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Ironies of Faith: The Laughter at the Heart of Christian Literature
by Anthony EsolenIn Ironies of Faith, celebrated Dante scholar and translator Anthony Esolen provides a profound meditation upon the use and place of irony in Christian art and in the Christian life. Beginning with an extended analysis of irony as an essentially dramatic device, Esolen explores those manifestations of irony that appear prominently in Christian thinking and art: ironies of time (for Christians believe in divine Providence, but live in a world whose moments pass away); ironies of power (for Christians believe in an almighty God who took on human flesh, and whose "weakness" is stronger than our greatest enemy, death); ironies of love (for man seldom knows whom to love, or how, or even whom it is that in the depths of his heart he loves best); and the figure of the Child (for Christians ever hear the warning voice of their Savior, who says that unless we become like unto one of these little ones, we shall not enter the Kingdom of God). Esolen's finely wrought study draws from Augustine, Dante, Shakespeare, Tolkien, Mauriac, Milton Herbert, Hopkins, and Dostoyevsky, among others, including the anonymous author of the medieval poem Pearl. Such authors, Anthony Esolen believes, teach us that the last laugh is on the world, because that grim old world, taking itself so seriously that even its laughter is a sneer, will finally - despite its proud resistance - be redeemed. That is the ultimate irony of faith. Readers who treasure the Christian literary tradition should not miss this illuminating book.
Irrational Exuberance in the U.S. Housing Market: Were Evangelicals Left Behind?
by Christopher CroweA report from the International Monetary Fund.
Irregular People
by Joyce LandorfFrom the right book jacket of A Guidepost Two-Book Volume of Spiritual Help and Inspiration: "IRREGULAR PEOPLE is a sensitive survival guide to understanding and dealing with the 'irregular' people in our lives... those loved ones and friends who always seem to bug us, who remain insensitive to our needs and feelings, and who seem immune to every effort we make to build a satisfying relationship with them. In this intensely personal and so very practical book, Joyce Landorf shares the experiences of dozens of Christians who have struggled with irregular relationships... and bares the particular pain of her own frustrating efforts to come to terms with a special irregular person in her life. In these painful but honest experiences, you'll find healing insight into why irregular people act the way they do... how to free yourself from the guilt they so often put on you... and how to learn the healing art of loving and accepting them as they are."
Irregular Unions: Clandestine Marriage in Early Modern English Literature
by Katharine ClelandKatharine Cleland's Irregular Unions provides the first sustained literary history of clandestine marriage in early modern England and reveals its controversial nature in the wake of the Elizabethan Religious Settlement, which standardized the marriage ritual for the first time. Cleland examines many examples of clandestine marriage across genres. Discussing such classic works as The Faerie Queene, Othello, and The Merchant of Venice, she argues that early modern authors used clandestine marriage to explore the intersection between the self and the marriage ritual in post-Reformation England.The ways in which authors grappled with the political and social complexities of clandestine marriage, Cleland finds, suggest that these narratives were far more than interesting plot devices or scandalous stories ripped from the headlines. Instead, after the Reformation, fictions of clandestine marriage allowed early modern authors to explore topics of identity formation in new and different ways.Thanks to generous funding from Virginia Tech and its participation in TOME (Toward an Open Monograph Ecosystem), the ebook editions of this book are available as Open Access volumes from Cornell Open (cornellopen.org) and other repositories.
