Religion Theory

On August 10, 1632, five men in flowing black robes convened in a somber Roman palazzo to pass judgment on a deceptively simple proposition: that a continuous line is composed of distinct and infinitely tiny parts. With the stroke of a pen the Jesuit fathers banned the doctrine of infinitesimals, announcing that it could never be taught or even mentioned. The concept was deemed dangerous and subversive, a threat to the belief that the world was an orderly place, governed by a strict and unchanging set of rules.

Destined for Joy is a collection of essays devoted to the theme of the absolute love of God and the gospel of universal salvation. Written over a period of 10 years and revised for publication in this volume, they represent the fruition of the author’s theological and spiritual development over a span of four decades in parish ministry. If God has truly revealed himself in his incarnate Son Jesus Christ as absolute and unconditional love, does this not mean that he intends the salvation of all?

Conventional wisdom holds that America has been a Christian nation since the Founding Fathers. But in One Nation Under God, historian Kevin M. Kruse argues that the idea of "Christian America" is nothing more than a myth - and a relatively recent one at that.

Afghanistan traces the historic struggles and the changing nature of political authority in this volatile region of the world, from the Mughal Empire in the 16th century to the Taliban resurgence today. Thomas Barfield introduces listeners to the bewildering diversity of tribal and ethnic groups in Afghanistan, explaining what unites them as Afghans despite the regional, cultural, and political differences that divide them.

Big Bang Theory vs. the Bible has a truly unique comparison between two seemingly opposite perspectives. It brings religion and science together by using the truths of the Big Bang Theory, evolution, astronomy, mathematics, statistical probabilities, and the solar system. It reconciles the calendar of the creation recorded in the Book of Genesis with the calendar of the Big Bang Theory—as the two calendars perfectly and mathematically correlate.

What does the Bible teach about God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit? What do angels, Satan and demons have to do with reality? What place should the Bible or church have in my life? Perhaps you think you know what others are telling you to believe, but deep down inside you do wonder, "What is really important to my own faith?" If so, you need to know....a Christian's faith must be grounded in truth!

Many books on Purgatory reflect upon what you can do to help the Holy Souls suffering there. But this informative and reassuring book offers practical tips on what you can do to avoid the pains of Purgatory yourself. And the good news is, you don’t have to endure martyrdom; you just have to grow in virtue. Father Martin Jugie clarifies the truth about the Church’s teaching on Purgatory and explains why it isn’t enough simply to strive to avoid Hell. You must expiate for your sins now—and Fr. Jugie spells out how.

There have been many wars throughout history and more yet to come. But the most important war is over and most don't even know it. Many have not yet heard the news and they continue to fight the battle—the battle of sin and judgment. Sin is no longer the issue; the price has been paid once and for all, God sent His only Son to bare our sin, becoming sin itself, and then judged Him without mercy for that sin. Was it enough? You will discover that it was more than enough, and God is not withholding His blessing because of sin! By understanding this powerful truth, you will be set free.

Prophets aren't sharpened in an instant. They must go through a "making" process to shape their character and burn off their impurities through experiencing the ways of God. As you explore your prophetic calling, you will understand your prophetic mission - and what it takes to progress through each level on your way to fulfilling your God-given destiny. In Becoming a Next-Level Prophet, author, speaker, and apostolic prophet Jennifer LeClaire encourages and challenges you to sharpen your prophetic edge through obedience, willingness, humility, prayer, and warfare....

What happens in the heart when it experiences real saving faith? John Piper argues that faith in Christ is not saving unless it includes an "affectional dimension of treasuring Christ." Nor is God glorified as he ought to be unless he is treasured in being trusted. Saving faith in Jesus Christ welcomes him forever as our supreme and inexhaustible pleasure. What Is Saving Faith? explains that a Savior who is treasured for his all-satisfying worth is more glorified than a Savior who is only trusted for his all-forgiving competence

When Matthieu Ricard and Trinh Thuan met at an academic conference in the summer of 1997, they began discussing the many remarkable connections between the teachings of Buddhism and the findings of recent science. That conversation grew into an astonishing correspondence exploring a series of fascinating questions. Did the universe have a beginning? Might our perception of time in fact be an illusion, a phenomenon created in our brains that has no ultimate reality? What is consciousness and how did it evolve?

The greatest promise ever given to the human race came from the lips of our Redeemer when Jesus said, "Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me...I go to prepare a place for you...I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also" (John 14:1-3). Just after his 95th birthday, Mr. Graham proclaimed with resolve, "When I die, tell others that I've gone to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ - that's where I am."

Some people seek a single truth. Others embrace them all. What if the key to understanding the universe isn’t choosing one path—but seeing the connections between them? This two-books-in-one volume takes you on a journey through two of the most profound and thought-provoking philosophies: Monism—the idea that everything is fundamentally one—and Omnism—the belief that wisdom can be found in all traditions. Together, they shatter rigid worldviews and open the door to a deeper, more expansive understanding of reality. Unravel the mysteries of existence—Why do so many belief systems...

In Heavenly Rewards, you will uncover fascinating truths about how the life you live today determines your life in eternity. You will learn tangible ways you can please the Lord in your everyday living; discover that your labor and sacrifices are never in vain (God is a faithful rewarder); and see the benefits of living faithfully and enduring through even the most difficult times.

Grace is more story than doctrine. It's more than forgiveness or compassion. It's undeserved by definition, essential to salvation. And it turns out that God's grace—though it's the only thing we stand on and the only thing we should stand for—is the very thing that we consistently distort and hesitate to extend to others. Why is that? To understand the story of grace—what it means and how it's misunderstood, why we need it and how it was given to us—we have to begin at the beginning.

A comprehensive explanation of Martin Luther’s most crucial and controversial beliefs on salvation, The Bondage of the Will is a critical resource in understanding the theology of free will and the gift of faith. Facing criticism even from others who had disagreements with the Catholic church, Luther’s strong and absolute beliefs on the gift of salvation were truly revolutionary. This work contains the full amount of research, discussion, and debate on Luther’s ideas on free will as it pertains to individual Christians and to their understanding of God.

Grace or truth…or both? Truth without grace breeds self-righteousness and crushing legalism. Grace without truth breeds deception and moral compromise. Is it possible to embrace both in balance? Jesus did. Randy Alcorn offers a simple yet profound two-point checklist of Christlikeness. “In the end,” says Alcorn, “we don’t need grace or truth. We need grace and truth. And for people to see Jesus in us, they must see both.”

In this accessible introduction to AI, Sean O'Callaghan and Paul Hoffman explore its social and ethical impacts for ministry and teaching. The authors shed light on the biblical vision for human flourishing—and on how AI can help or hinder that flourishing. Avoiding both alarmism and uncritical acceptance, O'Callaghan and Hoffman offer resources and practical tools for using AI in our classrooms and congregations.

Far more happened to us on the cross than we realize! Righteousness: It’s so much more than a call to holy living or a theological notion. What you discover about this truth will alter your reality and revolutionize your walk with God.

Mass incarceration has become a lucrative industry, and the criminal justice system is plagued with bias and unjust practices. And the church has unwittingly contributed to these problems. Dominique Gilliard explores the history and foundation of mass incarceration, examining Christianity's role in its evolution and expansion. He assesses our nation's ethic of meritocratic justice in light of Scripture and exposes the theologies that embolden mass incarceration.