Word And Light

One of the fundamental enigmas of our existence, and for that matter, God’s existence, is the act of creation. Has the cosmos been created ex nihilo or was it an intelligent design by God? Does God, having created the world, let it evolve and develop on its own, subject to the rules of evolution and chance; or does God intervene in every step of evolution in a deus ex machina manner? What is the role of man in creation? Is it as central as existentialism and quantum mechanics assure us: that without human consciousness interacting with energy-matter, there would not be any objects and life forms? Is man the crown of creation permanently, or once evolution forms a more effective connecting agent between spirit and energy-matter, will man be relegated to the world of fossils? The book concludes with a thorough examination of human norms, values and morals. As such, this book constitutes a comprehensive treatise on the genesis of the world, the birth of God, and the role of man.

Word and Light brings religious discourse back to its senses in this provocative examination of the importance of sight and sound to religious symbols, myths, rituals, and traditions. The book examines the unexpected implications of three theses. First, religious symbols, particularly the perceptual symbols of word and light, are grounded in the senses of hearing and seeing. Second, the senses of sight and hearing generate different ranges of symbolic association important to religious discourse. Finally, differing ranges of symbolic association often are fused in the combinations, mergers, and transfers of the senses known as synesthesia. Using a series of case studies in western religious discourse, David Chidester analyzes the importance of sight and hearing especially in the work of Augustine but also in that of Philo, Arius, Athanasius, Bonaventure, and Melanchthon. He examines the dynamics of seeing, hearing, and synesthetic mergers of the senses to suggest new ways of understanding religion.

In Let There Be Light, Howard Smith, a research astrophysicist and traditionally observant Jew, explores how modern scientific understandings of the cosmos complement Judaism's ancient mystical theology, the Kabbalah. He argues that science and religion are not only compatible, but that a healthy, productive dialogue between the two sheds light on ethics, free will, and the nature of life, while at the same time rejecting fundamentalist misinterpretation and the pseudoscience of creationism. Written for a general audience, yet supported by the most current and accurate scientific research, the book discusses topics such as modern quantum mechanics and mystical notions of awareness; how Kabbalah's ten sefirot mirror the developing phases of an inflationary universe; and the surprising parallels that exist between the Big Bang theory and Kabbalah's origin theory. Smith delves into complex ideas without resorting to jargon or mathematical equations, creating an intelligent, authoritative work accessible to all readers.

Invites skeptics and seekers to discover the intellectual richness of the Catholic faith, opening readers to the theological and philosophical depths of Christianity: the nature of belief, the mystery of God, the story of Christ, the work of the Spirit, the life of the church, and the resurrection of the dead. --Book jacket.

LITTLE WORDS can be windows through which the light of Christ can shine. So often we miss the little words in a verse. This book explores some little (two letter) words in the Bible that make a BIG difference. Many little words are explored. IN, for instance, is an important little word: Therefore, if anyone is IN Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new 2 Corinthians 5:17. When we are IN Christ, we are a temple of the Holy Spirit. In order to fully benefit from being His temple, we need to be instructed (structured) using material from His word. I have found that paying attention to little words gives more insight into, and more powerful meaning to, Bible passages. Hopefully, a year in this book of devotions will help in your understanding, appreciation, and use of the Bible. Each month begins with a definition of that month’s little word with information about its power and usage. The definition is followed by a verse for each day of the month using that little word with thoughts for meditation and spiritual growth. I wish for you the love, joy, grace, and peace of God. Please enjoy the impact of LITTLE WORDS!

The issues presented here are addressed to the type of thinking that has not considered the importance of the questions they raise. The results of their reading are committed to the Spirit of God who is the guide to all truth. The Lord Jesus said the wind blows where it wishes, and you hear the sound of it, but cannot tell where it comes from or where it goes. So is everyone that is born of the Spirit. John 3:8 In above writing it is hope that objective of its reading would be a cause of being borne by the Spirit.