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The Black Cloister: A Novel
by Melanie DobsonOn Elise Friedman's eighth birthday, she lost her mother and any connection to her mysterious past. Raised by her loving stepfather, Elise has spent years trying to learn the truth about her mother, Catrina, and her birth family in Germany, but still knows very little. Now a young woman in college, Elise is traveling to her homeland of Germany to uncover her family's past, but what she finds is much more harrowing than she ever suspected.
The Black Coptic Church: Race and Imagination in a New Religion (Religion, Race, and Ethnicity)
by Leonard Cornell McKinnis IIProvides an illuminating look at the diverse world of Black religious life in North America, focusing particularly outside of mainstream Christian churchesFrom the Moorish Science Temple to the Peace Mission Movement of Father Divine to the Commandment Keepers sect of Black Judaism, myriad Black new religious movements developed during the time of the Great Migration. Many of these stood outside of Christianity, but some remained at least partially within the Christian fold. The Black Coptic Church is one of these. Black Coptics combined elements of Black Protestant and Black Hebrew traditions with Ethiopianism as a way of constructing a divine racial identity that embraced the idea of a royal Egyptian heritage for its African American followers, a heroic identity that was in stark contrast to the racial identity imposed on African Americans by the white dominant culture. This embrace of a royal Blackness—what McKinnis calls an act of “fugitive spirituality”—illuminates how the Black Coptic tradition in Chicago and beyond uniquely employs a religio-performative imagination. McKinnis asks, ‘What does it mean to imagine Blackness?’ Drawing on ten years of archival research and interviews with current members of the church, The Black Coptic Church offers a look at a group that insisted on its own understanding of its divine Blackness. In the process, it provides a more complex look at the diverse world of Black religious life in North America, particularly within non-mainstream Christian churches.
The Black Humanist Tradition in Anti-Racist Literature: A Fragile Hope (Studies in Humanism and Atheism)
by Alexandra HartmannThis book presents an intellectual history and theoretical exploration of black humanism since the civil rights era. Humanism is a human-centered approach to life that considers human beings to be responsible for the world and its course of history. Both the heavily theistic climate in the United States as well as the dominance of the Black Church are responsible for black humanism’s existence in virtual oblivion. For those who believe the world to be one without supernatural interventions, human action matters greatly and is the only possible mode for change. Humanists are thus committed to promoting the public good through human effort rather than through faith. Black humanism originates from the lived experiences of African Americans in a white hegemonic society. Viewed from this perspective, black humanist cultural expressions are a continuous push to imagine and make room for alternative life options in a racist society. Alexandra Hartmann counters religion’s hegemonic grasp and uncovers black humanism as a small yet significant tradition in recent African American culture and cultural politics by studying its impact on African American literature and the ensuing anti-racist potentials. The book demonstrates that black humanism regards subjectivity as embodied and is thus a worldview that is characterized by a fragile hope regarding the possibility of progress – racial and otherwise – in the country.
The Black Khan: Book Two of the Khorasan Archives (The Khorasan Archives #2)
by Ausma Zehanat KhanKhan has created a rich, well-crafted world that will appeal to readers of S.A. Chakraborty’s The City of Brass (2017) or Erika Johansen’s The Queen of the Tearling -- BooklistThe second novel in Ausma Zehanat Khan’s powerful epic fantasy quartet, a series that lies "somewhere between N. K. Jemisin and George R. R. Martin" (Saladin Ahmed), in which a powerful band of women must use their magic to defeat an oppressive dark regime.To fight against the cruel and superstitious patriarchy known as the Talisman, members of the resistance group known as the Companions of Hira have risked their lives in a failed attempt to procure the Bloodprint—a dangerous text that may hold the secret to overthrowing the terrifying regime. Now, with their plans in ashes, the Companions of Hira have scattered, and the lives of two brave women at the center of the plot—Arian and Sinnia—face unprecedented danger.Yet a spark of hope flickers in the darkness—the Bloodprint has survived. It is hidden in Ashfall, the seat of Rukh, the Black Khan, whose court is ruled by intrigue and conspiracy. Treacherous enemies ruthlessly maneuver for power behind the throne, including the autocratic Grand Vizier; the deadly and secretive Assassin; the Khan’s deposed half-brother; and the commander of Ashfall’s army, who is also Rukh’s oldest friend.The Companions of Hira must somehow reunite, break through Talisman lines, and infiltrate Ashfall. A master of treachery himself, the Black Khan joins forces with these powerful women to manipulate them for his own ends. But as Ashfall comes under siege, he is forced to make a deadly calculation . . . one that could cause irrevocable damage to the Companions and their fight for freedom.
