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The Hidden Geometry of Life: The Science and Spirituality of Nature
by Karen L. FrenchEncompassing nature, science, art, architecture, and spirituality, and illustrated with over 700 photographs and line drawings, "The Hidden Geometry of Life" illuminates the secret underpinnings of existence. In her trademark easy-to-understand style, mathematician Karen French shows how sacred geometry permeates every level of being, manifesting itself in simple shapes and numbers, music and sounds, light and color, even in the mysteries of creation itself. But these geometrical archetypes are more than the building blocks of reality: they are gateways to profound new levels of awareness.
The Hidden Gifts of Dyslexia, Difference and Death: Stories from - In My Grandfather's Garden
by Timothy G SpokesCan your difficulties become stepping-stones to a successful future? Can a young boy overcome a serious reading difficulty and achieve beyond all expectations?For a few gruelling years in a Catholic boys’ school, where the Brothers carry a lash under their gowns ready to strike any boy who offends their strict code, Tim struggles with maths and English, and keeps mostly to himself. But he has an observant inner life, with hours spent wandering in the cemetery his grandfather tends, learning about death the leveller and the falsity of social class and wealth.Tim has pitch perfect hearing and a voice like an angel, and is marked out by the Principal Brother to become a priest. Not him! Suffering the tragedy of losing the only three close friends he makes over the years, he experiences living with dyslexia as a cross to bear, until he finds the key to a fearless destiny as a paramedic, trauma and emergency nurse, and academic.The gift of dyslexia has taught Tim to say, “Don’t reach for the sky—hell! Go for the stars. You really can do anything you want.” Wisdom, he says, is found in the strangest places.Among these pages you will experience what Tim learnt within his grandfather’s garden, a strange place to find wisdom—among the head stones and monuments, and where, he says, you can find yesterday’s people.
The Hidden God: Luther, Philosophy, and Political Theology (Philosophy of Religion)
by Marius Timmann MjaalandIn this phenomenological reading of Luther, Marius Timmann Mjaaland shows that theological discourse is never philosophically neutral and always politically loaded. Raising questions concerning the conditions of modern philosophy, religion, and political ideas, Marius Timmann Mjaaland follows a dark thread of thought back to its origin in Martin Luther. Thorough analyses of the genealogy of secularization, the political role of the apocalypse, the topology of the self, and the destruction of metaphysics demonstrate the continuous relevance of this highly subtle thinker.rabbi
The Hidden Gospel
by Neil Douglas-KlotzIn two previous books, Neil Douglas-Klotz pioneered a radical new way of translating the words of Jesus---filtering them through the imagistic worldview of the Aramaic language which Jesus himself spoke. Seen through this lens, familiar sayings such as "Blessed are the meek" come into vibrant contemporary focus as "Healthy are those who have softened what is rigid within."In The Hidden Gospel, Douglas-Klotz employs this approach to decode the spiritual and prophetic messages hidden within key words and concepts in the sayings and stories of Jesus. We learn to our delight, for instance, that when Jesus spoke of "goodness" he used a word which in Aramaic means "ripe" and refers to actions which are in time and tune with the Sacred Unity of all life.The Hidden Gospel aims to bridge the gap between the historical Jesus of the scholar and the Jesus of faith of Christian believers. It will appeal to everyone looking for an alternative spiritual vision of Jesus and his message.
The Hidden Gospel
by Neil Douglas-KlotzIn two previous books, Neil Douglas-Klotz pioneered a radical new way of translating the words of Jesus---filtering them through the imagistic worldview of the Aramaic language which Jesus himself spoke. Seen through this lens, familiar sayings such as "Blessed are the meek" come into vibrant contemporary focus as "Healthy are those who have softened what is rigid within."In The Hidden Gospel, Douglas-Klotz employs this approach to decode the spiritual and prophetic messages hidden within key words and concepts in the sayings and stories of Jesus. We learn to our delight, for instance, that when Jesus spoke of "goodness" he used a word which in Aramaic means "ripe" and refers to actions which are in time and tune with the Sacred Unity of all life.The Hidden Gospel aims to bridge the gap between the historical Jesus of the scholar and the Jesus of faith of Christian believers. It will appeal to everyone looking for an alternative spiritual vision of Jesus and his message.
