This book is presented as “core-curriculum” for young adults and new believers alike, who wish to not only survive but thrive as Christians in our challenging, secular, atheistic culture. This five-fold foundation can help us stand as well as advance against today’s increasingly strong cultural headwinds. A ̶ Empowering spirituality in keeping with Christianity’s rich 2000 year history. B ̶ Exposé of today’s atheistic, materialistic culture. C ̶ Basic religious literacy (including atheism as a belief system). D ̶ A lay person’s strategies for validating foundational assumptions. E ̶ A dynamic encounter with the Bible’s Mother-Story.

Life's Ultimate Questions is unique among introductory philosophy textbooks. By synthesizing three distinct approaches—topical, historical, and worldview/conceptual systems—it affords students a breadth and depth of perspective previously unavailable in standard introductory texts. Part One, Six Conceptual Systems, explores the philosophies of: naturalism, Plato, Aristotle, Plotinus, Augustine, and Aquinas. Part Two, Important Problems in Philosophy, sheds light on: The Law of Noncontradiction, Possible Words, Epistemology I: Whatever Happened to Truth?, Epistemology II: A Tale of Two Systems, Epistemology III: Reformed Epistemology, God I: The Existence of God, God II: The Nature of God, Metaphysics: Some Questions About Indeterminism, Ethics I: The Downward Path, Ethics II: The Upward Path, Human Nature: The Mind-Body Problem and Survival After Death.

Why are we here? What is our place in the universe? What is the purpose of life? The questions have been asked for centuries. But they all revolve around what is perhaps the most fundamental question of all: Does God exist? -- Inside this booklet: -- Asking the Crucial Questions -- Evidence All Around Us -- The Beginning of the Universe -- Our Awesome Universe: How Big is Big? -- Science and Discomfiting Discoveries -- Our Amazing Spaceship Earth -- The Importance of Life-Sustaining Water -- The Giver of Life -- The Tiny Miracle That's Toppling Evolution -- A Deeper Look at the Evidence -- Scientists' Thundering Silence -- Life's Purpose and the Consequences of Ideas -- Groping for Meaning and Morality -- Why Were You Born? -- Man's Natural Hostility Toward God -- Meet God -- How Does God Reveal Himself? -- A God Not Bound by Space and Time -- Our Window of Opportunity

In a world filled with questions, one inquiry rises above them all, a query that has intrigued humanity for millennia: "What is the purpose of our existence?" This perennial conundrum has stirred the hearts and minds of philosophers, theologians, scientists, and seekers throughout the ages. Now, in the compelling and profound exploration entitled "Life's Ultimate Question: Unraveling the Purpose of Our Existence," this age-old riddle is examined with fresh eyes and an open heart. In this captivating journey through the realms of thought and wonder, we embark on a voyage of discovery, guided by the wisdom of centuries and the insights of today. The table of contents reads like a roadmap to the human soul, inviting readers to delve into the depths of their existence. From the philosophical musings of ancient and modern thinkers to the spiritual wisdom passed down through the ages, the book takes you on a journey through various perspectives. It delves into the mysteries of science, tracing the origins of humanity in evolutionary biology, genetics, and neuroscience. It encourages self-discovery and personal development, navigating the intricate paths of happiness and fulfillment. But this book doesn't stop at the individual; it ventures into the heart of our interconnectedness with others and the environment. It asks us to confront life's challenges, embrace change, and find meaning in our unique journey. It contemplates the interplay of destiny and free will, and grapples with existential questions about time, mortality, and the meaning of life and death. At its core, "Life's Ultimate Question" is a guide to embracing a life of purpose and passion, nurturing a sense of wonder and awe, and balancing ambition with contentment. It explores the transformative power of intention and visualization and advocates for the celebration of diversity and unity. Drawing wisdom from history and the wisdom of the ages, it ultimately ponders the future of humanity beyond Earth, and our place in the cosmic tapestry. In the end, as we arrive at the conclusion, we are invited to embrace the miraculous gift of life with profound gratitude and love. This book is more than a collection of words; it is a companion on a quest to find meaning in a vast and mysterious universe. "Life's Ultimate Question" is an invitation to embark on a journey that transcends time and space, guiding us toward a deeper understanding of our purpose, our interconnectedness, and the wondrous adventure of life itself.

Produced specifically to answer QCA concerns over attainment and assessment in RE at Key Stage 3, Modern World Religions is a series that balances learning about religions with learning from religions. It comprises differentiated Student Books, Teacher's Resource Packs and CD-ROMs, on the six major world faiths.

