Collection: Spirituality & Religion

How the medieval church drove state formation in Europe

Sacred Foundations argues that the medieval church was a fundamental force in European state formation. Existing accounts focus on early modern warfare or contracts between the rulers and the ruled. In contrast, this major study shows that the Catholic Church both competed with medieval monarchs and provided critical templates for governing institutions, the rule of law, and parliaments.

The Catholic Church was the most powerful, wealthiest, and best-organized political actor in the Middle Ages. Starting in the eleventh century, the papacy fought for the autonomy of the church, challenging European rulers and then claiming authority over people, territory, and monarchs alike. Anna Grzymala-Busse demonstrates how the church shaped distinct aspects of the European state. Conflicts with the papacy fragmented territorial authority in Europe for centuries to come, propagating urban autonomy and ideas of sovereignty. Thanks to its organizational advantages and human capital, the church also developed the institutional precedents adopted by rulers across Europe--from chanceries and taxation to courts and councils. Church innovations made possible both the rule of law and parliamentary representation.

Bringing to light a wealth of historical evidence about papal conflict, excommunications, and ecclesiastical institutions, Sacred Foundations reveals how the challenge and example of powerful religious authorities gave rise to secular state institutions and galvanized state capacity.

" West Virginia boasts an unusually rich heritage of ghost tales. Originally West Virginians told these hundred stories not for idle amusement but to report supernatural experiences that defied ordinary human explanation. From jealous rivals and ghostly children to murdered kinsmen and omens of death, these tales reflect the inner lives-the hopes, beliefs, and fears-of a people. Like all folklore, these tales reveal much of the history of the region: its isolation and violence, the passions and

Kimberly Rodriguez, a first-generation Xicana Indigena artist, poet, and activist, invites readers on a transformative journey of self-discovery and empowerment through her book, Incantations Embodied: Rituals for empowerment, reclamation, and resistance, serving as a catalyst for reclaiming our stories, truth, and power.

In Incantations Embodied: Rituals for Empowerment, Reclamation, and Resistance, author Kimberly Rodriuguez takes readers on a profound and transformative journey towards self-discovery and empowerment. Within its pages lies a poignant exploration of the human experience, interwoven with elements of spirituality, healing, and personal growth.

At its core, Incantations Embodied serves as a triumphant homecoming--a return to the essence of one's being. It invites readers to embark on a sacred journey, emboldening them to embrace their true selves with unwavering honesty and compassion.

Through Rodriguez's captivating stories, enlightening prose, and enchanting rituals, this book becomes a powerful catalyst for reclaiming our stories, our bodies, our identities, our voices, and ultimately, our power.

In a world where societal norms and expectations often stifle individuality and self-expression, Incantations Embodied stands as a resounding call to break free from these chains. It seeks to dismantle the oppressive narrative that has been ingrained in our collective consciousness, urging us to question and challenge the colonized structures that have kept us disconnected from our own truth.

The book serves as a powerful guide for self-realization, urging individuals to transcend their limitations and embrace their innate potential. With each turn of the page, a profound shift occurs--a blossoming of self-awareness, strength, and resilience.

"Incantations are our liberation. With the power of words, we become conjurers, bringing our wildest dreams to life." - Kimberly Rodriguez

"I started off by giving alcohol a job... to help me with anxiety at social events. Then I started promoting it and giving it more responsibilities, and it just started weaving its way into my world."

As a teenager in high school and college, Karla Adkins suffered from anxiety and debilitating panic attacks. Alcohol made her feel normal; it was the answer to her need to fit in and feel calm. Besides, everyone drank, so what was the harm? She counted on it to help her relax and relieve stress. Navigating the transition to adulthood and her first job after college, Adkins began drinking even more, though alcohol failed to numb the panic she felt that her life was spiraling out of control.

A stint in rehab helped temporarily, but a layoff from her job soon put her on an emotional rollercoaster, worsening her anxiety. Adkins continued struggling with her alcohol use and at the age of 37, found herself in a hospital bed with acute liver failure. It was the catalyst for her to learn the power of shining a light on shame, and to embark on a journey leading to sobriety and healing.

