THE INTERNATIONAL PHENOMENON BEHIND THE COSMERE A STANDALONE COSMERE ADVENTURE WITH MAGIC AS YOU HAVE NEVER SEEN IT **** A story of two sisters, who happen to be princesses. A story about two gods, one a God King and one lesser. A story about an immortal trying to undo the mistakes he made hundreds of years ago. This is WARBREAKER. In the world of Warbreaker, each person is born endowed with the power of one Breath - which can be sold and collected by others, then used to Awaken objects and even corpses to do their bidding. A few individuals who die in glory return as gods, with the power of thousands of Breath, but no memory of their mortal lives - and are enthroned in the Court of Gods in Hallandren's capital. To Vivenna and Siri, princesses of Idris, the abuse of Breath and the claim of the Returned to be gods are repugnant blasphemy. But with one princess wed to the God King of their nation's enemies in a bid for peace, the other finds she must rely on Breath -using mercenaries to try to rescue her sister from her monstrous husband. Lightsong the Bold, a lesser god who doubts his own religion, starts investigating mysterious murders in the Court of Gods and uncovers haunting clues to his own forgotten past. He is one of four gods who controls the army of Awakened Lifeless soldiers, and one faction is inciting an invasion of Idris despite the marriage treaty. Vasher - wielder of the sapient sword Nightblood - works behind the scenes against the declaration of war, but Lightsong's visions of bloodshed prophesy its inevitability. Can the new queen, unaware of her sister's imminent rescue attempt, persuade Lightsong and also somehow get through to the aloof God King - who she has been forbidden to speak to or even look in the eyes - before her homeland is destroyed? **** SANDERSON THE EPIC FANTASY TITAN: 'An exceptional tale of magic, mystery and the politics of divinity' MICHAEL MOORCOCK 'A powerful stand-alone tale of unpredictable loyalties, dark intrigue and dangerous magic' PUBLISHERS WEEKLY 'Sanderson is astonishingly wise' ORSON SCOTT CARD 'Epic in every sense' GUARDIAN

THE INTERNATIONAL PHENOMENON BEHIND THE COSMERE A STANDALONE COSMERE ADVENTURE WITH MAGIC AS YOU HAVE NEVER SEEN IT **** A story of two sisters, who happen to be princesses. A story about two gods, one a God King and one lesser. A story about an immortal trying to undo the mistakes he made hundreds of years ago. This is WARBREAKER. In the world of Warbreaker, each person is born endowed with the power of one Breath - which can be sold and collected by others, then used to Awaken objects and even corpses to do their bidding. A few individuals who die in glory return as gods, with the power of thousands of Breath, but no memory of their mortal lives - and are enthroned in the Court of Gods in Hallandren's capital. To Vivenna and Siri, princesses of Idris, the abuse of Breath and the claim of the Returned to be gods are repugnant blasphemy. But with one princess wed to the God King of their nation's enemies in a bid for peace, the other finds she must rely on Breath -using mercenaries to try to rescue her sister from her monstrous husband. Lightsong the Bold, a lesser god who doubts his own religion, starts investigating mysterious murders in the Court of Gods and uncovers haunting clues to his own forgotten past. He is one of four gods who controls the army of Awakened Lifeless soldiers, and one faction is inciting an invasion of Idris despite the marriage treaty. Vasher - wielder of the sapient sword Nightblood - works behind the scenes against the declaration of war, but Lightsong's visions of bloodshed prophesy its inevitability. Can the new queen, unaware of her sister's imminent rescue attempt, persuade Lightsong and also somehow get through to the aloof God King - who she has been forbidden to speak to or even look in the eyes - before her homeland is destroyed? **** SANDERSON THE EPIC FANTASY TITAN: 'An exceptional tale of magic, mystery and the politics of divinity' MICHAEL MOORCOCK 'A powerful stand-alone tale of unpredictable loyalties, dark intrigue and dangerous magic' PUBLISHERS WEEKLY 'Sanderson is astonishingly wise' ORSON SCOTT CARD 'Epic in every sense' GUARDIAN

