A Catholic Introduction to the Bible
A Catholic Introduction to the Bible

Author: John Bergsma

Publisher: Ignatius Press

Published: 2018-09-04

Total Pages: 1066

ISBN-13: 1642290483

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Although many Catholics are familiar with the four Gospels and other writings of the New Testament, for most, reading the Old Testament is like walking into a foreign land. Who wrote these forty-six books? When were they written? Why were they written? What are we to make of their laws, stories, histories, and prophecies? Should the Old Testament be read by itself or in light of the New Testament? John Bergsma and Brant Pitre offer readable in-depth answers to these questions as they introduce each book of the Old Testament. They not only examine the literature from a historical and cultural perspective but also interpret it theologically, drawing on the New Testament and the faith of the Catholic Church. Unique among introductions, this volume places the Old Testament in its liturgical context, showing how its passages are employed in the current Lectionary used at Mass. Accessible to nonexperts, this thorough and up-to-date introduction to the Old Testament can serve as an idea textbook for biblical studies. Its unique approach, along with its maps, illustrations, and other reference materials, makes it a valuable resource for seminarians, priests, Scripture scholars, theologians, and catechists, as well as anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the Bible.

Mythical Ireland
Mythical Ireland

Author: Anthony Murphy

Publisher:

Published: 2021-11-07

Total Pages: 350

ISBN-13: 9781838359331

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Mythical Ireland embodies the search for a soul among Ireland's ancient ruins, and is an attempt to retrieve something of deeper import from 5,000-year-old megalithic monuments and their associated myths. The book represents a fascinating and engaging journey through time, landscape and the human spirit. Dealing with archaeology, interpretive mythography, cosmology and cosmogony, the book attempts to grapple with a core meaning, something beyond the functional interpretations of academia. In this revised and expanded edition, Anthony Murphy delves further into the many enthralling aspects of this journey. Just how much knowledge did locals have of the secrets of Newgrange before it was excavated? Who is the Cailleach, the ancient hag goddess whose image is ubiquitous in the ancient landscape? What happened to make Ireland's Stonehenge disappear from the landscape? Who were the first kings of Tara? What were the indigenous Irish myths about the Milky Way? Did someone try to steal the Tara Brooch? Why are there myths in Ireland about flooded towns and cities? Lavishly illustrated with exquisite photographs of the Irish landscape and ancient monuments, Mythical Ireland represents a personal and yet universal journey, a quest to reimagine the shrines as empowering and transformative sacred places. Murphy invokes the druids and poets of the Boyne and thus the sídhe of the ancient texts are reawakened for a modern and turbulent world.

Ten Dumb Things Smart Christians Believe
Ten Dumb Things Smart Christians Believe

Author: Larry Osborne

Publisher: Multnomah

Published: 2009-04-14

Total Pages: 226

ISBN-13: 1601421508

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In this delightfully personal and practical book, respected Bible teacher Larry Osborne confronts ten widely held beliefs that are both dumb and dangerous. People don’t set out to build their faith upon myths and spiritual urban legends. But somehow such falsehoods keep showing up in the way that many Christians think about life and God. These goofy ideas and beliefs are assumed by millions to be rock-solid truth... until life proves they’re not. The sad result is often a spiritual disaster: confusion, feelings of betrayal, a distrust of Scripture, loss of faith, anger toward both the church and God. But it doesn’t have to be so. Respected Bible teacher Larry Osborne confronts ten widely held beliefs that are both dumb and dangerous, including: • Faith can fix anything • God brings good luck • Forgiving means forgetting • Everything happens for a reason • A godly home guarantees good kids Get ready to be shocked, relieved, and inspired in the pages of Ten Dumb Things Smart Christians Believe. Because the truth is meant to set us free—not hurt us.

Reformation Myths
Reformation Myths

Author: Rodney Stark

Publisher: SPCK

Published: 2017-08-17

Total Pages: 215

ISBN-13: 0281078289

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What has the Reformation ever done for us? A lot less than you might think, as Rodney Stark shows in this enlightening and entertaining antidote to recent books about the rise of Protestantism and its legacy. ‘Rodney Stark takes no prisoners as he charges through five hundred years of history, upsetting apple carts left and right. Almost everything you thought you knew about the Reformation turns out to be a false narrative. . . In future, anyone who makes sweeping claims about the benefits of Protestantism ought to check their assumptions against Stark’s research first.’ Clifford Longley, author and journalist ‘Stark brings the insights of a distinguished sociologist of religion to bear on a range of inherited assumptions about the impact of the Reformation . . . The result makes for salutary reading in this year of commemoration and (not always justified) celebration.’ Peter Marshall, Professor of History, University of Warwick ‘Stark changed the way we think about the early Church and this book may change the way you think about Protestantism . . . Reformation Myths cuts through pious certainties and challenges us to think again about our cultural history.’ Linda Woodhead MBE DD, Professor of Sociology of Religion, Lancaster University

Preaching That Speaks to Women
Preaching That Speaks to Women

Author: Alice Mathews

Publisher: Baker Academic

Published: 2003-05

Total Pages: 204

ISBN-13: 080102367X

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Invites preachers to consider how gender affects the way sermons are understood and calls them to preaching that relates to the entire congregation.

