'Voices of Feminist Liberation' brings together a wide range of scholars to explore the work of Rosemary Radford Ruether, one of the most influential feminist and liberation theologians of our time. Ruether's extraordinary and ground-breaking thinking has shaped debates across liberation theology, feminism and eco-feminism, queer theology, social justice and inter-religious dialogue. At the same time, her commitment to practice and agency has influenced sites of local resistance around the world as well as on globalised strategies for ecological sustainability and justice. 'Voices of Feminist Liberation' examines the potential of Ruether's thinking to mobilize critical theology, social theory and cultural practice. The scholars gathered here present their personal engagements with Ruether's thinking and teaching. The book will be invaluable to scholars, policy-makers, and activists seeking to understand how colonial and patriarchal oppression in the name of religion can be confronted and defeated.

Luke 6-10 continues "The MacArthur New Testament Commentary's" look at the longest of the four gospels. The commentary provides a verse by verse and phrase by phrase exposition of the text, taking into account the cultural, theological, and Old Testament contexts of each passage. Interpretive challenges are fully dealt with, and differing views are fairly evaluated. The gospel of Luke is unique and provides valuable insight into Christ's life and ministry. For example, it gives the fullest account of Christ's birth and is the only gospel to record several of our Lord's parables, including the Good Samaritan and the Two Sons. Use this volume of "The MacArthur New Testament Commentary" series to assist you in your study of this cherished New Testament book.

Through an in-depth analysis and exploration of the writings of the Scottish Reformed theologian Thomas F. Torrance, Flett articulates a theology of culture that places the Trinity at the heart. Torrance's work suggests that Christian assumptions in the areas of God, creation, and humanity had an important influence on the development of Western scientific culture. Persons, Powers and Pluralities develops each of these areas to articulate a theology of culture rooted in a Christian understanding of God as triune, creation as contingent, and human beings created in the image of God. Drawn together, these three strands suggest that human culture and cultural plurality ultimately originate in the creative action of a God who constitutes a trinity in unity. Flett develops a theology of culture that is equally Trinitarian in nature and harmonious with, yet an extension to, Torrance's overall thesis. The result is not only a unique contribution to the emerging secondary material on Torrance's work, but also a contribution to the field of theology of culture. Eric Flett is Associate Professor of Theology and Culture at Eastern University, St. Davids, Pennsylvania ' "Persons, Powers, and Pluralities" provides a clear and compelling case for developing a theology of culture in conversation with the work of T.F. Torrance. This volume is a must read for those engaged in the discipline of theology of culture and is a fitting introduction to the great Scottish theologian's Trinitarian vision. Far from subverting the created order and human culture, we find here the celebration of creation and culture in and through the triune God's personal and dynamic engagement of the world'. Paul Louis Metzger, Professor of Christian Theology & Theology of Culture, Multnomah Biblical Seminary

Ramanuja and Schleiermacher argue in favour of the developing discipline of comparative theology as a powerful method for gaining critical insight into our inherited world views. The book compares two preeminent theologians, Sri Ramanuja of the Hindu tradition and Friedrich Schleiermacher of the Christian tradition. Each argues that God sustains the universe at every moment of its existence, but they work out the divine sustenance in very different ways. Can the comparison of two theologians vastly separated in space and time help contemporary theologians to think better? This book argues that it can. Each argues that God sustains the universe at every moment of its existence, but they work out the divine sustenance in very different ways. By comparing their description of God's continual preservation of the universe, this book asks original, unfamiliar questions of each. This method demonstrates the incisive power of comparative theology to generate critical tension and its creative power to resolve it.

