The Encyclopedia of God: An A-Z Guide to Thoughts, Ideas, and Beliefs about God by Briggs, Constance Victoria

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Occult Philosophy

The Encyclopedia of God: An A-Z Guide to Thoughts, Ideas, and Beliefs about God

Name: The Encyclopedia of God: An A-Z Guide to Thoughts, Ideas, and Beliefs about God
Price: 16.00 USD
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Rating: 4.6 (2 reviews)
Author: Briggs, Constance Victoria
ISBN: 9781571742483

Briggs, Constance Victoria

Reader rating

4.6

(1 reviews) 100 sold

$16.00

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📚 ABOUT THE BOOK

Uncover humanity's boundless visions of the Divine, from ancient lore to modern philosophy.

This remarkable compendium offers an expansive, accessible A-Z exploration into the myriad interpretations of the Supreme Being. From foundational theological concepts to esoteric beliefs and philosophical musings, Briggs meticulously catalogs humanity's attempts to define the indefinable. It presents a rich tapestry of perspectives drawn from mystics, scholars, poets, and diverse spiritual traditions across the globe. Rather than prescribing a single view, this work empowers readers to synthesize their own understanding of the divine by examining its multifaceted historical and cultural expressions.

Key themes

Divine Plurality Explored Comparative Spiritual Thought Evolving Concepts of Deity

Historical context

This work serves as a comprehensive reference within the esoteric and philosophical catalog, bridging diverse global spiritual traditions by documenting humanity's historical attempts to conceptualize the divine. It functions as an accessible compendium for those interested in the intersection of theology, mysticism, and cultural studies.

Difficulty

● Easy

Fans will love it

Constance Victoria Briggs · encyclopedic spiritual references · comparative religion surveys · philosophical glossaries

🕯️ Occult Philosophy

🏛 Hampton Roads Publishing Company 📅 2003 📖 232 pages 📔 Paperback 📐 Paperback ISBN: 9781571742483

Fun fact

Briggs's *Encyclopedia of God* is a monumental achievement, offering unparalleled breadth in its survey of divine concepts. It excels in its accessibility and comprehensive scope, making complex theological ideas digestible for a wide audience. Those seeking a definitive, singular answer to 'who is God' might find its pluralism unsettling, as its strength lies precisely in showcasing diversity. This work firmly establishes itself as an essential reference for any serious inquiry into comparative theology and personal spiritual exploration.

📝 Description: The Encyclopedia of God: An A-Z Guide to Thoughts, Ideas, and Beliefs about God

Interest in the nature of the Supreme Being is growing again, especially among people who had turned away from conventional religious approaches. God is "in" again, but what do we know about him? In this remarkable reference work, Constance Victoria Briggs, author of the popular The Encyclopedia of Angels, offers a stimulating and inspiring review of the thoughts of hundreds of scholars, religious authorities, mystics, writers, saints, prophets, philosophers, poets--even celebrities--on the nature of God. "Although we can't question God, we can evaluate the information contained in these sources and draw our own conclusions about who and what God is," she says. "It's my desire to portray God as a multi-faceted spiritual entity whose characteristics have shaped our lives since the dawn of mankind." In a highly accessible A-Z format, Briggs presents hundreds of short informative entries from diverse traditions and beliefs. From Arabot, the Seventh Heaven in Judaic lore, to Thomas Jefferson's beliefs in God, from Brahma, Hinduism's chief deity, to Mulungu, the Supreme Being in some East African beliefs--you'll find it all in this revealing tour through the world's beliefs. Among the riches in The Encyclopedia of God, you'll find a chronicle of the acts of God, past and future; God's relationship with the saints, prophets, and other holy men and women; God's relationship with the angels; the beliefs about God of world religions and ancient cultures; and new age thoughts on God. All entries are meticulously cross-referenced to give you quick access to related topics.

💎 Expert review

“

💎

Esoterica Books editorial team

Occult literature desk

This compendium succeeds in its goal of mapping humanity's diverse interpretations of God with remarkable accessibility. However, it may disappoint readers seeking deep, critical academic analysis or those looking for a specific theological argument to advocate. It is not suited for skeptics who view such inquiries as purely mythological without philosophical merit, nor for specialists desiring rigorous primary source citations over broad summaries. While the breadth is impressive, the lack of depth in individual entries means it serves best as an introductory guide rather than a definitive scholarly resource for advanced theological debate.

