J. Harold Ellens

This volume is an archaeological analysis, history, and description of a key excavation of the site of biblical Bethsaida, the most important Holy Land location in the narrative of Jesus’ life. This volume presents some of the pre-eminent biblical archaeological scholars in the field, all of whom were associated with Professor John T. Greene, either in the process of decades of archaeological exploration of the ancient site of Bethsaida, or in some other related activity in the field of biblical studies and religion. Professor Greene has been a leading scholar in the excavation and publication of field reports and historical and biblical analysis of the rich lode of discoveries that Bethsaida has revealed to us. This volume will be the highly sought-after summary of the historical-biblical information now available about ancient Bethsaida, the location at which Jesus vacationed, taught, healed, and announced his self-perception as the promised Jewish Messiah who became a new kind of Christian Messiah after his death by crucifixion on a Roman cross in approximately 30 CE in Jerusalem. Bethsaida in Archaeology, History, and Ancient Culture: A Festschrift in Honor of John T. Greene, describes the operational life of the ordinary people, religious communities, military movements, and socio-political hierarchy, from a ground-level perspective of the centuries before and during the lifetimes of Philo Judaeus, Jesus of Nazareth, and Flavius Josephus. It is unique in its popular presentation of this key era for scholarly research, appealing to both scholars in the field and informed non-professional readers, as well as scholars in corollary disciplines. This volume will be immensely sought after by a wide range of those persons who expect interesting, important, and highly readable works from municipal and academic libraries, as well as the popular book stores throughout the English speaking world.

A Festschrift in Honor of John T. Greene

Bethsaida in Archaeology, History and Ancient Culture

Christina Staudt

reshaping death, dying, and grief in America

Our changing journey to the end

Isaac Kalimi

Simon John De Vries

Deborah L. Ellens

Rolf P. Knierim

This two-volume work in biblical studies is a commemorative presentation to Simon John DeVries, noted Old Testament Scholar. Volume two encompasses the worldviews of the Bible for Jews and Christians, the Holiness of God, Psalms in LXX, similarities in ancient Near Eastern narrative and Hebrew Bible, the Bible in the cultural settings of ancient Rome, Middle Ages, Oriental theologies, and contemporary cultural imperatives, and the function of biblical metaphors.

God's Word for Our World: Biblical studies in honor of Simon John De Vries

Rolf Knierim

This two-volume work in biblical studies is a commemorative presentation to Simon John DeVries, noted Old Testament Scholar. Volume one offers a series of essays on issues in Hebrew bible studies. The topics addressed include the nature of Yahweh as God of Israel, a reexamination of the Exodus tradition, the Priestly code and practices, prophets and revelation, biblical poetry, issues in biblical linguistics, dramatic narrative in Hebrew Bible tradition and Yahweh's deliverance as redemption in Israel.

God's Word for Our World

In this three-volume set, international scholars from across a broad spectrum of scholarly fields examine the concept of evil throughout history and world cultures from religious, scientific, psychological, and political perspectives. * Contains original contributions from 75 distinguished scholars from various religious and cultural backgrounds, including psychologists, academic and clinical sociologists, historians, philosophers, theologians, and professors of political science, ethics, and law

Explaining Evil

Christina Staudt Ph.D.

This novel, cross-disciplinary collection explains how dying, death, and grieving have changed in America, for better or worse, since the turn of the millennium. • Shows how high health care costs; concern for the environment; and a diverse, aging population necessitate rethinking the care of those who are at the end of life • Discusses controversial topics such as extending life versus quality of life and the politics and laws governing assisted suicide and integrating our final resting place into the urban landscape • Addresses the effects of the Internet and social media on customs surrounding dying and mourning • Includes cross-disciplinary insights from fields as diverse as psychology, religion, medicine, law, and popular culture

Reshaping Death, Dying, and Grief in America

Our Changing Journey to the End: Reshaping Death, Dying, and Grief in America [2 volumes]

Thomas B. Roberts

Ph.D., Thomas B Roberts

Edited by two preeminent scholars, this book provides coverage of the policy issues related to the increasingly diverse treatments, practices, and applications of psychedelics.

