Religion

Available once again--the powerful enlightening dialogue between a man searching for spiritual and physical release and the channeled energy known as Emmanuel.

Many who have read the New York Times bestseller The Da Vinci Code have questions that arise from seven codes-expressed or implied-in Dan Brown's book. In Breaking the Da Vinci Code: Answers to the Questions Everyone's Asking, Darrell Bock, Ph.D., responds to the novelist's claims using central ancient texts and answers the following questions: Who was Mary Magdalene? Was Jesus Married? Would Jesus Being Single be Un-Jewish? Do the So-Called Secret Gnostic Gospels Help Us Understand Jesus? What Is the Remaining Relevance of The Da Vinci Code?

Darrell Bock's research uncovers the origins of these codes by focusing on the 325 years immediately following the birth of Christ, for the claims of The Da Vinci Code rise or fall on the basis of things emerging from this period. Breaking the Da Vinci Code, now available in trade paper, distinguishes fictitious entertainment from historical elements of the Christian faith. For by seeing these differences, one can break the Da Vinci code.

This is the third volume in a trilogy that is part history, part fiction, based on the anecdotes of Saint Francis' three companions: Rufino (The Autumn of Saint Francis of Assisi), Leo (Brother Leo Remembers Francis) and now Angelo, who reaped the memories of his two friends.

Brother Angelo of Rieti returns to Assisi forty years later to remember how it had been in the beginnings of the Franciscan Order. In imaginative language and believable dialogue, he compares memories with Saint Clare, Brothers Sylvester, Giles, Bernardo di Quintevalle and other early companions of Saint Francis, and visits the sites in and around Assisi that were important to them. History tells us that Brother Angelo was a musician and troubadour. Brother Angelo tells us, "I picked up my lute that Francis agreed I should bring with me and followed him down the path to the future" (Chapter One).

This accessible volume covers both the teachings of the Buddha and the integration of Buddhism into daily life. What are the distinctive features of Buddhism? What or who is the Buddha, and what are his teachings? How has Buddhist thought developed over the centuries, and how can contemporary dilemmas be faced from a Buddhist perspective? Words such as "karma" and "nirvana" have entered our vocabulary, but what do they really mean? Keown has taught Buddhism at an introductory level for many years, and in this book he provides a lively, challenging response to these frequently asked questions.
About the Series:
Oxford's Very Short Introductions series offers concise and original introductions to a wide range of subjects--from Islam to Sociology, Politics to Classics, Literary Theory to History, and Archaeology to the Bible. Not simply a textbook of definitions, each volume in this series provides trenchant and provocative--yet always balanced and complete--discussions of the central issues in a given discipline or field. Every Very Short Introduction gives a readable evolution of the subject in question, demonstrating how the subject has developed and how it has influenced society. Eventually, the series will encompass every major academic discipline, offering all students an accessible and abundant reference library. Whatever the area of study that one deems important or appealing, whatever the topic that fascinates the general reader, the Very Short Introductions series has a handy and affordable guide that will likely prove indispensable.

The death of a loved one is a tragic event. Yet in our darkest hours, God often provides hope and comfort through the smallest things-like a butterfly.

In the vein of When God Winks and Chicken Soup for the Christian Soul, The Butterfly Club presents real people's stories of how God can, and does, use signs to communicate His presence to those in need. When author Phyllis Calvey heard story after story of how God used the sign of a butterfly to comfort those grieving the loss of a loved one, she set out to gather as many of those stories as she could find. Compiled together, these tales from people who share a common spiritual experience involving a butterfly-The Butterfly Club-answer the age-old question, "Does God speak to us?"

Whether you are grieving, or consoling someone who is, these stories of God's undeniable presence will spark hope and dispel the difference between a mere coincidence and a genuine sign from God.

Legendary songwriter Gloria Gaither takes a nostalgic look at treasured memories made around the hearth, the heart of her family's home. Her poetic language makes this comforting, affirming book read like her songs. You'll remember the warmth and meaningful associations of fireplaces past--or wish for such a place now.

