The Sacred Embrace of Jesus and Mary

Author: Jean-Yves Leloup
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
ISBN: 1594776296
Category : Body, Mind & Spirit
Languages : en
Pages : 147

Book Description
An examination of how the teachings of Jesus reveal the essential role of sexuality in spiritual growth and transformation • Shows that Jesus did not come to redeem humanity from the life of the flesh, but to honor it as a spiritual path • Uses Hebrew, gnostic, and early Christian source texts to reveal the true context of the words attributed to Jesus • Explores the spiritual and physical relationship shared by Jesus and Mary Magdalene Of all the major religions, Christianity is the only one that has utterly rejected sexuality as one of the many paths that can lead to enlightenment and salvation. But if Jesus was indeed “the Word made flesh” and serious consideration is given to the mystery of his Incarnation, is it reasonable that physical love would have been prohibited to him? Drawing from the canonical and apocryphal gospels, the Hebrew esoteric tradition, and gnosticism, Jean-Yves Leloup shows that Jesus did not come to save humanity from the life of the flesh but to save the life of the flesh so that it would truly transfigure all people. Leloup explains that when Saint Paul said it was good to be without women, he did not cite any words of Jesus in support of this contention. In fact, Paul’s statement utterly contradicts the words of God in Genesis: “It is not good that man should be alone.” Leloup argues that the elimination of the divine feminine and sacred sexuality set in motion by Paul’s words does not reflect the true teachings of Christ, and that the transformation of Jesus into a celibate is the true heresy. His research restores Christ’s true human sexuality and shows it to be a vital part of humanity’s spirituality. Leloup contends that by understanding the sacred nature of the embrace shared by man and woman as a true reflection of humanity made in God’s image, Christianity can again become the powerful path of transfiguration Christ intended.

The Gospel of Philip

Author: Jean-Yves Leloup
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
ISBN: 1594776407
Category : Body, Mind & Spirit
Languages : en
Pages : 153

Book Description
A new translation and analysis of one of the most controversial of the apocryphal gospels • Emphasizes an initiatic marriage between the male and female principles as the heart of the Christian mystery • Bears witness to the physical relationship shared by Jesus and Mary Magdalene • Translated from the Coptic and analyzed by the author of the bestselling The Gospel of Mary Magdalene (over 90,000 sold The mainstream position of the Christian church on sexuality was perhaps best summed up by Pope Innocent III (1160-1216) when he stated that “the sexual act is so shameful that it is intrinsically evil.” Another Christian theologian maintained that the “Holy Ghost is absent from the room shared by a wedded couple.” What Philip records in his gospel is that Christ said precisely the opposite: The nuptial chamber is in fact the holy of holies. For Philip the holy trinity includes the feminine presence. God is the Father, the Holy Ghost is the Mother, and Jesus is the Son. Neither man nor woman alone is created in the image of God. It is only in their relationship with one another--the sacred embrace in which they share the divine breath--that they resemble God. The Gospel of Philip is best known for its portrayal of the physical relationship shared by Jesus and his most beloved disciple, Mary of Magdala. Because it ran counter to the direction of the Church, which condemned the “works of the flesh,” Philip’s gospel was suppressed and lost until rediscovered at Nag Hammadi in 1947. Orthodox theologian Jean-Yves Leloup’s translation from the Coptic and his analysis of this gospel are presented here for the first time in English. What emerges from this important source text is a restoration of the sacred initiatic union between the male and female principles that was once at the heart of Christianity’s sacred mystery.

Birthing the Holy

Author: Christine Valters Paintner
Publisher: Sorin Books
ISBN: 9781932057270
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 224

Book Description
Do you long to feel more alive, to see the vibrancy in your daily life? Do you feel the seeds of a new calling tugging at you? Look to the Blessed Mother for help. In Birthing the Holy, Christine Valters Paintner--abbess of the online Abbey of the Arts--invites you to better know Mary and her heart through thirty-one of her titles, and, along the way, you'll nurture the new growth in your life. The Blessed Mother is known by many beautiful titles, some of which are familiar--Virgin, Queen of Peace, and Star of the Sea--and some we may not be aware of--Vessel of Grace, Greenest Branch, and Our Lady of Silence. Paintner offers a flexible format to reflect on Mary's titles through a thirty-one-day personal retreat, a series of novenas, or with visio divina exercises using striking images by printmaker Kreg Yingst. As you reflect on Mary in her role as Mother of Good Counsel, Woman Clothed with the Sun, Mystical Rose, Mother of Sorrows, Queen of the Angels, and other titles, Paintner invites you to hear what God calls you to develop in your life, help that dream or vision grow, and then nourish it in the world. Whether you're meeting Mary for the first time in these magnificent titles or revisiting her as a beloved companion, Birthing the Holy invites you to see the exploration of Mary and your life as a spiritual and creative act, one that can help deepen your faith even as it sparks new growth within you.

