Candles In The Dark: A Treasury Of The World's Most Inspiring Parables [Paperback]

Todd Outcalt (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 2, 2002

Profound insight and wisdom from the world's great cultures, and religious traditions

"Through the use of a story, you can understand even the deepest truths." These words, taken from a Jewish parable, underscore the power of Candles in the Dark. This exquisite collection of profound and enlightening parables contains the wisdom and insight of the world's great religions, philosophies, and cultural traditions. In these stories, you'll find spiritual inspiration and practical guidance to help you cope with life's many problems and conflicts.

Christian and Buddhist, Jewish and Islamic, African and Native American, ancient and modern parables: these wonderfully diverse and entertaining stories address every aspect of life, from family issues to personal freedom, from money problems to the power of friendship. They will help you discover truth, beauty, and satisfaction within yourself and in the world around you. The lessons they teach will deepen your understanding of basic human and spiritual truths and increase your ability to:
* Live a life of faith, hope, and love
* Appreciate the beauty that surrounds you
* Embrace the freedom to live your life
* Seek and find guidance
* Discover strength in a virtuous life
* Encourage others who are in need

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

Profound insight and wisdom from the world’s great cultures, and religious traditions

"Through the use of a story, you can understand even the deepest truths." These words, taken from a Jewish parable, underscore the power of Candles in the Dark. This exquisite collection of profound and enlightening parables contains the wisdom and insight of the world’s great religions, philosophies, and cultural traditions. In these stories, you’ll find spiritual inspiration and practical guidance to help you cope with life’s many problems and conflicts.

Christian and Buddhist, Jewish and Islamic, African and Native American, ancient and modern parables: these wonderfully diverse and entertaining stories address every aspect of life, from family issues to personal freedom, from money problems to the power of friendship. They will help you discover truth, beauty, and satisfaction within yourself and in the world around you. The lessons they teach will deepen your understanding of basic human and spiritual truths and increase your ability to:

• Live a life of faith, hope, and love
• Appreciate the beauty that surrounds you
• Embrace the freedom to live your life
• Seek and find guidance
• Discover strength in a virtuous life
• Encourage others who are in need

About the Author

TODD OUTCALT is pastor of the University Heights United Methodist Church in Indianapolis, Indiana. He is the author of nine previous books, including Before You Say "I Do’’ and The Best Things in Life Are Free. Outcalt’s articles have appeared in many magazines, including Bride’ s , The Door, Leader, and Karamu.

Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Wiley; 1 edition (August 2, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0471435945
• ISBN-13: 978-0471435945
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.1 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.7 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,499,207 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great for quick reads., November 4, 2007

By 

Rachel "rkp1" (East Greenbush, NY, United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

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This review is from: Candles In The Dark: A Treasury Of The World's Most Inspiring Parables (Paperback)

I checked this book out of the library first, and then found I didn't want to part with it. Full of short little gems. I love parables to begin with - stories are a great teaching tool. This book has parables collected from various cultures around the world, on various topics. I'm a busy on-the-go person (like many of us), so picking it up for a quick story is a great way for me to get a thought for the day.

5.0 out of 5 stars Great book and resource!, September 6, 2010

By 

Anne R. Chida - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Candles In The Dark: A Treasury Of The World's Most Inspiring Parables (Paperback)

I have studied folklore and fables for over 38 years. I am also a minister and have studied parables in context of the Bible. I love parables and this book contains many that I had never heard. The author offers a brief explanation of his interpretation of each parable but they are each so deep that you could study one and see many different layers and meanings. It's an easy read also and I have used several of these parables in sermon preparation as well as in my private counseling practice. Great book!