Approaching The Threshold Of Mystery

Approaching the Threshold of Mystery brings two recently estranged strands of theology back together, to explore the same 'liturgical worlds' and to chart 'theological spaces'. The editors have assembled a formidable group of scholars from systematic and liturgical theology with the express purpose of examining the mystery of the liturgy with both expert perspectives in mind. The result is thirteen essays that return to a more 'synoptic' theology, seeing speculative and liturgical approaches as united together for a common purpose, and ultimately approaching the same mysterious, sacred reality. In today's fragmented world, this approach is sorely needed, and although many postmodern authors point out the need for healing this division, this volume actually attempts to bridge the disciplinary divide by placing specialists within the same prayerful 'space', oriented towards something greater than what is merely enacted in human words and deeds.

At the Threshold of Mystery is a journey through the history and progression of the mystery tradition, from its place in ancient history up to late 19th century France. Throughout the journey, Stanislas de Guaita weaves in his Kabbalistic insight and beautiful glimpses of Rosicrucian Illuminism. The appendix contains an in-depth analysis of two pantacles from the works of Heinrich Khunrath as well as sections pertaining to Martinism, and Rosicrucian Kabbalah. Stanislas de Guaita was a French poet and celebrated Rosicrucian. In 1888 Stanislas founded the Ordre Kabbalistique de la Rose Croix in an effort to revive the French Rosicrucian tradition. He played a fundamental role in the esoteric revival of the late 1800's and this translation gives you a glimpse into how our spiritual predecessors approached the Rosicrucian tradition.

The Witches of Doyle have one job… Destroy a magical book that threatens to devastate the world. But try to tell that to their small-town sheriff. A book of Lovecraftian dark magic is stirring up trouble in Doyle in the three witch cozy mysteries. In Oak, when a decade’s old corpse turns up in the hollow of a haunted oak, Sheriff McCourt drafts Lenore into service. Since the coroner can’t identify the body, why not ask a shamanic witch who can see the dead? In Stone, a string of odd deaths in a haunted house has culminated in murder, and newlywed Jayce is on the case. She is a witch after all. So what if it’s Samhain season, when the veil between the worlds is thin? In Stream, certain holiday spirits are keeping Karin’s hands full. And when she discovers the body of a man in a mountain stream, she’s swept into a mystery that will take all her magic and mental powers to solve. Because the dead man’s mysterious colleagues have taken an interest in Karin’s children… A thrilling and funny witch mystery series, perfect for fans of Amy Boyles, Heather Blake, or Amanda M. Lee. If you love stories rich with magic, mystery, and murder, you’ll love this special collection of books four through six in the series, including: Oak, Stone, and Stream. Buy this 3-book set in the Witches of Doyle paranormal mystery series, and experience these charming cozy mysteries today. Spells in the back of each book!

Synopsis: "The Hidden Mysteries of St. John's Gospel" is a profound exploration that delves into the rich tapestry of interpretations found in the Gospel of John. Spanning across various religious traditions, this book offers a comprehensive study of the Gospel's verses, encompassing 1. Catholic Tradition, 2. Orthodox Tradition, 3. Protestantism, 4. Evangelicalism, 5. Liberal Christianity, and 6. Fundamentalism, as well as esoteric perspectives such as 7. Esoteric Christianity, 8. Gnosticism, 9. Hermeticism, 10. Christian Kabbalah, 11. Rosicrucianism, 12. Anthroposophy, and 13. Christian Mysticism. The reader embarks on an enlightening journey, meticulously deciphering each verse and uncovering hidden meanings through the eyes of different spiritual lenses. From traditional interpretations to mystical insights, the text weaves together a compelling narrative that transcends the boundaries of religious dogma and invites readers to explore the profound depths of spiritual understanding.

