In an era in which the internet has made pornography readily accessible, Seeing with the Eyes of the Heart offers a theological critique of pornography and retrieves from the Christian tradition an alternative visual culture. This visual culture is constituted by both the character of the images we behold and the manner in which we see. Contributors include psychologists William M. Struthers and Jill Manning, who address the neurological effects of pornography and its influences on personal, familial, and social life. Their professional analysis is complemented by the testimony of a young man in recovery from pornography addiction. In an exposition of Christian visual culture, Orthodox iconographer Randi Sider-Rose describes the spiritual discipline of icon writing, Danielle M. Peters, S.T.D., surveys the iconography and art of Marian traditions, and art historian Dianne Phillips elucidates the meaning of divine desire as evident in Catholic visual culture of the late medieval and early modern periods. Catholic theologians Ann W. Astell, Nathanial Peters, Boyd Taylor Coolman, and Nicolas Ogle discuss specific practices and dimensions of the Catholic tradition that can contribute to the cultivation of sacramental vision, and David W. Fagerberg, Kimberly Hope Belcher, Jennifer Newsome Martin, and John C. Cavadini offer reflections on sacramental imagination and the healing of vision. Seeing with the Eyes of the Heart is a work of scholarship composed with pastoral care and concern, and it will be serviceable to both classroom teachers and pastoral ministers. A special feature of the book is an inset of seventy-two full-color plates featuring both classic and contemporary works of Christian iconography and art. The essays and images invite readers to behold in beauty the truth that we are created by the triune God not for sexual objectification but with a sacramental vocation to deification through Christ and the Holy Spirit of love.

Jesus values people. The Gospels share story after story in which He restores, comforts, transforms, and challenges people in an intimate, individual way. Seeing the Heart of Christ tells the stories of twelve personal interactions Jesus had with hurting people and how He dramatically changed their lives. By exploring the rich texture of these stories, you’ll see the greatness of Christ’s love, as well as your deep need for Him. In response to His example of compassion and mercy, you can’t help but be motivated to love and care for others.

A gift that opens your eyes, your heart, and your world In 2009, Eric Telchin noticed a heart in a pool of melted ice cream, and hearts have followed him ever since. He launched boyseeshearts.com as a forum to share his "found" hearts, and an Internet phenomenon was born. This enticing book pairs Eric's photography with short, poignant text to create the ultimate gift for anyone looking to lend, mend, or charm a heart. The simple message of being open to seeing hearts and finding love is one that will resonate with readers of all ages. Anyone can see hearts; it's just a matter of remembering to look for them.

Stories carry the seeds of our humanness. They help us, teach us, heal us, and connect us to what matters. As Far As the Heart Can See is an invitation to be in relationship with deep and life-giving material. Many spiritual gurus present dense metaphysical theses with an intellectual approach for "working" a spiritual path; poet and philosopher Mark Nepo reaches people through their hearts, bringing something fresh and new to the field by stimulating change through reflection of thoughts and feelings. The stories he shares in As Far As the Heart Can See come from many places—from Nepo's personal history to dreams to the myths of our ancestors. Each one is an invitation to awaken an aspect of living in relationship with the sacred. Following each of the forty-five stories are three forms of an invitation to further the conversation: journal questions, table questions, and meditations. The questions, whether reflected upon in a journal or discussed in deeper conversation with friends or family, are meant to lead the seeker down unimagined paths and back into life; the meditations are meant to ground the learning. These stories and parables about universal concepts and themes offer a poet's sensuality and a philosopher's sensibility to personalizing the journey of the human experience in the world.

Ainsley came into my life in a flurry of vibrant colors, lighting my world up when all seemed lost. It wasn't our quiet nights by the creek or stolen kisses surrounded by a sea of cotton that saved me. It was her. She was my comfort when life threw one ugly tragedy after another at me. Until she dealt me the greatest blow. Now, abandonment, betrayal, and death darken every corner of my life. Anger and hurt burn bright where love and trust once lived. But, now, she's back. Sure, she's changed, but I see through it-straight to her heart.

Places can be vessels for happy memories as well as sad ones. For Kora Garver, Horseback Inn is one of those places. Inherited from her great aunt, she spends her time caring for its guests and horses. Truth be known, it's the thing that's kept her going, helped her to push through her darkness. But her darkness has darkened to the point that she can no longer see the light. Once a beautiful woman, at forty, she sees herself as scarred and undesirable. Miserable and alone, ashamed of who she's been and what she's done, retraumatized every time she closes her eyes, she's decided to end her life. At seventeen, Finn Warner lost what most take for granted, her sight. But she didn't let that hold her back. She graduated from medical school at the top of her class. She finished her residency in psychiatry. She established a lucrative private practice. At forty-three, most of her dreams have been fulfilled--with one exception--that she has no one with whom to share her life. In a world where attraction often begins with sight, she's come to accept that, in all likelihood, she'll never have an intimate partner. But she has a rewarding career, good friends, and a great dog. That's enough. The handsome woman counts her blessings each night and recognizes that she has more than most. When a blinding snowstorm leaves Finn in a snowdrift, she'll stay at Horseback Inn, her favorite place to visit as a kid. While there, she'll be reunited with Kora, the girl she held for hours when she was fourteen years old, the girl she'd never stopped thinking about; one of only a handful of girls that she'd ever held that close. When Kora takes a tumble, she'll have the opportunity to get even closer. But she's not sure that Kora is a lesbian. And if that's not enough, Kora's loaded down with baggage, more than any person should have to carry. After passion ignites, Kora will push her away. Snowbound, during the final countdown to suicide, two women, as different as night and day, are given a chance at love. But to seize it, they must navigate a difficult path through the darkness.