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Does the current celibate, semi-monastic, and all-male seminary formation contribute to the persistence of clerical sexual abuse in the Roman…
Catholic Church?Applying sociological theories on socialization, total institutions, and social resistance as the primary conceptual framework, and drawing on secondary literature, media reports, the author’s experience, interviews, and Church documents, this book argues that the Catholic Church’s institution of the celibate seminary formation as the only mode of clerical training for Catholic priests has resulted in negative unintended consequences to human formation such as the suspension of normal human socialization in society, psychosexual immaturity, and weak social control against clerical sexual abuse. The author thus contends that celibate training, while suitable for those who do live in religious or monastic communities, is inappropriate for those who are obliged to live alone and work in parishes. As such, an alternative model for diocesan clerical formation is advanced.A fresh look at the aptness – and effects – of celibate formation for diocesan clergy, this volume is the first to relate the persistence of Catholic clerical sexual abuse to celibate seminary formation, exploring the structural links between the two using sociological arguments and proposing an apprenticeship-based model of formation, which has numerous advantages as a form of clerical training. It will therefore appeal to scholars and students of religion, sociology, and theology, as well as those involved with seminary formation.By Edited by Alice Wong. 2024
The much-anticipated follow up to the groundbreaking anthology Disability Visibility: another revolutionary collection of first-person writing on the joys and…
challenges of the modern disability experience, and intimacy in all its myriad forms.What is intimacy? More than sex, more than romantic love, the pieces in this stunning and illuminating new anthology offer broader and more inclusive definitions of what it can mean to be intimate with another person. Explorations of caregiving, community, access, and friendship offer us alternative ways of thinking about the connections we form with others—a vital reimagining in an era when forced physical distance is at times a necessary norm. But don't worry: there's still sex to consider—and the numerous ways sexual liberation intersects with disability justice. Plunge between these pages and you'll also find disabled sexual discovery, disabled love stories, and disabled joy. These twenty-five stunning original pieces—plus other modern classics on the subject, all carefully curated by acclaimed activist Alice Wong—include essays, photo essays, poetry, drama, and erotica: a full spectrum of the dreams, fantasies, and deeply personal realities of a wide range of beautiful bodies and minds. Disability Intimacy will free your thinking, invigorate your spirit, and delight your desires.Since at least the high point of the civil rights movement, African American Christianity has been widely recognized as a…
potent force for social change. Most attention to the political significance of Black churches, however, focuses on domestic protest and electoral politics. Yet some Black churches take a deep interest in the global issue of Israel and Palestine. Why would African American Christians get involved—and even take sides—in Palestine and Israel, and what does that reveal about the political significance of “the Black Church” today?This book examines African American Christian involvement in Israel and Palestine to show how competing visions of “the Black Church” are changing through transnational political engagement. Considering cases ranging from African American Christian Zionists to Palestinian solidarity activists, Roger Baumann traces how Black religious politics transcend domestic arenas and enter global spaces. These cases, he argues, illuminate how the meaning of the ostensibly singular and unifying category of “the Black Church”—spanning its history, identity, culture, and mission—is deeply contested at every turn. Black Visions of the Holy Land offers new insights into how Black churches understand their political role and social significance; the ways race, religion, and politics both converge and diverge; and why the meaning of overlapping racial and religious identities shifts when moving from national to global contexts.By Laura Tamblyn Watts. 2024
Caring for an aging parent can raise a host of tricky questions, but these conversation-starting scripts, plus expert advice, will…
help you and your parent find answers. Age-proofing an older relative’s living space, figuring out powers of attorney, spotting and dealing with signs of dementia, asking them to give up the car keys or consider assisted living . . . the first step toward tackling these concerns and more is an honest, informed discussion. Here are prompts and road maps for twenty-seven essential conversations—with your parent, other family members, and health care providers—including: Does my parent need help around the house? What kind of medical issues should we look out for? Do I really need to help my parents if they’re toxic? How can my family share the caregiving load? How to approach these topics is just as important as what needs to be said, so each chapter has tips for navigating complex emotions and finding shared ground when everyone has different ideas. You’ll get informed, have a productive discussion, and make a plan—so you can get back to making the most of your time with your parent.By Cait West. 2024
