Relating God And The Self

A collection of thirty-nine short essays in which Thomas Merton examines what true contemplation is and how it can impact one's spirituality.

What do we mean when we use the terms "God," "Self" and "Ego"? To what experiences do these terms point? What are the relationships between them? This book by Philip St. Romain, M.S., D. Min., goes beyond semantics to provide an experiential approach to understanding "God," "Self" and "Ego." It also situates this understanding in an anthropology that will be agreeable to most psychologists and Christian spiritual directors. Different "zones of intimacy" between God, Self and Ego are identified, each with differing requirements. Questions for reflection and discussion conclude each chapter, along with several suggested spiritual exercises.

What do we mean by the terms God, Self and Ego? The answer depends on one's view of human nature and its relationship to the divine. Using the philosophy and theology of St. Thomas Aquinas to qualify his terms, author Philip St. Romain describes different possible relationships between God, Self and Ego, and the disciplines to support these.

Religion is not only about understanding the world - it is just as much about how to develop and shape the self’s experience of itself. Because the religious self is shaped by our symbols of God - and symbols of God are also shaped by the self, theology and philosophy of religion cannot ignore this interplay, or the psychological dimension, when they discuss what symbols of God are adequate and not. By discussing critically different ways the symbol of God functions in the formation of the self, the book develops a nuanced and original approach to the interplay between God and the self. It suggests that play is actually an important metaphor in order to develop a dynamic understanding of religion’s way of relating God and the Self. This approach challenges understandings of religion focussing only its cognitive claims, as well as those who emphasize doctrinal orthodoxy as the most important element in religion.

My first impression of the title "Kenosis of God " was that this was going to be an academic book replete with boring, complex and difficult exegetical and theological arguments. On the contrary, I found out after reading that it was very engaging, exciting and very refreshing book on Christian Theology. The major strengths of this book are [that it is] (1) thoroughly biblical, (2) historically and theologically consistent with evangelically Christianity, (3) philosophically logical and coherent, and above all (4) relevant to the Christian life. I enthusiastically commend this book not only to Bible students and academic theologians but to Christians who desire not only to know the truth of Christian Theology but its implications on the Christian life. Professor Samuel Waje Kunhiyop, PhD, Head of Postgraduate School, South African Theological Seminary The book argues that the kenosis of Jesus is not an isolated act in the history of incarnation but is embedded in the very nature of his divinity. The entire Trinity operates in kenosis, a deliberate choice to self-limitation in order to relate with one another and with the powerless. The book shows that each person of the Trinity, Father, Son and the Holy Spirit, participates and works in a kenotic way in their relation to the humanity. The creator who accepts to give dominion to the people He created, Jesus who limits himself by becoming a human being and the Spirit who dwells in and works through the Church accepting the risk of being grieved by the human fallen nature. Dr. Lubunga w'Ehusha of the Evangelical Seminary of Southern Africa

God and the Self in Hegel proposes a reconstruction of Hegel's conception of God and analyzes the significance of this reading for Hegel's idealistic metaphysics. Paolo Diego Bubbio argues that in Hegel's view, subjectivism—the tenet that there is no underlying "true" reality that exists independently of the activity of the cognitive agent—can be avoided, and content can be restored to religion, only to the extent that God is understood in God's relation to human beings, and human beings are understood in their relation to God. Focusing on traditional problems in theology and the philosophy of religion, such as the ontological argument for the existence of God, the Trinity, and the "death of God," Bubbio shows the relevance of Hegel's view of religion and God for his broader philosophical strategy. In this account, as a response to the fundamental Kantian challenge of how to conceive the mind-world relation without setting mind over and against the world, Hegel has found a way of overcoming subjectivism in both philosophy and religion.

"An outstanding contribution to the subjects of intra- and interpersonal relations is the work done by J. Knox Chamblin, Paul and the Self. The author has studied every Pauline passage relating to the self and arranged his findings so as to enrich our understanding of a holistic personal maturity as well as a holistic corporate maturity. The serious Bible student should have this book." --J. Grant Howard, author of The Trauma of Transparency (1997)

Mankind has many conflicting ideas about what God is really like. God created the whole material universe by His Word, and then the Word of God emptied Himself to become a speck in a tiny part of it. Why? To show people exactly what God would be like if He lived in a limited human body like our own. This also allowed Him to become a perfect Example of how we should live on earth and to pay a just price for the sins of mankind, His creation. This little book provides a foundation for understanding the character and nature of God, showing how God's provision in Jesus is very different from what any religion provides. This difference is vital for preparing us for all eternity. God's way to save us through Jesus helps us to grow in true love and cuts through a deadly self-righteousness that, if God allowed it, would even lower the quality of heaven. This book was first written for people in South Sudan, but can help people anywhere who want to find meaning and purpose for their lives on earth.

Dialogues with My God Self is a unique look into the heart and mind of a seeker of truth and his God Self. Written as a series of conversations addressing life's most important questions, this groundbreaking work is the result of years of philosophical study, travel, meditation, and the search for enlightenment, provoked by the desire to understand our existence and its Source. Dialogues with My God Self will resonate with anyone seeking spiritual insight and striving for a higher consciousness. It offers clear and insightful answers to timeless questions such as: What is the nature of God? What is God's relation to the individual? Who am I? What is the purpose of my being here? What is the origin of evil and the cause of suffering? What is love? ALVARO BIZZICCARI received his Doctorate in Philosophy from the University of Rome in Italy before moving to the United States. He is a professor emeritus of humanistic studies at the University of Connecticut. He is the author of several publications (in Italian), including a book on St. Theresa of Avila, and essays on Christian Mysticism from St. Augustine to St. Francis of Assisi, Dante, St. Catherine of Siena, and Michelangelo's poetry. He can be found online at www.alvarobizziccari.com.

Doug Reed uses important insights from scripture, the historical context of Jesus's day, and personal experience to prove God's fervent passion to give Himself to us. When we understand God's purpose, we begin to see His presence in places we thought He was absent. We come to know God not as one who occasionally visits but as one who abides, always giving His gift, even when we suffer defeat, weakness, and loss. God is a Gift is invaluable for overcoming fear and finding a life filled with God's presence. It reveals how grace revolutionizes our relationship with the Lord. Topics include understanding the New Covenant, living in the gift of righteousness, abundant life, worship, and intimacy with God.