The Black Practice of Disbelief: An Introduction to the Principles, History, and Communities of Black Nonbelievers
by Anthony PinnA short introduction to Black Humanism: its history, its present, and the rich cultural sensibilities that infuse itIn the United States, to be a Black American is to be a Black Christian. And there&’s something to this assumption in that the vast majority of African Americans are Christian. However, in recent years a growing number of African Americans have said they claim no particular religious affiliation—they are Black "nones." And of these Black "nones," the most public and vocal are those who claim to be humanists.What does it mean to be a Black humanist? What do Black humanist believe, and what do they do? This slim volume answers these questions. Animated by six central principles, and discussed in terms of its history, practices, formations, and community rituals, this book argues that Black humanism can be understood as a religious movement. Pinn makes a distinction between theism and religion—which is simply a tool for examining, naming, and finding the meaning in human experience. Black humanism, based on this definition isn&’t theistic but it is a religious system used to explore human experience and foster life meaning. It infuses humanism with rich cultural sensibilities drawn from Black experience. As shown in these pages, thinking about Black humanism this way frees readers from making unfounded assumptions and enables them to better appreciate the secular &“beliefs,&” ritual structures, and community formation constituted by Black humanists.
The Black Sheep's Redemption
by Lynette EasonEveryone in Fitzgerald Bay-except his law-enforcement family-is convinced Charles Fitzgerald murdered his children's nanny. Condemned by public opinion, his only hope for a replacement nanny to take care of his two-year-old twins is newcomer Demi Taylor. But Demi has problems of her own...starting with amnesia. She doesn't remember who she is, doesn't know where she's from-and has no idea why she always feels like someone is watching her. Is she in danger because of Charles? Or has someone sinister from her old life found her yet again?
The Black Sheep's Redemption (Fitzgerald Bay #5)
by Lynette EasonIn a New England town full of dangerous secrets, an outcast and a troubled newcomer find hope in each other’s arms in this romantic suspense series.Most of Fitzgerald Bay is convinced Charles Fitzgerald murdered his children’s nanny. Only the members of his own family—most of whom work in law enforcement—still believe in him. Condemned by public opinion, it’s nearly impossible to find someone to take care of his two-year-old twins. His only hope is newcomer Demi Taylor. But Demi has problems of her own . . . starting with amnesia. She doesn’t remember who she is, doesn’t know where she’s from—and has no idea why she always feels like someone is watching her. Is she in danger because of Charles? Or has someone sinister from her old life found her yet again?
The Black Sheep's Salvation (Rocky Mountain Family #1)
by Deb KastnerA woman is reunited with her high school boyfriend when the single dad returns to their hometown in this inspirational romance from a USA Today bestseller.His imperfect past will become his son’s best hope . . . Can a single dad earn a second chance with the woman whose heart he broke?A fresh start for Logan Maddox and his son, who has autism, means returning home and getting little Judah into the educational program that best serves his needs. The problem? Molly Winslow—the woman he left behind years ago—is the teacher. As Judah pulls them together, can Logan convince Molly that this black sheep deserves one more chance at love?
