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From Here to Maturity: Overcoming the Juvenilization of American Christianity
by Thomas E. BerglerExpert guidance on how to grow up in Christ This book is a follow-up to Thomas Bergler’s acclaimed work The Juvenilization of American Christianity, which documents how church youth ministries over the past several decades have contributed to a process of adolescent spiritual traits becoming accepted and even celebrated by Christians of all ages. This “juvenilization” in the church is a real problem that must be addressed, says Bergler, and in his new book he addresses it head-on. Bergler’s From Here to Maturity is an accessible guide for helping both individuals and whole faith communities to grow spiritually. Bergler claims that spiritual maturity -- defined as “basic competence in the Christian life” -- is both desirable and attainable, and he effectively presents a biblical theology of spiritual maturity, identifying its traits from pertinent New Testament passages. Adapting Dallas Willard’s model of spiritual formation and applying it to congregational life, Bergler offers a wealth of practical, research-based guidance as to how Christian leaders can effectively foster spiritual maturity in their congregations. He also identifies six key faith-sustaining factors and provides a system for evaluating a church’s state of spiritual maturity and steps for improving it. Ecumenically friendly, From Here to Maturity will be useful to individuals and leaders from many different churches and theological traditions.
From History to Herstory: Culture, Gender and Religion in Archival Material in Southern Africa (Gender and Cultural Studies in Africa and the Diaspora)
by Paul Leshota Maxwell Musingafi Itumeleng Mokhele Makhulu MakumaneThis book seeks to contribute to reflections done on the gender equality agenda by combing through oral and written resources to unearth and document heroic displays of leadership by women of Africa in general and of Southern Africa in particular, that remain hidden under the rubble of Eurocentric, colonial and African patriarchal archive and hegemony. It seeks to open the archive of Southern Africa to unearth the names of women who have played an important role in shaping the course of Southern Africa history in every way. While acknowledging the systematic marginalisation of women's voices and identities by scribal patriarchy, the aim is to bring to life women's experiences and voices through critical engagement of sources of knowledge available to Africa in general and southern Africa in particular. The chapters of this book will contribute to the debate on gender equality and women empowerment by women themselves within the framework of Sustainable Development Goals, especially SDG 5.
From Horror to Hope: Inspiring Stories of Project Rescue and a Global Movement to Bring Freedom to Survivors of Sexual Exploitation
by David GrantBehind every testimony is an army of God&’s warriors. After reading this book, you will appreciate those who have dedicated their lives to preaching the Gospel, and you will empathize with those imprisoned by human trafficking as you see how God can redeem their lives.Project Rescue was no grand strategy of a lone abolitionist who set out to stop sex slavery twenty-five years ago. Instead, courageous men and women of God in different cities of Southern Asia and Europe were led by the Spirit to take Jesus and hope to their cities&’ darkest streets and victims of sex slavery. These pioneers had little in common to bring to this battle. But each one was marked by a daring willingness to obey God&’s voice and a relentless belief that women and children in prostitution were indeed in the heart and plans of God. What made them different in the anti-trafficking space is that they decided to do the journey together, not alone. Project Rescue network ministry leaders have learned together, prayed together, shared resources, fought hell on behalf of God&’s violated sons and daughters, and celebrated the hard-won victories of rescue and restoration together. These leaders asked themselves early on, &“If organized crime can work together around the world for evil purposes of greed, injustice, and exploitation, why can&’t good people - God&’s people - work together across denominations, organizations, and borders for God&’s great purposes of justice, freedom, and healing?&” In From Horror to Hope, Grant shares Project Rescue&’s inspiring story of a growing collaborative movement to bring hope, restoration, and freedom to generations of trafficked women and their children around the world. But even more, it&’s the grand story of God&’s great love for victims of sexual exploitation and His amazing power to redeem and restore their lives.
From Human to Posthuman: Christian Theology and Technology in a Postmodern World (Routledge Science and Religion Series)
by Brent WatersTechnology is one of the dominant forces shaping the emerging postmodern world. Indeed the very fabric of daily life is dependent upon various information, communication, and transportation technologies. With anticipated advances in biotechnology, artificial intelligence, and robotics, that dependence will increase. Yet this growing dependence is accompanied with a deep ambivalence. For many technology symbolises the faith of the postmodern world, but it is an ambivalent faith encapsulating both our hopes and fears for the future. This book examines the religious foundations underlying this troubled faith in technology, as well as critically and constructively engaging particular technological developments from a theological perspective.