The Hidden History of Elves and Dwarfs: Avatars of Invisible Realms
by Claude Lecouteux Régis BoyerA comprehensive examination of the intertwined mythology, folklore, and literary history of the little people • Explores the pagan roots of dwarfs and elves and their evolution in myth and literature • Reveals the role the church played in changing them from fearless, shape-shifting warriors with magical powers into cheerful helpmates and cute garden gnomes • Traces their history from ancient Celtic and Germanic lore through their emergence in the literature of the Middle Ages to their modern popularization by the Brothers Grimm and Walt Disney Most people are familiar with the popular image of elves as Santa’s helpers and dwarfs as little bearded men wearing red caps, who are mischievous and playful, helpful and sly, industrious and dexterous. But their roots go far deeper than their appearance in fairy tales and popular stories. Elves and dwarfs are survivors of a much older belief system that predates Christianity and was widespread throughout Western Europe. Sharing his extensive analysis of Germanic and Norse legends, as well as Roman, Celtic, and medieval literature, Claude Lecouteux explores the ancient, intertwined history of dwarfs and elves. He reveals how both were once peoples who lived in wild regions as keepers of the secrets of nature. They were able to change their size at will and had superhuman strength and healing powers. They were excellent smiths, crafting swords that nothing could dull as well as magical jewelry, and often entered into the service of lords or heroes. They were a part of the everyday life of our ancestors before they were transformed by fairy tales and church texts into the mythical creatures we know today. Lecouteux shows how, in earlier folklore, elves and dwarfs were interchangeable, gradually evolving over time to express very different kinds of beings. “Dwarf,” “giant,” and even “elf” did not necessarily connote size but referred to races with different skills. Elves were more ethereal, offering protection and kindness, while dwarfs reflected a more corporeal form of spirit, often appearing as messengers from the underworld. Yet dwarfs and elves could be bargained with, and our ancestors would leave a broken object outside the door at night with the hope that a dwarf or elf (or other local spirit) would repair it. Revealing the true roots of these helpful and powerful beings, including an in-depth exploration of one of the most famous dwarf/elf/fairy beings of the Middle Ages, Auberon or Oberon, also known as Alberich, Lecouteux shows how the magic of dwarfs and elves can be rekindled if we recognize their signs and invite them back into our world.
The Hidden Holocaust?: Gay and Lesbian Persecution in Germany 1933-45
by Günter GrauThe persecution of lesbians and gay men by the Nazis is a subject that has been constantly debated during the last decade, providing a theme for books, articles, and plays. Until recently the discussion has remained speculative: most of the relevant documents were stored in closed East German archives, and access was denied to scholars and researchers.As a result of the unification of East and West Germany, these archives are now open. Hidden Holocaust, by the German scholars Gunter Grau and Claudia Shoppmann of Humboldt Uinversity, Berlin, demonstrates that the eradication of homosexuals was a declared gol of the Nazis even before they took power in 1933, and provide proof of the systematic anti-gay campaigns, the methods used tjo justify discrimination, and the incarceration mutilation and murder of gay men and women in Nazi concentration camps. A chilling but groud-breaking work in gay and lesbian studies.
The Hidden Justice Collection: Beyond Justice, Imperfect Justice, Delayed Justice
by Cara C. PutmanVeteran author Cara Putman weaves tales of suspense and romance in these three legal thrillers now combined in one collection.Beyond JusticeHayden is on track to become the youngest partner in her prestigious DC law firm . . . If the case she&’s just been handed doesn&’t destroy her first.The longer she keeps the case active, the higher the stakes become. Unknown enemies seem determined to kill the case—or her. Logic and self-preservation indicate she should close the case. But how can she, when justice is still just beyond her reach?Imperfect JusticeThe police say the woman was a murderer. Emilie Wesley knows they can't be talking about her client . . . can they?Thrown together in the race to save her client's surviving daughter, Emilie and her client&’s brother, Reid, pursue the constantly evasive truth. If they can hang on to hope together, can they save a young girl—and find a future for themselves in the process?Delayed JusticeShe had long given up the desire to be loved. Now she only needed to be heard.Jaime Nichols went to law school to find the voice she never had as a child, and her determination to protect girls and women in the path of harm drives her in ways both spoken and unspoken. As Jaime, now a criminal defense attorney, prepares to press charges against someone who wronged her long ago, she must face not only her demons but also the unimaginable forces that protect the powerful man who tore her childhood apart.
