Encyclopedia of Afterlife Beliefs and Phenomena

Encyclopedia of Afterlife Beliefs and Phenomena
Author: James R. Lewis
Publisher: Visible Ink Press
Total Pages: 420
Release: 1995
Genre: Body, Mind & Spirit
ISBN: 9780787602888

This compelling guide addresses questions that have endured since the dawn of humankind, and reports on such recent trends as the increase in near-death experiences. Beliefs pertaining to life after death that have developed in virtually every culture, religion, philosophy and psychic dimension are also explored. Presents nearly 250 entries in A-to-Z order, including biographies, definitions, theories and cultural and religious belief systems.

Encyclopedia of Afterlife Beliefs and Phenomena

Encyclopedia of Afterlife Beliefs and Phenomena
Author: James R. Lewis
Publisher: Gale Cengage
Total Pages: 456
Release: 1994
Genre: Body, Mind & Spirit
ISBN:

This guide addresses questions on phenomena that have endured since the dawn of humankind, and reports recent trends such as the increases in near death experiences due to the use of defibrillators. Readers can explore beliefs pertaining to life after death that have developed in every culture, religion, philosophy and psychic dimension. Nearly 250 entries, presented in an A-Z order, provide biographies, definitions, theories and cultural and religious belief systems.

The Encyclopedia of Cults, Sects, and New Religions

The Encyclopedia of Cults, Sects, and New Religions
Author: James R. Lewis
Publisher: Prometheus Books
Total Pages: 951
Release: 2001-03
Genre: Body, Mind & Spirit
ISBN: 1615927387

Surpassing the scope and the thoroughness of the first edition, this new edition of The Encyclopedia of Cults, Sects, and New Religions is the most wide-ranging and accessible resource on the historically significant and more obscure, sinister, and bizarre religious groups. Including many entries by scholarly specialists, this volume explains more than 1,000 diverse groups and movements, from such well-known sects as the Branch Davidians, Aum Shinrikyo, and Heaven's Gate, to obscure groups like Ordo Templi Satanas, Witches International, and the Nudist Christian Church of the Blessed Virgin Jesus. In addition to an exhaustive index and handy cross-references, the second edition includes over a hundred new topical entries on subjects relevant to understanding sectarian movements, from snake-handling and satanic ritual abuse to brainwashing and exorcism.This book, a must for all libraries and schools, will endure as the first and only point of reference for researchers, scholars, students, and anyone interested in fringe religious groups.

The Haunting of America

The Haunting of America
Author: William J. Birnes
Publisher: Macmillan
Total Pages: 404
Release: 2009-09-15
Genre: History
ISBN: 9780765326188

In the tradition of their Haunting of the Presidents, national bestselling authors Joel Martin and William J. Birnes write The Haunting of America: From The Salem Witch Trials to Harry Houdini, the only book to tell the story of how paranormal events influenced and sometimes even drove political events. In a narrative retelling of American history that begins with the Salem Witch Trials of the seventeenth century, Martin and Birnes unearth the roots of America's fascination with the ghosts, goblins, and demons that possess our imaginations and nightmares. The authors examine the political history of the United States through the lens of the paranormal and investigate the spiritual events that inspired public policy: channelers and meduims who have advised presidents, UFOs that frightened the nation's military into launching nuclear bomber squadrons toward the Soviet Union, out-of-body experiencers deployed to gather sensitive intelligence on other countries, and even spirits summoned to communicate with living politicians. The Haunting of America is a thrilling exploration of the often unexpected influences of the paranormal on science, medicine, law, government, the military, psychology, theology, death and dying, spirituality, and pop culture.

The Encyclopedia of Heaven

The Encyclopedia of Heaven
Author: Miriam Van Scott
Publisher: Macmillan
Total Pages: 491
Release: 2015-02-10
Genre: Religion
ISBN: 1466891181

The Encyclopedia of Heaven is an extensive study of paradise, gathering diverse interpretations of the glorious afterlife from around the world and across the ages. Covering everything from ancient mythic images of splendid ethereal kingdoms to modern "near death experience" apparitions of luminous tunnels, this volume offers hundreds of fascinating depictions of the great beyond. Sources include religious texts, works of art and literature, television and film productions, epic poems, opera and stage plays, reincarnation concepts, African legends, and Native American beliefs. The Encyclopedia of Heaven also looks at how the glories of paradise have been incorporated into contemporary pop culture, figuring into Rap music, merchandising fads, comic books, and more. From the Elysian Fields to Avalon; Dante's Paradiso to the African paradise Asamando, take a look at the thrilling, compelling, sometimes startling depictions of the sweet hereafter that have emerged over the ages. The perfect companion guide to Encyclopedia of Hell, the Encyclopedia of Heaven invites you to join the legions of souls who have pondered over the millennia what ultimate reward awaits the chosen in some unseen great beyond.

