Cosmic Imagery

* Certain key images embody our understanding of life and the universe we inhabit. Some, like Robert Hooke's first microscopic views of the natural world, or the stunning images taken by the Hubble Space Telescope, were made possible by our new technical capabilities. * Others, like the first graph, were breathtakingly simple but perennially useful. Vesalius's haunting pictures of the human anatomy were nothing less than works of art, while the simple diagram now known as Pythagoras' Theorem - proved by the ancient Babylonians, Chinese, Indians and Egyptians long before the Greeks themselves - lay the foundations for modern mathematics. * Many of these images have shattered our preconceptions about the limits and nature of existence: the first breathtaking pictures of the Earth from space stimulated an environmental consciousness that has grown ever since; the mushroom cloud from atomic and nuclear explosions became the ultimate symbol of death and destruction; the flying saucer came to represent the possibility of extraterrestrial life; while Mercator's flat map of the Earth coordinated an entire world-view. * Cosmic Imagery takes us on a tour through the most influential images in science. Each holds an important place in the growth of human understanding and carries with it a story that illuminates its origin and meaning. Together they reveal something of the beauty and truth of the universe, and why, so often, a picture is better than a thousand words.

"We live in a visual age - an age of images: iconic, instant and influential. In this remarkable book John D. Barrow traces their history in order to tell the story of modern science."--BOOK JACKET.

Delve into the enthralling realm of "Cosmic Prophecies - Space, Astrology and the Fate of Humanity", a captivating exploration of humanity's enduring fascination with the cosmos and its impact on our destiny. From ancient civilizations' interpretations of celestial events to modern prophets claiming cosmic insights, this book navigates the intricate interplay between space, astrology, and human fate. Unravel the mysteries of astrological ages, celestial alignments, and apocalyptic prophecies while contrasting scientific perspectives with mystical interpretations. Through engaging narratives and insightful analysis, this book offers a thought-provoking journey into the depths of cosmic consciousness and the timeless quest for understanding our place in the universe. Discover a wealth of knowledge that transcends time and space, illuminating the cosmic tapestry woven into the fabric of human existence.

This is volume 2 of a wide-ranging interfaith reading of the Letter to the Ephesians—a New Testament text whose words have inspired and enhanced Christian spiritual life and liturgy over the centuries. Unfortunately, at the same time, Ephesians has provided apparent scriptural support to those who would defend slavery, patriarchy, misogyny, and the physical power of Christ over the cosmos. How on earth are today’s Christians to receive and understand such a text as this? Earthing the Cosmic Christ of Ephesians: The Universe, Trinity, and Zhiyi’s Threefold Truth draws upon a broad array of scientific, theological, and philosophical thinkers who enable us both to marvel at today’s ever-expanding knowledge of our vast cosmos and to appreciate the importance of the Ephesian letter in the canon of our Christian scriptures, even while we acknowledge the archaic geocentric cosmology that underlies its claims about the cosmic Christ and reject its accommodation to the patriarchal, misogynistic, and slaveholding norms of its first-century culture. Throughout this reading of Ephesians, we look to Chinese Buddhist master Zhiyi and his “threefold truth” to enhance our understanding of trinity and the nascent trinitarian themes within this letter. As a whole, this work constitutes a new appreciation for Ephesians as well as a twenty-first century apologetic for doctrinal humility and for theologizing within a global theological commons.

This is the introductory volume of a multivolume, verse-by-verse, interfaith rereading of the New Testament letter to the Ephesians. It looks to the Tiantai Buddhist master Zhiyi and his “threefold truth” to enhance our appreciation of nascent trinitarian themes in Ephesians. And it draws upon a broad array of scientific, theological, and philosophical thinkers in aid of rejecting the epistle's ancient, geocentric cosmology and its accommodations to the misogynistic, patriarchal, and slaveholding norms of its first-century surroundings. As a whole, the work constitutes a twenty-first century apologetic for doctrinal humility and for theologizing within a global theological commons.