The Hidden Lamp
by Zoketsu Norman Fischer Reigetsu Susan Moon Zenshin Florence CaplowThe Hidden Lamp is a collection of one hundred koans and stories of Buddhist women from the time of the Buddha to the present day. This revolutionary book brings together many teaching stories that were hidden for centuries, unknown until this volume. These stories are extraordinary expressions of freedom and fearlessness, relevant for men and women of any time or place. In these pages we meet nuns, laywomen practicing with their families, famous teachers honored by emperors, and old women selling tea on the side of the road. Each story is accompanied by a reflection by a contemporary woman teacher--personal responses that help bring the old stories alive for readers today--and concluded by a final meditation for the reader, a question from the editors meant to spark further rumination and inquiry. These are the voices of the women ancestors of every contemporary Buddhist.
The Hidden Life
by Adina SenftEmma Stolzfus has never been courted or kissed, and now that she's 30, it has become her place as the unmarried daughter to look after her elderly mother. But in the dark hours when her mother is asleep, Emma writes letters and essays to Amish periodicals, short stories, and even a novel she's been working on for the last five years. When a New York literary agent, Tyler West, takes an interest in her work, Emma secretly goes to meet him. When she returns, something about her is different-and the men of her Amish community take notice. But how can she settle for second best when her heart made its choice years ago-to a man she can never have? Only her friends, Amelia and Carrie, know the truth in her heart as they work together on their quilt ... and only they understand when an old tragedy comes to light that will either hurt or heal ... and reveal Emma's hidden life.
The Hidden Lives of Brahman: Śaṅkara's Vedānta through His Upaniṣad Commentaries, in Light of Contemporary Practice (SUNY series in Religious Studies)
by Joël André-Michel DuboisFinalist for the 2014 Best First Book in the History of Religions presented by the American Academy of ReligionŚaṅkara's thought, advaita vedānta or non-dual vedānta, is a tradition focused on brahman, the ultimate reality transcending all particular manifestations, words, and ideas. It is generally considered that the transcendent brahman cannot be attained through any effort or activity. While this conception is technically correct, in The Hidden Lives of Brahman, Joël André-Michel Dubois contends that it is misleading.Hidden lives of brahman become visible when analysis of Śaṅkara's seminal commentaries is combined with ethnographic descriptions of contemporary Brāhmin students and teachers of vedānta, a group largely ignored in most studies of this tradition. Du bois demonstrates that for Śaṅkara, as for Brāhmin tradition in general, brahman is just as much an active force, fully connected to the dynamic power of words and imagination, as it is a transcendent ultimate.
The Hidden Masterpiece Collection
by Kristy CambronKristy Cambron's Hidden Masterpiece novels are now available as an e-collection! The Butterfly and the Violin A mysterious painting breathes hope and beauty into the darkest corners of Auschwitz--and the loneliest hearts of Manhattan. A Sparrow in Terezin Bound together across time, two women will discover a powerful connection through one survivor's story of hope in the darkest days of a war-torn world.er of the Third Reich, Adele risks everything when she begins smuggling Jews out of Vienna. In a heartbeat, her life of prosperity and privilege dissolves into a world of starvation and barbed wire. As Sera untangles the secrets behind the painting, she finds beauty in the most unlikely of places: the grim camps of Auschwitz and the inner recesses of her own troubled heart. "In her historical series debut, Cambron expertly weaves together multiple plotlines, time lines, and perspectives to produce a poignant tale of the power of love and faith in difficult circumstances. Those interested in stories of survival and the Holocaust, such as Eli Wiesel's Night, will want to read." --Library Journal, starred review ". . . debut novelist Cambron vividly recounts interwoven sagas of heartache and recovery through courage, love, art, and faith." --Publishers Weekly Includes Reading Group Guide
The Hidden Meaning of Birds--A Spiritual Field Guide: Explore the Symbology and Significance of These Divine Winged Messengers
by Arin Murphy-HiscockBehold the power of nature with this illustrated field guide to recognizing and understanding the messages that the universe sends us through the birds we see in our daily lives!Birds are all around us—pecking at the sidewalk, perching on a nearby tree branch, flying in the sky above our heads. But do you ever feel like a bird might be trying to connect with you—or even tell you something? The Hidden Meaning of Birds can help you decipher the special message your avian oracle is trying to share. The Hidden Meaning of Birds isn’t just your typical field guide to birds. In addition to a physical description of a variety of common bird species, it also includes the folklore and unique symbolism associated with each to help you understand the changes these mystical creatures want you to make in your life. With this enlightening volume as your inspiration, get ready to reexamine your life from a bird’s eye view—one robin, crow, and hummingbird at a time!
