The Bible says that a servant is like his master in all things. When we represent Jesus Christ we should reflect His nature and character. Character is who we are when no one is looking. Are we honest and dependable and truthful. In all things we should be like the person we name as believing.

Compelling, in-depth analysis of Shaker villages that sheds light on how communal attitudes helped to liberate Shaker women. Drawing on archival material from Shaker members, observers, and apostates, noted historian Suzanne R. Thurman offers a scholarly yet eminently readable study of life in two of the oldest, most prominent American Shaker villages: the Harvard and Shirley communities of Massachusetts. Even as she delves into the complex fabric of Shaker social life, Thurman challenges traditional perceptions of gender roles within the community. Shaker spiritual and social ethics, she points out, strongly favored women. Celibacy and an androgynous theology, for instance, allowed androgynous social roles to evolve. Another key factor was the lively arena of nineteenth-century reformers and intellectuals in nearby Boston. With admirable detail, Thurman documents the relationship that grew between these forward thinkers and the Believers. Their influence, she argues, enlightened Shaker consciousness and empowered their women of Harvard and Shirley with opportunities denied them in the world at large. The author also explores links, particularly economic, between Shakers and the greater American society. Treating Harvard and Shirley Believers as an idiosyncratic part of the nation rather than a fringe group, Thurman sheds new light on their constant struggle to be in the world but not of it.

An engaging social history & introduction to the Shakers as both individuals & members of a movement.

Includes Barnes, Bedell, Bowne, Brown, Carpenter, Cornell, Cruger, DeZeng, Dusenbury, Ferris, Field, Ford, Griffin, Gummere, Hallock, Haviland, Hunt, Ketcham, Kimble, Lawrence, Lowerre, Mott, Nelson, Norrington, Parsons, Pixley, Roesch, Rogers, Sampson, Schieffelin, Shotwell, Smith, Street, Thompson, Titus, Underhill, Vail, Vincent, Way, Weeks, White, Wood. S0000HB - $80.00

Adults in your church, small group, or other Christian organization are silently suffering the tragic consequences of having been sexually abused as children or youth. Why aren't they coming forward for help? Their reluctance may be related to wounds given by the faithful--religious people they trusted, who said things like "well, it wasn't rape" or "it's been thirty years--why is this such a big deal?" Such responses from people with religious authority deepen victims' need to shrink into anxiety, depression, and self-degradation. This book offers you the tools needed to undertake caring ministry to adults suffering in the aftermath of childhood sexual abuse. Once you understand the scientific research on such topics as trauma memory, consequences of abuse, and forgiveness, you will appreciate how caring collaboration can create hope and healing. In these pages every reader will find helpful content that will take you from feeling out of your depth to knowing you are empowered to be an effective companion in God's transforming work in the lives of survivors of abuse.

From the Pacific Islands, across Asia, to the Himalayas, and to AfricaaEUR"from remote places to big citiesaEUR"by jumbo jet, by small plane, by ship, by trainaEUR"God directed Cherri's steps. She said, aEURoeLord, I want to go where people are hungry for your Word!aEUR He answered her prayer! Her journal records her struggles and victories and the many testimonies of people who were changed by the teaching and power of the Word of God. In all of her travels, the Lord GodaEUR"Father, Son, and Holy SpiritaEUR"was her Companion, Strength, Guide, Protector, Provider, and Healer! The stories of her adventures and God's faithfulness will inspire you and stir and strengthen your faith!