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Rogue Clerics: The Social Problem of Clergy Deviance
by Anson ShupeDuring the past several years the mass media in the United States has been awash with reports of priestly pedophilia, ecclesiastical cover-up, and clerical intimidation or financial settlements intended to silence victims. Based on journalistic accounts, or scholarly research, it might be assumed that this is a recent phenomenon. Journalist reports began only within the past few years. Similarly, most sociologists of religion and particularly specialists in deviance and criminology did not reflect awareness of clerical misbehavior in their work. Despite this, Anson Shupe shows that clergy deviance, whether it is sexual or otherwise, is not merely a recent problem. It is as old as the church itself and is inevitably bound to recur due to the nature of religious groups. This comprehensive analysis offers the first up-to-date analysis of sexual, economic, and authoritative clergy malfeasance across faiths and denominational authority structures. Drawing on examples taken from antiquity up until the present day, and using reports by historians, theologians, church spokespersons, therapists, social scientists, and journalists, Shupe critically evaluates clergy deviant behavior, dividing it into various types. He also makes use of the therapeutic literature, addressing victimization at the level of the individual, church, and community at large. In this way, he compares the response of the clergy to victims' attempts to mobilize movements calling for church reform. Perhaps most controversial, this book considers the possible relationship of homosexuality in the clergy to the occurrences of scandals in all religious traditions across the board. As an overview of clergy misconduct, this book is singular. There is simply no other comprehensive serious examination of this subject. Written by a sociologist for a wide range of readers, its multi-disciplinary nature, vivid examples, and wealth of research, will make the volume of interest to sociologists of religion and crime, historians and theologians, as well as a general public.
Rogue Rabbi: A Spiritual Quest—From Seminary to Ashram and Beyond
by Jerry SteinbergThis memoir of an adventurous quest for inner peace is complete with explorations of the rational and the mystical, and the many ways of faith. Revealing an understanding of God that goes beyond the conventional, Rogue Rabbi tells the story of a seeker. After traveling to India and investigating the Christian faith, Jerry Steinberg went to medical school and narrowed his focus to psychotherapy—working with past-life regression, dreams, and psychogenic illness. He also became a rabbi—but never ceases to explore all aspects of faith, taking up a specialization in Kabbalah, a discipline of Jewish mysticism. As the author seeks the essence of spirituality through the interface between rationalism and mysticism, and between religion and sexuality, the story of this real-life spiritual explorer both inspires and instructs on the paths to peace and acceptance.
Rogue Saints: Spirituality For Good-hearted Heathens
by Jerry HershipsThe world is full of good-hearted heathens, those who love people and those who want to do good in the world. They're not against God--they just have little use for church. Church is boring and hypocritical. Plus, who wants to sit through a sermon every week? But while organized religion doesn't appeal to them, these heathens long for a connection to something bigger than themselves: meaning, community, mission.
Rohingya Refugee Crisis in Myanmar: Ethnic Conflict and Resolution
by Kudret Bülbül Md. Nazmul Islam Md. Sajid KhanThis book discusses the current reality and the future of ethnic Rohingyas in Myanmar. It presents Myanmar’s history, policy, politics and, most importantly, while focusing on Rohingya ethnic conflict, presents a resolution by looking at the global and regional policies and politics of South Asia and South-East Asia. The recent coup unfolded in Myanmar and the detention of the democratic leaders has surprised the world with its subsequent emergency declaration in 2021, thus making this book relevant and well-timed. Eventually, the book offers an account of a previously little known, yet much-discussed role of media, international actors, human trafficking, and humanitarian-based resolution for Rohingya refugee crisis. It shows a new perspective in the post-Rohingya influx era of Bangladesh and the neighbouring countries.
Rojo es el nuevo verde: Redefinir el rojo cuando soñamos
by Elictia Hart¿Qué piensas cuando ves el rojo?La luz roja en la televisión significa que ¡estás en el aire! Significa acción. Pero una luz roja en tu vida es una advertencia: ¡detente! Pero ¿y si pudieras convertir estos momentos de luz roja en encuentros con Dios, ideas sobre una fe más profunda y motivación para seguir adelante y descubrir todas las riquezas que la vida tiene para ofrecerte? Interpretando esta idea contradictoria de que el rojo puede significar acción, la galardonada reportera de televisión Elictia Hart –ahora esposa, madre y pastora– comparte apasionadamente cómo Dios transformó las luces rojas en su vida en oportunidades para el crecimiento personal y un mayor sentido de propósito en el Reino.Con lo más destacado de su intrigante carrera como periodista radial y una mirada singular de las vidas de los amados héroes de la Biblia, Elictia explica cómo los momentos de luz roja pueden convertirse en luces verdes para seguir avanzando, confiando en Dios y abrazando su destino divino.
