The magnitude of the problem of environmental degradation and climate change requires a complete rethinking and reorienting of our way of being in the world. Responding to the environmental crisis requires not only a conversion of the will but even more fundamentally a transformation of the imaginationthat is, the capacity to think of other ways of being, thinking, and acting in the world. These essays, by a distinguished group of Catholic scholars, assess the gravity of the situation and offer resources from the biblical and theological traditions for the necessary mobilization of will and the conversion of our imaginations.

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.

The murder in 2005 of an American nun, Sister Dorothy Stang, focused the world's attention on the plight of poor farmers in the Brazilian Amazon and their struggles against rapacious developers. Sister Dorothy had worked in Brazil for forty years. From a conventional nun in the pre-Vatican II era, she had developed a keen social conscience and, increasingly, a deep, mystical commitment to the integrity of Creation. These ideals combined in her advocacy for the rights of the poor and her defense of the imperiled rain forest. They also earned her the enmity of land-grabbing ranchers who repeatedly threatened her. "All I ask," she wrote, "is God's grace to help me keep on this journey, fighting for the people to have a more egalitarian life and that we learn to respect God's creation."

What the Bible reveals about the European Union.

Published in book form for the first time, Thomas Merton's

Considers the relationship between Christianity and culture

Small churches can be found in every denomination and among every ethnic group but often these churches struggle to survive in the shadow of the larger churches around them. And many of these churches are afflicted with unhealthy issues such as feelings of unimportance, a lack of vision, exclusivity, limited resources, and unbalanced leadership. It is because of these aliments that many churches fail to survive. But it is possible for an unhealthy church to become a healthy church capable of experiencing growth--both physically and spiritually. In his new book, The Healthy Small Church, small church pastor Dennis Bickers diagnoses the issues that threaten the life of the smaller church and prescribes practical remedies for treating these issues. He reminds churches that transformation and healing are never easy but always worth it. He emphasizes that to maintain a healthy church one must be aware of the symptoms and act accordingly to prevent new problems from arising. The Healthy Small Church offers pastors and church leaders a great diagnostic tool for small churches that want to be healthy and stay that way. It includes a number of diagnostic questions at the end of the book that they can use to determine the health of their church. Become a healthy church that: Has a positive self-image Shares a common vision that creates a sense of purpose and unity Maintains community while still warmly welcoming new visitors Practices the importance of faithful stewardship and financial support Understands ministry to be the responsibility of all the members of the church Encourages everyone to serve according to his or her spiritual gifts--not by seniority or guilt