In the tilling of fresh earth; the sowing of seeds; the harvesting of rhubarb and roses, Vigen Guroian has discovered the most concrete connection with life and God’s gracious giving.

"And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth." (Gen. 1:26) It has become a commonplace that Biblical religion bears a heavy share of responsibility for our destruction of the environment, and this passage from the King James version of the Bible exemplifies what is generally believed to be the Biblical attitude toward the earth. In this provocative book, however, Norman Wirzba argues that the doctrine of creation, when understood as a statement about the moral and spiritual meaning of the world, actually holds the key to a true understanding of our place in the environment and our responsibility toward it. Wirzba contends that an adequate response to environmental destruction depends on a new formulation of ourselves as part of a created whole, rather than as autonomous, unencumbered individuals. Drawing on the work of biblical scholars, ecologists, agrarians, philosophers, theologians, and cultural critics, Wirzba develops a comprehensive worldview that grows out of the idea that the world is God's creation. While the text of Genesis has historically encouraged a vision of persons as masters of creation, a more theologically and ecologically sensitive rendering, he says, would be to say that we are servants of creation. Our present culture, Wirzba believes, results from a denial of creation that has caused modern problems as diverse as rootlessness, individualism, careerism, boredom, and consumerism. The recovery of the meaning of creation can lead to a renewed sense of human identity and vocation, and happier, more peaceful lives. He concludes by offering practical advice for individuals who wish to begin the work of transformation and renewal. Moving beyond the usual political debates, The Paradise of God presents a compelling vision of a new religious environmentalism.

The author is a simple traveler in time, like the rest of us, that has a message to give to all, who can understand. Who the author is, and what universities he attend, is not important, only the message that he has delivered is. The content of this book is beyond just passing on knowledge and information to the reader. Within the pages of this book, the reader will obtain, alone with knowledge and information, understanding and wisdom. The understanding of the message being given, and the wisdom to know, how and when to apply it to your everyday life. The author is you, me, and the rest of us. All of us, who is searching for a message that can help us in our relationships, in today's world. What's important is the message that's being given and if it's being received and understood. Then, the knowledge can be reviewed to see, if it's applicable to apply in our lives, in today's society. All understanding and wisdom comes from a higher source then ourselves. The messenger or author is only a conduit, that is unattached to the source of the understanding and wisdom being given, and is there only to pass the message alone. Alone to all, who may find the message helpful in their lives and relationships with each other, in the world we live in today. Remember, the messenger is not important, it's the sender who is.

The following short book discusses the true Servants of the Most Merciful. This discussion is based on Chapter 25 Al Furqan, Verses 63-76 of the Holy Quran: “And the servants of the Most Merciful are those who walk upon the earth easily, and when the ignorant address them [harshly], they say [words of] peace. And those who spend [part of] the night to their Lord prostrating and standing [in prayer]. And those who say, "Our Lord, avert from us the punishment of Hell. Indeed, its punishment is ever adhering. Indeed, it [Hell] is evil as a settlement and residence." And [they are] those who, when they spend, do so not excessively or sparingly but are ever, between that, [justly] moderate. And those who do not invoke with Allah another deity or kill the soul which Allah has forbidden [to be killed], except by right, and do not commit unlawful sexual intercourse. And whoever should do that will meet a penalty. Multiplied for him is the punishment on the Day of Resurrection, and he will abide therein humiliated. Except for those who repent, believe and do righteous work. For them Allah will replace their evil deeds with good. And ever is Allah Forgiving and Merciful. And he who repents and does righteousness does indeed turn to Allah with [accepted] repentance. And [they are] those who do not testify to falsehood, and when they pass near ill speech, they pass by with dignity. And those who, when reminded of the signs of their Lord, do not fall upon them deaf and blind. And those who say, "Our Lord, grant us from among our wives and offspring comfort to our eyes and make us a leader [example] for the righteous." Those will be awarded the Chamber for what they patiently endured, and they will be received therein with greetings and [words of] peace. Abiding eternally therein. Good is the settlement and residence.” Adopting Positive Characteristics Leads to Peace of Mind.

The following short book discusses Two Aspects of Noble Character: Peace of Mind and Contentment. Adopting Positive Characteristics Leads to Peace of Mind.

Spiritual Capital seeks to re-focus discussion on core social values, on individuals' value systems and the internal dynamics that impel human beings to live by truth, goodness and love. This book defines, refines and disseminates the concept of spiritual capital. Contributions by practitioner-scholars in applied spirituality, who have practical experience of spiritual capital at work in diverse human situations, provide accounts of concrete expressions of spiritual capital and create an interdisciplinary discussion between spirituality practitioners, artists, ecologists, sociologists and others on the frontiers of change in contemporary culture.

In this literary gem Vigen Guroian chronicles not merely the changing seasons but the course of his own life as he and his family move from Maryland to a new home near the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia. Leaving the old garden behind and cultivating another garden become an emblem of our journey through life, marked as it is by both bitter losses and sweet new blessings. While deeply personal, The Fragrance of God vividly unfolds the great biblical themes of the grandeur of God s creation, the senses as paths to experiencing God, and the garden as a place of birth, death, and renewal. Laced throughout with quotations from Guroian s beloved church fathers and replete with theological reflection, The Fragrance of God will lead readers down a path of deeper insight into the creation and the Creator.