This unique textbook not only lays out the religious-studies framework of a contemporary understanding of worship; it also offers a full history of Christian worship in each historical period; including the American experience. In light of this history of experiences; Ramshaw finally addresses ongoing issues in our understanding of Christian Worship (gender; authority; ethics; skepticism) and places them into an explicitly cross-religious framework with Islam; Judaism; and other religions.Gail Ramshaw is one of today's most important and influential thinkers about liturgy; is also a dedicated college professor with a keen sense for how to approach the full array of Christian worship experience in light of the contemporary study of religion.
#465521 in Books National Geographic 2001-10-01 2001-10-01Ingredients: Example IngredientsOriginal language:EnglishPDF # 1 11.28 x .94 x 9.48l; #File Name: 0792272943288 pages
Review
16 of 17 people found the following review helpful. A Right Royal Tale...By FrKurt MessickNational Geographic has a well-deserved reputation for quality writing and even greater photography; and in this text; they do not disappoint. Author Brian Fagan and photographer Kenneth Garrett have put together a stellar offering here in 'Egypt of the Pharoahs'. This is an historical period that lasted several thousand years -- Egypt is one of the original civilisations in the world -- and quite an undertaking for any author and photographer. This is meant as more of an accessible survey than an in-depth; critical analysis of ancient Egyptian history; a coffee-table book and a gift book; this text is also good for students and generalists for basic background on Egyptian history.The major sections of the text follow the historical progression: Egypt before the Pharoahs (circa 3100 BCE); the Old Kingdom (to 2000 BCE); the Middle Kingdom (to 1500 BCE); the New Kingdom (to 1000 BCE); and finally the late period; ending with the overthrow of Cleopatra (actually; Cleopatra VII) by Octavian (later Augustus); who brought Egyptian independence to an end.Egypt is perhaps best known for the pyramids; and in particular; the pyramids of Giza; one of the seven ancient wonders of the world (and the only one still standing). However; the vast richness of Egyptian history; as a regional superpower for literally thousands of years; extends far beyond the pyramids. The development of writing in the hieroglyph manner; while not adapted much beyond the Egyptian sphere of influence; nonetheless became symbolic of literacy and artistic ability in the ancient world. The fantastic cities; temples; and other public works beyond the pyramids show a high degree of engineering and cultural development; made all the more impressive by the fact that Egypt was almost entirely isolated for much of its existence by deserts; mountains; and seas.The fame of Egypt spread early; attracting settlers and conquerors from beyond. Egypt was not always a unified kingdom; in addition to being occasionally divided; it was for the last thousand years (at least) of its independence ruled by foreign rulers (rather akin to a German royal family ascending the throne of England); even the last of the pharoahs; the Ptolemy family; was an 'import' from Greek lands.This text traces the development of Egypt in glorious photographs; from the earliest inscriptions and constructions; to the final days of Cleopatra; including the inscriptions and engravings showing the presentation of Caesarion in the temple as heir to Cleopatra and Julius Caesar. Every page is a glorious glossy plate; and practically every page has a full-colour photograph to enhance the story. Some photographs are of objects currently residing in musuems (both in Egypt and abroad); while others are in situ. True to National Geographic form; there are maps of Egypt during the different periods; giving geographic context for the stories and photographs.A basic timeline is introduced early in the text; and repeated throughout at the beginning of each chapter. At each repetition; the particular time segment of the timeline is expanded to show the names of all the pharoahs in that particular era; grouped by dynasty. These lists are not always complete; however; sometimes our knowledge of the era is incomplete; and sometimes space in the text demands certain omissions.Even for the advanced student of ancient Egypt; this text will make a nice addition to the library due to the quality of the photographs. For all others; this makes a fascinating read of a well-known but little understood period in human history.7 of 7 people found the following review helpful. Wondeful and Refreshing BookBy GRThis large and lavishly illustrated volume is wonderful in nearly every aspect. The photos are new and fresh; and not the average; generic things you might expect to see in a book on Egypt; like pictures of the pyramids and Tut's tomb. This book is well-written; and aesthetically pleasing. I recommend it; particularly the leather; collector's edition.0 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Five StarsBy Charles ChapmanGreat book
