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Alternative Islamic Discourses and Religious Authority (Contemporary Thought in the Islamic World)
by Carool Kersten Susanne OlssonLike anywhere else, the present-day Islamic world too is grappling with modernity and postmodernity, secularisation and globalisation. Muslims are raising questions about religious representations and authority. This has given rise to the emergence of alternative Islamic discourses which challenge binary oppositions and dichotomies of orthodoxy and heterodoxy, continuity and change, state and civil society. It also leads to a dispersal of authority, a collapse of existing hierarchical structures and gender roles. This book further argues that the centre of gravity of many of these alternative Islamic discourses is shifting from the Arabic-speaking 'heartland' towards the geographical peripheries of the Muslim world and expatriate Muslims in North America and Europe. At the same time, in view of recent seismic shifts in the political constellation of the Middle East, the trends discussed in this book hold important clues for the possible direction of future developments in that volatile part of the Muslim world.
Alternative Performativity of Muslimness: The Intersection of Race, Gender, Religion, and Migration
by Amina Alrasheed NayelThe book highlights issues related to the construction of gender in Africa and African identity politics. It explores the limitations of the constructed category of "African Muslim woman" in West Yorkshire. Amina Alrasheed Nayel uses Black feminist epistemology along with postcolonial, feminist, and critical race theory to examine the multiple identities that Sudanese women negotiate in the UK. The diverse settings of Islam and Islamic culture, circumscribed around issues of performativity of Islam and identity construction in the diasporic space are unpacked in this volume. In addition, this work analyzes specific practices and performances, starting with the multifaceted nature of Islam and the problematic concepts of "Sunni/Sufi," "Muslim woman," "race," and "blackness. " The book reveals that exile, nostalgia, and racial/ethnic differences within Islam and the wider UK community underpin the performativity of Muslimness of the Sudanese women living in West Yorkshire, and reiterates the importance of moving beyond the homogeneity of the idea of "Muslim woman" towards investigating the complexities of this group.
Alternative Religions: A Sociological Introduction
by Stephen J. HuntTitle first published in 2003. Alternative religions attract great public, academic and government interest in our apparently post-Christian society. Yet how did all the 'alternatives' develop, what are their beliefs and practices and how significant is their impact in terms of the world's religions and society? This book presents a comprehensive introduction to the major forms of alternative religions: Cults, Sects, New Religious Movements, the New Age, Fundamentalism, Pentecostalism, Ethnic Religions and Quasi-religions. Stephen Hunt presents sociological insights into the rise of alternative religions, their beliefs and practices, their impact, who joins them, and how they are being classified and could be re-classified in the future. Public and legal controversies surrounding some alternative religions, such as the so-called 'dangerous cults', are also explored. This book offers students insights into contemporary themes such as secularisation, post-modernity, links between religion, healing and and changes in our global culture.
Alternative Religions Among European Youth (Routledge Revivals)
by Luigi TomasiFrist published in 1999, this book provides an overview of various non-conventional notions of what is sacred, currently held among European young people. It analyses the growing estrangement between traditional religious doctrines and current beliefs among young people in the following countries: France, Austria, Holland, England, Germany, Poland, Russia and Iceland. Using fist-hand statistical support and a well-established theoretical approach, the book examines new religious movements and sects, analysing and interpreting the reasons for their growth and spread among young people. The distinctive features of the book are its investigation of diverse religious phenomena and its verification of whether this spread of ‘alternative ‘religiosity is due to the reluctance of a growing section of the European population to accept traditional religious beliefs. The result of eight separate empirical surveys, the book is original in its content and innovative in its theoretical approach. Overall, it provides a detailed and documented analysis of the increasing number of young Europeans now attracted by ‘alternative’ religions.