Role of a Lifetime: Reflections on Faith, Family, and Significant Living
by Tony Dungy Nathan Whitaker James BrownWe live in a world that all too often operates under the overriding template of self-promotion, embracing a "hooray for me" attitude, and which measures success in increasingly small timeframes dotted with markers of temporal value. Millions of viewers know James Brown as a sports commentator and former athlete. With ROLE OF A LIFETIME , James reveals a different side of his character. Brown rose from a middle-class home to earn a scholarship to Harvard and a chance at a professional sports career before moving on to broadcast journalism. Part memoir and part self-help, this book draws on James's lessons from his faith and life experiences to guide readers to find fulfillment and significance. He offers values and encouragement to others of all generations, assisting them in their search for meaning in navigating a world that increasingly promotes transient values, if any at all. His message that shortcuts and gimmicks are counterproductive to a person's success provides hope that there is a God who cares about them and their futures.
Roll Around Heaven
by Jessica MaxwellAn all-true accidental spiritual adventure that led one non-believer to lunch with Deepak Chopra, dance with Stephen Hawking, heal with Yogananda, banish evil spirits with Buddhist lamas, find true love in a Presbyterian church choir, share Celtic revelations on the isle of Iona, talk all night with the Daughters of Islam, and learn an abiding respect for all paths to God.When Jessica Maxwell--nationally acclaimed adventure-travel writer and self-professed spiritual klutz--saw a vision of her father's face filling the sky three days after his death, she had no idea that it foreshadowed a dizzying spiritual journey. Drawn kicking and screaming into the bright light of spiritual reality, she soon traded in her hip waders for halos as her world travels brought her face-to-face with enlightened teachers from all the great religions.Chronicling nearly two decades of Jessica Maxwell's spiritual adventures and filled with astonishing stories, witty asides, and breathtaking revelations, Roll Around Heaven offers readers a perfect recipe for spiritual success in a chronically baffling world.
Rolling Away the Stone: Mary Baker Eddy's Challenge to Materialism
by Stephen Gottschalk“Gottschalk distinguishes himself by placing Christian Science in the larger context of American religion . . . sheds new light on Eddy’s life and work.” —Publishers WeeklyThis richly detailed study highlights the last two decades of the life of Mary Baker Eddy, a prominent religious thinker whose character and achievement are just beginning to be understood. It is the first book-length discussion of Eddy to make full use of the resources of the Mary Baker Eddy Collection in Boston. Rolling Away the Stone focuses on her long-reaching legacy as a Christian thinker, specifically her challenge to the materialism that threatens religious belief and practice.“Gottschalk has provided readers with a masterful account of Christian Science in its heyday. This book is a first-rate read for students of American religion and provides a look into how one of the country’s more complex religious figures dealt with materialism in the late-nineteenth-century America.” —Religious Studies Review“Gottschalk does a superb job of providing historical context for the chaotic events of Eddy’s final decades.” —Choice“Gottschalk’s account is well told and enriched by fresh material now available from the Mary Baker Eddy Library for the Betterment of Humanity.” —Christian Science Monitor“The book includes a great deal of fresh research and honest scholarship . . . for the individual wanting to sink his or her teeth into a serious study of Eddy . . . you have a lot to look forward to in reading this book.” —The Christian Science Journal
Rolling Pennies in the Dark
by Douglas Mackinnon"Our intoxicated mother had marched the three of us out into what passed for a living room in the cardboard and tarpaper shack we were existing in on the edge of Nowhere, New Hampshire. She assembled us like an audience on the broken yellow sofa, and said, 'I'm going to kill myself now, and it's all your father's fault.' "After the dramatic announcement, and once sure we were all looking at the tragedy playing out before us, she took a bottle of sleeping pills out of her purse, and swallowed the entire contents, using vodka as the lubricant." --excerpt from page 44 Through determination, a deep faith in God, and belief in himself, Douglas MacKinnon has taken the pains of his childhood and turned them into the fuel of compassion. Through his words, you can do the same. A Memoir with a Message It's impossible for most of us to imagine what it would be like, as a nine-year-old child, to have your own mother empty her .45 pistol into your cardboard bedroom wall, bullets flying above your head, as you hold your baby sister close to protect her. We can't imagine this, but Doug MacKinnon can. Doug can do more than imagine--he can remember. This very personal memoir is both heartbreaking and highly inspirational. In it, Douglas MacKinnon weaves his astounding story as a desperately poor child and his triumphant transition from living in abject squalor to becoming a White House writer who now has the political influence to change the system--especially as it affects children. But this book is more than the story of one man's personal journey; it is a memoir with a message. Through this message, the author not only inspires readers to move beyond their own difficulties, he also calls both political parties to task for their shameful neglect of tens of millions of Americans. You'll be riveted to the story, moved to compassion, and inspired to see the world through new eyes.
