Unification Thought is the philosophy derived from the Divine Principle of the Reverend Sun Myung Moon. It is a powerful key that is capable of solving any problem, no matter how difficult it might be. This Thought presents a new view of life, of the world, of the universe and God's work in history. It is a principle of integration that can bring different religious doctrines and philosophies into unity, while preserving their diverse characteristics.
Six Unification families share their experiences and strategies raising second generation children who have ultimately made their family's faith their own as young adults. Their testimonies about what did not work, as well as what worked, are fascinating, funny, heartbreaking and very enlightening. Of course, the best part is that they adjusted what they did to something that can be called a "Best Practice." Through their words this book covers what not to do as well as what to do in faith parenting your kids.
Throughout history the motif of ‘the Fall’ has impacted upon our understanding of theology and philosophy and has had an influence on everything from literature to dance. Fall Narratives brings together theologians, historians and artists as well as philosophers and scholars of religion and literature, to explore and reflect on a wide range of concepts of the Fall. Bringing a fresh understanding of the nuanced meanings of the Fall and its various manifestations over time and across space, contributions reflect on the ways in which the Fall can be seen as a transition into absence; how conceptions of the Fall relate to, change, and shape one another; and how the Fall can be seen positively, embracing as it does a narrative of hope.
A series of reflections on the basic theories of Unification Thought, the philosophical system developed by Sang Hun Lee. Unification Thought itself is derived from the revelations received by Sun Myung Moon, and systematized and applied to the traditional fields of philosophy in a novel and intriguing way. Part 1 of this volume contains discussions of these ideas in the context of critical analyses by a variety of scholars. The second part contains discussions of how these ideas may be applied to issues that we face in our everyday lives. Diagrams illustrating key ideas are also included.
This book shows that widespread resacralisation has been taking place, which is producing new ways of perceiving God and the divine. The last century has seen unmistakable changes in religious practices and the concept of spirituality right across the world. There was a broad expectation for much of the twentieth century that religious worldviews would eventually succumb to the challenge of secularist materialism, but this process of secularisation has yet to occur as predicted. The book begins by contrasting theories of secularisation and resacralisation. Throughout the book, conceptual threads, or ‘new religious themes’, related to this resacralisation are discussed in terms of three main categories: reimagining God’s nature, substance and location; reimagining human value and purpose; and reimagining modes of redemption. Finally, the book considers how these threads are moving in various different directions, and what the religious future might hold. This is a bold examination of contemporary spirituality that will appeal to academics and scholars of religious studies, new religious movements and the sociology of religion.
This memoir describes the struggles and triumphs of Ginger Nicholls and her husband during the 15 years they dedicated as Unificationist missionaries to the special land of Nepal, home to Mt. Everest. Through stories that are at times heart-wrenching and at other times hilarious, sometimes mundane and sometimes life-threatening, her selfless dedication and sense of humor are ever present. Throughout her narrative, Ginger identifies parallel scriptures from Hindu, Buddhist, Christian and Unification teachings emphasizing the value of spiritual growth based on purity and fidelity. This leads to her final parallel of the Kalki Avatar in Hinduism with the Second Coming of Christ and the True Parents of humankind whose role is to usher in the age of one Family Under God with the power of true love through the international marriage Blessing ceremonies.
Are we a microcosm of the emotional, psychological and spiritual dysfunction we see all around us, in our families, in our societies and in the world? In what way are we affected by and do we perpetuate this chaos? Why haven’t personal healing paths manifested change on a larger scale? How can we create transformational healing that is inclusive of the entire macrocosm? DEEP Origin explores how fallen natures became imprinted on our hearts, passing through the lineage to reconstitute themselves in each successive generation as dysfunctional emotional human patterns. Early life experiences trigger the creation of psychic wounds in each of us—reminiscent of the original breakdown in the Garden of Eden. These wounds were perceived as unbearable to our child selves and we reacted by creating the personality defenses and masks we live behind. DEEP Origin Healing starts with the premise, “Where there is Divine Energy, there can be Emotional Process.” Bringing God and Goddess love into the equation changes everything...
A collection of the writings of Dr. Dietrich F. Seidel, compiled and edited by Dr. Jennifer P. Tanabe. Dietrich Seidel was born in Austria during World War II and trained as a scientist in Vienna. Raised Catholic he later converted to Unificationism and never lost his faith in God, a faith which guided his life and illuminates his work. This selection reflects Dr. Seidel's ability to unify and harmonize even those apparently at odds, such as science and religion and his specialty-married couples in need of counseling. In his writings on marriage and family enrichment readers will find practical advice on improving their relationship with their spouse, child rearing, making God central to their family and finding true love, all presented in an enjoyable and easy to read style. Other articles show a more scholarly form and topic, such as human nature and the love of God. Reflective pieces on his experiences as a Unificationist are also included in this collection.
