In-depth coverage of current social issues. Insights into the philosophical, moral and ethical values in society today—health care, science and environmental news and articles

New: Vision Spring 2010 Issue

Spring 2010 Issue



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Article Series:

Messiahs! Rulers and the Role of Religion 

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VISION BLOGS   

Vision Blog: Commentary from the Publisher

Causes of Conflict:
Thoughts on Religion, Identity and the Middle East

First Followers: Jesus' Teachings, Then and Now

Family Matters: Building Strong Family Relationships

BOOKS 

What Makes Us Human?
Leading thinkers and scholars from around the world weigh in on this fascinating question in this book edited by Dr. Charles Pasternak. Vision publisher Dr. David Hulme also contributes an essay discussing the question in regard to religion.
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Identity, Ideology, and the Future of Jerusalem
For more than a hundred years, the tiny strip of land between the Mediterranean Sea and the Jordan River has been the subject of intense debate and bitter conflict, with one of the main focal points of the ongoing struggle being a single ancient city. Exploring the lives of 14 key Palestinian and Jewish leaders, this fascinating study examines the roles of identity and ideology in the search for a resolution to the final-status issue of Jerusalem. The book will prove an important resource for scholars and students interested in the Arab-Israeli conflict, peace studies, and political psychology.
Read more and order book 

Apostles Series
John: Approaching the End
The last surviving apostle among the original twelve, John had reached the close of the first century when he wrote the three letters by his name and the book of Revelation. These final writings were meant to pass on key understanding to followers of “the Way,” both then and now.

In the Beginning
How the universe came into existence continues to intrigue—and baffle—cosmologists, whose ever-evolving theories are still far from revealing definitive answers. Lacking a written eyewitness account, can anyone ever know how it all really began?

Golgotha: Where Is It?
Some religious communities place the location of Jesus Christ’s death within the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, while others opt instead for an outcrop of rock near the Garden Tomb. But another idea has also been proposed which is interesting in light of first-century Jewish practices and New Testament accounts of the event.

Why Suffering?
Throughout history people have asked why, if God is both good and all-powerful, He doesn’t intercede to prevent pain and suffering in the world. It is the dilemma known as 'theodicy.' Is there justification for the coexistence of a good God and the suffering and sorrow that is so much a part of the human condition?

Biography: Mark Twain
The Whited Sepulchre 
Literary giant Samuel Langhorne Clemens—better known as Mark Twain—lived a life filled with great joys, exciting journeys and interesting investments, as well as a number of bitter defeats. But did anyone really know the man in the white suit?

The New Synthesis   
Introduced by its creator, J. Craig Venter of the J. Craig Venter Institute, the bacterium JCVI-syn1.0 takes center stage as the first human-created organism. It may be only one piece of the puzzle, but it is potentially a pivotal one in humanity's continuing bid for power over life.

New Books From Vision
Over the past decade, Vision has published two series of articles devoted to putting the entire New Testament before readers in a conversational way. Soon to be available as full-length books in print and e-formats, these volumes, considered together, will give readers an overview of the personalities and major themes of the New Testament.

In Pursuit of Veritas
The pursuit of the ancient and elusive goddess of truth, Veritas, was considered an essential journey for Roman citizens. And while the search for truth continues in the modern world today, perhaps the first question humanity must answer is, "What exactly are we looking for?"

Family Relationships:
Silence Is Not Golden 
Although silence has been called "the true friend who never betrays," a growing body of literature suggests that silence is a destructive force in family relationships. Fortunately there are far more effective strategies for ensuring healthy family communication.

Smoking and Mental Health
Although the effects of smoking on physical health are well-documented, new research is shedding light on the effects of smoking and tobacco use on mental health. Results of several recent studies, taken together, strongly suggest a distinct connection between smoking and neuronal damage in adults who smoke as well as in children of smokers.