Karl Barth argued for a more satisfactory theology of the Holy Spirit, yet classical theism has so far failed to meet this demand. Pneumatology has been treated as a mere appendage to the doctrine of God, neglecting the fact that 'an understanding of the unique personhood of the Spirit is ... decisive for the understanding of God in general' (Jurgen Moltmann). 'The Lord is the Spirit' addresses these gaps in Trinitarian theology by reconsidering the doctrine of God from a pneumatological vantage point. This approach recovers an emphasis on divine immanence - God's interaction with humanity - which has been marginalised in favour of divine transcendence. This critique tackles the need to account for the Trinity in its totality by stressing the identity of God as Father, Son and Holy Spirit from an evangelical and Pentecostal perspective. In a much-needed revision to classical theism, Gabriel convincingly argues that the integration of pneumatology into the doctrine of divine attributes will retrieve divine immanence from the theological margins it has so far occupied. Andrew Gabriel is Assistant Professor of Theology at Horizon College and Seminary, an affiliated college of the University of Saskatchewan. He has published a number of articles in journals including 'Religious Studies and Theology' and the 'Journal of Pentecostal Theology'. 'Towards the end of a fruitful life, Karl Barth sensed the need for a more satisfactory theology of the Holy Spirit. He could not write this work himself or even indicate its shape, but this work by Andrew Gabriel comes reasonably close to doing so and points a way forward. This young pentecostal scholar lays out a profound vision of the Trinitarian Spirit, incorporating some of the fresh thinking which becomes possible when full justice is done to this subject matter. I think it not too rash to see this volume marking a new phase in the development of Pentecostal systematic theology'. Clark H. Pinnock

Karl Barth was undoubtedly one of the most outstanding theological thinkers of the twentieth century. Referred to by some as the 'father' of the Church, his influence upon the doctrine of the Trinity continues to be a commanding presence. Barth understood that it is from Trinitarian teaching that Christian dogmatics derives what it has to say about the relationship between God and humanity. Most fundamental is the role of the Holy Spirit in our knowledge of God and His being as a trinity in unity. Barth's work, the popularity of which has seen resurgence in recent years, has occasioned appreciation, critique and rejection. These essays testify to this conflict, the accessibility of Barth's doctrinal conventions and the 'inexhaustible resourcefulness' of his theologies. 'Trinitarian Theology after Barth' draws together scholars who engage in the doctrine of the Trinity and the related themes. Barth's thought allows for a variety of interpretations, and it is this that gives such vibrancy to the essays in this volume, written by seasoned Barth scholars and voices new to the debate. Myk Habets is Lecturer in Systematic Theology, and Director of the R.J. Thompson Centre for Theological Studies at Carey Baptist College and Graduate School, Auckland, New Zealand. His publications include 'Theosis in the Theology of Thomas Torrance' (2009) and 'The Anointed Son' (2010). Phillip Tolliday teaches Anglican Studies and Systematic Theology at St Barnabas' College, School of Theology. He has been co-editor of 'Dialogue Australasia', and is currently the series co-editor for volumes on the interface between philosophy and theology. 'This exciting new volume is a distinctive and important addition to Barth studies. The essays are noteworthy for their interpretative rigor and constructive ambition; they supply a vivid sense of what it means to think with, after, and beyond Barth in the present day. Highly recommended'. Paul Dafydd Jones, Assistant Professor of Western Religious Thought, University of Virginia

Theology Shaped by Society argues that the sociology of knowledge can make an important contribution to theology. Part I argues that theology can be seen as a 'socially constructed reality' that is sometimes dangerously related to power but, at other times, that is a positively engaged discipline taking the risk of being shaped by particular societies and cultures. From this second perspective theology is seen properly as a thoroughly relational discipline, as itself a social system. Part II examines mission shaped by society and maps this in practical terms by examining recent, and surprising, religious trends in York. Part III shows how music can imaginatively shape theology and reveal unexpected resonances. Over the last 30 years a number of theologians have been using aspects of sociology alongside the more traditional resources of philosophy. In turn, sociologists with an interest in theology have also contributed to an interaction between theology and sociology. The time is right to revisit the dialogue between theologians and sociologists. In his new trilogy on Sociological Theology, Robin Gill makes a renewed contribution to the mapping of three abiding ways of relating theology and sociology, with the three volumes covering: Theology in a Social Context; Theology Shaped by Society; and Society Shaped by Theology.

How cultivating a healthy fear of God liberates us from our fear of others, our fear of the future, and even our fear of death itself. At times the world feels like it's losing its mind. From politics to the pandemic, we live with an ever-increasing uncertainty, and many of us have grown to fear the rapid disintegration of our society and our own lives. Recovering Our Sanity is not another self-help book about how to beat your daily fears for a better life. It's a book that will show you the gravity and glory of a God who's worthy of our fear. It's a book that will reveal how these two biblical phrases-Fear God and Do Not Be Afraid-are not contradictory but actually one coherent message. Michael Horton-Professor of Theology and Apologetics at Westminster Seminary-shows us that we cannot fight our fears by seeking the absence of fear altogether, but by living with a fear of God that drives out the fear of everything else. Horton will walk you through the case for the fear of God by: Developing what it means to fear God, biblically and theologically, and what this kind of fear looks like in practice. Categorizing different types of fears-from cultural anxiety to pain and hardship-and what they stem from. Focusing on how to confront our earthly fears with our hope in Christ, rooted in the gospel. Reminding us that God does not exist for us; we exist for God. Humbling, thought-provoking, and hope-igniting, Recovering Our Sanity delivers a timely message that will help you shift your focus from a human-centered obsession with self-preservation to a fixation on Christ and his salvation. Rather than clinging to false securities and promises of immediate gratification, you can gain the lasting joy of knowing the One who has given himself to save us and who says to us, "Do not be afraid."