Rolling Pennies in the Dark: A Memoir with a Message
by Douglas Mackinnon"Our intoxicated mother had marched the three of us out into what passed for a living room in the cardboard and tarpaper shack we were existing in on the edge of Nowhere, New Hampshire. She assembled us like an audience on the broken yellow sofa, and said, 'I'm going to kill myself now, and it's all your father's fault.' "After the dramatic announcement, and once sure we were all looking at the tragedy playing out before us, she took a bottle of sleeping pills out of her purse, and swallowed the entire contents, using vodka as the lubricant." --excerpt from page 44 Through determination, a deep faith in God, and belief in himself, Douglas MacKinnon has taken the pains of his childhood and turned them into the fuel of compassion. Through his words, you can do the same. A Memoir with a Message It's impossible for most of us to imagine what it would be like, as a nine-year-old child, to have your own mother empty her .45 pistol into your cardboard bedroom wall, bullets flying above your head, as you hold your baby sister close to protect her. We can't imagine this, but Doug MacKinnon can. Doug can do more than imagine--he can remember. This very personal memoir is both heartbreaking and highly inspirational. In it, Douglas MacKinnon weaves his astounding story as a desperately poor child and his triumphant transition from living in abject squalor to becoming a White House writer who now has the political influence to change the system--especially as it affects children. But this book is more than the story of one man's personal journey; it is a memoir with a message. Through this message, the author not only inspires readers to move beyond their own difficulties, he also calls both political parties to task for their shameful neglect of tens of millions of Americans. You'll be riveted to the story, moved to compassion, and inspired to see the world through new eyes.
Roma y Jerusalém: La política vaticana hacia el estado judío
by Julián Schvindlerman«Obra profunda y fascinante que desnuda un letal prejuicio milenario. Larespalda una potente documentación. Sus páginas informan y sorprenden,denuncian y enseñan». Marcos Aguinis La relación entre cristianos y judíos tuvo mal comienzo y peordesarrollo. Julián Schvindlerman revela el modo en que durante siglos,los Padres de la Iglesia han demonizado a los judíos de una manera tanferoz y consistente que, para cuando seis millones de ellos fueronexterminados por los nazis durante la primera mitad del siglo XX, muchosvieron allí un desenlace lógico. A partir de entonces, el Papado revisósu actitud hacia el pueblo judío, encontrándose en el Concilio VaticanoII (1962-1965) la manifestación más acabada de esta nueva visión. Desdefinales del siglo XIX y a lo largo del siglo pasado, la idea de unestado judío, primero, y el establecimiento del Estado de Israel,después, crearon un desafío político, teológico y psicológico para elVaticano. La respuesta de la Santa Sede a estos monumentales desarrollosde la historia moderna es narrada en estas páginas impecablementedocumentadas, ofreciendo al lector la oportunidad de sumergirse en untema cautivante y de enorme actualidad.