The Hidden Meaning of Truth and Untruth
by Dada BhagwanA lot of people struggle to understand what the truth is, what is right and what is wrong. There is perpetual dilemma to distinguish between right and wrong. According to Dada Bhagwan, the Gnani Purush (the enlightened one), in the worldly life there are three types of truth. One - absolute truth (self) second - relative truth and third - untruth. In this book, Dadashri has discussed the meaning of absolute and relative truth. Absolute truth 'I' can never be destroyed, it is eternal. It belongs to the soul (atma). The realization that you are pure soul (shuddha-atma) is eternal, and ultimate truth. Relative truth is what is determined by the people at large. The relative truth may vary from person to person. The relative truth may help us in our development in the relative world, but for real development absolute truth is necessary. The book presents Pujya Dadashri’s spiritual discourses on absolute and relative truth and the nature of truth.
The Hidden Messages in Water
by Masaru Emoto David A. ThayneThis book has the potential to profoundly transform your world view. Using high-speed photography, Dr. Masaru Emoto discovered that crystals formed in frozen water reveal changes when specific, concentrated thoughts are directed toward them. He found that water from clear springs and water that has been exposed to loving words shows brilliant, complex, and colorful snowflake patterns. In contrast, polluted water, or water exposed to negative thoughts, forms incomplete, asymmetrical patterns with dull colors. The implications of this research create a new awareness of how we can positively impact the earth and our personal health.
The Hidden Order of Intimacy: Reflections on the Book of Leviticus
by Avivah Gottlieb ZornbergA masterly analysis of the Book of Leviticus, the newest volume in the award-winning series of commentaries on the Hebrew Bible by &“a celebrated biblical scholar, keen on weaving together traditional Jewish exegesis, psychoanalysis, and postmodern criticism&” (The New York Times Book Review)The image of the Golden Calf haunts the commentaries that thread through Leviticus. This catastrophic episode, in which the Israelites (freed from Egyptian slavery and forty days after their momentous encounter with God at Mount Sinai) worship a pagan idol while Moses is receiving the Torah from God on the mountaintop, gives the mostly legalistic text a unique depth and resonance. According to midrashic tradition, the post-traumatic effects of the sin of the Golden Calf linger through the generations, the sin to be &“paid off&” in small increments through time. Post-biblical perspectives view this as the diffusion of punishment, as well as a way of addressing the on-going phenomenon of idolatry itself. These after-effects of the Golden Calf incident are imaginatively explored in Avivah Zornberg&’s magnificent textual analysis. She brings the rabbis of the Talmud, medieval commentators, Hasidic scholars, philosophers, psychoanalysts, and literary masters—from Aristotle and Rashi to the Baal Shem Tov, Franz Rosenzweig, Sigmund Freud, and George Eliot—into her pathbreaking discussion of the nature of reward and punishment, good and evil, Eros and Thanatos, and humankind&’s intricate and ever-fascinating encounter with the divine.
