Nonnus’ Paraphrasis, an epic rendition of the Fourth Gospel, offers a highly sophisticated interpretation of the Johannine text. An essential means to this end is extensive use of the imagery related to Greek, and especially Dionysiac, mysteries. Doroszewski successfully challenges the once predominant view that the mystery terminology in the poem is nothing more than rhetorical ornament. He convincingly argues for an important exegetical role Nonnus gives to the mystery terms. On the one hand, they refer to the Mystery of Christ. Jesus introduces his followers into the new dimension of life and worship that enables them to commune with God. This is portrayed as falling into Bacchic frenzy and being initiated into secret rites. On the other hand, the terminology has a polemical function, too, as Nonnus uses it to present the Judaic cult as bearing the hallmarks of pagan mysteries. As the book discusses the Paraphrasis against the background of the mystery metaphor development in antiquity, it serves as an excellent introduction to this key feature of the ancient mentality and will appeal to all interested in the culture of Imperial times, especially in Early Christianity, Patristics, Neoplatonism and Late Antique poetry.

For all intent, virtually all accepted mainstream Catholic Christian tenets remain untouched for the past two millennia. It follows then that we take for evident truths¿for example, our views on the Creator and creation¿s sexuality, gender issues, and human relationship concerns¿may in fact be nothing but establishment dogmas gleaned from wrong interpretation or translation of the original text and intent of Jesus Christ and the Bible authors. Now, isn¿t the mere chance of that being true too scary? The Sex Texts: Sexuality, Gender, and Relationships in the Bible by L. Robert Arthur raises just that possibility, despite the strong likelihood of facing stiff criticism from many sectors, mostly of the established Catholic persuasion. Yet those inclined to know the true message of Jesus Christ and his closest disciples may well take heed to scrutinize, at the very least, what Robert is trying to point out in his work. The Sex Texts: Sexuality, Gender, and Relationships in the Bible promises to raise a storm, but the public debate it could engender may yet start a new direction for the rest of humanity.

The only thing more embarrassing than being called a dirty word is not knowing what it means! This humorous guide will teach you the most commonly used obscenities, insults, and curses used in the English language. The Slangman Guide to DIRTY ENGLISH offers you over 1,200 popular words and expressions, followed by a clear definition, plus two example sentences used in context. In some cases, you will find a Learn More section directly below the example sentences. This section offers helpful details on pronunciation, synonyms, variations, and special information on how to sound like an American.

The long-awaited new novel by America's master playwright and activist—a radical reimagining of our history and our hopes and fears Forty years in the making, The American People embodies Larry Kramer's vision of his beloved and accursed homeland. As the founder of ACT UP and the author of Faggots and The Normal Heart, Kramer has decisively affected American lives and letters. Here, as only he can, he tells the heartbreaking and heroic story of one nation under a plague, contaminated by greed, hate, and disease yet host to transcendent acts of courage and kindness. In this magisterial novel's sweeping first volume, which runs up to the 1950s, we meet prehistoric monkeys who spread a peculiar virus, a Native American shaman whose sexual explorations mutate into occult visions, and early English settlers who live as loving same-sex couples only to fall victim to the forces of bigotry. George Washington and Alexander Hamilton revel in unexpected intimacies, and John Wilkes Booth's motives for assassinating Abraham Lincoln are thoroughly revised. In the twentieth century, the nightmare of history deepens as a religious sect conspires with eugenicists, McCarthyites, and Ivy Leaguers to exterminate homosexuals, and the AIDS virus begins to spread. Against all this, Kramer sets the tender story of a middle-class family outside Washington, D.C., trying to get along in the darkest of times. The American People is a work of ribald satire, prophetic anger, and dazzling imagination. It is an encyclopedic indictment written with outrageous love.

Paul’s letter to the Romans is considered by many to be the richest exposition of theological truth ever written. The majestic themes of justification by faith, freedom from sin, substitutionary atonement, and God’s gracious adoption of sinners ring throughout its pages. In this classic commentary, now updated with a fresh look and Scripture references from the ESV Bible, pastor R. Kent Hughes brings clear exposition and pointed application to this power-packed Pauline letter. Useful for corporate or individual study, this volume will encourage and equip believers in their walk with God and understanding of his Word. Part of the Preaching the Word series.