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Belgium - Culture Smart!
by Mandy MacdonaldCulture Smart! provides essential information on attitudes, beliefs and behavior in different countries, ensuring that you arrive at your destination aware of basic manners, common courtesies, and sensitive issues. These concise guides tell you what to expect, how to behave, and how to establish a rapport with your hosts. This inside knowledge will enable you to steer clear of embarrassing gaffes and mistakes, feel confident in unfamiliar situations, and develop trust, friendships, and successful business relationships.Culture Smart! offers illuminating insights into the culture and society of a particular country. It will help you to turn your visit-whether on business or for pleasure-into a memorable and enriching experience. Contents include* customs, values, and traditions* historical, religious, and political background* life at home* leisure, social, and cultural life* eating and drinking* dos, don'ts, and taboos* business practices* communication, spoken and unspoken"Culture Smart has come to the rescue of hapless travellers." Sunday Times Travel"... the perfect introduction to the weird, wonderful and downright odd quirks and customs of various countries." Global Travel"...full of fascinating-as well as common-sense-tips to help you avoid embarrassing faux pas." Observer"...as useful as they are entertaining." Easyjet Magazine"...offer glimpses into the psyche of a faraway world." New York Times
Belgium in the Great War
by Jean-Michel VerannemanA historian and former Belgian diplomat sheds light on the country&’s tumultuous experience during WWI. In August of 1914, the German Empire invaded neutral Belgium in order to outflank the defenses of the French army. Yet the Belgian army resisted, managing to hold a small part of unoccupied Belgian territory north of Ypres until the Armistice of 1918. Because of their heroic defense, Belgium and its King enjoyed enormous international prestige after the war. Occupied Belgium suffered civilian executions and severe destruction. It was widely stripped of its highly developed industrial infrastructure. It was saved from starvation by food shipments from the United States which came in via neutral Holland. Four and a half years later, Belgium emerged a different country with experiences that would leave a lasting on its spirit as well as wide-ranging political implications.
Belgium in the Second World War
by Jean-Michel VerannemanThis WWII history sheds light on Belgian resistance and fighting from the battle against Nazi invasion through its occupation and liberation. When the Nazis invaded neutral Belgium in May of 1940, the Belgian armed forces held out against a vastly superior enemy for eighteen grueling days. The elected Government went into exile in London but King Leopold III controversially remained with his people as a prisoner. In this authoritative history, Jean-Michel Veranneman discusses how many brave Belgians continued the fight both outside and inside their country. While the Colonial Army fought in East Africa, the Belgian Brigade fought from Normandy to Germany. The Belgian Resistance organized escape routes, sabotaged their occupiers&’ activities, and spied for the Allies. Veranneman also covers those who collaborated and fought for the Nazis, many of whom were later tried for war crimes. He also delves into the loss of roughly half the Jews in Belgium with many stirring stories of courage and tragedy.Belgium in the Second World War is an overdue and honest account of one nation&’s varied experiences during five years of Nazi occupation and oppression.
Belgrade: The 21st Century Metropolis of Southeast Europe (The Urban Book Series)
by Biljana Arandelovic Milena VukmirovicThis book highlights Belgrade, reviewing its recent and historical developments and emphasizing its major ongoing planning projects. The book is divided into eight chapters. The first, entitled The urban, political and socioeconomic rise and fall of Belgrade through its history, introduces the reader to the city, and is followed by a chapter on Belgrade’s urban plans through history. The book continues with a chapter on one of the major urban projects in the former Yugoslavia, the construction of New Belgrade, its development and results, entitled New Belgrade: from no man’s land to modern city. In turn, the following three chapters explore three dominant contemporary topics: Belgrade’s riverfront redevelopment; Reimaging Belgrade: the case of Savamala; and Sustainable Belgrade. Expansion of the pedestrian zone in the city center. The book draws to a close with a chapter on Future predictions: South-Eastern European metropolis of the 21st century. This chapter in particular discusses large city projects and includes predictions about the city’s future.