James Leo Garrett Jr., has been called "the last of the gentlemen theologians" and "the dean of Southern Baptist theologians." In The Collected Writings of James Leo Garrett Jr., 1950-2015, the reader will find a truly dazzling collection of works that clearly evince the meticulous scholarship, the even-handed treatment, the biblical fidelity, the wide historical breadth, and the honest sincerity that have made the work and person of James Leo Garrett Jr. so esteemed and revered among so many for so long. Volume 5 contains general theological considerations as well as a number of Garrett's reflections on twentieth-century Christian leaders. Spanning sixty-five years and touching on topics from Baptist history, theology, ecclesiology, church history and biography, religious liberty, Roman Catholicism, and the Christian life, The Collected Writings of James Leo Garrett Jr., 1950-2015 will inform and inspire readers regardless of their religious or denominational affiliations.

Stanley J. Grenz and Roger E. Olson show what theology is, what tools theologians use, why every believer (advanced degrees or not) is a theologian, and how the theological enterprise can be productive and satisfying.

Do you believe in God? Nine out of ten Americans unhesitatingly answer yes. But for Douglas Porpora, the real questions begin where pollsters leave off. What, he asks, does religious belief actually mean in our lives? Does it shape our identities and our actions? Or, despite our professions of faith, are we morally adrift? Landscapes of the Soul paints a disturbing picture of American spiritual life. In his search for answers to his questions, Porpora interviewed clerks and executives, Jews, evangelical Christians, Buddhists, Taoists, and even followers of Bhagwan Sri Rajneesh. He asked them about God, and about what they saw as their own place in the universe. What he found was a widespread inability to articulate any grand meaning of life. We lack heroes to inspire us. We lack a sense of calling, of transcendent purpose in our existence. Many of us seem incapable of caring deeply about the suffering of others. Our society is permeated with moral indifference. Yes, we are a believing people, but God is often a distant abstraction and rarely an emotional presence in our lives. Only such an emotional connection, Porpora argues, can be the basis of a genuine moral vision. Our emotional estrangement from God and the sacred keeps us from caring about social justice, keeps us from wanting to change the world, keeps us enclosed in our own private worlds. Landscapes of the Soul is a passionate call to broaden our spiritual and moral horizons, to raise our eyes to the greater reality that unites us all.

Why don’t they believe the same things I do? Why don’t they see things my way? We get frustrated when people hold differing opinions from ours or view life’s major issues from conflicting angles. Their system of belief (their worldview) seems foreign to us as they filter the events of this world in ways that we would never have imagined and then come to conclusions that we would never even consider. When other peoples’ worldviews contradict ours, both of us cannot be right. Is there a way to account for the differences and determine if one is right and the other wrong? For the Christian especially, can we defend the Christian worldview in a way that upholds our entire system of belief and then opens the door to share the gospel with those who believe differently from us? The method of worldview apologetics enables the Christian to expose the faults in other worldviews, demonstrate the truth of the Christian worldview, and build a bridge for others to hear the gospel of Jesus Christ. Both scholarly and practical, worldview apologetics equips the Christian to assess and critique differing belief systems and fulfill the call to Great Commission outreach.

Discover the Crossroads of Faith and Reason At a time when the conversation between atheism and Christianity seems more polarized than ever, "Atheism on Trial: A Christian's Response" emerges as a beacon of hope for those seeking a deeper understanding in the tumultuous sea of belief and disbelief. This book meticulously traverses the landscape where faith meets reason, offering readers an unprecedented journey into the heart of this century's most compelling arguments. Embark on a Transformative JourneyPrepare to have your perspectives challenged and your beliefs strengthened as you delve into the rise of atheism in modern society and examine its cultural impact. Understand the critiques leveled by atheism against theism, and arm yourself with thoughtful, philosophical, and scientific responses that showcase the harmony between science and faith. Witness the robust defense of the existence of God, backed by philosophical reasoning and the confrontation of the problem of evil. Explore the compelling evidence for the reliability of religious texts and the significance of miracles in the discourse on the natural order. From the evaluation of morality without divinity to the intricate discussions on the mind, free will, and the meaning of life–this book leaves no stone unturned. Dialogue and DiscoveryWith respect and eloquence, "Atheism on Trial: A Christian's Response" not only addresses the challenges posed by atheism but also turns the gaze inward, examining Christianity with critical honesty. It sets the stage for a constructive dialogue, offering strategies for engaging in respectful and effective conversations that bridge divides. Whether you're a staunch believer, a curious skeptic, or somewhere in-between, this book is a treasure trove of insights and evidence. It is an invitation to explore, question, and ultimately, find common ground in the pursuit of truth. Don't miss the opportunity to engage in one of the most important discussions of our time. Join the journey towards understanding and moving forward together. Let the dialogues begin, and may the quest for knowledge, empathy, and unity reign supreme.