Timber-framed architecture has long been viewed as an embodiment of Chinese civilization, a hierarchic society ruled by Confucian orthodoxy. Throughout its history, Chinese architectural design was closely regulated by court-enforced building codes, which created a highly standardized and modularized system. In Diversity in the Great Unity—the first in-depth English-language work to present regional traditions of Chinese architecture based on a detailed study of the timber construction system—Lala Zuo maintains that during the nearly century-long Yuan dynasty (1271–1368), the tradition of “Han-Chinese” architecture as coded, uniform, and controlled by the central government did not take hold. She presents case studies of twenty buildings along the Yangtze River built during the Yuan, often considered a transitional phase in Chinese architectural history. Most of the structures have firm dates, and all are analyzed according to patronage, chronology, and function. Their representativeness is determined by their broad geographic distribution as well as by their scarcity. Numerous photographs and line-drawings accompany the analyses. Referencing Yuan architecture in north China along the Yellow River, Zuo outlines its characteristics in three regions and connects the regional traditions to periods before and after the Yuan, allowing her to contextualize architecture in Yuan social and political history. She explains how the division of regional traditions, especially those in the south, contributed to the transformation of dynastic styles from the Song (960–1279) to the Ming (1368–1644) and how the Song-Yuan migration may have affected architectural design. An appendix presents an extensive glossary of Chinese architectural terms in Song terminology to enable a better understanding of the subject. Although the primary focus of this book is the technical evolution of surviving Yuan architecture, its interdisciplinary approach goes beyond architecture by offering a re-evaluation of Chinese society in light of cultural and religious diversity under Mongol rule.

"Tapestry of Unity: Journey Toward Diversity and Faith" explores the rich and complex interplay between diverse cultures and faith traditions, emphasizing the beauty and strength found in unity. The book navigates through various narratives, each standing for different parts of the world, including Africa, Germany, Russia, and China. Through personal stories, historical accounts, and philosophical discussions, it delves into how these diverse backgrounds converge to form a unified tapestry of human experience. Highlighting the challenges and triumphs of intercultural and interfaith dialogues, the book advocates for understanding, respect, and collaboration. It underscores the idea that diversity enriches faith communities, making them more resilient and compassionate. The journey depicted in the book is not just geographical but also spiritual, inviting readers to reconsider their perspectives on faith, identity, and the shared humanity that binds us all. "Tapestry of Unity" is a compelling call to embrace diversity as a pathway to greater unity and a deeper, more inclusive faith.

In this clear, reasonable, satisfying explanation of the meaning of life (which is essentially about love), León explores topics such as our connection to God, human diversity, evil, death, purpose, and making a difference. We have all this wonderful technology that allows us to connect easily with one another regardless of our DISTANCES, but now we need a system of beliefs that allows us to connect easily with one another regardless of our DIFFERENCES. In other words, we now need beliefs to match our technology. That is what this new dawn is all about.

Religious intolerance -- it is so much a part of our daily lives. The world is torn apart by it. Hatred and violence are justified in the name of religion. And yet, all hope is not lost. Goodness still has a chance. Through the ages, we have heard the voice of sanity, the voice of love and concern above the din of this madness. We had heard it when Kahlil Gibran said in The Prophet: "Your daily life is your temple and your religion. Whenever you enter into it, take with you ... all men." And we hear it again in this book. This book is an attempt to glean the best in living religious literature, and also is a guide to the understanding of the fundamental unity underlying the great religions of the world.

This brightly illustrated picture book contains five simple stories for young readers. They foster an understanding of the oneness of the human race and celebrate its diversity within that unity. Likening the human race to various colored cotton in a woven cloth, various fruits on the tree of life, stars in the heavens, members of one body, and different notes in one perfect chord, the stories use the concrete to teach the abstract. Young readers will enjoy the bright colors and simple text as they develop their understanding of the unity and diversity of the human race. Great reading for children aged 4-8 years.Stories in UNITY IN DIVERSITY1. God's Tais2. The Eye that Wanted to Live Alone3. A Perfect Chord4. Stars of One Heaven5. Fruit of One Tree

The church is at its best when it pursues the biblical value of unity in diversity. Our world has been torn asunder by racial, ethnic, and ideological differences. It is seen in our politics, felt in our families, and ingrained in our theology. Sadly, the church has often reinforced these ethnic and racial divides. To cast off the ugliness of disunity and heal our fractured humanity, we must cultivate spiritual practices that help us pursue beautiful community. In The Beautiful Community, pastor and theologian Irwyn Ince boldly unpacks the reasons for our divisions while gently guiding us toward our true hope for wholeness and reconciliation. God reveals himself to us in his trinitarian life as the perfection of beauty, and essential to this beauty is his work as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The gospel imperative to pursue the beautiful community-unity in diversity across lines of difference-is rooted in reflecting the beautiful community of our triune God. This book calls us into and provides tools for that pursuit.