The Hidden Palace: A Novel of the Golem and the Jinni
by Helene WeckerIn this enthralling historical epic, set in New York City and the Middle East in the years leading to World War I— the long-awaited follow-up to the acclaimed New York Times bestseller The Golem and the Jinni—Helene Wecker revisits her beloved characters Chava and Ahmad as they confront unexpected new challenges in a rapidly changing human world.Chava is a golem, a woman made of clay, who can hear the thoughts and longings of those around her and feels compelled by her nature to help them. Ahmad is a jinni, a restless creature of fire, once free to roam the desert but now imprisoned in the shape of a man. Fearing they’ll be exposed as monsters, these magical beings hide their true selves and try to pass as human—just two more immigrants in the bustling world of 1900s Manhattan. Brought together under calamitous circumstances, their lives are now entwined—but they’re not yet certain of what they mean to each other.Both Chava and Ahmad have changed the lives of the people around them. Park Avenue heiress Sophia Winston, whose brief encounter with Ahmad left her with a strange illness that makes her shiver with cold, travels to the Middle East to seek a cure. There she meets Dima, a tempestuous female jinni who’s been banished from her tribe. Back in New York, in a tenement on the Lower East Side, a little girl named Kreindel helps her rabbi father build a golem they name Yossele—not knowing that she’s about to be sent to an orphanage uptown, where the hulking Yossele will become her only friend and protector.Spanning the tumultuous years from the turn of the twentieth century to the beginning of World War I, The Hidden Palace follows these lives and others as they collide and interleave. Can Chava and Ahmad find their places in the human world while remaining true to each other? Or will their opposing natures and desires eventually tear them apart—especially once they encounter, thrillingly, other beings like themselves?
The Hidden Parables
by Todd MichaelThe secret and empowering messages contained within Christ’s thirty parables#151;an astonishing and practical blueprint for the life you are destined for. In The Hidden Parables, Dr. Todd Michael unveils a hidden layer of meaning within the thirty enigmatic parables spoken by Christ that shows that the parables are not a random collection of stories but a unified system of knowledge. This integrated system of knowledge describes how to use the spiritual law of thought forms#151;of controlled intentions#151;to create more beneficial, more miraculous circumstances in our personal lives. The information it presents is clear and very useful. Moreover, this system bears an uncanny symmetry with many of today’s leading-edge ideas from quantum physics. In The Hidden Parables, the parables are meticulously retranslated, retaining the expressiveness of the original Greek and giving the reader a literal understanding of the words of Jesus. Those aspects of Christ’s words that are sometimes considered confounding are freshly revealed for their penetrating insights into human existence and for the hands-on methodology they provide for a greater self-understanding and for leading a more fulfilling life.
The Hidden Peace: Finding True Security, Strength, and Confidence Through Humility
by Joel MuddamalleThe peace we long for begins with coming to the end of ourselves. There are inescapable aspects of life we are all marked by. We have less control than we want, more anxiety than we're comfortable with and just enough insecurity to continually remind us of our shortcomings. To experience these things is to be human. We aren't superheroes and invincibility isn't an option.But humility is.Whether we've incorrectly defined it or underestimated its relevance to our daily life, humility is the missing piece for the security, strength and confidence we all want. It's time to stop trying so hard to avoid our limitations or overcompensate for them. God has better for us and it begins with bowing low in humility.With relatable stories, practical wisdom and biblical theology broken down into digestible takeaways, The Hidden Peace by Dr. Joel Muddamalle will help you:Overcome the fear of being "found out" or looking like a fraud by realizing God's intent for shortcomings and weaknesses.Walk through hurtful situations in the most God-honoring way by gaining a true understanding of biblical humility.Answer the question "why do bad things happen to good people?" by learning a perspective shift that will change how you process suffering.Know confidently that you're living with purpose and being used by God through seven ways to practically live like Him today.Be led by the biblical definition of self-awareness so you can experience the unexpected ways it brings safety and security to your life.Stop believing the lie that theology is out of touch or too difficult to comprehend as Joel shows you how to dig into scripture and study it yourself. Weakness is not your enemy. Planted in the soil of humility, weakness becomes a means to gaining more strength and more peace.
