Religious Studies Audiobooks | Religion & Spirituality

Why Everything That Doesn't Matter, Matters So Much: The Way of Love in a World of Hurt

A hopeful and practical model for what it means to be a culture-maker and a Christian in a world in crisis from multi-Grammy winner Charlie Peacock and his wife and author, Andi Ashworth. If you feel powerless and overwhelmed by the pain, suffering, and crises you see in your family, your community, or the world around you, here comes hope from two guides who are further down the road. Charlie and Andi have written a collection of letters to Christians who think deeply and care acutely about the state of the world and their personal spheres of influence. In Why Everything That Doesn't Matter, Matters So Much, beloved and trusted mentors, Charlie and Andi offer you: - A hopeful response to the universal question: What can I do to repair the world, my own family, or my own life? And even if I could, why bother? - Practical guidance for how to care for and improve the quality of human life, locally and globally, no matter your vocation. - Thought-provoking explorations into the many facets of what it means to be a culture-maker and a Christian. - A theology of artistry that provides a framework for the creative work of all Jesus followers. - A model for expressing love even in the midst of cynicism, fear, exhaustion, and oppression. It might be said of Christians that our lives are either moving in the direction of the redemption Jesus has on offer, or away from it. Each of these letters is a gentle nudge back in the direction of God's powerfully ordinary purpose for each of us, no matter what the future holds, to participate fully in the redemptive work of Christ.

Andi Ashworth, Charlie Peacock (Author), Andi Ashworth, Charlie Peacock, Curt Thompson, Ruby Amanfu, Steve Garber (Narrator)

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The Archbishop Interviews: Series 1 and 2: Presented by The Most Reverend Justin Welby, Archbishop o

Archbishop Justin Welby explores the inner lives of public figures in revealing conversations Listen now to fascinating and remarkable conversations between The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, and leading men and women as they discuss big questions about humankind. This collection is a must-listen for anyone looking to explore life beyond the sensational headlines and glossy PR that dominate our world. The interviews delve into what it really means to be human, and each guest has an incredible story that is shared in a deeply personal way. Take a deep dive into these engaging discussions, which explore the moral touchstones, values and desires in our lives. Welby creates a space for frank, candid and startlingly honest dialogue exploring in depth such themes as love, loss, grief and power. The guests discuss their own personal faith, spirituality and beliefs and how these frameworks underpin the big decisions, important moments and meaningful experiences in their lives. This series of twelve thoughtful and unique interviews include Tony Blair discussing the decisions that took the UK to war, Nick Cave reflecting on the grief of losing his son and Zarifa Ghafari exploring how her faith has kept her campaigning for women’s rights against all odds. These immersive, impactful conversations with the Archbishop are like no other interview. Elif Shafak: The British-Turkish novelist and political scientist discusses how she gives voice to uncomfortable subjects such as gender-based violence, child abuse and genocide. Susan Blackmore: The renowned psychologist and atheist explores consciousness and her own interpersonal habits and beliefs. Tony Blair: The former UK Prime Minster, who took the country to war, discusses the impact his faith had on the decisions he made when in office. Nick Carter: The retired head of the British Armed Forces General speaks about the intense conflict, suffering and bravery he has witnessed in his career. Clare Moriarty: The former civil servant discusses her role as ‘faith and belief champion’ in the service where she said, ‘of all the diversity characteristics, faith and belief is the one we talk about least’. Stephen King: The bestselling novelist and household name has been called the ‘King of Horror’ but where does that dark creativity come from. John Cleese: The comedy writer and actor talks about his long career and how his beliefs have shaped his values and actions in life. Shirine Khoury-Haq: The first female Chief Executive of the Co-Op in its 159-year history, Khoury-Haq reveals the impact of her inner faith on her life and success. Zarifa Ghafari: Survivor of three assassination attempts, the celebrated Afghan human rights campaigner and former mayor explores the importance of her faith and her own mortality. Nick Cave: The internationally acclaimed singer-songwriter talks frankly and openly about grief, loss, addiction and his complex relationship with the Bible. Gabriel Byrne: A childhood marked by sexual abuse at the hands of catholic priests, the actor and filmmaker discusses suffering, turmoil and hope in relationship to faith and the church. Cressida Dick: As the first female and openly lesbian Metropolitan Police Commissioner between 2017 and 2022, Dame Cressida Dick faces how she navigated her inner life alongside her public profile. Credits Produced by Dan Tierney First broadcast on Radio 4 Elif Shafak 20 Feb 2022 Susan Blackmore 27 Feb 2022 Tony Blair 6 Mar 2022 Nick Carter 13 Mar 2022 Clare Moriarty 20 Mar 2022 Stephen King 27 Mar 2022 John Cleese 4 Jun 2023 Shirine Khoury-Haq 11 Jun 2023 Zarifa Ghafari 18 Jun 2023 Nick Cave 25 Jun 2023 Gabriel Byrne 2 Jul 2023 Cressida Dick 9 Jul 2023 ©2024 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P)2024 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd

