Bücher von Jeff Astley

Spiritual, religious, sacred, or mystical experiences may be broadly defined as subjective human experiences that appear to the person undergoing them, or to others, to convey or imply contact with or knowledge about a transcendent power, presence, or superior reality beyond the realm of the physical. Research has shown that these forms of awareness of ΓÇÿsomething beyondΓÇÖ are of considerable significance in the ordinary lives of very many people, as well as being elements of signal importance in the origin and development of religion: not least by deepening characteristically spiritual or religious attitudes, emotions, beliefs, values and practices, along with fundamental orientations of life and quests for meaning. This Studyguide provides a succinct and lucid introduction to the subject for those studying and teaching religion at both undergraduate and GCE AS/A level. By exploring the key areas of both the empirical and theoretical study of religious and spiritual experience, the Studyguide will serve as an accessible and nonpartisan guide to enable its readers to explore the range of challenging data, debates, approaches, and issues that relate to the study of this widespread and significant phenomenon.

This collection of papers provides a synoptic view of the relationship between music, theology and Christian learning. It includes theological reflections on the nature and power of the musical experience, together with psychological, philosophical and educational perspectives; and draws on practical experience and empirical research.Topics covered include: Composing, performing and listening; worship and hymnody; classical music and jazz; Christian theology and spirituality; aesthetics, education and learning, and the psychology of music.Contributors include: James MacMillan, Martin Haselbock, Jeremy Begbie, John Sloboda, Bill Hall, Ian Ground, Michael Sadgrove

Adult Christian learning is central to the life of the Christian church, and is essential for its health, outreach and very survival. Leading Christian educators here apply the principles of Christian education to adult learning in the churches, and present the results and methods of empirical research relevant to the church's ministry of adult Christian education. This book will be of interest to all who are concerned for the ways in which adults learn to be Christian.The editor, Jeff Astley, is Director of the North of England Institute for Christian Education and Honorary Professorial Fellow in Practical Theology and Christian Education in the University of Durham.

An accessible textbook for all engaging with Christian doctrine for the first time. A valuable resource and suitable for all clergy and all training for ministry.

The author attempts to articulate and defend ordinary people's religious understanding and reflections of the divine. Although the majority of contemporary "God-talkers" have not studied academic theology, they are engaged in doing their own theology when they speak and thinking about God.