Heaven on Earth - How Copernicus, Brahe, Kepler, and Galileo Discovered the Modern World by J. S. Fauber

$37.99 NZD

Category: Bibles & Religion

A vivid narrative that connects the lives off our great astronomers as they discovered, refined, and popularized the first major scientific discovery of the modern era: that the earth moves around the sun Today we take for granted that a telescope allows us to see galaxies millions of light years away. But before its invention, people used nothing more than their naked eye to fathom what took place in the visible sky. So how did four men in the 1500's―of different nationality, age, religion, and class―collaborate to discover that the earth revolved around the sun? With this radical discovery that went against the Church, they created our contemporary world―and with it, the uneasy conditions of modern life. Heaven on Earth is an intimate examination of this scientific family―that of Nicolaus Copernicus, Tycho Brahe, Johannes Kepler, and Galileo Galilei. Fauber juxtaposes their scientific work with insight into their personal lives and political considerations, which shaped their pursuit of knowledge. Uniquely, he shows how their intergenerational collaboration was actually what made the scientific revolution possible. Ranging from the birth of astronomy and the methods of early scientific research, Fauber reveals the human story that underlies this civilization altering discovery. And, contrary to the competitive nature of research today, collaboration was key to early scientific discovery. Before the rise of university research institutions, deep thinkers only had each other. They created a kind of family, related to each other via intellectual pursuit rather than blood. Filled with rich characters and sweeping historical scope, Heaven on Earth reveals how the strong connections between these pillars of intellectual history moved science forward―and how, without them, we might have waited a long time for a heliocentric model of the universe. ...Show more

Illustrated Bible Stories by John Joven

$35.00 NZD

Category: Bibles & Religion

A fully illustrated collection of stories from the Bible, retold for young readers. It includes Joseph and his Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat, The Story of Baby Jesus, The Easter Story, Jonah and the Whale, Noah's Ark, and more.

The Islam Book by DK; Rageh Omaar (Foreword by)

$48.00 NZD

Category: Bibles & Religion | Series: Big Ideas Ser.

This comprehensive, accessible, and factual guide to Islam is essential to understanding the world's fastest-growing religion. This essential guide to Islam covers every aspect of the Muslim faith and its history - from the life of the Prophet Muhammad and the teachings of the Koran to Islam in the 21st century. Celebrating the scientific, literary, and artistic achievements of the Islamic Golden Age and the ideas of philosophers and theologians across the centuries, it opens a window on the Islamic world. The series' trademark graphics and mind maps unpick the central tenets of Islam, such as prayer, fasting, and pilgrimage. Clear factual writing offers insight into terms like Sharia law, the Caliphate, and jihad; Sunni and Shia divisions; and Sufi poetry and music. Images of Islamic art, architecture, calligraphy, and historical artefacts illustrate the articles. Modern issues such as fundamentalism are discussed in context alongside the work of peaceful traditionalists, modernizers, and women's rights campaigners, among others. Packed with more than 80 inspiring quotations, and bold, intriguing illustrations, The Islam Book is an invaluable source of information both for members of one of the world's major religions and any interested reader who wants a clear unbiased guide to the meaning of this faith. ...Show more