Alternative Sociologies of Religion: Through Non-Western Eyes
by James V SpickardUncovers what the sociology of religion would look like had it emerged in a Confucian, Muslim, or Native American culture rather than in a Christian oneSociology has long used Western Christianity as a model for all religious life. As a result, the field has tended to highlight aspects of religion that Christians find important, such as religious beliefs and formal organizations, while paying less attention to other elements. Rather than simply criticizing such limitations, James V. Spickard imagines what the sociology of religion would look like had it arisen in three non-Western societies. What aspects of religion would scholars see more clearly if they had been raised in Confucian China? What could they learn about religion from Ibn Khaldun, the famed 14th century Arab scholar? What would they better understand, had they been born Navajo, whose traditional religion certainly does not revolve around beliefs and organizations? Through these thought experiments, Spickard shows how non-Western ideas understand some aspects of religions—even of Western religions—better than does standard sociology. The volume shows how non-Western frameworks can shed new light on several different dimensions of religious life, including the question of who maintains religious communities, the relationships between religion and ethnicity as sources of social ties, and the role of embodied experience in religious rituals. These approaches reveal central aspects of contemporary religions that the dominant way of doing sociology fails to notice. Each approach also provides investigators with new theoretical resources to guide them deeper into their subjects. The volume makes a compelling case for adopting a global perspective in the social sciences.
Alternative Spirituality, Counterculture, and European Rainbow Gatherings: Pachamama, I’m Coming Home (Routledge Studies in Religion)
by Katri RatiaThis book explores the phenomenon of Rainbow Gatherings in Europe. These countercultural events form radically alternative temporary societies in the peripheries of modern states and manage themselves without centralized power, market economy or institutionalized forms of religion. The volume offers a vivid description of life in the Gatherings, analyses the main ideological tenets and places the meetings in historical and cultural context. It considers how the Rainbow Gathering tradition is rooted in networks of alternative spirituality and environmental counterculture but also reflects broader shifts in religion and religiosity.
Alternative to Futility
by Elton TruebloodThe author makes a case for revitalizing the church to revitalize the world.
Alternatives Unincorporated: Earth Ethics from the Grassroots (Cross Cultural Theologies Ser.)
by George ZachariahThe victims of environmental destruction are often sidelined in eco-theology and environmental discourse. Movements for ecological justice fail to take into account the voice of those at the grassroots. 'Alternatives Unincorporated' presents an environmental ethics that begins with those on the margins. Using the key example of the Narmada Dam in India and the popular resistance movement which built up against the project, the book examines the collective action of subaltern communities in caring for their local environment. The book frames these movements as theological texts that inform a life-affirming earth ethics. The aim of the book is to challenge prevailing social and ecological dynamics and to affirm the interconnectedness of social justice and environmental action.
Altogether Gift: A Trinitarian Spirituality
by Michael DowneyThis poetic book on the Trinity offers reflections on the inter-personal dimensions of God and spells out the implications for spiritual life. While recent studies on the Trinity converge on the profoundly relational character of the mystery, less attention has been given to the way in which language of the Trinity speaks to the deepest desires of the human heart, the region of wound and wisdom wherein we long for loving communion with God and others. Michael Downey shows us that the doctrine of the Trinity is a grammar by which Christians speak of the ineffable mystery of God's constant, eternal giving as gift. By accepting this gift we participate in the divine life.
Altruism: The Power of Compassion to Change Yourself and the World
by Matthieu RicardThe author of the international bestseller Happiness makes a passionate case for altruism--and why we need it now more than ever.In Happiness, Matthieu Ricard demonstrated that true happiness is not tied to fleeting moments or sensations, but is an enduring state of soul rooted in mindfulness and compassion for others. Now he turns his lens from the personal to the global, with a rousing argument that altruism--genuine concern for the well-being of others--could be the saving grace of the 21st century. It is, he believes, the vital thread that can answer the main challenges of our time: the economy in the short term, life satisfaction in the mid-term, and environment in the long term. Ricard's message has been taken up by major economists and thinkers, including Dennis Snower, Amartya Sen, Joseph Stiglitz, and George Soros.Matthieu Ricard makes a robust and passionate case for cultivating altruistic love and compassion as the best means for simultaneously benefitting ourselves and our society. It's a fresh outlook on an ardent struggle--and one that just might make the world a better place.