No one starts drinking with the intention to become addicted. Yet, extreme health issues can happen to anyone who drinks. Alcohol doesn't care who you are or how much money you have. In this achingly honest account, Adkins offers hope and inspiration to anyone questioning their relationship with alcohol, and those whose lives have been shattered. It's not that you can't drink anymore...it's that you don't have to drink anymore.

'Hinds' Feet on High Places' by Hannah Hurnard, is a dramatic allegory telling the journey we each must take before having the ability to live on high places. Throughout the story, the emotions and struggles of our nature are personified. It is a story of endurance, persistence, and reliance on God, which has inspired millions of people to become sure-footed in their faith even when facing the rockiest of life's terrain.

Much-Afraid had been in the service of the Chief Shepherd, whose great flocks were pastured down in the Valley of Humiliation. She lived with her friends and fellow workers Mercy and Peace in a tranquil little white cottage in the village of Much-Trembling. She loved her work and desired intensely to please the Chief Shepherd, but happy as she was in most ways, she was conscious of several things which hindered her in her work and caused her much secret distress and shame.

Here is the allegorical tale of Much-Afraid, an every-woman searching for guidance from God to lead her to a higher place.

Robert Benjamin Lewis first published his famous history of Native American and African Americans in 1836, arguing against the then-prevalent views of white supremacy.

Lewis seeks to demonstrate the intellectual and cultural achievements of both African peoples and the Native Americans. His history ranges back to ancient times, describing the cities and empires that existed in Africa and elsewhere, and the most celebrated dark-skinned kings and leaders of old. Various non-white civilizations are described, with the Arabians and North Africans spoken about at length, their achievements and place in history elaborated upon. Stories of great military tacticians and brave warriors are also recounted.

Turning his attention to the modern era, Lewis describes a series of black and mixed race men who demonstrated great skill or prowess. Several rose to influential positions in government and the church, with mention also given to those in slavery who taught themselves to read and write. In all, Light and Truth is a comprehensive history written with passion and purpose: to dispel ignorance and false beliefs that non-white peoples are inferior.

This reprint of Light and Truth is derived from the expanded Second Edition of 1851.

Very young children are introduced to what is commonly called The Lord's Prayer, the great prayer that Jesus himself taught his followers when they asked him how to pray, the Our Father.

Sweet four-color illustrations by the acclaimed children's artist Maite Roche accompany the text of the complete prayer, with images that illustrate the meaning of the prayer in the life of Jesus, and in our lives.

Illustrated.

Squishmallows are here to fill your heart with love and affection. This entertaining book is packed with quick, encouraging doses of positivity, humor, and the happy warmth of a 'Mallow hug.

Discover your new happy place. Open the book to any page and find an amusing affirmation, an adorable image, comforting words of encouragement, or a fun exercise to help make you laugh and brighten up your day. From celebrating the small things to supporting your friends, this book is all about living life more like a 'Mallow. That means focusing on the good, spreading joy, and being kind to yourself, even when life gets stressful. Enjoy time with your favorite Squishmallows and become an official part of their lovable squad.

This heartwarming collection is the perfect gift for the millions of Squishmallows fans or anyone who needs a reminder that they are awesome.

In order to know where you're going, you must know where you've been.

In her debut book, podcaster, priestess, and all-around badass witch Juju Bae teaches you how to connect with your ancestors, as well as how to create a spiritual practice that respectfully incorporates their wisdom while remaining uniquely yours. It's also the story of the necessity and vitality of Black spirituality, from the Yoruba pantheon of Ifa to the freedom-fighting origins of Black American Hoodoo. You will learn:

• History: An overview of Africana Spirituality in the United States and beyond, including information on ATRs (African Traditional Religions) like Ifa and ADRs (African Diasporan/Derived Religions) such as Hoodoo.
• Altar-building: How to create and incorporate a place to venerate and commune with your ancestors, including a guide to offerings and prayers.
• Ritual: Practices you can use to cleanse yourself and your space and attract prosperity and protection, while safely opening the channels of communication with your ancestral spirits.
• Dos and Don'ts: Tips from a spiritual practitioner on how to speak to spirits, craft the right questions for personal divination, and recognize and interpret Spirit's advice and wisdom.

