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From Stone to Flesh: A Short History of the Buddha
by Donald S. LopezThis is a book about the Buddha before he was the Buddha. How was he portrayed before he became the pacific and positive figure so familiar and beloved today?
From Stone to Flesh: A Short History of the Buddha (Buddhism And Modernity Ser.)
by Donald S. Lopez Jr.We have come to admire Buddhism for being profound but accessible, as much a lifestyle as a religion. The credit for creating Buddhism goes to the Buddha, a figure widely respected across the Western world for his philosophical insight, his teachings of nonviolence, and his practice of meditation. But who was this Buddha, and how did he become the Buddha we know and love today? Leading historian of Buddhism Donald S. Lopez Jr. tells the story of how various idols carved in stone—variously named Beddou, Codam, Xaca, and Fo—became the man of flesh and blood that we know simply as the Buddha. He reveals that the positive view of the Buddha in Europe and America is rather recent, originating a little more than a hundred and fifty years ago. For centuries, the Buddha was condemned by Western writers as the most dangerous idol of the Orient. He was a demon, the murderer of his mother, a purveyor of idolatry. Lopez provides an engaging history of depictions of the Buddha from classical accounts and medieval stories to the testimonies of European travelers, diplomats, soldiers, and missionaries. He shows that centuries of hostility toward the Buddha changed dramatically in the nineteenth century, when the teachings of the Buddha, having disappeared from India by the fourteenth century, were read by European scholars newly proficient in Asian languages. At the same time, the traditional view of the Buddha persisted in Asia, where he was revered as much for his supernatural powers as for his philosophical insights. From Stone to Flesh follows the twists and turns of these Eastern and Western notions of the Buddha, leading finally to his triumph as the founder of a world religion.
From Suburb to Shtetl: The Jews of Boro Park
by Egon Mayer William B. Helmreich"From Suburb to Shtetl" is an outstanding ethnography that moves beyond simple demographics. Mayer weaves an intricate tapestry of how family, school, and community leaders influence each other. Whether discussing the role of the rebbe or the matchmaker, those who know these communities will find what he says as relevant today as it was when first penned. This is hardly surprising, for the ultra-Orthodox community takes great pride in not changing, in maintaining itself as it was in Europe despite the allure of modern American society. His discussion of synagogue life is particularly informative and evocative. Those in charge of helping immigrants adopted the path of least resistance, allowing and even encouraging them to retain their identities except for those few aspects that might threaten the country's national interests. The American Orthodox community was tremendously augmented by the arrival from Europe, after World War Two, of thousands of Orthodox Jews who remained devoted to that way of life. Egon Mayer was himself part of a smaller, but significant group of Jews who came to the U.S. and settled mostly in Boro Park in the wake of the 1956 Hungarian Revolution. The interaction between the Hasidim and their less fervent Orthodox counterparts described and analyzed in this volume tells us a great deal about how people negotiate their beliefs, values, and norms when forced into close contact with each other in an urban setting within the larger American culture. By exploring these and many other related issues Mayer has given us the chance to assess and forecast the future of American Jewish life as a whole.
