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Creole Religions of the Caribbean, Third Edition: An Introduction (Religion, Race, and Ethnicity)
by Lizabeth Paravisini-Gebert Margarite Fernández OlmosAn updated introduction to the religions developed in the Caribbean regionCreole Religions of the Caribbean offers a comprehensive introduction to the overlapping religions that have developed as a result of the creolization process. Caribbean peoples drew on the variants of Christianity brought by European colonizers, as well as on African religious and healing traditions and the remnants of Amerindian practices, to fashion new systems of belief. From Vodou, Santería, Regla de Palo, the Abakuá Secret Society, and Obeah to Quimbois and Espiritismo, the volume traces the historical–cultural origins of the major Creole religions, as well as the newer traditions such as Rastafari.This third edition updates the scholarship by featuring new critical approaches that have been brought to bear on the study of religion, such as queer studies, environmental studies, and diasporic studies. The third edition also expands the regional considerations of the diaspora to the US Latinx communities that are influenced by Creole spiritual practices, taking into account the increased significance of material culture?art, music, literature, and healing practices influenced by Creole religions.
Creole Religions of the Caribbean: An Introduction from Vodou and Santeria to Obeah and Espiritismo (Religion, Race, and Ethnicity)
by Lizabeth Paravisini-Gebert Margarite Fernández OlmosA comprehensive introduction to the syncretic religions developed in the Caribbean regionCreolization—the coming together of diverse beliefs and practices to form new beliefs and practices—is one of the most significant phenomena in Caribbean religious history. Brought together in the crucible of the sugar plantation, Caribbean peoples drew on the variants of Christianity brought by European colonizers, as well as on African religious and healing traditions and the remnants of Amerindian practices, to fashion new systems of belief.Creole Religions of the Caribbean offers a comprehensive introduction to the syncretic religions that have developed in the region. From Vodou, Santería, Regla de Palo, the Abakuá Secret Society, and Obeah to Quimbois and Espiritismo, the volume traces the historical–cultural origins of the major Creole religions, as well as the newer traditions such as Pocomania and Rastafarianism. This second edition updates the scholarship on the religions themselves and also expands the regional considerations of the Diaspora to the U. S. Latino community who are influenced by Creole spiritual practices. Fernández Olmos and Paravisini–Gebert also take into account the increased significance of material culture—art, music, literature—and healing practices influenced by Creole religions.
Crescendo em Cristo: O Mistério Escondido do Crescimento Espiritual
by Samson O. WealthVocê deseja elevar seu relacionamento com Deus para o próximo nível? Sim, eu sei; Todos nós temos essa paixão de seguir a Deus e fazer a vontade dele. Mas há um grande obstáculo que nos impede. E essa é a nossa carne. Ainda somos presos pelo pecado e escravizados por atitudes sem Deus, vícios e hábitos pecaminosos. Mas quem pode nos salvar deste fardo do pecado e da morte? A resposta é simples - JESUS É O CAMINHO. Sem a ajuda de nosso Senhor Jesus, você não pode crescer em Cristo e começar a viver uma vida santa, que o levará ao céu. Mas, para o Senhor ajudá-lo a crescer nele, há certas coisas que você deve colocar em prática para se tornar um cristão notável. Com a ajuda do Espírito Santo, este livro está repleto de mistérios ocultos que farão com que você comece a experimentar um tremendo crescimento em Cristo imediatamente. Este livro não apenas abre seus olhos, mas também lhe dá conselhos práticos sobre como viver uma vida santa e cheia do Espírito. Veja o que você aprenderá neste livro: • Por que você não está crescendo em Cristo? • Forças ocultas que estão lutando contra o seu crescimento espiritual, para que você acabe no inferno • Os passos necessários você pode começar a aplicar imediatamente para se tornar um gigante espiritual • Forças que você sempre precisa estar em guerra, se você quer ser um vencedor • As três regras fundamentais de ouro para praticar se você quer deixar a carnalidade para viver a espiritualidade Vá buscar este livro e descubra como você pode ampliar seu relacionamento com Deus hoje.
