Secrets, Gossip, and Gods

Secrets, Gossip, and Gods
Author: Paul Christopher Johnson
Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA
Total Pages: 250
Release: 2002
Genre: Language Arts & Disciplines
ISBN: 9780195188226

In this wide-ranging book Paul Christopher Johnson explores the changing, hidden face of the Afro-Brazilian indigenous religion of Candomblé. Despite its importance in Brazilian society, Candomblé has received far less attention than its sister religions Vodou and Santeria. Johnson seeks to fill this void by offering a comprehensive look at the development, beliefs, and practices of Candomblé and exploring its transformation from a secret society of slaves--hidden, persecuted, and marginalized--to a public religion that is very much a part of Brazilian culture. Johnson traces this historical shift and locates the turning point in the creation of Brazilian national identity and a public sphere in the first half of the twentieth century. His major focus is on the ritual practice of secrecy in Candomblé. Like Vodou and Santeria and the African Yoruba religion from which they are descended, Candomblé features a hierarchic series of initiations, with increasing access to secret knowledge at each level. As Johnson shows, the nature and uses of secrecy evolved with the religion. First, secrecy was essential to a society that had to remain hidden from authorities. Later, when Candomblé became known and actively persecuted, its secrecy became a form of resistance as well as an exotic hidden power desired by elites. Finally, as Candomblé became a public religion and a vital part of Brazilian culture, the debate increasingly turned away from the secrets themselves and toward their possessors. It is speech about secrets, and not the content of those secrets, that is now most important in building status, legitimacy and power in Candomblé. Offering many first hand accounts of the rites and rituals of contemporary Candomblé, this book provides insight into this influential but little-studied group, while at the same time making a valuable contribution to our understanding of the relationship between religion and society.

God Spare the Girls

God Spare the Girls
Author: Kelsey McKinney
Publisher: HarperCollins
Total Pages: 325
Release: 2021-06-22
Genre: Fiction
ISBN: 0063020270

"Read it for twists on twists, meditations on faith, and a deeply thoughtful treatment of an evangelical community." — Glamour, Beach Reads That Are Like Summer in a Book “A thoughtful and candid meditation on faith, family, and forgiveness . . . fabulous.” —Claire Lombardo, New York Times bestselling author of The Most Fun We Ever Had Recommended by Good Housekeeping, Elle, Parade, Real Simple, Glamour,Refinery29,Bustle, Oprah Daily, The Millions, Shondaland, Yahoo!, Literary Hub, and more! A mesmerizing debut novel set in northern Texas about two sisters who discover an unsettling secret about their father, the head pastor of an evangelical megachurch, that upends their lives and community—a story of family, identity, and the delicate line between faith and deception. Luke Nolan has led the Hope congregation for more than a decade, while his wife and daughters have patiently upheld what it means to live righteously. Made famous by a viral sermon on purity co-written with his eldest daughter, Abigail, Luke is the prototype of a modern preacher: tall, handsome, a spellbinding speaker. But his younger daughter Caroline has begun to notice the cracks in their comfortable life. She is certain that her perfect, pristine sister is about to marry the wrong man—and Caroline has slid into sin with a boy she’s known her entire life, wondering why God would care so much about her virginity anyway. When it comes to light, five weeks before Abigail’s wedding, that Luke has been lying to his family, the entire Nolan clan falls into a tailspin. Caroline seizes the opportunity to be alone with her sister. The two girls flee to the ranch they inherited from their maternal grandmother, far removed from the embarrassing drama of their parents and the prying eyes of the community. But with the date of Abigail’s wedding fast approaching, the sisters will have to make a hard decision about which familial bonds are worth protecting. An intimate coming-of-age story and a modern woman’s read, God Spare the Girls lays bare the rabid love of sisterhood and asks what we owe our communities, our families, and ourselves. “A deeply felt book about love — love for family and community, for people who sustain you and people who disappoint you. And love for God, too, which Kelsey McKinney writes about with humane and incisive frankness.”—Linda Holmes, New York Times bestselling author of Evvie Drake Starts Over “The accomplishment of this canny novel is in positing coming of age itself as a loss of faith—not only in the church, but in our parents, our family, and the world as we thought we understood it.” — Rumaan Alam, New York Times bestselling author of Leave the World Behind and Rich and Pretty

Pheme the Gossip

Pheme the Gossip
Author: Joan Holub
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
Total Pages: 264
Release: 2013-04-02
Genre: Juvenile Fiction
ISBN: 1442449373

Priding herself on having the most up-to-date information about everyone at Mount Olympus Academy, gossipy Pheme sends VIP messages that linger in cloud letters above her head, a habit that raises the ire of her fellow goddesses.

The Secrets of the Kingdom

The Secrets of the Kingdom
Author: Hugh B. Urban
Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield
Total Pages: 248
Release: 2007
Genre: Biography & Autobiography
ISBN: 9780742552470

The Secrets of the Kingdom is the first book to critically examine the complex relationship between faith and concealment in the Bush White House.

