In the wake of 9/11, policy analysts, journalists, and academics have tried to make sense of the rise of militant Islam, particularly its role as a motivating and legitimating force for violence against the United States. The general perception is that Islam is more violence-prone than other religions and that scripture and beliefs within the faith, such as the doctrines of jihad and martyrdom, demonstrate the inherently violent nature of Islam. Here, however, Heather Selma Gregg draws comparisons across religious traditions to investigate common causes of religious violence. The author sets side-by-side examples of current and historic Islamic violence with similar acts by Christian, Jewish, Buddhist, and Hindu adherents. Based on her findings, Gregg challenges the assumption that religious violence stems from a faithÆs scriptures. Instead, Gregg argues that religious violence is the result of interpretations of a religionÆs beliefs and scriptures. Interpretations calling for violence in the name of a faith are the product of individuals, but it is important to understand the conditions under which these violent interpretations of a religion occur. These conditions must be considered by identifying who is interpreting the religion and by what authority; the social, political, and economic circumstances surrounding these violent interpretations; and the believability of these interpretations by members of religious communities.

God Is Always Present: The Promise of The Golden Prayer In The Golden Prayer, bestselling author Edward Weiss takes readers on a journey where God is always present and we find what we've been searching for - the constant joy of knowing our place! Based on ancient Jewish wisdom, the promise of The Golden Prayer is simple: to take you from someone in need, to someone who knows all needs are met in God. An Amazon bestseller in Religion/Spirituality Featured on CBS News, NBC, FOX and ABC Translated into multiple languages worldwide

The Gospel of Mark portrays Jesus making impossible demands on his disciples. They must follow him even if it costs them their lives. And, unsurprisingly, this proves to be impossible for them to do. They fail drastically in Mark's narrative and run from the scene as Jesus is arrested. Peter had been determined to stay by him unto death, but even he was not able to admit to knowing Jesus at that crucial moment. The strange thing is that Jesus made it clear that it is impossible to enter the Kingdom of God without this sort of radical discipleship. In this narrative study of salvation in the Gospel of Mark, this conundrum is studied closely with surprising results. An investigation of various socio-historical aspects of Mark's background elucidate the connection that Mark makes between the death of Jesus and the following of the disciples. And a study of Mark's narrative as a whole shows that Mark provides hope for those without courage to follow. If they continue to look and listen carefully, the mystery will be unveiled to them.

Is anything more important than understanding eternal salvation? When it comes down to it, all human beings can be divided into two categories: the saved and the unsaved. Every person longs to find the path to eternal life. Many different paths are tried. But what does the Word of God have to say about it? In The Doctrine of Salvation, Charles Horne explains the basics of this important biblical doctrine. Why is there a need for salvation? What is its basis? What are its results? How can you be assured of it? And how does salvation culminate in eternal life? Using clear and precise language, Dr. Horne lays out the biblical evidence. “The doctrine of salvation is central to the message of Scripture,” he writes. “From Genesis 3 to Revelation 22 we witness the unfolding drama of redemption.” May this book open your eyes to the greatest story ever told!