The Dream Encyclopedia

The Dream Encyclopedia
Author: James R Lewis
Publisher: Visible Ink Press
Total Pages: 434
Release: 2009-05-01
Genre: Self-Help
ISBN: 1578592690

Exploring the fascinating world of dreams, this comprehensive reference examines more than 250 dream-related topics, from art to history to science, including how factors such as self-healing, ESP, literature, religion, sex, cognition and memory, and medical conditions can all have an effect on dreams. Dream symbolism and interpretation is examined in historical, cultural, and psychological detail, while a dictionaryÑupdated with 1,000 symbols and explanationsÑoffers further insights. Dreaming about teeth, for instance, can indicate control issues, and dreaming of a zoo can indicate that the dreamer needs to tidy up some situation. Examining these concepts and more, this is the ultimate dreamer's companion.

The Uttermost Deep

The Uttermost Deep
Author: Gracia Fay Ellwood
Publisher: Lantern Books
Total Pages: 308
Release: 2000-11
Genre: Body, Mind & Spirit
ISBN: 9781930051270

Covering neurological, pharmacological and psychological approaches, this book examines the constant themes that run through both positive and negative near-death experiences.

Angels A to Z

Angels A to Z
Author: Evelyn Dorothy Oliver
Publisher: Visible Ink Press
Total Pages: 445
Release: 2008-05-01
Genre: Body, Mind & Spirit
ISBN: 1578592577

A thorough, comprehensive guide to the world of angels Angels, whose principal employment is the protection and encouragement of human beings, are more popular than ever. In this age of uncertainty, it is easy to understand why the concept of angels is so comforting. While much has been written about angels throughout history, no single source examines them as thoroughly or as thoughtfully as Angels A to Z. Written by an “angel expert” and a recognized authority on nontraditional religious movements, this enlightening resource is one of the most comprehensive books on angels and angel-related topics currently available. More than 300 entries, drawn from multiple religions, such as Christianity, Islam, and Hindu traditions, as well as from pop culture, are included. Celebrity angels, obscure angels still waiting for their big break, classifications of angels, guardian angels, fallen angels, biblical figures associated with angels, angels in art and architecture, and angels in the media and literature, how ancient, contemporary, and pop cultures represent angels in their mythology, folklore, architecture, art, literature, religion, and so much more. Angels A to Z explores a wide assortment of topics, including ... Gabriel, Michael, Lucifer, and other biblical angels Angels in various religions (Christianity, Islam, Hinduism) Different classifications of angels such as the Valkyries from Norse mythology and Hafaza from Islamic tradition Fallen angels, guardian angels, obscure angels, and angels across religious traditions Authors who write about angels, including Frank Peretti, Joan Wester Anderson, Eileen Freeman, Terry Lynn Taylor, and others Artists who depict angels such as Michelangelo, Raphael, Glenda Green, and Karyn Martin-Karl Beloved fictional characters like Clarence from the film It’s a Wonderful Life If you want to know more about the rich and important history of these spiritual beings, Angels A to Z is the answer to your prayers. With more than 130 photos and illustrations, this riveting read is richly illustrated, and its helpful bibliography and extensive index add to its usefulness.

The Encyclopedia of Modern Witchcraft and Neo-Paganism

The Encyclopedia of Modern Witchcraft and Neo-Paganism
Author: Shelley Rabinovitch
Publisher: Citadel Press
Total Pages: 356
Release: 2004
Genre: Body, Mind & Spirit
ISBN: 9780806524078

Whether you're looking for information on blessings, the Green Man, divination, ritual components, or spellwork, you can find it all in the Encyclopedia of Modern Witchcraft and Neo-Paganism. Here is the ultimate source of information on all things Wiccan and Neo-Pagan, an indispensable tool for anyone wanting to learn about the history, traditions, and major figures of modern nontraditional religions. Organized alphabetically and designed to be both clear and comprehensive, this book provides definitions and detailed entries on a wide range of subjects -- including Witchcraft, Shamanism, Gaia theory, the Burning Times, Pagan festivals, Wiccan holidays, and much more. There are essays on Witchcraft and Paganism's influence on pop culture, including the crop of Wicca-inspired books, movies, and television shows such as Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Charmed, The Craft, and the Harry Potter series. From Altar to Otter Zell, and all points in between, the illustrated Encyclopedia of Modern Witchcraft and Neo-Paganism is the first and last Wyrd on nontraditional religion -- the ultimate reference for anyone interested in past, present, and practice. Book jacket.

Imagining Heaven

Imagining Heaven
Author: Ellen W. Williams
Publisher: McFarland
Total Pages: 331
Release: 2024-01-01
Genre: Art
ISBN: 1476690456

Over the centuries, humans have conjured images--the stuff of dreams, convictions, and ardent desire--to describe our afterlife. The vision of heaven can appear as simple as a place among the stars or as complex as a universe filled with a multitude of busy souls. Positioned at the intersection of art, religion, and culture, this book sheds new light on human creativity in its portrayal of the afterlife. Beginning with prehistoric burial objects that help with one's heavenly needs, it travels through history to probe ancient texts, examines enigmatic carvings, dissects the meaning of paintings, and discusses contemporary perspectives in film and media. The author demonstrates that humans around the world have always had the capacity to confront the "final frontier" in spirited, hopeful, and beautiful ways.