The Christian religion presents itself as the way to contentment, spiritual health, and salvation. But is this really true? Dr. Wendell Watters offers a powerful argument, based on his many years of clinical experience with individuals, couples, and families, that Christianity's influence actually militates against human development in such vital areas as self-esteem, sexuality, and social interactions. The tragic end result of Christian conditioning is too often antisocial behavior, sexual dysfunction, poor psychological development, anxiety, and even major psychiatric illness. Christian indoctrination is not simply a problem affecting individuals or single families; the noxious effects of its teachings over nearly two millennia pervade society at large, even those who are not Christians, and in ways that seriously undermine human welfare and the quality of life. Christianity's aggressive pronatalist policies have encouraged large families, despite parents' inability to cope either emotionally or financially. With this the Christian church has formulated rigid sexual roles, forbidding all practices not leading directly to conception. By actually promoting sexual ignorance and irresponsibility, Christianity has allowed the proliferation of such social ills as rape, child molestation, and pornography. In the face of so much human suffering resulting from Christian doctrine, it is imperative that health care professionals, recognizing the Christian belief system as an addictive disease, develop a religious status examination to help evaluate how notions about life derived from Christian god-talk compromise individuals' healthy functioning. In failing to determine the role of oppressive religious beliefs in mental illness, physicians and other health care workers actually promote Christianity's continued stranglehold on human happiness and self-fulfillment.

The Holy Bible clearly teaches that God Almighty is "Righteous in all His ways and Holy in all His works" (Psalms 145:17). The Word of God makes it abundantly clear that "as he (God Almighty) which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy" (1 Peter 1:15(a)) "because it is written, Be ye holy, for I am holy" (1 Peter 1:16). The Holy Bible is crystal clear (in Second Thessalonians 4:7) that every born again believer has been called unto "Holiness without which no man shall see The Lord" (Hebrews 12:14(b)). You (as a born again believer) have been called to serve The Lord in Righteousness and Holiness all the days of your life here on earth (Luke 1:74-75). Therefore, it's incumbent upon you to understand that when you are saved or born again (John 3:3-6), you are then to walk on "the way of Holiness" to Heaven (Isaiah 35:8) which, indeed, is the narrow way to Heaven: "13 Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: 14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it" (Matthew 7:13-14). As you study this book, may you be among the few Righteous in these last days (Revelation 3:4) who are walking on the narrow way of Holiness to Heaven in The Mighty Name of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen. This is Holiness Unto The Lord Study Text. It's Volume One in the Series. Understanding the Doctrines of Strategic Holiness. It's entitled: The Doctrines of Strategic Components of Holiness. In this Volume: Misconceptions concerning Holiness are explained, The Doctrine of Strategic Components of Holiness is examined, Satan's Deadly Strategic Doctrines (against Holiness) are briefly examined, The Doctrine of Strategic Components of Inner Holiness is stated, 20 Strategic Components of Inner Holiness are examined, The Doctrine of Strategic Components of Outer Holiness is stated, 40 Strategic Components of Outer Holiness are examined, and 60 Holiness Tests are stated. The Goal of this book is to prepare you for Heaven (Hebrews 12:14(b)). In this respect, our prayer is that after having studied it you shall repent and forsake unrighteousness and un-holiness and shall begin to serve Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ wholeheartedly in Righteousness and "Holiness without which no man shall see The Lord" (Hebrews 12:14(b)).

Good Christian doctrine is not simply getting the facts right: it is something transformative, brought to life in obedience to Christ. In his letter to Titus, the Apostle Paul implores the reader to take truth seriously and to ensure that the good news of gospel is being passed on in its full force. Solid Christian doctrine and a passion for godly Christian life are twin themes weave their way throughout this short epistle. In Living Doctrine, Danny Akin unpacks this powerful message and shows how these themes are still vital for Christians today. Accessibly written but informed by deep scholarship, this book will benefit readers from all walks of life. Like the biblical book it covers, Living Doctrine is concise, gospel-centered, and immensely practical.

During the fourth century A.D., theological controversy divided Christian communities throughout the Eastern half of the Roman Empire. At stake was not only the truth about God but also the authority of church leaders, whose legitimacy depended on their claims to represent that truth. In this book, Carlos R. Galvao-Sobrinho argues that out of these disputes was born a new style of church leadership, one in which the power of the episcopal office was greatly increased. He shows how these disputes compelled church leaders repeatedly to assert their orthodoxy and legitimacy—tasks that required them to mobilize their congregations and engage in action that continuously projected their power in the public arena. These developments were largely the work of prelates of the first half of the fourth century, but the style of command they inaugurated became the basis for a dynamic model of ecclesiastical leadership found throughout late antiquity.

Guido Stucco holds a Ph.D. in Historical Theology from Sait Louis University. He is currently working on a book documenting the developments in the doctrine of predestination, from the Council of Trent to the Jansenist controversy.

Intended for an undergraduate criminal law course within a criminal justice program, A Brief Introduction to Criminal Law, Second Edition provides a gentle introduction to the subject ideal for students that do not intend to pursue law school. The principles of criminal law are explained step-by-step with a focus on the professional applications of legal principles within the criminal justice system. The second edition contains more and updated case studies, additional coverage of consitutional law and terrorism, and enhanced figures and tables. Written in a conversational tone, A Brief Introduction to Criminal Law, Second Edition is the ideal resource for undergraduate students taking a criminal law course.

The murder in 1884, in Fernandina, Amelia Island, Florida, of a prominent citizen by a local railroad conductor, whose pretty wife may have caused the tragedy. The venue of the trial is changed to nearby Jacksonville and the jury reaches a verdict in 10 minutes.