Religion

Thomas Pfau's study of images and visual experience is a tour de force linking Platonic metaphysics to modern phenomenology and probing literary, philosophical, and theological accounts of visual experience from Plato to Rilke.Incomprehensible Certainty presents a sustained reflection on the nature of images and the phenomenology of visual experience. Taking the "e;image"e; (eikon) as the essential medium of art and literature and as foundational for the intuitive ways in which we make contact with our "e;lifeworld,"e; Thomas Pfau draws in equal measure on Platonic metaphysics and modern phenomenology to advance a series of interlocking claims. First, Pfau shows that, beginning with Plato's later dialogues, being and appearance came to be understood as ontologically distinct from (but no longer opposed to) one another. Second, in contrast to the idol that is typically gazed at and visually consumed as an object of desire, this study positions the image as a medium whose intrinsic abundance and excess reveal to us its metaphysical function-namely, as the visible analogue of an invisible, numinous reality. Finally, the interpretations unfolded in this book (from Plato, Plotinus, Pseudo-Dionysius, John Damascene via Bernard of Clairvaux, Bonaventure, Julian of Norwich, and Nicholas of Cusa to modern writers and artists such as Goethe, Ruskin, Turner, Hopkins, Cezanne, and Rilke) affirm the essential complementarity of image and word, visual intuition and hermeneutic practice, in theology, philosophy, and literature. Like Pfau's previous book, Minding the Modern, Incomprehensible Certainty is a major work. With over fifty illustrations, the book will interest students and scholars of philosophy, theology, literature, and art history.

Gnostics have always sought to "know" rather than to accept dogma and doctrine, often to their peril. This inquiry into Gnosticism examines the character, history, and beliefs of a brave and vigorous spiritual quest that originated in the ancient Near East and continues into the present day.Lawrence Durrell writes, "This is a strange and original essay, more a work of literature than of scholarship, though its documentation is impeccable. It is as convincing a reconstruction of the way the Gnostics lived and thought as D.H. Lawrence's intuitive recreation of the vanished Etruscans."

"What is a monastery? A monastery is a place set apart--a place to learn the blessings of powerlessness, and that time is not ours but God's. Our home and our duties can, just like a monastery, teach us those things. The vocation of monastic men and women is to physically withdraw from the world. But the principle is equally valid for those of us who cannot go off to monasteries. Certain vocations offer the same kind of opportunity for contemplation, and provide a desert for reflection."--

"Pope Shenouda III is a treasure chest. Oh, if one could peak inside! This book is exactly the vent through which we can peak into his soul. Here we taste the sweetness of his God-centered life through his dialogues with God. We cannot say that we can see the full scope of his intimate relationship with God, but for a moment we can feel and share in this longing for unity with the Lord, speaking to Him from his heart, debating with Him, discussing with Him, and begging Him. This book certainly can teach a person how to pray: how to have a dialogue with the Divine.His Holiness Pope Shenouda III began holding weekly spiritual meetings since the 1960s when he was ordained a bishop, and so the contents of this book are gleaned from as early as those meetings and his various publications, spanning over 50 years of intimate conversations with God. We pray that this book inspires the readers to a deeper relationship with the Divine"--

Yantra making is a sacred and special art that has innumerable and miraculous benefits. It is an ancient art form that has been practiced by saints and yogis to attain ultimate wisdom and balance.Regular practice of Yantra making not only improves decision making abilities but also heals our body and soul and allows us to find and understand the purpose of our birth. This book is volume 1 of a series of books that share ancient science and knowledge of Yantras and simplifies it for easy understanding and application.Along with an explanation of how Yantras work and their practical, spiritual and scientic significance, this book also contains detailed step by step instructions on how to make GaneshYantra, Lakshmi Yantra, Parvati Yantra, Saraswati Yantra, Brahma Yantra,Vishnu Yantra and Shiva Yantra.Sushma Johari Madan is an artist, painter, author and a spiritual teacher. Sushma belongs to a family of talented artists and scholars. Her father, BB Johari was a gifted astrologer. Sushma's brother, Harish Johari was a world renowned artist, author and philosopher. Sushma's art work and books focus on explaining ancient beliefs, rituals and sciences in such a way that the younger generations can comprehend the logic and its significance in their modern lives.

The Secrets of the Universe in 100 Symbols is an illustrated reference to 100 ancient and diverse symbols that are said to hold the answers to the universe.