In the rapidly changing world of the early Middle Ages, depictions of the cosmos represented a consistent point of reference across the three dominant states--the Frankish, Byzantine, and Islamic Empires. As these empires diverged from their Greco-Roman roots between 700 and 1000 A.D. and established distinctive medieval artistic traditions, cosmic imagery created a web of visual continuity, though local meanings of these images varied greatly. Benjamin Anderson uses thrones, tables, mantles, frescoes, and manuscripts to show how cosmological motifs informed relationships between individuals, especially the ruling elite, and communities, demonstrating how domestic and global politics informed the production and reception of these depictions. The first book to consider such imagery across the dramatically diverse cultures of Western Europe, Byzantium, and the Islamic Middle East, Cosmos and Community in Early Medieval Art illuminates the distinctions between the cosmological art of these three cultural spheres, and reasserts the centrality of astronomical imagery to the study of art history.

"CHRISTIAN THEOLOGY: The Christian's Ultimate Guide to Learning from the Bible" is a comprehensive exploration of Christian doctrine, offering an in-depth understanding of the essential teachings and principles of the faith. This extensive work is an invaluable resource for both seasoned theologians and those new to biblical study. In this meticulously crafted volume, readers will delve into the essence of Christianity, examining the dynamics of faith that form the bedrock of Christian belief. The book begins with a profound introduction to the core tenets of Christianity, laying a solid foundation for the intricate theological concepts that follow. The journey continues through the complex realm of biblical doctrine, where divine revelation, the process of inspiration, the inerrancy of Scripture, and the formation of the canon are examined with scholarly precision. Principles of biblical interpretation are explored in detail, providing readers with the tools to understand Scripture within its historical and cultural context. A significant portion of the book is dedicated to the Doctrine of God, delving into His identity, divine attributes, and the enigmatic nature of the Trinity. The book also illuminates God's law and His active role in the world, offering insightful perspectives on His interactions with humanity. The Doctrine of Christ receives thorough attention, exploring Christ's eternal existence, His miraculous birth, sinless nature, and the profound significance of the crucifixion, atonement, resurrection, and ascension. The ongoing role of Christ in heaven is also examined, highlighting His enduring influence in the Christian faith. The Holy Spirit's doctrine is not overlooked, with chapters dedicated to understanding His work, indwelling, and active role today. The Human Doctrine follows, offering an exploration of the creation of humanity, the concept of being made in God’s image, and the descent into sin. In the Doctrine of Redemption, readers will find an in-depth analysis of atonement, ransom, reconciliation, sanctification, and the multifaceted nature of salvation, including perspectives from Calvinism, Reformed Calvinism, and Arminianism. The book also ventures into Angelology, providing insights into the nature of angels and the roles of key archangels like Michael and Gabriel. The Doctrine of Satan and Demonology are addressed, shedding light on the essence, strategies, and realm of demonic forces. Ecclesiology is explored in depth, covering the origins, essence, and functions of the Church, the significance of church membership, and the dynamics of church leadership, along with an examination of first-century church administration as a model for today. Finally, the book culminates in a detailed study of Eschatology—the Doctrine of the End Times. This includes interpretations of prophecy, the signs of the end times, the Rapture, the Tribulation period, the Millennium, and the various divine judgments leading to eternal punishment or life. "CHRISTIAN THEOLOGY: The Christian's Ultimate Guide to Learning from the Bible" is a masterful blend of academic rigor and accessible writing, making it a must-have for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of Christian theology and its profound implications on personal faith and practice.

Explores the earliest literary treatment of Arjuna's combat with the great god Siva, providing an introduction to the Sanskrit court epic.“Peterson proves that it is possible and fruitful to approach mahakavya such as ‘Arjuna and the Hunter’ through the aesthetic values it embodies. She succeeds in making one of the greatest works of literature accessible and meaningful to non-specialists, as well as useful for teachers of South Asian culture and religion.” — History of Religions