Böcker av Edward Sianski

As a member of Alcoholics Anonymous for some 30 years, I have been fascinated by the concept of a Higher Power that members are encouraged to pursue. A number of people are identified in this work who appear to have a relationship with a Deity who is user-friendly. Jesus pioneered the image of God as a loving parent and gathered followers who would convey this message to those around them. His preaching disturbed the religious authorities who were invested in a rules-based God who provided conditional access. This work seeks to free up an image of God that many people associate with a harsh interpretation of religion. At a time when the world is truly a global village, the concept of God can no longer be narrow, but must include all people on the planet. It should take into account cosmology and scientific discoveries. I also investigate what happens to people who have been hurt by religious authorities and how this affects their image of a loving God.

This book takes to heart Matthew 13:52: "Therefore every scribe who has been trained for the kingdom of heaven is like the master of the household who brings out of his treasure what is new and what is old."Although Stoicism dates back to Greek and Roman times, its influences have never waned. This philosophy has underpinned the way of life of individuals and groups for hundreds of years. Twelve Step programs such as Alcoholics Anonymous and Al-Anon have successfully incorporated its key ideas to help many thousands of people. I have been sober for 29 continuous years after drinking for 25 years and can attest to the effectiveness of Twelve Step programs. Stoic principles are used in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy and Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy. This book also examines a cross section of people who have utilized Stoic principles in their lives of service to others. Stoicism has proven to be a reliable scaffold for people determined to make a difference in their community, sometimes against formidable opposition. I believe this book will help to inspire a wide range of people to navigate their way through life, stoically.