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Studying Hasidism: Sources, Methods, Perspectives
by Maya Balakirsky Katz Gadi Sagiv Levi Cooper David Assaf Shaul Magid Yohanan Petrovsky-Shtern Uriel Gellman Galit Hasan-Rokem Vladimir Levin Edwin SeroussiHasidism, a Jewish religious movement that originated in Poland in the eighteenth century, today counts over 700,000 adherents, primarily in the U.S., Israel, and the UK. Popular and scholarly interest in Hasidic Judaism and Hasidic Jews is growing, but there is no textbook dedicated to research methods in the field, nor sources for the history of Hasidism have been properly recognized. Studying Hasidism, edited by Marcin Wodzinski, an internationally recognized historian of Hasidism, aims to remedy this gap. The work’s thirteen chapters each draws upon a set of different sources, many of them previously untapped, including folklore, music, big data, and material culture to demonstrate what is still to be achieved in the study of Hasidism. Ultimately, this textbook presents research methods that can decentralize the role community leaders play in the current literature and reclaim the everyday lives of Hasidic Jews.
Studying Hinduism: Key Concepts and Methods
by Sushil Mittal Gene ThursbyThis book is an indispensable resource for students and researchers wishing to develop a deeper understanding of one of the world's oldest and most multifaceted religious traditions. Sushil Mittal and Gene Thursby, leading scholars in the field, have brought together a rich variety of perspectives which reflect the current lively state of the field. Studying Hinduism is the result of cooperative work by accomplished specialists in several fields that include anthropology, art, comparative literature, history, philosophy, religious studies, and sociology. Through these complementary and exciting approaches, students will gain a greater understanding of India's culture and traditions, to which Hinduism is integral. The book uses key critical terms and topics as points of entry into the subject, revealing that although Hinduism can be interpreted in sharply contrasting ways and set in widely varying contexts, it is endlessly fascinating and intriguing.
Studying Hinduism in Practice (Studying Religions in Practice)
by Hillary P. RodriguesDrawing on personal experiences of Hinduism on the ground, this book provides a reflective context within which religious practices can be understood and appreciated. It conveys the rich realities of the Hindu tradition and the academic approaches through which they are studied. The chapters cover a wide range of topics, including dance, music, performance, festival traditions, temples, myth, philosophy, women’s practices, and divine possession. The engaging narratives are accompanied by contextual discussions and advice on such topics as conducting fieldwork, colonialism, Hindu seasonal celebrations, understanding deities, and aesthetics in Hinduism. All the entries are accompanied by photographs and suggestions for further reading.
Studying, Interpreting, and Applying the Bible
by Gayle Jackson Walter A. HenrichsenStudying, Interpreting, and Applying the Bible combines into one volume the popular trilogy by Walter Henrichsen and Gayle Jackson: - A Layman's Guide to Studying the Bible - A Layman's Guide to Interpreting the Bible - A Layman's Guide to Applying the Bible This book will help students as well as ministers, young people and old alike, as they learn to study Scripture more easily and conveniently. The chapters on studying the Bible help the beginning or experienced Bible student mine God's Word for its riches through verse analysis, chapter analysis, the overview of a book, the study of a topic, and the study of Bible characters (including charts, diagrams, and other helpful illustrations). The unit on interpreting the Bible explains Bible interpretation based on grammar, history, and theology. The section on applying the Bible moves beyond study to life applications, enabling a person to - be motivated to make personal application - move beyond a "to do" list to an internal desire to obey - consider the risks involved in obeying - use specific application principles
Studying Islam in Practice (Studying Religions in Practice)
by Gabriele MarranciThis book presents Islam as a lived religion through observation and discussion of how Muslims from a variety of countries, traditions and views practice their religion. It conveys the experiences of researchers from different disciplinary backgrounds and demonstrates the dynamic and heterogeneous world of Islam. The fascinating case studies range from Turkey, Egypt, Morocco and Lebanon to the UK, USA, Australia and Indonesia, and cover topics such as music, art, education, law, gender and sexuality. Together they will help students understand how research into religious practice is carried out, and what issues and challenges arise.