From Success to Significance: When the Pursuit of Success Isn’t Enough
by Lloyd ReebSuccess Is Great. But Significance Is Lasting. You've achieved a measure of success in the first half of life, and it's been a thrill. But deep in your heart, you want your second half to count for something far more. Something bigger than you. Significance. You're not alone; you're in "Halftime. " You want to discover where your deepest passions intersect with your greatest abilities and harness them to help change the world. But what does significance look like? How do you attain it? What will it cost you? What if you are not yet financially independent? Who can help you make sense out of this stage of life?Lloyd Reeb knows how it is. He's wrestled with the same questions-and found answers. In From Success to Significance, he unfolds a blueprint that has helped thousands of men and women redefine success and infuse their lives with eternal significance. Adapt Reeb's approach to your circumstances and, with God's help, put it in motion. It works, and it will work for you. Discover God's unique purpose for your life. Your talents, your drives, and everything you are will make sense in a new way and have an impact you've never dreamed of. Go ahead, start dreaming. Because significance is within your reach, and it starts by finding the freedom to dream. "Many people measure their success by wealth, recognition, power, and status. There's nothing wrong with those, but if that's all you're focused on, you're missing the boat. Lloyd Reeb shows that if you focus on significance-using your time and talent to serve others-that's when truly meaningful success can come your way. "
From Suffering to Peace: The True Promise of Mindfulness
by Mark ColemanLike yoga before it, mindfulness is now flourishing in every sector of society. It is a buzzword in everything from medicine to the military. Mark Coleman, who has studied and taught mindfulness meditation for decades, draws on his knowledge to not only clarify what mindfulness truly means but also reveal the depth and potential of this ancient discipline. Weaving together contemporary applications with practices in use for millennia, his approach empowers us to engage with and transform the inevitable stress and pain of life, so we can discover genuine peace — in the body, heart, mind, and wider world. While profound and multilayered, the mindfulness teachings Coleman shares have proved effective in a wide variety of settings. From Suffering to Peace will help readers of all kinds access and benefit from the “true promise of mindfulness.”
From Sufism to Ahmadiyya
by Adil Hussain KhanThe Ahmadiyya Muslim community represents the followers of Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (1835-1908), a charismatic leader whose claims of spiritual authority brought him into conflict with most other Muslim leaders of the time. The controversial movement originated in rural India in the latter part of the 19th century and is best known for challenging current conceptions of Islamic orthodoxy. Despite missionary success and expansion throughout the world, particularly in Western Europe, North America, and parts of Africa, Ahmadis have effectively been banned from Pakistan. Adil Hussain Khan traces the origins of Ahmadi Islam from a small Sufi-style brotherhood to a major transnational organization, which many Muslims believe to be beyond the pale of Islam.
From Survive to Thrive: Live a Holy, Healed, Healthy, Happy, Humble, Hungry, and Honoring Life
by Samuel RodriguezNew Book From Best-Selling Author of You Are Next. There is a biblical antidote to change your world. Do you want to change the world? Then you must live a holy, healed, healthy, happy, humble, hungry, honoring life. There are seven words that guide every decision, every sermon, and every statement Rev. Rodriguez makes. If you allow these keys to guide you, you will experience the greatest outcomes, the greatest open doors, and the greatest blessings. Every person leaves a legacy of success or failure based on the values that guide them. The foundation for your destiny needs to become personal. If the success of a business or ministry can be directly connected to the kinds of values that business or ministry espouses, it must be true that values can have a direct impact on personal success as well. In From Survive to Thrive, Rodriguez shares seven words that serve as guiding beacons for life, marriage, ministry, relationships, management, and beyond. Get ready to live a HOLY, HEALED, HEALTHY, HAPPY, HUMBLE, HUNGRY, HONORING LIFE so that you can change the world! If you embody these values, you won&’t have to always seek God&’s blessing, because the favor of God will be attracted to you.This book will instill in you seven biblical principles that keep you rooted on the path to your destiny.
From Synagogue to Church: Its Beginning, its Definition, its End (Routledge Jewish Studies Series)
by John WilkinsonThe designs of synagogues and churches are acknowledged to be very alike. But the designers' procedure was confidential, and so far standard explanations have been unsatisfactory. A synagogue should express heavenly values with earthly materials. This combination was in fact expressed in numbers, for, as Plato said, they linked heaven and earth. Scripture described both the Jewish Tabernacle and Temple with a wealth of numbers. Proportions based on these numbers were used to design synagogues. Only a few Jewish documents survive, but they reveal a symbolism, which Christians sometimes repeat. The synagogue sanctuary was designed to contain the 'Holy Ark', and the mosaic floors reveal the point 'Before the Ark' for the prayers and readings. These places faced each other, with the idea that God was facing his people. The synagogue was seen as facing heaven and in church buildings Christians repeated the same proportions. This was a joint tradition among Jews and Christians. It was easy to design, was carried out secretly and accurately, and - without a computer - was extremely hard to unravel. This book, for the first time, does just that.
