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Books published by publisher OurRainbow Press

  • Quran: A Reformist Translation

    Edip Yuksel, Layth Saleh al-Shaiban, Martha Schulte-Nafeh

    Paperback (Brainbow Press, Aug. 16, 2007)
    • The Reformist Translation of the Quran offers a non-sexist and non-sectarian understanding of the divine text; it is the result of collaboration between three translators, two men and a woman. • It explicitly rejects the authority of the clergy to determine the likely meaning of disputed passages. • It uses logic and the language of the Quran itself as the ultimate authority in determining likely meanings, rather than ancient scholarly interpretations rooted in patriarchal hierarchies. • It offers extensive cross-referencing to the Bible and provides arguments on numerous philosophical and scientific issues. • It is God's message for those who prefer reason over blind faith, for those who seek peace and ultimate freedom by submitting themselves to the Truth alone. "A bold and beautiful translation that serves as a timely reminder to all believers that the Qur'an is not a static scripture, but a living, breathing, ever-evolving text whose sacred words are as applicable today as when they were first uttered by the Prophet Muhammad fourteen centuries ago." - Reza Aslan, PhD., CBS News Consult-ant; Author, No god but God: The Origins, Evolution, and Future of Islam. "A testament to the fact that faith need not suffocate reason. This is bound to be among the smartest of 'smart bombs' in the battle of ideas within Islam." - Irshad Manji, Fellow, Yale University and author, The Trouble with Islam Today: A Muslim's Call for Reform in Her Faith. "I completely agree with you in your rejection of the right of any group to arrogate to themselves the sole interpretation of the Quran.... Your effort is praiseworthy. Well done. Keep it up." - Kassim Ahmad, former president of Malaysian Socialist Party and head of Malaysian Quranic Society who was declared "apostate" by religious authorities for his controversial work on the Prophetic Traditions. "This translation is the best tool for those who want to understand the uncorrupted Message of Islam - justice and peace. This translation shows that the Quran is but the confirmation and continuation of God's system memorialized through Abraham, demonstrated in Torah through numerous prophets, and in the Hebrew Gospel through Ye-shu'a/Jesus, the righteous of God. This translation is a message of peace, justice and judgment..." - Gershom Kibrisli, theologian and communal leader, The Karaim of the Early Hebrew Scriptures, Holy Land & Benelux. "This Reformist Translation of the Quran and its ancillary materials should begin many conversations, between and among Muslims and non-Muslims alike. In many parts of the Muslim world this is a dangerous discussion, and sometimes that danger can reach well into the West, as evidenced by the 1990 fatwa-inspired murder of Rashad Khalifa in Tucson, Arizona. It is an important discussion, however, and the editors of this book have assumed this risk to argue for a perspective that sets violence aside both in discourse and living. One can imagine that a broader adoption of their perspective across the Muslim world would reduce strife and invite greater examination of Islam by non-Muslims as something other than a threat. It would expand the conversation." - Mark V Sykes Ph.D. J.D. Director, Planetary Science Institute. "Very Interesting and Timely" - Riffat Hassan, Ph.D. Professor of Religious Studies and Humanities at the University of Louisville, Kentucky. A pioneer of feminist theology in the context of the Islamic tradition. "Quran: A Reformist Translation is also unique because it is the product of collaboration between two key figures in the pre-sent-day Qur'anist movement: Edip Yuksel and Layth Saleh al-Shaiban." - Aisha Y. Musa, PhD, Professor of Islamic Studies, Florida International University; author of An Examination of Early and Contemporary Muslim Attitudes toward Hadith as Scripture (Doctoral Dissertation, Harvard University, 2004).
  • Quran: a Reformist Translation