Roman Catholic Church - Simple Guides
by Edmund HartleyTHIS BOOK WILL HELP YOU* to appreciate the significance of one of the largest organized religions in the world* to understand the history of the Church, and what it means to be Roman Catholic* to recognize the Catholic Church's key practices and beliefs* to avoid faux pas in conversation, in traveling and in personal relationshipsThe Roman Catholic Church is the largest Christian denomination in the world. Although it has evolved over time and spread to every continent, its belief, structure and liturgy date back to the one Church founded by Christ. This personal introduction by an English priest, whose experience includes many years of service with the British army, is offered as one man's guide to the origins and practices of Catholic Christianity.The book considers the Jewish roots and historical context of Christianity. It traces the evolution of thought that culminated in the message of its founder, and the impact of Jesus' teachings on his followers. It recounts the history of the early Church, its aims and beliefs, and the formulation by the Church Fathers and the great ecumenical councils of answers to questions of faith, morals and teachings. Thematic chapters deal with the topics of faith and reason, how to recognize truth, authority, myth, the question of sin, judgement and deliverance, and the meaning of the sacraments. Others deal with historical events, changing attitudes, religious practices, institutional structures and sacred texts.Written in an informal and friendly style, this guide is the perfect introduction to a rich, complex and profoundly influential system of belief.ACCESS THE WORLD'S RELIGIONSSimple Guides: Religion is a series of concise, accessible introductions to the world's major religions. Written by experts in the field, they offer an engaging and sympathetic description of the key concepts, beliefs and practices of different faiths.Ideal for spiritual seekers and travellers alike, Simple Guides aims to open the doors of perception. Together the books provide a reliable compass to the world's great spiritual traditions, and a point of reference for further exploration and discovery. By offering essential insights into the core values, customs and beliefs of differentsocieties, they also enable visitors to be aware of the cultural sensibilities of their hosts, and to behave in a way that fosters mutual respect and understanding.
Roman Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh
by Mary Ann KnochelFormally established in 1843, the Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh traces its history back to April 1754, when the first Eucharistic Liturgy was celebrated within what is now Pittsburgh. Franciscan friar Denys Baron established the first Catholic house of worship in this part of the world and dedicated it in honor of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. He constructed his small parish at the forks of the Ohio River, and from his meticulous records of baptisms, births, and deaths, there is evidence that he ministered not only to the soldiers of Fort Duquesne, but to people of Native American, Irish, and English descent as well. Roman Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh illustrates how the seeds planted by this first humble faith community grew a rich Catholic tradition nurtured by ©migr©s from myriad European countries, who brought with them traditions and an unwavering faith that has enriched the southwestern area of Pennsylvania for more than 250 years.
Roman Catholic Modernists Confront the Great War
by C. J. T. Talar Lawrence F. BarmannAt the start of the 20th century, there emerged a confrontation between optimistic faith in ongoing progress that was characteristic of Roman Catholic Modernism (1890 - 1914) and a bleaker mentality produced by the horror and death wrought the Great War. All of this together led to material devastation and a loss of cultural patrimony that was acutely felt by many of those who had invested efforts in ecclesiastical and social reform. Questions thus naturally arise: how did those who were confronted by the death and suffering of the war, in some cases very directly, reconcile their experiences with their modernist faith? How did they deal with the massive counterfactual of the Great War to religious beliefs that had looked to a future filed with promise? They had aspired to embrace modernity; how did they react when that embrace turned so deadly? These are the questions this book seeks to address.
Roman Catholicism (Routledge Revivals)
by Thomas CorbishleyFirst published in 1950 Roman Catholicism is an attempt on the part of a Roman Catholic to state what he conceives to be the nature and function of the Church to which he belongs. Those who read the book are asked to believe that what it contains is set down in all sincerity and honesty. The book brings themes like function and unity of the Roman Catholic Church; Roman Catholic theology; moral and social teaching; Roman Catholicism and human history; link between Roman Catholicism and modern situation; and Catholic life and practice. This book is essential for scholars and researchers of Christianity, Catholicism, and religion in general.
Roman Catholicism in America: A Thematic History (Columbia Contemporary American Religion Series)
by Chester GillisWho are American Catholics and what do they believe and practice? How has American Catholicism influenced and been influenced by American culture and society? This book examines the history of American Catholics from the colonial era to the present, with an emphasis on changes and challenges in the contemporary church.Chester Gillis chronicles America Catholics: where they have come from, how they have integrated into American society, and how the church has influenced their lives. He highlights key events and people, examines data on Catholics and their relationship to the church, and considers the church’s positions and actions on politics, education, and gender and sexuality in the context of its history and doctrines.This second edition of Roman Catholicism in America pays particular attention to the tumultuous past twenty years and points toward the future of the religion in the United States. It examines the unprecedented crisis of sexual abuse by priests—the legal, moral, financial, and institutional repercussions of which continue to this day—and the bishops’ role in it. Gillis also discusses the election of Pope Francis and the controversial role Catholic leadership has played in American politics.
