Early In His Presence

Author : John C. Wathey
Publisher : Prometheus Books
Page : 419 pages
File Size : 48,9 Mb
Release : 2016-01-12
Category : Religion
ISBN : 9781633880757

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The Illusion of God's Presence by John C. Wathey Pdf

An essential feature of religious experience across many cultures is the intuitive feeling of God's presence. More than any rituals or doctrines, it is this experience that anchors religious faith, yet it has been largely ignored in the scientific literature on religion. Starting with a vivid narrative account of the life-threatening hike that triggered his own mystical experience, biologist John Wathey takes the reader on a scientific journey to find the sources of religious feeling and the illusion of God's presence. His book delves into the biological origins of this compelling feeling, attributing it to innate neural circuitry that evolved to promote the mother-child bond. Dr. Wathey, a veteran neuroscientist, argues that evolution has programmed the infant brain to expect the presence of a loving being who responds to the child's needs. As the infant grows into adulthood, this innate feeling is eventually transferred to the realm of religion, where it is reactivated through the symbols, imagery, and rituals of worship. The author interprets our various conceptions of God in biological terms as illusory supernormal stimuli that fill an emotional and cognitive vacuum left over from infancy. These insights shed new light on some of the most vexing puzzles of religion, like the popular belief in a god who is judgmental and punishing, yet also unconditionally loving; the extraordinary tenacity of faith; the greater religiosity of women relative to men; religious obsessions with sex; the mysterious compulsion to pray; the seemingly irrepressible feminine attributes of God, even in traditionally patriarchal religions; and the strange allure of cults. Finally, Dr. Wathey considers the hypothesis that religion evolved to foster reproductive success, arguing that, in an age of potentially ruinous overpopulation, magical thinking has become a luxury we can no longer afford, one that distracts us from urgent threats to our planet. Deeply researched yet elegantly written in a jargon-free and accessible style, this book presents a compelling interpretation of the evolutionary origins of spirituality and religion.

Author : T.M. Luhrmann
Publisher : Princeton University Press
Page : 256 pages
File Size : 53,5 Mb
Release : 2020-10-27
Category : Religion
ISBN : 9780691211985

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How God Becomes Real by T.M. Luhrmann Pdf

The hard work required to make God real, how it changes the people who do it, and why it helps explain the enduring power of faith How do gods and spirits come to feel vividly real to people—as if they were standing right next to them? Humans tend to see supernatural agents everywhere, as the cognitive science of religion has shown. But it isn’t easy to maintain a sense that there are invisible spirits who care about you. In How God Becomes Real, acclaimed anthropologist and scholar of religion T. M. Luhrmann argues that people must work incredibly hard to make gods real and that this effort—by changing the people who do it and giving them the benefits they seek from invisible others—helps to explain the enduring power of faith. Drawing on ethnographic studies of evangelical Christians, pagans, magicians, Zoroastrians, Black Catholics, Santeria initiates, and newly orthodox Jews, Luhrmann notes that none of these people behave as if gods and spirits are simply there. Rather, these worshippers make strenuous efforts to create a world in which invisible others matter and can become intensely present and real. The faithful accomplish this through detailed stories, absorption, the cultivation of inner senses, belief in a porous mind, strong sensory experiences, prayer, and other practices. Along the way, Luhrmann shows why faith is harder than belief, why prayer is a metacognitive activity like therapy, why becoming religious is like getting engrossed in a book, and much more. A fascinating account of why religious practices are more powerful than religious beliefs, How God Becomes Real suggests that faith is resilient not because it provides intuitions about gods and spirits—but because it changes the faithful in profound ways.

