Amidst the many voices clamoring to interpret the environmental crisis, some of the most important are the voices of religious traditions. Long before modernity's industrialism began the rape of Earth, premodern religious and philosophical traditions mediated to untold generations the wisdom of living as a part of nature. These traditions can illuminate and empower wiser ways of postmodern living. The original writings of Worldviews and Ecology creatively present and interpret worldviews of major religious and philosophical traditions on how humans can live more sustainably on a fragile planet. Contributors include Charlene Spretnak, Larry Rasmussen, Noel Brown, Jay McDaniel, Tu Wei-Ming, Thomas Berry, David Ray Griffin, J. Baird Callicott, Eric Katz, Roger E. Timm, Robert A. White, Christopher Key Chapple, Brian Swimme, Brian Brown, Michael Tobias, Ralph Metzner, George Sessions, and Mary Evelyn Tucker and John Grim. Insights from traditions as diverse as Jain, Jewish, ecofeminist, deep ecology, Christian, Hindu, Bahai, and Whiteheadian will interest all who seek an honest analysis of what religious and philosophical traditions have to say to a modernity whose consciousness and conscience seems tragically narrow, the source of attitudes that imperil the biosphere.

Published to coincide with Mother Teresa's expected canonization in early September 2016

Curation is a term usually used in the art world for the role of imagining and overseeing an exhibition or art experience. However the word is now being adopted by people in alternative worship, as it affords a very different and inventive way of thinking about how to lead a service or praise event. Rather than simply presiding over liturgy or fronting a band, curation involves negotiating between institutions and artists and making do with what is to hand to create something brilliant. The hope is that moments of epiphany will be experienced as God is invited to be and breathe in the space, and people make connections with their own lives and stories. Curating Worship is in two parts. The first considers the kind of thinking, skills and disciplines involved in good curation. The second consists of in depth interviews, which tease out from people who have curated amazing worship experiences around the world, the ideas and theories behind their approaches and the practical processes involved.

A significant and growing number of churches are using the principles of Mission Action Planning (MAP). This volume argues the case for producing a high-quality plan, describes the practical steps involved, offers real-life examples, and provides evidence of the effectiveness of the process. It is based on research conducted in several dioceses of the Church of England - at diocesan and parish levels. 'The 'MAP' process is well described by Mark Ireland and Mike Chew in this excellent book and I am enormously grateful that they have taken the time and the care to enquire more deeply both into the process and some of the outcomes now in a number of Dioceses.' Lord Hope of Thornes KCVO

Africa is a continent of striking contrasts, with remarkable diversity and beauty of landscape and peoples. At present, it is a region where the Christian faith shows unprecedented growth and vitality. Yet it is also a place of unparalleled suffering. African believers must grapple with the awesome transformation presence of Christ and the frequently devastating conditions in which he appears. Their efforts to reconcile this seeming incongruity have initiated important theological discussions that have resonated around the globe. This book provides an ideal introduction to the wealth of African theologies and the major questions they raise. Topics range from biblical interpretation to spirituality and ethics, from Pentecostalism and African Instituted Churches to evil and suffering, from feminist theory to Christian identity and ethnicity. The broad range of reflections includes seminal essays by prominent theologians as well as new material written specifically for this volume. All the contributions have been shaped to be accessible at an introductory level. Study questions at the end of each chapter are designed to stimulate original thought to allow the reader to reflect personally on contemporary ideas and participate in discussion.

Sometimes Christians assume that people 'out there' are eager to listen to what the Church has to offer. But why should those we try to evangelize want to hear the gospel? Surely people will only be intrigued by Christian life and community when they see something provocative or attractive. Then they will want to know what's going on."The Provocative Church" offers a liberating understanding of evangelism as a corporate activity, in which all the gifts needed to enact the life of the Kingdom - to stir people into asking, 'What does this mean?' - are spread throughout the whole Church. It encourages the development of a theology of conversion that sees beyond 'becoming a Christian' to bring each individual life increasingly under the rule of God.

Key selling points: Issues surrounding euthanasia and assisted dying continue to hit the headlines with strong feelings on both sides Makes a significant and controversial contribution to an important and current debate Endorsements from Mary Warnock, Hans Kung and John Polkinghorne Paul Badham is a Patron of Dignity in Dying and Vice-President of the Modern Churchpeople's Union and often speaks to the media on this topic.

As a minister or pastoral worker it is highly likely that, at some stage in your ministry, you will find yourself caring for people with psychiatric problems and their families. "The Pastoral Care of People with Mental Health Problems" provides an invaluable resource to help you provide the best care for those suffering from the most common problems, such as: depression, Alzheimer's disease, anorexia, addiction to drugs or alcohol, post-traumatic stress disorder, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and anti-social personality disorder.As well as outlining the main psychiatric conditions and their treatments, the particular issues facing pastoral workers are examined and some of the ethical issues involved are discussed. Using a wealth of pastoral illustrations, the book offers practical advice and guidance for the care of individuals and families who find their lives turned upside down by psychiatric illness. It addresses questions such as: How can I help the family of a young girl who cuts herself? What is the difference between depression and an abnormal grief reaction? And how can I distinguish between a symptom of mental illness and genuine religious revelation? In cases of severe mental illness it will be necessary to work alongside medical, nursing and social work staff, and guidance on how to do this effectively is given.

Covers an ageing society, theories of ageing, images of old age, the religious and spiritual needs of older people, older people and memory, sexuality, diminishment, worship with older people, life learning, retirement, housing, politics and social policy, successful ageing. Each chapter includes exercises for further reflection. And the notes point to further reading.

