Sense And Spirituality

There is growing interest in the relationship between the arts and Christian faith. Much has been written about the arts and theology and the place of the arts in church life. Not as much has been written, however, about how the arts might actually advance spiritual formation in terms of the cumulative effect of religious experience and intentional practices. This book provides a modest step forward in that conversation, a conversation between theological aesthetics and practical theology. Understanding aesthetics as 'the realm of sense perception' and spiritual formation as 'growing capacities to participate in God's purposes', James McCullough suggests how these dynamics can mutually enhance each other, with the arts as an effective catalyst for this relationship. McCullough proposes an analysis of artistic communication and explores exciting examples from music, poetry, and painting, which render theoretical proposals in concrete terms. This book will engage both those new to the arts and those already deeply familiar with them.

Is it possible to see, hear, touch, smell and taste God? How do we understand the biblical promise that the 'pure in heart' will 'see God'? Christian thinkers as diverse as Origen of Alexandria, Bonaventure, Jonathan Edwards and Hans Urs von Balthasar have all approached these questions in distinctive ways by appealing to the concept of the 'spiritual senses'. In focusing on the Christian tradition of the 'spiritual senses', this book discusses how these senses relate to the physical senses and the body, and analyzes their relationship to mind, heart, emotions, will, desire and judgement. The contributors illuminate the different ways in which classic Christian authors have treated this topic, and indicate the epistemological and spiritual import of these understandings. The concept of the 'spiritual senses' is thereby importantly recovered for contemporary theological anthropology and philosophy of religion.

A mindfulness expert whose work has been hailed by Eckhart Tolle as “an important contribution to the shift in consciousness” offers a new vision of reality—one that is compatible with modern science and ancient spirituality. “With elegance and lucidity, Steve Taylor explains why spiritual science is the only hope for humanity.” —Deepak Chopra It is often assumed that there are two ways of interpreting the world: a rational scientific way, or an irrational religious way. Mindfulness expert, Steve Taylor, shows that there is a third possibility—a spiritual, or “panspiritist”, view of reality that transcends both conventional science and religion, recognizes spirit or consciousness as fundamental, and answers many of the riddles that neither can explain. Here, Taylor puts forward the evidence for a spiritual view of reality and examines the development and consequences of the materialist model. Drawing on the insights of philosophers, physicists, mystics, as well as spiritual traditions and indigenous cultures, he also systematically shows how a ‘panspiritist’ view can explain many puzzling aspects of science and the world such as: • human consciousness • altruism • near-death experiences • telepathy and pre-cognition • quantum physics • the placebo effect • neuroplasticity A compelling argument for a new vision of reality, Spiritual Science offers a bright vision of the world as sacred and interconnected, and of human life as meaningful and purposeful.

"Igniting the Sixth Sense deals with the magnetic sense that allows birds, whales, bees and many other animals to detect and use magnetic fields in ways that seem impossible for humans. Yet, we possess this same natural ability. What happens if you combine a modern human with an active, magnetic sensory? They display skills and abilities that seem, at time, super-human"--Publisher.

Foundational Teaching on Discerning What Is Happening in the Spiritual Realm For many believers, operating in the gifts of the Spirit has become a normal way of life. Yet there is one often-overlooked, often-misunderstood gift crucial to the well-being of the church: the gift of discerning spirits. This gift is the powerful supernatural ability to hear and see into the spiritual realm, yet many people who have it may think they are crazy. Finding no help from the church, some have turned to medical doctors and actually been diagnosed with a mental disorder. Jennifer Eivaz, a trusted prophetic voice, has been there, and she offers hope, healing, and practical help. Pulling back the veil, she · lays a biblical foundation for how this gift works · helps you discern what you are seeing and hearing · reveals what is happening in the spiritual realm · provides insight into the demonic, the angelic, and spiritual happenings · and more. The enemy is on the move. More than ever, the church needs people who operate in this powerful gift to expose hidden threats and help lead the church to victory.

