The Qur'ān as Midrash The Qur'ān is well known for containing Biblical stories, and motifs. What is less well known is that it contains directly translations of particularly Jewish terminology; even the Shahādah comes from the Torah. As well, many of the extra-Biblical accounts in the Qur'ān are actually taken directly from the Talmūd and are otherwise Midrashic in origin. This article explores a few of these, reconciling some of the Medieval Jewish author, Ibn Kammūna's contentions with the Qur'ān. A must read for any serious Jewish, Muslim or secular scholar of Islāmic Origins. Order now for $19.99 Unraveling the Myth of the Banū Qurayẓah: The Origins of Islāmicate Genocide This revolutionary thesis argues the controversial, yet historically undeniable, position that a key story of Islāmic history is a fabrication, based upon an emerging reaction to Jewish Messianism under the Abbāsid Caliphate. This work argues is that they story of the genocide of the Banū Qurayẓah, though initially met with ambivalence and rejection by the author’s contemporaries, was invited to remain within the Ummah as the attitude towards Jews worsened. Order now for $19.99

Baḥya ibn Paqūda and the Origins of Medieval Judeo-Ṣūfīsm If you are interested in reading about one of the most mind-blowing topics in religious studies then order Baḥya ibn Paqūda and the Origins of Medieval Judeo-Ṣūfīsm!!! This paper was written my for my Honor's Thesis in Religious Studies and will be continued for my Master's Thesis on the Maimonidean Dynasty (which i have a precursor paper on already). The paper discusses Rabbenū Baḥya, a prominent medieval Rabbi in Islāmic Spain and the author of the first monograph on Jewish ethics, still widely studied in Rabbinic circles today. My Professor was first introduced to his Guide to the Duties of the Hearts in Yeshiva, training to be a Rabbi, under the Hebrew title and translation by Yehudah ibn Tibbon, Chovot ha'Levavot. Later, at Harvard, he was introduced to the text as a Judeo-Sufi work, under its original Arabic title Al-Hidāyah ilā Farā'idhu-l-Qulūb. Order now for $19.99

The Significance of the God Fearers in the Environment of Early Christianity: Gentile Sympathizers of Judaism and the Success of the Paulean Meme Very extensive research on Second Temple Judaism and Christian Origins. The name says it all. This was my paper for my Senior Seminar. Extensive research into the "Post Quest" documentation of proselyte Jewish converts and "theosebes" (God-Fearers) in the environment of the formative years of Rabbinic Judaism and Christianity. Order now for $19.99

The Legacy of Maimonides: Reason, Pluralism and the Judeo-Sufism of the Maimonidean Dynasty Delves into the paradox that is the Rambam. On the one hand, clearly a devoted Jew, one of the most important and influential Rabbis in history (who outlined the 13 principles of Judaism); On the other hand, this essay shows that him and his heirs recognized the validity of Islaamic rites, paraphrased the Qur'aan, and moreover that though seemingly perplexing to the orthodoxies of both religious paradigms today, that these things were clearly connected in his mind, and all an undeniable part of who he was and what his philosophy represented. I cannot stress how much I would encourage anyone, especially a Jew or Muslim, to read this. If you are not familiar with Moses ben Maimon you will learn a lot from this text. If you are familiar with him then you will similarly learn more than you likely had ever imagined about his multidimensional relationship with Islaam and Sufism. Long the subject of discussion in both Islaamic and Jewish scholastic circles, the influence of Islaam on his writings, and even codification of Judaism is hardly open to debate. Considered one of the greatest Jewish thinkers of all times, Maimonides often quoted and paraphrased from from Islaamic sources and even the Qur'aan. His "Thirteen Principles" are clearly a reaction to the "Pillars" in Islaamic thought. However, his relationship was not purely uncritical. Maimonides attacked and praised different groups of mutakallimun. In his letter to the head of the persecuted Yemenite Jewish community, his attacks on Islaam seem scathing. How can these seeming contradictions be reconciled? To complicate the situation, and fascinatingly for the reader, the legacy of Judeo-Sufism in his progeny is addressed. This text might raise more questions than it answers, but if so, this is only because so much related to these issues have been tidily swept under the rug of history. Order now for $9.99

"The Philosophy and Impact of Philo of Alexandria" Philosophical Trend Impressions from Hellenistic Judaism and Its Offshoots A vindication of the great Hellenistic Jewish philosopher Philo from the clutches of those Christians who seek to misinterpret his works to fit their own theology, as well as a key piece of evidence for the idea that, on the contrary, Philo strongly influenced the writer of the Gospel of John in the New Testament and later Christian doctrines. I recommend this eBook to anyone who is interested in Philo, Jewish philosophy, the New Testament, early Christian theology, early Judaic mysticism, the Second Temple era, etc. i could not think of a more important eText for anyone interested in the development of Proto-Christianity from Judaism into Christianity to read. In the end, this will likely be formulated into "The Greatest Story NEVER Told" project. For now it is being sold as a separate text, as it has no direct place in the aforementioned book, as of yet. In any event, as i often hear about so many of these texts, "it is worth every penny." For Muslims, there is a secret alluded to herein about the word choice in the Qur'aanic naming of Moses. This, however, is only hinted at, and not explained within the text (though astute readers may pick up on it with no additional explanation needed). Order now for $9.99

