Publications
Jesus, Buddha, Krishna and Lao Tzu: The Parallel Sayings
Divided
into thirteen subject areas, each chapter is introduced by the
author. The parallel sayings themselves are presented in four
columns across two face-to-face pages.
What Readers are Saying about Parallel Sayings:
“The Parallel Sayings is a priceless treasury of interfaith understanding that touches my heart. I add my prayers that this book will find its way too many open-hearted readers.” - Brother David Steindl-Rast, O.S. B., author (with Robert Aitken Roshi) of The Ground We Share
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“A much needed journey into the minds and hearts of the great prophets of our world; academic, yet heart-filled, stimulating and illuminating. At a time when too many use religion to separate, Parallel Sayings finds a way to join. This rare text answers many questions that others leave hanging, and touches the spirit as well as the mind. A book you will be proud and fulfilled to own and share.” - Alan Cohen, author of Chicken Soup for the Soul and A Deep Breath of Life
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“I was very much taken by the idea of this book when I first learned it was in the making, but the execution of it—the reality of it—is just wonderful. Its publication is a truly timely event, bound to nourish those who are soul-weary of combativeness in the name of religion.” - Carol Lee Flinders, Ph.D,, author of Enduring Lives: Portraits of Women and Faith in Action
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“Richard Hooper sends a powerful message that will be welcomed by all who seek the truth within, and within their own tradition. The Divine expresses itself wherever there is a transformed heart and open mind—no matter the culture, no matter the time. By venturing outside the circle of Christianity, as the author was prompted to do, we too find more that can feed us, more that illumines what we first learned so we can truly embrace the Divine as present in all, and everywhere.” - Jeffrey M. Cox, Snow Lion Publications
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“Great Souls are born among humankind to uplift them to higher consciousness, transformation and being. In this book, former minister Richard Hooper, M. Div. presents basic building blocks of world spirituality through the parallel sayings of Jesus , Buddha, Krishna and Lao Tzu. Here one finds our common thread in the universality of spirituality. World Peace might be achieved if we understood life and the divine as presented here.” - Adrian Ravarour, Ph.D., Bishop, American Catholic Church
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“Richard Hooper takes you beyond what the holy men said, and into the heart and mind that drove the likes of Gandhi, as he fell dead, blessing and forgiving the man who shot him, or Francis of Assisi tossing his clothes out the window and strolling out the back door naked to begin his quest for God. A man whose own spiritual intensity has taken him from renegade Lutheran pastor to the no-brand seek of truth he is today, Hooper can certainly irritate your comfort zones. One sometimes imagines that if James Dean, minus the cigarette, had been thoroughly educated in the great religions and a whole lot smarter, he might have been Richard Hooper.” - Larry Moffitt, Editor, ReligionAndSpirituality.com, United Press International; Vice President, the Washington Times Foundation
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“Richard’s comparative study beautifully shows us unity in diversity. In the spirit of the Gayatri Mantra – may this work illuminate our understanding and guide us to our goal.” - Mark Johnson, Vice-President Australian Association of Yoga in Daily Life.
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“We’ve come to a point in history where the boundaries among the world’s religions have become more transparent. In this great wake of change is a new understanding of a collective golden thread of consciousness running through all spiritual paths. In Jesus, Buddha, Krishna and Lao Tze: The Parallel Sayings, author Richard Hooper shatters any preconceived notions that there is only “one way” to enlightenment. Instead, he blazes a path of collective understanding beyond dogma toward finding the divinity within ourselves.” - Judy Martin, National Radio Journalist and founder of WorkLifeMonitor.com
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“I have often thought that an A-B-C Column comparison format of the teachings of these religious icons seemed ideal for presenting a quick understanding. Well, some things can’t be simplified, like “what’s the meaning of life?” Have you ever listened to a reading or a Gospel in church, and went, “Huh?” Just like Jesus, who taught in parables and metaphors, so do the others (with good reason as Hooper explains.) Fortunately, Hooper saves the day by clarifying the overarching issues for each chapter. It then becomes easier to stretch your imagination to see the common threads between the four teachings.
