In this groundbreaking work, Martin Zender asks the one question that no other book on human sexuality asks: Why is there sex in the first place? No other book makes procreation a side-effect rather than the raison d'etre of sexual attraction. Never content with knowing how things are (everyone knows that women look great in pumps while men look ridiculous), Zender explains why they are. From the genesis of eroticism in Eden to your bedroom, Divine Principles of Sexual Attraction demystifies the behaviors of both sexes, at the same time making both men and women content with who God made them. You'll never look at the opposing gender the same way again.
Christianity Today Book Award Winner Friendship is a relationship like no other. Unlike the relationships we are born into, we choose our friends. It is also tenuous--we can end a friendship at any time. But should friendship be so free and unconstrained? Although our culture tends to pay more attention to romantic love, marriage, family, and other forms of community, friendship is a genuine love in its own right. This eloquent book reminds us that Scripture and tradition have a high view of friendship. Single Christians, particularly those who are gay and celibate, may find it is a form of love to which they are especially called. Writing with deep empathy and with fidelity to historic Christian teaching, Wesley Hill retrieves a rich understanding of friendship as a spiritual vocation and explains how the church can foster friendship as a basic component of Christian discipleship. He helps us reimagine friendship as a robust form of love that is worthy of honor and attention in communities of faith. This book sets forth a positive calling for celibate gay Christians and suggests practical ways for all Christians to cultivate stronger friendships.
For thirty years Randy Alcorn has been encouraging people-young and old-to pursue the rewards of sexual purity. Too often we settle for a compromised Christianity that's just a baptized version of the world's sad existence, rather than the abundant life to which God calls us. This book deals with - raising children to embrace sexual purity - providing an example of purity in the home - protecting purity in dating (at any age) - and maintaining purity in marriage. Biblical, practical, and concise, The Purity Principle is a one-stop handbook for individuals, families and churches. Some people have given up on purity. Some have never tried. Bestselling author Randy Alcorn shows us why, in this culture of impurity, the stakes are so high—and what we can do to experience the freedom of purity. Impurity will always destroy us; purity always leads to higher pleasures! Choose wisely. Let the insights of this amazing book—written for old and young, married and single—help you gain your footing on the path to truly lasting joy.
The Bible spells out in God’s terms what "The Secret" said in human terms. "Christianity, The Law of Attraction and The One Command " is the bridge between God’s word, His universal laws, The One Command® by Asara Lovejoy and you. When first learning about "The Law of Attraction" Beverly became torn between her religious upbringing and studying about Universal Laws. While searching the Bible for answers, she realized that many people have the same feelings concerning putting into practice these teachings. Upon setting her intention to write this book, many people with information began to show up in her life. It was as if God was showing her what to say and do to help others understand that all things are of the Creator. "The Secret" set the world on fire for more knowledge. "Christianity, The Law of Attraction and The One Command®" reveals the answers to questions about the biblical truths before us and the steps to create the life we always wanted. This is a must read for anyone wanting to improve their relationships, career, health, wealth and all other aspects of their life. "Beverly has brought the essence of The One Command® into a form that is easily understood and can be related to the verses quoted and many more that come to mind. I would recommend this to everyone with any doubts or concerns that it would interfere with their religion. Beverly is a fountain of knowledge and shares it very well with the reader." Fran Benfield, Certified NLP Practitioner; Virginia “With her passion for truth, Beverly has created a masterpiece by filling a gap; creating a connection between the Laws of the Universe and the words of The Bible, positively linking the truths of Christians to the truths of The Universe. I embrace these truths, and seeing them so expertly linked with The One Command® provides a process for stability and balance...for a life of abundance and possibility.” Alida Morrill, Energy Coach, Texas
In this uniquely fascinating book, the author reveals how the Universal Laws - and even quantum physics - actually direct the course of your relationship destiny. Energy is the center of all life, and your energy is the center of all that you attract. You project this energy ahead of you in time and space, magnetically determining whom you will meet, as well as what the dynamics of any particular relationship will be like. In Secrets of Attraction, you'll discover what makes up your personal energy field, how you broadcast it, and why it has much more impact on your relationships than your looks, intellect, or financial status. No matter what you've been through in the past, you do have the power to change your relationship energy and manifest the intimacy and true love that has been eluding you for so long!
