Zeigt Titel in Philosophie

Henry Scougal, born in Scotland in 1650, was the son of the Bishop of Aberdeen and thrived under rigorous academic instruction, eventually becoming the Professor of Philosophy at Kings College, Aberdeen. In 1672, he was ordained as a minister in Auchterless, returning a year later to Kings College as Professor of Divinity, a role he held until his untimely death in 1678. The Life of God in the Soul of Man is essentially a heartfelt letter of doctrine and encouragement directed to a friend struggling with faith, initially never meant for public eyes. In his epistle, Scougal explores three ...

Discover the profound wisdom of Brother Lawrence in The Practice of the Presence of God, a thoughtfully compiled collection of letters and conversations by one of his devoted disciples. As a Carmelite monk and the head cook in his monastery, Brother Lawrence became renowned for his mystical insights and spiritual guidance. This collection captures his heartfelt final conversations and invaluable advice to friends and followers during his struggle with an unnamed illness that ultimately claimed his life. (Description written by Kirsten Ferreri.)

In this thought-provoking exploration, Richard Hooker delves into the foundational aspects of the English Church, tackling the pivotal question What underpins Church laws and governance? His monumental work, ‘The Laws of Ecclesiastical Polity,’ emerges as a response to the prevailing Puritan system, which posited that only the unchanging rules laid out in Holy Scripture could govern matters of worship, discipline, and authority. Hooker challenges this notion by asserting that to truly understand Divine order, we must consider not only the scriptures but also the moral relations, historical...

In his work Retractions, St. Augustine reflects on the significance of virginity, stating, After I had written on the Good of Marriage, it was anticipated that I would address the topic of Holy Virginity. I did not hesitate to explore this divine gift—its immense value and the humility required to uphold it—in a single volume. This book begins, and delves into the profound insights he offers.

Explore two poignant addresses inspired by the sudden passing of Ambroses brother, Satyrus. Delve into On the Death of a Brother and On the Belief in the Resurrection as they reflect on grief, loss, and hope. - Summary by InTheDesert

Originally published in 1885, Light on the Path has become a cornerstone for Theosophists and spiritual seekers alike. This timeless work provides insightful guidance for those pursuing a spiritual way of life, presented in concise, point-by-point sections that engage the reader. This edition also includes a valuable chapter on karma, offering deeper insights for students of esoteric wisdom. - Summary by Newgatenovelist

Dive into St. Jeromes most renowned letter, Libellus de virginitate servanda, addressed to St. Eustochium, the young daughter of St. Paula. In this compelling correspondence, St. Jerome passionately encourages Eustochium to embrace the path of virginity while imparting essential lessons on the conduct of a virtuous young woman. Within its pages, you will find his reflections on topics such as the irreversible nature of a fallen virgin (§5), a striking portrayal of fasting and temptation (§7), his unyielding stance on abortion as murder (§13), and the notion of holy pride in virginity (§16)...

Discover the profound insights of William Burnes, father of the renowned poet Robert Burns, through this engaging dialogue penned between father and son. With the help of family friend and tutor John Murdoch, the original text was anglicised, bringing it to life for a wider audience. After remaining in handwritten form for nearly a century, it was finally published in 1875. Join us as we explore the enduring themes of faith and belief in this thought-provoking work, summarized by Gillian Hendrie.

Underhill explores the vibrant and immediate nature of spiritual life, asserting that spirituality is an essential aspect of humanity. She contends that any comprehensive understanding of human existence must incorporate the spiritual dimension and recognize the religious life through which it is expressed.

Discover the timeless wisdom of the Dhammapada, a cherished collection of verses that serve as one of the foundational texts of Buddhism. The term Dhammapada translates to The Path of Dharma, with the Pali term Dhamma aligning closely with its Sanskrit counterpart, Dharma. This compilation encapsulates the Buddhas teachings, meticulously gathered by his devoted students in the years following his final Nirvana. Spanning forty-five years of profound insights, these 423 verses—marked by their clarity and often playful wit—offer vivid similes that resonate with all ages, from the carts wheel ...

In On the Spirit and the Letter, St. Augustine responds to Tribune Marcellinus, who expressed surprise at the claim that man could live sinlessly with divine assistance. Marcellinus questioned how something could be deemed possible if there are no examples to prove it. Augustine passionately defends the concept of grace, illustrating that while the law is good and holy, it alone cannot save us; it often amplifies our guilt when we know our duties but lack the ability to fulfill them. He emphasizes the necessity of the Spirit’s support, which fills our hearts with grace, enabling us to love ...