Studying Islam in the Arab World: The Rupture Between Religion and the Social Sciences (Routledge Studies in Islamic Philosophy)
by Sari HanafiAddressing the rupture between religious and social sciences in Arab universities, this book provides a critical assessment of the curricula of Shariah and Islamic Studies departments across the Arab World, arguing for increased interdisciplinary dialogue. Based on over 250 interviews with university students and teachers, this study is the sum of five years of field research observing the curricula and teaching styles of colleges in the Shariah sciences. The author provides critical insight into these curricula by focusing on case studies in Lebanon and Jordan, Morocco, Kuwait and Qatar, and in Malaysia. In doing so, the book aims to answer the following questions: What is the aim of religious education? Does it aim to create people who specialize solely in religious affairs, or does it aim to form the student according to a comprehensive human framework? What is the nature of the relationship between the social sciences and the Shariah sciences? The book concludes by examining three pioneering institutions which have introduced alternative curricula in teaching Shariah studies. The book has wide geographic and ideological coverage, and will appeal to university students, academics, and policy analysts working across a range of disciplines, including the philosophy of knowledge, Islamic law and education, and sociology.
Studying Lived Religion: Contexts and Practices
by Nancy Tatom AmmermanOffers an overarching definition and framework for the study of religion as it manifests itself in everyday lifeLook around you as you walk down the street; somewhere, usually hidden in plain sight, there will be traces of religion. Perhaps it is the person who walks past with a Christian tattoo or a Muslim hijab. Perhaps it is the poster announcing a charity auction at the local synagogue. Or perhaps you open your Instagram feed to see what inspiring images and meditations have been posted by spiritual guides to help start the day.Studying Lived Religion examines religious practices wherever they happen—both within religious spaces and in everyday life. Although the study of lived religion has been around for over two decades, there has not been an agreed-upon definition of what it encompasses, and we have lacked a sociological theory to frame the way it is studied. This book offers a definition that expands lived religion’s geographic scope and a framework of seven dimensions around which we can analyze lived religious practice. Examples from multiple traditions and disciplines show the range of methods available for such studies, offering practical tips for how to begin. The volume opens up how we understand the category of lived religion, erasing the artificial divide between what happens in congregations and other religious institutions and what happens in other settings. Nancy Tatom Ammerman draws on examples ranging from Singapore to Accra to Chicago to show how deeply religion permeates everyday lives. In revealing the often overlooked ways that religion shapes human experience, she invites us all into new ways of seeing the world around us.
Studying Religion: An Introduction
by Russell T. McCutcheonWidely used as a primer, a text and a provocation to critical thinking, 'Studying Religion' aims to develop students' skills. The book clearly explains the methods and theories employed in the study of religion. Essays are offered on a range of topics: from the history and functions of religion to public discourse on religion and the classification of religions. The works of key scholars - from Karl Marx, Ludwig Wittgenstein and Rudolf Otto to Mircea Eliade, James G. Frazer, and Sigmund Freud - are analysed and explored. 'Studying Religion' represents a shift away from the traditional focus of describing the exotic or curious religious 'Other' to an examination of how religious behaviours and institutions are studied. The book will be invaluable to students of religious studies.
Studying Religion: An Introduction
by Russell T. McCutcheonWidely used as a primer, a class text, or just a provocation to critical thinking, Studying Religion clearly explains the methods and theories employed in the academic study of religion by tackling the problem of how we define religion. Written for newcomers to the field, its chapters explore the three main ways in which religion is defined and, along the way, also considers a range of related topics, from the history and functions of religion to public discourse on religion, religion in the courts, and the classification of religions. The works of classic and contemporary scholars—from Karl Marx and Sigmund Freud to Bruce Lincoln and Wendy Doniger—are analyzed and explored in its readable chapters and detailed supporting materials. Studying Religion represents a shift away from the traditional world religions approach and, instead, invites readers to consider how they divide up, name, and come to know the world around them. Thoroughly revised throughout, this second edition now includes a significantly expanded glossary, summaries of technical terms and global case studies at the end of each chapter, and additional biographies of key scholars mentioned. This book will be invaluable to all students of religious studies—whether in the introductory class or as an example of an alternative way of approaching the field.
