WORLD SCRIPTURE (A Comparative Anthology of Sacred Texts)
SYNOPSIS
World Scriptures compendium contains:
- over 4000 scriptural passages
- from 268 sacred texts and
- 55 oral traditions
It is organized in terms of:
- 164 different themes
- common to all traditions
This text is the result of
- a 5-year project
- involving the collaboration of an international team of
- 40 recognized scholars
- representing all the major religions of the world
- This archive contains the complete text of the original hardbound version.
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CONTENTS
- Synopsis
- Title Page
- This Archive
- Advisors and Contributors
- Foreword by Ninian Smart
- Essay: World Scripture and Education for Peace
- How to obtain a printed (hardbound/paperback) version
INTRODUCTION
- The Purpose of World Scripture
- The Organization of World Scripture
- The World's Religions and Their Scriptures
- Acknowledgements
- Notes
- Invocation
- Prologue: Many Paths to One Goal
- The Truth in Many Paths
- Tolerance and Respect for All Believers
PART ONE: Ultimate Reality and the Purpose of Human Existence
CHAPTER 1: Ultimate RealityTraces of God's Existence
- The One
- Formless, Emptiness, Mystery
- Transcendent, All-Pervasive Reality
- Sovereign and Omnipotent
- Omniscient
- Immanent and Near at Hand
- Eternal -- in a World of Transience
- The Creator
- Goodness and Love
- Divine Father and Mother
CHAPTER 2: Divine Law, Truth, and Cosmic Principle
Eternal Truth
Moral Law
The Decalogue
The Golden Rule
Polarity, Relationality, and Interdependence
Cosmic Justice
CHAPTER 3: The Purpose of Life for the Individual
Joy and Happiness
For God's Good Pleasure
Image of God and Temple of God
Inborn Goodness and Conscience
Original Mind, No Mind
Perfection
True Love
CHAPTER 4: The Purpose of Life in the Family and in Society
The Family
Parents and Children
Husband and Wife
Friendship
Unity and Community
Equality
The People of God
The Ideal Society
CHAPTER 5: The Purpose of Life in the Natural World The Sanctity of Nature
Reverence for Life
The Microcosm
Dominion
The Lord of Spirits
Creation Rejoices
CHAPTER 6: Life Beyond Death and the Spiritual World
The Spiritual World: Mystery, Multiplicity, Analogy, Harmony
The Immortal Soul
Prepare Now for Eternity
Passage Beyond
Heaven
Hell
Spiritual Benefactors
Spiritual Error and the Occult
PART TWO: Evil, Sin, and the Human Fall
CHAPTER 7: The Human Condition
Ill
The War Within
Ignorance
Idolatry
Pride and Egotism
Selfish Desire, Lust, and Greed
CHAPTER 8: Fall and Deviation
The Human Fall
Demonic Powers
Heresy
Degraded Human Nature
God's Grief
CHAPTER 9: The Major Sins
Good and Evil
AdulteryMurder
Theft
Lying and Deceit
Hypocrisy
Slander, Gossip, and Foul Speech
Addiction
PART THREE: Salvation and the Savior
CHAPTER 10: Salvation-Liberation-Enlightenment
Grace
Universal Salvation
Atonement and Forgiveness of Sins
Healing
Liberation
Enlightenment
Crossing the Waters
Reversal and Restoration
Peace
Help and Deliverance
The Refining Fire
Born Anew
Eternal Life
The Unitive State
CHAPTER 11: The Founder
Call and Awakening
Rejected by the World
The Victor
He Who Subjugates Satan
The Revealer of Truth
The Man for Others
The Living Presence
The Person and Character of the Founder: Divine Person
Human Person
The Succession of Founders and Messengers
PART FOUR: The Religious Life
CHAPTER 12: Responsibility and Predestination
Decision
Individual Responsibility
Synergy
Predestination
Karma and Inherited Sin
Duty
CHAPTER 13: Self-cultivation and Spiritual Growth
Spiritual Growth
Cultivate the Good
Sincerity
Purity
Self-Control
Preparing the Start
Vigilance
Perseverance and Patience
CHAPTER 14: Faith
Faith
Devotion and Praise
Fear, Submission, and Obedience
Anxiety
Gratitude
Argument with God
CHAPTER 15: Wisdom
The Search for Knowledge
Scripture and Tradition
Poverty of Conceptual Learning
Scripture Teaches in Parables
Learning and Practice
Teacher and Disciple
New Wine and Old Wineskins
CHAPTER 16: WorshipPrayer
The Name of God
Meditation
Ritual
Beyond Ritual
CHAPTER 17: Offering and Sacrifice
Offering
Donations
Self-Sacrifice
Persecution and Martyrdom
CHAPTER 18: Self-Denial and Renunciation
Self-denial and No-self
Repentance, Confession, and Restitution
Humility
Restraint and Moderation
Control Anger
Subdue Desires and Passions
Detachment from the Senses
Renunciation of Wealth
Asceticism and Monasticism
Separation from Family
Separation from the World
CHAPTER 19: Live for Others
Loving-kindness
Serving Others
Sacrificial Love
Giving and Receiving
Charity and Hospitality
Forgiveness and Reconciliation
Judge Not
Love Your Enemy
Turn the Other Cheek
Good Deeds
Labor and Industry
Honesty and Expediency
Witness
PART FIVE: Providence, Society, and the Kingdom of Heaven
CHAPTER 20: Good Government and the Welfare of Society
The Pillars of Society
The Prophet and Reformer
War Against Evil
Respect for Legitimate Governments
Government by Divine Law
Consideration for the People
Leadership by Example and Honest Government
Judgments and Punishments
Providence and the Mandate of Heaven
CHAPTER 21: Eschatology and Messianic Hope
Tribulation
The Last Judgment
The Messiah
The Kingdom of Heaven
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Andrew Wilson (Editor), "World Scripture: A Comparative Anthology of Sacred Texts", ISBN-10: 1557787239, Paragon House, 1998, - 882 p.
http://www.amazon.com/World-Scripture-Comparative-Anthology-Sacred/dp/1557787239
Download: http://www.worldprayerfoundation.com/resources/World%20Scriptures.pdf