This clear and comprehensive anthology, culled from the vast corpus of Christian mystical literature by the renowned theologian and historian Bernard McGinn, presents nearly one hundred selections, from the writings of Origen of Alexandria in the third century to the work of twentieth-century mystics such as Thomas Merton. Uniquely organized by subject rather than by author, The Essential Writings of Christian Mysticism explores how human life is transformed through the search for direct contact with God. Part one examines the preparation for encountering God through biblical interpretation and prayer; the second part focuses on the mystics’ actual encounters with God; and part three addresses the implications of the mystical life, showing how mystics have been received over time, and how they practice their faith through private contemplation and public actions. In addition to his illuminating Introduction, Bernard McGinn provides accessible headnotes for each section, as well as numerous biographical sketches and a selected bibliography. Praise for The Essential Writings of Christian Mysticism “No one is better equipped than Bernard McGinn to provide a thorough and balanced guide to this vast literature….This is an anthology which deserves to be read not only by those who study Christian history and theology, but by believers who long to deepen their own lives of prayer and service.” -- Anglican Theological Review “Bernard McGinn, a preeminent historian and interpreter of the Christian mystical tradition, has edited this fine collection of mystical writings, organizing them thematically....McGinn offers helpful introductions to each thematic section, author and entry, as well as a brief critical bibliography on mysticism. Published in the Modern Library Classic series, this is a great value.” – Christian Century "No-one is better equipped than Professor McGinn to provide a thorough and balanced guide to this vast literature. A first-class selection, by a first-class scholar." -- Rowan Williams, Archbishop of Canterbury “This accessible anthology by the scholarly world’s leading historian of the Western Christian mystical tradition easily outstrips all others in its comprehensiveness, the aptness of its selection of texts, and in the intelligent manner of its organization.” -- Denys Turner, Horace Tracy Pitkin Professor of Historical Theology, Yale Divinity School "An immensely rich anthology, assembled and introduced by our foremost student of mysticism. Both the scholar and the disciple will find God’s plenty here." -- Barbara Newman, Professor of English, Religion, and Classics, John Evans Professor of Latin, Northwestern University "An unusually clear and insightful exposition of major texts selected by one of the greatest scholars in the field of Christian mysticism, based on his vast erudition and uniquely sensitive interpretation. Like his other books, this one too is destined to become a classic.” -- Professor Moshe Idel, Hebrew University, Jerusalem

Step into a faith that isn't afraid of tough questions. In a culture that often views faith with skepticism, it is natural to wrestle with hard questions and even doubts about God. Does he actually exist? Is the Bible historically accurate? Is there credible evidence that Jesus was the Son of God and rose from the dead? You aren't alone in wanting to feel confident in your convictions. Just like every Christian throughout history, you want to know that your faith rests on a solid foundation of truth. The Demolishing Doubt Bible Study is designed to walk alongside you and provide this reassurance. Through five video sessions, Cliffe and Stuart Knechtle, founders of the Give Me an Answer ministry and YouTube channel, discuss the toughest topics facing believers today. As a companion to those sessions, this study guide provides the space you need to process these arguments personally and practically. By working through these lessons, you will not only strengthen your own understanding and faith but will also gain the tools to engage your friends, family, and community in meaningful, life-changing dialogue. In this rational exploration of the Christian faith, the Knechtles explore such topics as: The arguments for God's existence: How the universe's existence, its intricate design, and the presence of moral values point toward a transcendent Creator. The reliability of the Gospels: How the consistency, style, archaeological, and manuscript evidence of the New Testament points to its reliability--and how archaeological findings and external historical sources buttress the case for the reliability of the Gospel narratives The claims Jesus made about himself: How the evidence of Jesus' miracles and moral teachings and the transformative impact his resurrection had on his followers culminates in a powerful case for Jesus being an ethical genius and the divine Son of God The importance of faith: Why faith is not in conflict with reason but is actually essential for a complete understanding of the truth--and why skepticism can actually be healthy. The response of our lives: How the impact Jesus' teachings have on our consciences--along with the lifestyle benefits we received of forgiveness, happiness, gratitude, perseverance, and self-control when we choose to follow those teachings--points to the truth of the Gospel Demolishing Doubt is an invitation to explore the big questions of life with a reasoned and open heart. Whether you are seeking answers, yearning for truth, or looking to deepen your faith, this study will provide a robust and thoughtful exploration of the intersection of faith and reason. Sessions: What Is the