The Black Spider
by Susan Bernofsky Jeremias GotthelfAn NYRB Classics OriginalIt is a sunny summer Sunday in a remote Swiss village, and a christening is being celebrated at a lovely old farmhouse. One of the guests notes an anomaly in the fabric of the venerable edifice: a blackened post that has been carefully built into a trim new window frame. Thereby hangs a tale, one that, as the wise old grandfather who has lived all his life in the house proceeds to tell it, takes one chilling turn after another, while his audience listens in appalled silence. Featuring a cruelly overbearing lord of the manor and the oppressed villagers who must render him service, an irreverent young woman who will stop at nothing, a mysterious stranger with a red beard and a green hat, and, last but not least, the black spider, the tale is as riveting and appalling today as when Jeremias Gotthelf set it down more than a hundred years ago. The Black Spider can be seen as a parable of evil in the heart or of evil at large in society (Thomas Mann saw it as foretelling the advent of Nazism), or as a vision, anticipating H. P. Lovecraft, of cosmic horror. There's no question, in any case, that it is unforgettably creepy.
The Blacksmith’s Discipline: Honing Godly Men (Forged: Godly Men #2)
by Vince MillerINTRO VIDEO INCLUDEDFeeling spiritually sluggish? Discover five crucial disciplines—prayer, Scripture, brotherhood, accountability, and ministry—so you can hear and obey God with joy. A disciplined, godly man is a beacon of hope and strength in this haphazard world. His life is a testament to Jesus, the Master Blacksmith. But the Blacksmith&’s forging doesn&’t happen by chance. It happens when we intentionally use the tools He provides. The latest book in Vince Miller&’s Forged Bible study series, The Blacksmith&’s Discipline explores five spiritual disciplines—or tools—that form godly men: Prayer: How to maintain a continuous dialogue with God and follow his guidance. Scripture: How to overcome barriers to reading the Bible using the PASS method. Brotherhood: How men can encourage, challenge, and support one another. Accountability: How to build nurturing relationships that facilitate obedience to God&’s will.Ministry: How to embody God&’s message and fulfill God&’s good works. This engaging guide empowers men to move beyond spiritual inertia and develop a habit of disciplines as they are forged into the men God created them to be.
The Blackwell Companion to Christian Ethics
by Stanley Hauerwas Samuel WellsFeaturing updates, revisions, and new essays from various scholars within the Christian tradition, The Blackwell Companion to Christian Ethics, Second Edition reveals how Christian worship is the force that shapes the moral life of Christians.Features new essays on class, race, disability, gender, peace, and the virtuesIncludes a number of revised essays and a range of new authorsThe innovative and influential approach organizes ethical themes around the shape of Christian worshipThe original edition is the most successful to-date in the Companions to Religion series
The Blackwell Companion to Christian Spirituality
by Arthur HolderThe Blackwell Companion to Christian Spirituality is a comprehensive single-volume introduction to Christian spirituality, and represents the most significant recent developments in the field.Offers a thoroughly interdisciplinary, broadly ecumenical, and representative overview of the most significant recent developments in the fieldComprises essays combining rigorous academic scholarship with accessible and elegant writingReflects an understanding of the field as the study of the lived experience of Christian faith and discipleshipProvides material on biblical, historical, and theological foundations, along with treatment of contemporary issues
The Blackwell Companion to Jesus
by Delbert BurkettThe Blackwell Companion to Jesus features a comprehensive collection of essays that explore the diverse ways in which Jesus has been imagined or portrayed from the beginnings of Christianity to the present day. Considers portrayals of Jesus in the New Testament and beyond, Jesus in non-Christian religions, philosophical and historic perspectives, modern manifestations, and representations in Christian art, novels, and filmComprehensive scope of coverage distinguishes this work from similar offeringsExamines both Christian and non-Christian perspectives on Jesus, including those from ethnic and sexual groups, as well as from other faithsOffers rich and rewarding insights which will shape our understanding of this influential figure and his enduring legacy
The Blackwell Companion to Paul (Wiley Blackwell Companions to Religion #53)
