In Vigilant Faith: Passionate Agnosticism in a Secular World, Daniel Boscaljon takes up the contemporary challenges to faith by skepticism and secularism. He proposes a model of faith for believers and unbelievers alike—a passionate agnosticism—that is rooted in a skeptical consciousness. Skepticism and faith are structurally similar, he writes, in that they share an "unknowing" quality. The author argues that vigilance—the act of keeping watch, a spiritual practice in its own right—is as necessary a precondition for the structure of faith as it is for the structure of skepticism. A suspension in uncertainty and an openness to possibility require vigilance, he attests, if faith and skepticism are to avoid the often dogmatic tendencies of both theism and atheism to cling to their own brands of certainty and knowledge. Boscaljon has three aims: to expand the current, post-theistic definitions of God for greater relevance to human beings on an individual and existential level; to integrate skepticism into faith so that it will restore the importance of faith to current theology and recover it from anti-intellectual bias; and to conceptualize the vigilance of faith in such a way that can provide a vocabulary for distinguishing "good faith" from "bad faith." He offers a variety of cultural examples ranging from film to poetry to represent a life of faith and to show how its components come together in practice. As an alternative to the prevailing fundamentalisms in today's world, his book proposes a paradigmatic understanding of faith in which theism, atheism, and agnosticism refuse to differ.

In Vigilant Faith: Passionate Agnosticism in a Secular World, Daniel Boscaljon takes up the contemporary challenges to faith by skepticism and secularism. He proposes a model of faith for believers and unbelievers alike--a passionate agnosticism--that is rooted in a skeptical consciousness. Skepticism and faith are structurally similar, he writes, in that they share an "unknowing" quality. The author argues that vigilance--the act of keeping watch, a spiritual practice in its own right--is as necessary a precondition for the structure of faith as it is for the structure of skepticism. A suspension in uncertainty and an openness to possibility require vigilance, he attests, if faith and skepticism are to avoid the often dogmatic tendencies of both theism and atheism to cling to their own brands of certainty and knowledge. Boscaljon has three aims: to expand the current, post-theistic definitions of God for greater relevance to human beings on an individual and existential level; to integrate skepticism into faith so that it will restore the importance of faith to current theology and recover it from anti-intellectual bias; and to conceptualize the vigilance of faith in such a way that can provide a vocabulary for distinguishing "good faith" from "bad faith." He offers a variety of cultural examples ranging from film to poetry to represent a life of faith and to show how its components come together in practice. As an alternative to the prevailing fundamentalisms in today's world, his book proposes a paradigmatic understanding of faith in which theism, atheism, and agnosticism refuse to differ.

One of the most complete and in-depth books ever written on the subject of terrorism from a Spiritual perspective! In this book you will receive a full spectrum prism consciousness understanding from Spirit and the Ascended Masters' perspective on terrorism in general and specifically on the soul's perspective of the terrorist bombing of the twin towers on 9/11. This is one of the most comprehensive overviews ever written on this subject and brings forth an absolutely brilliant and clear understanding of the entire sequence of events from a Spiritual, psychological and political or Earthly perspective. In truth, must reading for everyone in the world given the magnitude of the events we are all now experiencing in our world!

"The aim of this book will be to review and to re-assess the Augustinian, Thomist, Calvinist and Barthian doctrines of providence in the light of their intentions, and in the perspective of the twentieth century interpretation of providence. We shall begin with a consideration of the Biblical doctrine of providence, which all four theologians believed they were interpreting. All thought that God watches over his own, as Psalm 121 indicated: 'Behold He who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.' Hence the title of this book, The vigilant God." (Introduction).

