Journey Back To God

Journey Back to God explores Origen of Alexandria's creative, complex, and controversial treatment of the problem of evil. It argues that his layered cosmology functions as a theodicy that deciphers deeper meaning beneath cosmic disparity. Origen asks: why does God create a world where some suffer more than others? On the surface, the unfair arrangement of the world defies theological coherence. In order to defend divine justice against the charge of cosmic mismanagement, Origen develops a theological cosmology that explains the ontological status and origin of evil as well as its cosmic implications. Origen's theodicy hinges on the journey of the soul back to God. Its themes correlate with the soul's creation, fall and descent into materiality, gradual purification, and eventual divinization. The world, for Origen, functions as a school and hospital for the soul where it undergoes the necessary education and purgation. Origen carefully calibrates his cosmology and theology. He portrays God as a compassionate and judicious teacher, physician, and father who employs suffering for our amelioration. Journey Back to God frames the systematic study of Origen's theodicy within a broader theory of theodicy as navigation, which signifies the dynamic process whereby we impute meaning to suffering. It unites the logical and spiritual facets of his theodicy, and situates it in its third-century historical, theological, and philosophical context, correcting the distortions that continue to plague Origen scholarship. Furthermore, the study clarifies his ambiguous position on universalism within the context of his eschatology. Finally, it assesses the cogency and contemporary relevance of Origen's theodicy, highlighting the problems and prospects of his bold, constructive, and optimistic vision.

Our lives are full of defining moments. These moments help determine the course our paths take. This is the story of how a self-proclaimed agnostic faced her ultimate defining moment, let go of the reins, and found her way back to God.

Grounded in his academic science background and life-long independent study, the author presents his insights into how modern science supports of the existence of God.

This book is for those who have experienced any level of fear and insecurity in their lives. My purpose for writing this book is to provide you with the understanding and the tools to master the fear created by the challenges, tragedies and traumas that are present in your life today. The goal is for you to find peace of mind. Although the message is based on spirituality and our connection with God, it does not promote any particular religion or religious denomination. I believe the tragedies and triumphs I have experienced during my 76 years was God

On April 28, 2006, as he lay in his hospital bed in Ann Arbor, Michigan, visions of celestial beauty were the last thing on Marv Besteman's mind. He had just had surgery to remove a rare pancreatic tumor. It was after visiting hours and his family had left for the day. Alone and racked with pain, Marv tossed and turned, wanting more than anything else to simply sleep and escape the misery and discomfort for a while. The retired banker, father, and grandfather had no idea he was about to get a short reprieve in the form of an experience he never could have imagined. In My Journey to Heaven, Marv Bestman shares the story of his experience of heaven with astounding detail. Readers will hear of his encounters with angels who accompanied him to the gate, his conversation (argument, really) with St. Peter, and his recognition of friends and family members who touched his life. His story offers peace, comfort, and encouragement to those who have lost loved ones and gives security and solace to those who are grieving, dying, or wonder about the afterlife. Marv believed God sent him back to earth to fulfill this mission of comfort and reminds readers that God has work for each of us to do before he calls us to be with him in heaven. Secure in his belief that his book was the fulfillment of his own mission, Marv returned to heaven in January 2012.

As she tells her story, Memarie Gayle leads readers on her personal journey toward finding God’s will for her life. She rose to prominence in the Country Music industry only to find the excitement of it too often replaced with disappointments, challenges, and heartache. Then her journey became even more difficult when she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. The author holds nothing back in portraying her journey. Her honesty and resolve to find God’s purpose for her life will inspire you on your own journey.

Examples of an amazing journey, shared and supported by my wife of 67 years and 15 days.

Studies how women have related to God in different cultures and religions.