A gripping memoir about coming of age in the stay-at-home daughter movement and the quest to piece together a future…
on your own terms. Raised in the Christian patriarchy movement, Cait West was homeschooled and could only wear clothes her father deemed modest. She was five years old the first time she was told her swimsuit was too revealing, to go change. There would be no college in her future, no career. She was a stay-at-home daughter and would move out only when her father allowed her to become a wife. She was trained to serve men, and her life would never be her own. Until she escaped. In Rift, Cait West tells a harrowing story of chaos and control hidden beneath the facade of a happy family. Weaving together lyrical meditations on the geology of the places her family lived with her story of spiritual and emotional manipulation as a stay-at-home daughter, Cait creates a stirring portrait of one young woman&’s growing awareness that she is experiencing abuse. With the ground shifting beneath her feet, Cait mustered the courage to break free from all she&’d ever known and choose a future of her own making. Rift is a story of survival. It&’s also a story about what happens after you survive. With compassion and clarity, Cait explores the complex legacy of patriarchal religious trauma in her life, including the ways she has also been complicit in systems of oppression. A remarkable literary debut, Rift offers an essential personal perspective on the fraught legacy of purity culture and recent reckonings with abuse in Christian communities.By Scott Ashmon. 2020
¿ Cuá l es mi propó sito en la vida? ¿ Có mo debo vivir? Este libro te invita a…
explorar tu identidad a travé s de tus llamados, a imaginar vivir virtuosamente para los demá s, y a descubrir un profundo significado y satisfacció n en la vida. Verá s muchas vocaciones que los jó venes tienen o tendrá n má s tarde en la vida. Entre los llamados abordados está n el ser estudiante, ciudadano, vecino, trabajador, cuidador de la naturaleza, esposo, esposa, novio, novia, padre o madre, hijo, hermano, santo y sacerdote, y amigo. Los capí tulos sobre estos llamados examinan la naturaleza y las responsabilidades de estos roles a la luz de la sabidurí a humana y divina que se halla en la tradició n de las artes liberales y en la Biblia.Tambié n considerará s el rol que desempeñ an los pasatiempos en la vida y la manera en que estas entusiastas actividades pueden renovarte y capacitarte. Cada capí tulo contiene ejercicios para reflexió n y discusió n que se pueden desarrollar de manera personal, con un compañ ero o en grupo.By Allison Key Bemiss. 2024
Teach preschoolers their ABCs and faith using the hands-on, sensory experiences and projects in this creative activity devotional that explores…
living for Jesus with curiosity and excitement.Written by a mom, teacher, and expert in STEAM activities and early childhood education, this activity devotional is packed with opportunities for little ones to grow, learn, and have fun in God's great, exciting world. This book includes ...26 devotions for each letter that focus on curiosity and inquiry and include biblically-rooted "I Am" affirmations;short, easy-to-understand Bible verses and prayers that speak to a young child's sweet and joyful heart;active projects, crafts, recipes, games, and songs for hands-on sensory learning;an introduction for families overviewing the research-based design and strategies embedded in the projects; andaccess to a downloadable alphabet coloring book.God Made Me from A to Z is designed fortoddlers and preschoolers ages 2 to 5high-energy children, neurodivergent children, and children with special needsSunday school classes, preschool lessons, and homeschool familiesa New Year's or summer family project, starting a new school year, and gifts for birthdays, Easter baskets, and ChristmasYoung children are natural explorers. Help them discover God's world and how wonderfully God created them while encouraging their hearts with scriptural truths and gifting them special family memories.By Sarah Jakes Roberts. 2024
Unleash the superpower of being yourself. Sarah Jakes Roberts, bestselling author of Woman Evolve, will help you craft a language toward…
