In Trembling Boldness

Many of us have heard about the recently discovered writings by the early followers of Jesus through newspapers, magazines, video and audio interviews, and conversations on social media. This enlightening, first-of-its-kind book draws on the words and wisdom of these ancient Jesus people to offer everyone deeper spiritual connection today. Using examples from modern life to introduce dozens of excerpts from texts like The Odes of Solomon, The Gospel of Thomas, and The Thunder: Perfect Mind, In Trembling Boldness draws meaning and connection between ancient followers of Jesus and the most pressing issues of today, including LGBTQ+ inclusion, incarceration, addiction, immigration, violence, illness, the work of social justice, civil disobedience, and more. As we ruminate on these sacred words applied to contemporary life and take in beautiful images of the ancient texts recorded on papyrus and pottery, we discover new understandings and deeper connection to God and each other--making space in our hearts for the words of these ancient Jesus people.

Contemporary reflections connected to recently discovered ancient writings by the followers of Jesus deepen our spiritual practice and affirm our efforts for social justice in today's challenging world in this first-of-its-kind book. Beautiful images of the papyrus and pottery on which these ancient texts were recorded illumine the stories.

This edited volume brings together reflections on how students pursue the search for meaning and purpose in the context of higher education. It offers perspectives from humanities professors, college chaplains of multiple faiths, and observers of the changing shape of the American university as each considers the needs and expectations of today’s students. The collection address three key lines of inquiry: what the student search for meaning looks like in the context of higher education; how do presenters understand the dimensions of the search for meaning itself; and how do (or don’t) humanities faculty and religious life leaders talk to each other around the common student concerns addressed in both course work and the extracurricular world of religious life programs? Together, the conversation suggests that students pursue a search for meaning in the context of university life and the academic curriculum, but the particular dimensions of this search are yet undefined. This is often a contested pursuit because it conflicts with the other purposes of the university which some see as primary. A key audience for this book is university administrators who work in the field of chaplaincy and faith-based programming, as well as department chairs and faculty in the liberal arts who are directly involved in building humanities curriculum.

“An extraordinary novel . . . a triumph of insight and storytelling.” —Associated Press “A true masterpiece.” —Glennon Doyle, author of Untamed An extraordinary story set in the first century about a woman who finds her voice and her destiny, from the celebrated number one New York Times bestselling author of The Secret Life of Bees and The Invention of Wings In her mesmerizing fourth work of fiction, Sue Monk Kidd takes an audacious approach to history and brings her acclaimed narrative gifts to imagine the story of a young woman named Ana. Raised in a wealthy family with ties to the ruler of Galilee, she is rebellious and ambitious, with a brilliant mind and a daring spirit. She engages in furtive scholarly pursuits and writes narratives about neglected and silenced women. Ana is expected to marry an older widower, a prospect that horrifies her. An encounter with eighteen-year-old Jesus changes everything. Their marriage evolves with love and conflict, humor and pathos in Nazareth, where Ana makes a home with Jesus, his brothers, and their mother, Mary. Ana's pent-up longings intensify amid the turbulent resistance to Rome's occupation of Israel, partially led by her brother, Judas. She is sustained by her fearless aunt Yaltha, who harbors a compelling secret. When Ana commits a brazen act that puts her in peril, she flees to Alexandria, where startling revelations and greater dangers unfold, and she finds refuge in unexpected surroundings. Ana determines her fate during a stunning convergence of events considered among the most impactful in human history. Grounded in meticulous research and written with a reverential approach to Jesus's life that focuses on his humanity, The Book of Longings is an inspiring, unforgettable account of one woman's bold struggle to realize the passion and potential inside her, while living in a time, place and culture devised to silence her. It is a triumph of storytelling both timely and timeless, from a masterful writer at the height of her powers.

"Cynthia's Revels; Or, The Fountain of Self-Love" by Ben Jonson In the play, the goddess, Cynthia, has ordained a "solemn revels" in the valley of Gargaphie in Greece. The gods Cupid and Mercury appear, and they too start to argue. Mercury has awakened Echo, who weeps for Narcissus, and states that a drink from Narcissus's spring causes the drinkers to "Grow dotingly enamored of themselves." Asotus, a foolish spendthrift who longs to become a courtier and a master of fashion and manners, also drinks from the spring; emboldened by vanity and self-love, he challenges all comers to a competition of "court compliment." The competition is held, in four phases, and the courtiers are beaten.