Irreligion: A Mathematician Explains Why the Arguments for God Just Don't Add Up
by John Allen PaulosA lifelong unbeliever finds no reason to change his mind: “A good-natured primer for infidels” from the bestselling author of Innumeracy (Kirkus Reviews).Are there any logical reasons to believe in God? Mathematician and bestselling author John Allen Paulos thinks not. In Irreligion he presents the case for his own worldview, organizing his book into twelve chapters that refute the twelve arguments most often put forward for believing in God’s existence. The latter arguments, Paulos relates in his characteristically lighthearted style, “range from what might be called golden oldies to those with a more contemporary beat. On the playlist are the first cause argument, the argument from design, the ontological argument, arguments from faith and biblical codes, the argument from the anthropic principle, the moral universality argument, and others.” Interspersed among his twelve counterarguments are remarks on a variety of irreligious themes, ranging from the nature of miracles and creationist probability to cognitive illusions and prudential wagers. Special attention is paid to topics, arguments, and questions that spring from his incredulity “not only about religion but also about others’ credulity.” Despite the strong influence of his day job, Paulos says, there isn’t a single mathematical formula in the book.“He’s done it again. John Allen Paulos has written a charming book that takes you on a sojourn of flawless logic, with simple and clear examples drawn from math, science, and pop culture. At journey’s end, Paulos has left you with plenty to think about, whether you are religious, irreligious, or anything in between.” —Neil deGrasse Tyson
Irreplaceable You: Bravely Living In The Skin You're In
by J. K. OlsonIn a busy, demanding, and competitive world, it is easy to get lost, to think that one person might not matter. But you do. God made each person according to His plan and with intention and purpose. You are who you are because that is who God wanted you to be. Short, tall, fair, dark, funny, dry, quiet, loudâ??only you are the exact combination of features, gifts, and callings that is you. These sixty devotions remind you each day to value the gift of your life and to grow into the person you were created to become.
Irrepressible Hope Devotional: Devotions to Anchor Your Soul and Buoy Your Spirit
by Patsy ClairmontAlways remember this: Regardless of what goes on in the world or our lives, we can have hope! In this dynamic collection of 60 straight-to-the-heart devotions, the Women of Faith speaker team shares how hope kept them afloat when life threatened to pull them under. Give the gift of hope - or keep yours alive - with this 60-day devotional.
Irresistible Bible Study Guide: Reclaiming the New That Jesus Unleashed for the World
by Andy StanleyAuthor and pastor Andy Stanley explains what made the earliest Christian movement so compelling and resilient...and what we need to change today to make it so again.Once upon a time there was a version of the Christian faith that was practically irresistible. After all, what could be more so than the gospel that Jesus ushered in? Why, then, isn't it the same with Christianity today?In this six-session video Bible study (DVD/video streaming not included), Pastor Andy answers questions like:What did first-century Christians know that we don't—about God's Word, about their lives, about love?What did they do that we're not doing?What makes Christianity so resistible in today's culture?What needs to change in order to repeat the growth our faith had at its beginning?Andy is deeply concerned with the present-day church and its future, and he believes that many of the solutions to our issues can be found by investigating our roots. It's time to hit pause and consider the faith modeled by our first-century brothers and sisters who had no official Bible, no status, and little chance of survival. It's time to embrace the version of faith that initiated—against all human odds—a chain of events resulting in the most significant and extensive cultural transformation the world has ever seen.This is a version of Christianity we must remember and re-embrace if we want to be salt and light in an increasingly savorless and dark world.Designed for use with the Irresistible Video Study (9780310100515) and the Irresistible core book (9780310536970), sold separately.
Irresistible Faith: Becoming the Kind of Christian the World Can't Resist
by Bob Goff Scott Sauls"I love everything that Scott Sauls writes." -- Christine CaineWhat if Christians became the best advertisement for Jesus?Jesus said his followers would be a light to the world and a city on a hill--a warmly inviting, neighbor-loving, grace- and truth-filled destination for all. He envisioned his followers as life-giving neighbors, bosses, employees, and friends, the kind of people who return insults with kindness and persecution with prayers. Rooted in biblical convictions, they would extend love, empathy, and care to one another as well as to those who don't share their beliefs. Over time their movement would become irresistible to every nation, tribe, and tongue. Irresistible Faith is a blueprint for pursuing this vision in our current moment, of redeemed individuals and a renewed community working for a restored world. This is a way of being that gives a tired, cynical world good reason to pause and reconsider Christianity--and to start wishing it was true."I miss the kind of church Scott describes in this book, and I don’t think I am alone." -- Donald Miller, author of Blue Like Jazz and Building a StoryBrand"An important call to resist the urge to lobby and position ourselves, but rather to be driven by gospel-powered love." -- Raechel Myers, founder and CEO of She Reads Truth "An antidote to much that is wrong with our Western, American version of Christianity. " -- Gabe and Rebekah Lyons, authors and founders of Q
Irresistible Invitation 40 Day Reading Book: Responding to the Extravagant Heart of God
by Maxie DunnamMaxie Dunnam reminds us that accepting the invitation begins with a few quiet moments each day spent on deepening our relationship with God. Accept the invitation today!