By reading this book, you are taking steps to uncover your spiritual self and gain the tools to access the wisdom of your past, to better navigate your present and future.

There is a unified field in the cosmos that holds everything together, and every discipline is a portal to it. Science calls it a field of fundamental forces and elementary particles. Religion calls it God and accepts it by faith as an impenetrable mystery. How can their unbending perspectives be reconciled? In The Ambient Christ, the author proposes a novel paradigm that explains their complementarity as a seamless unity. This innovative model provides a new story for an ailing and divided planet in the twenty-first century, and a viable solution to the holy grail quest.

"There is something too narrow and missing in the gospel as it is presented to us. In spite of appearances, our age is more religious than ever; it only needs stronger meat" --Pierre Teilhard de Chardin

"A religion, old or new, that stressed the magnificence of the universe as revealed by modern science might be able to draw forth reserves of reverence and awe hardly tapped by conventional faiths. Sooner or later, such a religion will emerge." --Carl Sagan

Alongside Jesus and Muhammad, the Buddha is the most significant figure in the history of religion. Philip Almond's engaging new book is the first to combine a history of early traditions about Siddhartha Gautama's life with an authoritative account of how he and the tantalizing philosophy inspired by him came to the attention of the West. It takes the reader on a remarkable journey encompassing (among other topics) Alexander the Great, the courts of the Mongol Khans, Jesuit missions to China and Japan, and intrepid European travellers and scholars from the modern era. Melding Pali and Sanskrit sources with vivid reception, Almond presents the Buddha's story as multi-layered: one of transition from a world of angels and demons, water and tree spirits, to an altogether different context where Buddhism mixed with the cultural preoccupations of those who tentatively - sometimes following false trails - tried to make sense of its fascinating complexity.

Stan Gordon has been researching strange occurrences in Pennsylvania since 1959. He has been involved with the investigation of thousands of mysterious events including UFO sightings, encounters with strange creatures such as Bigfoot, Black panthers, thunderbirds, as well as many other very weird events. Gordon's new illustrated book covers some of the unusual events that have come to his attention over the years. Included in the book are accounts of very close range encounters with mysterious creatures and Unidentified Flying Objects. Some of the fascinating cases you will read about include: - Huge Metallic Object Blocks Roadway - Did A UFO Cause A Train Derailment? - Was Video Of Hovering UFO Confiscated? - Man Stands Underneath UFO - Hiker Stares Down Bigfoot - The FBI & The Derry Township Creature - Police Search for Black Panther - Loaves of Ice from the sky

Whether at a model seder, a community seder, or a family seder, The New American Haggadah will inspire and delight participants of all ages. First developed as The New Haggadah, this Passover classic has been revised to reflect the experiences of our generation and the contributions it has made to the holiday's message of universal freedom.

The New American Haggadah presents the Passover service, filtered through the richness of the American Jewish experience. The moving text and traditional Passover songs are supplemented with illuminating commentaries. Highlights include:

• An Ethiopian Jew's account of "Operation Moses," her own modern-day exodus from poverty and oppression


• The memoir of a Union soldier celebrating Passover during the Civil War


• Illustrations reflecting the diverse ways American Jews have enriched the Passover message of liberation


• Songs by Debbie Friedman and Linda Hirschhorn


• Riddles to entertain children and adults alike

Gender-sensitive language with elegant translation, transliteration of the original Hebrew text, music, and instructions for the leader combine to offer an accessible--and uniquely American--Passover seder.