Studying Religion: An Introduction
by Russell T. McCutcheonWidely used as a primer, a class text, or just a provocation to critical thinking, Studying Religion clearly explains the methods and theories employed in the academic study of religion by tackling the problem of how scholars define and then study religion. Written for all newcomers to the field, its brief chapters explore the three main ways in which religion is defined and, along the way, also consider a range of related topics, from the history and functions of religion to its public discourse, religion in the courts, and the classification of diverse groups into world religions. The works of classic and contemporary scholars—from Karl Marx and Sigmund Freud to Bruce Lincoln and Naomi Goldenberg—are analyzed and explored in readable chapters and detailed supporting materials. Studying Religion represents a shift away from the traditional descriptive and comparative approach and, instead, uses the study of religion to invite readers to consider how they divide up, name, and come to know the world around them. This edition also includes a new final chapter, Identification Matters, adding to the case studies included throughout this book to present a collection of contemporary instances where different approaches to defining and studying religion make it possible to study other issues of contemporary relevance, including those involving gender, race, and the rights of indigenous peoples. The new chapter makes explicit the practical topics of identity and status that have always been implicit throughout the entire book, bringing into the classroom a wide variety of timely and relevant topics that can be better understood by its approach. This book therefore remains invaluable to all students of religious studies—whether in the introductory class or as an example of an alternative way of approaching the field.
Studying Religion and Society: Sociological Self-Portraits
by Phil Zuckerman Titus HjelmHow do you study religion and society? In this fascinating book, some of the most famous names in the field explain how they go about their everyday work of studying religions in the field. They explain how the ideas for their projects and books have come together, how their understanding of religion has changed over the years, and how their own beliefs have affected their work. They also comment on the changing nature of the field, the ideas which they regard as most important, and those which have not stood the test of time. Lastly they offer advice to young scholars, and suggest what needs to be done to enable the field to grow and develop further.
Stuff Christians Like
by Jon AcuffUsing the same humor and honesty that galvanized more than a million online readers from more than 200 countries, speaker Jon Acuff brings his insightful take on Christianity to the book world with this new edition of Stuff Christians Like. Do you constantly find yourself towing the fine line between praying before certain types of meals and not others? This book is for you. Have you fallen in love on a mission trip, just to break up when you get home? This book is for you. Are you a unicorn of purity who ranks honeymoon sex slightly higher than the second coming of Christ? Guess what – this book is for you, too.It&’s time to shake off Somber Christian Syndrome and embrace the quirks of being a member of God&’s kingdom. This book will teach you how to:Break up with your small groupSubtly find out if your new Christian friends drink beer tooRecognize the shame grenade that is a Jesus JukeAvoid a prayer handholding faux pasSay something Christian-y without looking like a snake handlerFrom prayer shot blocks to metro worship leaders, no stone is left unturned in this hilarious look at faith.&“I never knew how much I needed Jesus until I found out I was judging people who use the table of contents in their Bible. This book saved me from looking like a bad Christian.&” – Sister Mary Francis, Rhode Island.&“It&’s such a time saver to know that my Chick-fil-a from the drive-thru comes pre-blessed. I always knew I was making the right choice by choosing the Lord&’s chicken.&” – Dave L., South Carolina.
The Stuff of a Lifetime: Self, Sense, Soul, and Spirit in Human Experience
by Gene RuyleA book to help people understand what they are doing with their lives. Addressing its readers directly and as individuals, this book allows them to move through it in their own way. It takes them on a wide-ranging expedition into their lives, so that they may be better guided by their own uniqueness. It seeks to enkindle within people the desire to reclaim their bodies, recover their souls, and re-enter the world. "A book that should make a name for Gene Ruyle as a contemporary philosopher who has something important to say. " -Atlanta Journal/Constitution (www. generuyle. com)
Stumbling into Grace: Confessions of a Sometimes Spiritually Clumsy Woman
by Lisa Harper“Lisa’s fine grasp of Scripture and love for the Lord make her a trustworthy teacher, yet we learn from her own hard-earned lessons as well. She speaks and writes from a place of understanding, as she clings to God’s hand, giving us the privilege of stumbling into grace with her.”—LIZ CURTIS HIGGS, best-selling author of Bad Girls of the Bible“So, today I’ve been thinking about...things thatbind us. The thought flitted around my mind and then landed for a while, likely because I was wearing a pair of too-tight jeans.” Women of Faith® speaker and author Lisa Harper relates from experience — life can be uncertain, sometimes even scary. But with a witty twinkle in her eye and a Bible in her hand, she describes what it’s like to find real security in the arms of a Savior who doesn’t just notice us but who moves heaven and earth on our behalf.Part diary, part devotional, Stumbling Into Grace weaves hilarious and poignant stories from Lisa’s own life with intimate and transformational encounters from the life of Christ. Prayers, reflection questions, and journal prompts help women dig deep into biblical truths to better understand how our Redeemer’s compassion, affection, and constancy make every single moment of life not only more enjoyable but well worth living!
