Sacred Uncertainty

Sacred Uncertainty
Author: Brian Yothers
Publisher: Northwestern University Press
Total Pages: 257
Release: 2015-04-30
Genre: Literary Criticism
ISBN: 0810130726

Yothers’ Sacred Uncertainty examines Melville’s engagement with religious difference, both within American culture and around the world. It is impossible to understand Melville’s wider engagement with religious and cultural questions, however, without understanding the fundamental tension between self and society, self and others that underlies his work, and that is manifested in particular in the way in which he interacts with other writers. There is almost certainly no more concrete or reliable way to get at Melville’s affirmations of and arguments with these interlocutors than in the markings and annotations that appear in his copies of many of their works, so Yothers examines Melville’s marginalia for clues to Melville’s thinking about self, other, and difference. Sacred Uncertainty provides a much needed exploration of Melville’s encounter with and reflection upon religious difference.

Climate, God and Uncertainty

Climate, God and Uncertainty
Author: Arthur C. Petersen
Publisher: UCL Press
Total Pages: 298
Release: 2023-11-28
Genre: Philosophy
ISBN: 180008594X

Climate, God and Uncertainty moves beyond Bruno Latour’s thought to understand what climate change means for philosophical anthropology and wider culture. What are, for example, the philosophical implications of climate change and its associated uncertainties? Referring mainly to works by Latour, William James and Heinrich Rickert, Petersen develops ‘transcendental naturalism’ to reinterpret the interface between science and politics in the context of climate change. He highlights, for instance, issues such as the religious disenchantment of nature, the scientific disbelief in a plurality of value-laden perspectives, and the disregard for non-modern worldviews in politics. In developing its argument, the book makes a methodological intervention on the sort of naturalism that guides both Latour’s work and a large part of the academic field called ‘science and religion’. Praise for Climate, God and Uncertainty 'The challenges of a changing climate raise disturbing questions about being human in the world, ones that cannot adequately be answered through scientific inquiry. In this original interrogation and extension of the work of Bruno Latour, Petersen constructs a philosophical position that takes seriously the realities of a changing natural world, the human search to ground our sense of value, and the possibility of God. Climate, God and Uncertainty is an exciting new addition to the small, but growing, literature on climate change, religion and philosophy.' Mike Hulme, University of Cambridge ‘This innovative and exciting work explores the rich potential of “transcendental naturalism” as a bridge between science and religion. Drawing on the work of William James, Heinrich Rickert and Bruno Latour, Petersen maps out a fresh approach that goes beyond current accounts of naturalism, opening up a deeply satisfying account of our engagement with the natural world.’ Alister McGrath, Emeritus Andreos Idreos Professor of Science and Religion, University of Oxford ‘How to live with the pervasive reality of uncertainty and a plurality of perspectives in science, religion and politics without playing down the sciences and our responsibilities? The “transcendental naturalism” Arthur Petersen articulates in this book respects science while leaving room for other elements: wonder, judgements and values, and the way we construct provisional models of reality. These issues are especially acute in the context of climate change, when we face the interplay of science and policy. Petersen stresses the importance of imagination to articulate meaning and of recognising a plurality of value-laden perspectives, striving for responsible action and sensitivity to that which may escape planning and policy. This book can be read fruitfully in at least two ways, as a highly relevant reflection on religion and science in the face of climate change and as a profound philosophical analysis of pluralism and provisionality, and hence of living with uncertainty.’ Willem B. Drees, Professor Emeritus of Philosophy of Religion and Ethics, Leiden University and of Philosophy of the Humanities, Tilburg University

Is Nothing Sacred?

Is Nothing Sacred?
Author: Salman Rushdie
Publisher: Penguin Group
Total Pages: 24
Release: 1990
Genre: Literary Criticism
ISBN:

The Holy Gospel of Uncertainty

The Holy Gospel of Uncertainty
Author: Pedro A. Sandín-Fremaint
Publisher: Lulu.com
Total Pages: 160
Release: 2017-12-22
Genre: Religion
ISBN: 1387280430

Jewish theologian Abraham Joshua Heschel wrote: "The worship of reason is arrogance and betrays a lack of intelligence. The rejection of reason is cowardice and betrays a lack of faith." In this collection of homilies, Pedro A. Sandín-Fremaint treads the movable, often zig-zagging line between reason and faith, between faith and doubt, concluding that, before the inscrutable mystery of the holy, there is virtue in uncertainty. He writes: "I have learned to value uncertainty and unknowing as holy ground on which I can only kneel and take-off my shoes. To quote the great poet Mary Oliver, I have found this to be the ground where there is never proof, 'but neither is there any way toward disbelief.'"

