In the Roman and Byzantine Near East, the holy fool emerged in Christianity as a way of describing individuals whose apparent madness allowed them to achieve a higher level of spirituality. Insanity and Sanctity in Byzantium examines how the figure of the mad saint or mystic was used as a means of individual and collective transformation in the period between the birth of Christianity and the rise of Islam. It presents a novel interpretation in revealing the central role that psychology plays in social and historical development. Early Christians looked to figures who embodied extremes of behavior—like the holy fool, the ascetic, the martyr—to redefine their social, cultural, and mental settings by reading new values in abnormal behavior. Comparing such forms of extreme behavior in early Christian, pagan, and Jewish societies, and drawing on theories of relational psychoanalysis, anthropology, and sociology of religion, Youval Rotman explains how the sanctification of figures of extreme behavior makes their abnormality socially and psychologically functional. The sanctification of abnormal mad behavior created a sphere of ambiguity in the ambit of religious experience for early Christians, which brought about a deep psychological shift, necessary for the transition from paganism to Christianity. A developing society leaves porous the border between what is normal and abnormal, between sanity and insanity, in order to use this ambiguity as a means of change. Rotman emphasizes the role of religion in maintaining this ambiguity to effect a social and psychological transformation.

This comprehensive, significant work on Salvation Army theology and practice is designed to help reinforce Salvationists' appreciation of their movement's rationale and mission, helping to maintain and increase the Army's unique position within the Church and as part of global faith-based responses to humanitarian need. The writers in this volume hold and proclaim a clear vision for the Army's future, fully seizing contemporary opportunities while retaining the fire and zeal of the primitive Movement.

For Sanity’s Sake is a 365-day survival guide for women experiencing moderate to severe symptoms of perimenopause. Anxiety, fuzzy-brain, fatigue, and headaches are only some of the symptoms plaguing menopausal women. With such menacing symptoms, concentration on long, drawn out Bible Studies is often impossible. Many women feel guilty and often force themselves to muddle through, gaining nothing but frustration from the experience. Each devotion is designed to help women cope spiritually and emotionally with daily hormonal fluctuations and distractions. Women struggling with severe hormonal imbalances often struggle with deciphering the right or wrong of their emotions. Even when they know the right or wrong, their extreme emotional state makes it difficult to always choose God’s way Everything women need to persevere through menopause is provided through the power of the Holy Spirit, and it is imperative that women learn how to launch a counter attack against their fleshly emotions. For Sanity’s Sake provides that added spiritual boost needed to fight and ultimately win each daily battle. Through personal experiences, experiences of other women (and men), and Bible characters, this devotional helps women come to a realization that they are not alone in their menopausal struggles and that the best years of their lives are yet to come.

"G. Campbell Morgan (1863-1945) was a leading Bible expositor in England and the United States. Despite a lack of substantial formal training, Morgan was a prolific writer and teacher. Ordained into the Congregational ministry, he was the pastor of Westminster Chapel, London (1904-17 and 1933-45). Morgan also conducted two very successful teaching tours in the United States, including work with D. L. Moody's ministry." -- Provided by publisher. "Exposition based on Exegisis... Intended as a handbook to the reader who desires a true apprehension of the spiritual force and method of these first years of Christianity at work in human history." (pg. 6).

A treatment of power, vulnerability, and suffering in the life and ministry of mid-career leaders offers a reminder of the need to rethink power. The push and pull of power dynamics, unless acknowledged and surrendered, can impact leaders’ spirituality, relationships, character, and ultimately their faithfulness in ministry. To supplement countless books on leadership models, techniques and motivation, this book offers a counter-narrative of power informed by and embedded in the message of the cross; it elaborates on a humble use of power and proposes a reframing of power as seen in Christ’s downward ascent and cruciform strength. This book is of critical importance in the field of ministry formation (local and global) because it probes to the very core of our human condition, illuminating one of the chief perils in lives of position and leadership—the misconstrual and misuse of power—a reality that can be particularly destructive in spiritual and ministry contexts. The larger Christian community will also find relevance in this message as leaders of every ilk share common challenges in the struggles of power and control. You will find a very personal and deeply reflective treatment on our common human condition, and an invitation to admit our inner and external struggles over the use and practice of power in ministry.

The Salvation Army is an integral part of the Christian Church, although distinctive in government and practice. The Army’s doctrine follows the mainstream of Christian belief and its articles of faith emphasize God’s saving purposes. Its objects are ‘the advancement of the Christian religion… of education, the relief of poverty, and other charitable objects beneficial to society or the community of mankind as a whole.’ The Salvation Army was founded in London in 1865 by William Booth its first 'General' and has continued growing ever since. In 2015 it celebrated it 150th anniversary and today it has a presence in 127 countries. This second edition of Historical Dictionary of The Salvation Army contains a chronology, an introduction, appendixes, and an extensive bibliography. The dictionary section has over 300 cross-referenced entries on i leaders, personalities, events, facts, movements, and beliefs of The Salvation Army. This book is an excellent resource for students, researchers, and anyone wanting to know more about The Salvation Army..