Evidence for God? Session one equips participants to overcome doubt by exploring evidence for God through the cosmological, teleological (design), moral, and problem-of-evil arguments, supported by Scripture, science, and personal reflection. Are the Gospels Historically Reliable? The second session explores compelling evidence--eyewitness testimony, early and abundant manuscript support, archaeological confirmation, and non-Christian historical sources--that the Gospels are historically reliable and trustworthy accounts of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection. Is The Evidence About Jesus Trustworthy? Session three equips readers to evaluate the trustworthiness of the Gospel accounts by examining historical reliability, Jesus' explicit claims to divinity, supporting evidence through miracles and fulfilled prophecy, and the unique Christian message of salvation by grace. Did Jesus Really Rise From the Dead? Session Four investigates the historical evidence for Jesus' resurrection--focusing on the empty tomb, eyewitness testimony, transformed disciples, and the failure of alternative explanations--and highlights how the resurrection anchors Christian faith with hope, purpose, and the promise of eternal life. Why Is Faith So Important? This session explains why biblical faith matters as a reasoned trust in Jesus grounde

7 Lectures, various cities, Nov. 29, 1917-Oct. 16, 1918 (CW 182) " Death as Metamorphosis of Life is a brilliant, exceptional collection. The lectures are intimate, existential, profound, and transformative: they address us in our soul lives--where we live, and where we strive for spiritual experience.... They make clear the necessary and living bond that must unite the inner work of Anthroposophists--the day-to-day inner, spiritual work in our ordinary lives--and the outer work of Anthroposophy: the manifestation of spirit in life; that is, the tasks of service that we take on in the world.... Steiner understood that, if Anthroposophy or spiritual wisdom does not live and grow as a spiritual reality in the souls of those who claim to practice it, then the practical wisdom--their actions in the world as called for by the spirit of the times--will come to nothing." -- Christopher Bamford (introduction) The lectures in Death as Metamorphosis of Life address us in our soul life and speak to our hearts. They make clear the bond that must unite our inner, spiritual work and the outer work of manifesting spirit in life. For, if spiritual wisdom does not live and grow as a reality in the souls of those who practice it, then the practical wisdom of service called for by the spirit of the times will come to nothing. The particular realities that Rudolf Steiner focuses on are twofold: working with the dead (and the spiritual hierarchies) and coming to know the Christ. What these two have in common is that they are both Earth-centered. They teach us the fundamental importance of everyday human destiny and earthly life--not just for humanity, but also for divinity and the cosmos. We learn not only what the dead can teach us about the spiritual world and the working of the hierarchies, but also what it means to be human in a spiritual sense. We learn of the importance of working with the dead and the angelic worlds, both for our own and for their development, as well as for the future evolution of the Earth. The Mystery of Golgotha is equally important; we must understand it spiritually. As Steiner says, "It is the will of the gods that the most important event on Earth must compel us to spirituality." The Christ must be experienced inwardly, not historically. At the same time, he must be found on Earth--for instance, in human destiny. The more we become aware of what is secretly, invisibly, and unconsciously working in our lives, the closer we will come to working with the dead and to the kingdom of Christ. How can we find the Christ? Steiner quotes the seventeenth-century mystic Angelus Silesius: "The Cross on Golgotha cannot save you from evil if it is not also raised within you." "The Cross is raised within us by the polarity of the powerlessness of our body and the resurrection of our spirit. There is no need for supersensory capacities to realize this experience: only humility and sincerity in seeking are required. Resurrection from the soul death of powerlessness is the true Christ experience that opens the soul to the presence of Christ. Truly, these are astonishing lectures to be treasured: to be read, reread; to be thoroughly understood as something living; to be meditated and made one's own; and to be carried as a transformative gift into the world." -- Christopher Bamford (introduction) Death as Metamorphosis of Life is translated for the first time in its entirety from the German of Der Tod als Lebenswandlung (GA 182). Individual lectures have appeared in Angels: Selected Lectures; Evil: Selected Lectures; and Staying Connected.