From Temple to Museum: Colonial Collections and Umā Maheśvara Icons in the Middle Ganga Valley (Archaeology and Religion in South Asia)
by Salila KulshreshthaReligious icons have been a contested terrain across the world. Their implications and understanding travel further than the artistic or the aesthetic and inform contemporary preoccupations.This book traces the lives of religious sculptures beyond the moment of their creation. It lays bare their purpose and evolution by contextualising them in their original architectural or ritual setting while also following their displacement. The work examines how these images may have moved during different spates of temple renovation and acquired new identities by being relocated either within sacred precincts or in private collections and museums, art markets or even desecrated and lost. The book highlights contentious issues in Indian archaeology such as renegotiating identities of religious images, reuse and sharing of sacred space by adherents of different faiths, rebuilding of temples and consequent reinvention of these sites. The author also engages with postcolonial debates surrounding history writing and knowledge creation in British India and how colonial archaeology, archival practices, official surveys and institutionalisation of museums has influenced the current understanding of religion, sacred space and religious icons. In doing so it bridges the historiographical divide between the ancient and the modern as well as socio-religious practices and their institutional memory and preservation. Drawn from a wide-ranging and interdisciplinary study of religious sculptures, classical texts, colonial archival records, British travelogues, official correspondences and fieldwork, the book will interest scholars and researchers of history, archaeology, religion, art history, museums studies, South Asian studies and Buddhist studies.
From Temple to Museum: Colonial Collections and Umā Maheśvara Icons in the Middle Ganga Valley (Archaeology and Religion in South Asia)
by Salila KulshreshthaReligious icons have been a contested terrain across the world. Their implications and understanding travel further than the artistic or the aesthetic and inform contemporary preoccupations.This book traces the lives of religious sculptures beyond the moment of their creation. It lays bare their purpose and evolution by contextualising them in their original architectural or ritual setting while also following their displacement. The work examines how these images may have moved during different spates of temple renovation and acquired new identities by being relocated either within sacred precincts or in private collections and museums, art markets or even desecrated and lost.The book highlights contentious issues in Indian archaeology such as renegotiating identities of religious images, reuse and sharing of sacred space by adherents of different faiths, rebuilding of temples and consequent reinvention of these sites. The author also engages with postcolonial debates surrounding history writing and knowledge creation in British India and how colonial archaeology, archival practices, official surveys and institutionalisation of museums has influenced the current understanding of religion, sacred space and religious icons. In doing so it bridges the historiographical divide between the ancient and the modern as well as socio-religious practices and their institutional memory and preservation. Drawn from a wide-ranging and interdisciplinary study of religious sculptures, classical texts, colonial archival records, British travelogues, official correspondences and fieldwork, the book will interest scholars and researchers of history, archaeology, religion, art history, museums studies, South Asian studies and Buddhist studies.
From the Ashes
by Sharon MignereyShe couldn't hide forever. Animal trainer Angela London had never stopped looking over her shoulder. Her extraordinary skill with guide dogs had won her a handsome celebrity client, ex-football player Brian Ramsey, and helping him cope with the loss of his vision was awakening powerful feelings in her heart. But she feared his reaction if he ever discovered the truth about her dark past. . . As Christmas approached, a vengeful enemy targeted Angela, bent on destroying her newfound happiness. Now she had to thwart a dangerous threat--with Brian's help--or risk losing a love that promised to redeem them both.