Encouragement for Today

Encouragement for Today
Author: Renee Swope
Publisher: Zondervan
Total Pages: 225
Release: 2013-09-24
Genre: Religion
ISBN: 0310336295

Pull away from the things that pull you down and find lasting encouragement for today. The women at Proverbs 31 Ministries offer 100 devotions of wit, wisdom, and encouragement for women. For twenty years the P31 team has equipped and encouraged nearly a million women to live in the power of God’s truths that apply to their everyday life. Written by women from every walk of life, you will find inspiration to live authentically and fully grounded in the Word of God. The P31 Team shares from the realities of everyday life including highs and lows, humorous stories and tender moments. You will be drawn toward the truths God offers and enabled to rise above and become all God created you to be.

Silencing the Drum

Silencing the Drum
Author: Danielle N. Boaz
Publisher: Amherst College Press
Total Pages: 210
Release: 2024-10-01
Genre: Music
ISBN: 194320876X

Silencing the Drum exposes the profound struggle of Afro-Brazilian sacred music against escalating intolerance. Danielle N. Boaz and Umi Vaughan blend legal scholarship with ethnomusicology, offering a compelling narrative rooted in interviews with religious leaders, musicians, and activists across Brazil. This multidisciplinary exploration examines the relentless attacks against the practitioners of Afro-Brazilian religions—from discriminatory noise complaints in Bahia to vigilante violence in Rio de Janeiro. The volume integrates multimedia elements including musical samples to vividly illustrate the struggles and resilience of Afro-Brazilian communities in the face of discrimination. As Silencing the Drum confronts the larger global issues of racism and religious freedom, it provides essential insights for scholars, activists, and anyone passionate about human rights and cultural preservation.

Secret Faith in the Public Square

Secret Faith in the Public Square
Author: Jonathan Malesic
Publisher: Brazos Press
Total Pages: 256
Release: 2009-09
Genre: Psychology
ISBN: 1587432269

Provocatively argues that concealing Christian identity in American public life is the best way to maintain faithful witness and integrity.

The Secret Place of God's Power

The Secret Place of God's Power
Author: Bill Vincent
Publisher: RWG Publishing
Total Pages: 158
Release: 2023-03-16
Genre: Religion
ISBN:

Many have a desire to be a powerful man or woman of God. The Secret Place of God's Power by Bill Vincent will truly stir your faith. By using Biblical principles Bill outlines much revelation for today's saints of God to walk in power. The power of God is the result of finding God, it what is known as the Secret Place. This book has been compiled from all the lessons I have learned and grown to know the Lord. He has been my closest friend and all this is found in the secret place. Before finding this revelation, I flowed in little to no power of God. It is time for the Church to grow in power. Everyone wants someone to lay hands on them and impart the power of God. There may be a truth to real impartation but it still will not come without a price. This book has been a long time coming, but is necessary. You will learn to overcome religion, get closer to God, find the power of God and experience Heaven. God spoke to me that this book has been brought to get His people to find the Secret Place and discover His Power. Bill spends a lot of time seeking the face of God concerning current cutting edge things. The ministry is more than just being a minister. The First Chapter takes you into the Secret Place. You will find by spending time with God will usher in provision, promotion, increase of Godly knowledge and so much more. Bill has a way to say things many different ways until you get it. There are many things that you will learn about Heaven on Earth and how to become a source that God can use in a mighty way. The Secret Place of God's Power is more than a book, it is learning to be led by the Holy Spirit, being a deliverer to all who need set free and increasing in the anointing and power of God. You are going to be truly encouraged with this power packed book. It is time for us all to find God in a deeper and intimate way.

Keep It Shut

Keep It Shut
Author: Karen Ehman
Publisher: HarperChristian + ORM
Total Pages: 233
Release: 2015-01-06
Genre: Religion
ISBN: 0310339650

Kind, encouraging, and humorous, Karen Ehman helps us learn the essential practice of using our words more effectively--alleviating heartache and regret, reducing relational tension and conflict, lessening our stress levels, and growing our relationship with God. From Bible times to modern times women have struggled with their words. What to say and how to say it. What not to say. When it is best to remain silent. And what to do when you've said something you wish you could now take back. In this book a woman whose mouth has gotten her into loads of trouble shares the hows (and how-not-tos) of dealing with the tongue. Beyond just a "how not to gossip" book, this book explores what the Bible says about the many ways we are to use our words and the times when we are to remain silent. Karen will cover using our speech to interact with friends, co-workers, family, and strangers as well as in the many places we use our words in private, in public, online, and in prayer. Even the words we say silently to ourselves. She will address unsolicited opinion-slinging, speaking the truth in love, not saying words just to people-please, and dealing with our verbal anger. Christian women struggle with their mouths. Even though we know that Scripture has much to say about how we are--and are not--to use our words, this is still an immense issue, causing heartache and strain not only in family relationships, but also in friendships, work, and church settings. Also available: Keep It Shut small group video study and study guide.