Belgrade Noir (Akashic Noir #0)
by Milorad IvanovićBelgrade, with all of its historical complexity, joins Zagreb and Prague in representing the Eastern European dimension of the Akashic Noir Series. “Intensely magnetic.” —Exclusive Magazine Akashic Books continues its award-winning series of original noir anthologies, launched in 2004 with Brooklyn Noir. Each book comprises all new stories, each one set in a distinct neighborhood or location within the respective city. Brand-new stories by: Oto Oltvanji, Misha Glenny, Kati Hiekkapelto, Vesna Goldsworthy, Mirjana Ðurdevic, Vladan Matijevic, Muharem Bazdulj, Vladimir Arsenijevic, Dejan Stojiljkovic, Miljenko Jergovic, Aleksandar Gatalica, Vule Žuric, Verica Vincent Cole, and Goran Skrobonja.
Belgrano: El gran patriota argentino
by Daniel BalmacedaBiografía definitiva del gran patriota argentino Manuel Belgrano. Un libro repleto de datos e historias novedosas que pintan un perfil preciso sobre su vida íntima y echa luz sobre su vida pública; incluyendo el auténtico detrás de escena de la creación de la bandera. La historia argentina tiene una importante deuda con Manuel Belgrano y Daniel Balmaceda salda parte de ese destino esquivo con este fascinante libro. El prócer que difundió valores de compromiso; compasión y solidaridad; que rechazaba premios y renunciaba a sueldos; trabajó toda su vida por el bien común. Esta biografía diferente; reveladora; logra interpretar las verdaderas batallas de Belgrano: su desvelo por el desarrollo del campo y su obsesión con la educación; sus actos de valentía; la importancia de su accionar en la Semana de Mayo; su amistad con San Martín y su actividad militar son algunos de los aspectos de sus hazañas que recorren estas páginas; sin obviar los hitos históricos como su emotiva influencia en la Declaración de la Independencia.
Belgrano: La revolución de las ideas
by Diego Valenzuela Mercedes SanguinetiEn Belgrano. La rebelión de las ideas, Diego Valenzuela y MercedesSanguinetti sacan a la luz las facetas menos visibles de este prócer denuestra historia. Una biografía completa y única que muestra las facetasque quedaron escondidas debajo de los bronces militares. Manuel Belgrano fue un rebelde. Un hombre que se animó a tomar riesgos.Su vida transcurrió a caballo del viejo orden colonial y la Revoluciónque dio origen a la Nación argentina. Joven privilegiado, se formó enEuropa, donde se nutrió de las nuevas corrientes de pensamiento. Devuelta en Buenos Aires, buscó ponerlas en práctica para derribar losvicios del sistema colonial, entre ellos el contrabando y el monopolio.Su misión fue incentivar el progreso a través de la educación libre ygratuita, el fomento a la agricultura y el comercio.Este libro deja salir a la luz al Belgrano de las ideas, oculto detrásde los bronces militares. Al periodista, al economista, al funcionariotransgresor y al intelectual revolucionario. Sin dejar de revelar susclaroscuros, como la travesura de conseguir el título de abogado con uncertificado falso, o la creación misma de la bandera #a la que mostró enRosario sin el respaldo de las autoridades#.Diego Valenzuela y Mercedes Sanguineti, jóvenes historiadores quelograron el éxito con Sarmiento periodista, reconstruyen la intensa vidade este hombre que murió en la pobreza, aquejado por la enfermedad, lasdeudas y la falta de reconocimiento. Un hombre que renunció a lascomodidades económicas, también a su destino como intelectual, paraexpandir y afianzar la revolución en gran parte del territorioargentino. En definitiva, Belgrano, el de carne y hueso, que merecenuevas miradas y reflexiones como las que ofrece esta biografía. Ellector comprenderá los motivos de la trascendencia de Belgrano y poderrendirle un justo homenaje.
Belgrave Square (Thomas and Charlotte Pitt Mystery #12)
by Anne Perry12th in the Charlotte and Thomas Pitt series.
