Bøker av Mark Jennings

This book relates the unique experiences of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer/Questioning (LGBTQ+) people in Australian Pentecostal-Charismatic Christian churches. Grounded in the theoretical contributions of Michel Foucault, Judith Butler, Lewis Coser, and others, the book exposes the discursive ¿battleground¿ over the ¿truth¿ of sex which underlies the participants¿ stories. These rich and complex narratives reveal the stakes of this conflict, manifested in ¿the line¿ ¿ a barrier restricting out LGBTQ+ people from full participation in ministry and service. Although some participants related stories of supportive¿if typically conservative¿congregations where they felt able to live out an authentic, integrated faith, others found they could only leave their formerly close and supportive communities behind, ¿counter-rejecting¿ the churches and often the faith that they felt had rejected them.

Secret Son of a Legend is a captivating novel penned by the talented Mark Jennings. Published in 2023 by Austin Macauley Publishers, this work of fiction delves into the depths of family secrets and the power of heritage. As the title suggests, the book revolves around a protagonist who unexpectedly discovers he is the son of a legend. The narrative is filled with suspense and intrigue, keeping readers on their toes as they unravel the truth alongside the main character. This book is a must-read for anyone who enjoys thrilling narratives and complex character dynamics. The genre of the book is a blend of mystery and drama, making it a compelling read for a wide audience. Mark Jennings' meticulous storytelling and Austin Macauley Publishers' commitment to quality literature ensure that Secret Son of a Legend is a book that will leave a lasting impression on its readers.

Based on two richly described case studies - a Pentecostal worship service and popular music festival - this book draws on sociology, theology and religious studies in order to understand the significance of ecstatic experience in these contexts. Interviews with performers in both settings, together with detailed first person accounts of worship services and live performances, combine to create a picture of the role of music, performance and space in catalysing ecstasy. Drawing on the work of thinkers as diverse as Michel Foucault, Emile Durkheim, Victor Turner and Friedrich Schleiermacher, this book demonstrates that religious and non-religious disciplines, paradigms and understandings can work in a complementary fashion to help us understand the significance of phenomena such as music and ecstatic experience. Ultimately, the argument put forward in the book is that ecstatic experience takes place in both religious and secular settings and is best understood by both theistic and non-theistic approaches, working together. The ecstatic experience common to both contexts is theorised as 'proto-religious phenomena' - the kernel from which religion may develop.