Author : Denis Gril,Stefan Reichmuth,Dilek Sarmis
Publisher : BRILL
Page : 736 pages
File Size : 40,7 Mb
Release : 2021-11-15
Category : Religion
ISBN : 9789004466739

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The Presence of the Prophet in Early Modern and Contemporary Islam by Denis Gril,Stefan Reichmuth,Dilek Sarmis Pdf

The three-volume series titled The Presence of the Prophet in Early Modern and Contemporary Islam, is the first attempt to explore the dynamics of the representation of the Prophet Muhammad in the course of Muslim history until the present. This first collective volume outlines his figure in the early Islamic tradition, and its later transformations until recent times that were shaped by Prophet-centered piety and politics. A variety of case studies offers a unique overview of the interplay of Sunnī amd Shīʿī doctrines with literature and arts in the formation of his image. They trace the integrative and conflictual qualities of a “Prophetic culture”, in which the Prophet of Islam continues his presence among the Muslim believers. Contributors Hiba Abid, Nelly Amri, Caterina Bori, Francesco Chiabotti, Rachida Chih, Adrien de Jarmy, Daniel De Smet, Mohamed Thami El Harrak, Brigitte Foulon, Denis Gril, Christiane Gruber, Tobias Heinzelmann, David Jordan, Pierre Lory, Catherine Mayeur-Jaouen, Samuela Pagani, Alexandre Papas, Michele Petrone, Stefan Reichmuth, Meryem Sebti, Dilek Sarmis, Matthieu Terrier, Jean-Jacques Thibon, Marc Toutant, Ruggiero Vimercati Sanseverino.

Author : Frances Young
Publisher : Cambridge University Press
Page : 489 pages
File Size : 44,8 Mb
Release : 2013-10-10
Category : Bibles
ISBN : 9781107038370

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God's Presence by Frances Young Pdf

Explores how teachings of the church fathers can be applied today, despite the differences in our intellectual and ecclesial environments.

Author : Rachida Chih,Stefan Reichmuth,David Jordan
Publisher : BRILL
Page : 520 pages
File Size : 49,7 Mb
Release : 2021-11-15
Category : Religion
ISBN : 9789004466753

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The Presence of the Prophet in Early Modern and Contemporary Islam by Rachida Chih,Stefan Reichmuth,David Jordan Pdf

This second collective volume of the series The Presence of the Prophet explores the growing importance of the figure of the Prophet Muhammad for questions of authority and power in early modern and modern times. The authors provide a rich collection of case studies on how Muhammad’s material, spiritual, and genealogical heritage has been claimed for the foundation of Muslim empires, revolutionary movements, the formation of modern nation states and ideologies, as well as for communal mobilization and social reform. This novel comparative, and diachronic study, which is unique for its wide coverage of regional cases and perspectives, reveals diverse political representations of the Prophet in an increasingly globalised struggle over the control of his image between secularization and sacralization. Contributors Gianfranco Bria, Rachida Chih, Christoph Günther, Gottfried Hagen, Jan-Peter Hartung, David Jordan, Soraya Khodamoradi, Jamal Malik, Catherine Mayeur-Jaouen, Alix Philippon, Martin Riexinger, Stefan Reichmuth, Dilek Sarmis, Renaud Soler, Jaafar Ben El Haj Soulami, Florian Zemmin.

Author : Norris J. Chumley
Publisher : Augsburg Fortress Publishers
Page : 173 pages
File Size : 43,9 Mb
Release : 2014
Category : Religion
ISBN : 9781451470512

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Be Still and Know by Norris J. Chumley Pdf

Early Christian spirituality is a topic of enduring fascination today among scholars and general readers alike. Stories of hermits living in the desert in their pursuit of God catch our fancy. What motivated them and drew them to silence on their path to God? In this gracious tour, Norris J. Chumley introduces us to Hesychasm, or the practice of silence and contemplative prayer, and to the lives of its early practitioners. The reader is introduced to St. Anthony, St. Pachomius, Evagrius, St. John Climacus, and many others. Then, as only a teacher and mentor can, he opens up the important possibilities the practice has for today.

Author : Frederica Mathewes-Green
Publisher : Paraclete Press
Page : 205 pages
File Size : 44,6 Mb
Release : 2009
Category : Religion
ISBN : 9781557256591

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The Jesus Prayer by Frederica Mathewes-Green Pdf

This resource is a complete introduction to one of the most mysterious prayers of Eastern Christianity, The Jesus Prayer. A conversational question-and-answer format takes the reader through practical steps for adopting this profound practice in everyday life.

