The Quest For God And The Good

Diana Lobel takes readers on a journey across Eastern and Western philosophical and religious traditions to discover a beauty and purpose at the heart of reality that makes life worth living. Guided by the ideas of ancient thinkers and the insight of the philosophical historian Pierre Hadot, The Quest for God and the Good treats philosophy not as an abstract, theoretical discipline, but as a living experience. For centuries, human beings have struggled to know why we are here, whether a higher being or dimension exists, and whether our existence is fundamentally good. Above all, we want to know whether the search for God and the good will bring happiness. Following in the path of the ancient philosophers, Lobel directly connects conceptions of God or an Absolute with notions of the good, illuminating diverse classical texts and thinkers. She explores the Bible and the work of Plato, Aristotle, Augustine, Maimonides, al-Farabi, and al-Ghazali. She reads the Tao Te Ching, I Ching, Bhagavad Gita, and Upanishads, as well as the texts of Theravada, Mahayana, and Zen Buddhism, and traces the repercussions of these works in the modern thought of Alfred North Whitehead, Iris Murdoch, Alasdair MacIntyre, and Charles Taylor. While each of these texts and thinkers sets forth a distinct and unique vision, all maintain that human beings find fulfillment in their contact with beauty and purpose. Rather than arriving at one universal definition of God or the good, Lobel demonstrates the aesthetic value of multiple visions presented by many thinkers across cultures. The Quest for God and the Good sets forth a path of investigation and discovery culminating in intellectual and spiritual communion.

Throughout this introductory text, progress, decline, and redemption constitute a systematic framework for examining the central terms of Catholic theology, as well as key notions in Lonergan's theology. The book provides a firm foundation for students of Lonergan as well as anyone interested in understanding Catholic theology and applying it to ministry, education, and other fields.

The Past, Present and Future of Theology of Interreligious Dialogue brings together several of the most widely regarded specialists who have contributed to theological reflection on religious diversity and interreligious encounter. The chapters are united by the consistent theme of the obligation to engage with the challenges that emerge from the tension between the doctrinal tradition(s) of Christianity and the need to reconsider them in light of and in response to the fact of religious otherness. As a whole, these reflections are motivated by the desire to bring together a significant selection of different theological approaches that have been developed and appropriated in order to engage with religious difference in the past and present, as well as to suggest possibilities for the future. This confluence of perspectives reveals the complexity of theological reflection on religious diversity, and gives some indication of future challenges that must be acknowledged, and perhaps successfully met, in the ongoing attempt to address a universal reality in light of traditional doctrinal particularities and cultural concerns.

Stephen Long opens his erudite discussion of theology and ethics with the insistence that moral critique must emerge from a particular location, rather than from the fluid values of any "neutral" observer. Long sets out to put theology and ethics--as well as the church--in proper relation to one another. Ethics must be based in theology, not the other way around. Our "finite participation in the infinite makes possible participation in a goodness beyond us." That goodness comes to us in the flesh of Jesus Christ, and the church is indispensable in drawing all people toward God's goodness. The church, a social ethic in itself, gives purpose and order to other social institutions, including family, government, and the market.

The central aim of this book is to attempt to determine the response of the classic texts of Jewish traditions to the famous dilemma posed in Plato's Euthyphro: Does God freely determine morality, or is morality independent of God? The author argues that the picture that emerges from Jewish texts is significantly more complex and nuanced than most of the contemporary Jewish philosophical literature is prepared to concede. While providing an extensive discussion of the perspective of Jewish tradition on divine command ethics, this book develops a position that is distinct from and critical of other views that have recently been advanced in Jewish scholarship. At the same time, the book provides a substantial analysis of some Christian perspectives on divine command ethics. Relevant biblical, rabbinic and later Jewish texts are discussed, as well as some of the relevant views that have been taken in philosophical literature and in Christian and Jewish thought.

A crosscultural exploration of the meanings, definitions, practices, and common themes of mysticism via a study of original texts (in translation) from different parts of the world. It brings together the writings of the mystics from Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, Taoism, and Confucianism in one volume.

Exploring the different points of view and 'tones of voice' adopted in theology for the meeting of religions, this book presents a contemporary philosophical and theological engagement with key issues of how different faiths might meet, of comparative philosophy of religion, of the use of aesthetics, of inter-religious ethics and issues relating to the self. Providing a critical evaluation of contemporary liberal, post-liberal and conservative voices, and an engagement with movements such as Radical Orthodoxy and Scriptural Reasoning to mention a few, this book highlights the use of the creative imagination and explores new ideas for the meeting of religions.