Irresistible: Focus Your Energy, Experience True Love
by Trina PetersenIrresistible helps women focus their energy and experience true love. Women know what they want: love, peace, and joy. The challenge is, no one has figured out how to get it. With today&’s technology, information, and communication, it seems that finding true love would be easy, as easy as walking into a jewelry store and choosing a diamond. Unfortunately, most women&’s search for love feels more like digging in a coal mine: dark, messy, and frustrating. The wrong relationship seems to find and attach itself time after time, leaving the heart empty and soul angry. In Irresistible, life coach and pastor Trina Petersen uses wisdom gained from personal experience and guiding others through the Four Cs of Love to lay out a workable and proven plan that works, if women work it. Discover how you can experience a relationship that meets your needs and exceeds your expectations—and find true love!
Irresistible: Reclaiming the New that Jesus Unleashed for the World
by Andy StanleyA book for anyone who cares deeply about the future of the church.Once upon a time there was a version of our faith that was practically . . . irresistible. But that was then. Today we preach, teach, write, and communicate as if nothing has changed. As if “The Bible says it,” still settles it.It’s time to hit pause on much of what we’re doing and consider the faith modeled by our first-century brothers and sisters who had no official Bible, no status, and humanly speaking, little chance of survival.What did they know that we don’t?What made their faith so compelling, so defensible, so irresistible?Buckle up . . . you’re about to find out. More importantly, Andy will invite you to embrace the version of faith that, against all odds, initiated a chain of events resulting in the most significant and extensive cultural transformation the world has ever seen. A version we must embrace if we are to be salt and light in an increasingly savorless and dark world.“More than any other book I’ve read in years, Irresistible has stretched my view of Scripture. I can’t hear or read a passage from the Old or New Testaments without thinking about Andy’s provocative insights. If you and I take this book seriously, our lives and our churches will never be the same.”—Kara Powell, PhD, executive director of the Fuller Youth Institute and coauthor of Growing Young“Irresistible is like a once-in-a-generation shot across the bow. Andy Stanley takes a lifetime of accumulated insight and wisdom about the Christian faith, history, and why the church isn’t connecting with our current culture, and combines them together in a masterpiece work.” —Carey Nieuwhof, author and founding pastor, Connexus Church“Warning: This book will set you and your ministry back—back to the first century and the approach to advancing the gospel modeled by Jesus and the apostles. Andy reminds us that the resurrection was at the center of the first-century apologetic. Then he challenges twenty-first century believers to reclaim it as the center of ours as well. I agree with Andy—this approach changed the world once. I’m convinced it could do so again. Read and apply now!”—Frank Turek, Christian author, public speaker, and radio host“This book challenged me to rethink my thoughts about the Old Testament, discuss with fellow believers what I was learning, do more connecting and less correcting of others, and be salt and light, making things better and brighter. I love how Andy loves people . . . ALL of them.”—John Maxwell, author of The 360 Degree Leader“It’s time for the church to rethink how it presents a timeless gospel to this generation. In Irresistible, Andy Stanley challenges us to make sure we handle the Scriptures with the kind of integrity that compels everyone to seriously consider following Jesus. Any Christian who reads this book will suddenly find themselves embracing the mission of Jesus with a new passion.”—Reggie Joiner, author; founder and CEO of Orange“Andy Stanley takes you on a historic journey to rediscover the first-generation passion of what it means to faithfully follow Christ. This book will knock you off center, push you out of complacency, and reawaken an unshakable faith that cannot be ignored.”—Craig Groeschel, pastor of Life.Church and author of Hope in the Dark—Believing God Is Good When Life Is Not
Irreverent Prayers: Talking to God When You're Seriously Sick
by Elizabeth Felicetti Samantha Vincent-AlexanderTwo pastors share their experiences with serious illness—and their candid, darkly humorous prayers for making it through. Samantha Vincent-Alexander almost died from a septic leg infection. Elizabeth Felicetti underwent aggressive treatment for both breast and lung cancer in the space of a few months—and then the cancer came back. As Episcopal priests, they know well the typical prayers offered in times like these. But when you&’re seriously sick, you need more than psalms and sentimentality. You need to tell God how you really feel. With vulnerability and wry humor, Felicetti and Vincent-Alexander share the prayers they wish they had when they were ill: thanksgiving for one-size-fits-all hospital underwear, curses against Tylenol, frustrated appeals when well-wishers call you brave or inspiring. At once faithful and brutally honest, these prayers offer readers a more candid way of communicating with the God who understands human suffering with an incarnational intimacy. Talking to God when you&’re fighting serious illness can feel impossible. But God can bear our doubt, anger, anxiety, and grief. This unconventional prayerbook helps readers access a deeper relationship with God in raw times—and offers them a place of solidarity and spiritual rest.