Justin Welby (Author), Clare Moriarty, Elif Shafak, John Cleese, Justin Welby, Nick Carter, Nick Cave, Shirine Khoury-Haq, Stephen King, Susan Blackmore, Tony Blair, Various, Zarifa Ghafari (Narrator)

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Strange Religion: How the First Christians Were Weird, Dangerous, and Compelling

The first Christians were weird. Just how weird is often lost on today's believers. Within Roman society, the earliest Christians stood out for the oddness of their beliefs and practices. They believed unusual things, worshiped God in strange ways, and lived a unique lifestyle. They practiced a whole new way of thinking about and doing religion that would have been seen as bizarre and dangerous when compared to Roman religion and most other religions of the ancient world. Award-winning author, blogger, speaker, and New Testament teacher Nijay Gupta traces the emerging Christian faith in its Roman context in this accessible and engaging book. Christianity would have been seen as radical in the Roman world, but some found this new religion attractive and compelling. The first Christians dared to be different, pushed the boundaries of what was acceptable, transformed how people thought about religion, and started a movement that grew like wildfire. This book shows how the example of the earliest Christians can offer today's believers encouragement and hope.

Nijay K. Gupta (Author), Nijay K. Gupta (Narrator)

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Islam & Blackness

The most comprehensive examination to date of the claim that Islam, as a system of scripture, law and spirituality, is antiblack It is commonly claimed that Islam is antiblack, even inherently bent on enslaving Black Africans. Western and African critics alike have contended that antiblack racism is in the faith's very scriptural foundations and its traditions of law, spirituality, and theology. But what is the basis for this accusation? Bestselling scholar Jonathan A. C. Brown examines Islamic scripture, law, Sufism, and history to comprehensively interrogate this claim and determine how and why it emerged. Locating its origins in conservative politics, modern Afrocentrism, and the old trope of Barbary enslavement, he explains how antiblackness arose in the Islamic world and became entangled with normative tradition. From the imagery of 'blackened faces' in the Quran to Shariah assessments of Black women as 'undesirable' and the assertion that Islam and Muslims are foreign to Africa, this work provides an in-depth study of the controversial knot that is Islam and Blackness and identifies authoritative voices in Islam's past that are crucial for combatting antiblack racism today.

Jonathan A.C. Brown (Author), David Williamson (Narrator)

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Why Study History?: Reflecting on the Importance of the Past

What is the purpose of studying history? How do we reflect on contemporary life from a historical perspective, and can such reflection help us better understand ourselves, the world around us, and the God we worship and serve? Written by an accomplished historian, award-winning author, public evangelical spokesman, and respected teacher, this introductory textbook shows why Christians should study history, how faith is brought to bear on our understanding of the past, and how studying the past can help us more effectively love God and others. John Fea shows that deep historical thinking can relieve us of our narcissism; cultivate humility, hospitality, and love; and transform our lives more fully into the image of Jesus Christ. The first edition of this book has been used widely in Christian colleges across the country. The second edition provides an updated introduction to the study of history and the historian's vocation. The book also contains updates throughout.

