Ongoing debates about gay marriage, abortion, religious freedom, and many other issues remind us that a culture war is now being waged over what it means to be moral in America, calling into question biblical ideals that have shaped American society for hundreds of years. Some claim that the moral traditions of the past are oppressive and outdated while others believe they are the only hope to save a morally declining nation. It is in this context that the question motivating this book emerged: To what extent do Americans keep the Ten Commandments, sometimes called the Decalogue? How prevalent in America are adultery, dishonesty, theft, murder, coveting, and other behaviors prohibited in Judeo-Christian tradition? How much do Americans really focus on God, honor their parents, and keep the Sabbath Day holy? This book explores the historical context and meaning of each commandment in order to compare ancient understandings of right and wrong to those of modern America and then examines its compliance. Analysis of adherence to each of the Ten Commandments, using data collected from tens of thousands of Americans, paints an engaging picture of their commitment to the morals of the Decalogue. In contrast to most books exploring moral issues, this one does not tell readers what to think about the evidence. Rather, it encourages them to carefully consider the information and come to their own conclusions about the moral virtue or depravity of US society. Readers may use the evidence found in this book to satisfy curiosity, settle bets, shape public policy, create sermons, stimulate conversation, or, even better, to understand human nature. They will come away equipped with knowledge that will encourage self-reflection and increased understanding of twenty-first century American morality.
Help the hopeless, open closed minds, and be more fully human in a world that increasingly devalues human life. How? By reimagining how things could and should be. When we take Jesus at his word, there are no limitations to what we can dream for the world. Reimagine—and change your world.
This issue of Neurologic Clinics features a review of clinical neurogenetics as it pertains to the following disorders: Huntington Disease; Autism/ASD;Fragile X Tremor Ataxia Syndrome (FXTAS); Lysosomal Storage Diseases; Psychiatric Disorders; Dominant Spinocerebellar Ataxias; Metabolic Disorders; Friedreich Ataxia; ALS; Dementia; Neuromuscular Disorders; Stroke; Epilepsy; and Dystonia.
Freemasonry is an ancient secret society shrouded in obscurity. Fascination with the mysteries of the Masons reached a fevered pitch after the release of Dan Brown’s novels Angels and Demons, The Da Vinci Code, and The Lost Symbol. But these novels and their related movies raised more questions than they answered. The Complete Idiot’s Guide® to Freemasonry, Second Edition, fills readers in on the truths behind the mysteries. In it, readers get: - A fact-filled overview of the birth and beginnings of Freemasonry, including its relationship to the Knights Templar and Egypt. - Fascinating facts about famous Masons. - An explanation of the various Masonic organizations, such as the York and Scottish rites, and the Shriners. - A behind-the-scenes look at what really goes on in a Masonic lodge, including initiations. - A new walking tour of Washington, DC, pointing out the hidden Masonic symbols featured in The Lost Symbol. - Scripts for Masonic rituals, giving a flavor of the language used in such ceremonies. - A field guide to Masonic symbols and regalia, with photos and explanations of significance. - The history behind Masonic philanthropic efforts and youth groups. - A history of African-American Freemasonry and the role of women in Masonic organizations.
As a teenager, DeQuincy Lezine nearly ended his own life, believing it was the only way to escape the emotional pain that was overwhelming him. Instead, Lezine was able to find expert psychiatric care, and went on to found the first university campus-based chapter of the Suicide Prevention Action Network USA. Now a researcher at the University of Rochester's Center for the Study and Prevention of Suicide, Lezine has devoted his life to preventing suicide in adolescents, and he brings the wealth of his personal and professional experience to bear in Eight Stories Up. He starts by describing his deteriorating state of mind in college, using his own email archive to retell the episode that would nearly claim his life. He then offers hard-earned wisdom and practical advice to other young people who may be considering suicide. In straightforward, easy-to-understand language, and drawing on the psychiatric expertise of David Brent, MD, Lezine discusses the potential causes of suicide in adolescents, how to seek psychiatric treatment, and how to get the most out of professional help. He also surveys some of the therapies used to prevent suicide, how to talk to loved ones about suicidal thoughts, and how to stay healthy at home and at school. The result is both a remarkable memoir and a useful guide that will ease the isolation and hopelessness caused by thoughts of suicide, helping young people to overcome their troubles in a safe and healthy way. Part of the Adolescent Mental Health Initiative series of books written specifically for teens and young adults, Eight Stories Up offers hope to young people who are at risk of suicide, extending a lifeline of support and guidance that can save their lives.
What is the truth about the Masons suggested in Dan Brown’s The Da Vinci Code? Can Freemasonry really be dated back as far as Babylon? Did they really coordinate the Boston Tea Party and the American Revolution? What really goes on at a Mason lodge during an initiation? Here is the real story behind the secret society that now boasts nearly five million members (and has included such illustrious fellows as George Washington and Benjamin Franklin), as revealed by a Master Mason. • Offers a highly illustrated field guide to Masonic jewelry and symbols • Includes further reading, a glossary, a list of famous Freemasons and information on Freemasonry in popular culture • Morris is a Master Mason
What is the truth about the Masons suggested in Dan Brown’s The Da Vinci Code? Can Freemasonry really be dated back as far as Babylon? Did they really coordinate the Boston Tea Party and the American Revolution? What really goes on at a Mason lodge during an initiation? Here is the real story behind the secret society that now boasts nearly five million members (and has included such illustrious fellows as George Washington and Benjamin Franklin), as revealed by a Master Mason. • Offers a highly illustrated field guide to Masonic jewelry and symbols • Includes further reading, a glossary, a list of famous Freemasons and information on Freemasonry in popular culture • Morris is a Master Mason
In ancient Greece and Rome, Charis was a system in which one person gave something of value to another, and the receiver gave service, thanks, and lesser value back to the giver. It was the word used to describe familial gifts, gifts between friends, gifts between kings and servants, and gifts to and from the gods. In Rome, these reciprocal transactions became the patron-client system. Orderly gift exchange is a key building block in the development of societies. Charis (grace) is the word New Testament authors, especially Paul, sometimes used to explain Christ's gift to people. But what is the nature of the gift? Since the fifth century, a number of Christian scholars have taught that grace is something bestowed by God freely, with little or nothing required in return. This book sets out to show that "free grace" is not what Paul and others intended. The practice in the ancient world of people granting and receiving favors and gifts came with clear obligations. Charis served New Testa
The story of the Garden of Eden in Genesis chapter 3 is a familiar story for many. Forbidden fruit, a deceptive snake, and fig leaf-covered humans make their way into everything from children’s bibles to Hollywood movies. But our familiarity with the story may hide fundamental misunderstandings that impact how we see God and ultimately damage our trust in him. Many see the story only as bad news about the Fall of Man; the beginning of human failure and sin. But what is this foundational story of the Bible really trying to communicate? In this captivating exploration, Brent Faulkner takes readers on a journey beyond the familiar tropes of forbidden fruit and fig leaves. Unveiling the deeper layers of the biblical tale, Faulkner dispels misconceptions, offering a fresh perspective on the true nature of God. Through a skillful interweaving of scriptural insights and relatable stories, he reveals a God worthy of trust. Join Faulkner as he unveils the good news concealed within the Fall—the revelation of God’s steadfast character. This book invites you to reevaluate your understanding of the Garden of Eden and, in doing so, fortify your trust in God. Understand the path of deception that damages our trust in God. See the truth of God’s goodness and love revealed in Genesis 3. Begin living the intimate-trust filled partnership you were created for. Discover the good news of God’s trustworthy character revealed within the Fall.
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