For immediate release: Author's new book receives a warm literary welcome. Readers' Favorite announces the review of the Fiction - Supernatural book "The Scribe of Salem" by Kathie Costos, currently available at  http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0BNGC63LY . Readers' Favorite is one of the largest book review and award contest sites on the Internet. They have earned the respect of renowned publishers like Random House, Simon & Schuster, and Harper Collins, and have received the "Best Websites for Authors" and "Honoring Excellence" awards from the Association of Independent Authors. They are also fully accredited by the BBB (A+ rating), which is a rarity among Book Review and Book Award Contest companies. "Reviewed By Anne-Marie Reynolds for Readers' Favorite The Scribe of Salem by Kathie Costos is book one in the Ministers of the Mystery supernatural series. Chris considered himself an expert on the Witchcraft Trials in  Salem, but...

What Is Christian Mysticism And Why Is It Important? Sacred Structures Jim Baker Christian Mysticism is a complex spiritual topic and defies easy definition. Historically, mysticism is defined as hidden, unspeakable, can’t be put into words, an awareness and experience of the reality of God beyond ritual, doctrine, and dogma. Alan Watts (1915–1973), a British philosopher, put it this way: “The truth that religion, to be of any use, must be mystical has always been denied by the seemingly large number of people, including theologians, who do not know what mysticism is. . . . Its essence is the consciousness of union with God.” Carl McColman, author of, The Big Book of Christian Mysticism-The Essential Guide To Contemplative Spirituality, offers perhaps the most precise definition: “Christian Mysticism is the spiritual encounter with a sacred mystery that cannot be put into words, but may be embodied through feelings, conscious awareness, experience, or intuition – or even through...

If someone told you astrology is evil, remember these guys! The Christmas carol is called We Three Kings, but they weren’t kings, and there probably weren’t three. At the same time, Matthew’s account fits well with what we know of Herod’s paranoia and ruthless cruelty. The irony of the magi’s visit is that while even pagan astrologers come to worship the Jewish Messiah, the illegitimate king of the Jews seeks to destroy him. Where did the magi come from? The magi were probably Persian or Arabian astrologers who charted the stars and attached religious significance to their movements. They were not kings, as is sometimes supposed. While some have doubted the historicity of this visit, it bears the marks of credibility. Many people in the ancient world believe that stars announced the birth of great people. The Roman historians Suetonius and Tacitus even speak of an expectation that a world ruler would come from Judea. It is not surprising that Eastern astrologers would see in a p...

I don't know how many others out there are like me, but I have a feeling others are feeling as if you just don't fit in. For years, I tried to be like everyone else, but then I realized, I didn't like myself very much. Worse, I didn't recognize myself. I am just me. I am the only one that lived my life, experienced what I did, tried what I did, and yes, failed more times than I succeeded. The thing is, while I am not perfect, I spent my life trying to do what I can to help others because it was the right thing to do. So, here is what I believe. I don't fit in with "church people" because none of them fit in with others not among those that attend the same church. Each denomination has its own rules and beliefs. To fit in with them would mean picking sides, and I would end up hurting someone by choosing someone else. From what I've seen about how some people claim to be Christian yet spew hate and contempt, find nothing repulsive about lying and cheatin...