Altruismus: Interdisziplinäre Perspektiven
by Dagmar Kiesel Sebastian Schmidt Thomas SmettanAltruismus scheint im Alltagsverständnis seinen uneingeschränkt positiven Ruf als ebenso wünschenswerte wie seltene Tugend verloren zu haben und durch ein Ethos des Eigennutzens ersetzt worden zu sein. Angesichts globaler Krisen wie dem Klimawandel, großer Flüchtlingsbewegungen, Kriege und Armut ist die Bereitschaft zur Verhaltensänderung bzw. zum Verzicht zugunsten kommender Generationen oder hilfsbedürftiger Menschen weniger selbstverständlich als das Phänomen der psychologischen Reaktanz und die Weigerung, Einschränkungen der persönlichen Freiheit oder des Konsums hinzunehmen. Zeitgenössische Ethikerinnen und Ethiker müssen sich demnach mit der Frage nach der Motivation für ein Handeln auseinandersetzen, das in erster Linie nicht dem eigenen Wohl, sondern dem Wohl anderer dient. In diesem Sinne beleuchtet der vorliegende Band das Thema Altruismus in seinen verschiedenen, wechselseitig aufeinander verweisenden Facetten: Wie ist das Wesen altruistischen Handelns zu bestimmen? Liegt Altruismus in der Natur des Menschen? Lässt sich Altruismus widerspruchsfrei in verschiedene Ethiktypen einordnen? Wie verstehen verschiedene philosophische Traditionen und Religionen den Altruismus? In welchem Verhältnis steht der Altruismus zum guten Leben? Und: Wie ist altruistisches Handeln motiviert? Da diese Fragen in verschiedenen Fachwissenschaften und mit unterschiedlichen Perspektivierungen gestellt werden, ist dieser Sammelband interdisziplinär konzipiert: Philosophie und Religionswissenschaft kommen ebenso zu Wort wie Verhaltensökonomie und Evolutionsbiologie. Auch anthropologische, soziologische und psychologische Zusammenhänge werden beleuchtet. Dementsprechend richten sich die hier versammelten Aufsätze an ein sehr breit gefächertes akademisches Publikum, aber auch an eine interessierte öffentliche Leserschaft außerhalb des universitären Kontexts. Mit Blick auf diese Zielgruppen führen die einzelnen Beiträge in das jeweilige Thema ein und präsentieren gleichzeitig eine eigene Forschungsposition der Autorin bzw. des Autors.
Altruistic Personality
by Samuel P. OlinerWhy, during the Holocaust, did some ordinary people risk their lives and the lives of their families to help others--even total strangers--while others stood passively by? Samuel Oliner, a Holocaust survivor who has interviewed more than 700 European rescuers and nonrescuers, provides some surprising answers in this compelling work.
Altruistic Personality
by Samuel P. OlinerWhy, during the Holocaust, did some ordinary people risk their lives and the lives of their families to help others--even total strangers--while others stood passively by? Samuel Oliner, a Holocaust survivor who has interviewed more than 700 European rescuers and nonrescuers, provides some surprising answers in this compelling work.
The Altruists: A Novel
by Andrew Ridker"With humor and warmth, Ridker explores the meaning of family and its inevitable baggage. The Altruists may not paint the prettiest picture, but it's a relatable, unforgettable view of regular people making mistakes and somehow finding their way back to each other." --People magazine's "Book of the Week""Super brilliant, super funny."--Gary Shteyngart, author of Super Sad True Love Story and Lake SuccessNamed a Most Anticipated Book of 2019 by The Millions and PureWowA vibrant and perceptive novel about a father's plot to win back his children's inheritanceArthur Alter is in trouble. A middling professor at a Midwestern college, he can't afford his mortgage, he's exasperated his much-younger girlfriend, and his kids won't speak to him. And then there's the money--the small fortune his late wife, Francine, kept secret, which she bequeathed directly to his children.Those children are Ethan, an anxious recluse living off his mother's money on a choice plot of Brooklyn real estate, and Maggie, a would-be do-gooder trying to fashion herself a noble life of self-imposed poverty. On the verge of losing the family home, Arthur invites his children back to St. Louis under the guise of a reconciliation. But in doing so, he unwittingly unleashes a Pandora's box of age-old resentments and long-buried memories--memories that orbit Francine, the matriarch whose life may hold the key to keeping them together.Spanning New York, Paris, Boston, St. Louis, and a small desert outpost in Zimbabwe, The Altruists is a darkly funny (and ultimately tender) family saga that confronts the divide between baby boomers and their millennial offspring. It's a novel about money, privilege, politics, campus culture, dating, talk therapy, rural sanitation, infidelity, kink, the American beer industry, and what it means to be a "good person."