Belgrave Square: A gripping mystery of blackmail and murder on the streets of Victorian London (Thomas Pitt Mystery #12)
by Anne PerryWill the hidden layers of conspiracy triumph before Pitt can solve the case? A grisly murder of a moneylender draws Inspector Pitt once more into a world of power and greed in Anne Perry's Belgrave Square. Perfect for fans of C. J. Samson and Sherlock Holmes. '[Anne] Perry's characters are vivid and well-drawn... If you want to be privy to the romance, politics, and scandal of Victorian London, this descriptive, leisurely paced mystery may well be your cup of Earl Grey tea' - Houston Chronicle The murder in Clerkenwell of an obscure moneylender named William Weems brings discreet rejoicing among those whose meagre earnings he so mercilessly devoured. Yet when Inspector Thomas Pitt finds a list including some of London's most distinguished gentlemen in Weems' office, he begins to realize this was no common usurer but a vicious blackmailer. Charlotte Pitt has connections to this distinguished London society, and, at glittering balls and over gossipy tea tables, she begins to perceive a world of passion, power, and greed that the police are seldom permitted to see... What readers are saying about Belgrave Square: 'Brilliant set of books. Will carry on reading them as fast as Anne Perry writes them, they are simply the best''I love all Anne Perry books, this was no exception, [was] sorry when I got to the end''Five stars'
Belgravia
by Julian FellowesLa nueva novela del creador de Downton Abbey. Muy cerca de Buckingham Palace, tras las puertas de las grandes mansiones del Londres victoriano, reinan el escándalo y la intriga. Bienvenidos a Belgravia. La noche del 15 de junio de 1815 la flor y nata de la sociedad británica se reúne en Bruselas para celebrar una fiesta que se convertirá en una de las más trágicas de la historia: el baile de gala de la duquesa de Richmond en honor del duque de Wellington. Al día siguiente, muchos de los apuestos jóvenes que han acudido a la recepción se encontrarán luchando, y muriendo, en el campo de batalla de Waterloo. Para la joven Sophia Trenchard, la bella hija de un próspero comerciante, esta es la noche que lo cambiará todo. Pero solo veinticinco años más tarde, cuando los ambiciosos Trenchard se muden al nuevo barrio de moda en Londres, Belgravia, comenzarán a conocerse las repercusiones de ese momento. Porque en este incipiente mundo, en el que los emergentes nuevos ricos se codean con la más arraigada aristocracia, hay quienes prefieren que los secretos del pasado sigan enterrados# Reseñas:«Simplemente una lectura maravillosa. Un clásico moderno que llenará el hueco que dejó Downton Abbey.»Daily Express «Una trama repleta de sorpresas, diálogos frescos y una ambientación fascinante.»The New York Times «El arranque es estupendo, con un romance que desafía las clases sociales.»Mail on Sunday «Escrita con agilidad, esta novela te hace pasar las páginas a toda velocidad con el suspense de un thriller... Una lectura inteligente y envolvente que refleja de forma brillante un mundo que ya no existe.»Woman & Home «Belgravia es una entretenida y fascinante historia sobre el tema favorito de Fellowes: las clases sociales. Hará las delicias de muchos lectores.»Sunday Times. L@s bloguer@s han dicho... «Su ambientación es espectacular y su prosa directa y sencilla hacen que sea una lectura que se devora en pocos días.»Blog Libros y literatura «Déjate seducir por una propuesta que no te va a defraudar, una historia de enredos, secretos, amor y escándalos que nos va sorprendiendo y manteniendo en vilo a lo largo de toda la lectura. No se puede pedir más.»Blog Me gustan los libros
Belgravia
by Julian FellowesLa novela en la que se basa la exitosa serie de televisión. Por el creador de Downton Abbey. Muy cerca de Buckingham Palace, tras las puertas de las grandes mansiones del Londres victoriano, reinan el escándalo y la intriga. Bienvenidos a Belgravia. La noche del 15 de junio de 1815 la flor y nata de la sociedad británica se reúne en Bruselas para celebrar una fiesta que se convertirá en una de las más trágicas de la historia: el baile de gala de la duquesa de Richmond en honor del duque de Wellington. Al día siguiente, muchos de los apuestos jóvenes que han acudido a la recepción se encontrarán luchando, y muriendo, en el campo de batalla de Waterloo. Para la joven Sophia Trenchard, la bella hija de un próspero comerciante, esta es la noche que lo cambiará todo. Pero solo veinticinco años más tarde, cuando los ambiciosos Trenchard se muden al nuevo barrio de moda en Londres, Belgravia, comenzarán a conocerse las repercusiones de ese momento. Porque en este incipiente mundo, en el que los emergentes nuevos ricos se codean con la más arraigada aristocracia, hay quienes prefieren que los secretos del pasado sigan enterrados... Reseñas:«Simplemente una lectura maravillosa. Un clásico moderno que llenará el hueco que dejó Downton Abbey.»Daily Express «Una trama repleta de sorpresas, diálogos frescos y una ambientación fascinante.»The New York Times «El arranque es estupendo, con un romance que desafía las clases sociales.»Mail on Sunday «Escrita con agilidad, esta novela te hace pasar las páginas a toda velocidad con el suspense de un thriller... Una lectura inteligente y envolvente que refleja de forma brillante unmundo que ya no existe.»Woman & Home «Belgravia es una entretenida y fascinante historia sobre el tema favorito de Fellowes: las clases sociales. Hará las delicias de muchos lectores.»Sunday Times En los blogs...