Biblical scholars have long claimed that the Israelites "could not conceive of a disembodied nefesh [soul]." In this book, Richard C. Steiner rejects that claim based on a broad spectrum of textual, linguistic, archaeological, and anthropological evidence spanning the millennia from prehistoric times to the present. The biblical evidence includes a prophecy of Ezekiel condemning women who pretend to trap the wandering souls of sleeping people--a prophecy that has been only partially understood until now because of the obscure technical terms that it contains. The extrabiblical evidence suggests that a belief in the existence of disembodied souls was part of the common religious heritage of the peoples of the ancient Near East.

This title includes the following features: Contains first person descriptions from sufferers of schizophrenia and manic-depressive illness, helping the reader to understand how they experience their illness; Provides an account of the phenomenological approach to psychopathology, giving thereader an essential tool for in-depth assessment of mental disorders; Analyses these disorders from both psychiatric and philosophical perspectives, providing an interdisciplinary examination of the mental lives of sufferers

Is death the end of our story, or do we go on? If life does continue after death, where and how will we live? What happens to us after we die is not only a matter of speculation, but also a matter of debate. This is particularly true within the church, and though some would like to believe that the issue has long been settled, it most certainly remains open for discussion. In The Death Myth, author and theologian Brian M. Rossiter investigates what the Bible actually says about the afterlife, and he carefully explains how an honest reflection on the traditional Christian view of death will show that this view is often misguided. This traditional view—that the deceased persist and live on as conscious immaterial souls—is a doctrine that while tenable may not cohere with scriptural truths about the nature of the soul and body, the timing of the resurrection, and the meaning of salvation. While many Christians believe that the human soul departs to either a place of bliss or a place of torment after death, few have truly evaluated the biblical teachings on the subject. More than that, the implications of our beliefs on the issue are rarely acknowledged. Can the soul live apart from the body? Do immaterial realms for the dead exist? Can ghosts or spirits communicate with the living? When these matters are deeply investigated, the conclusions may force us to reconsider everything we thought we knew about life after death and the very nature of our existence.

From 1400 through 1700, the number of reports of demonic possessions among European women was extraordinarily high. During the same period, a new type of mysticism—popular with women—emerged that greatly affected the risk of possession and, as a result, the practice of exorcism. Many feared that in moments of rapture, women, who had surrendered their souls to divine love, were not experiencing the work of angels, but rather the ravages of demons in disguise. So how then, asks Moshe Sluhovsky, were practitioners of exorcism to distinguish demonic from divine possessions? Drawing on unexplored accounts of mystical schools and spiritual techniques, testimonies of the possessed, and exorcism manuals, Believe Not Every Spirit examines how early modern Europeans dealt with this dilemma. The personal experiences of practitioners, Sluhovsky shows, trumped theological knowledge. Worried that this could lead to a rejection of Catholic rituals, the church reshaped the meaning and practices of exorcism, transforming this healing rite into a means of spiritual interrogation. In its efforts to distinguish between good and evil, the church developed important new explanatory frameworks for the relations between body and soul, interiority and exteriority, and the natural and supernatural.

The WILLIAM WALKER ATKINSON Ultimate Collection is a monumental volume comprising 58 books by the prolific author William Walker Atkinson. Known for his works on New Thought philosophy and personal development, this collection offers a comprehensive insight into Atkinson's pioneering ideas. The literary style is clear and insightful, combining practical advice with philosophical wisdom. Atkinson's writing reflects the spiritual and metaphysical trends of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, making this collection a valuable resource for anyone interested in the history of self-help literature. From topics like the power of thought to the law of attraction, Atkinson covers a wide range of subjects with depth and clarity. Readers will find themselves enriched by the timeless wisdom contained within these pages. With a blend of practical advice and spiritual insight, Atkinson's work continues to inspire and enlighten readers to this day. His unique perspective and profound understanding of the human mind make this collection a must-read for those seeking personal growth and self-discovery.

The Complete Works of William Walker Atkinson (Unabridged) compiles the extensive writings of the prolific New Thought author, covering topics such as mentalism, the law of attraction, and personal magnetism. Atkinson's literary style is characterized by a combination of practical advice and metaphysical teachings, making his work accessible to a wide range of readers. This comprehensive collection provides insights into the mind-power philosophy popular during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and remains relevant in today's self-help and personal development literature. The book offers a valuable resource for those interested in the power of thought and its impact on daily life, making it a must-read for enthusiasts of New Thought and self-improvement literature. William Walker Atkinson's personal experiences and deep understanding of metaphysical principles are evident in his writings, reflecting his dedication to helping readers unlock their full potential. His expertise in mental science and practical application sets him apart as a pioneer in the field of self-help literature. Readers seeking to explore the transformative power of the mind will find The Complete Works of William Walker Atkinson (Unabridged) to be an indispensable guide for personal growth and self-empowerment.

Investigates Plato's account of the tripartite soul, looking at how the theory evolved over the Republic, Phaedrus and Timaeus.