True Disbelievers

True Disbelievers PDF Author: George Plasketes
Publisher: Routledge
ISBN: 1351293664
Category : Music
Languages : en
Pages : 319

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Book Description
The legion of fans who refuse to believe that Elvis Presley died August 16, 1977 has been a major force behind the ever-expanding, elusive, and enduring Elvis myth during the past seventeen years. This network of fervent true believers engages in activities that include a melange of sightings and conspiracy theories. Mass media coverage of these phenomena has evolved from the underground grass-roots level to widespread publicity with social, religious, commercial, and ideological underpinnings. In True Disbelievers, R. Serge Denisoff and George Plasketes examine the implications of various accounts and several perspectives on Elvis Presley's death and transfiguration. Denisoff and Plasketes also analyze the various media that those who doubt Elvis's death use to popularize their positions, including television, magazines, and books. They review the work of others who have written on the subject, such as Gail Brewer-Giorgio and Major Bill Smith, and raise provocative, yet valid questions about the phenomenon they describe. True Disbelievers takes a pointed look at the music industry as well, and how it has used and commercially benefitted by the continuing belief that Elvis lives. They examine common strands in the many reports of Elvis sightings since Presley's reported death. Denisoff and Plasketes describe the Elvis phenomenon in serious, objective as well as empathetic terms, placing it in the context of studies of cult figures and their followers. True Disbelievers contains a great deal of fascinating information about America's popular culture and the power and influence of the media in modern society. It will be of significant interest to communication studiesscholars,sociologists,professionals in the music and media industries, and those interested in popular culture.

True Disbelievers

True Disbelievers PDF Author: George Plasketes
Publisher: Routledge
ISBN: 1351293664
Category : Music
Languages : en
Pages : 319

Get Book

Book Description
The legion of fans who refuse to believe that Elvis Presley died August 16, 1977 has been a major force behind the ever-expanding, elusive, and enduring Elvis myth during the past seventeen years. This network of fervent true believers engages in activities that include a melange of sightings and conspiracy theories. Mass media coverage of these phenomena has evolved from the underground grass-roots level to widespread publicity with social, religious, commercial, and ideological underpinnings. In True Disbelievers, R. Serge Denisoff and George Plasketes examine the implications of various accounts and several perspectives on Elvis Presley's death and transfiguration. Denisoff and Plasketes also analyze the various media that those who doubt Elvis's death use to popularize their positions, including television, magazines, and books. They review the work of others who have written on the subject, such as Gail Brewer-Giorgio and Major Bill Smith, and raise provocative, yet valid questions about the phenomenon they describe. True Disbelievers takes a pointed look at the music industry as well, and how it has used and commercially benefitted by the continuing belief that Elvis lives. They examine common strands in the many reports of Elvis sightings since Presley's reported death. Denisoff and Plasketes describe the Elvis phenomenon in serious, objective as well as empathetic terms, placing it in the context of studies of cult figures and their followers. True Disbelievers contains a great deal of fascinating information about America's popular culture and the power and influence of the media in modern society. It will be of significant interest to communication studiesscholars,sociologists,professionals in the music and media industries, and those interested in popular culture.

Battling the Gods

Battling the Gods PDF Author: Tim Whitmarsh
Publisher: Vintage
ISBN: 0307958337
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 304