your issues with intentionality.Stripping our minds of the expectations that inundate our world has never been more difficult. One quick scroll of our phones and we're consumed by other people's projections of how we should be feeling or responding.The ability to determine your truth without judgment is the beginning of harnessing authentic power in Christ. When we do the work of embracing where we are, we create space for God's love to meet us in our most raw form and then polish us to shine like never before. Power does not lie in success, achievement, or performance. Power rests in humility, honesty, and the commitment to continuous growth.Power Moves will help you to qualify whether you're living life authentically or if you've found a way to maintain status quo. It will reveal the principles required to tap into the most powerful version of who you are, then lead you in how to introduce your authentic self to the world around you. Sarah will help yougive language to your changing needs,acknowledge and applaud your growth,refuse to bear the weight all at once or all alone, andrelease your power. Open your eyes to the way that God sees you and awaken your boldness to effect change in the world by living out the truth of who God says you are with confidence.By Shana Novak. 2024
A warm, inviting celebration of beloved keepsakes and the stories they hold.A set of old apartment keys, a pair of…
worn running shoes, a declaration of love scribbled on a restaurant receipt. Beautiful stories that celebrate the power an object can hold are at the heart of The Heirloomist by photographer Shana Novak, creator of the project of the same name dedicated to documenting keepsakes and transforming them into uniquely meaningful works of art. The 100 objects featured here range from the everyday to the extraordinary. Treasured heirlooms to their owners, ordinary folks and cultural figures alike, they hold remarkable stories such as:Nora McInerny on the fork that began her relationship with her late husband.The sculpture that inspired Christy Turlington to fight for maternal healthcare.The charm bracelet Nate Berkus gifted his daughter in stylish family tradition.Rosanne Cash’s love for her children represented by baby shoes.Andrew Zimmern’s inherited steel carving set that began a storied career in food.Big or small, expensive or humble, we all have meaningful items with powerful messages behind them. Celebratory, sentimental, and bursting with heart, The Heirloomist offers a glimpse into the treasures we hold dear and how they inform the stories of our lives.HEARTWARMING GIFT: The stories attached to these heirlooms range from funny to moving and everything in between. An artful and touching memory book, it makes a sentimental gift for Mother's Day, Father's Day, graduation, housewarming, or any special occasion. Also perfect for anyone looking for unique stories.FOR FANS ART BOOKS LIKE HUMANS OF NEW YORK: The Heirloomist contains dozens of striking portraits of seemingly ordinary objects along with fascinating stories that will resonate with readers long after they've been read. The ultimate coffee table book, it is at once visually engaging and warmly entertaining.BASED ON A BELOVED BRAND: Through her business and popular Instagram account of the same name, photographer Shana Novak turns treasured keepsakes into uniquely meaningful works of art. As @theheirloomist, Shana has become a living receptacle for her clients’ stories, absorbing them as she strives to capture the essence of what makes each keepsake special to its owner in her photographs, and sharing them with her strong audience of devoted followers.Perfect for:Fans of The Heirloomist project and @theheirloomist social media accountsLovers of found objects and the stories behind themPhotography enthusiasts and photography book collectorsAnyone seeking unique Mother's Day or Father's Day giftsReaders of the New Yorker and story collections such as Humans of New York, Advanced Style, and Worn StoriesBy Nicolas Rouillé. 2023
Quand Nicolas Rouillé, écrivain dépourvu d'expérience dans le médico-social, annonce qu'il a trouvé un emploi en maison de retraite, on…
lui demande: "Tu vas torcher les vieux? T'as pas trouvé pire comme boulot?" Dans un établissement public qui se remet tout juste de la pandémie de COVID, il fait la rencontre de Mme Lopez, Mady, Suzanne, M. Lacaze et de bien d'autres résident·es attachant·es qui luttent, se laissent porter ou perdent pied. Rapidement, il s'intègre à une équipe d'auxiliaires de vie, d'aides-soignantes et d'infirmières dont la force de travail est tout aussi invisibilisée qu'essentielleBy Jean-Sébastien Marsan. 2019
Le Québec des années 1860 à 1960 a connu une série d'évolutions, de crises et de tensions. La province s'industrialisation,…
s'urbanise et se bureaucratise. Elle connaît une forte émigration vers les États-Unis, les premières féministes remportent leurs premières batailles malgré la criminalisation de l'avortement, une guerre mondiale éclate, suivie de l'effervescence des Années folles, de la Grande Dépression et d'une autre guerre mondiale... Apparaissent alors les fameux enterrements de vie de garçon, les showers, la commercialisation du mariage et la popularisation de l'automobile, du cinéma, de la radio et la télévision. La société québécoise évolue et bénéficie de constant progrès en matière d'hygiène, de médecine et de moyens de contraception. À l'approche de la Révolution tranquille, le Québec subit un décalage de plus criant avec le discours de l'Église : la population aspire maintenant à autre choseThese sensational fictional accounts of a near conquest of Japan by a kind of mythical Kirishitan, who used money and…