«Su ambientación es espectacular y su prosa directa y sencilla hacen que sea una lectura que se devora en pocos días.»Blog Libros y literatura «Déjate seducir por una propuesta que no te va a defraudar, una historia de enredos, secretos, amor y escándalos que nos va sorprendiendo y manteniendo en vilo a lo largo de toda la lectura. No se puede pedir más.»Blog Me gustan los libros
Belhaven Bride
by Helen DicksonHer life changed overnightWhen Anna Preston was introduced to her estranged family at their Belhaven estate, London’s glamorous set became her new milieu, with never-before-dreamt-of trips to Paris and the French Riviera. There was now even the chance of a place at Oxford University.Thrown headlong into this exciting new world, she needed a solid rock to cling to, and this she found in Alex Kent. Having escaped the revolution in Russia as a boy, Alex was an impressive-if enigmatic-man. He sought to protect Anna from the perils of her new life, but even he couldn’t keep her from the dangers that came with falling in love....
Beli Meida Hola: ಬೇಲಿ ಮೇಯ್ದ ಹೊಲ
by Ta. Ra. Suಈ ಕಾದಂಬರಿಯು ವ್ಯಕ್ತಿಯ ಪ್ರಜ್ಞೆಯಲ್ಲಿ ಹುದುಗಿರುವ ಸತ್ಯಗಳ ಮೂಲಕ ಸಮಾಜದ ವಾಸ್ತವತೆಯನ್ನು ತಿಳಿಸುತ್ತದೆ.
Belichick: The Making Of The Greatest Football Coach Of All Time
by Ian O'ConnorThe definitive, New York Times–bestselling biography of the NFL’s most enigmatic, controversial, and yet successful coach.“With deep reporting and a profound understanding of the football life, Ian O'Connor comes as close as humanly possible to solving the mystery of the great football sphinx . . . and his unmatched coaching career.” —David Maraniss, bestselling author of When Pride Still Mattered, A Life of Vince Lombardi Bill Belichick is perhaps the most fascinating figure in the NFL—the infamously dour face of one of the winningest franchises in sports. As head coach of the New England Patriots, he’s led the team to six Super Bowl championship trophies. In this revelatory and robust biography, readers will come to understand and see Belichick’s full life in football, from watching college games as a kid with his father, a Naval Academy scout, to orchestrating two Super Bowl–winning game plans as defensive coordinator for the Giants, to his dramatic leap to New England, where he has made history.Award-winning columnist and New York Times–bestselling author Ian O’Connor delves into the mind of the man who has earned a place among coaching legends like Lombardi, Halas, and Paul Brown, presenting sides of Belichick that have been previously unexplored. O’Connor discovers how this legendary coach shaped the people he met and worked with in ways perhaps even Belichick himself doesn’t know. Those who follow and love pro football know Bill Belichick only as the hooded genius of the Patriots. But there is so much more—from the hidden tensions and deep layers to his relationship with Tom Brady to his sometimes-frosty dealings with owner Robert Kraft to his ability to earn the unmitigated respect of his players—if not their affection. This is a man who has many facets and, ultimately, has created a notorious football dynasty. Based on exhaustive research and countless interviews, this book circles Belichick to tell his full story for the first time and presents an incisive portrait of a mastermind at work.“A fascinating look inside the team so many of us love to hate.” —Washington Post“This is the kind of gold-standard reporting that all journalists aspire to, and few actually achieve.” —Mike Vaccaro, award-winning columnist, New York Post
Belichick and Brady: Two Men, the Patriots, and How They Revolutionized Football
by Michael HolleyFrom the NYT bestselling author with unprecedented access to the Patriot franchise, comes Belichick and Brady, the epic, inside story of the rise and dominance of Tom Brady, Bill Belichick, and the New England Patriots. Featuring interviews from Patriots players and coaches, Holley presents a fascinating portrait of the partnership between Tom Brady, the Patriots' star quarterback, and Bill Belichick, the team's prolific coach. Chockful of behind-the-scenes anecdotes and information exploring how they have strategized and weathered controversies, all culminating into four Superbowl rings, this is required reading for any Patriots fan and students of the game of football.By examining how the relationship between this dynamic quarterback and coach duo, Holley explores exactly how these two men have formed the core of the greatest dynasty in the modern-day NFL.