Crescendo: The Story of a Musical Genius Who Forever Changed a Southern Town
by Julie Cantrell Allen CheneyA hidden story of human triumph, Crescendo takes you on the rare journey of a musical prodigy who changed an entire community forever.More than eighty years ago, a musical prodigy with a brilliant mind was born into a poor, uneducated, and abusive family in rural South Georgia. At three years of age, Fred Allen could play Mozart sonatas on the piano without missing a note. But in spite of his obvious talent, Fred&’s parents discouraged him from expressing his creativity and intelligence, even going so far as locking him away from the old piano in their home. Forced to fend for himself through his adolescent years, Fred knew that if he was ever to make something of himself, he would need to find a way to rise above his broken background. With incredible effort, and a few miracles along the way, Fred managed to do just that, eventually earning acceptance into The Julliard School in New York City. While simultaneously attending Juilliard, Union Theological Seminary, and Columbia University, he also began directing a local church choir, where he caught the attention of the music industry.During the musical revolution of the 1960s, Fred earned numerous Grammy nominations and built a growing reputation within the industry. But just as his new career was beginning to take off, Fred was faced with an impossible decision. His wife announced that she no longer wanted to raise their daughter in New York City and was heading home to the South. Fred had come so far from the pain and brokenness of his past, he couldn&’t imagine giving up everything just to return to his childhood home.Trying not to think about what could have been, Fred took a job as a high school music teacher in his hometown of Thomasville, Georgia, a community of only 30,000 people. Far from the executive suites of RCA and the allure of Broadway, Fred never could have imagined that his new role would not only transform his life but also change an entire community forever.
Crescent City Courtship
by Elizabeth WhiteAbigail Neal dreams of someday escaping her life in the slums of New Orleans. But how can a woman alone and unprotected ever fulfill her dreams of becoming a doctor? Then, young medical student John Braddock comes to pay a call on a neighbor. Though the scars left on her heart have taught her never to trust anyone, Abby is drawn to John's caring nature. Soon an unlikely friendship develops between the son of privilege and the poor daughter of missionaries. But when Abby's mysterious past comes back to haunt her present, will she call upon her faith to help right a wrong and make a new life with her very own Prince Charming?
Crescent Moon Rising
by Paul L. WilliamsInformative and at times controversial, this book examines the rise of Islam in American and clearly shows it will be a force to reckon with for some time. In 1975, Leo Rosten published his Religions of America, an exhaustive compilation of statistical information on every major and minor group of believers in the country. In retrospect, it may seem surprising that the book contained no discussion of Islam. But this was not an oversight; for at the time Muslims in America were a statistically insignificant minority, numbering fewer than one thousand individuals. By contrast, Islam is today the second-largest and fastest growing religion in America, with more than six million adherents. In the first half of the book, the author traces the beginnings of Islam in this country, in particular the rise and influence of the Nation of Islam among African Americans. He emphasizes the impact of the 1965 Hart-Cellar Act, which abolished national-origin quotas and led to successive waves of Muslim immigrants, who entered this country from Palestine, Kuwait, Iraq, Southeast Asia, Africa, Turkey, and other parts of the world. In the second half, Williams considers statistical studies of American Muslims regarding age groups, family size, professional affiliations, annual income, and religious and political commitments. He also addresses a number of disturbing concerns about some aspects of the Muslim presence in America. These include: the connections between many American mosques with Saudi benefactors who promote an ultra-orthodox, anti-Western agenda; the existence of Muslim paramilitary training grounds recruiting ex-convicts; and the ties of even self-described moderate Muslim spokespersons with more politically radical elements.