by Stephen WesterholmThe Blackwell Companion to Paul presents a distinctive dual focus approach that encompasses both the historical Paul and the history of Paul's influence. In doing so, expert contributors successfully address the interests of students of early Christianity and those of Christian theology. Offers a complete overview of the life, writings and legacy of one of the key figures of Christianity The essays compass the major themes of Paul's life and work, as well as his impact through the centuries on theology, Church teaching, social beliefs, art, literature, and contemporary intellectual thought Edited by one of the leading figures in the field of Pauline Studies The contributors include a range of world-renowned academics
The Blackwell Companion to Science and Christianity
by Alan G. Padgett J. B. StumpA cutting-edge survey of contemporary thought at the intersection of science and Christianity.Provides a cutting-edge survey of the central ideas at play at the intersection of science and Christianity through 54 original articles by world-leading scholars and rising stars in the discipline Focuses on Christianity's interaction with Science to offer a fine-grained analysis of issues such as multiverse theories in cosmology, convergence in evolution, Intelligent Design, natural theology, human consciousness, artificial intelligence, free will, miracles, and the Trinity, amongst many othersAddresses major historical developments in the relationship between science and Christianity, including Christian patristics, the scientific revolution, the reception of Darwin, and twentieth century fundamentalismDivided into 9 Parts: Historical Episodes; Methodology; Natural Theology; Cosmology & Physics; Evolution; The Human Sciences; Christian Bioethics; Metaphysical Implications; The Mind; Theology; and Significant Figures of the 20th CenturyIncludes diverse perspectives and broadens the conversation from the Anglocentric tradition
The Blackwell Companion to Substance Dualism (Blackwell Companions to Philosophy)
by J. P. Moreland Jonathan J. Loose Angus J. MenugeA groundbreaking collection of contemporary essays from leading international scholars that provides a balanced and expert account of the resurgent debate about substance dualism and its physicalist alternatives. Substance dualism has for some time been dismissed as an archaic and defeated position in philosophy of mind, but in recent years, the topic has experienced a resurgence of scholarly interest and has been restored to contemporary prominence by a growing minority of philosophers prepared to interrogate the core principles upon which past objections and misunderstandings rest. As the first book of its kind to bring together a collection of contemporary writing from top proponents and critics in a pro-contra format, The Blackwell Companion to Substance Dualism captures this ongoing dialogue and sets the stage for rigorous and lively discourse around dualist and physicalist accounts of human persons in philosophy. Chapters explore emergent, Thomistic, Cartesian, and other forms of substance dualism—broadly conceived—in dialogue with leading varieties of physicalism, including animalism, non-reductive physicalism, and constitution theory. Loose, Menuge, and Moreland pair essays from dualist advocates with astute criticism from physicalist opponents and vice versa, highlighting points of contrast for readers in thematic sections while showcasing today’s leading minds engaged in direct debate. Taken together, essays provide nuanced paths of introduction for students, and capture the imagination of professional philosophers looking to expand their understanding of the subject. Skillfully curated and in touch with contemporary science as well as analytic theology, The Blackwell Companion to Substance Dualism strikes a measured balanced between advocacy and criticism, and is a first-rate resource for researchers, scholars, and students of philosophy, theology, and neuroscience.
The Blackwell Companion to The Problem of Evil
by Justin P. Mcbrayer Daniel Howard-SnyderThe Blackwell Companion to the Problem of Evil presents a collection of original essays providing both overview and insight, clarifying and evaluating the philosophical and theological "problem of evil" in its various contexts and manifestations.Features all original essays that explore the various forms of the problems of evil, offering theistic responses that attempt to explain evil as well as discussion of the challenges facing such explanationsIncludes section introductions with a historical essay that traces the developments of the issues exploredAcknowledges the fact that there are many problems of evil, some of which apply only to those who believe in concepts such as hell and some of which apply to non-theistsRepresents views from the various religious traditions, including Hindu, Jewish, Christian, and Muslim
The Blackwell Companion to the Bible and Culture (Wiley Blackwell Companions to Religion #7)
