Since 11th September 2001, religious formation and education have again been up for discussion. The challenges of contemporary society not only demand enlightenment in religious matters, but also require education in practical tolerance for dialogue to take place between religions, without suspending the issue of truth. In a critical evaluation of PISA and other studies, the book establishes how much latitude there really is in the relationship between Church and State under European law and the laws of the member-states, and puts forward proposals for a a oereligious literacya in Europe.

Since its 1885 debut, the Catechism commissioned by the Third Council of Bishops in Baltimore has instructed generations of Catholic faithful.
With an easy to read question and answer format, the Catechism combines solid Catholic doctrinal teaching with meaningful exposure to Scripture and practical application.
The revival of interest in the Baltimore Catechism reflects Catholics growing realization that a clear, concise presentation of the truths of the Faith is just what people young and old need to appreciate, practice and defend Church teaching. Catechists and parents will find this Catechism an invaluable teaching tool as they prepare children and catechumens to receive the Sacraments and lead authentic Catholic lives. Students will find this an uncomplicated and friendly guide to authentic Catholicism.
The 33 lessons contained in Baltimore Catechism No. 1 present the basics of the Catholic Faith in a manner suitable for First Communicants through fifth graders.
This is the original TAN edition of the Baltimore Catechism, with updated typesetting, fresh new cover, larger format, quality binding and the same trusted content.

Many children today arrive as teenagers at confirmation classes without a basic grasp of key Bible stories and Christian knowledge. Based on the author's own experience as a pastor and teacher, this book lists 100 essentials of biblical and Christian knowledge that all children should know before they are confirmed. Topics covered include: Bible basics; key Old Testament stories and characters; the 10 commandments; The New Testament; The Gospels; The life and teachings of Jesus; The early Church; worship and sacraments; world religions. For each item on the list, the author provides a brief description or explanation, followed by suggestions for exploring the subject with children and young people, including at confirmation level.

This Facilitator Guide offers a framework for using Living in an Icon as a series of exercises and community building practices for small groups in various settings, from weekend retreats or study series, to a 21-week extended practice.

Can you imagine your life without fear? In his book Fearless, Max Lucado offers hope and calm in a time of unprecedented fear in our nation and the world. Now Max's timeless messages are also available in discussion guide and DVD (each sold separately) that can be used for individual reflection or small-group discussion. Fearless draws from Jesus' encounters with people in frightening situations giving evidence that we can trust God through these scary times. In six sessions, Max takes a close look at our greatest fears and offers scripturally based reassurance and guidance through even the toughest moments of our lives. This discussion guide can be used for personal journaling or as a prompt for open-hearted discussions with your small group. Let Max Lucado show you how to find a sense of peace and security in today's troubled world. Sessions include: Why Are We Afraid? (8:00) Fear of Not Mattering (8:00) Fear of Disappointing God (9:00) Fear of Life's Final Moments (10:00) Fear of Global Calamity (10:30) Fear of God Getting Out of My Box (9:30) Designed for use with the Fearless Video Study (sold separately).

There's hope for childhood. Despite a perfect storm of hostile forces that are robbing children of a healthy childhood, courageous parents and teachers who know what's best for children are turning the tide. Johann Christoph Arnold, whose books on education, parenting, and relationships have helped more than a million readers through life's challenges, draws on the stories and voices of parents and educators on the ground, and a wealth of personal experience. He surveys the drastic changes in the lives of children, but also the groundswell of grassroots advocacy and action that he believes will lead to the triumph of common sense and time-tested wisdom. Arnold takes on technology, standardized testing, overstimulation, academic pressure, marketing to children, over-diagnosis and much more, calling on everyone who loves children to combat these threats to childhood and find creative ways to help children flourish. Every parent, teacher, and childcare provider has the power to make a difference, by giving children time to play, access to nature, and personal attention, and most of all, by defending their right to remain children.