Crescent Moons and Pointed Minarets: A Muslim Book of Shapes
by Hena KhanCrescent Moons and Pointed Minarets — Islamic book for kids"A beautiful picture book that simultaneously explores shapes, Islam, and the cultures of the Muslim people." — Kirkus ReviewsToddler book of shapes and Islamic traditions: From a crescent moon to a square garden to an octagonal fountain, this breathtaking picture book celebrates the shapes—and traditions—of the Muslim world.Toddler book by author Hena Khan: Sure to inspire questions and observations about world religions and cultures, Crescent Moons and Pointed Minarets is equally at home in a classroom reading circle and on a parent's lap being read to a child.If you and your child like books such as Lailah’s Lunchbox, Numbers Colors Shapes, or The Name Jar, you will love Crescent Moons and Pointed Minarets.
Crevice (Earth Hunters #1)
by Janice BoekhoffAn Arizona mine owner risks her life—and tests her faith—to find her missing brother in this suspenseful, action-packed adventure. Desperate to save her family&’s gold mine, Elery Hearst gives an order that results in the tragic death of one of her men. But before she can come to terms with the guilt consuming her, her brother disappears. To find him, she must find the legendary Lost Dutchman gold mine. And the one person who can help, Lucan Milner, has every reason to want her to fail; he&’s the twin brother of the miner who died. He holds the secret to finding Elery&’s brother, but sharing it with her not only rips open his grief-stricken heart, it puts both of them in the path of a killer…Praise for Crevice&“An intriguing and modern tale around the legend of the Lost Dutchman Mine. This debut novel has adventure, romance, and an insightful spiritual thread that readers will enjoy.&”—Marissa Shrock, author of the Emancipation Warriors series &“Refreshingly original, Boekhoff's treasure hunt of legends and intrigue will leave you tantalizingly infected with gold fever! An adventure not to be missed!&”—Amy Leigh Simpson, author of the Girl Next Door Series &“Get ready for an emotional, action-packed adventure through the Arizona desert. Boekhoff keeps the tension high until the nail-biting ending.&”—Jill Kemerer, author of Her Small-town Romance
Crezca en la oración: Una guía definitiva para hablar con Dios
by Mike BickleCómo desarrollar una apasionada VIDA de ORACIONLa oración es un alto llamado y un privilegio incríble, y ser una persona de oración es el llamamiento más importante de su vida. basta con pensar esto por un momento: ¡Podemos hablar con el Dios del universo! Y podemos saber que El no solo escucha atentamente y con mucho amor, sino también responde al revelarnos su corazón, darnos dirección, bendecir nuestras ciscunstancias, manifestar justicia, y más. Como fundador de la International de House of Prayer (Casa Internacional deOración), Mike Bickle ha dedicado su vida a la comprensión y práctica de los principios y el poder de la oración. En Crezca en la oración combina su estudio bíblico con su amplia experiencia en el tema para darle los recursos que usted necesita para que su vida de oración se vuelva activa y gratificante. ¡Comience hoy! Dios está esperando saber de usted. El no solamente lo ama: en realidad, a El le gusta y disfruta escucharlo cuando usted ora, incluso cuando está débil. Usted puede estar seguro de que sus oraciones son valiosas para Dios y harán una diferencia en su mundo.