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Book Description
How new is atheism? Although adherents and opponents alike today present it as an invention of the European Enlightenment, when the forces of science and secularism broadly challenged those of faith, disbelief in the gods, in fact, originated in a far more remote past. In Battling the Gods, Tim Whitmarsh journeys into the ancient Mediterranean, a world almost unimaginably different from our own, to recover the stories and voices of those who first refused the divinities. Homer’s epic poems of human striving, journeying, and passion were ancient Greece’s only “sacred texts,” but no ancient Greek thought twice about questioning or mocking his stories of the gods. Priests were functionaries rather than sources of moral or cosmological wisdom. The absence of centralized religious authority made for an extraordinary variety of perspectives on sacred matters, from the devotional to the atheos, or “godless.” Whitmarsh explores this kaleidoscopic range of ideas about the gods, focusing on the colorful individuals who challenged their existence. Among these were some of the greatest ancient poets and philosophers and writers, as well as the less well known: Diagoras of Melos, perhaps the first self-professed atheist; Democritus, the first materialist; Socrates, executed for rejecting the gods of the Athenian state; Epicurus and his followers, who thought gods could not intervene in human affairs; the brilliantly mischievous satirist Lucian of Samosata. Before the revolutions of late antiquity, which saw the scriptural religions of Christianity and Islam enforced by imperial might, there were few constraints on belief. Everything changed, however, in the millennium between the appearance of the Homeric poems and Christianity’s establishment as Rome’s state religion in the fourth century AD. As successive Greco-Roman empires grew in size and complexity, and power was increasingly concentrated in central capitals, states sought to impose collective religious adherence, first to cults devoted to individual rulers, and ultimately to monotheism. In this new world, there was no room for outright disbelief: the label “atheist” was used now to demonize anyone who merely disagreed with the orthodoxy—and so it would remain for centuries. As the twenty-first century shapes up into a time of mass information, but also, paradoxically, of collective amnesia concerning the tangled histories of religions, Whitmarsh provides a bracing antidote to our assumptions about the roots of freethinking. By shining a light on atheism’s first thousand years, Battling the Gods offers a timely reminder that nonbelief has a wealth of tradition of its own, and, indeed, its own heroes.

True Islam: Lost in Translation

True Islam: Lost in Translation PDF Author: Emil Shehadeh
Publisher: CANDOR Publishing
ISBN:
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 400

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Book Description
Contact between Islam and the West is 1400 years old. Both sides have had more than adequate time to become familiar with the other. Yet the world is still arguing about Islam’s teachings. Is Islam peaceful? Does it commend violence? Does Islam respect “the other”? Does Islam abuse women? Is Islam anti-Semitic? Does Islam teach the Torment of the Grave? Does Islam recommend the beating of wives? Do Muslim Scriptures commend Temporary Marriage of Pleasure? Did Zayd divorce Zaynab because he had no further need of her? All these questions are easy to settle for anyone who can read Islamic Scripture in Arabic. The author of this book is such a person. However, to answer all these questions in the affirmative would do the image of Islam much damage in the West, where Islam is keen to present a polished image, especially in the light of much violence committed in its name against westerners. Muslim leaders, and their allies in the West, have popularised a distinction between Muslims and Islamists, in order to distance Islam from thousands of heinous Muslim crimes such as the Charlie Hebdo massacre. Are the English translations of the Qur’an faithful to the original Arabic? Or are they part of the charm offensive Muslim Petro-dollars have financed for years, through sponsorship of university departments of Islamic studies, investing in western media and publishing, building Islamic centres and financing Islamic societies and pressure groups throughout the West. This work gives English readers the ability to access the original Arabic of the Qur’an and hadith, and see the true face of Islam, without its face powder. It is hoped that this work will assist free thinkers to form their own opinion of Islam, based on the true Qur’an, without interference from Muslim propaganda or any agenda driven discourses.

Signals and Images

Signals and Images PDF Author: Madeleine Bastide
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 9401158045
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 287

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Book Description
Scientists challenging dominant paradigms are either ignored or attacked by the scientific mainstream. This book, however, contains a selection of scientific papers presented at the two last GIRI meetings (International Research Group on Very Low Dose and High Dilution Effects). The majority of these papers present results performed with succussed high dilutions (homeopathic dilutions), even beyond the Avogrado number. All presented models are classified, and their interpretation is possible either in the mechanistic paradigm or in an information paradigm. This new field of research introduces new scientific concepts which are supported by experimental results. Furthermore, this nascent science is totally concerned with living organisms and, as such, it becomes necessary to define `information' brought by non-molecular high dilutions. This book presents brain-storming work of this research group and is one of the starting points of a scientific evolution.

