Four Australian thinkers come together to ask and answer the big questions, such as: What is the nature of the universe? Doesn't religion cause most of the conflict in the world? and Where do we find hope? We are introduced to the detail of different belief systems - Judaism, Christianity, Islam - and to the argument that atheism, like organised religion, has its own compelling logic. And we gain insight into the life events that led each author to their current position. Jane Caro flirted briefly with spiritual belief, inspired by 19th century literary heroines such as Elizabeth Gaskell and the Brontë sisters. Antony Lowenstein is proudly culturally, yet unconventionally, Jewish. Simon Smart is firmly and resolutely a Christian, but one who has had some of his most profound spiritual moments while surfing. Rachel Woodlock grew up in the alternative embrace of Baha'i belief but became entranced by its older parent religion, Islam. Provocative, informative and passionately argued, For God's Sake encourages us to accept religious differences but to also challenge more vigorously the beliefs that create discord.
“The conflict is only ‘seemingly' beyond solution, because all historical-political problems have solutions, if there is enough courage, honesty, and steadfastness.†In Chosen?, Walter Brueggemann explores the situation in modern-day Israel that raises questions for many Christians who are easily confused when reading biblical accounts of God's saving actions with the Israelites. Are modern Israeli citizens the descendants of the Israelites in the Bible whom God called chosen? Was the promise of land to Moses permanent and irrevocable? What about others living in the promised land? How should we read the Bible in light of the modern situation? Who are the Zionists, and what do they say? In four chapters, Brueggemann addresses the main questions people have with regards to what the Bible has to say about this ongoing issue. A question-and-answer section with Walter Brueggemann, a glossary of terms, study guide, and guidelines for respectful dialogue are also included. The reader will get answers to their key questions about how to understand God's promises to the biblical people often called Israel and the conflict between Israel and Palestine today.
Globalisation stands as an indispensable lens through which to analyse current cultural, political, and social transformations. This prevailing paradigm, acknowledged by its advocates and critics, profoundly shapes our environment. Within this global landscape, Islam's position is noteworthy—often perceived as rejecting globalisation and its secular underpinnings. This book offers a perspective of the global resurgence of religion in general and the revival of Islam in particular as crucial features of globalisation. Furthermore, the book deeply explores how Islamist groups strategically challenge religious authority, utilising social media and the internet to reshape their spheres of influence. By exploring these dynamics, the book aims to provide comprehensive insights into the interplay between Islamist strategies, digital platforms, and religious institutions within our interconnected world.