Crianza Responsiva: Principios para criar hijos conectados y saludables
by Dr. Boyd BrooksThis book identifies five problem areas in parenting that, if left unchecked, will produce problems in adolescence. They are:a) Isolationb) Unrestrainednessc) no boundariesd) poor parental accessibilitye) shameThe antidote for all five are connection, self-control, good boundaries, accessibility to the parents, and the parents&’ ability to mitigate shame in their children&’s lives.One of the primary differences between families who enjoy each other and families who do not enjoy each other is the way they approach conflict. Reactive families do not possess the skills to resolve conflict, while responsive families do. All around us are adolescents who are isolated, with little self-control over their emotions. They easily get into trouble because of poor parental boundaries and subsequently experience shame. They do not have accessibility to their parents and do not know how to resolve their conflicts and confusion. Young parents can avoid these deadly pitfalls beginning at the toddler stage by parenting in a responsive way. They will raise children who know how to interact with others, control their emotions, respect and accept good boundaries, enjoy accessibility with their parents, and know how to mitigate shame when it occurs in their lives.The reactive family is literally going in circles. Their cyclical, reactive patterns include inattentiveness, misunderstanding, put downs, rejection, shame, and isolation. They can be disconnected, angry, and resentful. They are on an emotional merry-go-round and do not know how to get off. On the other hand, the responsive family has learned how to stop the cycle. They have employed listening, understanding, and clarification. When they apologize--it means something. When they forgive, they do not bring it up again. Instead of being rigid, they have learned to be flexible. They are connected and forgiving. As a result, they are emotionally strong and respectful of each other. They enjoy spontaneous moments in a mutually satisfying way.This book helps the reader identify deadly patterns that are draining the life out of their relationships and presents change as a real possibility. With the use of metaphors and word pictures, the reader can see both kinds of families, but also learn how to introduce change into their family--the kind of change that is not easy but is transformative.Parenting is a daunting task, especially if you&’re young and inexperienced. Today many parents find themselves disconnected from their children and overwhelmed with a sense of helplessness. There are two basic approaches to parenting that can be used--reactive parenting and responsive parenting. Reactive parenting, so prevalent in today&’s society, is done in reaction to something, whether a whining child or a parent&’s own anxiety. It is impulsive and produces poor results. As more and more young people reach adulthood without an adequate model of self-regulation and conflict resolution, the more visible this problem becomes. On the other hand, Responsive Parenting, as described in Boyd&’s book, is a principled approach to parenting. It emphasizes the importance of preparing children for adulthood. Responsive parenting is thoughtful and is in response to the child&’s best interests. It takes the long view. It listens and clarifies. It apologizes and forgives. It is flexible and extends freedom with responsibility. It is accepting and affirming while being connected and supportive. Boyd Brooks shows readers through easy to understand biblical principles how to build self-esteem and confidence in their children and help them discover who they were meant to be.
Crianza bíblica: Cultivando hijos que den fruto
by Héctor SalcedoEn Crianza bíblica, Héctor Salcedo nos demuestra que la clave para enseñar, disciplinar y cultivar a nuestros hijos es poner el énfasis no solamente en lo que debemos hacer como padres sino en quienes debemos ser, con la ayuda de la Palabra de Dios.Como padres, intentamos sembrar la Palabra de Dios o &“semilla&” en nuestros hijos, pero antes de plantar, nos falta un paso muy importante. La crianza bíblica requiere que los padres procuren crear en el corazón de sus hijos una actitud receptiva y enseñable antes de sembrar.Crianza bíblica, es un estudio bíblico y una guía práctica para la &“preparación del terreno&” donde los padres van luego a &“sembrar la disciplina e instrucción del Señor&”. Según el autor, la crianza se compone de los siguientes elementos que se encuentran en Efesios 6:4, cada uno de los cuales debe desarrollarse adecuadamente:&“Padres&” = Presencia&“No provoquen a ira...&” = Terreno fértil&“Críenlos&” = Devoción&“Disciplina&” = Entrenamiento&“Instrucción&” = Advertir o amonestar&“Del Señor&” = Palabra de DiosEste material, aunque su objetivo es la crianza, trabaja mucho con los padres, pues asume que si los padres no son lo que deben ser entonces su crianza tampoco será todo lo que Dios desea. Deutoronomio 6:6 nos dice: &“Estas palabras que yo te mando hoy, estarán en tu corazón…&”. Es decir, antes de enseñar a nuestros hijos, debemos haber sido enseñados nosotros. Si los padres no somos discípulos fieles de la Palabra, es poco probable que seamos capaces de transmitir la verdad de Dios a la próxima generación.Biblical ParenthoodIn Biblical Parenthood, Hector Salcedo shows us that the key to teaching, disciplining, and nurturing our children is to focus not only what we should do as parents but what we should be, with the help of God&’s Word.As parents, we try to sow God's Word or plant the "seed" in our children, often miss an important step. Biblical parenting requires that parents seek to create in their children's hearts a receptive, teachable attitude before sowing.Biblical Parenthood is a Bible study and practical guide for "preparing the ground" where parents will then "sow the discipline and instruction of the Lord." According to the author, parenting is composed of the following elements found in Ephesians 6:4, each of which must be properly developed:"Fathers" = Presence."Provoke them not to wrath..." = Fertile ground."Nurture them" = Devotion"Discipline" = Training"Instruction" = Warn or admonish."From the Lord" = Word of GodAlthough this book is meant to help us raise our children, it focuses on parents, for it assumes that if parents are not what they should be, then their child-rearing will not be all that God intended either. Deuteronomy 6:6 tells us, &“These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts…" That is, before we teach our children, we must have been taught ourselves. If we, as parents, are not faithful disciples of the Word, it is unlikely that we will be able to pass on God's truths to the next generation.