Considers the relationship between Christianity and culture

This book deals with profound experiences - emotional, intellectual, highly charged, usually sudden, unannounced, often odd, some weird, others glorious. Do these experiences mean anything? Are we puzzling over questions we can't answer no matter how long we try? Is that puzzling itself meaningful? If so, is that meaning significant? Are these experiences actually signals that there is something more than to human life - our human life, my life - perhaps something transcendent? The book ends with a discussion of the need for an apologetic that includes a wide range of biblical revelation - not just religious experience, but historical and scientific evidence and rational arguments involving both a positive case and a negative refutation of objections.

Sigmund Freud's essay 'The Uncanny' is celebrating a century since publication. It is arguably his greatest and most fruitful contribution to the study of culture and the environment. Environmental Humanities and the Uncanny brings into the open neglected aspects of the uncanny in this famous essay in its centenary year and in the work of those before and after him, such as Friedrich Schelling, Walter Benjamin, E. T. A. Hoffmann and Bram Stoker. This book does so by focussing on religion, especially at a time and for a world in which some sectors of the monotheisms are in aggressive, and sometimes violent, contention against those of other monotheisms, and even against other sectors within their own monotheism. The chapter on Schelling's uncanny argues that monotheisms come out of polytheism and makes the plea for polytheism central to the whole book. It enables rethinking the relationships between mythology and monotheistic and polytheistic religions in a culturally and politically liberatory and progressive way. Succeeding chapters consider the uncanny cyborg, the uncanny and the fictional, and the uncanny and the Commonwealth, concluding with a chapter on Taoism as a polytheistic religion. Building on the author's previous work in Environmental Humanities and Theologies in bringing together theories of religion and the environment, this book will be of great interest to students and scholars of the environmental humanities, ecocultural studies and religion.

Israel's Messiah and the People of God presents a rich and diverse selection of essays by theologian Mark Kinzer, whose work constitutes a pioneering step in Messianic Jewish theology. Including several pieces never before published, this collection illuminates Kinzer's thought on topics such as Oral Torah, Jewish prayer, eschatology, soteriology, and Messianic Jewish-Catholic dialogue. This volume offers the reader numerous portals into the vision of Messianic Judaism offered in Kinzer's Postmissionary Messianic Judaism (2005).

A fresh and enlightening new perspective on Mary, Mother of God, and her central importance in the Christian faith, from the author of the highly successful "The Lamb's Supper.
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In "The Lamb's Supper," Catholic scholar and apologist Scott Hahn explored the relationship between the Book of Revelation and the Roman Catholic Mass, deftly clarifying the most subtle of theological points with analogies and anecdotes from everyday life. In "Hail, Holy Queen," he employs the same accessible, entertaining style to demonstrate Mary's essential role in Christianity's redemptive message.
Most Christians know that the life of Jesus is foreshadowed throughout the Old Testament. Through a close examination of the Bible, as well as the work of both Catholic and Protestant scholars and clergy, Hahn brings to light the small but significant details showing that just as Jesus is the "New Adam," so Mary is the "New Eve." He unveils the Marian mystery at the heart of the Book of Revelation and reveals how it is foretold in the very first pages of the Book of Genesis and in the story of King David's monarchy, which speaks of a privileged place for the mother of the king.
Building on these scriptural and historical foundations, Hahn presents a new look at the Marian doctrines: Her Immaculate Conception, Perpetual Virginity, Assumption, and Coronation. As he guides modern-day readers through passages filled with mysteries and poetry, Hahn helps them rediscover the ancient art and science of reading the Scriptures and gain a more profound understanding of their truthfulness and relevance to faith and the practice of religion in the contemporary world.