Belieber!: Fame, Faith and the Heart of Justin Bieber (Playaway Young Adult)
by Cathleen FalsaniJustin Bieber’s rise from "regular kid" to one of the most famous people on the planet has captivated a nation of devoted fans called “Beliebers.” With hit records, 8 million followers on Twitter and the third-largest grossing documentary film of all time, the 17-year-old Canadian pop star dubbed “Super Boy” on Rolling Stone’s recent cover has countless fans who hang on his every word. But is there more to this pop idol’s startling success than his legendary haircut and unusual talent? “The success I’ve achieved comes ... from God,” Bieber says "I feel I have an obligation to plant little seeds with my fans. I'm not going to tell them, 'You need Jesus,' but I will say at the end of my show, 'God loves you.'” The bold yet humble faith that grounds Bieber's worldview may just be the key to his extraordinary appeal. Recognizing that music and film are the language of this new generation, author and religion journalist Cathleen Falsani's hope is that this book will encourage faith leaders as well as parents to engage with popular culture in a different way so they can better talk to their kids about what matters most.
Belief: What It Means to Believe and Why Our Convictions Are So Compelling
by James E. AlcockAn expert on the psychology of belief examines how our thoughts and feelings, actions and reactions, respond not to the world as it actually is but to the world as we believe it to be.This book explores the psychology of belief - how beliefs are formed, how they are influenced both by internal factors, such as perception, memory, reason, emotion, and prior beliefs, as well as external factors, such as experience, identification with a group, social pressure, and manipulation. It also reveals how vulnerable beliefs are to error, and how they can be held with great confidence even when factually false. The author, a social psychologist who specializes in the psychology of belief, elucidates how the brain and nervous system function to create the perceptions, memories, and emotions that shape belief. He explains how and why distorted perceptions, false memories, and inappropriate emotional reactions that sometimes lead us to embrace false beliefs are natural products of mental functioning. He also shows why it is so difficult to change our beliefs when they collide with contradictions.Covering a wide range -- from self-perception and the perceived validity of everyday experience to paranormal, religious, and even fatal beliefs--the book demonstrates how crucial beliefs are to molding our experience and why they have such a powerful hold on our behavior.
Belief: Readings on the Reason for Faith (Walker Large Print Ser.)