Roman Catholicism in the United States: A Thematic History (Catholic Practice in North America)
by Patrick Allitt Timothy Matovina James T. Fisher Anthony Smith Chester Gillis Margaret M. McGuinness Jeffrey M. Burns Roy Domenico Una Cadegan Christopher S. Shannon James McCartin Jeffrey Marlett Robert Carbonneau Cecilia Moore Karen DavalosRoman Catholicism in the United States: A Thematic History takes the reader beyond the traditional ways scholars have viewed and recounted the story of the Catholic Church in America. The collection covers unfamiliar topics such as anti-Catholicism, rural Catholicism, Latino Catholics, and issues related to the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Vatican and the U.S. government. The book continues with fascinating discussions on popular culture (film and literature), women religious, and the work of U.S. missionaries in other countries. The final section of the books is devoted to Catholic social teaching, tackling challenging and sometimes controversial subjects such as the relationship between African American Catholics and the Communist Party, Catholics in the civil rights movement, the abortion debate, issues of war and peace, and Vatican II and the American Catholic Church.Roman Catholicism in the United States examines the history of U.S. Catholicism from a variety of perspectives that transcend the familiar account of the immigrant, urban parish, which served as the focus for so many American Catholics during the nineteenth and first half of the twentieth centuries.
Roman Catholicism: Basics (The Basics)
by Michael WalshFrom the most basic terms to the structures and practices of the Church, this book offers a plain-speaking introduction to Roman Catholicism. Now in a second edition, it contains new sections on relations with other faiths, coverage of recent controversies in the Church and an expanded section on social teaching. It covers: Roman Catholic beliefs and traditions practices and devotional life – rituals, prayer, mass Church structures and authorities – from Vatican to parish church Church hierarchies and people – from bishops to the laity the role of the Church in society. With a glossary, further reading sections and reference to official documents of the Church, this is the perfect guide for students approaching the study of Roman Catholicism for the first time.
Roman Catholics And Evangelicals: Agreements And Differences
by Norman L. Geisler Ralph E. MacKenzieThis comparative study shows that Protestants and Catholics are not as separated theologically as they may think. An excellent reference tool or textbook.
Roman Catholics and Shi'i Muslims
by John Alden Williams James A. Billi" -->This timely work explores two influential religious traditions that might seem to have little in common: Twelver Shi'i Islam and Roman Catholicism. With the worldwide rise of religious fundamentalism, it is imperative that religious movements such as Christianity and Islam begin working harder to understand one another's history and beliefs. Myths and misunderstandings continue to prevail, and observers tend to focus on the differences between the two faith systems. Without denying these differences, the authors of this book reveal a number of interesting linkages between Roman Catholicism and Twelver Shi'ism. They compare the histories of the two faiths, consider parallels between important figures in each, and highlight the doctrinal, structural, and sociopolitical similarities they share. Balanced in tone and carefully researched, the book helps explain the essence of both traditions while enriching our understanding of each.There are an estimated 140 million Twelver Shi'is in the world today. The highest percentages live in Persian Gulf countries, including Iran and Iraq, and in Azerbaijan, Lebanon, and Afghanistan. Sizable numbers also inhabit Pakistan, India, and Turkey. The largest Christian denomination, Roman Catholicism is present across the globe, though its population of more than one billion people is concentrated in North and South America and in Europe."At once probing, sympathetic, learned, and insightful. . . . A trustworthy and timely work that will reward frequent use by anyone interested in the shape and future of religion in the modern world.--Middle East Insight"Such a timely perspective could save the zealots on both sides, at least from themselves.--Times Literary Supplement"A book that should be widely read and discussed. . . . [A] fascinating study. May it be granted the reception in popular as well as international academic circles that it richly deserves.--Middle East Policy"Each chapter is loaded with stimulating gems.--Publishers WeeklyThis comparative look at Roman Catholicism and Twelver Shi'i Islam focuses on the linkages between these two religions rather than on the seemingly intractable differences between them. The authors compare the histories of the two faiths, consider parallels between important figures in each, and highlight the doctrinal, structural, and sociopolitical similarities they share. Balanced in tone and carefully researched, the book helps explain the essence of both traditions while enriching our understanding of each.-->
Roman Identity from the Arab Conquests to the Triumph of Orthodoxy (New Approaches to Byzantine History and Culture)
by Douglas WhalinThis book asks how the inhabitants and neighbours of the Eastern Roman Empire understand their identity as Romans in the centuries following the emergence of Islam as a world-religion. Its answers lie in exploring the nature of change and continuity of social structures, self-representation, and boundaries as markers of belonging to the Roman group in the period from circa AD 650 to 850. Early medieval Romanness was integral to the Roman imperial project; its local utility as an identifier was shaped by a given community’s relationship with Constantinople, the capital of the Roman state. This volume argues that there was fundamental continuity of Roman identity from Late Antiquity through these centuries into later periods. Many transformations which are ascribed to the Romans of this era have been subjectively assigned by outsiders, separated by time or space, and are not born out by the sources. This finding dovetails with other recent historical works re-evaluating the early medieval Eastern Roman polity and its ideology.