Theology through mythology J. R. R. Tolkien was many things: English Catholic, father and husband, survivor of two world wars, Oxford professor, and author. But he was also a theologian. Tolkien's writings exhibit a coherent theology of God and his works, but Tolkien did not present his views with systematic arguments. Rather, he expressed theology through story. In Tolkien Dogmatics, Austin M. Freeman inspects Tolkien's entire corpus--The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings, and beyond--as a window into his theology. In his stories, lectures, and letters, Tolkien creatively and carefully engaged with his Christian faith. Tolkien Dogmatics is a comprehensive manual of Tolkien's theological thought arranged in traditional systematic theology categories, with sections on God, revelation, creation, evil, Christ and salvation, the church, and last things. Through Tolkien's imagination, we reencounter our faith.

Everything we think, say, and do reflects our worldview. Whether we realize it or not, basic beliefs about God, humanity, history, and the future inevitably shape how we live.

Philip Ryken, prolific author and president of Wheaton College, explains the distinguishing marks of the Christian worldview, helping us to engage thoughtfully with our increasingly pluralistic society. Based on the notion that ideas have consequences, this accessible resource will help you see life's "big picture" by equipping you with a well-reasoned framework of Christian beliefs and convictions.

If we are honest, we have to admit that there are many things we don't understand about God. We do not have final answers to the deep problems of life, and those who say they do are probably living in some degree of delusion. There are areas of mystery in our Christian faith that lie beyond the keenest scholarship or even the most profound spiritual exercises. For many people, these problems raise so many questions and uncertainties that faith itself becomes a struggle, and the very person and character of God are called into question. Chris Wright encourages us to face up to the limitations of our understanding and to acknowledge the pain and grief they can often cause. But at the same time, he wants us to be able to say, like the psalmist in Psalm 73: "But that's all right. God is ultimately in charge and I can trust him to put things right. Meanwhile, I will stay near to my God, make him my refuge, and go on telling of his deeds."

Unique among most debates on homosexuality, this book presents a constructive dialogue between people who disagree on significant ethical and theological matters, and yet maintain a respectful and humanizing posture toward one another. Few topics are more divisive today than homosexuality. Two Views on Homosexuality, the Bible, and the Church brings a fresh perspective to a well-worn debate. While Christian debates about homosexuality are most often dominated by biblical exegesis, this book seeks to give much-needed attention to the rich history of received Christian tradition, bringing the Bible into conversation with historical and systematic theology. To that end, both theologians and biblical scholars--well accomplished in their fields and conversant in issues of sexuality and gender--articulate and defend each of the two views: Affirming - represented by William Loader and Megan K. DeFranza Traditional - represented by Wesley Hill and Stephen R. Holmes The main essays are followed by insightful responses that interact with their fellow essayists with civility. Holding to a high view of Scripture, a commitment to the gospel and the church, and a love for people--especially those most affected by this topic--the contributors wrestle deeply with the Bible and theology, especially the prohibition texts, the role of procreation, gender complementarity, and pastoral accommodation. The book concludes with reflections from general editor Preston Sprinkle on the future of discussions on faith and sexuality. The Counterpoints series presents a comparison and critique of scholarly views on topics important to Christians that are both fair-minded and respectful of the biblical text. Each volume is a one-stop reference that allows readers to evaluate the different positions on a specific issue and form their own, educated opinion.

Are you searching for greater confidence, purpose, and peace? Are the pressures of this world weighing you down? Are you feeling overburdened and overwhelmed? In this six-session video Bible study (DVD/digital downloads sold separately), bestselling author Dr. David Jeremiah draws on 2 Peter 1:3-11 to show how there is help at your fingertips--help that will give you everything you need to walk life's trail with resilience and strength. While many Christians feel unprepared to walk the journey of faith, you can be assured that God has provided the tools you need to guide your way--resources such as virtue, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness, and love. You can live in confidence because of His promises! Filled with practical truths, each session reveals how these gifts will enable you to develop qualities that will strengthen you to soar above your circumstances and make the most of opportunities that come your way. It's time to unpack all God has provided and take your next step toward a life of confidence. After all, you already have everything you need! The Everything You Need Study Guide includes video teaching notes, discussion questions, Bible exploration, and weekly personal study and reflection materials. Sessions Include: Prepare for the Journey Survey the Trail Stay the Course Persevere on the Path Step Out to Help Reach the Destination Designed for use with the Everything You Need Video Study (9780310111856), sold separately.