The Hidden Pope: The Untold Story of a Lifelong Friendship That Changed the Relationship Between Catholics and Jews (Inspirational Ser.)
by Darcy O'BrienFrom a PEN/Hemingway Award–winning author: The true story of Pope John Paul II, his Jewish childhood friend, and a milestone in religious history. In October 1978, Karol Wojtyla, Polish Archbishop of Krakow, became Pope John Paul II, the first non-Italian pontiff in 455 years. He had a mission to improve the Catholic Church&’s relations with Judaism, Islam, and the Anglican Communion. Only days after the election, he granted Jerzy Kluger, a virtually unknown Jewish businessman, the privilege of first audience at the Vatican. Jerzy was overwhelmed, but not surprised. When they were children, Karol and Jerzy were best friends, known then as Lolek and Jurek. For the pope, this union of Catholic and Jewish faiths was a profound symbol of things to come. It was also a personal gesture that reflected a remarkable bond between the two men. The Hidden Pope is the story of that relationship, from their simple boyhood in the small town of Wadowice in southern Poland to their separation at the beginning of World War II and their survival under Nazi occupation and Soviet tyranny. The reunion almost thirty years later—after Jerzy lost his family in the Holocaust and spent years in Stalinist labor camps—would not only deepen a friendship, but also afford Jerzy a unique perspective on papal intrigue and policies when he was eventually appointed diplomat between the Vatican and Israel. Set against the landmark events of the twentieth century, and the monumental reconciliation between Christianity and Judaism, this singular portrait of John Paul II reveals him as only one of his closest friends can. Readers will come to know the Holy Father as a man, to understand his controversial ideas as expressions of his life experiences, and to discover the genesis of an enduring friendship that would impact the world. The Hidden Pope is &“a fascinating personal tale played out against the great moments of modern European history. . . . Anyone intrigued by the often surprising confluences of history, politics and religion will relish this impressive study in faith, friendship and mutual respect&” (Publishers Weekly).
The Hidden Power of Relentless Stewardship: 5 Keys to Developing a World-Class Organization
by Don JerniganEverybody wants to be successful. Every leader wants her organization to achieve long-term viability. But nonprofits face special challenges. Don Jernigan, CEO of the largest Protestant healthcare system in the country, shows how you can build on the right foundation, creating an atmosphere of trust. That essential component of leadership can make any organization—faith-based or secular—outstanding in its field. He breaks down the strategies that have served him in his career, from staying true to your mission in times of trial, to rethinking your vision as circumstances change, to demonstrating your values in day-to-day work. Stories from his experiences in the healthcare sector vividly illustrate the lessons of this valuable guide to reinvigorating your organization. Throughout, the book lays out specific ways in which you can test your progress, measure your advances, and see more precisely how to achieve your goals.
The Hidden Power of Your Past Lives: Revealing Your Encoded Consciousness
by Sandra Anne TaylorA New York Times–bestselling author and counselor takes us on &“a riveting journey&” through karmic energy, reincarnation, and consciousness—demonstrating how many aspects of our lives can be linked to experiences from the past&” (Gregg Braden, New York Times–bestselling author of The Wisdom Codes) Have you ever wondered why certain life patterns have been so hard to turn around? Well, the reasons may be encoded in your eternal history—in karmic sources that were set lifetimes ago. Perhaps you keep struggling with money problems, feel hopeless about finding true love, or have an addiction you can&’t seem to beat. These current issues could be traced back to previous lives. Even psychological and physical ailments such as chronic pain, allergies, weight problems, and self-doubts could originate in unknown past events. Yet these past-life sources don&’t have to remain a mystery—or have any power over you anymore! In this enlightening and truly liberating book, New York Times–bestselling author Sandra Anne Taylor explores the energy of karma and reincarnation, revealing how your eternal consciousness can become encoded, influencing your destiny today. When you learn how to release and rescript your karma, you can pave the way to joy and personal power—now and in years to come!