Don’t expect this to be a quick read—it is intended to be thought provoking and contemplative. I personally loved the twenty-seven page introduction which left me starving for more. I just need to take the book a chapter at a time and savor it. The book is a readable intellectual work covering a complex subject. Hooper has gone a long way toward de-mystifying some stuff that I’m sure still baffles religious scholars. Hooper also inserts a few provocative surprises – atta boy! Shake things up a bit.” - D. Sutton (Cape Cod, MA)
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“I loved this book. I will read and re-read it often. It makes comparisons among the wisdom based traditions so easy and places and places it in perspective.” - Gayle S. Graziano (Ormond Beach, FL)
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“What a wonderful book. I loved how it makes us realize that the different religions’ teachers are giving us the same message. The photos and illustrations are beautiful. This book would be a great gift for anyone with an interest in comparative religions.” - SSBD (AZ)
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“This beautiful book is much-needed. The profound parallel sayings are judiciously selected and demonstrate the universal insights of the major religions. The author’s commentary is searingly honest and totally unphony. We can’t think of a better holiday present for so many people on our list.” - E & W Rowe
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“What a gorgeous, meditative work of art this book is! Every time I sit down with it to read a section or two, I feel like I’ve gone on a personal tranquility retreat. I’m in awe of not only the parallels of wisdom between the world’s religious teachings, but how it was possible to find them all and bring them together. The stunning photography and author’s comments makes this book much more than a book of quotes and ancient teachings, but rather a beautiful perspective on why we are here in the world.” - JGF (USA/Panama)
The Crucifixion of Mary Magdalene: The Historical Tradition of the First Apostle and the Ancient Church’s campaign to Suppress It
Mary Magdalene, Jesus’ most faithful disciple and first apostle of Christianity
From the earliest days of Christianity, Mary Magdalene has been the subject of controversy, rumor and innuendo. Yet the historical Mary was neither a prostitute nor the wife of Jesus. The canonical Gospels are clear that Mary was Jesus’ most faithful disciple. She witnessed his crucifixion after all the male disciples had fled in fear. Shortly after Jesus died, Mary had a powerful experience of the living Jesus and, as a consequence, became the first apostle of Christianity. The Gnostic Gospels further claim that Mary was a leader, teacher, visionary, and especially favored by Jesus because of her holiness.
Pope Gregory the Great… and scandalizing Mary
But while it was the sixth century Pope, Gregory the Great, who scandalized Mary by reinventing her as a penitent sinner, the patriarchs of orthodoxy had been taking measure to conceal the truth about Mary Magdalene since the beginning of Christianity itself. Why did the Church find Mary so dangerous? The Crucifixion of Mary Magdalene answers this question through a careful study of Christian origins and a detailed analysis of all of the canonical, apocryphal and Gnostic Gospels in which Mary Magdalene appears—including The Gospel According to Mary.
What Readers are Saying about The Crucifixion of Mary Magdalene:
“Timely, insightful, accessible correction to the DaVinci Code.”
“Richard Hooper brilliantly writes a thorough
overview of what is known about Mary Magdalene, complete with
extensive references to the original extensive references to the
original documents, a “glossary” of names, terms and sources, and an
extensive subject index.
“ With
rigorous attention to detail and
accuracy, Hooper presents the beauty, vision, and leadership of Mary
as apostle, restoring her to her rightful place at Jesus’ side
and, in the process, returning to us the divine feminine in
Christianity prior to Mary’s erasure and corruption by patriarchy.
“ Hooper
shows us with great depth and sensitivity
Mary’s spiritual maturity and wisdom as a teacher in her own right,
while providing a sense of the essence of Mary’s relationship with
Jesus. The style and
presentation is quite accessible and a good read.
Still, his critical attention to
detail and cultural/comparative contexts speaks, as well, to the
scholar of Christianity, World Religions, and women’s studies.
For me, as a cultural anthropologist, his thorough attention
to relevant contexts is one of the book’s strongest points.