From Hurt to Healing: A Theology of the Wounded
by Andrew S. ParkLook around at any gathering--whether it be a sporting event, a civic meeting, or a worship service--and you will likely see representatives of two groups of people. On one hand there will be someone who has caused grievous harm to another person by physical mistreatment, emotional abuse, sexual victimization, violence, or any number of other ways. On the other hand will be those who have been harmed by just these same evils. <p><p> While the two groups are inextricably linked, and while it is far too often the case that an individual can be both abused and abuser, nonetheless the two groups stand before God with very different sets of needs. In Christian theology, however, we have approached these very different sets of personal situations with one vocabulary and one solution. Traditionally, we have had only the language of sin to describe these very different human predicaments. What's more, we have offered but one solution to the problem, the two-way transaction of God's forgiveness of sinners. Yet when one person harms another, that action not only violates God's will, but also unleashes anguish and misery in the victim, scarring his or her soul. We are right to speak of the sinner's need of forgiveness, but we have forgotten to take the next step: to seek healing for the victims. Having drawn the map of salvation for sinners, we have left it to those who have been sinned against to find their own way to wholeness and peace. <p><p> Andrew Sung Park argues that it is time for the church and its theology to face this issue and work toward its remedy. It is time to give a name to the suffering of those who have been sinned against and to seek their healing. He proposes that the Korean religious term han can serve as an instrument in this endeavor. While it is an intricate concept, in short han can be defined as the psychic and spiritual hurt caused by unjust oppression and suffering. As the church seeks to play its distinctive role in healing the wounds of abuse and violence, the idea of han can be a powerful tool. It can allow pastors and other caregivers to explore the depths of anguish that victims experience. It can illustrate the fact that, having sinned against their victims as well as against God, the perpetrators of violence and abuse must seek salvation not only by asking for God's forgiveness, but also by working for the healing of those they have wronged.
From Idols to Icons: The Emergence of Christian Devotional Images in Late Antiquity (Christianity in Late Antiquity #12)
by Robin M. JensenEven the briefest glance at an art museum’s holdings or an introductory history textbook demonstrates the profound influence of Christian images and art. From Idols to Icons tells the fascinating history of the dramatic shift in Christian attitudes toward sacred images from the third through the early seventh century. From attacks on the cult images of polytheism to the emergence of Christian narrative iconography to the appearance of portrait-type representations of holy figures, this book examines the primary theological critiques and defenses of holy images in light of the surviving material evidence for early Christian visual art. Against the previous assumption that fourth- and fifth-century Christians simply forgot or ignored their predecessors’ censure and reverted to more alluring pagan practices, Robin M. Jensen contends that each stage of this profound change was uniquely Christian. Through a careful consideration of the cults of saints’ remains, devotional portraits, and pilgrimages to sacred sites, Jensen shows how the Christian devotion to holy images came to be rooted in their evolving conviction that the divine was accessible in and through visible objects.
From India to Israel
by Joseph HodesBetween May 1948 and December 1951, Israel received approximately 684,000 immigrants from across the globe. The arrival of so many ethnic, linguistic, and cultural groups to such a small place in such a short time was unprecedented and the new country was ill-prepared to absorb its new citizens. The first years of the state were marked by war, agricultural failure, a housing crisis, health epidemics, a terrible culture clash, and a struggle between the religious authorities and the secular government over who was going to control the state. In From India to Israel, Joseph Hodes examines Israel's first decades through the perspective of an Indian Jewish community, the Bene Israel, who would go on to play an important role in the creation of the state. He describes how a community of relatively high status and free from persecution under the British Raj left the recently independent India for fear of losing status, only to encounter bias and prejudice in their new country. In 1960, a decision made by the religious authorities to ban the Bene Israel from marrying other Jews on the grounds that they were not "pure Jews" set in motion a civil rights struggle between the Indian community and the religious authority with far-reaching implications. After a drawn-out struggle, and under pressure from both the government and the people, the Bene Israel were declared acceptable for marriage. A detailed look at how one immigrant community fought to maintain their place within a religion and a society, From India to Israel raises important questions about the state of Israel and its earliest struggles to absorb the diversity in its midst.