Author : Nelly Amri,Rachida Chih,Stefan Reichmuth
Publisher : BRILL
Page : 631 pages
File Size : 46,7 Mb
Release : 2023-07-03
Category : Religion
ISBN : 9789004522626

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The Presence of the Prophet in Early Modern and Contemporary Islam by Nelly Amri,Rachida Chih,Stefan Reichmuth Pdf

This third collective volume of the series The Presence of the Prophet explores the expressions of piety and devotion to the person of the Prophet and their individual and collective significance in early modern and modern times. The authors provide a rich collection of regional case studies on how the Prophet’s presence and aura are individually and collectively evoked in dreams, visions, and prayers, in the performance of poetry in his praise, in the devotion to relics related to him, and in the celebration of his birthday. They also highlight the role of the Prophetic figure in the identity formation of young Muslims and cover the controversies and compromises which nowadays shape the devotional practices centered on the Prophet. Contributors Nelly Amri, Emma Aubin-Boltanski, Sana Chavoshian, Rachida Chih, Vincent Geisser, Denis Gril, Mohamed Amine Hamidoune, David Jordan, Hanan Karam, Kai Kresse, Jamal Malik,Youssef Nouiouar, Luca Patrizi, Thomas Pierret, Stefan Reichmuth, Youssouf T. Sangaré, Besnik Sinani, Fabio Vicini and Ines Weinrich.

Author : H. Dennis Fisher
Publisher : Our Daily Bread Publishing
Page : 32 pages
File Size : 50,7 Mb
Release : 2015-05-26
Category : Religion
ISBN : 9781627072984

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In His Presence by H. Dennis Fisher Pdf

Sometimes the hectic demands on your day can crowd out your time with God. Find out how you can develop a regular time of Bible reading and prayer, as author Dennis Fisher offers a practical guide to help you keep your appointments with God. You’ll gain a fresh perspective on your quiet time as an opportunity to reconnect with the God of grace who is waiting to spend time with you.

Author : Bill Volkman
Publisher : Unknown
Page : 164 pages
File Size : 55,9 Mb
Release : 1996-10
Category : Religion
ISBN : 1889870080

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Basking in His Presence by Bill Volkman Pdf

Author : Terry MacAlmon
Publisher : New Glory International
Page : 128 pages
File Size : 51,8 Mb
Release : 2018-11-01
Category : Religion
ISBN : 8210379456XXX

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30 Seconds In His Presence by Terry MacAlmon Pdf

This book will give you an insight of God’s presence from Terry’s own perspective. God has made Himself available to us in a very real way. Terry takes us to His throne with the same anointing you feel on his music. A must read for worshipers! 30 Seconds in His Presence is a book totally dedicated to the manifest presence of God as experienced by the author himself. Terry MacAlmon shares many stories of divine encounters with the Holy Spirit. He also offers instruction on how to reach Jesus through worship and a spirit-led life. “I can’t live without His presence. I’m not talking about listening to or singing songs that include lyrics about His presence. I’m not talking about an emotional frenzy that is the result of a beat-driven, full of the flesh “worship service”. I’m not talking about the latest supposed “cutting edge” church experience where talented musicians get together on any given Tuesday night to write a new contemporary Christian “hit” for the following Sunday that somehow goes on to sweep the nation. I’m not even talking about the most beautiful of melodies and lyrics ever written, whatever you may deem that to be in your own musical taste and experience. I’m talking about His presence…the tangible, unmistakable, un-counterfeit-able, healing, soul-changing, manifest presence of God. All of the above things mentioned may contain it but there are no guarantee of it in and of themselves. Think of it...the glory of heaven touching earth…the attendance of the Creator of the universe…THIS IS ESSENCE OF LIFE TO ME.”

Author : Brother Lawrence
Publisher : BEYOND BOOKS HUB
Page : 3 pages
File Size : 52,6 Mb
Release : 2024-02-12
Category : Electronic
ISBN : 8210379456XXX

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The Practice of the Presence of God by Brother Lawrence Pdf

The Practice of the Presence of God is a spiritual classic written by Brother Lawrence, a 17th-century Carmelite monk. This small but impactful work is a compilation of letters and conversations attributed to Brother Lawrence, offering profound insights into cultivating a continuous awareness of the presence of God in everyday life.