Health, Law, Freedom, and Society

The Psychedelic Policy Quagmire

“As facets on a gem reveal its hidden beauty, so Dr Ellens’ sermons for Ordinary Time(s) disclose the depth and beauty of the scriptures relating to these months of the Christian year between Pentecost and Advent. His long career prepared him well to author this book. With the approach of a scholar, the patience of a teacher, and the understanding of a pastor, he gives the reader new insights into these familiar scriptures. To read one of his sermons on a glorious summer day is to pray in the words of a favorite hymn, ‘Be Still, my Soul, The Lord is on Thy Side.’ To read one of his sermons on a day of great need, will give the reader reason to be grateful for this book.” – Beuna Coburn Carlson, Church Administrator and Christian Educator, PCUSA, Retired “I have only actually heard one sermon by J. Harold Ellens, but reading this wonderful collection reminds me why he has long been one of my favorite homilists. More like a conversation than a monologue, these sermons immediately pull me into dialogue within myself and with God. Read them and be challenged, stimulated, provoked, informed, and edified. Receive them as medicine for your spirit and soul. Be prepared to be blessed by the Spirit that inspired them.” – Dr David G. Benner, author of Soulful Spirituality and Spirituality and the Awakening Self; website: www.drdavidgbenner.ca

Challenging Sermons for Ordinary Time(s)

God’s Radical Grace

Jason M. Zurawski

Jason von Ehrenkrook

Isaac W. Oliver

James Waddell

This collection presents innovative research by scholars from across the globe in celebration of Gabriele Boccaccini’s sixtieth birthday and to honor his contribution to the study of early Judaism and Christianity. In harmony with Boccaccini’s determination to promote the study of Second Temple Judaism in its own right, this volume includes studies on various issues raised in early Jewish apocalyptic literature (e.g., 1 Enoch, 2 Baruch, 4 Ezra), the Dead Sea Scrolls, and other early Jewish texts, from Tobit to Ben Sira to Philo and beyond. The volume also provides several investigations on early Christianity in intimate conversation with its Jewish sources, consistent with Boccaccini’s efforts to transcend confessional and disciplinary divisions by situating the origins of Christianity firmly within Second Temple Judaism. Finally, the volume includes essays that look at Jewish-Christian relations in the centuries following the Second Temple period, a harvest of Boccaccini’s labor to rethink the relationship between Judaism and Christianity in light of their shared yet contested heritage.

Studies on Jewish and Christian Antiquity in Honor of Gabriele Boccaccini

Wisdom Poured Out Like Water

Thomas B. Roberts Ph.D.

Edited by two preeminent scholars, this book provides coverage of the policy issues related to the increasingly diverse treatments, practices, and applications of psychedelics. Hallucinogenic substances like LSD, mescaline, peyote, MDMA, and ayahuasca have a reputation as harmful substances that are enjoyed only by recreational users committing criminal acts. But leading international researchers and scholars who contributed to this book hold that the use of psychedelic substances for health, religious, intellectual, and artistic purposes is a Constitutional right—and a human right. Based on that conclusion, these scholars focus on policy issues that regulate the use of psychedelic drugs in medicine, religion, personal life, and higher education, arguing that existing regulations should match current and anticipated future uses. This volume has two parts. The first surveys research on the use of psychedelic drugs in medicine, religion, and truth-seeking, following these topics through history and contemporary practice. The second section treats government policices that regulate the psychological, physiological, biochemical, and spiritual aspects of research and experience in these fields. The Psychedelic Policy Quagmire: Health, Law, Freedom, and Society challenges medical and legal policy experts, ethicists, scientists, and scholars with the question: How can we formulate policies that reduce the dangers of psychedelics' misuse and at the same time maximize the emerging diverse benefits? • Covers history, law, social use, intellectual and sacramental practice, and current medical research, bringing the debate about psychedelic drugs up to date for the 21st century • Summarizes evidence regarding the positive therapeutic effects of psychoactive drugs to show why regulations need to be changed • Encompasses the work of the leading international researchers in the field • Includes personal observations, vignettes, and narratives

