Until 1492, Christianity was totally unknown to the indigenous peoples of the Americas. Although the Native Americans already had long-established religious cultures of their own, the arrival of the Christian Europeans made an extremely significant impact on their lives: over the following five centuries, millions of American Indians would come to identify themselves as Christians. Roman Catholicism, and, in terms of numbers of self-identified American Indian Catholics, Catholicism has remained the dominant Christian religion among Indian peoples -- for better or worse.

On the Padres' Trail begins with the arrival of Europeans in the New World and the invasion of the Caribbean, from which author Christopher Vecsey traces the expansion of Catholicism into New Spain. He devotes special attention to the history of the Catholic faith and institutions among the Pueblo peoples of New Mexico. particularly in the years since the establishment of the Archdiocese of Santa Fe. Then he turns his attention to the history and effects, both good and bad, of the Catholic missions among the Indians of California. In the final section of the book, he details the history of the judgments made about Catholic missionizing in California (and, by extension, all of New Spain) and closes with the sometimes critical perspectives of contemporary Native American Catholics regarding the padres who first brought Catholicism to their ancestors.

On the Padres' Trail, the first volume in Professor Vecsey's three-volume American Indian Catholics series, is an invaluable additon to current scholarship on the history of the Catholic Church and to the field of Native American studies.

The Greatest Lie Ever Told takes the reader on a historical voyage, using wit and logic to reveal the evidence of research that no one wanted you to see. The author reveals that Egypt had a monotheistic religion, not one with a pantheon of gods, gives the evidence to explain the Exodus, traces the Old and New Testaments back to Egypt, explains why most of the characters in the Old Testament are fictitious, shows that the original Jews did not migrate to a 'Promised Land, ' they were always there. Jews, Christians and Muslims have been grossly mislead about their religions. All three were perverted from their shared origins, by politics, avarice and greed. The greatest of these perversions is Christianity. Academics knew the truth but dared not publish it. Church leaders knew the truth about Jesus but lied to hide it. They know that Christianity is one of many monotheistic religions based on an identical theme and they carried out a ruthless and bloodthirsty campaign which has failed to eradicate the truth. The author proves his allegations, presents truth not speculation and shows where the future path of the Church must lie. The Greatest Lie Ever Told isn't some vague conjecture, it is a fact.

Every time a pastor goes to a new church, they form hopes, dreams, and expectations - without necessarily realizing it - for the progress and growth of their new ministry. Not only do these pastors have to transition into a new congregation and community, but they also have to think about building strong relationships with other influential people in the area. Almost every day, pastors of new churches face unexpected hardships and challenges. Some of the issues are financial mismanagement from their predecessor, moral or ethical misbehavior, or unresolved conflict that has just been suppressed long enough to find a new pastor. The fact is, pastors of new churches need guidance. The First 100 Days is for these pastors who need some guidance and insight to help them lead with godly wisdom and purpose during the first few months.

Responsibility is routinely overlooked, manipulated, and oversimplified. In Scandalous Obligation, Eric Severson explores the scope of Christian responsibility. This book delves into the slippery nature of obligation, the dilemma of competing calls for justice, and the perilous temptation to dismiss or avoid responsibility. Using examples from popular culture Severson casts an expansive and often daunting vision of responsibility that challenges the status quo.This book presses readers to consider the many complications that arise when Christians begin to understand the extent of their responsibility for the suffering that abounds in the world. It explores how Christians are to turn this approach to responsibility toward the clouds of injustice and pain that hang over our world today. With a brilliant use of Scripture, illustrations, and insights from classical literature and philosophy, Eric Severson makes us aware in this book that sin is not simply the breaking of rules, but is living with indifference to the needs of others when confronted by those needs.'--Tony CampoloProfessor Emeritus of Sociology, Eastern UniversityAuthor, Adventures in Missing the Point, Red Letter Christians In an era when so many Christians confuse their ethics with their politics, Severson summons the followers of Christ to once again take note of the 'alien at the gate.' Scandalous Obligation is a disturbing wake-up call to a church grown self-absorbed and complacent.'--Karl GibersonVice President, BioLogos FoundationCo-author, The Language of Faith and Science

Homosexuality, social drinking, and politics . . .Why is it so hard to talk about these topics and others like them in the church? What keeps us from having open and honest conversations about complex and controversial issues? The silence in the pews about these matters can be deafening. Often members say little, fearing disagreement and rebuttal, others strongly assert half-truths and biases. Nothing gets truly discussed, and many, especially the youth, become discouraged and leave.A Charitable Discourse insightfully explores why this happens, looking closely at the ways people avoid and prevent authentic dialog, from labeling and grandstanding to religious abuse. Seven controversial issues are discussed with understanding, sincerity, and compassion.

This book explores the art of conversation, and the process of good listening and counseling. Right From the Start: A Pastor's Guide to Premarital Counseling is a guide for pastors and counselors to help couples prepare for and succeed in married life, not just pass a test. It discusses the five main points of discussion covered in the companion piece, Right From the Start: A Premarital Guide for Couples.Counselors will learn that it is okay to say no to a couple, because the point is to help the couple find out if they are actually compatible. Marriage is for life, and it is your duty as a counselor to advise couples who realize that.Through story-telling, David and Lisa Frisbie open up the doors for couples to hash out their ideas, differences, and misunderstandings before anyone is hurt in the future. It's better to prevent harm rather than trying to heal the hurt.