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Spinoza: Freedom's Messiah (Jewish Lives)
By Ian Buruma. 2024
Ian Buruma explores the life and death of Baruch Spinoza, the Enlightenment thinker whose belief in freedom of thought and…
speech resonates in our own time &“An elegant, relevant biography of a vital thinker.&”—Kirkus Reviews (starred review) Baruch (Benedictus) Spinoza (1632–1677) was a radical free thinker who led a life guided by strong moral principles despite his disbelief in an all-seeing God. Seen by many—Christians as well as Jews—as Satan&’s disciple during his lifetime, Spinoza has been regarded as a secular saint since his death. Many contradictory beliefs have been attached to his name: rationalism or metaphysics, atheism or pantheism, liberalism or despotism, Jewishness or anti-Semitism. However, there is no question that he viewed freedom of thought and speech as essential to an open and free society. In this insightful account, the award-winning author Ian Buruma stresses the importance of the time and place that shaped Spinoza, beginning with the Sephardim of Amsterdam and followed by the politics of the Dutch Republic. Though Spinoza rejected the basic assumptions of his family&’s faith, and was consequently expelled from his Sephardic community, Buruma argues that Spinoza did indeed lead a Jewish life: a modern Jewish life. To Heine, Hess, Marx, Freud, and no doubt many others today, Spinoza exemplified how to be Jewish without believing in Judaism. His defense of universal freedom is as important for our own time as it was in his.Glimpses: A Comedy Writer's Take on Life, Love, and All That Spiritual Stuff
By Matt Williams. 2024
From the award-winning creator of Roseanne, Home Improvement, and several blockbuster films, comes Glimpses, a collection of stories filled with…
hope, humanity, and humor and an invitation to see goodness and grace in our everyday moments.Matt Williams never focused on red carpets and glitzy parties during his successful Hollywood career—writer/producer of The Cosby Show and A Different World, creator of Roseanne and Home Improvement, producer of successful movies and plays. Looking back, Williams realized that throughout his life what sustained him, guided him, and inspired him were divine glimpses of goodness and grace. Williams says, &“When I started my quest to find little glimpses of God in everyday life, the clouds didn&’t open, and a voice like rolling thunder didn&’t call down to me. But I did start noticing simple acts of kindness, moments of grace that reflected God&’s loving presence in the world. . . . This practice of noticing these glimpses changed my life. Instead of blasting my way through the week—competing, hurrying and scurrying, fighting for my personal space, my self-care, and my ego-based impulses—I started consciously looking for God&’s goodness. And I found it everywhere.&” From a stranger in a casting office predicting Matt would succeed at a time when he felt like giving up, to deciding to work with Tim Allen after vowing not to work with another comedian after Roseanne, to learning what love really meant after &“Spirit&” told him he would marry Angelina—Williams realized that these &“glimpses of God&” have served as the loving, quiet providence that watched over him. Our job, then, is to pay attention to our lives. Regardless of your beliefs, Glimpses will inspire you to look for and find God in your daily life.Lovers in auschwitz: A true story
By Keren Blankfeld. 2024
"Mesmerizing and inspirational."—Judy Batalion, New York Times bestselling author of The Light of Days The incredible true story of two…
Holocaust survivors who fell in love in Auschwitz, only to be separated upon liberation and lead remarkable lives apart following the war—and then find each other again more than 70 years later. Zippi Spitzer and David Wisnia were captivated by each other from the moment they first exchanged glances across the work floor. It was the beginning of a love story that could have happened anywhere. Except for one difference: this romance was unfolding in history's most notorious death camp, between two young prisoners whose budding intimacy risked dooming them if they were caught. Incredibly, David and Zippi survived for years beneath the ash-choked skies of Auschwitz. Under the protection of their fellow inmates, their romance grew and deepened, even as their brushes with death mounted and David's luck in particular seemed close to running out. As the war's end finally approached and the time came for them to leave the camp, David and Zippi made plans to meet again. But neither of them could imagine how long their reunion would take or how many lives they would live in the interim. They had no inkling, either, of the betrayals that would await them along the way. But David did suspect that Zippi harbored a secret—one that could explain the mystery of his survival all those years ago. An unbelievable tale of romance, sacrifice, loss, and resilience, Lovers in Auschwitz is a saga of two young people who found themselves trapped inside a waking nightmare of the Nazis' creation, yet who nevertheless discovered a love that sustained them through history's darkest hourThe Philosopher, the Priest, and the Painter: A Portrait of Descartes
By Steven Nadler. 2013
How a famous painting opens a window into the life, times, and philosophy of René DescartesIn the Louvre museum hangs…