Spirituality.The search for happiness --Religion, East and West --Mindfulness --The truth of suffering --Enlightenment --The mystery of consciousness.The mind divided --Structure and function --Are our minds already split? --Conscious and unconscious processing in the brain --Consciousness is what matters --The riddle of the self.What are we calling "I"? --Consciousness without self --Lost in thought --The challenge of studying the self --Penetrating the illusion --Meditation.Gradual versus sudden realization --Dzogchen: taking the goal as the path --Having no head --The paradox of acceptance --Gurus, death, drugs, and other puzzles.Mind on the brink of death --The spiritual uses of pharmacology.

“Ann Druyan has unearthed a treasure. It is a treasure of reason, compassion, and scientific awe. It should be the next book you read.” —Sam Harris, author of The End of Faith “A stunningly valuable legacy left to all of us by a great human being. I miss him so.” —Kurt Vonnegut Carl Sagan's prophetic vision of the tragic resurgence of fundamentalism and the hope-filled potential of the next great development in human spirituality The late great astronomer and astrophysicist describes his personal search to understand the nature of the sacred in the vastness of the cosmos. Exhibiting a breadth of intellect nothing short of astounding, Sagan presents his views on a wide range of topics, including the likelihood of intelligent life on other planets, creationism and so-called intelligent design, and a new concept of science as "informed worship." Originally presented at the centennial celebration of the famous Gifford Lectures in Scotland in 1985 but never published, this book offers a unique encounter with one of the most remarkable minds of the twentieth century.

Manfred T. Brauch tackles forty-eight frustrating passages from the letters of Paul and helps readers understand their importance for Christian living today.

Endorsements: Christian leaders help other Christians see and understand everything in their lives in spiritual terms. ""Scott Cormode is a pioneer in understanding church leadership with the theological disciplines of the faith. Making Spiritual Sense captures in a marvelous way the distinctive character of church leadership as the Christian leader is defined as theological interpreter."" -Lovett H. Weems Jr., Distinguished Professor of Church Leadership at Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, DC, and author of Take the Next Step: Leading Lasting Change in the Church ""Those who know Scott Cormode well and have long respected his teaching and leadership in church and academy have eagerly anticipated the publication of his first in-depth study of leadership. At last our hopes have been rewarded--and generously so. This book demonstrates a rare breadth of scholarly knowledge and possesses the humility and confidence that characterizes the best leadership today. It invites those who lead to remember that the best leaders give people the tools to think for themselves, a fact that any leader neglects at the greatest of peril."" -Michael Jinkins, Dean and Professor of Pastoral Theology, Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary, Austin, TX ""This is a profoundly important book. Finally someone has taken seriously the need to deeply integrate social science perspectives in relation to a Christian understanding of leadership. Cormode creatively integrates key theoretical insights within a theological framework in helping Christian leaders understand how to lead by making spiritual sense. Extensive use of narrative stories brings his argument to life and provides accessible ways for readers to further develop their own repertoire of meaning for leading through sense making."" -Craig Van Gelder, Professor of Congregational Mission, Luther Seminary, Saint Paul, MN About the Contributor(s): Scott Cormide is the Hugh De Pree Associate Professor of Leadership Development at Fuller Theological Seminary and the De Pree Leadership Center. He is an ordained Presbyterian minister and the founder of both the Academy of Religious Leadership and the Journal of Religious Leadership.

“Oh Taste and See that the LORD is Good!” David’s ancient declaration in Psalm34:8 can have profound implications for us today. His reference to two of our five natural senses opens the door to a study of unique proportions. Think of it? Not only these two senses, but all five our physical senses in the Bible have spiritual depth and understanding. They cry out to us to explore them and learn their meaning. An Un-Common Sense is just such a study! This book will probe the depths of our five physical senses... Tasting... Seeing... Hearing... Smelling... Touching... And then seek to understand how these God-giving physical dynamics translate into our spiritual lives. Added to these five will also be a much-needed look at what could be called our “sixth sense” – the Spirit sense. In many respects it is the most remarkable one of all! It is what makes the other five work in the spiritual realm. Join author, pastor, and educator, Joe LoMusio on a journey engaging what David challenges us to do! Taste and See... have Ears to hear... share the Aroma of Christ... and Touch the hem of His garment!