John Fea (Author), Tom Parks (Narrator)

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A Short World History of Christianity, Revised Edition

Church historians have long known and appreciated Christianity's global history. Until recently, however, introductory textbooks on the history of Christianity focused almost exclusively on Europe and North America. Robert Bruce Mullins's A Short World History of Christianity, by contrast, offers a panoramic picture of the history of Christianity in its Western and non-Western expressions. It tells the story of the early church in the Greek East as well as the Latin West; of Christianity's spread into Asia as well as Europe during the Middle Ages; and its explosion around the world during the modern period. Mullins's narrative explores why global perspectives have emerged so strongly in our understanding of the story of Christianity and how they have impacted Christianity's perspective on its place in the world. This newly revised edition adds information on such global phenomena as early Syriac-speaking Christianity; the growth of Pentecostalism around the world, especially in the southern hemisphere; and recent trends in Christianity, including the elevation of the first pope born in the Americas. A time line of key dates, call-out boxes, and other helpful study materials are also provided. Beginning students will appreciate this memorable introduction to the most important events in the history and development of Christianity.

Robert Bruce Mullin (Author), Tom Parks (Narrator)

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In the Courts of Three Popes: An American Lawyer and Diplomat in the Last Absolute Monarchy of the W

A rare firsthand account of the three popes who worked to modernize the Catholic Church-and to evangelize the modern world-from a renowned international lawyer, Harvard law professor, and former ambassador to the Vatican For twenty centuries, the Catholic Church has radically shaped world history-and survived it. In the decades following the Second Vatican Council, three popes have carried forward this legacy, striving to lead the Church and its governing body-the last absolute monarchy of the West-into the modern world. With In the Courts of Three Popes, accomplished diplomat, international lawyer, and Harvard professor Mary Ann Glendon gives readers a rare inside look at the papacies of John Paul II, Benedict XVI, and Francis. She shares her role in key developments in the Church's recent history, like the Church entering the third millennium, in Pope John Paul II's words, on its knees in penance for failures such as clergy sex abuse, or in leading the way for lay women to hold positions of power in the Church. Glendon illuminates the issues vexing the Church today: the place of faith in secular politics, relating the Church to other religions, clericalism and the power of laypeople, and corruption at the Vatican Bank and within the Roman Curia. Glendon provides a one-of-a-kind analysis of the inner workings of the Holy See, showing readers that, despite its many failings, the Catholic Church is a living, breathing community. Behind the Church's doctrines and policies and institutions lie people, personalities, aspirations, and relationships that still promise to transform lives.

Mary Ann Glendon (Author), Julie-Ann Elliott, TBD (Narrator)

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The Power of Du'a

Brought to you by Penguin. What seems impossible can become possible through du’a In The Power of Du’a, Sunday Times bestselling author and revert, Aliyah Umm Raiyaan takes you on a journey that shows how faith and practising du’a (a personal supplication) can transform your life. Featuring inspirational real-life stories from those who have experienced miraculous results from living with du’a, this book is a comforting guide to revive and develop a close relationship with Al Mujeeb – The One Who Responds. Through life’s challenges and struggles, with tools from the Qur’an and Sunnah, you will learn how to: - Sincerely prepare your heart before du’a - Ask of Allah from a place of certainty, during du’a - Move forward in faithful trust after He responds You will learn how to prepare your heart and then ask of Allah from a place of sincerity and certainty. This book provides tools to navigate the response to your du’a, developing a close and trusting relationship with The Most High. Deeply moving and uplifting, The Power of Du’a is for anyone looking to reflect, reshape their dialogue with the Divine and walk in complete faith – embracing the perfect plans Allah has for each and every one of us. ©2024 Aliyah Umm Raiyaan (P)2024 Penguin Audio

Aliyah Umm Raiyaan (Author), Aliyah Umm Raiyaan, TBD (Narrator)

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Bible Prophecy Under Siege: Responding Biblically to Confusion About the End Times