Crianza sin remordimientos: Crie hijos buenos y sepa que lo está haciendo bien
by Catherine HickemUna experta en maternidad enseña los siete principios esenciales que toda madre necesita para criar a sus hijos con paso firme.Todas las madres desean que sus hijos crezcan felices, sanos y satisfechos. Pero el camino para lograrlo puede estar lleno de indecisión, preocupaciones y dudas en retrospectiva. Pregúntale a cualquier madre si cree estar haciendo un buen trabajo, y lo más probable es que te dé una respuesta ambivalente. En su innovador libro Crianza sin remordimientos, Catherine Hickem presenta siete principios para que las madres críen bien a sus hijos... y sepan que lo están haciendo bien.Con casi treinta años de experiencia como psicoterapeuta, oradora, directora de ministerio de mujeres y fundadora de Intentional Moms, Catherine Hickem muestra cómo construir respeto, compañerismo, confianza y salud emocional y cómo nutrir al mundo con adultos confiados, centrados y seguros de sí mismos. Si una madre se preguntó alguna vez si estaba criando hijos buenos y si lo estaba haciendo bien, necesita las impactantes enseñanzas de Crianza sin remordimientos.
Cries from the Cross: A Journey into the Heart of Jesus
by Erwin W. LutzerErwin Lutzer gently leads readers on a journey into the heart of Christ to help them grasp what Christ Himself wants us to know. Jesus was not silent on the cross. When readers turn their attention to His cries they will be utterly changed.
Cries from the Cross: A Journey into the Heart of Jesus
by Erwin W. Lutzer"To stand at the foot of the cross is to witness the purpose for which God created the world."The cross is a wonder unfathomable. Time cannot contain its reach. No heart can endure its weight. And yet it is the center of everything. It cannot be passed over.Pastor and author Erwin W. Lutzer believes that the better we grasp what the cross meant to Christ, the better we grasp what it should mean to us. To do this, Lutzer examines Jesus&’ cries from the cross.Search with him and see how God&’s love and justice meet. Know the weight of sin and the power of redemption. Look upon Jesus in His weakness, obedience, sorrow, and compassion. Let the scandal of the cross give you pause. The cross deserves our attention. Journey forth into the heart of Jesus, that your own heart may be shaped to His.
Cries from the Cross: A Journey into the Heart of Jesus
by Erwin W. Lutzer"To stand at the foot of the cross is to witness the purpose for which God created the world."The cross is a wonder unfathomable. Time cannot contain its reach. No heart can endure its weight. And yet it is the center of everything. It cannot be passed over.Pastor and author Erwin W. Lutzer believes that the better we grasp what the cross meant to Christ, the better we grasp what it should mean to us. To do this, Lutzer examines Jesus&’ cries from the cross.Search with him and see how God&’s love and justice meet. Know the weight of sin and the power of redemption. Look upon Jesus in His weakness, obedience, sorrow, and compassion. Let the scandal of the cross give you pause. The cross deserves our attention. Journey forth into the heart of Jesus, that your own heart may be shaped to His.
Cries of The Heart
by Ravi ZachariasIn this profound message from one of the great thinkers of our generation, Zacharias explores the inner feeling of futility that can overwhelm a human heart and helps us to see a reason for our suffering, be comforted in loneliness, and experience an abiding faith in our daily lives. Cries of the Heart is a book that both inspires and reassures...a search that uncovers our hidden sentiments and reveals God's continual inescapable presence in every moment of our lives.