magic to gain converts in their attempt to take over Japan, are studied in the context of the publication trends of the time they were produced, as well as of the cultural and political attitudes toward Christianity that prevailed when they were written. Leuchtenberger also analyzes the representations of Japan and the Kirishitan that appear in these texts in the context of contemporary discourses on the world and Japan's place in it. New maps and information brought by the missionaries and traders to Japan reflected a world that looked very different from the traditional Sino-centric one. These anti-Kirishitan popular narratives meet the challenge of this new world by expelling it and reasserting the conventional three-realms world order, in which Japan plays an influential role. This is done most obviously in the expulsion of the Kirishitan that is narrated in the texts, but it is also achieved on another level by the representation of the Kirishitan as uncouth and very common villains. Conquering Demons features a new look at anti-Kirishitan works from a literary perspective, examining them in the context of developments in the publishing industry and in the broader discourses on Japan and many Others in the world. It is of interest most broadly to scholars and teachers of Japanese history and literature, but also to those dealing with questions of identity and Othering, issues of "mapping" Japan and the world, and the role of manuscript culture in Edo-period literature. The translations provide an entertaining and relatively rare look at some Japanese representations of Westerners and would be useful in undergraduate classes on Japanese history, culture, and literature.By Allan Weisbecker. 2001
In 1996, Allan Weisbecker sold his home and his possessions, loaded his dog and surfboards into his truck, and set…
off in search of his long-time surfing companion, Patrick, who had vanished into the depths of Central America. In this rollicking memoir of his quest from Mexico to Costa Rica to unravel the circumstances of Patrick's disappearance, Weisbecker intimately describes the people he befriended, the bandits he evaded, the waves he caught and lost en route to finding his friend. In Search of Captain Zero is, according to Outside magazine, "A subtly affecting tale of friendship and duty. [It] deserves a spot on the microbus dashboard as a hell of a cautionary tale about finding paradise and smoking it away."In Search of Captain Zero: A Surfer's Road Trip Beyond the End of the Road is a Booksense 76 Top Ten selection for September/October.By Kl Richards. 2024
Navigate the modern maze of life with Book of Alternative Quotes of Wisdom for Generation Z as your compass. This…
thoughtfully curated collection of quotes and affirmations is tailored to guide Generation Z through the daily challenges moulded by social media influences and the ever-evolving digital landscape. In a world where your social circles and self-identity play pivotal roles, this book helps you reflect on the company you keep – are they uplifting or do they tether your potential? It nudges you to identify the facets of life that challenge, change, and ultimately, define you. Structured in digestible sections, this book facilitates a gradual exploration of topics – from self-awareness to personal growth, and from chasing dreams to overcoming adversities. It’s not just a book, but a catalyst for self-reflection and a beacon of motivation. Embark on a journey of self-discovery and goal setting as you delve into a wealth of positive affirmations and insightful quotes. Each page is designed to spark introspection, fostering a deeper understanding of your aspirations and the hurdles on your path. Whether you’re seeking inspiration to tackle life’s challenges head-on or in need of a daily dose of positivity, this book is a treasure trove of wisdom that resonates with the pulse of Generation Z.By Tom Berlin, Mark A. Miller. 2023
On the third day, he rose again.In The Third Day: Living the Resurrection, Tom Berlin uses his gifts of storytelling…
and understanding the Scriptures to connect the reader to the experiences of several individuals around Jesus in his final days, focusing on new life and redemption rather than loss.Join Peter, Mary Magdalene, and Thomas as they feel the despair of losing Jesus and the surprise and joy that awaits them in the resurrection. This study traces events around these characters, along with Paul and the disciples at Emmaus, and how the resurrection transforms their lives.The book can be read alone or used for a six-week group study and church-wide Lenten program. Components include a comprehensive Leader Guide and video teaching sessions featuring Tom (with closed captioning).By Magrey DeVega, Sam McGlothlin, Jevon Caldwell-Gross, Susan Robb. 2023
Be part of something more.We are hungry for a sense of purpose, direction, and calling in our lives. That’s as…
basic an ingredient to the human experience as they come. We want to be part of something bigger than ourselves. We want to participate in something that has eternal merit and lasting impact. We do not want to live a shallow, hollow existence. We yearn for deeper meaning, for deeper purpose within our lives. We want to be more than we are.In On Purpose: Finding God’s Voice in Your Passion, authors Magrey deVega, Sam McGlothlin, Jevon Caldwell-Gross, and Susan Robb help us see God's purpose for our lives, how to open ourselves to God's voice, and how to take the first or next step to follow God's call. Reading this book and exploring life choices alongside others, individuals will learn how to channel their passions, hear God’s voice, and live the life they were meant to live.To support reading in a group, resources including a full leader’s guide and DVD with four teaching sessions are also available.By Josh Scott. 2023