"Existence Precedes Essence:" Comparing and Contrasting Mullaa Sadraa’s Metaphilosophy with the Existentialism of Jean-Paul Sartre A very interesting look into parallels between the philosophies of Mullaa Sadraa, of the 16th Century, recognized by many as the most brilliant and influential Muslim philosopher in the last thousand years, and the later movement of the Existentialists in the 20th century, and especially the most influential philosopher of this school, Jean-Paul Sartre. Definitely a great read, and recommended to any who have studied either school. Order now for $6.99

Beyond E.DIN: Exploring the Origins of Genesis in Early Mesopotamian Religion This is one of two articles i wrote for a class that dealt with Biblical parallels in early Mesopotamian religion(s). i named it after a series of texts i banged out a decade ago while working as a security supervisor at P&G's animal torture facilities. Order now for $6.99

The Legacy of Abraham the Hebrew: Migration, Dissemination and Unity of the Eber and Arab lines Often, many Abrahamic religious paradigms (Jewish, Christian and Muslim alike) seek to divide and to claim exclusive property of Abraham, but this essay explains in depth the true universality of the Abrahamic path and of the Hebrews as a people. Explores the origins of these people, where they got their name, the biblical and extra-biblical evidence, connects Abraham with Hinduism, Zoroastrianism, and more. Of all times, this is needed most today, when those who claim to be heirs of Abraham seem to have forgotten their common spiritual heritage, and in some cases, most never even knew about it to begin with! This article spits open the clear truth with shocking evidence. This is a must-read for any heir to Abraham's path. The text explores the meaning (and differences), between Hebrew and the latter "Children of Israel" and "Jew." Also explores various Mesopotamian records of the Hebrews of both Isaaci and Ishmaeli lines. Order now for $6.99

Proof of the Divine Empirically Reasoning the Existence of a CONSCIOUS Higher Power This is a fairly short text written a few years back when i somehow got talked into tabling at a lot of shows. Having to reiterate my position on how a conscious Supreme Power - which created and sustains the Universe within it's Mind - can be ascertained purely through reason and empiricism... well... got old. i wrote this so i could refer interested parties to it, and otherwise tell uninterested parties to read it or leave me alone. Order now for $6.99

"Talithah Kumi" This is a novelette based off of Fyodor Dostoyevsky's chapter of "Brothers Karamazov" (1879-1880), entitled "The Grand Inquisitor." Whereas Ivan and Alyosha were constructed of elements of Dostoyevsky's personality, the respective characters in Talithah Kumi are drawn from elements of my own personality and stages of development. The story is my exploration of a modern potentiality (even slightly futuristic), framing of the context which Dostoyevsky's nihilist Ivan developed. Order now for $6.99

Gun Control and Black Powerlessness i wrote this this text in one of the most influential courses i took as an Undergrad. The course was a "Religion and Diversity" requirement. Knowing this Professor Paul Griffin - author of "Seeds of Racism" - decided to really challenge the predominantly white Religious Studies majors. i ate this class up and received a rare A in the course and on the paper from Professor Griffin. The text is fairly self-explanatory, but is based on loads of information from primary sources which will both disgust and surprise you. If ever there is a need for a popular uprising, this text would be on the required reading list, fueling the necessary discontent to spark it. Order now for $6.99

The Greatest Story NEVER Told The culmination of a lifetime of research and no less than 12 years of concentrated effort, this book is the first phase in what will be the intended major writing of my career. There is nothing that presents as well documented, diverse and complete a picture of the life of the historical Jesus as do the tentative chapters of this text. Subscribe to the discussion group and receive all preliminary chapters now! $99.99

Self Cultivation in Philosophical-Speculative Daoism: Indications of Practical Methods in the Laozi and Zhuangzi Texts Many scholars of Chinese Religion tend to take an approach that divides the Philosophical-Speculative tradition of the Laozi and Zhuangzi era Daoist texts from that of later "religious" Daoism as epitomized in the T'ien Shr and T'aiping/Huang Jin Movement. Order now for $6.99

Virtue and the Way: Cultivating Flood-Like Qi Though this is one of the least expensive booklets from San Szu, it is perhaps the most important. The text covers detailed explanation of the Daodejing which is often overlooked, as well as the understanding the Daodejing by Mencius and the fundamental re-evaluation of the Laozi in light of the Mawangdui version and textual ordering, Related to this is the discussion of where morality fits into one's lifestyle when they seek to live in accordance with the Dao, and engage in alchemic practices of "Qi cultivation." Order now for $6.99 "Xi Sui" Qi Kung and Nei Kung for "Iron Crotch" Longevity Techniques This is a comprehensive guide and accompanying email support for the esoteric practice of "Xi Sui" Qi Kung. This practice involves attaching weight to the genitals, proper alignment, intentionality, breathing, visualization in synchronization with hanging and swinging the weight. Male and female methods are described herein (for women it is part of the "Jade Eggs" method). This booklet will take you through levels 1 and 2. Level 3 and 4 will be taught in a booklet due out in 2010. Order now for $299.99