The Psychedelic Policy Quagmire: Health, Law, Freedom, and Society

Can drugs be used intelligently and responsibly to expand human consciousness and heighten spirituality? This two-volume work presents objective scientific information and personal stories aiming to answer the question. • Includes coverage of a variety of drugs, most of which are currently illegal in the United States, accompanied by scientific explanations of how they spur spiritual experiences • Offers compelling narratives from individuals—both laypeople and professionals—who found new dimensions within their lives and heightened their spirituality by the use of entheogens • Supplies information about medical experiments and new treatment modes that provide definitive breakthrough methods for caring for suffering people

Chemical Paths to Spirituality and to God

Seeking the Sacred with Psychoactive Substances: Chemical Paths to Spirituality and to God [2 volumes]

In this three-volume set, international scholars from across a broad spectrum of scholarly fields examine the concept of evil throughout history and world cultures from religious, scientific, psychological, and political perspectives. • Contains original contributions from 75 distinguished scholars from various religious and cultural backgrounds, including psychologists, academic and clinical sociologists, historians, philosophers, theologians, and professors of political science, ethics, and law

Explaining Evil [3 volumes]

Can science, psychology, and biology explain miracles? This three-volume set attempts to answer that question, presenting the latest, as well as classic, thinking and research regarding miracles from fields that include psychology, psychiatry, theology, biology, and history. We have all heard of what seem miraculous events, which have surfaced across history. They range from stigmata and bleeding icons to deadly tumors that disappear and healers who succeed just by laying hands on the afflicted; from people who can predict unexpected events to so-called mediums and those who can allegedly see and speak with the dead. These books, led by an eminent scholar who serves as series editor for the Praeger series Psychology, Religion, and Spirituality, examine miracles of body, mind, and spirit, presenting the most recent research and writing on these uncommon events, aiming to bring hard science to some of the most persistent and peculiar phenomena associated with the human race. Can science, psychology, and biology explain miracles? This three-volume set attempts to answer that question, presenting the latest, as well as classic, thinking and research regarding miracles from fields that include psychology, psychiatry, theology, biology, and history. From news of a crippled woman who left her wheelchair and walked after an evangelist prayed over her, to stories of people who died on the operating table only to be revived to tell of bright lights and the pathway to the afterlife, we've all heard of what seem miraculous events. They have surfaced across history. They range from stigmata and bleeding icons to deadly tumors that disappear, and healers who succeed just by laying hands on the afflicted; from people who can predict unexpected events to so-called mediums and those who can allegedly see and speak with the dead. Some miracles are intricately tied to religious beliefs, but there are millions of people who ascribe to no particular religion, yet still believe that things happen that defy all laws of nature, and thus defy scientific explanation. In these books, eminent scholar J. Harold Ellens and his team of expert contributors examine miracles of body, mind, and spirit, presenting the most recent research and writing on these uncommon events as they aim to bring hard science to some of the most persistent—and peculiar—phenomena associated with the human race.

God, Science, and Psychology in the Paranormal

Miracles: God, Science, and Psychology in the Paranormal [3 volumes]

Select chapters from the controversial 4-volume set examining the influence of sacred texts shaping human nature, society, politics and military strategy across the last 3,000 years.

Violence in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam

The Destructive Power of Religion

Christianity, Islam, and Judaism all feature ideas about heaven, hell, and afterlife, and these concepts have evolved over time within these religions. This work supplies a detailed and coherent understanding of the broad scope of spiritual thinking in the last 3,000 years within the Abrahamic traditions. • Provides a comprehensive treatment of the entire field of topics and issues related to heaven, hell, and afterlife from the last three millennia of Western history • Presents insights from nearly 50 esteemed scholars regarding the psychological, spiritual, and religious notions about humans in eternity • Treats each subject with sensitivity and appreciation of its significance to those who ascribe to this belief system

Eternity in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam

Heaven, Hell, and the Afterlife: Eternity in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam [3 volumes]

Describes all aspects of the Bible's teachings and messages on the subject of human sexuality, and argues that our understanding of what the Bible says about sex is often misguided.

J. Harold Ellens

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