The Grasshopper Myth
The Grasshopper Myth

Author: Karl Vaters

Publisher:

Published: 2013-01-10

Total Pages: 212

ISBN-13: 9780988443907

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90% of the churches in the world have less than 200 people. What if that's not a bad thing? What if smallness is an advantage God wants us to use, not a problem to fix?

Steps on Life's Journey
Steps on Life's Journey

Author: Joseph P. Harkins, Jr

Publisher: WestBow Press

Published: 2014-05-28

Total Pages: 108

ISBN-13: 1490837744

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Steps on Lifes Journey: A Beginners Guide is a how-to guide for the new believer in Jesus Christ. It teaches you about the important stepping stones to build your relationship with your Lord and Savior through the use of Scripture and the authors own personal testimony. It walks through beginning faith-building basics, such as dispelling common myths and misconceptions about your faith, preparing for spiritual battle with the armor of God, tithing, and serving and witnessing to others. Each chapter heading is a question, and the chapter answers that question in an easy-to-read fashion. Each chapter then ends with a summarized answer of the question.

Hoodwinked
Hoodwinked

Author: Karen Ehman

Publisher: HarperChristian + ORM

Published: 2015-11-03

Total Pages: 225

ISBN-13: 0310343453

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Moms have been hoodwinked—tricked into believing lies that keep them from not only enjoying motherhood, but forging friendships with other moms who might tackle the tasks of motherhood differently. Myths such as “Mothering is natural, easy, and instinctive” cause moms to feel like failures if they have questions or apprehensions in raising their kids. Operating from the premise that “The way I mother is the right (and only) way” puts up fences between moms instead of building bridges of encouragement between them. Lies such as “I am my child’s choices” tempt moms to mistakenly believe that if their child makes a wrong choice then they, in turn, must be a bad mom. In their encouraging “we’ve been there” style, Karen Ehman and Ruth Schwenk enable mothers to: Identify the ten myths of motherhood our current culture perpetuates Replace the lies with the truth of what God says in the Bible about mothering Acquire practical tools to help them form new and improved thought patterns and healthy behaviors Forge healthy, supportive relationships with other moms of all ages and stages Confidently embrace the calling of motherhood as they care for their families in their own unique way A six-session video Bible study for group or individual use is also available.

The Seven Big Myths about the Catholic Church
The Seven Big Myths about the Catholic Church

Author: Christopher Kaczor

Publisher: Ignatius Press

Published: 2012-08-24

Total Pages: 165

ISBN-13: 1681495546

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The Roman Catholic Church has long been the target of suspicion and hostility. But how much of this is based on ignorance and prejudice and how much is the fruit of thoughtful consideration of the facts? This book separates fact from fiction. Without excusing or justifying wrongdoing, author Christopher Kaczor clarifies official Catholic teaching and demonstrates that much popular opinion about Catholicism is based on misunderstanding and misinformation. He also provides robust and lucid arguments for Catholic belief and practice. No one book can answer everyone's questions or objections about Catholicism, but this work examines seven of the most controversial and most common myths about the Catholic Church. The Seven Myths: The Church Opposes Science: The Myth of Catholic Irrationality The Church Opposes Freedom and Happiness: The Myth of Catholic Indifference to Earthly Welfare The Church Hates Women: The Myth of Catholic Misogyny Indifferent to Love, the Church Banned Contraception: The Myth of Opposition between Love and Procreation The Church Hates Gays: The Myth of Catholic "Homophobia" The Church Opposes Same-Sex Marriage Because of Bigotry: The Myth That There Is No Rational Basis for Limiting Marriage to One Man and One Woman Priestly Celibacy Caused the Crisis of Sexual Abuse of Minors: The Myth of Priestly Pedophilia

The Hidden Divide
The Hidden Divide

Author: Clarence F. Oakley Jr.

Publisher: Author House

Published: 2013-05-28

Total Pages: 202

ISBN-13: 1481748874

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I agree with you on all the points you have listed. Yet, I still need the local congregation. -anonymous The Christian Right group of Churches have been consistently losing members for the last twenty years, and do not have an inkling of the cause. They have joined with the Republicans to try and enforce their will upon society. They have failed in the last two elections as indicated by the election of Barak Obama. This of course gives rise to speculation about the root basis for their beliefs and actions. This group of people claim allegiance to the whole Bible and claim that it is Gods Word. Many people, in light of modern knowledge, are laughing at these old time beliefs. Our society is in need of a credible way of life. The Bible has the right answer, but it is mixed in with much misleading information that the Churches have used to control society. The Churches have organized in such a way as to eliminate criticism. They have assumed the office of Gods representative and members can be punished for disobeying their edicts using discrimination and loss of fellowship. The Christian Right groups have refused to study and update their antiquated standards. This book is written to encourage the first step of this change.