Through incisive discussions of topics ranging from practice, power, and pedagogy to ritual, history, sex, and death, the authors offer new directions for the understanding of Buddhism, taking constructive and sometimes polemical positions in an effort both to demonstrate the shortcomings of assumptions about the religion and the potential.

Rather than focus solely on theological concerns, this well-rounded introduction takes an expansive view of Islamic ideology, culture, and tradition, sourcing a range of historical, sociological, and literary perspectives. Neither overly critical nor apologetic, this book reflects the rich diversity of Muslim identities across the centuries and counters the unflattering, superficial portrayals of Islam that are shaping public discourse today. Aaron W.

Hughes uniquely traces the development of...

Introducing Judaism is the ideal starting point for students beginning their studies of this fascinating religion. Eliezer Segal takes a historical approach, focusing on religious aspects of Judaism, and introducing themes as they emerge from authentic Jewish documents. Students will gain an understanding of how Judaism is lived by its adherents and the historical and geographical diversity of Jewish beliefs and practices.

The book has a clear and accessible structure. Part One presents the h...

* Gives an account of the history, the theological basis, the practice and the current state of the study of religion and religions throughout the world* Combines a clear and non-technical style of presentation with a structure and range of contributions which reflect the richness and complexity of religion itself, of the religions of the world and the study of religions* Comprehensive index, bibliographies and suggestions for further reading`Intriguing philosophical questions are raised abou...

Chisungu is widely hailed as a classic of anthropology and African and gender studies. This Routledge Classics edition includes a new foreword by Jessica Johnson and an introduction by Jean La Fontaine.

This lively, engaging introduction to the New Testament is critical yet faith-friendly, lavishly illustrated, and accompanied by a variety of pedagogical aids, including sidebars, maps, tables, charts, diagrams, and suggestions for further reading. The full-color interior features art from around the world that illustrates the New Testament's impact on history and culture. The first edition has been well received (over 60,000 copies sold).

This new edition has been thoroughly revised in respo...

Sacred Scripture quotes Jesus Christ only once during the first thirty years of His life on earth. The twelve-year-old asks two precise and profound questions: “Why did you seek Me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father’s business (Luke 2:49 NKJV)? Other translations say “about My Father’s house.” Neither the Greek word for “business” nor “house” is found within this pivotal verse. For centuries Biblical scholars delved deeply into this interpretive predicament. De...

I learned about the Blessed Virgin Mary as a child attending a superb Roman Catholic grade school and as a teenager studying at an excellent Catholic high school. My friendship with Our Lady was nurtured at the University of Notre Dame and deepened throughout my adult life. Later as a Wesleyan pastor, I missed the Virgin Mary as an intimate and important part of my life. Finally coming home, called in significant part by my yearning for Our Lady, I fell in love with the Theotokos as a Deacon ...

In de geestelijk chaotische periode van de late zestig- begin zeventiger jaren, voelden velen hoe het schip waarop zij zich tot dan toe veilig waanden in slechts enkele jaren tijd enorme slagzij begon te maken, en zij zagen tot hun ontzetting hoe zij door het schip en de woelige golven dreigden te worden meegesleurd.

In die periode van totale geestelijke verwarring, zochten velen naar nieuwe stabiliteit, vooral in de oosterse mystiek met de onpersoonlijke God, en vele technieken van zelfreali...

Thaїssia Salopiva (1842-1915) stamde uit een adellijke familie in Novgorod. Haar moeder was familie van de grote dichter Pushkin. Als jong meisje werd zij naar het Pavolovsky instituut in St. Petersburg gestuurd waar zij al zo opviel door haar vroomheid dat de meisjes haar “moeder abdis”noemden. Na aanvankelijk verzet van haar moeder werd zij novice in Tikhvin.

In 1885 werd zij aangesteld als abdis van een klooster in Leishino waar de communiteit onder haar bestuur tot grote bloei kwam e...