As Christians awaiting Christ’s coming for us at the rapture, we are surrounded by increased hostility and opinions about various views on the end times. In Bible Prophecy Under Siege, we are equipped to discern incorrect views on prophecy, rest secure in immovable truth, and grow in anticipation of the rapture and our eternity in heaven. Many people today cast doubt on the promises God gives his church in Bible prophecy, as predicted by Scripture itself: “Scoffers will come in the last days with scoffing, following their own sinful desires. They will say, ‘Where is the promise of his coming?’” (2 Peter 3:3-4). Bible Prophecy Under Siege provides a thorough survey of the misunderstandings and misguided thinking people sometimes have about the last days. Prophecy expert Ron Rhodes offers you careful guidance through these differing viewpoints. You will learn the ways Bible prophecy is under siege and how to respond to false claims biblically; gain helpful historical insights about the rapture and other prophetic issues; be emboldened to hold firmly to prophetic biblical truth during trying times; be encouraged to live with conviction rooted in God’s Word. With a perspective grounded in the Bible, you will be equipped to discern flawed views on prophecy, rest secure in immovable truth, and grow in anticipation of the day when Christ will make all things new.

Ron Rhodes (Author), Jim Seybert (Narrator)

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The Book of Secret Wisdom: The prophetic record of human destiny and evolution

Hidden away for long millennia, the world’s most ancient sacred text reveals the past, present, and future of humanity A million years ago, the Great Masters of Wisdom recorded a mysterious manuscript widely known as the Book of Dzyan — a Tibetan name meaning the Book of Secret Wisdom. Written in a language unfamiliar to modern philology, called Senzar, this oldest book in the world has served as the source of every ancient religion, philosophy, and science. The Masters stored it in the legendary realm of Shambhala, each century admitting only a few chosen ones to read some of its pages. Thus, in the 19th century, Madame Blavatsky was permitted to translate and publish nineteen stanzas from the Book of Dzyan in her highly influential masterwork, The Secret Doctrine. Now a new excerpt, consisting of twelve stanzas and supplemented with exclusive material, is published in English for the first time. Reading through the pages of this work, you will be able to trace the whole course of the spiritual evolution of humanity and our Earth beyond Time and Space: · understand the processes currently affecting our planet, which manifest daily in anomalous weather, global warming, and natural disasters around the world · discover what was behind the famous prophecies of 1999 and 2012, as well as learn about the great significance of 2017 in the history of modern humanity · peer into the near future that awaits us all within the next few decades and explore the magnificent distant times of Divine Humanity With every new reading, more and more secrets will be revealed

Zinovya Dushkova (Author), John Sackville (Narrator)

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On The Operations Of Daemons

Brought to you by Altrusian Grace Media and narrated by Matthew Schmitz. Michael Psellus (1018 – 1178 C.E) forms the bridge between the ancient classical view of the daemon as a beneficial guiding spiritual presence (a link between man and the gods) and the later Christian view of demons as intrinsically evil. His writing helps to explain both of these aspects, and the evolution from one to the other. Psellus was a noted author and philosopher of the Byzantine era in the Greek speaking part of the Roman Empire centred on modern Istanbul. Up until the arrival of the Arabs in the 7th century, the Byzantine empire was one of the strongest economies of Europe, being at the western end of the silk road from China. Psellus was a very practical man, being an illustrious political advisor to a succession of emperors, but was also interested in angels and demons. He was the driving force behind the university curriculum reform designed to emphasise the Greek classics, especially Homeric literature rather than just Christian theology. He was also adept at astronomy, medicine, music, theology, jurisprudence, physics, grammar and history. This work, 'Dialogue on the Operation of Daemons,' has been repeatedly cited in serious and academic literature and offers an interesting look at the Orthodox Christian conceptions of the roles of daemons and devils. His dialogue between Timothy and Thracian explores this line of thought in a truly Platonic form.

Michael Psellus (Author), Matthew Schmitz (Narrator)

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Immortality

Brought to you by Altrusian Grace Media and narrated by Matthew Schmitz. Immortality - Michael Whitty Essay - Full Esoteric Audiobook. Michael Witty was the editor for a 1920's occult publication called AZOTH. AZOTH was a monthly magazine devoted to Philosophy, Theosophy, Spiritualism, Psychical Research, Higher Thought, Astrology and Occultism - an open forum for the expression of the ideas and thought of any person who has something to say worthy of consideration by others.

Michael Whittey (Author), Matthew Schmitz (Narrator)

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Religious Studies Audiobooks in Religion & Spirituality