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The Gulf sits at an ancient crossroads of cultures and faiths, and at the heart of modern trade stretching back to the origins of civilization. As a site of both conflict and peaceful encounter, it can be studied in the context of world history, as a place of cultural and historical encounter. From medieval astrology to museum architecture, from the trade of glass and pearls to the role of Indians, Africans, Christian monks, Mandaeans and merchants, this book spans historical periods and disciplinary approaches. It is united by one overarching theme: the Gulf as a cosmopolitan nexus and space of encounter. The chapters describe a Gulf simultaneously perched on the edge of empires and at the centre of world events. Presenting new evidence, new theoretical approaches, and new arguments, this volume aims to change understandings of the Gulf in the world.

Viewing the history of North Africa and Europe through the eyes of Christian kings and Muslim merchants, emirs and popes, Sufis, friars and rabbis, this book argues that they together experienced the twelfth-century renaissance and the commercial revolution. In the midst of this common commercial growth, North Africa and Europe also shared in a burst of spirituality and mysticism, instigating a Second Axial Age in the history of religion. Challenging the idea of a Mediterranean split between Islam and Christianity, the book shows how the Maghrib (North Africa) was not a Muslim, Arab monolith or an extension of the exotic Orient. Rather, medieval North Africa was as diverse and complex as Latin Europe. Instead of dismissing North Africa as a sideshow of European history, it should be seen as an integral part of the story

Definitions and assumptions -- Hebrew Scriptures : God of war and God of peace -- New Testament : Jesus and loving the enemy -- Early church : divided evidence -- Constantinian shift : the justifiable war -- Middle Ages : from just war to crusade -- Reformation : magisterial reformers -- Radical reformation : from revolution to pacifism -- Enlightenment : humanism and peace -- Twentieth century I : age of realism -- Twentieth century II : nuclear pacifism -- Postmodernity : terror and the war on terror -- Policing, human security, and the responsibility to protect -- Conclusion : some theological considerations

The Mastery of Destiny embodies New Thought writer James Allen's teachings that our thoughts can be used to increase our capabilities and to create our lives as we desire them to be. Allen's ideas and ideals and those of others in the New Thought Movement have seen a resurgence with the release of the bestselling book and film "The Secret" and the popularity of the Jerry and Esther Hicks Abraham Teachings

This little volume (the result of meditation and experience) is not intended as an exhaustive treatise on the much-written-upon subject of the power of thought. It is suggestive rather than explanatory, its object being to stimulate men and women to the discovery and perception of the truth that – "They themselves are makers of themselves" - by virtue of the thoughts, which they choose and encourage; that mind is the master-weaver