{"title":"Professor Judith A. Merkle","description":"\u003cp\u003eProfessor Judith A. Merkle’s works explore the profound intersection between spirituality and contemporary society, offering insightful reflections on religious life and its evolving role. Her books, such as \u003cem\u003eSensing the Spirit\u003c\/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eThe Vows of Religious Life in a Secular Society\u003c\/em\u003e, delve into themes of faith, commitment, and the challenges faced by religious communities today.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eReaders seeking thoughtful, well-researched perspectives on education, spirituality, and the dynamics of modern belief systems will find her writing both accessible and enriching. Her contributions provide valuable resources for those interested in the study of religion within social and educational contexts.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"the-vows-of-religious-life-in-a-secular-society-by-professor-judith-a-merkle-9780567715876","title":"The Vows of Religious Life in a Secular Society","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eThis book investigates religious vows, shedding light on the type of faith that can sustain humanity in secular times. It examines the personal impact of religious life as well as its potential to foster a sense of completeness within society at large.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eUnbelief in today’s society can be partially rooted in the shallowness of the sort of religion that the secular can abandon. Such a religion, characterized as magical, shallow, illusory, or rooted solely in external rituals, lacks the depth required to thrive in a secular society. It fails to address the profound aspects of human existence, the authentic freedom of the spirit, and the enduring obedience of faith.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThis study of religious vows uncovers their deeper meanings in light of these challenges. It invites us to consider whether religious life, despite contemporary criticisms, can be seen as \u003cem\u003etouching wholeness\u003c\/em\u003e. \u003cem\u003eThe Vows of Religious Life in a Secular Society\u003c\/em\u003e does not only delve into the theological foundations of these vows but also key areas which impact their understanding and living in new contexts. It surveys sociological landscapes and goes beyond to encompass shifts in science, psychology, theology. Religious life in this sense is part of the renewal of the church, as well as an agent in it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eBy focusing briefly on each vow, Judith A. Merkle illustrates how religious life serves as a bridge connecting the secular and the sacred. It is a life focused on love of God and service of others which is a witness to the coming of Kingdom of God, and values which truly matter in contemporary society.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Allen \u0026 Unwin","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47471849275628,"sku":"9780567715876","price":43.99,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/ec408f1fc07e963313da7910ac2768c5.jpg?v=1775693809"},{"product_id":"sensing-the-spirit-by-professor-judith-a-merkle-9780567706997","title":"Sensing the Spirit","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDrawing on the work of Canadian philosopher Charles Taylor, \u003cem\u003eSensing the Spirit\u003c\/em\u003e examines how secular culture affects both the living of Christian discipleship today and impacts how religious congregations engage in their own renewal and future. It argues that religious communities can do more than improve and fix the out-of-date conditions they encountered in the renewal after Vatican II.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eCalling on environmental, sociological and theological insights, this book asks how the ongoing “coming of the Kingdom” in the Spirit brings new gifts for these times, and how congregations might respond beyond restorative or post-Christian solutions to new challenges confronting them. \u003cem\u003eSensing the Spirit\u003c\/em\u003e offers a renewed meaning of religious life in secular life and explores the gift it offers and receives from every culture in which it is embedded.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Allen \u0026 Unwin","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47598158119148,"sku":"9780567706997","price":91.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/9780567706997-sensing-the-spirit.jpg?v=1777963088"}],"url":"https:\/\/bookhero.co.nz\/collections\/professor-judith-a-merkle.oembed","provider":"Book Hero","version":"1.0","type":"link"}