The Imitation of the Sacred Heart of Jesus

Author: Peter J. Arnoudt
Publisher:
ISBN: 9780895550125
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 0

Book Description
Recommended to us as even better than The Imitation of Christ, and we think it is! Written for everyone, and everyone should own it. In this book Jesus is speaking to the reader -- through the author, of course -- in short, easy-to-understand chapters that are filled with wisdom. Thereafter the student of the spiritual life -- representing ourselves -- speaks to Jesus. Renders a unique and powerful effect upon the soul! One of the best spiritual books you can acquire; great for beginners as well as those advanced in the spiritual life. Impr. 734 pgs, PB

The Gospel of Mary Magdalene

Author: Jean-Yves Leloup
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
ISBN: 1594776415
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 186

Book Description
Restores to the forefront of the Christian tradition the importance of the divine feminine • The first complete English-language translation of the original Coptic Gospel of Mary, with line-by-line commentary • Reveals the eminence of the divine feminine in Christian thought • Offers a new perspective on the life of one of the most controversial figures in the Western spiritual tradition Perhaps no figure in biblical scholarship has been the subject of more controversy and debate than Mary Magdalene. Also known as Miriam of Magdala, Mary Magdalene was considered by the apostle John to be the founder of Christianity because she was the first witness to the Resurrection. In most theological studies she has been depicted as a reformed prostitute, the redeemed sinner who exemplifies Christ's mercy. Today's reader can ponder her role in the gospels of Philip, Thomas, Peter, and Bartholomew--the collection of what have come to be known as the Gnostic gospels rejected by the early Christian church. Mary's own gospel is among these, but until now it has remained unknown to the public at large. Orthodox theologian Jean-Yves Leloup's translation of the Gospel of Mary from the Coptic and his thorough and profound commentary on this text are presented here for the first time in English. The gospel text and the spiritual exegesis of Leloup together reveal unique teachings that emphasize the eminence of the divine feminine and an abiding love of nature over the dualistic and ascetic interpretations of Christianity presented elsewhere. What emerges from this important source text and commentary is a renewal of the sacred feminine in the Western spiritual tradition and a new vision for Christian thought and faith throughout the world.

The Spirituality of Mary Magdalene

Author: James S. Galluzzo
Publisher: iUniverse
ISBN: 0595611605
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 118

Book Description
"The feminine spirit is rising deep in the heart of creation, to heal our battered world and bring new life." Mary Southard, CSJ Much has been written about Mary Magdalene. Her name appears over a dozen times in the four canonical gospels. Her own gospel has been discovered and translated. The Gnostic Gospels mentioned her several times. Many sculptures, paintings, plays, movies, music and poetry are based on her. The institutional church has dealt with her in many ways including sainting her, prolonging misinformation about her, discrediting her and failing to honor her rich gifts to the whole of humanity. To get a better understanding of Mary Magdalene we will review: the scripture writings ? both Canonical and Gnostic Gospels; her own gospel; the concept Sacred Feminine; the myths and legends about her; art work; music, movies and plays; the misinformation about her. After this review we will examine Mary Magdalene's core beliefs. What stirred her? What moved her? What was her inner knowledge which caused her metanoia (change of heart)? What made her so important for a millennia? What was her story? What is her spirituality and what can it mean for us today?

Mary Magdalene Beckons

Author: Mercedes Kirkel
Publisher: Mercedes Kirkel
ISBN: 0984002952
Category : Body, Mind & Spirit
Languages : en
Pages : 304