Al-Qur'an, the Guidance for Mankind - English Translation of the Meanings of Al-Qur'an with Arabic

Al-Qur'an, the Guidance for Mankind - English Translation of the Meanings of Al-Qur'an with Arabic PDF Author: Muhammad Farooq-i-Azam Malik
Publisher: The Institute of Islamic Knowledge
ISBN: 0911119809
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 976

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Book Description
Al-Qur'an, the Guidance for mankind, is a unique translation of the Holy Qur'an in contemporary American English. It includes the Biography of the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, his mission as a Prophet, his ranking as in the human history. Text is paragraphed by theme and theme is written in the margins on each page for easy reference. Its features include - (1) Field Testing the Communication of Divine Message: The unique feature of this translation is its field testing for over 3 1/2 years to improve the communication and understanding of the Divine Message. Translation passages were given to the New Muslim and Non-Muslim high school and college students for reading under the supervision of various Ulema (scholars). After reading, the person was asked to explain as to what he/she understood from the passage. If his/her understanding was the same as is in the Arabic Text of the Holy Qur'an then we concluded that we have been successful in conveying the Divine Message properly. If his/her understanding was different than what the Qur'anic verses were stating, we kept on rewording the translation until those verses were understood properly. It was tremendous patience on part of the participants. May Allah reward them all. (2) Simplicity: In this translation Simple Language and Direct Approach is used for appealing to the common sense of scholars and common people. (3) Understandability: There are no foot notes to refer and no commentary or lengthy explanations to read. All necessary explanations have been incorporated right there in the text with italic type setting to differentiate from the translation of the meanings of Qur'anic Arabic Text. (4) Outline of Pertinent Information: Before the start of each Srah, information relating to its Period of Revelation, Major Issues, Divine Laws and Guidance has been presented as an outline. Then a summary of the preceding events has been tabulated for the reader to understand the histo! rical background to grasp the full meaning of the Divine Message. (5) Reviews, Input and Approvals: This project was started in 1991 and initial draft completed in 1994. Then the Translation was sent to different Ulema (Scholars) in Town and throughout United States for their review and input. After their reviews and input it was sent to Jme Al-Azhar Al-Sharif in Egypt, Ummal Qur in Saudi Arabia and International Islamic University in Pakistan for their review, input and approval. This translation was published after their reviews and approvals.

The True History of Elijah Muhammad, Messenger of Allah

The True History of Elijah Muhammad, Messenger of Allah PDF Author: Elijah Muhammad
Publisher: Secretarius Memps Publications
ISBN:
Category : Biography & Autobiography
Languages : en
Pages : 332

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Book Description
Messenger Elijah Muhammad was considered, by the national as well as the international press, as one of the most inaccessible men in America; if the press, white or Negro, wanted to see Elijah Muhammad, they had to come to him: a degree of significance earned by Messenger Muhammad, and commanded by integrity. In an effort to ensure the clarity and sanctity of his message and history, this book draws from his own words to explain and elaborate on sensitive subjects like his mission, domestic life, family, and his relationship with his teacher, Master Fard Muhammad. It also delves into his relationship to other prophets, the paralleled work accomplished to substantiate his fulfilment, and important unpublished writings from his desk surrounding controversial matters perpetuated in today's public media.

Letters to Doubting Thomas

Letters to Doubting Thomas PDF Author: C. Stephen Layman
Publisher: Oxford University Press
ISBN: 0198042108
Category : Philosophy
Languages : en
Pages : 289

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Book Description
When people encounter an argument for or against God's existence, it often raises more questions than it answers. In Letters to Doubting Thomas, C. Stephen Layman offers a fresh, insightful approach to the issue of God's existence--a way to organize what can seem like a blizzard of claims and concepts--bringing clarity to a debate often mired in confusion. Layman explores the evidence for the existence of God in a series of fictionalized letters between two characters--Zachary, a philosopher, and Thomas, an old college friend who appeals to Zach for help in sorting out his thoughts about God. As their correspondence grows, Zachary leads Thomas through an informal and highly readable comparison of Naturalism (the belief that there is no God and that ultimate reality is physical reality), and Theism (the idea that there is an almighty, perfectly good God). In engaging letters that break down complex philosophical arguments into easily digestible bits, the two friends delve into such weighty topics as the reliability of religious experience, various arguments for God's existence (such as the cosmological, design, and moral arguments), the question of free will, and the problem of evil. A piece at a time, they build an argument that shows that Theism, on balance, provides a better explanation of the world and human life than does Naturalism. Here then is a highly accessible account of the major arguments for and against the existence of God, capturing some of the best new insights of modern philosophy in a marvelously clear and engaging format.