For example, he addresses some of the commonalities between
early Christianity and Hinduism, shared as the basis of all Mystery
Religions and traditions of ancient wisdom.
“While humorous, outspoken, even radical in his interpretation, Richard Hooper’s work is theoretically and substantively consistent with that of the most prominent scholars in the field. It is a must-read by the lay person and scholar alike interested in the life of Mary Magdalene. The book was a powerful one for me, personally, as well as academically, as Hooper returned to me the Jesus of my childhood, who did not discriminate on the basis of class or gender, but preached only love.” —Deborah L. Neff, Ph.D.
~~~
“This is a well written and thought
provoking book . . . Hooper offers a well written and well
documented discussion of early Christianity and the possible role of
Mary Magdalene as an early leader of an alternate movement.
He dissects the canonical Gospels and the apocryphal
literature from a structural and textual point of view, and offers
some interesting interpretations for many of the unusual passages.
Hooper believes that there is some
evidence to suggest that first century Christian sects were devoted
to women’s issues and had women leaders.
He gleans his evidence from several sources, and
attempts to put together a picture of this sect which, over time,
disappeared not only in fact, but also in memory.
It’s a reasonable theory and
Hooper has more than enough evidence to put forth the case.”
—Dr. James Gardner
~~~
“This
book is an excellent resource of information about the many faces of
Mary Magdalene. Written with expertise, Richard Hooper’s
insightful analysis is a solid contribution to the dialogue on Mary
that is rapidly attracting the attention of mainstream theologians.
History, religion, spirituality and mysticism are equally
represented.” —Robert
W. Graff, Ph.D.
~~~
“Richard Hooper has laid open the seminal roots of patriarchy through his scholarly restoration of Mary Magdalene’s rightful place in history. The implication of Richard’s conclusions are huge and outrageously accurate—women have inspired the faith of men!
“But beyond the restoration of the original
character of Mary Magdalene, Richard
uncovers the essence of her teachings and exposes the essential
realm of feminine divinity within spirituality.
I am so grateful for his contribution.” —Susan Rangitsch, Ed.D.
The Gospel of the Unknown Jesus
The Secret Teachings of Jesus from the
Apocryphal and Gnostic Gospels
Jesus’ lost teachings in one single
volume
During the fourth and fifth centuries of the Common Era—in an attempt to wipe out heresy—hundreds of early Christian texts were destroyed by order of the Roman emperor, Constantine, and the bishops of the Church of Rome.
Thought to have been lost for all time, many of these “heretical” gospels, epistles, apocalypses and apocryphons (hidden books) have been rediscovered during modern times. Other non-canonical texts survived history in whole, or in fragmentary form, and became part of the New Testament Apocrypha. Fragments of still other lost works survived in the form of quotations found in the writings of the early Church fathers.
Now for the first time ever, the most
profound and eloquent of Jesus’ lost teachings from thirty-four of
these texts (as well as many isolated sayings attributed to him)
have been brought together in a single volume.
In mystical language reminiscent of
The Wisdom of Mary Magdalene
(Inspirational card deck and
guidebook)
Explaining how Mary Magdalene can be seen as a role model for our contemporary lives would be challenging without giving some of Mary’s historical background first. Equally important in the creation of this card deck and guidebook are meaningful observations from my own personal life. The 36 images in this deck are paired with various quotes which have been attributed to Mary Magdalene from many different sources. The guidebook itself serves as a container to offer wisdom and guidance for each image that will inspire your own answers and the truths that you seek. We are all heroes on life’s journey, and the teachers and experiences show up exactly when we are ready for them.
Thank you for being part of my journey, Sharon Hooper
Brief History of Mary Magdalene
The false image of Mary Magdalene as a penitent sinner saved by Jesus cannot be found in the Gospels of the New Testament. It is a product of rumor and innuendo that resulted from a sermon given by Pope Gregory in the sixth century when he combined the figures of Mary Magdalene, Mary of Bethany and the “sinful woman” found in Luke’s Gospel. Even though it is entirely false, this sexually charged slander against Mary Magdalene has persisted for fourteen centuries, and has been the basis for how Mary Magdalene is often portrayed in modern media.