Author : Christina Luckyj,Niamh J. O'Leary
Publisher : U of Nebraska Press
Page : 285 pages
File Size : 54,6 Mb
Release : 2017-12-01
Category : History
ISBN : 9781496201997

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The Politics of Female Alliance in Early Modern England by Christina Luckyj,Niamh J. O'Leary Pdf

Introduction -- The politics of women's "domestic" alliances. Distaff power: plebeian female alliances in early modern England / Bernard Capp -- Between women: slanderous speech and neighborly bonds in Henry Porter's The two angry women of Abington / Ronda Arab -- The political role of the gossip in Swetnam the woman-hater, arraigned by women / Megan Inbody -- Virtual and actual female alliance in The maid's tragedy and The tamer tamed / Niamh J. O'Leary -- Failed alliances and miserable marriages in Katherine Philips's letters / Elizabeth Hodgson -- Women's alliances and the politics of the court. Performing patronage, crafting alliances: ladies' lotteries in English pageantry / Elizabeth Zeman Kolkovich -- Tyrants, love, and ladies' eyes: the politics of female-boy alliance on the Jacobean stage Roberta Barker -- Her advocate to the loudest: Arbella Stuart and female courtly alliance in The winter's tale / Alicia Tomasian -- Not sparing kings: Aemilia Lanyer and the religious politics of female alliance / Christina Luckyj -- The politics of female kinship. Shakespeare revises Juliet, the nurse, and Lady Capulet in Romeo and Juliet / Steven Urkowitz -- Crossing generations: female alliances and dynastic power in Anne Clifford's great books of record / Jessica l. Malay -- Exilic inspiration and the captive life: the literary/political alliances of the Cavendish sisters / Jennifer Higginbotham -- Afterword / Susan Frye and Karen Robertson

Author : Devon Fisher
Publisher : Routledge
Page : 221 pages
File Size : 45,7 Mb
Release : 2016-04-08
Category : Literary Criticism
ISBN : 9781317061809

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Roman Catholic Saints and Early Victorian Literature by Devon Fisher Pdf

Offering readings of nineteenth-century travel narratives, works by Tractarians, the early writings of Charles Kingsley, and the poetry of Alfred Tennyson, Devon Fisher examines representations of Roman Catholic saints in Victorian literature to assess both the relationship between conservative thought and liberalism and the emergence of secular culture during the period. The run-up to Victoria's coronation witnessed a series of controversial liberal reforms. While many early Victorians considered the repeal of the Test and Corporation Acts (1828), the granting of civil rights to Roman Catholics (1829), and the extension of the franchise (1832) significant advances, for others these three acts signaled a shift in English culture by which authority in matters spiritual and political was increasingly ceded to individuals. Victorians from a variety of religious perspectives appropriated the lives of Roman Catholic saints to create narratives of English identity that resisted the recent cultural shift towards private judgment. Paradoxically, conservative Victorians' handling of the saints and the saints' lives in their sheer variety represented an assertion of individual authority that ultimately led to a synthesis of liberalism and conservatism and was a key feature of an emergent secular state characterized not by disbelief but by a range of possible beliefs.

Author : Hans Boersma
Publisher : Baker Academic
Page : 0 pages
File Size : 43,6 Mb
Release : 2018-07-17
Category : Religion
ISBN : 1540961028

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Scripture as Real Presence by Hans Boersma Pdf

Christianity Today Book Award Winner This work argues that the heart of patristic exegesis is the attempt to find the sacramental reality (real presence) of Christ in the Old Testament Scriptures. Leading theologian Hans Boersma discusses numerous sermons and commentaries of the church fathers to show how they regarded Christ as the treasure hidden in the field of the Old Testament and explains that the church today can and should retrieve the sacramental reading of the early church. Combining detailed scholarly insight with clear, compelling prose, this book makes a unique contribution to contemporary interest in theological interpretation.