✓ EDITOR'S REVIEW

📖 Why choose it

📖

Why this book is worth reading

Readers seeking a broad, non-prescriptive overview of how different cultures and eras have perceived the Supreme Being will find immense value in this text. It is ideal for those who wish to synthesize their own spiritual understanding without being confined to a single dogma. By presenting a rich tapestry of perspectives from mystics, scholars, and poets, the book empowers individuals to explore the multifaceted nature of the divine through historical and cultural lenses. It offers clarity and breadth, making complex theological concepts accessible while celebrating the boundless visions found in ancient lore and modern philosophy alike.

⭐ Reader reviews

The starting rating comes from the team Esoterica Books —

⭐ Esoterica editorial review Editorial rating 4.7/5

★★★★★

If you are a curious seeker, an independent spiritual explorer, or simply fascinated by the vast spectrum of human belief, this compendium offers unparalleled insight. It's for those ready to question, compare, and forge their own nuanced understanding of the ultimate mystery, free from…

Reader rating

4.6

Based on 1 reviews

Esoterica Books editorial team

This compendium succeeds in its goal of mapping humanity's diverse interpretations of God with remarkable accessibility. However, it may disappoint readers seeking deep, critical academic analysis or those looking for a specific theological argument to advocate. It is not suited for skeptics who view such inquiries as purely mythological without philosophical merit, nor for specialists desiring rigorous primary source citations over broad summaries. While the breadth is impressive, the lack of depth in individual entries means it serves best as an introductory guide rather than a definitive scholarly resource for advanced theological debate.

❓ Frequently asked questions

Absolutely not. This is a meticulously neutral exploration, presenting a broad spectrum of beliefs and ideas about the divine without endorsing or promoting any single doctrine or theological viewpoint.

Designed for broad accessibility, its intuitive A-Z format makes profound concepts digestible for anyone curious about the divine, from a novice spiritual inquirer to a seasoned scholar of comparative religion.

📖 Who should read this

🎯 Key themes and symbolism

Divine Plurality Explored

Delve into the astonishing variety of ways the concept of God has manifested across civilizations. This book showcases how different cultures, from ancient mythologies to contemporary spiritual movements, have envisioned and articulated the ultimate divine force, challenging any singular, monolithic understanding of the sacred.

Comparative Spiritual Thought

Engage with the fascinating parallels and profound divergences in theological and spiritual ideas globally. By juxtaposing seemingly disparate beliefs, the text highlights universal human quests for meaning and the divine, fostering a deeper appreciation for the interconnectedness and uniqueness of various faith traditions.

Evolving Concepts of Deity

Witness the dynamic evolution of God-concepts throughout human history. From early animistic spirits to complex philosophical constructs, the book illustrates how the idea of the divine is a living, adapting entity, shaped by human experience, revelation, and intellectual inquiry across millennia.

💬 Quotes from the book

“"Although we can't question God, we can evaluate the information contained in these sources and draw our own conclusions about who and what God is."”

“"It's my desire to portray God as a multi-faceted spiritual entity whose characteristics have shaped our lives since the dawn of mankind."”

📜 Historical context

This work stands within a venerable tradition of encyclopedic efforts to catalog human spiritual knowledge, echoing earlier comparative religious studies but with a distinctly contemporary, accessible approach. It reflects a modern surge in interest among individuals seeking personal spiritual truths beyond established doctrines, positioning itself as an essential guide for the modern, eclectic spiritual journey.

📚 Glossary

Arabot
Brahma
Mulungu

📔 Questions to reflect on

How does encountering such a wide array of God-concepts challenge or reinforce your own personal spiritual beliefs?
Reflect on one specific, lesser-known deity or divine concept presented in the book. What does it reveal about the culture that conceived it?
Consider the idea of God as a 'multi-faceted spiritual entity.' How might this perspective influence your approach to interfaith dialogue or personal contemplation?