Roman Mosaics: Over 60 Full-Color Images from the 4th Through the 13th Centuries
by Joseph WilpertIn many of the Italian Christian churches in the vicinity of Rome, mosaics were an important aspect of decoration. This full-color collection includes some of the finest examples of those mosaics.Filled with scenes taken directly from biblical myth and literature, the book spotlights more than sixty mosaic masterpieces created by Italian craftsmen from the fourth through the thirteenth centuries. A third of the images are from the Old Testament, illustrating such stories as Abraham and the angels, Jacob and Rachel, Moses and the burning bush, Pharaoh's army drowning in the Red Sea, and Joshua and the battle of Jericho. Most of the remaining mosaics feature New Testament themes or characters: the birth of Jesus, calling for apostles, multiplying the loaves and fishes, and more. Roman Mosaics is a magnificent book for browsing through, and will appeal to art historians, mosaic artists, and religious scholars.
Roman Pilgrimage: The Station Churches
by George WeigelIn recent decades, Americans in Rome have revived an ancient Christian custom: the daily pilgrimage to dozens of RomeOCOs most striking churches during Lent and Easter Week. Along this historical and spiritual pathway, pilgrims encounter hidden artistic wonders and treasured Christian commentaries, while also confronting the great mysteries of the Christian faith through a program of biblical and early Christian readings. The itinerary of the Roman station church pilgrimage offers Christians an opportunity to reflect on their religion and ponder the quality of their discipleship. In "Roman Pilgrimage," best-selling theologian George Weigel, art historian Elizabeth Lev, and photographer Stephen Weigel guide readers along this religious and aesthetic journey with gorgeous photographs and revealing essays on the pilgrimageOCOs art, architecture, and liturgies. A reminder of the call for renewal and conversion during each Lenten season, "Roman Pilgrimage" reflects on the deepest truths of Christianity and the exquisite beauty of the station churches of Rome. "
Roman Religion
by Valerie M. WarriorExamining sites that are familiar to many modern tourists, Valerie Warrior avoids imposing a modern perspective on the topic by using the testimony of the ancient Romans to describe traditional Roman religion. The ancient testimony recreates the social and historical contexts in which Roman religion was practised. It shows, for example, how, when confronted with a foreign cult, official traditional religion accepted the new cult with suitable modifications. Basic difficulties, however, arose with regard to the monotheism of the Jews and Christianity. Carefully integrated with the text are visual representations of divination, prayer, and sacrifice as depicted on monuments, coins, and inscriptions from public buildings and homes throughout the Roman world. Also included are epitaphs and humble votive offerings that illustrate the piety of individuals, and that reveal the prevalence of magic and the occult in the spiritual lives of the ancient Romans.
Roman Stoicism: Being Lectures On The History Of The Stoic Philosophy With Special Reference To Its Development Within The Roman Empire (Routledge Revivals)
by Edward Vernon ArnoldRoman Stoicism, first published in 1911, offers an authoritative introduction to this fascinating chapter in the history of Western philosophy, which throughout the 20th century has been rediscovered and rehabilitated among philosophers, theologians and intellectual historians. Stoicism played a significant part in Roman history via the public figures who were its adherents (Seneca is perhaps the most famous); and, as it became more widely accepted, it assumed the features of a religion. The Stoic approach to physics, the universe, divine providence, ethics, law and humanity are all investigated, as is its diffuse impact upon literature. The origins of Christianity are also examined. Arnold offers a sympathetic reading of St. Paul in light of Stoicism, and regards the latter as the crucial bridge between Antiquity and Christendom: it allowed a swathe of Pagan intellectuals to join the Church and influenced the development of Christian doctrine, thus making an immense contribution to the bedrock of modern European civilisation.