The Story of Religion by Alex Woolf

$24.99 NZD

Category: Bibles & Religion

A History of the Bible: The Book and Its Faiths by John Barton

$38.00 NZD

Category: Bibles & Religion

THE SUNDAY TIMES BESTELLER A SUNDAY TIMES AND OBSERVER BOOK OF THE YEAR 2019 'With emotional and psychological insight, Barton unlocks this sleeping giant of our culture. In the process, he has produced a masterpiece.' Sunday Times The Bible is the central book of Western culture. For the two faiths w hich hold it sacred, it is the bedrock of their religion, a singular authority on what to believe and how to live. For non-believers too, it has a commanding status: it is one of the great works of world literature, woven to an unparalleled degree into our language and thought. This book tells the story of the Bible, explaining how it came to be constructed and how it has been understood, from its remote beginnings down to the present. John Barton describes how the narratives, laws, proverbs, prophecies, poems and letters which comprise the Bible were written and when, what we know - and what we cannot know - about their authors and what they might have meant, as well as how these extraordinarily disparate writings relate to each other. His incisive readings shed new light on even the most familiar passages, exposing not only the sources and traditions behind them, but also the busy hands of the scribes and editors who assembled and reshaped them. Untangling the process by which some texts which were regarded as holy, became canonical and were included, and others didn't, Barton demonstrates that the Bible is not the fixed text it is often perceived to be, but the result of a long and intriguing evolution. Tracing its dissemination, translation and interpretation in Judaism and Christianity from Antiquity to the rise of modern biblical scholarship, Barton elucidates how meaning has both been drawn from the Bible and imposed upon it. Part of the book's originality is to illuminate the gap between religion and scripture, the ways in which neither maps exactly onto the other, and how religious thinkers from Augustine to Luther and Spinoza have reckoned with this. Barton shows that if we are to regard the Bible as 'authoritative', it cannot be as believers have so often done in the past. ...Show more

Anti-Judaism: The History of a Prejudice by David Nirenberg

$56.99 NZD

Category: History

A magisterial history, ranging from antiquity to the present, that reveals anti-Judaism to be a mode of thought deeply embedded in the Western tradition. There is a widespread tendency to regard anti-Judaism - whether expressed in a casual remark or implemented through pogrom or extermination campaign - as somehow exceptional: an unfortunate indicator of personal prejudice or the shocking outcome of an extremist ideology married to power. But, as David Nirenberg argues in this ground-breaking study, to confine anit-Judaism to the margins of our culture is to be dangerously complacent. Anti-Judaism is not an irrational closet in the vast edifice of Western thought, but rather one of the basic tools with which that edifice was constructed. ...Show more

Why Buddhism Is True: The Science and Philosophy of Meditation and Enlightenment by Robert Wright

$28.99 NZD

Category: Bibles & Religion

From one of America's most brilliant writers, a New York Times bestselling journey through psychology, philosophy, and lots of meditation to show how Buddhism holds the key to moral clarity and enduring happiness.   At the heart of Buddhism is a simple claim: The reason we suffer--and the reason we make other people suffer--is that we don't see the world clearly. At the heart of Buddhist meditative practice is a radical promise: We can learn to see the world, including ourselves, more clearly and so gain a deep and morally valid happiness.   In this "sublime" (The New Yorker), pathbreaking book, Robert Wright shows how taking this promise seriously can change your life--how it can loosen the grip of anxiety, regret, and hatred, and how it can deepen your appreciation of beauty and of other people. He also shows why this transformation works, drawing on the latest in neuroscience and psychology, and armed with an acute understanding of human evolution.   This book is the culmination of a personal journey that began with Wright's landmark book on evolutionary psychology, The Moral Animal, and deepened as he immersed himself in meditative practice and conversed with some of the world's most skilled meditators. The result is a story that is "provocative, informative and...deeply rewarding" (The New York Times Book Review), and as entertaining as it is illuminating. Written with the wit, clarity, and grace for which Wright is famous, Why Buddhism Is True lays the foundation for a spiritual life in a secular age and shows how, in a time of technological distraction and social division, we can save ourselves from ourselves, both as individuals and as a species. ...Show more

The Case for Grace: A Journalist Explores the Evidence of Transformed Lives by Zondervan Publishing

$32.99 NZD

Category: Bibles & Religion | Series: Case for ... Ser.

The Case for a Creator explored the scientific evidence for God; The Case for Christ investigated the historical evidence for Jesus; The Case for Faith responded to eight major objections about Christianity; The Case for The Real Jesus refuted the current challenges to the Bible and Christ ... Now, in T he Case for Grace, Lee Strobel crafts a compelling and highly personalcase for God, focusing on God's transforming work in the lives of men and women today. Writing with unusual candor, Lee draws upon his own journey from atheism to Christianity to explore the depth and breadth of God's redeeming love for spiritually wayward people. He travels thousands of miles to capture the inspiring stories of everyday people whose values have been radically changed and who have discovered the "how" and "why" behind God's amazing grace. You'll encounter racists, addicts, and even murderers who have found new hope and purpose. You'll meet once-bitter people who have received God's power to forgive those who have harmed them--and, equally amazing, people mired in guilt who have discovered that they can even forgive themselves. Through it all, you will be encouraged as you see how God's grace can revolutionize your eternity and relationships... starting today. ...Show more