Crime Scene Connection
by Deena AlexanderHer writing was fiction,until a killer made the danger very real…A serial killer’s imitating crime scenes from Addison Keller’s bestselling novel, determined to make her the final victim. But with former police officer Jace Montana and his dog at her side, Addison might just be able to unmask the murderer. With time running out as the killer closes in, she must confront her past and unravel long-buried secrets…and hope they can all escape with their lives. From Harlequin Love Inspired Suspense: Courage. Danger. Faith.
Crime Scene Conspiracy: A Thrilling Romantic Suspense Book (Texas Crime Scene Cleaners #1)
by Jessica R. Patch&“I love reading Jessica R. Patch's books! She does such a wonderful job putting twists and turns in this story, you never really know who the bad guy is until the very end.&” –Amazon reviewer on Texas Cold Case ThreatToo many mysterious deaths. Not enough clues.A string of staged deaths forces Texas Ranger Emily O&’Connell on a covert mission to investigate a governor&’s connection to the deceased women. She doesn&’t trust anyone—including crime scene cleaner Stone Spencer. But when Emily&’s questioning makes her the serial killer&’s next target, she must turn to ex-ranger Stone for help. With threats at every turn, outrunning a merciless villain could be the last thing they do.From Love Inspired Suspense: Courage. Danger. Faith.Texas Crime Scene CleanersBook 1: Crime Scene ConspiracyBook 2: Cold Case TargetBook 3: Deadly Christmas Inheritance
Crime Scene Cover-Up
by Sharon DunnFrom USA TODAY bestselling author Sharon Dunn. Facing the past is the only way to catch a killer. After years of chasing the Arson Killer, FBI profiler Arielle Olson follows the trail straight back to the scene of her husband&’s death—and into the murderer&’s sights. Now she must rely on Sheriff Neil Cobain…even if she suspects he&’s withholding info about the night she was left widowed. And they must put aside the past long enough to end a killer&’s deadly game.From Love Inspired Suspense: Courage. Danger. Faith.
Crime Scene Jerusalem
by Alton L. GanskyWhat if a forensic detective could investigate the evidence surrounding the death of Jesus ... and his resurrection? Maxwell Odom, one of the nation's top crime-scene investigators, is in Jerusalem delivering a keynote speech to the Association of Israeli Police. The ugliness his job has forced him to witness has darkened his soul and calloused his mind. He has become cynical and unpleasant. One evening he steps out of his hotel room to meet his driver and discovers he has been miraculously transported to ancient Jerusalem in the days following Jesus' crucifixion. According to his guide, the only way for Odom to return to his own time is by solving a historical crime - a conspiracy of the many to kill the One.
Crime Scene Secrets (Mountain Country K-9 Unit #4)
by Maggie K. BlackA wedding becomes a crime scene… now a K-9 team seeks a serial killer After shots are fired at a rehearsal dinner, FBI agent Kyle West arrives just in time to chase the gunman away. But attacks persist. Could this be the Rocky Mountain Killer—or a deadly copycat? Now Kyle and his K-9 partner must team up with investigator Ophelia Clarke to hunt down the shooter…before this wedding party becomes a mass murder. From Love Inspired Suspense: Courage. Danger. Faith.Mountain Country K-9 Unit Book 1: Baby Protection Mission by Laura ScottBook 2: Her Duty Bound Defender by Sharee StoverBook 3: Chasing Justice by Valerie HansenBook 4: Crime Scene Secrets by Maggie K. BlackBook 5: Montana Abduction Rescue by Jodie BaileyBook 6: Trail of Threats by Jessica R. PatchBook 7: Tracing a Killer by Sharon Dunn
Crime Scene Witness (Amish Country Justice #15)
by Dana R. LynnFinding a safe haven is the only way to stay alive When crime scene cleaner Lissa Page discovers a clue at a murder site, she&’s attacked and becomes the killer&’s new target. Now Deputy US Marshal Micah Bender must protect the single mother from becoming another victim. But with threats coming from every direction, Micah needs to hide Lissa—and the Amish community he left behind might be the answer to keeping his witness safe.From Love Inspired Suspense: Courage. Danger. Faith.Amish Country Justice Book 1: Plain TargetBook 2: Plain RetributionBook 3: Amish Christmas AbductionBook 4: Amish Country AmbushBook 5: Amish Christmas EmergencyBook 6: Guarding the Amish MidwifeBook 7: Hidden in Amish CountryBook 8: Plain RefugeBook 9: Deadly Amish ReunionBook 10: Amish Country ThreatsBook 11: Covert Amish InvestigationBook 12: Amish Christmas EscapeBook 13: Amish Cradle ConspiracyBook 14: Her Secret Amish PastBook 15: Crime Scene WitnessBook 16: Hidden Amish Target