a portrait that is considered the iconic image of René Descartes, the great seventeenth-century French philosopher. And the painter of the work? The Dutch master Frans Hals—or so it was long believed, until the work was downgraded to a copy of an original. But where is the authentic version, and who painted it? Is the man in the painting—and in its original—really Descartes?A unique combination of philosophy, biography, and art history, The Philosopher, the Priest, and the Painter investigates the remarkable individuals and circumstances behind a small portrait. Through this image—and the intersecting lives of a brilliant philosopher, a Catholic priest, and a gifted painter—Steven Nadler opens a fascinating portal into Descartes's life and times, skillfully presenting an accessible introduction to Descartes's philosophical and scientific ideas, and an illuminating tour of the volatile political and religious environment of the Dutch Golden Age. As Nadler shows, Descartes's innovative ideas about the world, about human nature and knowledge, and about philosophy itself, stirred great controversy. Philosophical and theological critics vigorously opposed his views, and civil and ecclesiastic authorities condemned his writings. Nevertheless, Descartes's thought came to dominate the philosophical world of the period, and can rightly be called the philosophy of the seventeenth century.Shedding light on a well-known image, The Philosopher, the Priest, and the Painter offers an engaging exploration of a celebrated philosopher's world and work.What role did Laura Ingalls Wilder&’s Christian faith play in her life and writing? The beloved Little House books by Laura…
Ingalls Wilder have sold over 60 million copies since their publication in the first half of the twentieth century. Even her unpolished memoir, Pioneer Girl, which tells the true story behind the children&’s books, was widely embraced upon its release in 2014. Despite Wilder&’s enduring popularity, few fans know much about her Christian beliefs and practice. John J. Fry shines a light on Wilder&’s quiet faith in this unique biography. Fry surveys the Little House books, Pioneer Girl, and Wilder&’s lesser-known writings, including her letters, poems, and newspaper columns. Analyzing this wealth of sources, he reveals how Wilder&’s down-to-earth faith and Christian morality influenced her life and work. Interweaving these investigations with Wilder&’s perennially interesting life story, A Prairie Faith illustrates the Christian practices of pioneers and rural farmers during this dynamic period of American history.One woman’s story of survival from an abusive upbringing in a close-knit Mennonite community and her journey to forgiveness and…
reconciliation.Marlena’s childhood in Paraguay was full of contradictions. Her father was both a heroic doctor treating patients with leprosy, and an abusive parent. Her Mennonite missionary community was both a devoted tribe and a controlling society. And Marlena longed both to be accepted and to escape to somewhere new. Then she was publicly humiliated . . . In Nothing Bad Between Us, follow Marlena as she takes control of her life and learns to be her authentic self, scars and imperfections included. This memoir is a story of brokenness and eventual redemption that taps into our collective yearning for healing and forgiveness.Praise for Nothing Bad Between Us“Riveting and spellbinding . . . A true story of healing, deep reflection, raw emotion, and triumph. Marlena has been able to see through her own pain in order to encourage and help bring healing to others. Highly recommended.” —Misty Griffin, author of Tears of the Silenced: An Amish True Crime Memoir of Childhood Sexual Abuse, Brutal Betrayal, and Ultimate Survival“I found enormous inspiration and encouragement in this beautifully written account. This book could have been written only by someone possessed of uncommon love, compassion, and empathy. For anyone who has been broken and is in need of healing, please put Nothing Bad Between Us at the top of your list.” —Larry Dossey, MD, New York Times–bestselling author of One Mind: How Our Individual Mind Is Part of a Greater Consciousness and Why It MattersThe Life of Jesus (DK Bibles and Bible Guides)
By Sally Grindley. 2022
Discover the events in the life of Jesus, and how his message reached so many people.Discover facts and stories about…
Jesus of Nazareth, son of God, from his birth in the Bethlehem stable to his crucifixion, death, and miraculous resurrection. What was he like as a boy, how did he start to preach, and what are the meanings of his parables, such as the Good Samaritan? How did he feed five thousand and calm storms? All major events of his life are told in 26 stories, revealing how Jesus&’s message reached many people through his teaching, healing, forgiveness, and miracles. Using the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John as reference, this is a child-friendly introduction to the message of the Bible&’s New Testament.Engaging illustrations accompany each story, making it perfect for children to read and look at by themselves, or for reading aloud or together with parents or grandparents.DK Life Stories: Gandhi (DK Life Stories)
By Diane Bailey. 2019
In this kids' biography, discover the inspiring life story of Mohandas Gandhi, whose teachings of compassion and non-violence helped to…
win his country's freedom.Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi was born at a time when his home country was choked under the oppression of British rule. Many thought that violence was the only way to fight back, but Gandhi disagreed. Instead, he successfully used his teachings of non-violence and civil disobedience to win his country's freedom, and to promote his philosophy of peace and equality. In this biography for kids ages 8-12, see how Gandhi--called Mahatma, or "great soul," by his many followers--changed the world through his words and deeds, which still resonate worldwide today. DK Life Stories go beyond the basic facts to tell the true life stories of history's most interesting people. Full-color photographs and hand-drawn illustrations complement thoughtfully written, age-appropriate text to create an engaging book children will enjoy reading. Definition boxes, information sidebars, fun facts, maps, inspiring quotes, and other nonfiction text features add depth, and a handy reference section at the back makes this series perfect for school reports and projects. Each book also includes an author's introduction letter, a glossary, and an index.The Pocket Idiot's Guide to Buddhism: Explore Buddhism and Keep the Faith!