The Illuminated Book of Psalms: The Illustrated Text of All 150 Hymns and Prayers by Black Dog & Leventhal Publishers

$36.99 NZD

Category: Bibles & Religion

The Book of Psalms is married together here with artwork from medieval manuscripts and intricate borders to create a beautiful jewel of a book that is produced with a silk cover, flexible binding, and ribbon marker, in the style of a unique, illuminated keepsake. All 150 passages from the Book of Psalms , which is revered in many sects of Judaism and Christianity and is one of the best known, most beautifully written sections of the Bible, are included. The 50 works of art from illuminated manuscripts, as well as dozens of borders and smaller illustrations are printed in five colors including simulated gold ink. ...Show more

St. Francis of Assisi - His Life, Teachings, and Practice (the Essential Wisdom Library) by Jon M. Sweeney; Richard Rohr (Foreword by)

$27.99 NZD

Category: Bibles & Religion | Series: The\Essential Wisdom Library

An introduction to St. Francis's life and his most profound teachings of faith St. Francis of Assisi is one of the most venerated Christian figures, and his profound teachings, deep love of nature, and commitment to simplicity have resonated with generations of followers. St. Francis of Assisi, the lat est title in the Essential Wisdom Library, offers a simple and universal introduction to Francis's life, his key teachings, and the spiritual practices that enriched his faith and the lives of those who follow his legacy. Author Jon M. Sweeney, one of the most popular Francis interpreters, introduces the iconic Christian as a man of his time and as one whose wisdom transcends eras. Beginning with a timeline of the saint's life, St. Francis of Assisi includes the teachings that made Francis such a unique and powerful figure. His words apply to a diverse set of situations--from advice for people in positions of power, to teachings on gratitude, and the Rule of Life which governed every facet of life for Franciscans. The book concludes with explanations of some of his most powerful practices, which can offer wisdom and insight for our own lives. St. Francis emphasized the importance of living a simple, truthful life, making his spiritual practices just as impactful and relevant in the modern day as they were centuries ago. St. Francis of Assisi is the perfect guide for anyone looking to learn more about the saint or hoping to incorporate his wisdom into their own spiritual lives. ...Show more

Time-Life Everything You Need to Know About the Bible by Editors of Time Magazine

$29.99 NZD

Category: Bibles & Religion

Everyone can benefit from understanding the Bible, and Time-Life Books' Everything You Need to Know about the Bible is the ultimate visual guide. This helpful book is filled with photos, illustrations, art, and maps, plus sidebars throughout featuring fun facts, Top Ten lists, verses to know, and more. You can learn the fascinating story of the Bible itself - how it was written and how its contents have survived over the centuries. Meet the great characters, from Abraham and Isaac to Mary Magdalene and St. Paul. You can discover the life, works, and teachings of Jesus Christ and his disciples, with observations offered by today's most noted interpreters of the Bible. It's all gathered in an easy to read, compelling visual format that brings a fresh understanding to readers of all spiritual backgrounds, whether you're new to the Bible or a daily reader of its inspiring words. ...Show more

The Four Horsemen: Dawkins, Harris, Dennett & Hitchens by Richard Dawkins; Daniel C. Dennett; Sam Harris; Christopher Hitchens

$27.00 NZD

Category: Bibles & Religion | Reading Level: 4 Non Fiction

Known as the 'four horsemen' of New Atheism, these four big thinkers of the twenty-first century met only once. Their electrifying examination of ideas on this remarkable occasion was intense and wide-ranging. Everything that was said as they agreed and disagreed with one another, interrogated ideas an d exchanged insights - about religion and atheism, science and sense - speaks with urgency to our present age. Questions they asked of each other included- 'Is it ever possible to win a war of ideas? Is spirituality the preserve of the religious? Are there any truths you would rather not know? Would you want to see the end of faith? The dialogue was recorded, and is now transcribed and presented here with new introductions from the surviving three horsemen. With a sparkling introduction from Stephen Fry, it makes essential reading for all their admirers and for anyone interested in exploring the tensions between faith and reason. ...Show more