From India to Israel: Identity, Immigration, and the Struggle for Religious Equality (McGill-Queen's Studies in the History of Religion #2)
by Joseph HodesBetween May 1948 and December 1951, Israel received approximately 684,000 immigrants from across the globe. The arrival of so many ethnic, linguistic, and cultural groups to such a small place in such a short time was unprecedented and the new country was ill-prepared to absorb its new citizens. The first years of the state were marked by war, agricultural failure, a housing crisis, health epidemics, a terrible culture clash, and a struggle between the religious authorities and the secular government over who was going to control the state. In From India to Israel, Joseph Hodes examines Israel's first decades through the perspective of an Indian Jewish community, the Bene Israel, who would go on to play an important role in the creation of the state. He describes how a community of relatively high status and free from persecution under the British Raj left the recently independent India for fear of losing status, only to encounter bias and prejudice in their new country. In 1960, a decision made by the religious authorities to ban the Bene Israel from marrying other Jews on the grounds that they were not "pure Jews" set in motion a civil rights struggle between the Indian community and the religious authority with far-reaching implications. After a drawn-out struggle, and under pressure from both the government and the people, the Bene Israel were declared acceptable for marriage. A detailed look at how one immigrant community fought to maintain their place within a religion and a society, From India to Israel raises important questions about the state of Israel and its earliest struggles to absorb the diversity in its midst.
From Irenaeus to Grotius
by Joan Lockwood O’donovan and Oliver O’donovanA reference tool that provides an overview of the history of Christian political thought with selections from second century to the seventeenth century.From the second century to the seventeenth, from Irenaeus to Grotius, this unique reader provides a coherent overview of the development of Christian political thought. The editors have collected readings from the works of over sixty-five authors, together with introductory essays that give historical details about each thinker and discuss how each has contributed to the tradition of Christian political thought. Complete with important Greek and Latin texts available here in English for the first time, this volume will be a primary resource for readers from a wide range of interests.
From Its Beginnings to the Eve of the Reformation
by William C. Placher Derek R. NelsonIn this book, William C. Placher compiles significant passages written by the most important Christian thinkers through the early sixteenth century. An important resource for theological study, Readings in the History of Christian Theology contains excerpts preceded by the author's illuminating introductions so that the book can stand alone as a coherent history.
From Jeremiad to Jihad: Religion, Violence, and America
by Jonathan H. Ebel John D. CarlsonViolence has been a central feature of America's history, culture, and place in the world. It has taken many forms: from state-sponsored uses of force such as war or law enforcement, to revolution, secession, terrorism and other actions with important political and cultural implications. Religion also holds a crucial place in the American experience of violence, particularly for those who have found order and meaning in their worlds through religious texts, symbols, rituals, and ideas. Yet too often the religious dimensions of violence, especially in the American context, are ignored or overstated--in either case, poorly understood. From Jeremiad to Jihad: Religion, Violence, and America corrects these misunderstandings. Charting and interpreting the tendrils of religion and violence, this book reveals how formative moments of their intersection in American history have influenced the ideas, institutions, and identities associated with the United States. Religion and violence provide crucial yet underutilized lenses for seeing America anew--including its outlook on, and relation to, the world.
From Jerusalem To Irian Jaya: A Biographical History of Christian Missions (Second Edition)
by Ruth A. TuckerThis is history at its best. From Jerusalem to Irian Jaya is readable, informative, gripping, and above all honest. From Jerusalem to Irian Jaya helps readers understand the life and role of a missionary through real life examples of missionaries throughout history. We see these men and women as fallible and human in their failures as well as their successes. These great leaders of missions are presented as real people, and not super-saints. This second edition covers all 2,000 years of mission history with a special emphasis on the modern era, including chapters focused on the Muslim world, Third World missions, and a comparison of missions in Korea and Japan. It also contains both a general and an 'illustration' index where readers can easily locate particular missionaries, stories, or incidents. New design graphics, photographs, and maps help make this a compelling book. From Jerusalem to Irian Jaya is as informative and intriguing as it is inspiring---an invaluable resource for missionaries, mission agencies, students, and all who are concerned about the spreading of the gospel throughout the world.