In "The Warriors and the Bankers", the research and writing team of Alan Butler and Stephen Dafoe bring their combined experiences to bear on the question asked for hundreds of years, What became of the Knights Templar? Arrested in 1307, dissolved in 1312 and executed by 1314, the Templars have been the subject of many theories concerning their possible survival. This book examines these theories against new evidence and information. Additionally the authors put forth, for the first time, a completely new theory that has caught the ears, eyes and attention of many readers. The ultimate conclusion is that the Templars did survive, virtually intact and that in a very direct sense, they may still be one of the most potent forces at work in the world at the start of the new Millennium. "The Warriors and the Bankers" is eminently readable and is intended for both the serious student of Templarism or simply the interested observer.

Suitable for incumbents who oversee the first years of ministry of a junior colleague. This book, with in a church context, offers material which has been developed in secular fields, as well as the best practice already happening in the Church.

Mark Yaconelli is co-director of the Youth Ministry and Spirituality Project, which over the last 8 years has gathered together churches and youth ministers from across North America to explore contemplative prayer, discernment, spiritual direction, covenant community, spiritual practice and Sabbath-living as a way of resourcing ministries with youth. This book offers some of the experience, teaching, praying and thinking behind the project.

This book explores the ways in which preachers embody their messages - in their own person, in the words they use, in employing objects, pictures, the arts and the responses of those hearing the sermon. Suitable for most theological traditions, Embodying the Word is aimed at a broad range of Christian denominations. Although related to the author's previous work, A Preaching Workbook, this volume will be complementary.

The end of Christendom, where the Christian story was known and the church was central, invites Christians in western culture to embrace marginality and discover fresh ways of being church and engaging in mission. While the transition from modernity to postmodernity has received a huge amount of attention, the shift from Christendom to post-Christendom has not yet been fully explored. This book is an introduction; a journey into the past, an interpretation of the present and an invitation to ask what following Jesus might mean in the strange new world of post-Christendom. Drawing on insights from the early Christians, dissident movements and the world church, this book challenges conventional ways of thinking. For those who dare to imagine new ways of following Jesus on the margins, it invites a realistic and hopeful response to challenges and opportunities awaiting us in the 21st century.

Brahana Selassie is a priest in the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, and here gives an account of Ethiopia's national Church from its origins in biblical times to the present century. Drawing extensively on both biblical and academic sources, 'Towards a Fuller Vision' describes the controversies that have raged within the Church, and its constant struggle for the independent existence it has now achieved.

We are living in the Business Age. The historic role of nation states is rapidly being replaced by the corporation. Like never before, Christian business leaders have the chance to play a pivotal role in transforming society and spreading the gospel. But seizing this opportunity requires thinking differently about God, about his kingdom, about his purposes in the world, and about business.

While some Christian professionals dream of being “freed from business” to go into the ministry or see business as enemy territory to be invaded for Christ, others are convinced that Christian principles simply don’t work in the “real world.” In Business as Mission, Michael Baer challenges each of these positions.

He rejects the unbiblical thinking that ministry and business are by definition separate activities — that our lives can be compartmentalized into the sacred and secular. Instead he guides business leaders in developing the vital characteristics of a kingdom business — the kind of business that will free them to live fully integrated lives and lead organizations that significantly impact the world.

Are You Ready For True And Lasting Freedom? The Freedom In Christ Course is designed to help every Christian become a fruitful disciple and make their life count. It has been an effective resource for Christians of all backgrounds, from those who have been believers for many years to those who are brand-new followers of Jesus. Over 350,000 people have gone through the curriculum in English, and it has been translated into over 25 languages. Some of the areas covered in the course include: * how we became brand-new people from the inside out when we became Christians * why we can go boldly into God's presence any time we like without fear * how nothing we do can make God love us any more or any less * how to resolve the effects of even the deepest issues from the past * how to deal with repeating patterns of sin * understanding what God's purpose for your life is (it may not be what you think!) This Participant's Guide is designed to accompany you through the course. You may also wish to download the Freedom In Christ app that will accompany you on your journey. Dr. Neil T. Anderson is the founder and president emeritus of Freedom In Christ Ministries. Dr. Anderson and his wife live in Franklin, Tennessee. For more information see www.ficm.org or www.ficminternational.org. Steve Goss is international director of Freedom in Christ Ministries. Under his leadership the ministry has gone from operating in 7 countries to operating in nearly 40 countries. He lives in Berkshire, England, with his wife, Zoe, and two daughters.

The Salvation Army is nowadays viewed with fondness, but William Booth's evangelical crusade of the 1880s and early 1890s sparked violent riots led by an opposition group, the Skeleton Army. These riots caused destruction to property, injury to many people and, on occasion, loss of life. Spreading across the South and West of England, the Skeleton Army's aim was to eject Salvationists from their towns. Rather than facing repercussions themselves, however, it was often the peaceful parading Salvationists who were imprisoned. In With God on Their Side, James Gardner follows the spread of violence in the context of the popular conservatism of late-Victorian England, with close study of particular towns creating a rich tapestry of historical narrative that will be of interest to scholars and enthusiasts alike. The motives and actions of both groups are considered, along with the subsequent shift in the Salvation Army's focus towards social welfare. It is this shift that enabled the organisation to grow into the treasured charity we know today, and helped transform William Booth from one of the most vilified men of the nineteenth century into its saint.