Always, Abby
by Linda S. GlazAbby's all grown up. She just needs Will to notice.When WWII soldier Will Judge brings home an orphan boy from Europe, it turns his world upside down.His fiancée might be ready to marry him, but not to mother a war orphan. As Will struggles to figure out his next move, he turns to Abby, his childhood friend.Since they were teenagers, Abby Richardson's feelings for Will have always been more than friendly. Once she was willing to be his pen pal and his confidante, listening as he poured out his heart. But now Abby wants so much more: to be part of Will's ready-made family. What will it take to open Will's eyes-and his heart?
Always and Forever: A Novel
by Cynthia FreemanIn the years after World War II, a woman is torn between two brothers in this romantic family saga by a New York Times–bestselling author. When Brooklyn-born Barnard graduate Kathy Ross travels to post–World War II Hamburg to help displaced refugees, she never expects to fall instantly, irrevocably in love. But David Kohn, a young American physician, is tormented by the deaths of his parents in the Holocaust, and uncertain about the future. Kathy impulsively marries David&’s cousin Phil—a decision that will have far-reaching consequences for everyone involved. The charismatic heir apparent to a fur empire, Phil gives Kathy everything she could ever want, including a cherished son. But her marriage is not what it appears, and through the years—even as she forges her own career—Kathy is haunted by her yearning for the one man she cannot forget . . .
Always and Forever
by Lindsay McKennaRediscover a fan-favorite tale of finding a second chance at love from New York Times bestselling author Lindsay McKennaCaptain Kyle Anderson can&’t believe his buddy Mike is tying the knot. And when his fellow captain in the US Air Force asks Kyle to be his best man, of course Kyle says yes. When he flies home, Kyle finally gets to meet the woman Mike has been talking about for a year. But what he never expected is for Gale Remington to be so…alluring. And he certainly isn&’t prepared for sparks to fly between them.Gale is beyond happy to be marrying Mike. So when she meets Kyle, why does her heart beat a little quicker, her breath come a little faster? He&’s her fiancé&’s best friend—nothing can happen between them. But nothing is certain in the theater of war, and fate may have other plans for her and Kyle.
Always Angel: A Lost Angels Novella 0.5 (Lost Angels)
by Heather Killough-WaldenAn ebook novella introducing The Lost Angels from New York Times bestselling author Heather Killough-Walden. For fans of J. R. Ward, Nalini Singh and Charlaine Harris. For two thousand years, the four archangels have searched for their destined mates on earth. Now they are beginning to unite, but for Angel, it is a time of danger and fear. For with the Culmination these unions will bring about, her true nature will finally be revealed - opening her to an impossible desire, and exposing her to the one man she desperately craves...The Lost Angels will compell you into a world of desire, danger and devastation. Read the whole series: Always Angel, Avenger's Angel, Messenger's Angel, Death's Angel, Warrior's Angel and Samael.
Always Beautiful
by Beth WisemanBecky's desperate prayers are answered, but she discovers the life she imagined for herself pales in comparison to God's plan.Becky Byler is eighteen and dangerously overweight. Diet and exercise haven't helped. As she continues to grow, so does her despair. Having lost all hope, she considers taking her life, even though it goes against her beliefs. Standing before rushing water, unable to swim, Becky begs God for help and is miraculously rescued. Two months pass and Becky has lost over a hundred pounds. She smiles as she spends hours stitching smaller dresses. But does Becky like the person she has become? Could it be this weight loss isn't at all the miracle she thinks it is?