Irving Berlin: New York Genius (Jewish Lives)
by James KaplanFrom the prizewinning Jewish Lives series, a fast‑moving, musically astute portrait of arguably the greatest composer of American popular music Irving Berlin (1888–1989) has been called—by George Gershwin, among others—the greatest songwriter of the golden age of the American popular song. &“Berlin has no place in American music,&” legendary composer Jerome Kern wrote; &“he is American music.&” In a career that spanned an astonishing nine decades, Berlin wrote some fifteen hundred tunes, including &“Alexander&’s Ragtime Band,&” &“God Bless America,&” and &“White Christmas.&” From ragtime to the rock era, Berlin&’s work has endured in the very fiber of American national identity. Exploring the interplay of Berlin&’s life with the life of New York City, noted biographer James Kaplan offers a visceral narrative of Berlin as self‑made man and witty, wily, tough Jewish immigrant. This fast‑paced, musically opinionated biography uncovers Berlin&’s unique brilliance as a composer of music and lyrics. Masterfully written and psychologically penetrating, Kaplan&’s book underscores Berlin&’s continued relevance in American popular culture.About Jewish Lives: Jewish Lives is a prizewinning series of interpretative biography designed to explore the many facets of Jewish identity. Individual volumes illuminate the imprint of Jewish figures upon literature, religion, philosophy, politics, cultural and economic life, and the arts and sciences. Subjects are paired with authors to elicit lively, deeply informed books that explore the range and depth of the Jewish experience from antiquity to the present. In 2014, the Jewish Book Council named Jewish Lives the winner of its Jewish Book of the Year Award, the first series ever to receive this award.More praise for Jewish Lives: &“Excellent.&” – New York times &“Exemplary.&” – Wall St. Journal &“Distinguished.&” – New Yorker &“Superb.&” – The Guardian
Is America in Bible Prophecy?
by Mark HitchcockProphecy expert Mark Hitchcock deals with often-raised questions about America's future in this thoroughly researched, reader-friendly resource. Examining three prophetic passages that are commonly thought to describe America, Hitchcock concludes that the Bible is actually silent about the role of the United States in the End Times. He then discusses the implications of America's absence in prophetic writings. Along with Hitchcock's compelling forecast for the future, he offers specific actions Americans can take to keep their nation strong and blessed by God, as well as an appendix of additional questions and answers. From the Trade Paperback edition.
Is Atheism Dead?
by Eric MetaxasIs Atheism Dead? is an entertaining, impressively wide-ranging, and decidedly provocative answer to that famous 1966 TIME cover that itself provocatively asked &“Is God Dead?&” In a voice that is by turns witty, muscular, and poetic, Metaxas intentionally echoes C.S. Lewis and G.K. Chesterton in cheerfully and logically making his astonishing case, along the way presenting breathtaking—and often withering—new evidence and arguments against the idea of a Creatorless universe. Taken all together, he shows atheism not merely to be implausible and intellectually sloppy, but now demonstrably ridiculous. Perhaps the only unanswered question on the subject is why we couldn&’t see this sooner, and how embarrassed we should be about it.
Is Christianity Good for the World?
by Douglas Wilson Christopher HitchensThe gloves come off in this electric exchange, originally hosted by Christianity Today, as leading atheist Christopher Hitchens (author of God Is Not Great) and Christian apologist Douglas Wilson (author of Letter from a Christian Citizen) go head-to-head on this divisive question. The result is entertaining and provocative a glimpse into the ongoing debate.
Is Christianity the White Man's Religion?: How the Bible Is Good News for People of Color
by Antipas L. HarrisAmong many young people of color, there is a growing wariness about organized religion and Christianity in particular.Is Christianity the White Man's Religion?