By Bradley Hawkins, Nancy Lewis. 2003
You&’re no idiot, of course. You know many people have turned to Buddhism as an alternative to organized religion—but you&’re…
mistaken if you believe that all Buddhists live a monklike existence. Don&’t wait until your next life to experience Zen! The Pocket Idiot&’s Guide® to Buddhism reveals the essence of Buddhist thought from its inception in the Far East to its growing devotees in the West. In this Pocket Idiot&’s Guide®, you get:• The life of Siddhartha—better known as the Buddha—the founder of Buddhism. • The basic Buddhist belief system, including the Three Marks of Existence, the Four Noble Truths, and the Eightfold Path. • Fully explained concepts, such as Zen, karma, dharma, and sutras. • The history of the various Buddhist sects and their important influence.Cold Crematorium: Reporting from the Land of Auschwitz
By József Debreczeni. 2023
The first English language edition of a lost memoir by a Holocaust survivor, offering a shocking and deeply moving perspective…
on life within the camps—with a foreword by Jonathan Freedland.József Debreczeni, a prolific Hungarian-language journalist and poet, arrived in Auschwitz in 1944; had he been selected to go “left,” his life expectancy would have been approximately forty-five minutes. One of the “lucky” ones, he was sent to the “right,” which led to twelve horrifying months of incarceration and slave labor in a series of camps, ending in the “Cold Crematorium”—the so-called hospital of the forced labor camp Dörnhau, where prisoners too weak to work awaited execution. But as Soviet and Allied troops closed in on the camps, local Nazi commanders—anxious about the possible consequences of outright murder—decided to leave the remaining prisoners to die in droves rather than sending them directly to the gas chambers.Debreczeni recorded his experiences in Cold Crematorium, one of the harshest, most merciless indictments of Nazism ever written. This haunting memoir, rendered in the precise and unsentimental style of an accomplished journalist, is an eyewitness account of incomparable literary quality. The subject matter is intrinsically tragic, yet the author’s evocative prose, sometimes using irony, sarcasm, and even acerbic humor, compels the reader to imagine human beings in circumstances impossible to comprehend intellectually. First published in Hungarian in 1950, it was never translated into a world language due to McCarthyism, Cold War hostilities and antisemitism. More than 70 years later, this masterpiece that was nearly lost to time will be available in 15 languages, finally taking its rightful place among the greatest works of Holocaust literature.A Theology Of Love: The Dynamic Of Wesleyanism, Second Edition
By Mildred Bangs Wynkoop. 2015
In this seminal work on holiness Mildred Wynkoop brought to the forefront the understanding that holiness is relational. Here she…
explains that loving God and loving neighbor find articulate expression in the holy life--a life oriented in dynamic and loving relationship toward God that in turn reaches out and embraces others. A Theology of Love reinvigorated for new generations the meaning of John Wesley's concept of perfect love.Since its publication, A Theology of Love has influenced countless scholars, pastors, teachers, and students. Now in this new edition of the monumental work is included the original text plus a previously unpublished chapter. This enhanced version is the ideal addition to anyone desiring a deeper grasp of the theological insights and contributions of this exceptional scholar, and a provocative exercise in rethinking John Wesley's concept of holiness.In addition to the previously unpublished portion of A Theology of Love, this new edition features additional commentary by Tom Noble, Scott Daniels, Ray Dunning, Diane Leclerc, and David McEwan.The Rabbi of 84th Street: The Extraordinary Life of Haskel Besser
By Warren Kozak. 2004
Immaculate Conception: Sophia Light Codes for Modern Sacredness
By Thalia Amma Sophia. 2024
Miracles and phenomena of mystery between black magic, miracles and phenomena and religion. The first and last parts of Immaculate…