by Francis S. Collins"Is there a God?" is the most central and profound question that humans ask. With the New Atheists gaining a loud voice in today's world, it is time to revisit the long-standing intellectual tradition on the side of faith. Francis Collins, New York Times bestselling author of The Language of God and renowned physician and geneticist, defends the reason for faith in this provocative collection. Collins is our guide as he takes us through the writings of many of the world's greatest thinkers -- philosophers, preachers, poets, scientists -- both past and present, including such luminaries as C. S. Lewis and Augustine, and unexpected voices such as John Locke and Dorothy Sayers. Despite the doubts of a cynical world, this essential companion proves once and for all the rationality of faith."In the twenty-first century, many seem to have concluded that the spiritual experience and the life of the mind ought to occupy separate domains, and that disruptions, conflicts, and disenchantments will result if the firewall comes down. Surely humanity's ongoing search for truth is not enriched by such limitations. In the words of Socrates, the key to a fully mature and richly rewarding life, both for us as individuals and as a society, is to 'follow the argument wherever it leads,' unafraid of the consequences. If this collection of essays provides even a small encouragement in this direction for the seeker, the believer, or the skeptic, that will be gratifying indeed." -- from the Introduction
Belief: Influence, Belief, Faith (The Marcus Kline Books #2)
by Chris ParkerOne man faces the ultimate test when the murderous hypnotist he helped take down escapes captivity—with revenge on his mind . . .I’m going to say a few words . . . That’s the promise made by Ethan Hall, serial killer and master hypnotist, when he recovers from his gunshot wounds and escapes from hospital. It’s a promise that causes havoc, loss, and unending pain. Using language to bend people to his will, influencing others to carry out the most destructive acts, Ethan Hall intends to exact his revenge on Marcus Kline and those closest to him in the most personal and savage ways.Six months have passed since a series of horrific murders forced Marcus, the world’s leading authority on communication and influence, into a unique confrontation with Ethan—a battle of words like no other. Marcus is trying desperately to save his cancer-stricken wife and rebuild his life, his reputation, and his shattered self-confidence. But Ethan Hall has other plans.Now, with Marcus Kline’s self-belief at an all-time low, the struggle for survival, sanity, and salvation teaches everyone involved that things can always get worse . . .
Belief
by Dave Warner Marlion PickettFrom prison to premiership glory; this is Marlion Pickett&’s extraordinary story. It&’s the third quarter in the biggest game of the season. A young man lines up for goal. The 100,000 strong crowd leaps to its feet and roars as Marlion Pickett sends the ball soaring through the goalposts for his first ever major, celebrated by every teammate, a tradition upheld even on Grand Final day.It was the 2019 AFL Grand Final, and Richmond&’s Marlion Pickett was making history as the first player in over 50 years to debut on that &‘one day in September&’.Marlion helped the Tigers thrash the Greater Western Sydney Giants in their debut grand final appearance and was judged third best on ground, only six days after steering Richmond&’s VFL team with his best on ground performance to their nail biting Grand Final victory.Marlion Pickett&’s extraordinary story of redemption is a true fairy tale. The tale of a man who came back from the brink to triumph on Australian sport&’s biggest stage, a long-held dream come true.What&’s even more remarkable about Marlion&’s journey is how this young, troubled Aboriginal kid from Western Australia ever got his chance in the first place. A story all too sadly familiar – about drugs, crime, violence and time spent in jail – but also about a life picked up piece by piece through his own belief in himself and those around him who believed in him too.Belief also takes us inside the South Fremantle and Richmond Football clubs – clubs that have made stars and cult heroes out of other Indigenous players; clubs willing to overlook a talented kid&’s troubled past to give him a chance. We meet the fellow players and support network who stood by Marlion&’s side as he fought back against injury and the doubters and proudly ran onto the field at the MCG.Marlion&’s resilience and strength is inspirational. His is an unforgettable Australian story of triumph over adversity.
Belief, Action, and Rationality over Time
by Chrisoula Andreou and Sergio TenenbaumAction theorists and formal epistemologists often pursue parallel inquiries regarding rationality, with the former focused on practical rationality, and the latter focused on theoretical rationality. In both fields, there is currently a strong interest in exploring rationality in relation to time. This exploration raises questions about the rationality of certain patterns over time. For example, it raises questions about the rational permissibility of certain patterns of intention; similarly, it raises questions about the rational permissibility of certain patterns of belief. While the action-theoretic and epistemic questions raised are closely related, advances in one field are not always processed by the other. This volume brings together contributions by scholars in action theory and formal epistemology working on questions regarding rationality and time so that researchers in these overlapping fields can profit from each other’s insights. This book was originally published as a special issue of the Canadian Journal of Philosophy.