From Jerusalem to Irian Jaya: A Biographical History of Christian Missions
by Ruth A. TuckerThis is history at its best. From Jerusalem to Irian Jaya is readable, informative, gripping, and above all honest. From Jerusalem to Irian Jaya helps readers understand the life and role of a missionary through real life examples of missionaries throughout history. We see these men and women as fallible and human in their failures as well as their successes. These great leaders of missions are presented as real people, and not super-saints. This second edition covers all 2,000 years of mission history with a special emphasis on the modern era, including chapters focused on the Muslim world, Third World missions, and a comparison of missions in Korea and Japan. It also contains both a general and an “illustration” index where readers can easily locate particular missionaries, stories, or incidents. New design graphics, photographs, and maps help make this a compelling book. From Jerusalem to Irian Jaya is as informative and intriguing as it is inspiring—an invaluable resource for missionaries, mission agencies, students, and all who are concerned about the spreading of the gospel throughout the world.
From Jerusalem to Timbuktu: A World Tour of the Spread of Christianity
by Brian C. StillerChristianity started in Jerusalem. For many centuries it was concentrated in the West, in Europe and North America. But in the past century the church expanded rapidly across Africa, Latin America, and Asia. Thus Christianity's geographic center of density is now in the West African country of Mali—in Timbuktu. What led to the church's vibrant growth throughout the Global South? Brian Stiller identifies five key factors that have shaped the church, from a renewed openness to the move of the Holy Spirit to the empowerment of indigenous leadership. While in some areas Christianity is embattled and threatened, in many places it is flourishing as never before. Discover the surprising story of the global advance of the gospel. And be encouraged that Jesus' witness continues to the ends of the earth.
From Jesus to Christ
by Paula FredriksenIn this exciting book, Paula Fredriksen answers these questions by placing the various canonical images of Jesus within their historical contexts. She provides fascinating insights into the content of Jesus's ministry, the circumstances of his crucifixion, and the social and religious problems facing the earliest churches.
From Jesus to Christianity: How Four Generations of Visionaries & Storytellers Created the New Testament and Christian Faith
by L. Michael WhiteL. Michael White, one of the world’s foremost scholars on the origins of Christianity, provides the complete, astonishing story of how Christianity grew from the personal vision of a humble Jewish peasant living in a remote province of the Roman Empire into the largest organized religion in the world.Rather than reading the New Testament straight through in its traditional, or “canonical” order, From Jesus to Christianity takes a historical approach. Looking at the individual books chronologically, in the sequence in which they were actually written, readers can see what they divulge about the disagreements, shared values, and unifying mission of the earliest Christian communities. White digs through layers of archaeological excavations, sifts through buried fragments of largely unknown texts, and examines historical sources to discover what we can know of Jesus.
From Jesus to the Church
by Craig A. EvansDid Jesus intend to found a church separate from Judaism? Who were the very first followers of Jesus? And how did a clash between two families--the family of Jesus on one hand and the family of high priest Annas and their aristocratic allies on the other--eventually lead to the formation of Christianity? In this study, best-selling author Craig A. Evans looks at how a tumultuous chain of events from 30-70 CE--beginning with Jesus's entry into Jerusalem and subsequent crucifixion and ending with the destruction of the temple--led to the separation between the followers of Jesus and other Jews. Topics include the following: 1) whether Jesus actually intended to found the Christian Church; 2) the ways in which Jesus's proclamation of the "Kingdom of God" relate to the Christian Church; 3) the role of James, brother of Jesus, in the new movement in Jerusalem; 4) the tension between James and Paul in the matter of law and works; 5) the conflict between the families and followers of Jesus and those of the high priest Annas before the destruction of the temple; and 6) the aftermath of the Jewish rebellion, whereby the Church moved away from its Jewish roots. An appendix further explores the reasons behind the rift between the Jesus movement and the synagogue. This fascinating volume is suitable for historical Jesus and early church studies, along with anyone else interested in learning about the very first followers of Jesus.
From Jesus to the Internet: A History of Christianity and Media
by Peter HorsfieldFrom Jesus to the Internet examines Christianity as a mediated phenomenon, paying particular attention to how various forms of media have influenced and developed the Christian tradition over the centuries. It is the first systematic survey of this topic and the author provides those studying or interested in the intersection of religion and media with a lively and engaging chronological narrative. With insights into some of Christianity's most hotly debated contemporary issues, this book provides a much-needed historical basis for this interdisciplinary field.
