Pejoratively referred to as "idols" in the Hebrew Bible and in western tradition, the cult image occupied a central place in the cultures of the ancient Near East. In Mesopotamia, a ritual (mis pi) was used to "give birth" to the god represented by the cult image. In this volume, three separate essays examine the topic within different ancient Near Eastern cultures, and a fourth provides a modern analogy as counterpoint.
One of the world's most renowned classicists here offers a fascinating look at myths of origins and their role in ancient Greek civic ideology. Through a series of critical interpretations of Athenian myths, Nicole Loraux explores the meaning of democracy in its first form, which excluded from its benefits women, slaves, and foreigners. Arguing that these stories have much to tell us about the present and the human condition, her book makes important claims about the role of the past in our understanding of the present. Loraux begins by discussing the Greek fascination with being born from the earth. Myths of autochthony, she asserts, shed important light on attitudes toward both foreigners and women in democratic states. She considers the role demarcated for women by the Pandora myth, according to which women are artificially created out of earth and therefore belong to a race apart. Her analysis also extends to contemporary issues, concluding with the place of the foreigner in democratic societies, ancient and modern. Originally published in France in 1996, Born of the Earth has been superbly translated into English by Selina Stewart.
Presents the story of the author's childhood and young adulthood coping with the challenges of Asperger Syndrome. This book collects stories, poems, and essays that she penned in high school. It takes us into the confusing and tumultuous years of dating, and finally marriage to John, a young man who is also on the spectrum whom she met in college.
A mysterious shipwreck could unlock ancient powers... or send her to a watery grave. Targa MacAuley feels more at home on dry land than in the watery realm of her mermaid ancestors. After 17 years on solid ground, she fears she'll never grow into the creature her mother hoped she'd become. To keep her mom's homesickness and true identity under wraps, Targa signs on for a mysterious salvage dive in the Baltic Sea. Her plan to blend in with the rest of the crew is spoiled when she catches the eye of a handsome local. A freak accident and a strange connection to the ancient shipwreck below attract even more unwanted attention. With both her mom's secret-and her life-in danger, Targa must finally find the courage to unleash the currents surging deep within. Born of Water is a Readers Favorite Gold Medal Winner and the first book in The Elemental Origins, a captivating nonlinear series of YA urban fantasy novels, now updated in celebration of its 5th anniversary. If you like new twists on mermaid lore, simmering romance, and close-knit mother-daughter bonds, then you'll love A.L. Knorr's nautical adventure. Embark on a deeper dive into the story's lore with The Wreck of Sybellen, a companion novel included with the book.
A lighthearted nonfiction picture book about the formation and history of the Earth--told from the perspective of the Earth itself! "Hi, I’m Earth! But you can call me Planet Awesome." Prepare to learn all about Earth from the point-of-view of Earth herself! In this funny yet informative book, filled to the brim with kid-friendly facts, readers will discover key moments in Earth’s life, from her childhood more than four billion years ago all the way up to present day. Beloved children's book author Stacy McAnulty helps Earth tell her story, and award-winning illustrator David Litchfield brings the words to life. The book includes back matter with even more interesting tidbits. This title has Common Core connections.
World-renowned Zen monk Thich Nhat Hanh champions a more mindful, spiritual approach to protecting nature and limiting climate change—one that recognizes people and planet as one and the same. While many experts point to the enormous complexity in addressing issues ranging from the destruction of ecosystems to the loss of millions of species, Thich Nhat Hanh identifies one key issue as having the potential to create a tipping point. He believes that we need to move beyond the concept of the “environment,” as it leads people to experience themselves and Earth as two separate entities and to see the planet only in terms of what it can do for them. Here, Thich Nhat Hanh points to the lack of meaning and connection in peoples’ lives as being the cause of our addiction to consumerism. He deems it vital that we recognize and respond to the stress we are putting on the Earth if civilization is to survive. Rejecting the conventional economic approach, Thich Nhat Hanh shows that mindfulness and a spiritual revolution are needed to protect nature and limit climate change. Love Letter to the Earth is a hopeful book that gives us a path to follow by showing that change is possible only with the recognition that people and the planet are ultimately one and the same.
When the world was first formed, the Lord and Satanel made an agreement that each would have one thousand years of dominion over the Earth. Now, it is the new millennium, and Satanel has refused to give up his hold. His decision starts an unprecedented spiritual war that could very well claim the lives of every human being on Earth-unless God's warriors can stop him. God sends twelve archangels to Earth in the guise of infants born to human parents, thus escaping Satanel and his legions' notice. Their mission is to recover the gemstones originally set in the Breastplate of Aaron, which were stolen by Satanel to prevent their use in battle. With the arrival of Ariel, the twelfth archangel, the strike is ready to commence. The perilous search for the jewels is fraught with danger for men and angels as they encounter physical and magical confrontations. But when it is time for the final battle, the denizens from the various realms of air, earth, fire, and water join the fight to determine the fate of the world.
IT'S TIME YOU STOPPED LIVING SMALL AND STARTED SEEING THE REAL YOU. Did you know when God made you, He did it with something greater in mind than how you're currently living? Believe it or not, God created you with the intention to rule on Earth as He rules in Heaven. Unfortunately, this birthright we all have deep within us has either been lost or buried. There's good news, though: the birthright to rule can be reclaimed. In Born To Rule, you will journey back to the beginning to rediscover the primary purpose for mankind and learn how to actualize this purpose into every area of your life. After all, rulership is why you were created. In This Book You Will: - Reclaim your birthright to rule on Earth as your Father rules in Heaven - Restore your identity as a King or Queen under God - Rewire your mind with Rulership Beliefs