Better understand the original meaning of Scripture for a deeper study of God's Word. Bring the words of Scripture to life and discover the richness and significance of the original languages of the Word of God. The KJV Word Study Reference Bible includes in-text subheadings and 2,000 easy-to-use word studies with select Hebrew, Aramaic and Greek words explained in every chapter from Genesis to Revelation. By looking into these ancient texts, we are able to read scripture as it was originally written and passed on from generation to generation. In addition, this Bible's Topic-by-Topic studies give a practical framework for understanding scripture, along with more helpful resources. Features include: Presentation page allows you to personalize this special gift by recording a memory or note Book introductions provide a concise overview of the background and historical context of the book about to be read 2,000 word studies illuminating the biblical language 21 chain-linked topical studies for better theological understanding and application Study the Book provides helpful notes for reading each book of the Bible Word study indices by Strong's number, by English word, and by book help you find Greek and Hebrew word studies Extensive cross-references drawing connections between texts Concordance provides an alphabetical listing of important passages by key words Words of Christ in red quickly identify verses spoken by Jesus 16 full-color maps show the layout of Israel and other biblical locations for better context Ribbon markers make it easy to navigate and keep track of where you were reading Clear and readable 9.5-point KJV Comfort Print (R)

Each summer, tens of thousands of American Jews attend residential camps, where they may see Hebrew signs, sing and dance to Hebrew songs, and hear a camp-specific hybrid language register called Camp Hebraized English, as in: "Let's hear some ruach (spirit) in this chadar ochel (dining hall)!" Using historical and sociolinguistic methods, this book explains how camp directors and staff came to infuse Hebrew in creative ways and how their rationales and practices have evolved from the early 20th century to today. Some Jewish leaders worry that Camp Hebraized English impedes Hebrew acquisition, while others recognize its power to strengthen campers' bonds with Israel, Judaism, and the Jewish people. Hebrew Infusion explores these conflicting ideologies, showing how hybrid language can serve a formative role in fostering religious, diasporic communities. The insightful analysis and engaging descriptions of camp life will appeal to anyone interested in language, education, or American Jewish culture.

It's possible to learn how to live with a faith that is so confident in God that it can't be shaken--even in the most unpredictable and chaotic times. In this five-session video Bible study, bestselling author and teacher Christine Caine invites you to move into a deeper intimacy with God than you have ever known--and let him heal your heart and take away your fear. Including video discussion questions, Bible exploration, and personal study material, Caine points out the way to developing a relentless faith so that the next time life throws you a curve ball--and life likely will--you will be able to navigate your way through, still living the adventure he planned for you...and maybe even a version of the adventure that's beyond what you could ever have imagined. Sessions include: Expect the Unexpected - Embracing God's control over our own. Unexpected People - Learning how to look and see what God is doing. An Unexpected Assignment - How God interrupts our carefully made plans and why. Unexpected Endings Bring New Beginnings - Focusing on what God has been up to in our lives. Unexpected Resurrection - Renewing our faith in the final hope. Many of us have been trained to fear the unexpected and want everything to be "under control," but God wants us to anticipate the unexpected with a faith-filled perspective rooted in trust. He has never been taken by surprise. This pack contains one study guide and one DVD.

Martina Kumlehn undertakes the first study of the chequered history of the reception accorded to St Johna (TM)s Gospel in 20th century conceptions of religious education; in five individual studies she describes an arc from liberal religious education to symbol didactics. The sixth study proposes its own approach to bible didactics which engages with Paul Ricoeura (TM)s narrative theory to take up the particular narratology of St Johna (TM)s Gospel and reflect on it didactically. Placed within the area of conflict between phenomenology and semiotics, St Johna (TM)s Gospel is presented as a school of perception and a catalyst for pluralist readings.

The 2013 Outreach Magazine Resource of the Year in Evangelism Everybody loves a good story. In an age when prepackaged gospel formulations leave people cold, well-told Bible stories can be used powerfully by God to touch people's hearts and draw them to himself. After ministry in both Western and non-Western contexts, church planter Christine Dillon has discovered that Bible storying is far more effective than most other forms of apologetics or evangelistic presentations. In fact, non-Christians actually enjoyed storying and kept coming back for more. Storying provides solid biblical foundations so listeners can understand, apply and respond to the gospel, and then go on to fruitful maturity in God's service. This book includes practical guidance on how to shape a good story, how to do evangelism through storying and how to lead Bible discussions. With particular insights for trainers and those working in crosscultural contexts, this guide provides you with concrete steps for sharing the Story that everyone needs to hear.