Book Description
Experience Mary Magdalene as a rising teacher in today's spiritual arena. Through 25 insightful messages, Mary focuses on issues that often aren't addressed by spiritual leaders -- uniting the Feminine and Masculine, healing body shame, the sacredness of sexuality, and emotional mastery -- explaining how these are essential for living in the heart. Mary's universal teaching, paired with the author's clarifying commentary, makes this award-winning book a treasure-trove of Feminine guidance and spiritual truths. Mary describes her partnership with Yeshua (Jesus) as loving equals, including being co-teachers for their shared work. Mary's role was to bring the Feminine aspect of their teaching, which they knew the world wouldn't be ready to receive for 2000 years. In sharing her long-hidden teaching, Mary shows us what it is to be a powerful, spiritual woman in complete union with her beloved male partner (Yeshua) and the Divine Masculine. MARY MAGDALENE BECKONS was birthed over a one month period, when Mary Magdalene came daily to author Mercedes Kirkel with her extraordinary messages. Kirkel soon realized Mary was downloading a book, chapter by chapter, with Mary and Yeshua as the inspiring models. Whether you're new to Mary Magdalene's path or a longtime admirer of hers, MARY MAGDALENE BECKONS is a gift to your soul. WINNER: Spirituality Book of the Year, Books and Authors Award for Literary Excellence WINNER: New Age Book, New Mexico-Arizona Book Awards WINNER: Body Mind Spirit Book, Southwest Book Design Award HONORABLE MENTION, Religion/Philosophy Book, Readers Favorite Award Contest FINALIST, Spirituality Book, National Indie Excellence Awards "MARY MAGDALENE BECKONS offers helpful insights for creating balance and harmony between the Masculine and Feminine within all of us." --John Gray, author of "Men Are from Mars, Women Are from Venus" "One of the most profound books of our day." --Flo Aeveia Magdalena, author of "I Remember Union" "If you want to hear the real voice of Mary Magdalene, buy this book." --Stuart Wilson and Joanna Prentis, authors of "Power of the Magdalene" and "The Magdalene Version" "An uplifting guide to finding our hope and redemption throughout our lives, MARY MAGDALENE BECKONS has a strong and positive message, highly recommended." --Midwest Book Review "An incredible gift to help those who are going through difficult times. . . . A great deal of insight into spiritual beliefs." --Seattle Post-Intelligencer Book Review "An outstanding spiritual, self-help book. . . . Reading the book, ] I felt love and surrender, forgiveness, and an acceptance of myself such as I have never experienced. A must-read for everybody." --Readers' Favorite Book Review

Judas and Jesus

Author: Jean-Yves Leloup
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
ISBN: 1594776571
Category : Body, Mind & Spirit
Languages : en
Pages : 189

Book Description
A radical reinterpretation of the relationship of Judas and Jesus • Reexamines the role and the purpose the key figure of Judas played in the crucifixion story • Reveals how Judas was “betrayed” by Jesus, and how, taken to the limits of his humanity, he lost everything he most cherished on the path to his true self The familiar story of Judas, betrayer of Jesus, is striking because of its incomprehensibility. Why would one of Christ’s disciples and companions of the heart deliver him up to his enemies and a barbarous, ignominious, and certain death for thirty pieces of silver? Jean-Yves Leloup’s careful investigation of the gospels, various apocryphal texts, and most importantly the Coptic codex known as the Gospel of Judas, leads him to conclude that there is more to the familiar story of Judas than a simple demonstration, viewed through one man, of humanity’s inherent failings. The betrayal of Jesus to the Romans was Jesus’s idea, explains Leloup. Jesus persuaded Judas to play the role of “evil” in humankind by telling him that this enactment was crucial to God’s plan and would set Judas by Jesus’s side for eternity: “There where I am,” spoke Jesus to Judas, “is where I wish you, too, to be.” But to get there, Judas--a metaphorical representation of the darker side present in all human beings and the “shadow” counterpart to his Messiah dying on the cross-- must first shed all his human qualities. His failings of greed, deceit, and cowardice--and even his faith and hope--are washed away in the despair that engulfs him. A parallel moment occurs for Jesus on the cross, when he comes to know the despair of separation from God. The moment Judas “loses” his life and all that gave it meaning--his God, his law, his justice, his Messiah--is the very moment he finds that which cannot be discarded--life eternal. Thus, in the moment of his ultimate extremity, Judas receives Jesus’s true message and his intended gift.

Consecration of Ecuador to the Sacred Heart of Jesus

Author: Severo Gomezjurado
Publisher:
ISBN: 9780988372337
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 388

Book Description
The first nation to consecrate itself to the Sacred Heart was Ecuador. The Archbishop of Quito, His Grace Jose Ignacio Checa y Barba, and President Gabriel Garcia Moreno jointly and solemnly consecrated Ecuador to the Sacred Heart on March 25, 1874. The importance of this national consecration can be surmised as it was foretold by Our Lady of Good Success two hundred seventy four years in advance when she said, "A truly Catholic president will come in the nineteenth century, a man of character, to whom Our Lord God will give the palm of martyrdom in the plaza where this convent of mine is. He will consecrate the republic to the Divine Heart of my Blessed Son. This consecration will uphold the Catholic religion in subsequent years, which will be tragic for the Church." This book gives the history of the one hundred years following this consecration, to show how the battle for the Kingship of Christ in Ecuador continued to be fought, even after the martyrdom of the "Great Man" of Ecuador, President Gabriel Garcia Moreno.

Jesus and Mary

Author: Henri J. M. Nouwen
Publisher: Franciscan Media
ISBN: 9780867161892
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 76

Book Description
Both parts of this book -- the homily on Mary and the journal of Henri Nouwen's pilgrimage to Lourdes -- deal with his insights into his relationship with Jesus and Mary. Mary is his "gentle guide" who takes him by the hand and leads him into deeper union with her son. Nouwen invites us to find our inner child and rid ourselves of the "false adulthood" of our times.