Visions, Prophecies and Divinations is an introduction to the vast and complex phenomena of prophecy and vision in the Spanish and Portuguese Empires. This book is dedicated to the study of the millenarian and messianic movements in the early modern Iberian world, and it is one of the first collections of essays on the subject to be published in English. The ten chapters range from the analysis of Mesoamerican and South American indigenous prophetical beliefs to the intellectual history of the Luso-Brazilian Jesuit Antônio Vieira and his project of a Fifth Empire, passing through new approaches to the long-lasting Sebastianist belief and its political implications.

A startling exploration of the history of the most controversial book of the Bible, by the bestselling author of Beyond Belief. Through the bestselling books of Elaine Pagels, thousands of readers have come to know and treasure the suppressed biblical texts known as the Gnostic Gospels. As one of the world's foremost religion scholars, she has been a pioneer in interpreting these books and illuminating their place in the early history of Christianity. Her new book, however, tackles a text that is firmly, dramatically within the New Testament canon: The Book of Revelation, the surreal apocalyptic vision of the end of the world . . . or is it? In this startling and timely book, Pagels returns The Book of Revelation to its historical origin, written as its author John of Patmos took aim at the Roman Empire after what is now known as "the Jewish War," in 66 CE. Militant Jews in Jerusalem, fired with religious fervor, waged an all-out war against Rome's occupation of Judea and their defeat resulted in the desecration of Jerusalem and its Great Temple. Pagels persuasively interprets Revelation as a scathing attack on the decadence of Rome. Soon after, however, a new sect known as "Christians" seized on John's text as a weapon against heresy and infidels of all kinds-Jews, even Christians who dissented from their increasingly rigid doctrines and hierarchies. In a time when global religious violence surges, Revelations explores how often those in power throughout history have sought to force "God's enemies" to submit or be killed. It is sure to appeal to Pagels's committed readers and bring her a whole new audience who want to understand the roots of dissent, violence, and division in the world's religions, and to appreciate the lasting appeal of this extraordinary text.

This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the original. Due to its age, it may contain imperfections such as marks, notations, marginalia and flawed pages. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions that are true to the original work.

Looks at some of the phophets who have surfaced throughout history, and examines some of their visions and predictions.

What does the Church mean when she recognizes private revelations and visions as credible? Which is the point at which God affects the soul? What are the criteria for the discernment of genuine prophecies. Karl Rahner's concern is the theological and psychological significance of phenomena which, despite the Church's care in establishing their authentic character, have been left too often and too readily to human credulity. The danger of error, he suggests, is greater in credulity than in scepticism.

People make the decision to become one of Gods believers for many reasons. For some, it is a long process. Then something happens to bring them over the line between doubt and belief, and they become Gods beloved child. In some cases, that something is a prophetic vision or dream. Visions and Dreams: Prophetic Gifts of the Holy Spirit is based on prophetic visions and dreams that author Dana George Cottrell experienced over twenty-three years. At first, those who experience these visions and dreams may be frightened and confused. The author shows there is no reason to be. You will learn receiving, interpreting, and sharing these communications is a maturing process. Without a source to assist someone who just received the gift, the process of interpreting vision and dreams can be quite a struggle. The author shares some of the dreams and visions he has experienced to help you understand and interpret those you experience. Youll also learn how to use those interpretations. After all, if used incorrectly, these gifts will be taken away. If you have experienced prophetic visions and dreams and want to know more about them, or if you are simply interested in the subject, Visions and Dreams: Prophetic Gifts of the Holy Spirit will help you understand and interpret these special gifts from God. Youll learn there is no reason to fear these signs of Gods love for you.