The Maturity Of Belief

This book explores the nature and dynamics of religious belief, and offers constructive criticism to promote its intellectual maturity.

Biblical approach to a satisfying and mature Christian faith for the 20th century.

Cultural Maturity: A Guidebook for the Futureis the most detailed of three new future-related works by the author. It looks deeply at how the most important challenges ahead for the species will require not just better ideas, but new human capacities; in the end, an essential "growing up" as a species-a new Cultural Maturity. It is written for those inter- ested in acquiring the newly sophisticated leadership abilities that we will more and more need in all parts of our lives in times ahead. The concept of Cultural Maturity makes understandable how institutional structures and beliefs that in modern times have served us well can't be the ideals and end points that we have assumed them to be. It goes on to articulate a new guiding story for our time, one able to take us equally beyond denial, cynicism, and naïve wishful thinking. This book looks deeply at the changes the concept of Cultural Maturity describes-both how they make needed new capacities possible, and how we see their beginnings in many parts of our personal and collective lives. The concept of Cultural Maturity is based on the ideas of Creative Systems Theory, a comprehensive framework for understanding change, purpose, and interrelationship in human systems. Creative Systems Theory describes how Cultural Maturity's changes are as, or more, significant than those that brought us modern democratic governance 250 years ago. It also argues that if the concept of Cultural Maturity is not basically correct, it is hard to imagine a healthy and vital human future. In addition to introducing the concept of Cultural Maturity, Cultural Maturity: A Guidebook for the Future presents important related ideas from Creative Systems Theory. Creative Systems Theory represents an example of culturally mature conception and offers a rich array of conceptual tools able to guide us in making the future's increasingly complex choices.

This concise yet thorough analysis of core Christian principles cuts through doctrinal debates to illuminate the essentials of faith. Much of Christendom functions on the basis of formulas, catechisms, recipes of spirituality, and widely varying lists of what is considered “acceptable doctrine.” This brief discussion simplifies the vast scope of Christian truth by identifying eight essential “principles” that can be embraced and practiced by all Christians and churches across the spectrum of belief. Devotional author Michael Phillips uses these universal truths as a springboard for investigating the fundamentals of the Christian faith for both beginner and theologian, simple yet life-changing and profound. He also includes a parallel exploration of several common pitfalls that have infiltrated the church through history as counterfeit indicators of spirituality.

Dr. Jacob Bronowski, in his book and PBS documentary series entitled "The Ascent of Man" spoke of unhealthy religion when he stood before the ashes of his relatives at the Auschwitz crematorium. He said, "This is how men behave when they believe they have absolute knowledge." People seek simple answers and absolute knowledge, but anyone or any religion that claims absolute knowledge or absolute and infallible religious sources and tells people what to think, is a clear carrier and manifestation of unhealthy religion. Is "Healthy Religion" an oxymoron or is it achievable in one's life? This research-based document provides you with the means for identifying what is healthy and what is unhealthy in religion. You may be surprised to discover that what you believe and the manner in which you practice your religion may be more a function of your personality than of your religion in the way in which your personality attaches itself and expresses itself in your religion. Literal, dogmatic religious postures of fundamental and evangelical groups are manifestations of close-minded authoritarianism. They also reflect militant, and extremist dictates for one to follow. The manipulation and mind-control methods of fear, guilt, and shame, used with people to secure membership and provide group consensus in belief, violate the very essence of religion and the basic foundations of what is "Healthy Religion". Certain attributes of healthy personality produce healthy religion, and healthy religion promotes healthy personality. You will uncover the ingredients and characteristics of both in this book! Visit his website: walterkaniaphd.com

It seems that much of American Christianity has lost sight of the goal of growing to maturity in Christ. This loss of vision has had serious consequences for the quality of our witness and ministry. In Aiming at Maturity, Steven W. Rankin seeks to bring back into focus key qualities of spiritual maturity and summarizes important biblical passages to show the scriptural foundations that call for spiritual maturity. Rankin also addresses certain tendencies in popular Christian culture to reduce doctrinal truths to sound bites with the laudable but counterproductive goal to make doctrine memorable, therefore applicable. Thinking more expansively about certain key doctrines related to the work of Christ and the impact of grace contributes to growth toward maturity in a way that popular descriptions of these doctrines do not. Finally, Rankin also challenges readers to consider the important role of emotions in developing Christlike dispositions, which contribute toward producing the fruit of a mature Christian life. By looking at relevant modern research, Aiming at Maturity shows the inherent connection between thoughts and feelings that draw us closer to the actual biblical description of the heart.

This book takes a close look at some of the major themes of the Pastoral Epistles, or Letters, of the New Testament. Understanding, for instance, the five "faithful sayings" recorded in these letters helps us understand godly leadership and life. Knowing how to deal with false and disruptive teachers and leaders helps us order our priorities God's way. Learning the qualities of Christian leadership protects the Church and world from those who would blindly lead us astray. Finally, learning how to finish well sets our life on a course pleasing to God and helpful to others who follow.