During times of rapid social and religious change, leadership rooted in tradition and committed to the future is the foundation upon which theological schools stand. Theological education owes itself to countless predecessors who paved the way for a thriving academic culture that holds together faith and learning. Daniel O. Aleshire is one of these forerunners who devoted his career to educating future generations through institutional reforms. In honor of Aleshire's decades of leadership over the Association of Theological Schools, the essays in this book propose methods for schools of various denominational backgrounds to restructure the form and content of their programs by resourcing their own distinctive Christian heritages. Four essayists, former seminary presidents, explore the ideas, doctrines, and ways of life in their schools' traditions to identify the essential characteristics that will carry their institutions into the future. Additionally, two academic leaders focus on the contributions and challenges for Christian schools presented by non-Christian traditions in a rapidly pluralizing landscape. Together, these six essays offer a pattern of authentic, innovative movement for theological institutions to take toward revitalization as they face new trials and possibilities with faithfulness and hope. This volume concludes with closing words by the honoree himself, offering ways to learn from and grow through Aleshire's legacy. Contributors: Barbara G. Wheeler, Richard J. Mouw, Martha J. Horne, Donald Senior, David L. Tiede, Judith A. Berling, Daniel O. Aleshire

This brief introduction to making effective arguments helps readers to understand the basics of sound reasoning and to learn how to use it to persuade others. Practical, inexpensive, and easy-to-read, the book enables students in a wide variety of courses to improve the clarity of their writing and public speaking. It equips readers to formulate firmly grounded, clearly articulated, and logically arranged arguments, avoid fallacious thinking, and discover how to reason well. This supplemental text is especially suitable for use in Christian colleges and seminaries and includes classroom discussion questions.

You read it. But do you understand it? While the Bible is the most famous book in history, it can be intimidating. Yet God's word is for us and all people. It is living and active and has the power to save, give life, and heal. Do we read the Bible attuned to the power of God's word? John W. Kleinig opens up the riches found in the Bible. He likens God's word to a lavish meal that nourishes and satisfies our souls. He shows us the centrality of Scripture to Christian faith--the word through which the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit speak with one voice to believers on Earth.

?Nos habla Dios hoy? Aunque la mayoria de nosotros podemos hablar con facilidad con nuestro mejor amigo, muchos de nosotros no somos tan buenos para quedarnos callados y escuchar lo que nuestro amigo tiene que decir. Asi es con Dios. Para que la verdadera comunicacion suceda con El, debemos aprender a escuchar a traves de la comprension de su Palabra. En Como escuchar a Dios, el doctor Charles Stanley presenta una forma sensata de explorar la Palabra de Dios y escuchar sus verdades. El revela como podemos identificarnos con pasajes de las Escrituras, reflexionar sobre su significado y luego desarrollar pasos practicos para aplicar lo que hemos aprendido. La Serie Estudios Biblicos de Charles F. Stanley es un enfoque unico para el estudio biblico que incorpora la verdad biblica, perspectivas personales, respuestas emocionales y un llamado a la accion. Cada estudio se basa en los muchos anos que el doctor Stanley ha ensenado los principios rectores que se encuentran en la Palabra de Dios, y muestra como podemos aplicarlos de manera practica a cada situacion que enfrentamos. Listening to God Does God speak to us today? Although most of us can talk with ease to our best friend, many of us aren't so good at being quiet and hearing what our friend has to say. So it is with God. For true communication to happen with Him, we must learn to listen through understanding His Word. In Listening to God, Dr. Charles Stanley presents a sound way to explore God's Word and hear His truths. He reveals how we can identify with passages of Scripture, reflect on their meaning, and then develop practical steps to apply what we have learned. The Charles F. Stanley Bible Study Series is a unique approach to Bible study, incorporating biblical truth, personal insights, emotional responses, and a call to action. Each study draws on Dr. Stanley's many years of teaching the guiding principles found in God's Word, showing how we can apply them in practical ways to every situation we face.