This book is the first English edition of a major critique of organized religion. A rational plea for tolerance and free thought, Adriaan Koerbagh's A Light Shining in Dark Places (1668) demolishes the authority of the Christian revelation and the churches.

In Light Shining in a Dark Place, Jeff Sellars has drawn together more than a dozen scholars around the theme of discovering theology through the moving medium of film. The varied contributors in this collection explore, through their particular lenses, how theological ideas might be seen in and considered through one of the most popular of modern art forms. From subjects of sin, grace, and forgiveness to violence, science fiction/fantasy, and zombies, Light Shining in a Dark Place assists the theologically interested film viewer in tracing the light that might be found in the filmic arts back to the source of all lights. Contributors include: Bruce L. Edwards, J. Sage Elwell, Michael Leary, Peter Malone, Kevin C. Neece, Simon Oliver, Kim Paffenroth, J. Ryan Parker, Travis Prinzi, Megan J. Robinson, Scott Shiffer, James H. Thrall, and Alissa Wilkinson

Colombia has been known as a land of violence - Colombian people have reacted to the Gospel of Jesus Christ by cursing the messengers, beating them, kidnapping them, killing them and burning down their houses. But from those burnings have shot out sparks and flames and laser beams of light, as the Gospel has continued to shine forth in the midst of darkness. God has delivered people from burning houses. God has healed the ones who cursed. God has even rescued kidnappers. Read fourteen true stories of the Light of the World shining in the land of Colombia, South America.

Ever since it was first written, Adriaan Koerbagh's anti-Christian work, A Light Shining in Dark Places, has been nearly inaccessible. Had it been known during the Enlightenment, it would have been a great inspiration to radical thinkers. However, it was suppressed and the author died in jail. The full text is now available in English. Koerbagh demolishes such Christian notions as the Creator, the Trinity, the divinity of Jesus, heaven and hell, angels, devils and miracles. Instead, he presents a monistic world view in which Nature and God are identical. Theology is a part of natural science. God can only be worshipped by acting rationally. Koerbagh's rational religion is intended to contribute to a free, peaceful and liberal society.

When experiencing infertility, the unexpected happens. Your feelings about yourself and your relationship with others and your belief in God are confused and complicated. Dancing Upon Barren Land - Prayer, Scripture Reflections, and Hope for Infertility is a helpful companion for those dark, lonely days. *Specific Prayers Topics and Supporting Scripture *Helpful Truths to Living Life While You Wait *Supporting Ideas for Family Members or Friends *Resource Aid for Ministry Leader *Discussion Topics for Support Groups

Drawing inspiration from Dr. Willi Schohaus’s classic text The Dark Places of Education, this book contributes to the discussion by defining suffering in schools and providing a survey of the American school system’s inadequacies in the early twenty-first century. Through testimonies from former students on the ways they experienced suffering in school, this volume demonstrates how suffering can profoundly affect one’s academic growth and development—or worse. By analyzing the findings within a multidisciplinary ethical and educational framework, this volume presents a moral vision for understanding the role that suffering plays in school. Drawing on research in medicine, psychology, social sciences, religion, and education, this text weaves together many strands of thinking about suffering. This book is essential reading for academics, researchers, and postgraduate students in the fields of educational leadership, foundations of education, and those interested in both the history of education and critical contemporary accounts of schooling.

What is the deep cry of your heart? The ache in your soul just waiting to be fulfilled? The prayer you keep repeating without end? Jesus not only cares about this deep, spiritual wrestling, but He also wants to step in and see you through it. Join Lysa TerKeurst on the streets of Israel to explore the I AM statements of Jesus found in the Gospel of John, ultimately trading feelings of emptiness and depletion for the fullness of knowing who Jesus is in this in-depth Bible study. Features: Leader helps to guide questions and discussions within small groups Five weeks of personal study segments to complete between six weeks of group sessions Four days, with an optional fifth day, of study within each week of personal study Six enriching teaching videos, approximately 15-20 minutes per session, available via redemption code printed in Bible study book for individual streaming access Benefits: Find freedom in difficult circumstances by learning how to shift from "slave mentality" to "set free mentality." Discover how Jesus is the key to satisfaction by learning the crucial significance behind each of His I AM statements. Trade feelings of emptiness for the fullness of knowing who Jesus is. Grow in biblical literacy with this exploration of the Gospel of John. Video Sessions: Session 1: I AM (18:40)--In this introductory session, Lysa introduces the topic of I AM by looking in the book of Exodus where God talks to Moses through the burning bush. First came God's name, then came His promise. Session 2: I AM the Bread of Life (15:40)--Lysa is in Capernaum during this session and discusses how important bread was in the life of the Jewish people during this time. She reminds participants that only Jesus Himself can satisfy every craving of our soul. Session 3: I AM the Light of the World (21:40)--This third session puts participants at Jacob's well where Jesus encountered the Samaritan woman. Lysa discusses Jesus as the Living Water and how this Samaritan woman became a light to her world by telling others about Jesus. Session 4: I AM the Good Shepherd and I AM the Gate of the Sheep (18:10)--Psalm 23 tells us about God as a Good Shepherd. Lysa explores that Psalm and reminds listeners that God promises not to restore our circumstances, but rather to restore our soul. Session 5: I AM the Resurrection and the Life and I AM the Way, the Truth, and the Life (20:55)--In this fifth session Lysa overlooks the city of Jerusalem and studies the passage of the raising of Lazarus. She reminds the listener that Jesus longs to bring His resurrection power to us. Session 6: I AM the True Vine (17:35)--During this final session we find ourselves in a vineyard learning about God as the Gardener and Jesus as the True Vine. We learn that pruning makes us look more like Jesus and prepares us to bring forth fruit.