The digital revolution has ushered in a series of sexual revolutions, all contributing to a perfect storm for modern relationships. Online dating, social media, internet pornography, and the phenomenon of the smartphone generation have created an avalanche of change with far-reaching consequences for sexuality today. The church has struggled to address this new moral ecology because it has focused on clarity of belief rather than quality of formation. The real challenge for spiritual formation lies in addressing the underlying moral intuitions we carry subconsciously, which are shaped by the convictions of our age. In this book, a fresh new voice offers a persuasive Christian vision of sex and relationships, calling young adults to faithful discipleship in a hypersexualized world. Drawing from his pastoral experience with young people and from cutting-edge research across multiple disciplines, Jonathan Grant helps Christian leaders understand the cultural forces that make the church's teaching on sex and relationships ineffective in the lives of today's young adults. He also sets forth pastoral strategies for addressing the underlying fault lines in modern sexuality.
Do women and men have different intellectual, spiritual, moral, or emotional capacities? Over the centuries, women have read and interpreted the story of Eve, scrutinizing the details of the text to discern God's word for them. Biblical scholar Amanda Benckhuysen traces the history of women's interpretation of Genesis 1-3, allowing the voices of women to speak of Eve's story and its implications for life today.
In an era of rapid change and overwhelming challenges, young individuals are often at the crossroads of identity, beliefs, and societal pressures. "THE OUTSIDER: Coming-of-Age In This Moment" offers a lifeline to the troubled souls who grapple with the adversities of modern life. Aimed specifically at the age group of 12-25, this book serves as an essential guide, shedding light on the myriad dilemmas faced by today's youth. Divided into seven pivotal sections, the book touches on everything from the delicate nature of sexual desires and love, the challenges of maintaining genuine friendships in an age of superficiality, the complexities of family dynamics, the trials and tribulations of school life, to the deeply personal struggles of self-identity and health. Each chapter provides valuable insights grounded in Christian values and teachings, offering a conservative perspective that is both relatable and transformative. This isn't just a book for the youth. Parents will find it a revelation, unraveling the layers of what their children are navigating in today's wicked world. It provides them with the tools to foster understanding and open channels of communication. Moreover, pastors, Christian counselors, church, and even school counselors will find it an invaluable resource, aiding them in their mission to guide the youth towards a path of righteousness and purpose. Whether you're a teen trying to find your place in this world, a parent aiming to connect with your child, or a counselor in search of holistic approaches, "THE OUTSIDER" will provide answers, solace, and hope. It's not just about surviving these tumultuous years; it's about thriving, finding purpose, and emerging stronger, all while keeping faith at the forefront. Equip yourself with this comprehensive guide and find the strength, understanding, and wisdom to navigate and rise above the challenges of contemporary life. For in understanding our struggles, we are better placed to overcome them, leaning on faith, community, and the timeless teachings of Christ.
The division of land and consolidation of territory that created the Greek polis also divided sacred from productive space, sharpened distinctions between purity and pollution, and created a ritual system premised on gender difference. Regional sanctuaries ameliorated competition between city-states, publicized the results of competitive rituals for males, and encouraged judicial alternatives to violence. Female ritual efforts, focused on reproduction and the health of the family, are less visible, but, as this provocative study shows, no less significant. Taking a fresh look at the epigraphical evidence for Greek ritual practice in the context of recent studies of landscape and political organization, Susan Guettel Cole illuminates the profoundly gendered nature of Greek cult practice and explains the connections between female rituals and the integrity of the community. In a rich integration of ancient sources and current theory, Cole brings together the complex evidence for Greek ritual practice. She discusses relevant medical and philosophical theories about the female body; considers Greek ideas about purity, pollution, and ritual purification; and examines the cult of Artemis in detail. Her nuanced study demonstrates the social contribution of women's rituals to the sustenance of the polis and the identity of its people.
Progressing from Thelemic Magick, Maat Magick transforms the ashes and rubble of the destruction caused by the old formula of the Dying God into a new world society. These rituals are designed for the individual, but can be adapted for group work.Introduction by Kenneth Grant, foreword by Jan Fries. Includes "Liber Pennae Praenumbra," a document received by Nema while in a visionary trance. Glossary. Bibliography. Index.