by John F. A. SawyerThe Blackwell Companion to the Bible and Culture provides readers with a concise, readable and scholarly introduction to twenty-first century approaches to the Bible. Consists of 30 articles written by distinguished specialists from around the world Draws on interdisciplinary and international examples to explore how the Bible has impacted on all the major social contexts where it has been influential – ancient, medieval and modern, world-wide Gives examples of how the Bible has influenced literature, art, music, history, religious studies, politics, ecology and sociology Each article is accompanied by a comprehensive bibliography Offers guidance on how to read the Bible and its many interpretations
The Blackwell Companion to the Bible in English Literature (Wiley Blackwell Companions to Religion #76)
by Emma Mason Christopher Rowland Jonathan Roberts Rebecca LemonThis Companion explores the Bible's role and influence on individual writers, whilst tracing the key developments of Biblical themes and literary theory through the ages. An ambitious overview of the Bible's impact on English literature – as arguably the most powerful work of literature in history – from the medieval period through to the twentieth-century Includes introductory sections to each period giving background information about the Bible as a source text in English literature, and placing writers in their historical context Draws on examples from medieval, early-modern, eighteenth-century and Romantic, Victorian, and Modernist literature Includes many 'secular' or 'anti-clerical' writers alongside their 'Christian' contemporaries, revealing how the Bible's text shifts and changes in the writing of each author who reads and studies it
The Blasphemer: The Price I Paid for Rejecting Islam
by Waleed Al-HusseiniThe Infuriating Tale Of A Young Palestinian Punished For Exercising His Freedom Of Speech.Like many of his generation, Waleed Al-Husseini began a blog in his twenties. However, unlike many, Waleed also had the misfortune of having been a blogger in Palestine; worse yet, he often criticized Islam and its adherents-and declared himself an apostate-in his writings. The Palestinian Authority did not take well to this and eventually put Waleed in jail without a trial or even a wisp of legal justification. As if this was not bad enough, they placed Waleed in solitary confinement. This state of affairs continued for 11 months. Over the course of this time, Waleed was tortured and suffered innumerable indignities and deprivations simply for having the audacity to speak his mind. Eventually his unjust imprisonment began to draw international attention from foreign governments and human rights organizations, which pressured the Palestinian Authority and finally forced it to provide him a trial and parole. After being paroled, Waleed fled Palestine, first to Jordan and then to France, where he has become an outspoken advocate for freedom of speech and a critic of the state of contemporary Islam. The Blasphemer is a sobering, impassioned recounting of this Kafkaesque experience as well as a searing polemic against the corruption and hypocrisy that define contemporary Palestine.
The Blazing Inner Fire of Bliss and Emptiness: An Experiential Commentary on the Practice of the Six Yogas of Naropa (The Dechen Ling Practice Series)
by David GonsalezA set of commentaries that present some of the most rarefied and secret teachings within Tibetan Buddhism from the perspective of the Dalai Lama&’s Gelug school.The Blazing Inner Fire of Bliss and Emptiness presents lucid translations of a pair of detailed commentaries by the famed Tibetan tantric master Ngulchu Dharmabhadra (1772–1851), illuminating a set of extremely secret and restricted tantric practices of highest yoga tantra. The first of these commentaries details the practices of the Six Yogas of Naropa, one of the most celebrated and revered systems of completion-stage practice in Tibet. Dharmabhadra presents the Six Yogas by elaborating upon Lama Tsongkhapa&’s (1357–1419) masterpiece on the subject entitled Endowed with the Three Inspirations, which served as the basis for nearly all subsequent commentaries on the Six Yogas within the Gelug tradition. Ngulchu Dharmabhadra&’s commentary is unique in that it presents the Six Yogas within the context of Vajrayogini practice, making this book a perfect companion piece to The Extremely Secret Dakini of Naropa (Wisdom Publications, 2020). Also contained in this book is Ngulchu Dharmabhadra&’s lucid and concise commentary on the First Panchen Lama&’s (1570–1662) famous Supplication for Liberation from [Fear of] the Perilous Journey of the Intermediate State. The prayer—a beautiful literary contribution from the First Panchen Lama in its own right—invokes the immediacy of death and the potential to use the process of dying as an opportunity for liberation. The prayer extols the efficacy of the &“nine mixings&” of the completion stage as direct means of transforming our ordinary death process by using advanced yogas presented in the first commentary on the Six Yogas. Together, these works present the reader with a vast and profound vision of spiritual transformation—one in which every aspect of human experience can be used as an opportunity for transcendence and spiritual liberation.
