepherd himself has provided the effective tools of this healing art: the life-giving word and sacraments. Pastors, then, specialize in applying the medicine of forgiveness and bringing comfort to broken consciences. Collectively, these essays teach and expound upon this theme.This helpful book honors the 45 years of faithful service given by one such undershepherd, Harold L. Senkbeil. As a pastor, seminary professor, author, speaker, husband, father, and the executive director of DOXOLOGY, Senkbeil has consistently provided competent treatment for both laity and pastors by distributing the forgiveness won by Jesus on the cross.