Stumbling Into Infinity: An Ordinary Man in the Sphere of Enlightenment
by Michael FischmanAn American truth seeker recounts his life-changing friendship with the spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar in this intimate memoir. Michael Fischman is the president of His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar&’s Art of Living Foundation in the United States. In this intimate memoir, Fischman recounts his startling spiritual journey from childhood in New York &“among the tribe of people known as the Jewish Middle Class&” to befriending and working with the humanitarian and spiritual leader who changed his life. His story is a compelling narrative that blends remarkable experiences with an inner struggle and search for meaning. &“In writing this story, different eras and their flavors came to life again—the world of Orthodox Jews I grew up in; twenty years of teaching meditation and breathing to people around the world; the traumas and triumphs of self-discovery in the Caribbean and Jerusalem; the spiritual traditions of India that became so meaningful to me; and the remarkable atmosphere around the enlightened master I fell in love with&” (from the prologue). &“Michael Fischman&’s journey reveals how fears and negative emotions can be transformed into love, compassion, and higher consciousness when a student has an authentic relationship with a wise teacher.&” —Deepak Chopra
Stumbling on Open Ground: Love, God, Cancer, and Rock 'n' Roll
by Ken MansfieldRock and Roll, Cancer, and God's Love Collide at the Crossroads of Doubt and Faith Stumbling on Open Ground is a story of private trial and faith like those found in the books of Esther and Job. Punctuated with stories from Mansfield's years in the music business--working with George Harrison and Waylon Jennings, among others--Stumbling on Open Ground is a private dialogue between a charismatic man, his loving wife, and the extraordinary God who transformed them both in the middle of a heartbreaking disease. "Dealing with cancer is not as linear as most books describe the ordeal. Going into it, going through it, and coming out of cancer is not that orderly. The battle is more of a hanging on, a falling apart, a sense of loss, and a lot of lonely flailing among the rubble." --Ken Mansfield Ken's story is told in tandem with his wife, Connie. She is the enduring comforter, a co-victim of cancer whose capacity for selfless, empathetic eros comprises the human counterpart to God's agape. This is the consummate love story of two people on a journey with God to the edge and back. Stumbling on Open Ground is a must-read for anyone who has ever needed strength in moments of trial and doubt."Ken is jarringly honest about everything--life, success, fame, disillusionment, faith, questioning faith, cancer, the death of friends, and staying very close to one's spouse and Creator in the face of life-threatening challenges. This book might make you a little uncomfortable, but that's probably why you should read it. We must all at some point face similar challenges, face mortality, losing everything material, and Ken talks about what it's like to trust God, no matter what." --Bernie Leadon, founding member of "The Eagles""Ken Mansfield's Stumbling on Open Ground is one of the most extraordinary messages of healing--spiritual, physical and emotional--I have ever read. As someone who is paid to write, I'm genuinely in awe of his descriptive powers . . . and he needs them all to convey the Tolstoyan experiences of his past trials, and to describe the miraculous. Ken's writing is truly magnificent and this is a book that will be savored and remembered forever by those lucky enough to crack it open. Thank God for keeping Ken alive to write it." --David Asman, host of Forbes on Fox, Fox News Channel"Ken Mansfield's harrowing journey from the pinnacle of success--on the rooftop with the Beatles for their final performance--to the depths of near death is a story both heavenly and hellish as he openly faces his God with the questions very few trust their heavenly Father enough to ask. God's answers lie between the pages of this book." --Mancow Muller, nationally syndicated radio and television host"Ken has been down roads so unique that many of us only read about lives like his in novels or see them in blockbuster movies. But this time, he gets personal and strikes a chord deep in our hearts as he tackles the universal questions of 'Why me? Why now? Will I be able to handle this? Where are you, God?' This book is sure to inspire you, and help you to doubt your doubts, and place your faith in God." --Kirk Cameron, actor and producer
Stumbling Toward Enlightenment
by Geri LarkinA humorous and honest collection of Buddhist wisdom from a Western beginner's perspective. Instead of promising a straight and clear path to enlightenment, author and teacher Geri Larkin shows us that even stumbling along that path can lead to self-discovery and awakening, especially if we prize the journey and not the destination. With candor, affection, and earthy wisdom, Larkin shares her experiences as a beginning and continuing Buddhist. This spirituality classic shows any seeker that it's possible to stumble, smile, and stay Zen through it all.