The Bleeding Tree: A Pathway Through Grief Guided by Forests, Folk Tales and the Ritual Year
by Hollie StarlingIt was the last of the ebbing days, the brink of the new season. It was the murky hours, the clove between sunset and sunrise. It was a tall tree with deep roots and it had been bleeding for a long while.As summer falls into autumn, Hollie Starling is hit by the heart-stopping news that her father has died by suicide. Thrust into a state of 'grief on hard mode', Hollie feels underserved by current attitudes toward grief and so seeks another way through the dark.Following her first year without her father, Hollie embraces her lifelong interest in folklore and turns to the healing power of nature, the changing seasons and the rituals of ancient communities. The Bleeding Tree is an unflinching year-zero guidebook to grief that shows us that by looking back to past traditions of bereavement we can all find our own way forward.'Starling's account of family life is riveting and narrated with grace and honesty, counterpointing the personal with the mythic.' - Irish Times
The Blended Family Devotional for Couples: 52 Weeks of Growing Together, Leading Your Family, and Learning from God
by Emily JordanGrow closer as a couple and blended family with this Bible-based devotional Blending families brings its own unique challenges, but together with Christ you can all move toward love, happiness, and healing. This encouraging book provides you and your partner a year of Bible-based devotions that will help you navigate the adventure of a blended family. What sets this parenting and relationship book apart from other devotional books: 52 inspiring devotions—Find ways to grow as a family with weekly devotions that focus on a specific theme, including —serving God together, patience, and grace. Bonding activities and actions—Deepen your connection by repeating your wedding vows to each other, practicing empathy for family members, and more. Guided prayer—Through God, you'll open your eyes to new ways of understanding, learn how to be honest and build trust, and heal your heart so you can love your family even more. Set the tone for your relationship and create a firm foundation for your family with The Blended Family Devotional for Couples.
The Bless Me, Father Series Books 1–5: Bless Me, Father; A Father Before Christmas; Father in a Fix; Bless Me Again, Father; and Father Under Fire (Bless Me, Father)
by Neil BoydThis acclaimed series that inspired a hit London Weekend Television sitcom is &“a long, gentle breeze of humour&” (James Herriot). Based on the author&’s real-life experiences after completing seminary and later adapted into a beloved British sitcom, these five novels are a humorous and sweet-natured look at Catholicism in the 1950s. Readers of all creeds will enjoy Father Neil&’s adventures at St. Jude&’s parish, a corner of London with a raucous congregation full of Irish immigrants. Bless Me, Father: Young Neil Boyd has just finished divinity school. A newly ordained priest, his first post is at St. Jude&’s parish where he meets the cantankerous, scheming, and brilliant Father Duddleswell and Mrs. Pring, the sharp-tongued housekeeper. Father Duddleswell is willing to do anything to make sure the Lord&’s will be done, from placing a bet to obstructing an interdenominational love affair. A Father Before Christmas: The holiday season is among the most hectic times at St. Jude&’s, and this year is no exception for Father Neil. As always, he has his hands full with Father Duddleswell, who has decided to invite all the other sects of Christianity to celebrate Christmas with them. The plan quickly unravels when two religious leaders from another denomination try to convert Father Neil and a clock goes missing—as does the church collection. Father in a Fix: After six months at St. Jude&’s, Father Neil makes a New Year&’s resolution to wise up. With the crazy collection of characters at his parish, this will be no easy feat, especially when Father Duddleswell is named the prime suspect in the killing of a gambling parishioner&’s smelly pig and a generous attempt to give the suspected butcher a day off goes zanily haywire. Bless Me Again, Father: After finishing his first year at St. Jude&’s, Father Neil finally feels as if he has his feet firmly planted on the ground. But the parish is still full of surprises, and the clergy are confronted with all manner of crisis. First, there is the dilemma of Dr. Daley, whose drinking is causing his health to deteriorate but who worries that sobriety will ruin his personality. Then, much to Father Duddleswell&’s chagrin, a new donkey overruns the church, followed by a fresh litter of kittens. Father Under Fire: As St. Jude&’s adds another member to its clergy—Father Abe, an octogenarian with an agenda of his own—the church staff finds themselves embroiled in a rivalry among undertakers, a visit during Holy Week from the bishop with the longest rosary on record, a harebrained scheme to promote holy water as a fertility enhancer, and a night spent under a pool table during a pilgrimage.