The "dangerous idea" lying at the heart of Protestantism is that the interpretation of the Bible is each individual's right and responsibility. The spread of this principle has resulted in five hundred years of remarkable innovation and adaptability, but it has also created cultural incoherence and social instability. Without any overarching authority to rein in "wayward" thought, opposing sides on controversial issues can only appeal to the Bible--yet the Bible is open to many diverse interpretations. Christianity's Dangerous Idea is the first book that attempts to define this cor...
View More...

Prayer...meditation...speaking in tongues. What do these spiritual activities share and how do they differ? Why do some people believe in God, while others embrace atheism? From the ordinary to the extraordinary, beliefs give meaning to the mysteries of life. They motivate us, provide us with our individual uniqueness, and ultimately change the structure and function of our brains.

In Born to Believe, Andrew Newberg, MD, and Mark Waldman reveal -- for the very first time -- h...
View More...

The epic story begins with the Jews' gradual transformation of pagan idol worship in Babylon into true monotheism--a concept previously unknown in the world. Christiani...
View More...

The epic story begins with the Jews' gradual transformation of pagan idol worship in Babylon into true monotheism--a concept previously unknown in the world. Christiani...
View More...

Moving from the Paleolithic age to the present, Karen Armstrong details the great lengths to which humankind has gone in order to experience a sacred reality that it called by many names, such as God, Brahman, Nirvana, Allah, or Dao. Focusing especially on Christianity but including Judaism, Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, and Chinese spiritualities, Armstrong examines the diminished impulse toward religion ...
View More...

In times of questioning and despair, people often quote the Bible to provide answers. Surprisingly, though, the Bible does not have one answer but many "answers" that often contradict one another. Consider these competing explanations for suffering put forth by various biblical writers:

• The prophets: suffering is a punishment for sin
• The book of Job, which offers two different answers: suffering is a test, and you will be rewarded later for passing it; and suffering is beyond comprehension, since we are just human beings and God, after all, is God
<...
View More...

Brad Igou offers writings by Amish people across North America, compiled from the first 25 years (1968-92) of Family Life, a monthly Amish magazine. He includes letters, articles, history lessons, parables, questions, challenges--a wide spectrum of human experience, from an Amish point of view. Sixteen chapters cover fascinating topics such as shunning, nonresistance, clothing, youth activities, old age, conflicts with the modern world, work, church, humor, and lessons from life.

You will laugh, cry, and be touched in a personal way by a people focused on living for God. These humble ...
View More...

The 21st century will go down in history as the century of global urbanization. How does God feel about the city, and how should we respond to what is being considered one of the four major challenges of our time? In this fresh approach to urban missions, Brad Stanley shares his experience and God-given insight into the value of the city and its inhabitants, and the role that the church should play in reaching cities worldwide for Christ.

If you long for something more, even if you don't know what that something is, then open this profound book. The Sacred Romance is the story of our lives; it is God's story. It is His invitation to experience His unfathomable love for us. Before long, you will find yourself eagerly turning the pages to find out what happens next.

The Sacred Romance strikes a chord in us because more than in any other age, we have lost touch with our hearts. We have left that essential part of ourselves behind in the pursuit of efficiency, success, and even Christian service....
View More...