Religious Traditions

"Lebanon" Levi Stoltzfus, star of the hit Discovery Channel reality show Amish Mafia, delivers a sizzling tell-all about Amish life today. From the forbidden joyrides to the senseless shunnings to the colorful family feuds, he shares his frank insider's view of this fascinating and secretive society.

America's Favorite Holidays explores how five of America's culturally important holidays - Christmas, Valentine's Day, Easter, Halloween, and Thanksgiving - came to be what they are today, seasonal and religious celebrations heavily influenced by modern popular culture.

They believed they would live forever. So begins Mira Ptacin's haunting account of the women of Camp Etna - an otherworldly community in the woods of Maine that has, since 1876, played host to generations of Spiritualists and mediums dedicated to preserving the links between the mortal realm and the afterlife. Beginning her narrative in 1848 with two sisters who claimed they could speak to the dead, Ptacin reveals how Spiritualism first blossomed into a national practice during the Civil War, yet continues - even thrives - to this very day.

Discover the beguiling history of witchcraft, magic and superstition through the centuries and across the world in this stunningly audiobook. A History of Magic, Witchcraft and the Occult charts the extraordinary narrative of one of the most interesting and often controversial subjects in the world - from ancient animal worship and shamanism, through alchemy and divination to modern Wicca and the resurgence of the occult in 21st-century literature, cinema and television.

Despite their centuries-old history and traditions, witchcraft and magic are still very much a part of modern Anglo-American culture. In Lucifer Ascending, Bill Ellis looks at modern practices that are universally defined as "occult," from commonplace habits such as carrying a rabbit's foot for good luck or using a Ouija board, to more esoteric traditions, such as the use of spell books. In particular, Ellis shows how the occult has been a common element in youth culture for hundreds of years.

The small town of Garland Cove, Maine is the setting for holiday cheer, Christmas spirit, and falling in love. Snow, twinkling lights, and miles of evergreen garland will draw the characters in to fall in love in the most magical time of the year. People return to their hometown, get a second chance, turn grumpy into nice, stop being enemies, and fall in love with a best friend. Anything is possible during the magic of Christmas. This complete series boxed set contains the following books: Home for Christmas Second Chance at Christmas Reformed Grump at Christmas Enemies for Christmas Her ...

The Theme is Freedom presents a new reading of the American Revolution, the Declaration of Independence, the constitutional founding, and the religious clauses of the First Amendment. Evans draws the conclusion that our liberties have always been dependent of the religious traditions of the West - directly contrary to accepted theory.

Physician, activist, and author Charles Alexander Eastman was the first Native American certified in Western medicine and one of the first authors of any background to emphasize the Native American perspective. In The Soul of the Indian, he shares the customs, rituals, celebrations, and beliefs of Native American spirituality, and in so doing provides a powerful account of the “Great Mystery” at their core.

In this provocative and thoughtful book, Gerald McDermott explores the theological concept of revelation and how evangelicals have responded to world religions. He then makes a case for God's having revealed himself outside of Israel and the church.

Exploring the direct perception of non-dual, “non-ordinary” reality, Paul Weiss shares guidance for navigating ordinary reality in an open, compassionate, and ever-maturing way. He affirms our shared human potential for the “direct experience” of reality—unmediated by our more relativistic mental faculties—and reveals this experience as an essential dimension of our conscious capacity for growth.

Dive into a world where traditions come alive with Celebrating Traditions, a captivating eBook that invites you on an extraordinary journey through the heart of global festivities. This comprehensive guide explores the rich tapestry of celebrations that span continents and cultures, offering an immersive experience into the customs that bring people together. Begin your adventure with an exploration of the true meaning behind festivities, from the vibrant street parties of Latin America to the serene temples of Asia. Learn how families around the world honor their heritage through ...

The goals of the budo - the martial arts and ways of Japan - lie in refining the body and spirit. These goals are not always the obvious ones - and are learned only through the guidance and direction of great teachers. The techniques, methods, and rituals of the sensei can serve as guides to a well-lived life - and provide invaluable lessons for today's martial artists.

Look at the individual elements of the Christmas story and examine the scientific and historical evidence concerning this, perhaps the best known story in history. We will separate fact from fiction, truth from legend and myth. Can we separate the commercialism from the true story of Christmas?

Dive into the rich history, theology, and spiritual traditions of Advent with Going Deeper with Advent, a concise and meaningful guide designed to enhance your holiday season. This book is perfect for families, individuals, and church groups looking to deepen their understanding of the sacred season of preparation and reflection. What you'll discover in this book: The historical roots of Advent, tracing its evolution from the early church to modern traditions. A deep dive into the theological themes of hope, peace, joy, and love that define the Advent season. Insights into the biblical ...

Noah and the ark makes it on everyone’s list of top-10 favorite Bible stories - right up there with Jonah and the whale, and David and Goliath. No biblical account has raised as many questions and has generated as much controversy as Noah and the ark. The story in the Bible is just the beginning! Was the massive ark seaworthy? Did the Flood cover the whole Earth? Has the ark been found on Mount Ararat? Where can you see the ark today? These questions and more are answered in Noah: The Real Story.

Follow me in this guide to the Wiccan faith and ideals, where you'll find out that we believe in tolerance and acceptance above everything else. Let me shake off the mystery and the seriousness that plagues Wiccan people this day and age. I'm here to give you the straight answers you're looking for.

DIVINE THREADS: UNRAVELLING THE ORIGINS OF DIVINE BELIEFS Do you wonder why humanity has always been drawn to the mystical and the sacred? How would your understanding of the world change if you could trace the origins and evolution of divine beliefs across cultures and history? What if you could explore the minds of our ancestors and discover how their search for meaning shaped our present-day spirituality? Imagine having access to a comprehensive guide that unravels the intricate tapestry of divine thought and practice. Imagine your appreciation for diverse belief systems growing as you ...

An easy-to-use therapy tool for transforming unhelpful belief patterns and envisioning positive change.

Human rights should protect the dignity and well-being of all people. But in today's deeply divided world, some argue that cultural differences and economic inequality undermine their universality. In Human Rights in a Divided World, David Hollenbach offers a comprehensive and cohesive analysis of the challenges to human rights, suggesting that today's global realities call for important developments rooted in Catholic ethics.

Evil in Our Midst provides a chilling glimpse of 50 dark angels, each of which represents a culture’s greatest fears. Every section opens with a story that shares the legend of a demon, and then offers fascinating information on the culture that, in many cases, perpetuates this belief. For those who believe in these creatures, this audiobook gives reason to fear the unknown. For those who do not believe in demons, it provides terrifying listen for a stormy night.