Conception tell the story of how a girl of the light becomes a real woman and let her wings unfurl. Through trials and tribulations, the reader is invited to reflect on testimonials of an initiate in a patriarchal society of dogma.At its core, this is a tale of a young woman in search of a life filled with love, spirituality, and the simple joys of existence, all while embracing her soul&’s destiny. Her story unfolds amidst the backdrop of stress, drama, &‘a-ha!&’ moments, and deep-rooted family traditions, guided by the steadfast presence of God&’s apostles.The second part is packed with rituals, channelled prayers, affirmations, and angelic protection invocations, to call on for a while or at various times. Special Key phrases have Sophia Codes that are lately coming to humanity for co-creating, healing, and expanding. With the support of Mother Mary and Archangels, Thalia Amma Sophia opens you to receive grace, brings you alignment and activation of your Higher Self; to neutralize the magnets pulling you into dysfunctional behaviour and past Life overlays!Prepare to awaken your innate ability to manifest desires and nurture creative ideas. Immaculate Conception extends an invitation to embark on a transformative journey where miracles, faith, and the boundless power of the human spirit intersect, promising the potential for grace, fulfilment, and profound transformation.This is a Soul: The Mission of Rick Hodes
By Marilyn Berger. 2010
"Whoever Saves a Life, It Is Considered as If He Saved an Entire World"Dr. Rick Hodes arrived in Africa more…
than two decades ago to help the victims of a famine, but he never expected to call this extremely poor continent his home. Twenty-eight years later, he is still there.This Is a Soul tells the remarkable story of Rick Hodes's journey from suburban America to Mother Teresa's clinic in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. As a boy, Rick was devoted to helping those in need, and eventually he determined that becoming a doctor would allow him to do the most good. When he heard about famine in Africa, that's where he went, and when genocide convulsed Rwanda, he went into the refugee camps to minister to the victims. When he was told that Ethiopia was allowing its Jews to emigrate to Israel, he went to help. While there, he was drawn to Mother Teresa's mission in Addis Ababa. It was there that Rick found his calling when he began caring for the sickest children in one of the world's poorest countries. But he did more than that—he began taking them into his home and officially adopted five of them. This Is a Soul is also a book filled with great joy and triumph. When Rick's kids return from surgery or life-saving treatments, he is exultant. "Seeing these people after surgery is like going to heaven," he says.Marilyn Berger went to Africa to write about Dr. Hodes, but while there, she became involved with the story. When she came upon a small, deformed, and malnourished boy begging on the street, she recognized immediately that he had the exact disease Rick could cure. She took him to Rick, who eventually arranged for the boy to have a complicated and risky surgery, which turned out to be incredibly successful. The boy's story—intertwined with Rick's, and Marilyn's as well—is unforgettable in its pathos and subtle humor. This Is a Soul is not just a story of the savior and the saved, it is a celebration of love and wisdom, and an exploration of how charity and devotion can actually change lives in an overcrowded, unjust, and often harsh world.“Ainsley is passionate about her relationship with Jesus and, as a cohost, waking you up each morning and giving you…
the story. While she’s living her dream, it hasn’t always been easy…Her transparency will both inspire and motivate you to believe in great things, while trusting God in the process.” — Tim Tebow, professional athlete“Ainsley invites us to meet the people who shaped her, the principles that sustain her, and, most of all, the faith that grounds her. In a day when so many public figures struggle to maintain balance, her story is a welcome breath of fresh air.” — Max Lucado, pastor and author“Very few public figures would ever be willing to be vulnerable and real by sharing their innermost thoughts and secrets. In The Light Within Me, Ainsley does just that, revealing the true secret to her success—her deep faith in God.” — Sean Hannity, Fox News Channel television host and nationally syndicated radio hostGod and Starbucks: An NBA Superstar's Journey Through Addiction and Recovery
By Vin Baker, Joe Layden. 2017
Vin Baker, an NBA all-star, Olympic gold medalist, and clean-cut preacher’s son, harbored a dark secret: a dependence on drugs…