From the Ashes
by Patricia H. Rushford Rachel DuludeJennie McGrady’s enthusiasm for the new school year is extinguished when the culturally diverse Trinity Center, home to her church and school, is destroyed by fire. Rumors abound that a racist organization is behind the tragedy, but Jennie is more concerned about the one person who was critically injured: family friend Michael Rhodes. Jared Reinhardt has been in counseling with Michael, trying to break free of a neo-Nazi group—or so he claims. Jennie would like to believe him, but then she spots Jared slipping away from the scene of the fire. Carlos Hernandez was present when the fire broke out and hasn’t spoken a word since. His father, the church janitor, is a prime suspect, and Jennie is convinced the boy’s silence stems from fear. Is he protecting his father, or has someone threatened to hurt him if he tells the truth? Jennie smells foul play among the remains.
From the Cross To Pentecost
by T. D. JakesIn his new book FROM THE CROSS TO PENTECOST, New York Times bestselling author T. D. Jakes explores the importance of Christ's sacrifice on the cross and emphasizes the power of the Holy Spirit in Christians' lives. The ultimate result of Jesus's death on the cross sealed the disconnect created by Adam's fall in the Garden of Eden and reconnected the cord between God and humanity through the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. God's gift of the Holy Spirit not only gives us power but anoints us to be witnesses for Him. God has something glorious for every one of us who believes. The relationship with the Holy Spirit empowers us to serve with joy.
From the Divine to the Human: Contemporary Islamic Thinkers on Evil, Suffering, and the Global Pandemic (Routledge Studies in Islamic Philosophy)
by Muhammad U. Faruque Mohammed RustomFeaturing the work of leading contemporary Muslim philosophers and theologians, this book grapples with various forms of evil and suffering in the world today, from COVID-19 and issues in climate change to problems in palliative care and human vulnerability. Rather than walking down well-trodden paths in philosophy of religion which often address questions of evil and suffering by focusing on divine attributes and the God-world relationship, this volume offers another path of inquiry by focusing on human vulnerability, potential, and resilience. Addressing both the theoretical and practical dimensions of the question of evil, topics range from the transformative power of love, virtue ethics in Sufism and the necessity of suffering, to the spiritual significance of the body and Islamic perspectives on embodiment. In doing so, the contributors propose new perspectives based on various pre-modern and contemporary materials that can enrich the emerging field of the global philosophy of religion, thereby radically transforming contemporary debates on the nature of evil and suffering. The book will appeal to researchers in a variety of disciplines, including Islamic philosophy, religious studies, Sufism, and theology.
From the Editor’s Desk: Thinking Critically, Living Faithfully At The Dawn Of A New Christian Century
by John M. BuchananThe Christian Century, the most respected magazine for mainline Protestants in the world, has helped Christians think critically and live faithfully since 1884. The publication's former editor and publisher, John Buchanan, has compiled a collection of biweekly editorials from the magazine that highlight events, issues, and questions that progressive Christians faced at the turning of this century. <P><P>A must-read for Christian Century fans, From the Editor's Desk examines ten key areas from the years 1999-2015, focusing on war and peace, civic engagement, newsworthy events, the Middle East, and congregational life.
From the Garden to the City: The Redeeming and Corrupting Power of Technology
by John DyerWhere does technology belong in the biblical story of redemption?Believers and unbelievers alike are saturated with technology, yet most give it little if any thought. Consumers buy and upgrade as fast as they can, largely unaware of technology's subtle yet powerful influence. In a world where technology changes almost daily, many are left to wonder: Should Christians embrace all that is happening? Are there some technologies that we need to avoid? Does the Bible give us any guidance on how to use digital tools and social media?An experienced Web developer and writer on technology and culture, John Dyer answers these questions and more by walking through the story of the Bible and introducing key ideas about how technology and culture interact. Dyer first analyzes the biblical, theological, and philosophical foundations of technology and then studies several examples that show how technology can influence the spiritual life. For youth pastors, college-aged readers, and anyone interested in understanding how technology fits with faith, From the Garden to the City fills a gap for biblically-informed literature in a technological world.
