Religious Study Guides

The co-editors of Gnosis magazine explore the many esoteric traditions that Western culture has to offer. While terms from Eastern spiritual practices such as Zen, mantra, and karma have become part of our daily lexicon, the traditions of Western spirituality have been largely unexplored by people searching for non-mainstream routes to spiritual experience. But for those who identify with Western culture, Western religious traditions have their own wisdom teachings that are more suitable to their needs and expectations.

Ben Connelly guides us through the intricacies of Yogacara and the richness of the "Thirty Verses." His warm and wise voice contextualizes its wisdom, showing us how we can apply its ancient insights to our own modern lives, to create a life of engaged peace, harmony, compassion, and joy. Vasubandhu's "Thirty Verses" lay out a path of practice that integrates the most powerful of Buddhism's psychological and mystical possibilities. The "Thirty Verses" goes to the heart of the matter—how do we alleviate suffering through shedding our emotional knots and our sense of alienation?

It’s more common in youth ministry than we want to admit—burnout and failure. Exhaustion, frustration, disappointment, and conflict bring many youth workers to a point where they either choose a new church, a new career, or someone makes that choice for them. After thirty years of youth...

A comprehensive, easy-to-understand guide to the ins and outs of the Old and New Testaments. Get a crash course in the most beloved book of all time—the bible. Simplifying the words and concepts of the Bible doesn’t have to be an overwhelming undertaking. From Exodus to the prophets and the...

This translation of the life and teachings of Jesus creates an image of not only a great spiritual teacher, but of a real person. Eminent author and translator Stephen Mitchell's approach to the Gospels has been widely praised for its depth, clarity, and radiance. This is a stunning work for believers and non-believers alike.

Astrology for Relationships can show you how other people operate, what motivates them, and how to best connect. It is an inclusive, progressive approach to bonding that addresses compatibility across a spectrum of potential pairings. Look beyond the traditional sun-sign focused, traditionally perceived pairings to also explore relationship compatibility among moon and ascendant/rising signs.

Are you sick and tired of not understanding why those around you do the things they do? Do you finally want to say goodbye to questioning your own beliefs over and over again and discover something that works for you? If so, then you’ve come to the right place! A report demonstrated that going in for a reading session can cost hundreds of dollars, which is why this book includes all of the basics you may need to understand these readings for yourself. This means that you can achieve a truer understanding of yourself and those around you without spending too much money.

Living Wicca takes a philosophical look at the questions, practices, and differences within Witchcraft. Learn the meanings of over 120 Wiccan symbols and how you can magically use them. Discover the power of Wiccan prayers throughout the day and how you can use them to make yourself aware that the Gods and Goddess are everywhere. Learn how to create your own rituals and symbols, develop a book of shadows, and even become a high priest or priestess.

The sun sign Gemini is one of the most intriguing signs of the zodiac wheel. If you have a Gemini in your life and want to learn more about their personality, then you have found the best resource for it! You will be amazed at how accurate zodiac astrology is when you discover how predictions are made.

We know we can talk to God, but it just sounds so important, so intimidating, so religious. We assume that only the very spiritual hear from Him directly. But author Sheila Walsh says "Every sound we utter, every thank you we say, every tear we cry in God's presence is prayer." Get Off Your...

This audio study guide for Tattoos on the Heart by Greg Boyle includes detailed summary and analysis of each chapter and an in-depth exploration of the book’s multiple symbols, motifs, and themes such as the redemption and transformative power of compassion. Featured content also includes commentary on major characters, 25 important quotes, essay questions, and discussion topics.

Read by Patsy Clairmont, Barbara Johnson, Marilyn Meberg, and Luci Swindoll...

Einstein’s revolutionary scientific ideas have transformed our world, ushering in the nuclear age. The current pace of scientific and technological progress is simply astounding. So is there any place for faith in such a world? Einstein himself gave careful thought to the deepest questions of life. His towering intellectual status means he is someone worth listening to when we think through the big questions of life.

Michael Vlach describes the 10 interpretation principles that guide dispensationalism's understanding of the Bible's storyline from Genesis 1 through Revelation 22. He also lays out the interpretation tactics of non-dispensationalism so the listener can grasp the contrast. If you want to discover why dispensationalists understand the Bible they way they do, this book is the answer.

In a world gripped by growing conflict and chaos, it's hard to know where to turn for reliable guidance. But God didn't leave us empty-handed—His gift of Bible prophecy offers hope for the future and purpose in the present! The Complete Reference Guide to Bible Prophecy is your all-in-one resource for understanding Bible prophecy and the end times. With his signature clarity and conversational tone, Dr. Ron Rhodes makes complex topics simple.

How to serve with generosity and love. Service is giving, and giving is the very essence of the gospel. God gave His only begotten Son. Jesus gave His life on the cross. The Holy Spirit gives us the power to resist sin and follow God’s commands. It is from this abundance of what we have been...

C. S. Lewis may be most famous for his fiction, including children's books like the Chronicles of Narnia series. But in his 1952 book Mere Christianity - originally printed as three separate pamphlets in 1942, 1943, and 1944 - this eclectic and learned man documents his complex journey from atheism to faith.

Philosophy is thinking critically about questions that matter. But many people find philosophy intimidating, so they never discover how invaluable it can be in engaging ideas, culture, and even their faith. Garrett DeWeese and J. P. Moreland understand these challenges, and in this book they apply their decades of teaching experience to help to make philosophy a little less difficult. Using straightforward language with plenty of everyday examples, they explain the basics needed to understand philosophical concepts.

Do you read or listen to The Chronicles of Narnia sensing that the stories are full of biblical parallels, even if you're not always sure what they are or where to find them? This user-friendly companion to The Chronicles of Narnia is written for C. S. Lewis audiences like you who want to discover the books' biblical and Christian roots. Listen to it, and you'll find that this chapter-by-chapter, book-by-book examination of The Chronicles will widen your spiritual vision.

There are astrology guides that claim to change your life; advice about when to get married, when to have kids, how to land your dream job, when misfortune is around the corner, and when to invest in the stock market. But what about something deeper? Advice steeped in the rich mysticism of ancient India, from a long-forgotten age when the stars truly guided humanity.