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JOURNEY of INSIGHT
An Invitation to Christianity
Carl Jacob
First edition published 1991
Copyright Carl Jacob, 1991, 2004.
All rights reserved.
Except for the purposes of private study, research, criticism or review as permitted under copyright law, no part of this book may be reproduced by any process without permission.
Cataloguing Data
This book is dedicated to my late father
whose wisdom was ahead of his time.
CONTENTS
Preface
Introduction
The Search for Truth - The Relativity of Truth - Christianity and Truth
Chapter 1 The Pursuit of Happiness
The State of Happiness - Some Essentials - Basic Levels of Happiness and the Search for Fulfilment - Inner Happiness - Human Nature - The Good News - The Meaning of Love
Chapter 2 Perceptions of God
Our Limited Knowledge - The Word of God - The Nature of God, Apparent Alternatives and Ongoing Debates - God's Work: Creation, Evolution and Design - God and Science - Uncertainty - The First Commandment - God and the Individual - The Kingdom of God and Concepts of Paradise
Chapter 3 The Problem of Proof
Evidence and Proof - Persuasion - Agnosticism and Atheism - The Crisis of Faith - Possibilities - Proof and Belief
Chapter 4 Fear and Faith
Evil in Perspective - The Existence of Evil - Fear and Avoidance - Adversities - The Path of Faith and Courage - Concern for the Future - Death
Chapter 5 The Old and the New
Christ and the Scriptures - The Process of Development - The Christian Church - Ongoing Renewal - Christianity and Other Religions
Chapter 6 Morality
Freedom and Responsibility - Right and Wrong - Morality and Law - Good - Perfection - The Priorities of Love - Responsibility and Love of Our Neighbours - Conscience - Evil and Judgement - Justice, Compensation, Mercy and Forgiveness - Guilt and Reconciliation - The Morality of Risk
Chapter 7 Virtues and Vices
The Meanings of Virtues - Vices in Perspective - Vice and Sin - Appropriate Application of Virtues
Chapter 8 Sacrifice and Self Denial
The Meaning of Sacrifice - Self Denial - Self Denial and Identity - Personal Change - The Redemption - The Challenge of Christ - The Gift of Grace
Chapter 9 Prayer
The Lords Prayer - Listening to God - Meditation and Awareness Building Techniques - Closeness to God
Chapter 10 Ritual and Reality
The Sacraments - Symbols, Rituals and Ceremonies - Going to Church
Chapter 11 The Clergy
The Role of the Clergy - Appropriate Expectations - The Problem of Serious Misconduct - Ongoing Debates
Chapter 12 Controversial Issues
Abortion - Birth Control - Euthanasia - Divorce - Sexual Behaviour - De-Facto and Other Relationships - Politics and Social Justice - The Limits of Legislation - Responding to Injustice - Historical Injustices and Reconciliation - Globalisation - International Conflict - The Terrorism Problem - The Only True Religion - Freedom of Religion - The Environment
Chapter 13 Positive Action
Conclusion
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