Always A Brother
by Michael ShenkWho is Johnny Amund? He would describe himself as a frustrated man, a log-truck driver and mediocre employee. Mary Amund would explain it differently; the serious and purposeful young man she married has been dealt blows that are twisting him into a bitter recluse who doesn&’t seem to care anymore.An altercation at work gets Johnny&’s attention and embarrassed, he evaluates his lifestyle and choices. Johnny realizes his life and marriage are worth saving and begins trying. Mary is ecstatic to see changes in her husband and is encouraged by her father to stick with the big trucker. When logging operations are shut-down during fire season, they take a trip and Johnny realizes what he has been taking for granted--a caring wife who has supported him through his pain and anger. Staggered by the sadness and loss his actions have caused, and how close he is to losing her, Johnny sets his mind to make things right.The changes in Johnny are noticed and appreciated by his boss and coworkers and friendships grow. When a violent abduction of a newly hired trucker occurs, Johnny is surprised at how swiftly he moves from spectator to active participant, and the measure of trust he has recently earned propels him into new responsibility. Reflection on training he received as a child helps Johnny become the solid and caring person he used to be.Unanswered questions abound regarding the abduction and through the busy winter, fear and uncertainty in the company give Johnny and Mary opportunity to share their growing strength with coworkers and in doing so, build rich friendships. At the same time, circumstances from Johnny&’s past loom large. Mary helps him as he does his best to remember the positive and not obsess about the unknown. But when an unexpected and tragic message from the past arrives, Mary worries their newfound happiness will not survive.Set in the beautiful Central Interior of British Columbia, this story revolves around an old Norse proverb and a young man with no blood family who reclaims his life and in doing so becomes the true brother he was expected to be.
Always Daddy's Princess
by Karen KingsburySimple, rhyming text celebrates a father's pride and joy, from his daughter's birth to his granddaughter's, interspersed with relevant Bible passages.
Always Daddy's Princess
by Karen KingsburyBlow the trumpet, sound the horn, Daddy’s princess has been born! The timeless journey of a daughter and father is poignantly captured in the story of a girl’s growth from childhood to motherhood. Playful, emotive prose, enriched by the whisper of God’s scripture on each beautifully illustrated page, invites girls and dads to see themselves reflected in this keepsake book and to be reminded of the blessings and the bonds between them. Throughout tea parties, soccer games, braces, and boys, a girl is her daddy’s princess every step of the way.
Always Dakota: A Novel (The Dakota Series)
by Debbie MacomberA few years ago, this was a dying town. Now it&’s come back to life!Always Dakota People are feeling good about living in Buffalo Valley again—the way they used to. They&’re confident about the future. Stalled lives are moving forward. People like Margaret Clemens are taking risks on new ventures and on lifelong dreams. On happiness. Margaret is a local rancher who&’s finally getting what she wants most—marriage to cowboy Matt Eilers. Her friends don&’t think Matt&’s such a bargain; neither did her father. But Margaret is aware of Matt&’s reputation and his flaws. She wants him anyway. And she wants his baby…Buffalo Valley Just out of the army, Vaughn Kyle&’s looking for a life to live—and waiting for his reluctant fiancée to make up her mind. Vaughn decides to visit Buffalo Valley and Hassie Knight. He was named after Hassie&’s son who died in Vietnam, and she thinks of Vaughn as a surrogate son. He arrives at her store one snowy day and finds not Hassie but a young woman named Carrie Hendrickson. As he begins to love Carrie, Vaughn questions his feelings for the woman he thought he loved. He wants to stay in Buffalo Valley and fight for its way of life. A life that&’s all about friends and family…The Dakota SeriesBook 1: Dakota BornBook 2: DAKOTA HOMEBook 3: Always DakotaBook 4: Buffalo Valley
Always Enough, Never Too Much: 100 Devotions to Quit Comparing, Stop Hiding, and Start Living Wild and Free
by Hayley Morgan Jess Connolly<P>Discover God’s wild freedom as you find your identity in Jesus with 100 devotions that will help you target and banish lies and insecurities. <P>Jess Connolly and Hayley Morgan, bestselling authors of Wild and Free, walk you through the gift of truly knowing who you are in Christ in Always Enough, Never Too Much: 100 Devotions to Quit Comparing, Stop Hiding, and Start Living Wild and Free.