Stumbling Toward Eternity: Losing & Finding Ourselves in the Cross of Jesus
by Josh WhiteLive with freedom and abundance as you freshly discover the cross of Jesus through the powerful stories and biblical insights of influential preacher and musician Josh White.&“[A] vision of gospel hope.&”—John Mark ComerDesperation reverberates at the very center of our anxious age. Despite our fiercest efforts, we never seem to find the meaning, depth, and beauty we long for. Where do we turn? There are so many voices promising happiness and endless ladders for us to climb toward a wholeness we can&’t seem to reach.Yet what if what we are looking for has already come down to us?In Stumbling Toward Eternity, writer, pastor, and recording artist Josh White offers confessional stories and theological insights as he interprets the pain of his own past, the complicated &“mixture&” of the present, and the beautiful uncertainty of the future through the lens of grace. Using crisp and honest prose, he reveals why the most familiar symbol of Christianity—the cross of Jesus—is also the most misunderstood. He shows us why the goal of our desperate existence is not arriving at perfection or success but knowing the crucified Christ.The cross is not something to climb toward status. It is something to die on. It is where illusions die and wounds are healed. The cross is where the crucified God speaks over us words that bring freedom. Freedom from futility. Freedom to live with hope. Freedom to truly love.When we lose and find ourselves in the cross of Jesus, we discover that even the most dissonant notes of life can be redeemed in His song, even as we stumble toward eternity.
Stumbling toward Faith
by Phyllis Tickle Renée N. AltsonAuthor Renee Altson understands all about being hurt, feeling alone, and full of doubt. While her story is an extreme example of abuse and mistreatment done in the name of God, her struggles with God as Father and with faith and disbelief are universal. This book is a perfect companion for those who have survived or know someone who has survived abuse, as well as for anyone who has ever questioned whether the journey toward faith is worthwhile. As you stumble with Renee, you will discover new deep places within your own heart and the freedom to question a God who is big enough to handle your doubts. May this book help you learn the breath and depth of the love of God and may the prayer you offer be the same as Renee's: "I believe. Help my unbelief."
Stupid about Men
by Deborah DunnTired of Kissing Frogs? Even the most capable and intelligent women are sometimes struck stupid when it comes to relationships with men. Maybe you're like Cinderella, who thinks that only a man can rescue her; or perhaps you are like Little Red Riding Hood, always attracted to "bad boys"; or maybe you find yourself simply settling, like Rapunzel, because you don't believe you can do any better. And somehow, you always end up kissing frogs. No matter what kind of "stupid" you are, licensed marriage and family therapist Deborah Dunn will show you why you keep making the same mistakes with men, and will empower you to take control of who you are and become smart about life.
Stupid Children
by Lenore ZionJane lived happily in Miami Beach with her father until his failed suicide attempt and relocation to a mental hospital forced her into the foster care system. By chance, Jane is assigned to foster parents in central Florida who are deeply involved in the Second Day Believers&mdasha cult focused on the "cleansing" of mental impurities in their children, and the sanctity of the internal organs of farm animals. Jane is quickly initiated into the Second Day Believers, but her father's lingering voice prevents her from becoming entirely indoctrinated. Despite Jane's resistance, she is revered in the cult as the second coming of the late wife of Sir One, the leader of the Second Day Believers. Poised to rise through the ranks of the insane cult and marry their leader, Jane must make a difficult choice.Stupid Children is a story inspired by Katherine Dunn's, Geek Love, and written in a voice similar to Donald Barthelme. Hilarious, offbeat, fast-paced and wildly imaginative, Zion, a doctor of psychology, imbues her characters with bizarre psychological abnormalities to create vivid, memorable eccentrics that leap from the page. With deadpan, wonderful ruminations on tattoos, the nature of coincidence, drug use, father-daughter relationships, mental illness, violence, and deviant sexuality, this novel is destined to become a cult favorite.