From the Garden to the City, revised edition: The Place of Techology in the Story of God
by John DyerFrom ancient tools to modern devices, technology is part of what it means to be human and honor GodChristian discussion of technology tends to focus along prescriptive lines. Don’t look at the wrong pictures. Don’t interact with pride or wrath on social media. Be careful not to join an immodest TikTok trend. Listen only to Christian music and Christian podcasts.But a biblical perspective on technology goes far deeper than how tools are used, and involves much more than the electronics that pervade today’s world. Technology is, in fact, a foundational part of what it means to be human—and it extends back to the very beginning of Creation. Technology was included in what God declared "good." But like all things impacted by the fall, it has immense power to rewire us for good or bad.John Dyer’s popular From the Garden to the City is back in this fully revised and updated edition, moving beyond moralism in order to examine the very nature of technology as essentially human and totally transformative. Perfect for both classroom use and individual contemplation, this book encourages readers to open their minds to see our technological world with biblical vision."Creative, unpredictable, and surprisingly moving. . . . With Dyer's help, you will never see either a shovel or a smartphone the same way again."--Outreach"Dyer brings a solidly Christian perspective to the topic [of media ecology], arguing that technology is neither neutral nor evil. . . . Lively and accessible to techies and non-techies alike."--World"A helpful aid for those wanting to learn how technology fits with faith."--Ministry Today
From the Grave: A 40-Day Lent Devotional
by A. W. Tozer40-day Lent devotional from a beloved spiritual writerAs for the field, so for the soul: "The neglected heart will soon be overrun with worldly thoughts.&” Careful cultivation yields a harvest, and the heart requires great attention. . From the Grave, a 40-day Lent devotional, reflects on this critical spiritual dynamic. It features A. W. Tozer&’s best insights on faith, repentance, suffering, and redemption. Gleaned from transcribed sermons, editorials, and published books, each moving reflection has been carefully selected for the season of Lent. It addresses themes like:Christ&’s passion, death, and resurrectionMortification of the fleshSelf-denial and cross-bearingNew life in ChristChristian obedience and resurrection hopeEach day features a brief portion of Scripture for meditation followed by a reflection from Tozer. Together the entries take you on a journey from the garden to the grave to light of day—the &“pain-wracked path&” to life.
From the Grave: A 40-Day Lent Devotional
by A. W. Tozer40-day Lent devotional from a beloved spiritual writerAs for the field, so for the soul: "The neglected heart will soon be overrun with worldly thoughts.&” Careful cultivation yields a harvest, and the heart requires great attention. . From the Grave, a 40-day Lent devotional, reflects on this critical spiritual dynamic. It features A. W. Tozer&’s best insights on faith, repentance, suffering, and redemption. Gleaned from transcribed sermons, editorials, and published books, each moving reflection has been carefully selected for the season of Lent. It addresses themes like:Christ&’s passion, death, and resurrectionMortification of the fleshSelf-denial and cross-bearingNew life in ChristChristian obedience and resurrection hopeEach day features a brief portion of Scripture for meditation followed by a reflection from Tozer. Together the entries take you on a journey from the garden to the grave to light of day—the &“pain-wracked path&” to life.
From the Ground Up: Understanding the Spiritual World of the Child
by Kathryn CopseyThe insights in this book come out of the experience of working with children in the inner city. In a broader sense, however, it is about the spirituality of every child whatever the context. The material begins with the child, looking first at what it means to be made in God's image, then stepping sideways to look at the innate developmental needs which must be met in order for the child to grow into a healthy individual. Next, the biblical perspective on children is explored, before the discussion is further earthed by setting it in an urban context and offering practical suggestions to help the church as a whole become more child- and family-aware.
