Christian Books

Where God Was Born offers a unique perspective on the common roots of the three major Abrahamic religions through one man's journey through the heart of the Middle East. Feiler's personal experiences, coupled with his historical and biblical research, make for a compelling narrative that challenges preconceived notions about religion and its role in today's world. The book's emphasis on interfaith harmony and religious tolerance is particularly relevant in today's divided world. Highly recommended for readers interested in the intersection of religion, history, and personal discovery.

This book would be a great read for anyone with an appreciation for hymns and their history. The author provides interesting and inspiring stories about the hymns, making it a great choice for devotional reading or as a source for sermon illustrations. It would also be useful for anyone interested in historical or biographical research on the topic. Overall, readers are likely to appreciate the unique insight into the beloved hymns they know and love.

"He comes as yet unknown into a hamlet of Lower Galilee. He is watched by the cold, hard eyes of peasants living long enough at a subsistence level to know exactly where the line is drawn between poverty and destitution. He looks like a beggar yet his eyes lack the proper cringe, his voice the proper whine, his walk the proper shuffle. He speaks about the rule of God and they listen as much from curiosity as anything else. They know all about rule and power, about kingdom and empire, but they know it in terms of tax and debt, malnutrition and sickness, agrarian oppression and demonic possession. What, they really want to know, can this kingdom of God do for a lame child, a blind parent, a demented soul screaming its tortured isolation among the graves that mark the edges of the village?"–– from "The Gospel of Jesus," overture to The Historical Jesus The Historical Jesus reveals the true Jesus––who he was, what he did, what he said. It opens with "The Gospel of Jesus," Crossan's studied determination of Jesus' actual words and actions stripped of any subsequent additions and placed in a capsule account of his life story. The Jesus who emerges is a savvy and courageous Jewish Mediterranean peasant, a radical social revolutionary, with a rhapsodic vision of economic, political, and religious egalitarianism and a social program for creating it.The conventional wisdom of critical historical scholarship has long held that too little is known about the historical Jesus to say definitively much more than that he lived and had a tremendous impact on his followers. "There were always historians who said it could not be done because of historical problems," writes Crossan. "There were always theologians who said it should not be done because of theological objections. And there were always scholars who said the former when they meant the latter.'With this ground–breaking work, John Dominic Crossan emphatically sweeps these notions aside. He demonstrates that Jesus is actually one of the best documented figures in ancient history; the challenge is the complexity of the sources. The vivid portrayal of Jesus that emerges from Crossan's unique methodology combines the complementary disciplines of social anthropology, Greco–Roman history, and the literary analysis of specific pronouncements, anecdotes, confessions and interpretations involving Jesus. All three levels cooperate equally and fully in an effective synthesis that provides the most definitive presentation of the historical Jesus yet attained.

The Ise shrine complex is among Japan's most enduring national symbols, and A Social History of the Ise Divine Capital is the first book to trace the history of the shrines from their beginnings in the seventh century until the present day. Ise enshrines the Sun Goddess Amaterasu, the imperial ancestress and the most prominent among kami deities, and has played a vital role in Japan's social, political and religious history. The most popular pilgrims' attraction in the land from the sixteenth century onwards, in 2013 the Ise complex once again captured the nation's attention as it underwent its periodic rebuilding, performed once every twenty years.Mark Teeuwen and John Breen demonstrate that the Ise Shrines underwent drastic re-inventions as a result of on-going contestation between different groups of people in different historical periods. They focus on the agents responsible for these re-inventions, the nature of the economic, political and ideological measures they took, and the specific techniques they deployed to ensure that Ise survived one crisis after another in the course of its long history.This book questions major assumptions about Ise, notably the idea that Ise has always been defined by its imperial connections, and that it has always been a site of Shinto. Written by leading authorities in the field of Shinto studies, this is the essential history of Japan's most significant sacred site.