The full, complete exposition of Catholic doctrine, this second edition of the international bestseller has been significantly expanded, enhancing both its content and usability.

The authors examine a broad range of Catholic high schools to determine whether or not students are better educated in these schools than they are in public schools. They find that the Catholic schools do have an independent effect on achievement, especially in reducing disparities between disadvantaged and privileged students. The Catholic school of today, they show, is informed by a vision, similar to that of John Dewey, of the school as a community committed to democratic education and the common good of all students.

Centering on the Vatican statement We Remember: A Reflection on the Shoah, this publication includes the full text of the document, with introduction and commentaries. A bibliography is included.

Written for older children but also suitable for adults, Celtic Heritage Saints celebrates a unique period of learning and holiness in the Celtic Church which flourished against the backdrop of the Dark Ages in Europe. The influence of great Celtic centers of learning such as Clonmacnoise, Lismore, Whitby and Bangor, the Light of the World, still fascinate us today.

Here are the key players of the age in brief biographies...the scholars, adventurous sailors, saints who got their heads chopped off, friends and enemies of Kings. Included, among others, are Colmcille, Brigid, Ciaran of Clonmacnoise, and Hilda of Whitby.

In this enriching book, Father Pennington reveals how the spiritual insights of "centering" have profoundly changed the lives of contemporary Christians everywhere. "I believe in its simplicity," he writes, "it readily adapts itself to wherever one is on [life's] journey. It can open the space for God to lead us all the way into the fullness of the life he offers us...It is truly a gift that belongs to all the People of God." Centered Living is an excellent guidebook for those who already practice centering prayer, as well as those just discovering it.

Demonstrates the similarities of the shared heritage of rich spirituality and reverence for life between the Christian and Islamic traditions.

A feature book for the holiday season.

Book-of-the-Month Club Feature Selection.

Captures the holiday spirit with hundreds of make-it-yourself crafts and decorating ideas.

Better Homes and Gardens kitchen-tested recipes from casual munchies to just-for-company dishes.

This lavishly illustrated book contains a collection of eye-witness accounts by key figures of the period, with authoritative essays by leading historians to provide a fascinating glimpse into this dramatic era. Edited by Elizabeth Hallam, the book tells of the five hundred years of conflict, from the first crusade in 1096 to the last confrontation in the sixteenth century, in the words of observers, communicators and the men and women who took part in this struggle between opposing faiths.

Twelve challenging essays on history, theology, liturgy, canonical order, the ecumenical movement and mission.

A collection of "Uncle" Jess Moody's favorite stories which will delight young and old readers alike as he describes the outrageous moments in life with his playful prose and warm sense of humor.

"In this book...I have the great honor of introducing you to a number of women about whom I have not previously written, as well as sharing with you additional stories with several of them. Each new story...can be applied to help us move into harmony and a state of grace with the world around us...and the articles are designed to make the wisdom of the Sisterhood of the Shield more accessible in our daily lives."

Lynn Andrews has gathered stories from the most profound teachings she has received over the years from the women of the Sisterhood of the Shield, members of an ancient shamanic society deeply embedded in native cultures and traditions all over the world. These shamanic, philosophical, and inspirational teachings are now condensed into one very important book. Her unique and eloquent narrative style reveals how the application of ancient healing techniques can relate to the modern world for over thirty years, interweaving teachings into aspects of universal truths. Coming Full Circle with Lynn reminds us that there is no beginning and no end to the circle of life. In this time of great fear and confusion in the world, she shows how her teachers have led her- and by extension all of us-to confront her deepest fears and accept without hesitation that there is a spiritual solution to every one of life's problems.

Forrest and Gross expose the scientific failure, the religious essence, and the political ambitions of "intelligent design" creationism. They examine the movement's "Wedge Strategy," which has advanced and is succeeding through public relations rather than through scientific research. Analyzing the content and character of "intelligent design theory," they highlight its threat to public education and to the separation of church and state.

The Daily Chase devotional pulls nuggets from The God Chasers, God's Favorite House, and Secret Sources of Power into one fueling point for your daily passion for Christ. This book is for those who are "in hot pursuit" of the Lord.