From Judgment to Hope: A Study On The Prophets
by Walter Brueggemann<p>While conservative interpreters might believe that prophets were predictors and progressives believe the prophets to be simply social advocates, Walter Brueggemann argues that the prophets were “emancipated imaginers of alternative.” Emancipated from the dominant thinking of their societies, the prophets imagined an alternative reality and invited listeners to join them in their commitment to that new reality.</p><p>In this collection of studies, popular biblical scholar Walter Brueggemann explores the Major Prophets, the Minor Prophets, and the prophets of the Persian Age. By highlighting the common themes of judgment and hope found in the prophets’ messages, Brueggemann invites readers to consider what those messages mean for us today. Questions for reflection conclude each chapter. From Judgment to Hope is suitable for individual or group study.</p>
From Judgment to Passion: Devotion to Christ and the Virgin Mary, 800-1200
by Rachel FultonHow and why did the images of the crucified Christ and his grieving mother achieve such prominence, inspiring unparalleled religious creativity as well such imitative extremes as celibacy and self-flagellation? To answer this question, Fulton ranges over developments in liturgical performance, private prayer, doctrine, and art.
From Judgment to Passion: Devotion to Christ and the Virgin Mary, 800–1200
by Rachel Fulton BrownDevotion to the crucified Christ is one of the most familiar, yet most disconcerting artifacts of medieval European civilization. How and why did the images of the dying God-man and his grieving mother achieve such prominence, inspiring unparalleled religious creativity as well such imitative extremes as celibacy and self-flagellation? To answer this question, Rachel Fulton ranges over developments in liturgical performance, private prayer, doctrine, and art. She considers the fear occasioned by the disappointed hopes of medieval Christians convinced that the apocalypse would come soon, the revulsion of medieval Jews at being baptized in the name of God born from a woman, the reform of the Church in light of a new European money economy, the eroticism of the Marian exegesis of the Song of Songs, and much more. Devotion to the crucified Christ is one of the most familiar yet disconcerting artifacts of medieval European civilization. How and why did the images of the dying God-man and his grieving mother achieve such prominence, inspiring unparalleled religious creativity and emotional artistry even as they fostered such imitative extremes as celibacy, crusade, and self-flagellation?Magisterial in style and comprehensive in scope, From Judgment to Passion is the first systematic attempt to explain the origins and initial development of European devotion to Christ in his suffering humanity and Mary in her compassionate grief. Rachel Fulton examines liturgical performance, doctrine, private prayer, scriptural exegesis, and art in order to illuminate and explain the powerful desire shared by medieval women and men to identify with the crucified Christ and his mother.The book begins with the Carolingian campaign to convert the newly conquered pagan Saxons, in particular with the effort to explain for these new converts the mystery of the Eucharist, the miraculous presence of Christ's body at the Mass. Moving on to the early eleventh century, when Christ's failure to return on the millennium of his Passion (A.D. 1033) necessitated for believers a radical revision of Christian history, Fulton examines the novel liturgies and devotions that arose amid this apocalyptic disappointment. The book turns finally to the twelfth century when, in the wake of the capture of Jerusalem in the First Crusade, there occurred the full flowering of a new, more emotional sensibility of faith, epitomized by the eroticism of the Marian exegesis of the Song of Songs and by the artistic and architectural innovations we have come to think of as quintessentially high medieval.In addition to its concern with explaining devotional change, From Judgment to Passion presses a second, crucial question: How is it possible for modern historians to understand not only the social and cultural functions but also the experience of faith—the impulsive engagement with the emotions, sometimes ineffable, of prayer and devotion? The answer, magnificently exemplified throughout this book's narrative, lies in imaginative empathy, the same incorporation of self into story that lay at the heart of the medieval effort to identify with Christ and Mary in their love and pain.