Style and Faith
by Geoffrey HillSeven essays on the moral life of literature and the moral burden of the poet seek to rescue key literary works from misinterpretation, in a collection that covers such texts as the Oxford English Dictionary, Tyndale's Bible, and poems by Henry Vaughan and T.S. Eliot.
The Style and Mythology of Socialism: Socialist Idealism, 1871-1914 (Routledge Studies in Modern History)
by Stefan ArvidssonArguably no modern ideology has diffused as fast as Socialism. From the mid-nineteenth century to the last quarter of the twentieth socialist ideals played a crucial part not only in the political sphere, but also influenced the way people worked and played, thought and felt, designed and decorated, hoped and yearned. By proposing general observations on the relationship between socialism, imagination, myth and utopia, as well as bringing the late nineteenth century socialist culture – a culture imbued with Biblical narratives, Christian symbols, classic mythology, rituals from freemasonry, Viking romanticism, and utopian speculations – together under the novel term ‘socialist idealism’, The Style and Mythology of Socialism: Socialist Idealism, 1871–1914 draws attention to the symbolic, artistic and rhetorical ways that socialism originally set the hearts of people on fire.
Styrian Witches in European Perspective: Ethnographic Fieldwork (Palgrave Historical Studies in Witchcraft and Magic)
by Mirjam MencejThe book provides a comprehensive exploration of witchcraft beliefs and practices in the rural region of Eastern Slovenia. Based on field research conducted at the beginning of the twenty-first century, it examines witchcraft in the region from folkloristic, anthropological, as well as historical, perspectives. Witchcraft is presented as part of social reality, strongly related to misfortune and involved in social relationships. The reality of the ascribed bewitching deeds, psychological mechanisms that may help bewitchment to work, circumstances in which bewitchment narratives can be mobilised, reasons for a person to acquire a reputation of the witch in the entire community, and the role that unwitchers fulfilled in the community, are but a few of the many topics discussed. In addition, the intertwinement of social witchcraft with narratives of supernatural experiences, closely associated with supernatural beings of European folklore, forming part of the overall witchcraft discourse in the area, is explored.
Su dinero, su matrimonio: Los secretos de las finanzas inteligentes, el romance apasionado y su conexión íntima
by Cherie Lowe Brian LoweEste libro le guía en un proceso liberador para remendar su corazón y, al mismo tiempo su cuenta bancaria.La visión de Dios para su matrimonio dista mucho de ser mediocre, y el dinero y las relaciones sexuales son dos de los más comunes puntos de tensión. Pero no tiene por qué ser así.En Su dinero, su matrimonio, Brian y Cherie Lowe le ofrecen explicación directa y principios poderosos para poner en orden sus finanzas a fin de que ustedes puedan volver a su romance. Apréndalo de ellos: Los Lowe resolvieron una deuda de US$127.000 en apenas cuatro años, y emergieron, no solo financieramente libres, sino también mucho más unidos.Acompañe a Cherie, bloguera de finanzas personales en Queen of Free, y a Brian, abogado de familia que lo ha visto todo en lo que se trata de batallas maritales por dinero, en esta jornada para ayudarle a usted y a su cónyuge a pasar de diferentes libros a estar en la misma página. Mediante relatos cándidos y divertidos, ideas frescas y prácticas, y unas cuantas arrugas en el camino, Brian y Cherie relevan los secretos del “juego previo financiero” capaz de ayudar a todo matrimonio a prosperar juntos por igual en las finanzas y el romance.Usted aprenderá cómo:Cultivar “paciencia apasionada” para ahorrar para el futuroIdentificar hábitos financieros insalublesAhorrar con inteligencia en las salidasSortear el camino por expectativas mal alineadas como parejaVencer el juego de la comparaciónCultivar una relación personal más fuerte en un presupuesto de cero dólares.Los matrimonios comparten mucho más que una chequera o incluso un dormitorio; comparten una unión sagrada. Imagínese lo que su matrimonio podría ser si pudieran dejar atrás los conflictos monetarios. Este libro es una invitación para hallarlo, y para prosperar juntos.