Is Critique Secular? Blasphemy, Injury and Free Speech
by Judith Butler Talal Asad Wendy Brown Saba MahmoodFour leading thinkers of our times confront the paradoxes and dilemmas attending the supposed stand-off between Islam and liberal democratic values. Authors inquire into the evaluative frameworks at stake in understanding the conflicts between blasphemy and free speech, between religious taboos and freedoms of thought and expression.
Is Critique Secular?: Blasphemy, Injury, and Free Speech
by Judith Butler Talal Asad Wendy Brown Saba MahmoodThis volume interrogates settled ways of thinking about the seemingly interminable conflict between religious and secular values in our world today. What are the assumptions and resources internal to secular conceptions of critique that help or hinder our understanding of one of the most pressing conflicts of our times?Taking as their point of departure the question of whether critique belongs exclusively to forms of liberal democracy that define themselves in opposition to religion, these authors consider the case of the “Danish cartoon controversy” of 2005. They offer accounts of reading, understanding, and critique for offering a way to rethink conventional oppositions between free speech and religious belief, judgment and violence, reason and prejudice, rationality and embodied life. The book, first published in 2009, has been updated for the present edition with a new Preface by the authors.
Is Everyone Happier Than Me?: An Honest Guide to the Questions That Keep You Up at Night
by Sarah BraggThe point where you feel like your life is unraveling can actually be a place of unimaginable growth--an awakening--if you're willing to ask yourself a few simple questions.In an age where everyone else's successes are flaunted in front of you on social media, it can be a struggle to feel true happiness and contentment exactly where you are. Throw in difficult circumstances--loss, heartbreak, change, midlife--and it's easy to understand why you feel lonely, lost, unsure of yourself, stuck, and, if you're honest with yourself, flat-out unhappy.Is Everyone Happier Than Me? provides practical and relatable answers to the questions you've probably already been asking about your life, and poses a few more, to help you figure out what's standing in the way of your happiness, peace, and connection. Author, podcaster, and midlife mom Sarah Bragg is a trustworthy comrade for the journey as she shares the valuable lessons she's learned in her own hard seasons to help you:Identify the unhealthy habits you do when you feel unhappy and how to overcome themDiscover simple ways to find peace even in the murky middle of hard seasonsFind new ways to connect with others and yourselfEmbrace exactly where you are even as you try to move forward It's time to let go of the ideal of a perfect life and allow yourself to be a work in progress. And there's no better time to find happiness than right here in the middle.
Is Faith in God Reasonable?: Debates in Philosophy, Science, and Rhetoric (Routledge Studies in the Philosophy of Religion)
by Corey Miller Paul GouldThe question of whether faith in God is reasonable is of renewed interest in today’s academy. In light of this interest, as well as the rise of militant religion and terrorism and the emergent reaction by neo-atheism, this volume considers this important question from the views of contemporary scientists, philosophers, and in a more novel fashion, of rhetoricians. It is comprised of a public debate between William Lane Craig, supporting the position that faith in God is reasonable and Alex Rosenberg, arguing against that position. Scholars in the aforementioned fields then respond to the debate, representing both theistic and atheistic positions. The book concludes with rejoinders from Craig and Rosenberg.
Is God A Delusion?: A Reply to Religion's Cultured Despisers
by Eric ReitanIs God a Delusion? addresses the philosophical underpinnings of the recent proliferation of popular books attacking religious beliefs. Winner of CHOICE 2009 Outstanding Academic Title Award Focuses primarily on charges leveled by recent critics that belief in God is irrational and that its nature ferments violence Balances philosophical rigor and scholarly care with an engaging, accessible style Offers a direct response to the crop of recent anti-religion bestsellers currently generating considerable public discussion
Is God Calling Me? Answering The Question Every Believer Asks
by Jeff IorgIs God calling me? It's the foundational question that must be answered by anyone considering entry into ministry leadership and then revisited regularly over a lifetime. Writing to a student and young adult audience -although applicable to leaders of all ages -Iorg declares the purpose of his brief, yet powerful book: "God is calling out a new generation of kingdom leaders who will accelerate the fulfillment of the Great Commission in this generation. My goal is to cut to the heart of the matter and give you tools to work through the call process. "