This author, whose writing journey began in third grade, is an ordained pastor in the United Church of Christ and teaches world religions and spiritual direction. His fiction aims to portray people of faith realistically, highlighting their flaws and insecurities while emphasizing their persistent efforts to do good. His books are crafted for everyday readers seeking to explore their spirituality and deepen their connection with the divine, rather than for academic audiences. The author's approach offers an honest and compassionate look at the complexities of faith in ordinary lives.
A Guide to Getting Ready, Feeling Safe, and Getting the Most Out of Your Sessions
This guide offers practical insights for individuals embarking on spiritual direction. It provides tips on maximizing the benefits of sessions, enhancing personal growth, and deepening spiritual understanding. By focusing on preparation and engagement, readers will learn how to navigate their spiritual journey effectively.
Exploring the lives of biblical figures, this collection offers a fresh perspective on familiar Gospel stories through engaging short narratives and a novella. John R. Mabry vividly reimagines moments with Mary, Joseph, Jesus, and the disciples, infusing them with conflict, emotion, and humor. Readers are invited to witness the humanity of these iconic characters, providing a deeper connection to their experiences and interactions. This imaginative retelling breathes new life into the well-known tales, making them relatable and compelling.
Insights for Spiritual Living from the Gnostic Gospel of Thomas
Exploring profound spiritual insights, this text invites readers to uncover the deeper meanings behind its enigmatic phrases. It emphasizes the transformative power of understanding and suggests that true knowledge can lead to eternal life, transcending physical existence. The exploration of these teachings encourages introspection and a search for enlightenment, appealing to those interested in spirituality and philosophy.
A gripping tale of moral dilemmas and the consequences of one's choices unfolds as characters confront their darkest fears and desires. The narrative explores themes of redemption, guilt, and the struggle between good and evil, leading readers through a journey that challenges their perceptions of morality. As the protagonists face their impending fates, the story delves into the complexities of human nature and the possibility of salvation, ultimately questioning what it truly means to be damned.
The author embarks on a journey to explore Buddhist teachings with the aim of enhancing their Christian faith. This quest for spiritual growth leads to reflections on the intersections of Buddhism and Christianity, highlighting lessons in compassion, mindfulness, and understanding. Through personal anecdotes and insights, the narrative reveals how these two seemingly distinct paths can coexist and enrich one's spiritual life. The book invites readers to consider the transformative power of learning from different traditions.
The story explores the unexpected transformation of a baby, initially perceived as a tragedy, into a profound blessing for those around them. It delves into themes of hope, resilience, and the surprising ways in which life can change for the better, challenging preconceived notions about joy and sorrow. The narrative invites readers to reflect on the complexities of life and the potential for beauty in the most unlikely circumstances.
Focusing on the challenges of sermon preparation, this guide offers a straightforward model for crafting impactful homilies. It presents a step-by-step approach that simplifies the sermon-writing process for new preachers, ensuring they can create meaningful messages with ease. Additionally, it serves as a valuable resource for experienced preachers, providing strategies to enhance their sermons and refine their delivery. This comprehensive manual equips readers with the tools needed for effective preaching, making it a lasting reference for years to come.
Exploring the diverse interpretations of faith, this book emphasizes the importance of recognizing individual beliefs in spiritual direction. It highlights how spiritual directors should tailor their approach to accommodate the unique ways clients connect with the divine. By examining various perspectives on spirituality, the book guides practitioners in assessing client needs, making personalized recommendations, and evaluating spiritual growth effectively.
Exploring the dynamic relationship between God and the world, Process Theology emphasizes change, evolution, and the interconnectedness of all existence. It presents a vision of God that is not static but responsive to the unfolding universe, inviting readers to reconsider traditional views of divinity. This movement challenges conventional theological perspectives, promoting a more relational understanding of faith that resonates with contemporary issues and personal experiences.
Focusing on interfaith dialogue, this collection features writings by John R. Mabry, a scholar with a doctorate in world religions. It includes his influential "Deep Ecumenism" columns from Creation Spirituality magazine, alongside essays, articles, and homilies that explore and illuminate the wisdom of diverse faith traditions. Mabry's extensive experience in interfaith theology, as a teacher and author, enriches the discourse on spirituality and ministry, making this volume a significant contribution to the field.