This worldwide study examines how religion gets into theme parks – as mission, as an aspect of culture, as fable, and by chance. Gods and Rollercoasters analyses religion in theme parks, looking at how it relates to modernism, popular culture, right-wing politics, nationalism, and the rise of the global middle class. Crispin Paine argues that religion has discovered a major new means of expression through theme parks. From the reconstruction of Biblical Jerusalem at the Holy Land Experience in Orlando, through the world of Chinese mythology at Haw Par Villa in Singapore, to the great temple/theme park Akshardham in New Delhi, this book shows how people are encountering and experiencing religion in the context of fun, thrills and leisure time. Drawing on examples from six of the seven continents, and exploring religious traditions including Christianity, Daoism, Buddhism, Hinduism and Islam, Gods and Rollercoasters provides a significant contribution to the study of religion, sociology, anthropology, and popular culture.

Introduction -- The height requirement -- Secure your shoulder harness -- Fuel for the motor -- Filling your empty seats -- Riding in the front seat -- Picking up speed -- Hands in the air -- Smile for the camera -- Epilogue -- Final word -- Acknowledgements -- Additional resources.

As one of the twelve Guardians, Urian has spent the last several centuries in a constant battle to keep the inhabitants of Earth's Realms under control. Humanity has to evolve, hell beasts need to die, and Immortals need mates. But lately, Uri's mind is overrun with thoughts of the sexy Demi-Goddess he's forbidden contact with. Alexandra and her brothers have managed to evade the Guardians for centuries. Sensing she was needed on Earth, Alexandra forces herself to stay away from the only male who has ever truly enticed her. Until her world turns upside down. For a hundred years she's watched Urian from the shadows, playing a wicked voyeuristic game to no end but to fuel her obsession with him. But now, she must seek out the enthralling Guardian to save her brother's life, even if it means her own exile. Either way, she won't go quietly. Warning: This book contains explicit and sizzling sex scenes with big dominant males.

John Cox is dead, killed in an explosion while at work. His younger sister Hayley can't believe he's gone. Determined to see the place of his death, she flies to Moscow with John's fiancée, Annie-but the site they're shown where John died. Suddenly it seems that there's more to his death than a tragic accident. Using a tracking system to locate John's mobile phone, Hayley and Annie find the real site of the explosion . . . but they are completely at the mercy of John's former Russian boss and his English speaking son, who have taken them there. Upon recovering the phone, it's clear that John is still alive. Meanwhile, in the Siberian forest, John is being nursed back from the brink of death by a village woman. As he slowly recovers he begins to piece together the truth: he's at the heart of a dangerous power struggle between two brothers who are desperate to silence him-for good.

Tammy suppressed the bitter memories of a tragic accident that changed her family's lives forever until she courageously began to write. Her debut novel will connect with those who have dealt with tragedy and she hopes will encourage them to never give up on their dreams of finding happiness.

My life stunk. I had never gotten a break. If it could go wrong, it had gone wrong. I was on the fast track to nowhere... Then I met Al. As one man approaches fifty, he takes a look back at the years riddled with disappointment, heartache, unfulfilled dreams, and hopelessness. He's a prisoner to his own existence, allowing fear and his victim mentality to keep him from pursuing the life he's always wanted. But just when it seems that each day is the same monotonous routine, he meets Al and has an unexpected encounter that will turn his life upside down. When Al offers him The Key to his mansion, this man must decide if it's a risk worth taking. Is it really free, or are there strings attached to this seemingly too-good-to-be-true offer? Who is this mysterious Al? What secrets does his house hold, and why is he trying to give it away? In his new book, The Key, John W. Turner takes readers on tour of this extraordinary home, using this allegory of the Father's house to reveal the invitation extended to each and every person. Readers will be spellbound as they too explore the rooms of the mansion, discovering the reality of God's character and the blessings he wants to bestow, if we allow him.

Are you feeling stressed, Christian? What exactly is stress? Where does it come from, and how does it really affect us? More importantly, what does God have to say about stress? Isn't stress like the impartial rain, falling on both the just and the unjust? How would a Christian handle stress differently from anyone else? There is good news! God promises to give His children special help when it comes to dealing with stress. Are we taking full advantage of the gifts He has given us? Are we living out the peace, joy and victory that is available to us? Find out how in this full length Christian self-help book, with workbook-style activity pages after every chapter. Perfect for both personal use and small group study.