From Junkie to Jerusalem: A Journey of Destiny
by Larry HuchGod can take you from wherever you are to beyond what you could ever imagine. By the end of this book, you will claim victory over sin through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Likewise, no matter how far gone you feel, you&’ll know that you're never too far gone for God to restore and redeem you. From a drug addict to a prominent pastor and ardent advocate for Israel and the Jewish people, Pastor Larry Huch&’s testimony is all about hope and overcoming. It&’s a powerful testimony that has been told from the White House to the most violent prisons, from Portland to the Philippines, from the down and out in the streets, and even to the world&’s most elite—namely, to President Trump and to Prime Minister Netanyahu. Delving into Huch&’s tumultuous past, From Junkie to Jerusalem details his abusive background, explains his struggles with anger and addiction, and highlights the profound spiritual awakening that led him to leave behind his former life and embrace Christianity. However, this is not just one man&’s story—This is a story of what God can do with the least of us. It&’s a story of miracles and being faithful with a little and watching God multiply the loaves and fishes we give Him. While reading this motivational testimony, you will: Be at the heart of Huch&’s spiritual journey. Learn how you can break free of generational curses. See how God can work miracles in your own life. This God story gives readers hope that regardless of their current condition—no matter where they&’re from, what they&’re going through, or what their children are going through—God has a miracle in the works.
From Kuan Yin to Chairman Mao: The Essential Guide to Chinese Deities
by Xueting Christine Ni“Luminous and detailed, this is an encyclopedic treasure trove that now renders the gods and goddesses of Eastern lore accessible to the West.” —Benebell Wen, author of Holistic TarotChina is an immense land with a history spanning thousands of years, and its needs and problems are perhaps too many for a single deity to watch over. This book begins to explore the veritable army of gods, immortals, and deities to whom the Chinese have turned for help, support, and intervention—not just in the annals of history but also in the bustling modern world.From Kuan Yin to Chairman Mao offers fascinating insight into the complex interweaving of China’s main religions and folklore and the way the gods themselves have evolved to meet changing challenges, finding their way from scriptures and statues to vouchers and videogames. Author Xueting Christine Ni recounts the stories of sixty Chinese gods and goddesses, selected from across the spectrum of China’s mythical beings, deified heroes, gods, goddesses, and immortals. They derive from Taoism, Buddhism, Confucianism, and folklore, as well as revered sages and protective deities from other traditions. Get to know Kuan Yin, the goddess of mercy; Zhong Ku, the demon slayer; Tian Hou, the goddess of the sea; the beloved Monkey King, and a host of other Chinese deities, both ancient and modern.In addition to exploring the origins and rituals of this eclectic pantheon, this book also looks at how, in a country that has undergone a myriad of changes and upheavals, its gods and goddesses have never been more than a whisper away.
From Legal to Regal: Religion to Royalty
by Steve HawkinsSteve Hawkins has a message for every believer longing for a more hope-filled Christian life: “A generous, happy God wants to hang out with you, build you up, teach you personally and show you who you really are in Him!” That’s the heart of his firsthand story about being liberated from legalism into a freedom-filled life in the Spirit. Through biblical illustrations and his own experiences Steve explains: · How to live a fulfilling, not frustrating, Christian life. · Why struggle and failure are not God’s calling for you. · What to do to embrace the kingdom life God promises you. If you’re facing disappointment, unfulfilled expectations or a deep spiritual need, From Legal to Regal will make a believer out of you--you’ll see that you can shift into the new life in Christ you long for.
From Logos to Person: History, Traditions, and Perspectives (Comparative Philosophy of Religion #5)
by Christophe Rico Joaquin PanielloThis contributed volume considers the notions of person and logos from different approaches. Although many treat them separately, this text focuses on their intricated interplay. Drawing upon diverse cultural traditions, including Hebrew, Greek, Latin, and Arab sources, this book engages philologists, philosophers, and theologians through captivating analysis that spans from ancient philosophical perspectives to contemporary scholarship. The genesis of this scholarly endeavor owes to a conference held at the Polis Institute in Jerusalem in October 2021, in collaboration with Johns Hopkins University, Notre Dame University, and the University of Hamburg. Out of fifty-seven presentations, fourteen were selected to compose this thought-provoking volume, ensuring a well-structured exposition on the subject. The opening historical overview provides the framework of the volume, and culminates with Beuchot's intriguing proposition of man as an ‘analogical animal’. Subsequent sections explore the concept of logos, tracing its usage in Plato and the Gospel of Saint John, as well as its evolution through scholasticism, modernism, and contemporary thought. Contained are highlights on the notion of person, its development in various languages, and delves into the intricate connections between rationality, speech, and personhood. Metaphysical and personalist approaches are also presented; this book appeals to researchers and scholars in the field.