This anthology contains the basic vision of Philo (c. 20 B.C.E.-50 C.E.), the greatest Jewish mystic, philosopher and theologian of the Graeco-Roman era.

What should be the Christian's attitude toward society? When so much of our contemporary culture is at odds with Christian beliefs and mores, it may seem that serious Christians now have only two choices: transform society completely according to Christian values or retreat into the cloister of sectarian fellowship. In Making the Best of It, John Stackhouse explores the history of the Christian encounter with society, the biblical record, and various theological models of cultural engagement to offer a more balanced and fruitful alternative to these extremes. He argues that, rather than trying to root up the weeds in the cultural field, or trying to shun them, Christians should practice persistence in gardening God's world and building toward the New Jerusalem. Examining the lives and works of C. S. Lewis, Reinhold Niebuhr, and Dietrich Bonhoeffer for example and direction, Stackhouse suggests that our mission is to make the most of life in the world in cooperation with God's own mission of redeeming the world he loves. This model takes seriously the pattern of God's activity in the Bible, and in subsequent history, of working through earthly means--through individuals, communities, and institutions that are deeply flawed but nonetheless capable of accomplishing God's purposes. Christians must find a way to live in this world and at the same time do work that honors God and God's plan for us. In an era of increasing religious and cultural tensions, both internationally and domestically, the model that Stackhouse develops discourages the "all or nothing" attitudes that afflict so much of contemporary Christianity. Instead, he offers a fresh, and refreshingly nuanced, take on the question of what it means to be a Christian in the world today.

“The angel is free because of his knowledge, the beast because of ignorance. Between the two remains the son of man to struggle.” —Rumi A no-nonsense approach in fathoming God, man, and the universe, a genesis relates to the existence, just a drop in an ocean in true wisdom for grasping the awesome power of the Creator. It is a jaw-dropping experience that ought to attract one to permeate the gist of the philosophical why and the scientific realization of how and what is sought beyond ordinary. Probing into consciousness, to prominent existence, mind, soul, and matter, faith, virtue, morality, spirituality, inspiring self-belief and igniting human excellence; rebuffing ideologically dogmatic notions where lack of inference is challenged and no wit-oriented remarks are questioned. To incite the sagacity of thoughts in search of truth, cultivating a deity where mendacity and hubris fail. A colossal shift from the traditionally ambiguous views as superfluous (nonessential) references is often the norm as minds of reason insightfully question all bogus claims; live the essence, awaken the God within you, let the demons lay eternally at rest, and question yourself. Should it not be the human’s will to conquer the ill notions? If not so, call man a beast that should solely live by instinct. “My humanity is a constant self-overcoming.” Frederick Nietzsche

Exploring a wide range of physical and biological phenomena and drawing on the latest research in biochemistry and evolutionary biology, McGrath draws out the implications of our new understanding of the natural world for traditional debates about the existence of God. --from publisher description.

In this remarkable and groundbreaking book, Kenan Malik explores the history of moral thought as it has developed over three millennia, from Homer's Greece to Mao's China, from ancient India to modern America. It tells the stories of the great philosophers, and breathes life into their ideas, while also challenging many of our most cherished moral beliefs. Engaging and provocative, The Quest for a Moral Compass confronts some of humanity's deepest questions. Where do values come from? Is God necessary for moral guidance? Are there absolute moral truths? It also brings morality down to earth, showing how, throughout history, social needs and political desires have shaped moral thinking. It is a history of the world told through the history of moral thought, and a history of moral thought that casts new light on global history. At a time of great social turbulence and moral uncertainty, there will be few histories more important than this.

So many Christians feel limited in their ability and authority to seek the best that God has to offer them. They have a strong desire to grow into the mighty spiritual warrior for God's Kingdom that they dream of being, but they feel that something is missing. A few key elements are absent that they may not have been taught at their church or Bible study. If you have felt this way, then friend, this book has been written specifically for you – a believer who is ready to reach for and achieve the highest level of spiritual growth in Jesus Christ that will bring you all of the amazing blessings that God has uniquely designed to match the dreams and desires of your heart. In fact, God has been waiting for this moment, and He promises to strengthen you in your quest for a higher level of spiritual maturity in Jesus Christ.In "The Quest for God's Best", Steve Carlson brings fresh new insights into the exciting roles and purposes that God has created for you and your family in the overall plan for the future and well-being of His Kingdom.

Examines the Jewish philosopher’s influence on theology, philosophy, medicine, and law, and his impact on later thinkers.