and alcohol that began shortly after he turned pro. Eventually becoming a full-blown yet functional alcoholic, Vin convinced himself that he played better under the influence—until his addiction cost him his basketball career, his fortune, and his health. But Vin’s story isn’t a tragic fall from grace. It is an enthralling testimony of salvation. For Vin, hitting rock bottom was a difficult yet transformative experience that led him to renew his relationship with God and to embrace life. Howard Schultz of Starbucks and Calvin Butts of Abyssinian Baptist Church offered Vin a helping hand and led him to find more security and happiness in his ordinary working life than he did in all of his years in the glamorous world of professional basketball.God and Starbucks is a wise, unflinching look at addiction and at the necessity of taking charge and claiming one’s blessings. It is a powerful memoir about reaching the top and beginning again from the bottom—an inspiring personal tale of humility and grace that reminds us of what is truly important.Khomeini's Ghost: The Iranian Revolution and the Rise of Militant Islam
By Con Coughlin. 2010
Unlikely Angel: The Untold Story of the Atlanta Hostage Hero
By Ashley Smith, Stacy Mattingly. 2005
“This is a woman who understands grace.” — Rick Warren, author of A PURPOSE DRIVEN LIFE, quoted in Christianity Today“...a…
newly minted author and celebrity.” — Atlanta Journal-Constitution“A remarkable tale of redemption.” — Augusta Chronicle“Smith leads the reader through the long, dangerous night, minute-by-minute.” — The Sunday Oklahoman“...could serve as a companion volume to The Purpose-Driven Life. — Publishers Weekly“...required reading.” — Publishers Weekly“Smith’s revelations offer a new wrinkle to a story that...captivated the country.” — NewsweekCaptive: The Untold Story of the Atlanta Hostage Hero
By Ashley Smith, Stacy Mattingly. 2005
In March 2005, Ashley Smith made headlines around the globe when she miraculously talked her way out of the hands…
of alleged courthouse killer Brian Nichols after he took her hostage for seven hours in her suburban Atlanta apartment. In this moving, inspirational account—now a motion picture from Paramount—Ashley shares the details of her traumatic ordeal and expands on how her faith and the bestselling book The Purpose Driven Life helped her survive and bring the killer's murderous rampage to a peaceful end.Like her captor, Smith too had faced darkness and despair. Seeking a new life, she moved to Atlanta, got a job, enrolled in a medical assistant training program, and was beginning to find her way to becoming the kind of mom she wanted her little girl to have. Then Brian Nichols took her hostage. Just hours earlier, he'd allegedly shot to death a judge, a court reporter, a deputy, and a federal agent and escaped in a stolen vehicle. Now she found herself face-to-face with Nichols, a desperate, heavily armed man with nothing left to lose.Juxtaposing the minute-by-minute tale of her experience with the tragedies and triumphs of her own life, Captive is a riveting story that will leave no reader untouched.“A fascinating book, analyzing a pivotal time in western intellectual history.” — John Shelby Spong, author of A New Christianity…
for a New World“A detailed and fascinating account of the life and times of one of the great founding figures of modern science.” — John Polkinghorne, author of Belief in God in an Age of Science“James Connor narrates the compelling human drama behind significant scientific discoveries of the seventeenth century.” — Eve LaPlante, author of American Jezebel: The Uncommon Life of Anne Hutchinson, the Woman Who Defied the Puritans“Connor has illuminated the life - and thus also the work - of one of history’s greatest star-gazers.” — David Edmonds and John Eidinow, authors of Wittgenstein's Poker and Bobby Fischer Goes to War“Connor’s skillful narrative brings to life an extraordinary man who wanted to know the mind of God.” — Kenneth Silverman, Pulitzer-Prize winner and author of Lightning Man“Kepler has received less than his due from rationally-minded scholars. This luminous biography will help remedy that injustice.” — Booklist - Starred Review“His biographer depicts him brilliantly . . . healthy, purposeful, and illuminating.” — Kirkus Reviews“...a remarkably human portrait of Kepler. . . . [an] engaging narrative.” — Publishers Weekly“A compelling story of scientific discovery. . . crisply written, meticulously researched and highly recommended.” — Tucson Citizen“Fun to read...” — Los Angeles Times“No other Keplerian biography fleshes out so fully the background against which the astronomer worked.” — Christian Century“Connor delves into Kepler’s life in such a way that the scientist becomes a person of flesh and bone.” — National Catholic Reporter