Recommendation: "The Gospel of Healing" would be a good read for those interested in exploring the idea of divine health and seeking a holistic approach to wellness. The book gives a comprehensive understanding of the principles of divine healing and practical directions on achieving it. The author also highlights scriptural evidence throughout the book and shares personal testimonies which make it relevant for readers of all ages.

Recommendation: This book is perfect for readers who are interested in learning about the history and beginnings of Christianity. It provides a guided approach to understanding and reflecting on the Acts of the Apostles, with insights from Church fathers and saints included. The unique and distinctive feature of this book is its emphasis on the work of the Holy Spirit in the conversions of hearts and lives. Overall, this book is highly recommended for anyone wanting to deepen their understanding of Christianity and its origins.

If you're curious about the historical journey of the Bible, this book offers a compact yet thorough exploration. It's perfect for those seeking to deepen their understanding of the spiritual text's roots without getting lost in academic jargon. It illuminates the complex process of how the Bible's canon was formed, making it accessible to both newcomers and those familiar with Christian theology.

From the fall of Rome to the rise of Charlemagne - the "dark ages" - learning, scholarship, and culture disappeared from the European continent. The great heritage of western civilization - from the Greek and Roman classics to Jewish and Christian works - would have been utterly lost were it not for the holy men and women of unconquered Ireland. In this delightful and illuminating look into a crucial but little-known "hinge" of history, Thomas Cahill takes us to the "island of saints and scholars, " the Ireland of St. Patrick and the Book of Kells. Here, far from the barbarian despoliation of the continent, monks and scribes laboriously, lovingly, even playfully preserved the west's written treasures. With the return of stability in Europe, these Irish scholars were instrumental in spreading learning. Thus the Irish not only were conservators of civilization, but became shapers of the medieval mind, putting their unique stamp on western culture.

This major textbook provides a fascinating survey of Old Testament history from Joshua through 2 Chronicles (1407 B.C.-586 B.C.), combining two books by Dr. John Davis with one book, Solomon to the Exile, by Dr. John Whitcomb.

Provides a comprehensive survey of religious beliefs, practices, and trends in America and includes background information on secular movements and influences

This book is a powerful account of the unjust persecution and imprisonment of Asia Bibi, a Christian woman accused of blasphemy in Pakistan. It provides a harrowing insight into the dangerous religious tensions and violence that still exist in parts of the world today. The book is a must-read for anyone interested in human rights issues or looking to understand the complexities of religion in the modern world.

This book could be a good read for someone who is curious about the intersection of spirituality and ancient civilizations. Delving into the depths of history, it uncovers a fascinating connection between Ancient China and the concept of God. By exploring the evidence and drawing upon historical research, it offers a fresh perspective on how spirituality has influenced ancient civilizations. Prepare to be amazed as you uncover the hidden depths of a culture often overlooked in discussions of faith.

This book is a captivating exploration of the Bible's evolution over time, tracing its influence on culture, language, and art. It provides a unique perspective on the Bible as an artefact, taking readers on a fascinating journey through history. Whether you're a devout Christian or simply curious about the impact of the Bible, this book offers valuable insights into its enduring significance. Get ready to discover the rich tapestry of stories and experiences that have shaped one of the most influential books in human history.

This book is an excellent read for anyone interested in understanding the social, cultural, and religious context of Old Testament Israel. It offers a conservative evangelical perspective on the history of Israel and the role of the priests, which may appeal to readers looking for a theological and biblical approach to the subject. The book is well-written and thoroughly researched, making it a valuable resource for both academic and personal study.

With over a billion followers, Islam is the world's fastest growing religion and a major global religious and political force in the 21st-century. It is also the subject of much misunderstanding, and many people know little of its origins or principles. "What is Islam?" is the perfect introduction to this important and complex subject. It covers all aspects of the religion in clear and concise chapters, including: Faith: The origins of Islam, the Koranic law and how it is dispensed; The Muslim world: A look at Islamic nations and their relative importance; History: The major events in the history of Islam; and, Sects: Islamic sects and the rise of militant Islam in the 20th and 21st centuries. This indispensable guide remains the definitive introduction to the subject.