From the Ground Up: Building a Dream House---and a Beautiful Life---through Grit and Grace
by Noell JettBuilt by hand. Built to last. The best dreams start with love.Noell Jett&’s home is more than a farmhouse. It&’s a testament to overcoming challenges, working side by side with those you love, and learning to say yes to your dreams again and again, even when the world says no.Growing up in poverty, in a family with extremist religious beliefs, Noell Jett knows what it&’s like to work hard to survive. When she married Daniel and they began a family together, she discovered the joy of working hard to achieve her dreams.In From the Ground Up, Noell shares the unbelievable story behind her 3,700-square foot custom farmhouse—built by hand and savvy influencer marketing—and the key strategies she learned about never giving up. With beautiful photos, reflections questions, and Noell&’s trademark DIY tips, From the Ground Up offersa vision for living beyond the confines of your past,inspiration for home renovation on a budget,tricks to make influencer marketing work for you,spiritual insight into finding true freedom, andencouragement to take that life-changing leap of faith.From the Ground Up is a powerful reminder that following your passion is worth a few sacrifices along the way. After all, some dreams are worth giving it all you&’ve got. Why not follow yours?
From the Heart: An honest look at life and faith
by Rob ParsonsFrom the Heart brings together a rich selection of articles by Rob Parsons, one the UK's best-loved Christian authors. Most of these were written for his monthly column in Premier Christianity magazine where he shared his thoughts about some of the things that matter to him most. As far as possible, they have been kept exactly as they were when he wrote them.Rob's reflections on the joys, challenges, doubts and fears of everyday Christian life are layered with warmth, humour and messages of hope and encouragement. But it's not all sweetness and light: there are some things that not only make him sad, but angry.Topics include:- Nasty Christians- Dare to be Vulnerable- Deal or No Deal?- Disappointment with God- God's Will According to Cyril- Worry Wars- The Strugglers' Group'From the Heart is searingly honest and wonderfully encouraging. I absolutely loved it!' - Cathy Madavan, author of Irrepressible
From the Heart: An honest look at life and faith
by Rob ParsonsFrom the Heart brings together a rich selection of articles by Rob Parsons, one the UK's best-loved Christian authors. Most of these were written for his monthly column in Premier Christianity magazine where he shared his thoughts about some of the things that matter to him most. As far as possible, they have been kept exactly as they were when he wrote them.Rob's reflections on the joys, challenges, doubts and fears of everyday Christian life are layered with warmth, humour and messages of hope and encouragement. But it's not all sweetness and light: there are some things that not only make him sad, but angry.Topics include:- Nasty Christians- Dare to be Vulnerable- Deal or No Deal?- Disappointment with God- God's Will According to Cyril- Worry Wars- The Strugglers' Group'From the Heart is searingly honest and wonderfully encouraging. I absolutely loved it!' - Cathy Madavan, author of Irrepressible
From the Heart of a Child and Other Lessons to Live By
by Bill O'HearnFrom the Heart of a Child, a book that Dennis Waitley characterized as "Inspiring... a message that will help readers soar to the heights of their true potential, " was written by Bill O'Hearn to touch the heart of the child within all of us. <P>Here is a small, rich volume of thoughts, motivations and lessons in life that help remind us of what to expect from ourselves, and of the grace we earn from reaching higher than our horizons.
From the Heart of Chenrezig: The Dalai Lamas on Tantra
by Glenn H. MullinThe lineage of the reincarnated line of Dalai Lamas has held primary spiritual authority and, until recently, temporal power in Tibet since the beginning of the fifteenth century. The translations in this book represent a curated set of their writings specifically on tantra, the advanced path of Tibetan Buddhism in which practitioners use a variety of methods and techniques to directly overcome delusion and conflicting emotions. If one has the proper training in sutra and tantra, it is said that the path to enlightenment can be traversed swiftly. Glenn H. Mullin, one of the foremost translators of the Dalai Lamas, has selected key texts from eight of the Dalai Lamas that clearly elucidate the proper understanding and context of the tantric system in this lineage.