    Edip Yuksel, Martha Schulte-Nafeh, Layth Saleh al-Shaiban

    eBook (Brainbow Press, May 19, 2010)
    The Reformist Translation of the Quran offers a non-sexist understanding of the divine text; it is the result of collaboration between three translators, two men and a woman. It explicitly rejects the right of the clergy to determine the likely meaning of disputed passages It uses logic and the language of the Quran itself as the ultimate authority in determining likely meanings, rather than ancient scholarly interpretations rooted in patriarchal hierarchies. It offers extensive cross-referencing to the Bible and provides arguments on numerous philosophical and scientific issues. It is God's message for those who prefer reason over blind faith, for those who seek peace and ultimate freedom by submitting themselves to the Truth alone.A bold and beautiful translation that serves as a timely reminder to all believers that the Qur'an is not a static scripture, but a living, breathing, ever-evolving text whose sacred words are as applicable today as when they were first uttered by the Prophet Muhammad fourteen centuries ago. REZA ASLAN, CBS News Consultant; Author, No god but God: The Origins, Evolution, and Future of Islam.A testament to the fact that faith need not suffocate reason. This is bound to be among the smartest of 'smart bombs' in the battle of ideas within Islam. IRSHAD MANJI, Fellow, Yale University and author, The Trouble with Islam Today: A Muslim's Call for Reform in Her Faith. Every conversation begins with a single voice. This Reformist Translation of the Quran and its ancillary materials should begin many conversations, between and among Muslims and non-Muslims alike. In many parts of the Muslim world this is a dangerous discussion, and sometimes that danger can reach well into the West, as evidenced by the 1990 fatwa-inspired murder of Rashad Khalifa in Tucson, Arizona . It is an important discussion, however, and the editors of this book have assumed this risk to argue for a perspective that sets violence aside both in discourse and living. One can imagine that a broader adoption of their perspective across the Muslim world would reduce strife and invite greater examination of Islam by non-Muslims as something other than a threat. It would expand the conversation. - MARK V SYKES Ph.D. J.D. Director, Planetary Science Institute.Very Interesting and Timely - RIFFAT HASSAN, Ph.D. Professor of Religious Studies and Humanities at the University of Louisville, Kentucky. A pioneer of feminist theology in the context of the Islamic tradition. I completely agree with you in your rejection of the right of any group to arrogate to themselves the sole interpretation of the Quran. The Quran, being a book containing divine knowledge and wisdom, can only be understood progressively. It has to be interpreted anew by every generation and through a scientific methodology. Your effort is praiseworthy. Well done. Keep it up. - KASSIM AHMAD, former president of Malaysian Socialist Party and head of Malaysian Quranic Society who was declared apostate by religious authorities for his controversial work on the Prophetic Traditions. This translation is the best tool for those who want to understand the uncorrupted Message of Islam - justice and peace. This translation shows that the Quran is but the confirmation and continuation of God's system memorialized through Abraham, demonstrated in Torah through numerous prophets, and in the Hebrew Gospel through Yeshu'a/Jesus, the righteous of God. This translation is a message of peace, justice and judgment. I pray that the Reformist translation of the Quran will replace all others not only because it is the best but also because it is the closest to the original Arabic text. - GERSHOM KIBRISLI, theologian and communal leader, The Karaim of the Early Hebrew Scriptures, Holy Land & Benelux. --BrainBowPress
  • We Eat Food That's Fresh

    Angela Russ-Ayon, Cathy June

    Hardcover (OurRainbow Press, June 19, 2009)
    A whimsical chef introduces young children to fun food experiences that stir up their interest in fruits and vegetables. Join them as they pick from the garden, prepare in the kitchen, and relax by the shore. The chef wants the children to try something new, and they just might, before he s through. Easy rhymes and repetitive verses are combined with deliciously colorful pastel illustrations. This picture book comes with a companion song, audio book, and instrumental on CD
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  • Let's Potty!

    Bisa, John Floyd Jr.

    Board book (OurRainbow Press, Nov. 7, 2006)
    Teaching potty training can be a very trying time. This book helps children understand the routine of going to the potty from undressing, using the toilet to washing their hands. Every parent and educator can use this book to teach appropriate bathroom routines.
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  • Play With HEART

    Debbie Miller-Palmore, John Floyd Jr.

    Paperback (OurRainbow Press, )
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  • Neeko's Angel: A Story About Kindness

    Melanie Mims

    Paperback (OurRainbow Press, July 1, 2005)
    Neeko gets the chance to get even with his bully but learns the true meaning of kindness instead.
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  • I Like Dressing Up

    Elaine Collins, John Floyd Jr.

    Board book (OurRainbow Press, July 1, 2005)
    All children love to dress up. Sometimes the way they dress reflect real life events and sometimes it s just for fun. Here is a book that all children can relate to. Join these boys and girls as they dress up like adults, storybook characters and animals. The pictures will remind each of us of a time when we loved dressing up.
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  • My Parts Equal Me!

    Beverly C. Heath, John Floyd Jr.

    Board book (OurRainbow Press, July 1, 2005)
    Eyes, nose, mouth, hands, legs, and feet... are all presented in rhyme and pictures to help a child identify and learn their basic body parts.
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  • The Giving Me

    Lydia Criss Mays, Fran Battendieri

    Paperback (Our Rainbow Press, )
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  • See What I Can Do

    Elaine Collins, John Floyd Jr.

    Board book (OurRainbow Press, July 1, 2005)
    Most children take pride in showing what they can do. This book records special times that young children share with family and friends. The pictures on each page celebrate the accomplishments of children. Many are important benchmarks in every child s life. Read the book, then help a child explore and discover what they can learn to do.
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  • Neeko's Angel: A Story About Kindness

    Melanie Mims, John Floyd Jr.

    language (OurRainbow Press LLC, June 3, 2011)
    Neeko gets the chance to get even with his bully but learns the true meaning of kindness instead.
  • Counting with Colors

    Beverly C. Heath, John Floyd Jr.

    Board book (OurRainbow Press, July 1, 2005)
    Learning to count is fun when using brightly colored items and some interesting animal friends.
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