Crime and Clutter
by Cyndy SalzmannA storage unit, a 1963 Volkswagen minibus, and tattered letters...reveal shattering secrets from the '60s. It's been a year since Mary Alice lost her father -- the father she never really knew. Now she's stuck cleaning out his rubbish from a storage unit. Just when she'd rather it all go away from her well-ordered life, her long-held secret is discovered by the feisty Marina, one of the six members of the Friday Afternoon Club. When these friends make it their mission to help Mary Alice tackle her stash, they arrive at the storage unit, prepared to clean. But what they discover takes them on a riotous ride through the crime and clutter of the sixties, the angst and betrayal of those caught in The Revolution, and the forgiveness that can only come through acceptance of a different kind of Cause. Includes fun, easy, and tantalizing recipes!
Crime and Forgiveness: Christianizing Execution in Medieval Europe
by Adriano ProsperiA provocative analysis of how Christianity helped legitimize the death penalty in early modern Europe, then throughout the Christian world, by turning execution into a great cathartic public ritual and the condemned into a Christ-like figure who accepts death to save humanity. The public execution of criminals has been a common practice ever since ancient times. In this wide-ranging investigation of the death penalty in Europe from the fourteenth to the eighteenth century, noted Italian historian Adriano Prosperi identifies a crucial period when legal concepts of vengeance and justice merged with Christian beliefs in repentance and forgiveness. Crime and Forgiveness begins with late antiquity but comes into sharp focus in fourteenth-century Italy, with the work of the Confraternities of Mercy, which offered Christian comfort to the condemned and were for centuries responsible for burying the dead. Under the brotherhoods’ influence, the ritual of public execution became Christianized, and the doomed person became a symbol of the fallen human condition. Because the time of death was known, this “ideal” sinner could be comforted and prepared for the next life through confession and repentance. In return, the community bearing witness to the execution offered forgiveness and a Christian burial. No longer facing eternal condemnation, the criminal in turn publicly forgave the executioner, and the death provided a moral lesson to the community. Over time, as the practice of Christian comfort spread across Europe, it offered political authorities an opportunity to legitimize the death penalty and encode into law the right to kill and exact vengeance. But the contradictions created by Christianity’s central role in executions did not dissipate, and squaring the emotions and values surrounding state-sanctioned executions was not simple, then or now.
Crime and Immorality in the Catholic Church
by Emmett McLoughlinThe stories in this book, which was first published in 1962, centre on the actions of some priests during the 1950s, echoing stories from today’s front pages. However, former Franciscan priest and bestselling author of People’s Padre and American Culture and Catholic Schools, Emmett McLoughlin focus in Crime and Immorality in the Catholic Church is less on the priesthood, and more on the parishioners.To investigate his theory that the Catholic religion promotes criminal behavior rather than preventing it, he conducted a survey of all the prisons in the country in 1960. In every state, the percentage of Catholic inmates was greater than the state’s percentage of Catholics in the population, even using the church’s inflated figures. He then performed a similar survey of institutionalized mental patients, exploring the theory that Catholic beliefs drive people crazy, and came up with the same results.A courageous, thought-provoking book.