The Eucharist comes to us both as an indescribable gift and a profound challenge. What effect does this sacred mystery have on us? In a word, transformation.
As the bread and wine are truly transformed into the Body and Blood of Jesus, we who receive this heavenly meal with open hearts are continually transformed into people who love like Jesus-and loving like Jesus transforms the world.
In this 6-week Catholic discussion guide for small groups, read and discuss key selections from Scripture, saints, and Church teaching around six transformations the Eucharist draws us into.

From Death to Life (Session 1)From Bread to Body (Session 2)From Heaven to Earth (Session 3)From Time to Eternity (Session 4)From Human to Divine (Session 5)From the Table to the World (Session 6)

Through rich readings, penetrating discussion questions, group prayer prompts, and weekly guidance for deeper reflection and action, Transformed will guide your small group deeper into the life-changing power of God-with-us.

Many laypeople have attempted to read the great spiritual classic, The Ladder of Divine Ascent, but have been frustrated in attempting to apply the lessons of this monastic text to their everyday lives in the world. In Thirty Steps to Heaven, Archimandrite Vassilios interprets the Ladder for the ordinary Christian without sacrificing any of its beauty and power. Now you too can accept the challenge offered by St. John Climacus to ascend closer to God with each passing day.

Kalyanamitra: A Model for Buddhist Spiritual Care is the book Buddhist chaplains have been waiting for. Rev. Dr. Monica Sanford presents research and analysis into the professional practice of Buddhist spiritual care based on the work of actual chaplains in hospitals and hospices, the military, prisons, and colleges. Just like their Christian counterparts, Buddhist chaplains provide spiritual care to distressed people from a variety of religious backgrounds, including people who aren't religious at all, but still need a caring companion in times of crisis. Kalyanamitra is one of less than a dozen books about this young, but growing profession, and the first to present a comprehensive theory for Buddhist spiritual care.

Chapter 1 describes what a Buddhist chaplain is, including definitions of terms and vivid stories that paint the picture of the work they do. A personal narrative from Rev. Dr. Sanford outlines the process of personal and spiritual formation Buddhists experience as they learn to both be and do the work of a chaplain. The chapter concludes with an introduction to the practice of reflection, sometimes called "theological reflection," an essential skill for putting one's spiritual and religious knowledge to work in an interreligious and intercultural world.

Chapter 2 describes what Buddhist chaplains do, starting with a careful summary of the sources of Dharma that guide a Buddhist chaplain's practice. Rev. Dr. Sanford reviews texts from Theravada, Mahayana, and Vajrayana sources - both ancient and modern - in a cogent and accessible way, ensuring that this work is valuable to Buddhists of any background. The chapter also describes the role of traditional teachers and sanghas in the support and formation of Buddhist chaplains. It furthers the training in reflection begun in chapter 1, before diving into a careful description of each of the contexts in which Buddhist chaplains work - healthcare, the military, prisons, and colleges and universities. It concludes with an analysis, based on data derived from Rev. Dr. Sanford's unique study of chaplains in the field, of how to determine the effectiveness of spiritual care provided to those in need.

Now that readers have a good sense of who Buddhist chaplains are and what they do, Chapter 3 presents the first comprehensive theory of Buddhist chaplaincy - the Three Prajñās Framework for Spiritual Care. Rev. Dr. Sanford presents the Framework both evocatively, in the form of a sutta or scripture, and through the data she painstakingly collected from thirteen practicing Buddhist chaplains and analyzed over many months. She clearly breaks down the Framework into four developmental stages that describe the lifelong spiritual formation of Buddhist chaplains. Then she further breaks down each stage into a three-part heuristic that can guide the professional work of chaplains in any setting. The final stage - kalyanamitra or spiritual friendship - serves as a model for modern Buddhist spiritual care.

Chapter 4 presents the kalyanamitra model in full, including detailed review of Theravada, Mahayana, and Vajrayana literature on the topic. Rev. Dr. Sanford presents the first model for Buddhist chaplaincy suitable for Buddhists from any tradition or culture. She is also forthright about the implications, applications, and limitations of this model and her research as a whole. The final reflection invites readers to join in the work of defining the profession of Buddhist chaplaincy as an ongoing project for the benefit of all.