Read the Bible for the first time – again. In Bible Stories for Grown-Ups: Reading Scripture with New Eyes pastor…
Josh Scott looks at familiar Bible stories and reveals new details and interpretations for an adult audience. This six-week Bible study will consider stories many read as children including Noah's Ark, the binding of Isaac, Jonah and the big fish, Jesus and Zacchaeus, Jesus healing a blind man, and the parable of the talents. Scott reimagines these stories and opens new visions for readers to understand well known pieces of Scripture in our current cultural environment.The Leader Guide contains everything needed to guide a group through the six-week study, including session plans, activities, discussion questions, and multiple format options. Additional components include the book, Bible Stories for Grown-Up, and video teaching sessions featuring Josch Scott, making this perfect as a group study throughout the year.By Charley Reeb. 2023
The local pastor’s go-to resource for weekly sermon planning.The Abingdon Preaching Annual 2024 is lectionary-based and follows the calendar year…
(January - December). It includes special days like Maundy Thursday and Ash Wednesday, and indexes for scriptures and themes, to assist preachers with non-lectionary sermons.Each entry begins with a preacher-to-preacher prayer for preparation, then moves to the key feature: a commentary on one or more texts for the week, exploring themes and storylines, theological reflections, and thoughts about how the text and topic relate to our lives today. Also included are ideas for bringing the text to life--stories, illustrations, ideas for further reading, questions the preacher might pose to the congregation, and suggestions for a ‘call to action’ in response to the message.Finally, for the preacher’s ongoing enrichment, the Annual includes excerpts from new books on preaching and homiletics. This helpful resource is written by every-week preachers who aim to come alongside you, offering a reliable starting point for your sermonic planning, writing, and delivery.By Mark. K. Olson. 1998
John Wesley’s Doctrine of Justification provides updated scholarship on this pivotal doctrine of Methodism, providing a deeper understanding of a…
major tenet of the Christian faith. Mark Olson offers a comprehensive treatment of the development and exposition of Wesley’s doctrine of justification and how it changed throughout Wesley’s life, including his early views rooted in Anglican heritage, the significant developments in Wesley’s career, and contributions from notable figures like John Fletcher to his doctrine of general justification.The doctrine of justification was pivotal to John Wesley’s understanding of a person’s relationship with God. In Wesley’s view, it defined one of the two general parts of salvation. It touched every aspect of the spiritual journey from birth (general justification) to conversion (present justification) to final judgment and glory (final justification). To properly understand Wesley’s via salutis and theology, one needs to grasp the particulars of his doctrine of justification. The best way to do this is to tell the story of how he came to understand the doctrine over the course of his life. It is a complex story, with many twists and turns, that deserves to be fully told.By Sue Mink. 2023
Grow your faith. Transform your life.Cultivate a deeper relationship with God through Adult Bible Studies. This resource, endorsed by the…
Curriculum Resources Committee of The United Methodist Church, offers a year-round, weekly Bible study plan for Sunday school classes and other small groups.Each weekly lesson offers background and focal Scriptures, key verses, and doctrinallysound and relevant biblical interpretation and application in a readable font size.Annual plans provide comprehensive coverage of the Bible, special lessons during the church seasons of Advent/Christmas and Lent/Easter, and suggestions for developingspiritual practices such as prayer, worship, community, and service, among manyothers. Adult Bible Studies is a reliable companion and guide for learning and growing in Christian faith.With the help of the Adult Bibles Studies Student Book, and DVD, your group will embrace that it’s not just about learning - it’s about living out biblical teachings.Summer 2024 Theme: Finding BalanceThis summer, our Bible lessons follow the theme “Finding Balance.” They look at the concepts of work, rest, and celebration from a theological and biblical perspective and challenge us to find a balance among the three. The teacher book writer is Greg Weeks.Visit AdultBibleStudies.com and sign up for the weekly newsletter to automatically receive the FREE Current Events Supplement and other information about these resources and more!