The Wisdom of Not Knowing

The Wisdom of Not Knowing
Author: Estelle Frankel
Publisher: Shambhala Publications
Total Pages: 257
Release: 2017-02-14
Genre: Self-Help
ISBN: 0834840774

Indie Book Awards Winner A deeply affirming exploration of the unknown—with meditations and exercises for transforming the fear and uncertainty of ‘not knowing’ into a sense of openness, curiosity, and bravery For most of us, the unknown is both friend and foe. At times, it can be a source of paralyzing fear and uncertainty. At other times, it can be a starting point for transformation, creativity, and growth. The unknown is a deep current that runs throughout all religions and mystical traditions, plays an important role in contemporary psychotheraputic thought and practice, and is essential to personal growth and healing. In The Wisdom of Not Knowing, psychotherapist Estelle Frankel shows us that our psychological, emotional, and spiritual health is radically influenced by how comfortable we are with navigating the unknown and uncertain dimensions of our lives. Drawing on insights from Kabbalah, depth psychology, Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, and ancient myth, Frankel explores how we can grow our souls by tapping into the wisdom of not knowing. She also includes case studies of individuals who have grappled with fears of the unknown and, as a result, come out wiser, stronger, and more resilient. Each chapter includes experiential exercises and meditations for befriending the unknown, conveying how embracing a state of "not knowing" is the key to gaining new knowledge, learning to bear uncertainty, and enjoying a healthy sense of adventure and curiosity.

Minority Religions and Uncertainty

Minority Religions and Uncertainty
Author: Matthew Francis
Publisher: Routledge
Total Pages: 299
Release: 2020-05-04
Genre: Religion
ISBN: 1317095707

Religions are at their core about creating certainty. But what happens when groups lose control of their destiny? Whether it leads to violence, or to nonviolent innovations, as found in minority religions following the death of their founders or leaders, uncertainty and insecurity can lead to great change in the mission and even teachings of religious groups. This book brings together an international range of contributors to explore the uncertainty faced by new and minority religious movements as well as non-religious fringe groups. The groups considered in the book span a range of religious traditions (Christianity, Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam), old and new spiritual formations such as esotericism, New Age and organized new religious movements, as well as non-religious movements including the straight edge movement and the British Union of Fascists. The chapters deal with a variety of contexts, from the UK and US, to Japan and Egypt, with others discussing global movements. While all the authors deal with twentieth- and twenty-first-century movements and issues, several focus explicitly on historical cases or change over time. This wide-ranging, yet cohesive volume will be of great interest to scholars of minority religious movements and non-religious fringe groups working across religious studies, sociology and social psychology.

The Virtue of Uncertainty

The Virtue of Uncertainty
Author: Eugene R Moutoux
Publisher: Butler Book Publishing
Total Pages: 216
Release: 2018-02
Genre:
ISBN: 9781941953624

The Virtue of Uncertainty examines Christianity's origin, its purported revelations, its sacred book, its moral principles, its doctrines, its theology, its history, and its effects on society. The purpose of the book is to show that religious certainty flies in the face of evidence and rational thought, and that doubt ought to be a sine qua non for Christians. The author, Eugene R. Moutoux, spent nine years (1953-1962) preparing for the Catholic priesthood; however, finding it increasingly difficult to believe, and wanting a wife and family, he dropped out of the seminary two months before scheduled ordination. Gene has a Ph.D. in German from the University of California at Santa Barbara. He lives in New Albany, Indiana.

The Certainty of Uncertainty

The Certainty of Uncertainty
Author: Mark Schaefer
Publisher: Wipf and Stock Publishers
Total Pages: 263
Release: 2018-08-23
Genre: Religion
ISBN: 153265345X

The world is full of people who are very certain--in politics, in religion, in all manner of things. In addition, political, religious, and social organizations are marketing certainty as a cure all to all life's problems. But is such certainty possible? Or even good? The Certainty of Uncertainty explores the question of certainty by looking at the reasons human beings crave certainty and the religious responses we frequently fashion to help meet that need. The book takes an in-depth view of religion, language, our senses, our science, and our world to explore the inescapable uncertainties they reveal. We find that the certainty we crave does not exist. As we reflect on the unavoidable uncertainties in our world, we come to understand that letting go of certainty is not only necessary, it's beneficial. For, in embracing doubt and uncertainty, we find a more meaningful and courageous religious faith, a deeper encounter with mystery, and a way to build strong relationships across religious and philosophical lines. In The Certainty of Uncertainty, we see that embracing our belief systems with humility and uncertainty can be transformative for ourselves and for our world.

Osho_s timeless wisdom for modern uncertainty

Osho_s timeless wisdom for modern uncertainty
Author: Harshwardhan Soni
Publisher: Harsh Wardhan Soni
Total Pages: 120
Release: 2024-09-08
Genre: Philosophy
ISBN:

This book explores the transformative power of embracing uncertainty, drawing on the teachings of Osho to guide readers in letting go of control, living in the present, and cultivating mindfulness. It emphasizes the importance of creativity, adaptability, and trust in the universe during uncertain times. The book encourages spiritual growth through surrender, transcending fear, and finding freedom in unpredictability. Ultimately, it offers a roadmap to self-discovery, inner strength, and enlightenment, encouraging readers to navigate life's unknowns with courage, authenticity, and openness to change.