"CHRISTIAN THEOLOGY: The Christian's Ultimate Guide to Learning from the Bible" is a comprehensive exploration of Christian doctrine, offering an in-depth understanding of the essential teachings and principles of the faith. This extensive work is an invaluable resource for both seasoned theologians and those new to biblical study. In this meticulously crafted volume, readers will delve into the essence of Christianity, examining the dynamics of faith that form the bedrock of Christian belief. The book begins with a profound introduction to the core tenets of Christianity, laying a solid foundation for the intricate theological concepts that follow. The journey continues through the complex realm of biblical doctrine, where divine revelation, the process of inspiration, the inerrancy of Scripture, and the formation of the canon are examined with scholarly precision. Principles of biblical interpretation are explored in detail, providing readers with the tools to understand Scripture within its historical and cultural context. A significant portion of the book is dedicated to the Doctrine of God, delving into His identity, divine attributes, and the enigmatic nature of the Trinity. The book also illuminates God's law and His active role in the world, offering insightful perspectives on His interactions with humanity. The Doctrine of Christ receives thorough attention, exploring Christ's eternal existence, His miraculous birth, sinless nature, and the profound significance of the crucifixion, atonement, resurrection, and ascension. The ongoing role of Christ in heaven is also examined, highlighting His enduring influence in the Christian faith. The Holy Spirit's doctrine is not overlooked, with chapters dedicated to understanding His work, indwelling, and active role today. The Human Doctrine follows, offering an exploration of the creation of humanity, the concept of being made in God’s image, and the descent into sin. In the Doctrine of Redemption, readers will find an in-depth analysis of atonement, ransom, reconciliation, sanctification, and the multifaceted nature of salvation, including perspectives from Calvinism, Reformed Calvinism, and Arminianism. The book also ventures into Angelology, providing insights into the nature of angels and the roles of key archangels like Michael and Gabriel. The Doctrine of Satan and Demonology are addressed, shedding light on the essence, strategies, and realm of demonic forces. Ecclesiology is explored in depth, covering the origins, essence, and functions of the Church, the significance of church membership, and the dynamics of church leadership, along with an examination of first-century church administration as a model for today. Finally, the book culminates in a detailed study of Eschatology—the Doctrine of the End Times. This includes interpretations of prophecy, the signs of the end times, the Rapture, the Tribulation period, the Millennium, and the various divine judgments leading to eternal punishment or life. "CHRISTIAN THEOLOGY: The Christian's Ultimate Guide to Learning from the Bible" is a masterful blend of academic rigor and accessible writing, making it a must-have for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of Christian theology and its profound implications on personal faith and practice.

Are you watchful in your Christian life? Although watchfulness is not as familiar as spiritual disciplines like meditation, prayer, and fasting, it is just as necessary for a healthy spiritual life. Scripture exhorts all Christians to be watchful, regardless of their station and season in life. In Watchfulness , Brian Hedges provides a fresh look at the what, why, how, when, and who of watchfulness, drawing principles from Scripture and instruction from believers of the past who have understood this discipline and written about it. Designed for reflection, self-examination, and personal application, with “Examine and Apply” questions at the end of each chapter, this book will chart your course toward greater watchfulness, increased holiness, and deeper communion with the triune God.

Vital Strife examines the close yet puzzling relationship between sleep and ethical care in early modernity. The plays, poems, and philosophical essays at the heart of this book—by Jasper Heywood, William Shakespeare, Edmund Spenser, John Milton, and Margaret Cavendish—explore the unconscious motions of corporeal life and the drowsy forms of sentience at the boundaries of human thought and intentionality. Benjamin Parris shows how these writers, although trained under the Renaissance humanist paradigm of attentive care, begin to dissolve the humanist coupling of virtue with vigilance by giving credence to the vital power of sleep. In contrast to humanist thinkers who equated sleep with carelessness, these writers draw on the ancient Stoic principle of oikeiôsis—the process of orienting the living being toward its proper objects of care, beginning with itself—in asserting the value of sleep, while underscoring insomnia's threat to the ethical flourishing of persons and polity alike. Parris offers an important revaluation of Stoic philosophy, which has too often been misconstrued as renouncing feeling and sympathetic connection with others. With its striking new account of the reception of Stoicism and attitudes toward sleep and sleeplessness in early modern thought, Vital Strife reveals the period's mounting concern with the regenerative nature of physical life and its elaboration of a newfound ethics of care.

With the decline of traditional Sunday school and education programs in recent years, many Christians have not learned the fundamental doctrinal content of the faith. In this text Gary Parrett and Steve Kang set forth a thoroughly biblical vision for intentional teaching of the Christian faith that attends to both the content and process of educational and formational ministries.