Written sometime during the 4th century BC, "Symposium" is one the most poetic and sublime works by the Greek philosopher Plato. The action of the dialogue is set during a party hosted by the poet Agathon to celebrate his first victory in a dramatic competition. The title 'Symposium', or 'Banquet' refers to the setting of the work, however the more literal translation from the Greek is a 'drinking party.' At this party several notable figures from...

Examines well-known works on Western mysticism and the writings of Asian and Muslim mystics to provide an overview of the "Philosophia Perennis." Includes a "P.S." with a brief biography of Huxley and an article "Belief" which was not included in the original publication.

This 1885 work examines the theory of evolution's impact on religion. The author believes there is no conflict between science and religion, and that social conditions trump natural selection. Influenced by the ideas of Herbert Spencer, Fiske's writings were praised by Darwin.

In this modern adaptation of Paul Carsus' seminal work, "The History of the Devil," Arnold Issac takes readers on an illuminating journey through the evolution of the concept of evil from ancient civilizations to contemporary society. From the Mesopotamian myths of Tiamat and Bel-Merodach to the biblical narratives of Lucifer and Satan, Issac explores the multifaceted manifestations of malevolent forces throughout history. Drawing upon insights from...

Science and religion are compatible, declares the famous physicist. In these essays, Einstein views science as the basis for a "cosmic" religion, embraced by scientists, theologians, and all who share a sense of wonder in the rationality and beauty of the universe. In the course of his career, Einstein wrote more than 300 scientific and 150 nonscientific publications. These essays date from the 1930s and 40s. In direct, everyday language the author...

In this 1893 volume, Paul Carus attempts to create a new cosmology-one that could be both scientifically responsible and religiously satisfying. In his preface Caird states that the Religion of Science does not aim to "abolish the old religions, but only to purify them and develop their higher possibilities." Here readers will find the principles, doctrine, conduct, ethics, and ideas of the Religion of Science.

Investigation of how science is seeking to answer the question that has puzzled humanity for generations: Can science explain God?

Jeffrey Kripal here recounts the spectacular history of Esalen, the institute that has long been a world leader in alternative and experiential education and stands today at the center of the human potential movement. Forged in the literary and mythical leanings of the Beat Generation, inspired in the lecture halls of Stanford by radical scholars of comparative religion, the institute was the remarkable brainchild of Michael Murphy and Richard Price. Set...

MOST OF US HAVE LIMITED SPIRITUAL VISION - and don't even know it! • With two trillion galaxies in an expanding universe, how could it be that only the Christians are "saved?" • Traditional religious symbols are losing power in a changing world (Most people don't even know they are supposed to be symbols) • Our rational minds keep wanting to question but conventional religious leaders tell us to just "trust" them (or trust scripture, or tradition) •...