"A rare and wonderful theological book that turns something ordinary--being a friend--into an expression of God's greatness."--Jeremiah Rood, Foreword (starred review) In this vibrant theological reflection on the meaning of friendship, experienced pastor and leading Christian ethicist Victor Lee Austin argues that friendship is the medium through which God shares grace with his creatures. Mixing personal reflection and theological commentary, Austin provides a fresh reading of classical writers and biblical texts; shows how a robust theology of friendship addresses contemporary controversies in the areas of marriage, celibacy, and homosexuality; and draws on cultural examples of the desire for true friendship. Ultimately, Austin helps readers understand the strange yet real possibility of friendship with God. About the Series Pastors are called to help people navigate the profound mysteries of being human, from birth to death and everything in between. This series, edited by leading pastoral theologian Jason Byassee, provides pastors and pastors-in-training with rich theological reflection on the various seasons that make up a human life, helping them minister with greater wisdom and joy.

Over the last 30 years a number of theologians have been using aspects of sociology alongside the more traditional resources of philosophy. In turn, sociologists with an interest in theology have also contributed to an interaction between theology and sociology. The time is right to revisit the dialogue between theologians and sociologists. In his new trilogy on Sociological Theology, Robin Gill makes a renewed contribution to the mapping of three abiding ways of relating theology and sociology, with the three volumes covering: Theology in a Social Context; Theology Shaped by Society; Society Shaped by Theology. Theology in a Social Context argues that a sociological perspective, properly understood, can make an important contribution to theology. Part I looks carefully at various objections raised by both theologians and sociologists, maintaining instead that a proper understanding of social context is a prerequisite for effective theology. Part II suggests that a sociological perspective offers crucial insights into resurgent forms of fundamentalism. Part III offers a fresh account of social context in the modern world, once thought by sociologists and theologians alike to consist simply of increasing secularization.

Over the last 30 years a number of theologians have been using aspects of sociology alongside the more traditional resources of philosophy. In turn, sociologists with an interest in theology have also contributed to an interaction between theology and sociology. The time is right to revisit the dialogue between theologians and sociologists. In his new trilogy on Sociological Theology, Robin Gill makes a renewed contribution to the mapping of three abiding ways of relating theology and sociology, with the three volumes covering: Theology in a Social Context; Theology Shaped by Society; Society Shaped by Theology. Theology in a Social Context argues that a sociological perspective, properly understood, can make an important contribution to theology. Part I looks carefully at various objections raised by both theologians and sociologists, maintaining instead that a proper understanding of social context is a prerequisite for effective theology. Part II suggests that a sociological perspective offers crucial insights into resurgent forms of fundamentalism. Part III offers a fresh account of social context in the modern world, once thought by sociologists and theologians alike to consist simply of increasing secularization.

A leading scholar offers an up-to-date articulation of the theological grounding of the missionary endeavor. Lalsangkima (Kima) Pachuau argues that theology of mission deals with God's work in and for the world, which is centered on salvation in Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit. Pachuau brings a global perspective to mission theology, explains how theology of mission is related to theology as a discipline, and recognizes recent critiques of "missions," offering a compelling response rooted in the very nature of God.

Kierkegaard has always enjoyed a rich reception in the fields of theology and religious studies. This reception might seem obvious given that he is one of the most important Christian writers of the nineteenth century, but Kierkegaard was by no means a straightforward theologian in any traditional sense. He had no enduring interest in some of the main fields of theology such as church history or biblical studies, and he was strikingly silent on many key Christian dogmas. Moreover, he harbored a degree of animosity towards the university theologians and churchmen of his own day. Despite this, he has been a source of inspiration for numerous religious writers from different denominations and traditions. Tome I is dedicated to the reception of Kierkegaard among German Protestant theologians and religious thinkers. The writings of some of these figures turned out to be instrumental for Kierkegaard's breakthrough internationally shortly after the turn of the twentieth century. Leading figures of the movement of 'dialectical theology' such as Karl Barth, Emil Brunner, Paul Tillich and Rudolf Bultmann spawned a steadily growing awareness of and interest in Kierkegaard's thought among generations of German theology students. Emanuel Hirsch was greatly influenced by Kierkegaard and proved instrumental in disseminating his thought by producing the first complete German edition of Kierkegaard's published works. Both Barth and Hirsch established unique ways of reading and appropriating Kierkegaard, which to a certain degree determined the direction and course of Kierkegaard studies right up to our own times.