What Our Last Words Reveal About Life, Death, and the Afterlife A person’s end-of-life words often take on an eerie significance, giving tantalizing clues about the ultimate fate of the human soul. Until now, however, no author has systematically studied end-of-life communication by using examples from ordinary people. When her father became terminally ill with cancer, author Lisa Smartt began transcribing his conversations and noticed that his personality underwent inexplicable changes. Smartt’s father, once a skeptical man with a secular worldview, developed a deeply spiritual outlook in his final days — a change reflected in his language. Baffled and intrigued, Smartt began to investigate what other people have said while nearing death, collecting more than one hundred case studies through interviews and transcripts. In this groundbreaking and insightful book, Smartt shows how the language of the dying can point the way to a transcendent world beyond our own.

Like a warm blanket on a chilly night and a compass for a wandering soul, Honoring the Mystery is a collection of inspiring and insightful stories that explore the mystery of death. Reading Honoring the Mystery provides a healing balm all its own. The reader will discover better ways to support themselves and others during this very tender time of transition. This book is for you if you are: supporting someone who is dying; facing your own mortality through illness and a life-limiting prognosis; grieving the death of someone you love; a health professional who works with the dying and bereaved; wanting to learn more about the dying process. This heartfelt book encourages the reader to adapt the attitude of an explorer venturing into unknown realms while listening and absorbing all that is being shared by the dying and bereaved. Barbara Morningstar has lived at the frontier of death both personally-through the death of her husband to cancer-and professionally in the hospice field for more than twenty years. Her hands-on hospice and palliative care experience presents us with compassionate context for some of the more sensitive turning points witnessed during the dying phase of life. Barbara highlights key themes within the transcendent realm of mystery that are important to be aware of when companioning those nearing death or grieving. In turn, these make the journey less clinical, more approachable, less threatening, softer, and more loving. When embraced, these moments can help with healing and aid in a more peaceful passing. Important touch stones that are explored within the chapters are: Metaphoric Language-When approaching death, language can become poetic or metaphoric. Understanding this can lead to greater communication and awareness. Visual-The dying and those who are bereaved speak of loved ones who have passed on coming to greet them; they also speak of an inspirational presence or a bright light that offers guidance and reassurance. Auditory-A range of sounds that are soothing-such as music, wind, or the voice of a loved one-may aid in the journey at hand. Kinesthetic-The sensation of feeling the inspirational presence of a departed loved one can be incredibly comforting. Dreams-A wealth of insight can come from dreams for both the dying and bereaved. Love and Compassion-To hold genuine space with these qualities can aid in a more peaceful death for the one who is facing the end of their physical life. These essential ingredients are similarly much needed by those who are grieving and integrating the loss of a loved one into their lives. Being open to and embracing these transcendent experiences can aid in healing and support a greater comfort for all engaged in the journey at end of the physical life. Please take a peek at the "Look Inside" feature to have a greater understanding of the themes that are explored.

Since the first edition of Integrative Approaches to Psychology and Christianity was published in 2004, this has become the standard textbook on the topic. Now in its fully revised fourth edition, Dr. Entwistle’s book elucidates historical, philosophical, and practical issues in the integration of psychology and Christianity. As in previous editions, the current text provides an introduction to many of the worldview issues and philosophical foundations that frame the relationship of psychology and theology, includes scholarly reflection on the integration literature, and surveys six models of possible relationships between psychology and Christianity, ranging from those that are completely opposed to either religion or psychology, to intermediate models that assert that some limited interaction between them is possible, to viewpoints which suggest that a Christian worldview approach can be used to provide a context for exploring areas of overlapping interest between psychology and Christianity. The current edition considers recent advances in both Catholic and Protestant thinking on integration, including contemporary questions about what evangelicalism is (and is not) that shape evangelical reactions to the integration debate. New content ranges from information about the contrasting views of Tertullian and Augustine, to insights from contemporary psychology about factors that adversely affect the quality and reliability of human thinking, to how conflict over COVID-19 has entered contemporary religious debate. The book is designed to help readers become aware of the presuppositional backdrops that each of us brings to these issues. Questions at the end of each chapter are included to help readers evaluate both the material and their own burgeoning approach to integration. This book is ideal as a textbook for students of psychology and other behavioral and social sciences (social work, sociology, theology, counseling, pastoral counseling) at both the graduate and undergraduate level. It is also written for the broader readership of psychologists, counselors, pastors, and others who are interested in integration.