Fans of T. D. Jakes and Joyce Meyer will love up-and-comer Bishop Henry Fernandez. In Favor Unleashed, Fernandez takes you on an unparalleled adventure through God’s promises for every believer, empowering you to resist fear, doubt, unbelief, the opposition of others, and every other obstacle that comes against His purpose in your life. He will show you how, with God’s help, you can: Maintain your faith focus Identify your spiritual calling Redeem your mind and thoughts Face adversity victoriously Overcome rejection and fear Truly realize that you are blessed Today—beginning here and now—you can step into God’s fullness and experience His best for your life. He is committed to a great purpose and destiny for you. Unleash His abundant favor!

Themelios is an international, evangelical, peer-reviewed theological journal that expounds and defends the historic Christian faith. Themelios is published three times a year online at The Gospel Coalition (http://thegospelcoalition.org/themelios/) and in print by Wipf and Stock. Its primary audience is theological students and pastors, though scholars read it as well. Themelios began in 1975 and was operated by RTSF/UCCF in the UK, and it became a digital journal operated by The Gospel Coalition in 2008. The editorial team draws participants from across the globe as editors, essayists, and reviewers. General Editor: D. A. Carson, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School Managing Editor: Brian Tabb, Bethlehem College and Seminary Consulting Editor: Michael J. Ovey, Oak Hill Theological College Administrator: Andrew David Naselli, Bethlehem College and Seminary Book Review Editors: Jerry Hwang, Singapore Bible College; Alan Thompson, Sydney Missionary & Bible College; Nathan A. Finn, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary; Hans Madueme, Covenant College; Dane Ortlund, Crossway; Jason Sexton, Golden Gate Baptist Seminary Editorial Board: Gerald Bray, Beeson Divinity School Lee Gatiss, Wales Evangelical School of Theology Paul Helseth, University of Northwestern, St. Paul Paul House, Beeson Divinity School Ken Magnuson, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary Jonathan Pennington, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary James Robson, Wycliffe Hall Mark D. Thompson, Moore Theological College Paul Williamson, Moore Theological College Stephen Witmer, Pepperell Christian Fellowship Robert Yarbrough, Covenant Seminary

The book delves into the truth of two kinds: one is externally grasped through our senses and the other is from within, which is intuitionally manifested, so much so that if one is separated from one’s five senses the person can still feel self-awareness. All visible acts—for instance, consuming food—is an apparent activity where the entire mechanism of eating is fueled by an unseen motion without which no visible or practical pursuit can ever occur, signifying that the operation of our five senses must also be fueled by this obscure motion-oriented, energy-based fact. Emanuel Kant affirmed the Empiricist preoccupation with sense experience and the material world, but reconciled this with the rationalist tradition by noting that experience itself is made possible only through deeper underlying (a-priori) mental structure (deeper than concepts or ideas) such as space, time, and mathematical forms like numbers and shapes that exist regardless of what exists in the material world. Strive for the best, aspire to both inner and outer verity (condor, reality), because we have entered into a new era which, ironically, many scientific findings are alluding to what for thousands of years the sages and the prophetically minded philosophers have claimed: that mankind is the very reason for the existence; that you are not in the universe but the universe is within you. Professing it is because of God that you exist and it is because of you that the universe prevails since the quantum world of the infinitely dancing particle where the substratum, the sub-atomic realm of the unseen world and the “observer effect” arrive at making it all possible as it gives meaning into how you look at the universe, knowing that the sole act of observing will influence the phenomenon being observed; that nothing can exist if no mind is there to perceive it. “There’s no way to remove the observer - us - from our perceptions of the world.” Stephen Hawking.

Thomas Robert Malthus's reputation has lately been rehabilitated in the fields of social biology, demography, environmentalism, and economics. In the midst of this current interest and with the chance to mark the occasion of the bicentenary of the first edition of the Essay on Population(1798), the contributors to this volume take this timely opportunity to examine the historical conditions in which Malthus constructed his theory, and in which the concept of a 'Malthusian' and 'Neo-Malthusian' philosophy first emerged. The essays redress the balance between Malthus's original argument, the immediate responses to Malthus by medics and theologians in Britain and on the Continent, and some of the ways that his ideas were later attacked, appropriated, or misrepresented. Included here are essays that not only re-evaluate the development of Malthus's theory, but also offer critical perspectives on the generation of the 'Malthusian league' and debates about birth control in Britain and on the Continent, and Malthus's influence on the emergence of social science and Darwinian evolutionary biology.