Ever since Max Weber started an argument about the role of Protestantism in jump-starting northern Europe's economic development, scholars have clashed over the influence of religion and culture on a society's (or an individual's) economic prospects. Today, many wonder whether the "explosion" of Protestantism in Latin America will effect a similar wave of growth and democratization. In this book, Sherman compiles the results of her field study and national survey of 1000 rural Guatemalan households. She offers persuasive evidence that, in Guatemala and throughout the region, religious world-views significantly influence economic life. Sherman explains how the change in attitude and behavior that accompanies conversion from animism to a Biblically orthodox world-view has improved the domestic welfare and economic status of many families. Further, she asserts that this new attitude, sympathetic to democratic-capitalism, has created a "moral cultural soil" in which freedom, personal empowerment, an enhanced status for women, and a desire to get ahead can be nurtured.

The entire world is on the brink of discovering that there is much more to our existence than that entailed by our day-to-day activities. For ages, people throughout history have asked questions such as: Who am I? Why am I here? What is the purpose of my life? Now, for the first time, collective humanity is on the threshold of understanding that we truly are spiritual beings.

Spiritual formation professor and New Testament scholar Bruce Demarest helps us grasp the whole picture of the journey we're on with Christ that we might live our days with intention and keep moving toward maturity in faith. Using Scripture, writings from our rich spiritual tradition and stories of present-day believers walking the same path of faith, Demarest leads us through the three main stages of the journey to become more like Christ.

Publisher's description: The faith and development nexus is both a promising new focus for secular development agencies and a historic reality: for centuries, world faiths and individuals inspired by their faith have played many roles in social change and social welfare. Secular development agencies have largely operated in parallel to the world of faith-motivated development. The World Bank began in the late 1990s to explore ways in which faith and development are connected. The issue was not and is not about religion, but about the recognition that some of &… Show Morethe best experts on development are faith leaders living and working in poor communities, where strong ties and moral authority give them unique experience and insight. The World Bank's goal is to act as a catalyst and convenor, bringing together development practitioners to find common ground, understand one another's efforts, and explore differences. Development and Faith explores and highlights promising partnerships in the world between secular and faith development entities. It recounts the evolving history of relationships between faith and secular development institutions. It focuses on the Millennium Development Goals as a common framework for action and an opportunity for new forms of collaboration and partnership.

In a world of rising tension and stress it is not unusual to feel dominated and overwhelmed by the life's events. Here is a practical guide to gaining a firm anchor and taking control of the situation. It is based on seven contemplative exercises as the author has interpreted from the work of Rudolf Steiner. When practiced diligently, these simple exercises--which may take only a few minutes per day--are powerful tools for personal growth and inner strengthening. The exercises in this handbook help us stay more balanced in emotionally charged situations; see the positive side of any circumstance; gain a more open mind; and develop an inner attitude of gratitude. These exercises also help us cope with the practical aspects of ordinary life--remembering the important details of our day, acting on our intentions, and thinking more clearly. Cohen presents a pathway to help us say "yes" to more of what life offers; we become more open to the abundance of life's experiences. The book is organized so that each chapter introduces a different soul capacity, which in turn can be mastered. Topics include: Review of the Day; Clear Thinking; Intention in Action; Balance in Feeling; Positive World View; Open Mind; and Gratitude. The book also offers clear descriptions of the exercises, a "Plan of Action," and advice on developing a meditative practice.

Addressing the pervasive longing for meaning and fulfillment in this time of crisis, Nature and the Human Soul introduces a visionary ecopsychology of human development that reveals how fully and creatively we can mature when soul and wild nature guide us. Depth psychologist and wilderness guide Bill Plotkin presents a model for a human life span rooted in the cycles and qualities of the natural world, a blueprint for individual development that ultimately yields a strategy for cultural transformation. If it is true, as Plotkin and others observe, that we live in a culture dominated by adolescent habits and desires, then the enduring societal changes we so desperately need won’t happen until we individually and collectively evolve into an engaged, authentic adulthood. With evocative language and personal stories, including those of elders Thomas Berry and Joanna Macy, this book defines eight stages of human life — Innocent, Explorer, Thespian, Wanderer, Soul Apprentice, Artisan, Master, and Sage — and describes the challenges and benefits of each. Plotkin offers a way of progressing from our current egocentric, aggressively competitive, consumer society to an ecocentric, soul-based one that is sustainable, cooperative, and compassionate. At once a primer on human development and a manifesto for change, Nature and the Human Soul fashions a template for a more mature, fulfilling, and purposeful life — and a better world.