Grand in its sweep, this survey of the sacred writings of the major religions of the world offers a thoughtful introduction to the ideas and beliefs upon which great faiths are built. Under the expert guidance of John Bowker, a religious scholar and author of international stature, readers explore the key texts of Jewish, Christian, Muslim, Hindu, Jain, Sikh, Buddhist, Parsi, Confucian, Daoist, and Shinto traditions. The author discusses some 400 books, among them such well-known sacred texts as the Bible and the Quran, but also spiritual writings by theologians, philosophers, poets, and others. Bowker provides clear and illuminating commentary on each text, describing the content and core tenets of the work and quoting pertinent passages. He also sets the writings in religious and historical contexts, showing how they have influenced—and in many cases continue to influence—artistic, musical, literary, and political traditions. The Message and the Book is essential reading for anyone who wishes to understand the meaning and the deep significance of primary religious texts of civilizations around the globe.

The message: "Two life changing books in one! If a man were to die, and then return, what message might those from the world beyond send back to us?"--Cover

Perhaps no book in the history of the world has been as misunderstood and misappropriated as the Book of Revelation. Those people versed in the methods of scholarly interpretation (exegesis) may understand the symbolism of this work, but what about the general reader? How is he or she to know whether this book is being soundly interpreted or misinterpreted? Father Chapman writes for the general reader, for the many who need to understand the truth of The Message of the Book of Revelation -both its historical message and its message for Christians today. He explains, phrase by phrase, in clear, direct terms what has been learned about the genre of writings called apocalyptic literature - of which Revelation is a part - and how that knowledge can be properly used to interpret the images and symbols of Revelation. Faithful to the teaching of the Church, this explanation of Revelation "reveals" this biblical book to be an inspiring, hope-filled, poetic portrayal of the triumph of Christ and his followers over the powers of evil. The Rev. Charles T. Chapman, Jr., was raised and educated as a Southern Baptist. He joined the Episcopal Church in 1980 and was ordained priest in 1987. He holds degrees from Union University and The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, with further training at the Episcopal Theological Seminary of the Southwest. With Bible teaching and writing among his principle interests, Fr. Chapman offers this commentary in the hopes that reason and scholarship can shed light on a biblical work where baseless, extravagant imagination has long cast its shadow.

The Message of God is full of promise. Stress. Money. Work. Self-Image. Loneliness. We deal with issues like these in our day-to-day lives. And we’re bombarded by messages about how to respond to them. But what does God have to say about how we should face life’s challenges? The Message Promise Book addresses 80 topics with over 800 hope-filled Bible verses, arranged by subject and easy to navigate. You’ll discover what Scripture says about the situation you’re facing right now. This makes a great pocket-sized companion for you, a hope-filled gift for a friend, or a resource for your whole church to remember God’s promises. The Message Promise Book will help you consider life from God’s perspective, with his Word expressed in everyday language that you can easily understand and apply to your situation.

"The story of how a text message is sent"--

Here are the foundations of truth that we have shared worldwide. Here are the reasons for our faith, the secrets of our joy, the strength of our ministries, the keys to our long success, set in a framework of dynamic Bible basics that have brought God's miraculous power to millions for over half a century. Here is The Message That Works. What we've taught has created a better world. Millions have been lifted out of despair, disease, delusion, and defeat. These truths can be fundamental guidelines for Gospel ministers, beacons of inspiration for Bible students, and vital seeds of miracle blessings for YOU. -T.L. Obsorn

This new, expanded collection of Antonio Tabucchi's stories collects the best short fiction from the Italian author recognized as one of the masters of the form. Message From the Shadows is a new collection featuring Antonio Tabucchi's finest short stories, spanning the breadth of his career. These playful tales explore Tabucchi's signature themes, from his inventive, lyrical meditations on language, art, and philosophy, to his fascination with the passage of time, and the mystery of storytelling.