Belief after Freud: Religious Faith through the Crucible of Psychoanalysis
by Carlos Domínguez-MoranoBelief after Freud confronts the psychoanalytic experience and the experience of faith. A purified vision of faith, so many times disfigured by infantile or neurotic dynamics, can emerge through the crucible of psychoanalysis. The work contributes to the dialogue between psychoanalysis and faith, based on the respective lived experiences, rather than from theoretical positions only. The book is divided into three parts:Part I centres on Freud’s position on religion. After an introductory chapter assessing Freud’s present validity, the following chapters critically examine Freud’s position and interpretation of religion.Part II examines how people of faith experience psychoanalysis, including the role played by unconscious feelings of guilt, and the ideas of sin and salvation.Part III explores ideas of sexuality, power, and obedience, including the unconscious and pathological roots of the relation with money, and the sense of evangelical poverty.Now in its fifth edition in Spain, Belief after Freud has also been published in Argentina and Brazil. Many readers say the book has opened a new form of belief for them. The book has also been of great interest to non-believing psychologists.
Belief and Cult: Rethinking Roman Religion
by Jacob L. MackeyA groundbreaking reinterpretation that draws on cognitive theory to show that belief wasn’t absent from—but rather was at the heart of—Roman religionBelief and Cult argues that belief isn’t uniquely Christian but was central to ancient Roman religion. Drawing on cognitive theory, Jacob Mackey shows that despite having nothing to do with salvation or faith, belief underlay every aspect of Roman religious practices—emotions, individual and collective cult action, ritual norms, social reality, and social power. In doing so, he also offers a thorough argument for the importance of belief to other non-Christian religions.At the individual level, the book argues, belief played an indispensable role in the genesis of cult action and religious emotion. However, belief also had a collective dimension. The cognitive theory of Shared Intentionality shows how beliefs may be shared among individuals, accounting for the existence of written, unwritten, or even unspoken ritual norms. Shared beliefs permitted the choreography of collective cult action and gave cult acts their social meanings. The book also elucidates the role of shared belief in creating and maintaining Roman social reality. Shared belief allowed the Romans to endow agents, actions, and artifacts with socio-religious status and power. In a deep sense, no man could count as an augur and no act of animal slaughter as a successful offering to the gods, unless Romans collectively shared appropriate beliefs about these things.Closely examining augury, prayer, the religious enculturation of children, and the Romans’ own theories of cognition and cult, Belief and Cult promises to revolutionize the understanding of Roman religion by demonstrating that none of its features makes sense without Roman belief.
Belief and Imagination: Explorations in Psychoanalysis (The New Library of Psychoanalysis)
by Ronald BrittonWinner of the 2013 Sigourney Award! Belief and Imagination brings together Ronald Britton's writing on these subjects over the last 15 years, exploring the concepts from a Kleinian perspective. The book covers: The status of phantasies in an individuals mind - are they facts or possibilities? How the notions of objectivity and subjectivity are interrelated and have their origins in the Oedipal triangle How phantasies which are held to be products of the imagination, can be accounted for in psychoanalytic terms. Britton also examines the relationship between psychic reality and fictional writing, and the ways in which belief, imagination and reality are explored in the works of Wordsworth, Rilke, Milton and Blake.
Belief and Make-Believe
by George Albert WellsWhy do so many people - sometimes even intelligent people - swallow the preposterous claims of religion? G.A. Wells, the leading freethinker of our time, tries to shed light on this puzzle in his entertaining and enormously learned book, Belief and Make-Believe.Professor Wells begins by analyzing the nature of belief. To dispel popular confusions on the relation between words and thoughts, he compares the thinking process of scientists, laymen, and chimpanzees.The power of emotion and instinct to help form people's ideological outlooks is analyzed by preference to "defiance" and "reliance", polar attitudes which arise from the need for dominance and submission in primate groups. Wells shows the influence of defiance and reliance in patriotism and in monotheistic religions, where submission to the will of the omnipotent is a wonderful technique for feeling secure in the face of life's actual and ineradicable dangers.Since the knowledgeable Christians now accept that the Bible is uneven, unreliable, and sometimes morally abhorrent, and that the New Testament account of the origin of Christianity is mostly legend, various attempts have been made to save something from the debris by selective re-interpretation. Wells evaluates several typical examples, showing how the apologists shrink from the clear implications of their arguments, which would demolish the whole edifice of Christian doctrine.Finally, Professor Wells debunks some of the extravagant and mystical claims that have been made for the arts, notably poetry, as quasi-religious vehicles for gaining insights into the human condition.