If you're a coach or course creator who struggles to attract clients and cash consistently, you're in the right place. Who knew marketing yourself would be so hard? You're amazing at what you do, have an awesome product, and can help people solve a problem. So, where are they? If your content is falling on deaf ears, or you're having trouble getting your audience to actually purchase something from you, chances are there is an energetic misalignment rather than something you're doing "e;wrong."e;This book walks you through how to apply the fundamental tools of Human design to your business: Strategy and Authority. Then we talk about the dynamics of your energy type and some strategies for Goal Setting, Advertising, Business Models, and Money. It will give you insight into the decision-making superpower unique to you and help you use it to make tweaks in your business, messaging, and marketing so you can consistently attract, nurture and convert your dream clients.

In Biblical Critical Theory, Christopher Watkin draws a winsome vision for biblical cultural engagement in which faithfulness to Scripture and sensitivity to culture walk hand in hand. If Christians want to speak with a fresh, engaging and constructive voice within our culture, we need to press deeper into the core truths of the Bible.

The Patristic Treasury is a collection of assorted works by the early Church Fathers, spanning from the Ante-Nicene, to the Nicene and Post-Nicene periods. In this collection you will uncover the wisdom of the ancients, with deep roots in the divinely inspired Scriptures, as they speak on various doctrinal matters. It is no exaggeration that nearly the whole New Testament can be reconstructed from the writings of the Church Fathers, such was the veneration that the Church Fathers had for the divinely inspired Scriptures. While certainly not perfect, and by no means the fount of the church for its growth and development, by the grace of God, the writings of the Church Fathers have proven to be a guiding light for the church in its spiritual devotion and its quest for better understanding God's revealed Truth. Whether we are aware of it or not, the Church Fathers were foundational in the growth and purity of early Christianity, having a lasting impact that extends to today.

This is a beautifully illustrated introduction to a topic that has rarely been written about before: Italian American magic. Tarot and magic expert Dee Norman shares never-before-disclosed practices and rituals for personal wellbeing.

In dramatic stories and sweeping panoramas, distinguished historian John T. McGreevy tells the mesmerising story of a Church torn between the forces of reform and reaction for the past 250 years. Anti-monarchist French clerics celebrated the Revolution, but the murder of priests and destruction of churches in the Terror galvanised a powerful conservative reaction that reverberates to this day. Missionaries around the world greatly expanded the Church's influence while bringing new tensions between a culturally diverse syncretism and the ultimate authority of Rome. The aspirations of the faithful for justice in this world-African Catholics fighting for independence, Latin Americans developing a theology of liberation, Polish and South Korean Catholics demanding democratic governments-challenged the politically cautious. The cataclysms of the Second World War, decolonisation, the Second Vatican Council and clerical sexual abuse have each remade the Church, leaving Pope Francis with the superhuman task of charting a path for over one billion Catholics worldwide.

Is there a soul that outlives the body? Could that soul come back to a new body carrying the memories of the former? Is there any evidence that makes reincarnation not only plausible but likely? Through 100 first-person stories, author Sara Rigler introduces readers to people from all over the world whose experiences defy rational explanation - unless they are, as they claim to be, reincarnated souls from the Holocaust."Beautifully written and compellingly argued, Sara Yoheved Rigler's groundbreaking book is a significant contribution to our understanding of how the Holocaust continues to impact on the Jewish psyche and soul. Even for someone like me, who is an agnostic on the claims raised by this book, the stories told here present a formidable challenge to how we perceive the post-Holocaust era."Yossi Klein Halevi, NY Times bestselling author

What if you or someone you loved missed out on the Rapture? What happens to those who are left behind? Trusted and beloved Bible teacher Dr. David Jeremiah shares the help and hope people will need as they face unfolding events during the End Times.

Explore a fresh and timely interpretation of Jesus' most popular teaching parables.

This book consist of the spiritual wisdom from extraterrestrials about our relationship to the Creation. This book exposes the cult that has secretly hidden among us in plain sight that has existed for thousands of years. This cult which is one of the most powerful organizations in the world has kept mankind in the dark since its birth and it's about time that the truth shall be known. Understanding our relationship to the Creation is the key to happiness and contentment. The message that this book presents should be in everyone's home and academic institutions of knowledge, that way all minds have the opportunity to receive this message in the time of this New Age that is just beginning.