The Hidden Power of the Gospels: Four Questions, Four Paths, One Journey
by Alexander Shaia Michelle GaugyChristianity is in crisis. Increasing numbers of people are "opting out. " Why? Have recent discoveries in archaeology uprooted our faith in the Bible? Do the gospels no longer serve our modern, complicated lives? In The Hidden Power of the Gospels, Dr. Alexander Shaia moves beyond the typical approach to reveal an undiscovered truth that's been dormant for over one thousand years. In the tradition of such writers as Thomas Moore and Don Miguel Ruiz, Shaia reveals how the recurring cycles of change, loss, enlightenment, and maturation are illuminated by the Bible's four gospels. Combining ancient Christian traditions, anthropology, and modern psychology, he reveals what has been in front of our eyes for two thousand years: that each of the gospels is centered on a different core metaphor and each focuses on a vital spiritual question. Matthew begins with the question "How do we face change?" Mark poses the hard question of "How do we move through suffering?" John stirs and elevates the soul as he asks, "How do we receive joy?" And Luke moves us forward on the practical path, as he inquires, "How do we mature in service?" Shaia weaves these questions together in what he calls the quadratos journey, a recurring fourfold cycle that lives on as a constant companion throughout our lives. Shaia unravels the divine inspiration of this mysterious sequence and links its ancient truths to universal, modern understandings. By using this lens, the gospels become practical guides for creating faith-filled lives that are relevant and useful in a time that is much more complex than village life millennia ago. In the sequence Shaia discloses, the gospels become the map for our never-ending spiritual journey.
The Hidden Powers of Ritual: The Journey of a Lifetime
by Bradd ShoreAn illuminating overview of the development, benefits, and importance of ritual in everyday life, written by a leading cognitive anthropologist.The Hidden Powers of Ritual is an engaging introduction to ritual studies that presents ritual as an evolved form of human behavior of almost unimaginable significance to our species. Every day across the globe, people gather to share meals, brew caffeinated beverages, or honor their ancestors. In this book, Bradd Shore, a respected anthropologist, reaches beyond familiar &“big-R&” rituals to present life&’s humbler, overshadowed moments, exploring everything from the Balinese pelebon to baseball to family Zoom sessions in the age of Covid to the sobering reenactment rituals surrounding the Moore&’s Ford lynchings. In each ritual, Shore shows how our capacity to ritualize behavior is a remarkable part of the human story.Encompassing both the commonly unlabeled &“interaction rituals&” studied by sociologists and the symbolically elaborated sacred rituals of religious studies, Shore organizes his conception around detailed case studies drawn from international research and personal experience, weaving scholarship with a memoir of a life encompassed by ritual. A probing exploration that matches breadth with accessibility, The Hidden Powers of Ritual is a provocative contribution to ritual theory that will appeal to a wide range of readers curious about why these unique repetitive acts matter in our lives.
The Hidden Roots of White Supremacy: and the Path to a Shared American Future
by Robert P. JonesA New York Times Bestseller Taking the story of white supremacy in America back to 1493, and examining contemporary communities in Mississippi, Minnesota, and Oklahoma for models of racial repair, The Hidden Roots of White Supremacy is &“full of urgency and insight&” (The New York Times) as it helps chart a new course toward a genuinely pluralistic democracy.Beginning with contemporary efforts to reckon with the legacy of white supremacy in America, Jones returns to the fateful year when a little-known church doctrine emerged that shaped the way five centuries of European Christians would understand the &“discovered&” world and the people who populated it. Along the way, he shows us the connections between Emmett Till and the Spanish conquistador Hernando De Soto in the Mississippi Delta, between the lynching of three Black circus workers in Duluth and the mass execution of thirty-eight Dakota men in Makato, and between the murder of 300 African Americans during the burning of Black Wall Street in Tulsa and the Trail of Tears. From this vantage point, Jones offers a &“revelatory…searing, stirring outline&” (Kirkus Reviews, starred review) of how the enslavement of Africans was not America&’s original sin but, rather, the continuation of acts of genocide and dispossession flowing from the first European contact with Native Americans. These deeds were justified by people who embraced the 15th-century Doctrine of Discovery: the belief that God had designated all territory not inhabited or controlled by Christians as their new promised land. This &“blistering, bracing, and brave&” (Michael Eric Dyson) reframing of American origins explains how the founders of the United States could build the philosophical framework for a democratic society on a foundation of mass racial violence—and why this paradox survives today in the form of white Christian nationalism. Through stories of people navigating these contradictions in three communities, Jones illuminates the possibility of a new American future in which we finally fulfill the promise of a pluralistic democracy.