Every day we hear more about how humans are degrading the environment and causing suffering to themselves and the rest of life. Where will it end? Practicing Reverence shows that it is up to all of us, in community, to live in ways that honour not just our own lives, but all life. Minister, theologian, and environmental ethics teacher Ross Smillie combines his areas of expertise to document our current situation and, even more importantly, to offer hope. Smillie’s science background is evident in his extensive factual reporting of ecological issues. His engagement with theology and ethics balances scientific fact with moral and ethical ponderings. The result is an up-close view of how things “are,” and a glimpse of how things “could be.” Smillie’s hope is that we learn to create “sustainable earth communities,” that we will leave our children, grandchildren, and the generations beyond with a vital and bountiful earth upon which to live. Of course, to reach this goal we must adapt our current actions. And so Smillie examines economics, technology, and religion, and identifies alternatives to our current practices. As a minister and theologian, he also allows for the work of the Spirit, to bring about more just and sustainable ways of living. Practicing Reverence represents both a call and a challenge to those who genuinely desire the best for themselves and future generations, to join their efforts for the good of all.

Reverence is an ancient virtue that survives among us in half-forgotten patterns of civility and moments of inarticulate awe. Reverence gives meaning to much that we do, yet the word has almost passed out of our vocabulary. Reverence, says philosopher and classicist Paul Woodruff, begins in an understanding of human limitations. From this grows the capacity to be in awe of whatever we believe lies outside our control -- God, truth, justice, nature, even death. It is a quality of character that is especially important in leadership and in teaching, although it figures in virtually every human relationship. It transcends religious boundaries and can be found outside religion altogether. Woodruff draws on thinking about this lost virtue in ancient Greek and Chinese traditions and applies lessons from these highly reverent cultures to today's world. The book covers reverence in a variety of contexts -- the arts, leadership, teaching, warfare, and the home -- and shows how essential a quality it is to a well-functioning society. First published by Oxford University Press in 2001, this new edition of Reverence is revised and expanded. It contains a foreword by Betty Sue Flowers, Distinguished Teaching Professor Emeritus at the University of Texas at Austin, a new preface, two new chapters -- one on the sacred and one on compassion -- and an epilogue focused on renewing reverence in our own lives.

A riveting story of how one brave and adventurous woman turned her life upside down for God. Firestone teaches us, through the joys and sorrows of her life, how our ancient traditions are calling out to us for renewal, and how, through faith, honesty, and struggle, we are learning to respond. At age seventeen, Tirzah Firestone left the oppressive home of her Orthodox Jewish parents and set off on a spiritual odyssey. With Roots in Heaven is the story of that journey, a fascinating and moving account of her evolution from rebellious young seeker to renegade rabbi. This is an inspiring, true account of a courageous woman with strong convictions and a passion to know and feel God. It is also a book that goes beyond one person's story of wandering and redemption to explore the dangers of modern religion and the joys and conflicts of intermarriage and raising interfaith children. An unforgettable story of love, sacrifice, and transformation-of grace sought and found-With Roots in Heaven offers hope, wisdom, and encouragement to anyone seeking deeper spiritual meaning in today's world.

Are you directing worship songs--or leading true, reverential worship? While talented professionals have changed the landscape of worship music forever, in many smaller churches and ethnic congregations, volunteers or pastors with limited musical training try to maximize the talents and accommodate the inexperience of their own worship teams. In Reverence and Awe is a comprehensive guide to the challenges and opportunities of worship leadership with a special focus on small-church settings. Pastor Enoch Liao (enochliao.com), raised in LA and educated at UCLA, preaches and teaches at Boston Chinese Evangelical Church. Inspired by his service in both preaching and worship positions, Pastor Enoch writes regularly on leadership, life, and ministry, especially regarding Chinese American and Asian American contexts. From his many years of experience, Pastor Enoch shares insights that will help any worship leader lead with God-honoring excellence, including how to: Effectively plan, prepare, and rehearse a weekly order of worship--including songs, sets, movements, and transitions Train worship leaders who lack musical skill and disciple musicians who lack spiritual leadership Unite as a team with the lead pastor, vocalists, A/V techs, instrumentalists, and a diverse congregation Capably manage other aspects of worship, such as prayer, Scripture reading, and technical issues Understand and serve your specific congregation's needs based on their heritage, geographical location, and cultural identity Each chapter concludes with application-focused questions to prepare your heart, self-evaluate your ministry, and begin a course of definitive progress in your church's corporate worship of our awesome God! Are you ready to start leading, true reverential worship? Whether you're a lay volunteer suddenly asked to "lead the singing," or a trained but frustrated worship leader in a small church resistant to change, In Reverence and Awe: The Practice of Leading Worship with Excellence offers invaluable perspective, wisdom, and hands-on support that will encourage, inspire, and better prepare you to lead your church in honoring God through worship.

This groundbreaking book is the most comprehensive volume to-date that explores in depth the concept of reverence and strengths-based approaches in the psychotherapy healing process as manifested in a wide variety of treatment modalities such as child and play therapy, family therapy, therapeutic assessments and in training programs.

Drawing on familiar experiences as well as aspects of western and eastern spiritual traditions, Heintzman argues that religious practice is rooted in two basic ways human beings act in the world. It is therefore an element in the structure of the human spirit, not a phase in its history. Explaining the meaning of religious practice in contemporary language, Rediscovering Reverence is addressed to anyone who wants to explore the meaning and promise of a religious life. A unique and thoughtful meditation on the role of reverence in everyday life, Rediscovering Reverence presents new perspectives on modern faith, religion, and both personal and societal well-being.

***WINNER, 2010 Spirituality & Practice Best Spiritual Book Award – Yoga In Heart Yoga, renowned spiritual writer and Sacred Activist Andrew Harvey and longtime yoga teacher Karuna Erickson present a vision of hatha yoga practice that links ancient spiritual traditions to contemporary life. Including excerpts of poetic sacred writing from mystical sages through the ages, the book reminds readers that the purpose of yoga is not to improve one's physical health or even to achieve peace of mind (although these results may be achieved along the way), but to reach a state of unity with the divine, the goal of mystics from all traditions. With detailed descriptions and photographs of fifty yoga poses and their alchemical effects on the body and consciousness, Heart Yoga presents yoga as a simple meditative practice that enables the practitioner to dwell in the heart and experience the bliss of union with the sacred power underlying all of life. The book explains how to prepare for Heart Yoga and describes the “Five Great Joys” that are part of the path. Included are the authors' own compelling stories of their individual journeys along the path of yoga: stories of suffering, transcendence, and joy that both inspire and enlighten.