The
Gospels of the New Testament are very clear about who Mary Magdalene
was:
a
prominent disciple of Jesus who witnessed his crucifixion after all
the
male disciples had fled in
fear for their own lives.
In the “Gnostic” Christian Gospels, Mary was revered as an important teacher and a visionary to whom Jesus conveyed his most important teachings. Mary was especially beloved by Jesus, not because she was a woman, but because she was the most spiritually advanced of all his disciples.
In the Gospel According to Mary (Magdalene), Mary is portrayed as a spiritual adept who takes Jesus’ place after he leaves the disciples for the last time. She becomes the community’s teacher since she alone had been gifted with Jesus’ secret teachings. Like Jesus, she comforts those who are grieving for their loss and encourages the faith of the other disciples.
Following Mary’s Path
Growing up in a strict Methodist household in
As my life’s journey revealed itself step by
step, I began to unfold in countless dimensions and found truth in
many ways, and especially in women’s community.
It is here, in working and playing with other women, that my
life might be seen to intersect with the path of Mary Magdalene, as
a seeker of truth and wisdom, and as a teacher in women’s community.
Incorporating Mary’s lessons into our
daily lives
These
are a few examples of how Mary’s teachings can guide you in your
modern day life.
FAITH: Mary believed! She was always at the side of Jesus. After Jesus was arrested, all the males fled, fearing for their own lives. Mary stayed.
How do you use your faith?
What is your core belief that gives you strength?
VISIONARY: Many scholars agree now that without Mary’s vision of Jesus ascending, that there would be no Easter. She alone was the witness who ran to the disciples, and finally convinced them of the ascension.
What
are your visions? Do you
have the conviction to follow your dreams and visions, even though
others may not agree with you?
TEACHER:
Mary was often a member of a small and select group of
disciples who asked Jesus questions.
In the
How are you a teacher to others and to yourself?
HERO / HEROINE: Not only is Mary an archetype of the divine feminine, but she accepted the role as heroine: she accepted the call to adventure, she went forth with bravery and courage, she faced risks and perils and, as a result, she was transformed. She became enlightened. We are also, all of us, on our hero’s journey. We meet all of the criteria for being heroes!
How do you create the “knowing” that you are a hero?
Using The Wisdom of Mary Magdalene card
deck
There are three original layouts in the guidebook: The Halo of Love, The Cross and Four Virtues.
You might want to ask yourself a question, draw one card, and then reflect on how the card and the contemporary translation applies to your situation.
You can start your day by thinking about what is coming up for you in the moment, picking a card and then considering how the words might guide you through the day.
Perhaps you and a friend or coworker might be looking for mutual guidance. Place your hands over each others and be led to the card which will give you magical insights.
Accessing the wisdom of Mary and all
women
As you enter into the spirit of Mary’s world, you might be aligned with your own connection to past and present. Broad questions you might wish to consider are:
As a seeker, student, spirit mother, courageous pilgrim—how will the
words contained
within the deck help you on your brave journey?
How do you see your own feminine divinity?
How is it expressed?
Are there similarities in Mary’s life and yours?
If so, what are they?
Are you willing to step into your higher consciousness, knowing that you
have viewed
a specific image to help you in
reaching beyond your own boundaries?
The Wisdom of Mary Magdalene
can help you:
-
Explore the true purpose of your life
-
Create a new awareness in making important decisions
-
Design a life that brings you fulfillment
-
Envision steps that lead to your dream or goal in life
In
closing, know that I am passionate about your success in life and
business!
Mary’s
presence in my life has given me a stronger spiritual foundation in
which to be the best possible life coach and holistic business
consultant.
Many of
my clients wish to use this card deck when we do “Vision Mappings”.
If you would like to know more about this specialty, my other
professional services or information about Mary Magdalene workshops,
please visit my website www.VisionJourneys.com