Prophets In Their Own Country

In this original study of the making of saintly reputations, Aviad M. Kleinberg shows how sainthood, though frequently seen as a personal trait, is actually the product of negotiations between particular individuals and their communities. Employing the methods of history, anthropology, and textual criticism, Kleinberg examines the mechanics of sainthood in daily interactions between putative saints and their audiences. This book will interest historians, anthropologists, sociologists, medievalists, and those interested in the study of religion. "[A] fascinating and sometimes iconoclastic view of saints in the medieval period." —Sandra R. O'Neal, Theological Studies "[An] important new book. . . . [And] an excellent piece of scholarship." —Diane L. Mockridge, Method & Theory in the Study of Religion "[Kleinberg's] style is clear and accessible and his observations insightful; the book is a pleasure to read." —Veronica Lawrence, Theological Book Review "Original and interesting. . . . [Kleinberg] has made a major contribution." —Anne L. Clark, American Historical Review "Kleinberg's concern is not just with perceptions of sanctity, but, refreshingly, with what actually happened: and he is especially good on the conflict of the two. . . . [This] is not just a book but a way of thought, and one that promises interesting conversations at all levels from the church porch to the tutorial and the academic conference." —Helen Cooper, Times Literary Supplement

These reflections, based on a series published in The National Catholic Reporter, were inspired by the Vatican's announcement of an "Apostolic Visitation" of U.S. Women Religious from 2009-2011. Given the unmistakable imputation of guilt, the launch of this investigation was troubling to many women religious. Schneiders uses this occasion to articulate anew the meaning of Religious Life, the biblical theology underlying it, the reasons for the renewal undertaken after Vatican II, and the forms of apostolic Religious Life that have developed through this renewal. While her introduction tells the story of the investigation and the response it has generated, the following essays offer an eloquent and inspiring assessment and apologia for Religious Life today and in the future. It is a book addressed to all members of the church, calling us to live our faith in a spirit of integrity, freedom, and courage.

The present volume makes a unique contribution to the study of dying in ancient cultures by focusing on what happens in the critical moments before death. Employing a wide range of literary sources, the essays in this volume focus exclusively on the moment of death and practices associated with the transition from this world to the next. Five of the essays deal with Asian religions, primarily Buddhism in India, Tibet, China, and Japan. The other five essays deal with the moment of death in the West, old Norse-Icelandic, Old English, and the Judeo-Christian tradition. The authors explore the many ways in which the good death was envisioned. Remarkable parallels emerge between the good death in religious texts and in heroic sagas . Despite the diversity of cultures, time periods and religious traditions represented in these essays, this volume vividly illustrates the fundamental human need to see in the inevitable moment of death a possibility of choice and a promise of hope.

HOLY BIBLE PROPHETS SPEAK is a reference document which provides a topical arrangement of the vast majority of outstanding scriptural quotes of principles, truths, and key figures and familiar stories from The Old and New Testaments, with particular focus on selections from the four Gospels. It also includes minimal necessary introductory context for clarification particularly in the Four Gospels section. The organization of countless quotations and entries in HOLY BIBLE PROPHETS SPEAK, all considered sacred scripture, is a modest attempt to gather comprehensively and representatively from the above-stated book the plain and precious truths revealed anciently. The countless entries are arranged alphabetically under well over a thousand topic or subject headings, with cross-referencing throughout, and with many being placed under multiple related headings to facilitate easy access. Meticulous documentation is also provided throughout the entire document. The Bible has been taken in translated versions to most countries throughout the world in presenting the teachings of Jesus Christ and ancient prophets. Countless volumes have been written about the Bible, ranging from a child’s animated versions to highly sophisticated, technical, archaeological and scientific studies of their early backgrounds and authenticity. The King James Version of the Bible is used for this volume. Millions of followers testify of the power and validity of the Holy Bible. This book has been compiled and topically organized to help a reader readily find the ennobling truths taught by the ancient prophets. The topic entries are presented in near full context. Great effort was especially made in selecting entries from the four gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, though with particular effort to avoid unnecessary duplication. HOLY BIBLE PROPHETS SPEAK in no way proposes to replace the value of a person’s reading and enjoying the full text of The Old and New Testaments themselves. Therein are innumerable stories and text which present live and gripping images that touch people’s hearts, and are the foundation in building the character and divine witness in millions regarding the truth of the teachings therein.

PROPHETS Ancient and Modern SPEAK is a reference document which provides a topical arrangement of the vast majority of outstanding scriptural quotes of principles, truths, key figures, and familiar stories from the following: 1. The Old and New Testaments, with particular comprehensive focus on the four Gospels, to also include minimal introductory context for clarification. 2. The Book of Mormon, itself a document translated from engraved writings of prophets in Ancient America on metallic plates, and in modern times delivered to and translated by the young prophet Joseph Smith, Jun. through divine means. 3. The Doctrine and Covenants, a compilation of one hundred and thirty–eight revelations given primarily to the prophet Joseph Smith, Jun. 4. The Pearl of Great Price, visions and acquired papyrus, having been revealed and translated by divine means through the prophet Joseph Smith, Jun. 5. Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, a book compiled by the later prophet Joseph Fielding Smith, including background and source information for each entry. (See End Notes) 6. Proclamations to the world, by Joseph Smith, Jr. and other contemporary prophets regarding preeminent doctrines. The organization of several thousand entries in PROPHETS Ancient and Modern SPEAK, all considered pure scripture, is a modest attempt to gather comprehensively and representatively from the above-stated books and documents, the plain and precious truths revealed anciently and in relatively current times. The entries are arranged alphabetically under nearly sixteen hundred topic or subject headings, with cross-referencing throughout, and with many being placed under multiple related headings, to facilitate ease of access. Meticulous documentation is provided throughout the entire document. In the years since its first publication in 1830, the Book of Mormon has been taken in translated versions to most countries throughout the world, not only matching its Biblical companion in a vast world distribution, but more importantly, in presenting the gospel and teachings of Jesus Christ in its fullness and purity. Indeed, The Book of Mormon provides throughout, another witness of Jesus Christ, as well as clear validation of the Bible—revealing much which has been taken out of the Bible over the centuries. The Doctrine and Covenants and Pearl of Great Price have also been revealed, translated and distributed in a vast and similar extent throughout the world. Countless volumes have been written about the above-listed books ranging from a child’s animated versions to highly sophisticated, technical, archaeological and scientific studies of their early backgrounds and authenticity. Further, millions of followers testify of the truth and validity of Joseph Smith, Jr. as being the prophet through whom the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants and the Pearl of Great Price have come into modern hands, declaring the Book of Mormon particularly as a book which will bring a person closer to God than any other book! PROPHETS Ancient and Modern SPEAK has been compiled and topically organized to help a reader readily find the ennobling truths taught by ancient and modern prophets alike. The topic entries, arranged alphabetically, draw from the above-mentioned sources, and are presented in relatively full context. PROPHETS Ancient and Modern SPEAK in no way proposes to replace the value of a person’s reading and enjoying the full text of the Old and New Testaments, The Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants or Pearl of Great Price themselves. Therein are innumerable stories and text which present live and gripping images that touch people’s hearts, and are foundational in building a powerful conviction in millions regarding the truth of the teachings therein. What makes PROPHETS Ancient and Modern SPEAK so valuable in a person’s study of the scriptures is the immediate facility it offers in readily finding pertinent and sacred truths and references on a vast array of meaningful subjects found in the sources drawn from, whether for personal or presentational use. The well-known and late author W. Cleon Skousen well promoted the idea that “…the greater mind is not the one that remembers the most, but the one that can find it when he wants it.”