Explore the profound teachings of Shantideva, the esteemed author of the Bodhicaryavatara, a poetic masterpiece that guides seekers on the journey to enlightenment. This revered text, often referred to as A Guide to the Bodhisattvas Way of Life or Entering the Path of Enlightenment, intricately outlines the stages of achieving buddhahood, from the initial aspiration to the ultimate realization. With ten insightful chapters, it delves into the cultivation of bodhicitta—the mind of enlightenment—through the practice of the six perfections (Pāramitās). The first chapter emphasizes the ...

My Path to Atheism is a groundbreaking work, especially considering it was penned by a woman in Victorian England—a time when free thought was often stifled, particularly for women. It took a truly exceptional woman to write such a bold and, to many in the 19th century, heretical document in an era dominated by the Church. Annie Besant, originally married to a clergyman, experienced a profound transformation in her beliefs, ultimately leading to her legal separation and her commitment to secularism. She became a key figure in the National Secular Society and co-editor of the National ...

William Law (1686-1761) was an influential Anglican priest, Christian mystic, and one of the most notable theological writers of his era. He transformed how 18th-century Anglicans approached the spiritual dimensions of their faith, achieving popularity that rivaled that of John and Charles Wesley. Law skillfully integrated mystical practices from early church writings into the modern British church, aimed at empowering the Anglican layperson to seek a deeper connection with Christ. A Dialogue Between a Methodist and a Churchman stands as one of Laws significant theological works. In this ...

In Dawn of All, the author expands on themes from his previous work, Lord of the World, by exploring potential developments in society over the next sixty years, should ancient thought—time-tested and increasingly rediscovered—gain prominence over modern ideologies. While the previous book painted a rather bleak picture for optimistic Christians, this new parable offers a more hopeful perspective. The author argues that every era is marked by the clash of opposing forces, and he delves into the implications of each sides potential dominance. Through this exploration, he seeks to illuminate...

In On Lying, I explore the complex nature of deception and the vital importance of truthfulness. While the ideas presented may initially seem challenging, they offer profound insights that sharpen the mind and enrich moral understanding. This work, which I contemplated leaving unpublished due to its intricate nature, ultimately aims to inspire a deeper appreciation for honesty in our speech and interactions. - Summary by Augustine

In On Grace and Free Will, Augustine delves into the profound debate surrounding the interplay of divine grace and human freedom. He addresses those who assert that affirming Gods grace undermines the liberty of the will, countering their claims that grace is merely a reward for personal merit. Written for the monks of Adrumetum, where this controversy first ignited, Augustines work invites readers to explore the delicate balance between grace and free will, beginning with a compelling examination of those who advocate for human autonomy.

In any discussion of religion, clarity is key. When freethinkers challenge religious dogmas with any hint of hesitation, orthodox believers mistakenly interpret it as reluctance to dismantle the very crutches that uphold their faith. Yet, these religious beliefs are obstacles that impede humanitys progress. In todays world, no theological framework can address the complexities of human happiness and advancement as effectively as the principles of freethought can—without the burden of outdated encumbrances. (Summary from the preface)

This remarkable book serves as an intricate map of humanity, exploring the anatomy of our existence across all ages. It embodies the profound adage nosce te ipsum—the imperative of knowing oneself—representing the pinnacle of human wisdom. This universal dial, crafted in France, transcends geographical boundaries, illustrating how the fleeting moments of life unfold from the dawn of birth to the twilight of death. It reflects on the inevitable journey every man faces, from the grandeur of Solomon on his golden throne to the humble plight of Job, scraping his wounds in despair. Ultimately, ...

Dive into the profound insights of Sir Thomas Browne, whose works Religio Medici and Hydriotaphia explore the depths of human existence and spirituality. Religio Medici (The Religion of a Doctor) offers a unique glimpse into Brownes spiritual beliefs and serves as an early psychological self-portrait. Published in 1643, this best-selling book quickly garnered controversy for its unconventional views, landing on the Papal Index Librorum Prohibitorum just two years later. While rooted in Christian faith, Brownes reflections also wander into fascinating digressions on alchemy, astrology, and ...