The Interpretation of The Meaning of The Holy Quran Volume 22 - Surah Yunus verse 1 to 109

The Interpretation of The Meaning of The Holy Quran Volume 22 - Surah Yunus verse 1 to 109 PDF Author: Nasoha Bin Saabin
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages :

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Book Description
I have written many books and articles on various topics but since 2013, I have devoted myself fully in writing the interpretation of the Holy Quran in English and with the grace of Allah, I have completed the whole Quran on 29th October 2020 with 84 books. I believe there is a great need in the whole world for the correct interpretation of the Holy Quran to be written in English. Currently, there is a great misunderstanding about Islam among Muslims and non-Muslims globally. The misunderstanding of the meaning of the Holy Quran among Muslims will lead to the wrong practice of Islam which leads to the wrong actions of Muslims. The wrong actions of Muslims will lead to misunderstandings about Islam among Muslims and non-Muslims. The wrong actions of the Muslims have led to many miseries and wars among Muslims. The wrong actions of Muslims have also led to many wars and clashes between Muslims and non-Muslims. In order to avoid miseries, wars and clashes from taking place between the whole mankind in the whole world, the whole mankind in the whole world need to understand the true teaching of Islam. There is no other way for the whole mankind to understand the true teaching of Islam unless the whole mankind is able to read and understand the correct interpretation of the Holy Quran. The whole mankind is only able to read and understand the correct interpretation of the Holy Quran when it is written in the universal language of the world (English). For this very reason I have written the interpretation of the Holy Quran in English. Prof. Nasoha Bin Saabin

Soul of the Qur'an-Volume 1

Soul of the Qur'an-Volume 1 PDF Author:
Publisher: Soul of the Qur'an
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 727

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Book Description


Heart Softeners

Heart Softeners PDF Author: Shaykh Muhammad Ibn Salih Al-Uthaymeen
Publisher:
ISBN: 9780615707396
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 74

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Book Description
In the name of Allah, the Most Merciful and Most Compassionate. Praise to the One Who completed this religion and sent guidance through His Messenger salAllahu 'alayhi wa sallam. To begin: Every so often our daily lives preoccupy us and turn us away from Allah's promise. When we walk out of our homes, turn on the radio, TV, or Internet, we are distracted by the evils we see and hear. As result of immorality and unashamed disobedience, our hearts grow hard and distant from Allah and His Messenger's call. We know the message of Islam is true, but we are weak due to the rigidity of our heart, spirit and mind. In times like these, we need something to penetrate that stiffness. We need a remedy to soften that hardness and the inflexibility of our choices. Disunity and harshness afflicts this Ummah today. Consequently, many people have turned away from brotherhood, caring, and even Islam itself. Their hearts have transformed into dwellings of complete hatred for a sinner, disdain toward the weak Muslim, and jealousy of their successful brother or sister.I have selected some ahaadeeth from the most authentic book after the Qur'aan to soften the hearts in our chests. I used Shaykh Muhammad ibn Saalih Al-'Uthaymeen's explanations for the ahaadeeth selected. The ahaadeeth selected come from a book in Imam Al-Bukhari's collection titled Riqaq: Heart Softeners. This chapter brings tears to one's eyes, fear to one's mind, and most importantly it diminishes the rigidity in one's heart. I ask Allah to make the translation and compilation solely for His pleasure. I pray to Allah for acceptance of this deed and His mercy in the Hereafter.Abu Aaliyah Abdullah ibn Dwight Battle Ramadan 18th, 1433Doha, Qatar (c)