Pope Francis has taken the world by storm, captivating Catholics, Protestants, and non-Christians alike. Sneaking out of the Vatican at night, washing the feet of inmates, and taking selfies with young fans is certainly unlike any religious leader we've seen in a while, and some of the religious establishment is uneasy about it. The revitalization Francis is bringing to the Catholic Church is not without precedent, however. Jesus had a similar effect in his day, drawing crowds with his humility, kindness, and wisdomaEURO"even as he drew the disapproval of established religious leaders. The things that have brought Francis such media attention are the same things that made Jesus so peculiar and attractive in his day. Thoughtful examination of Jesus' example and legacy, as well as an honest look at the similarities and differences between Catholic and Protestant faith, invites reflection on the heart of Christianity and how we relate to our fellow Christians. Readers will discover the power of heartfelt joy, radical love, and passion for justice to shake people out of religious complacency and into dynamic, contagious faith. Jesus, Pope Francis, and a Protestant Walk into a Bar looks at what is universal among Christians, what is unique to Catholics and Protestants, and how all Christians can practice understanding and cooperation across differences. Perfect for individual or group use, discussion questions are also included to encourage further thought and conversation.

Being Moses the stone upon which Christ would have built his Church, the Ten Commandments is what ties together Judaism, Christianity, Islam and many other faiths. In a world where everything seems to constantly change, or flowing as Heraclitus used to observe, the pivot of human condition never changes throughout all epoques.

About the Contributor(s): Brian Arthur Brown is the designer of A Diagram of Sources of the Pentateuch, featured in the sequel to this book, Forensic Scriptures. A minister of the United Church of Canada, he lives in Niagara Falls with his wife, Jenny.

FEW BOOKS ON episcopacy deal with the inner life or practical problems of being a bishop, but this volume gives an inside view. It describes the initial challenge of adjusting to a new role with little preparation, and indicates the main ongoing pressures. This account combines personal experience with theological reflection. Convinced that being comes before doing, David Tustin first considers vital elements in the bishop's personal way of life: inner life, outer lifestyle, home and hospitality, and careful use of time. The rationale of what bishops actually do is then examined in seven key areas, together with suggestions about translating ideals into reality: teamwork; caring for people within and beyond the church; conducting worship; spreading the Christian message; sending new ministers; building bridges in society and within the church; fostering visible Christian unity. Emphasis is laid on bishops sharing their ministry with others, and reaching out beyond the church. This book offers examples of good practice. It draws together resources useful for new bishops, including excerpts from classic writers (Gregory the Great and Bernard of Clairvaux) and pointers to an ecumenical range of contemporary material unlikely to be in the hands of most readers. It is relevant to all who share in senior church leadership. A bibliography and index are included. DAVID TUSTIN was Bishop of Grimsby from 1979 to 2000, and since retirement has been an assistant bishop in the diocese of Lincoln. He was awarded a Lambeth DD in 1998 in recognition of his contribution to Christian unity, both in this country and internationally.

One of the most divisive issues in Western Christianity since the Reformation is the question of how humans are justified by God. In 1999, after many decades of ecumenical dialogue, Lutherans and Roman Catholics have declared that this issue of 'justification by faith' is no longer a cause of division between them. One of the fascinating features of this Joint Declaration on the Doctrine of Justification (JDDJ) is that it expresses a 'differentiated consensus' on justification. The method of differentiated consensus is generally regarded as an important methodological step forward in the ecumenical dialogue. It has been used and referred to in ecumenical documents published after 1999. But what are its meaning and implications? This study attempts to clarify the method of differentiated consensus by (1) investigating the process of doctrinal rapprochement which led up to the JDDJ, (2) examining the way the consensus takes shape in the document itself, (3) analyzing arguments offered by critics and advocates of the official dialogue and (4) reflecting on the concept of doctrinal difference.

The book, in the main, discusses issues relating to mission, ecumenism, and theological education and is presented in four sections. The first segment discusses works on ecumenical and theological education and assesses the relevance of the World Council of Churches. Other issues discussed in this segment relate to the interrelationships that exist between academic theology, ecumenism, and Christianity. The World Missionary Conference held in Edinburgh in 1910, which set the agenda for world-wide mission in a promising manner in the 1920s, is also assessed in this section of the work. The second segment, which covers Religion and Public Space, discusses works that examine the relationships between religion and power, religion and development, religion and traditional religious beliefs, and religion and practices in Africa. The third segment of the book treats Religion and Cultural Practices in African and how all these work out in couching out an African theology and African Christianity. Some of the issues discussed in this section related to African traditional philosophy, spiritism, and the interrelationships that exist between African Christianity and African Traditional Religion. The last segment of the book discusses the issue of African biblical hermeneutics and specifically looks at contemporary hermeneutical approaches to biblical interpretations in Africa.

This book, by a Methodist minister with wide experience of churches in Britain and abroad, has arisen out of a consuming interest in the ecumenical movement in England over a period of years. Written in an open and attractive way, it describes the history of relations between churches since their earlier divisions, and focusses particularly on the situation at the present time. Was the church united in New Testament times, and what were the problems which caused divisions? After looking at these questions against the background of the early church and the Reformation, David Butler then looks at beliefs which have so often been in conflict in the past as they appear to others. What are the 'strange ideas' of Protestants and Catholics and why is each side so suspicious of the other? Why can't Anglicans and Methodists agree, and what about Catholics and Anglicans, Methodists and Catholics? Of course great progress has been made, and in particular growing convergence on understanding the Bible is highlighted, and the reconciliation over Reformation controversies is noted. There are also chapters on most recent ecumenical developments and on ecumenical spirituality. Then comes a description of the new scene: the role of the Black churches in the ecumenical movement, and the contribution of the Pentecostal and charismatic movements. Here is a book which any Christian can understand, and its infectious enthusiasm brings to life a vital cause which to some seems to have got bogged down with impasses or dulled by uninspiring statements reading perilously like bureaucracy.

This volume is the first in a series of publications on the interface between ecumenical theology and social transformation in the (South) African context. It focuses on the significance but also the contested nature of reconciliation as one expression of a guiding moral vision for South Africa. It includes a leading essay by Ernst Conradie and responses to the theme by Mary Burton, Fanie du Toit, Sarah St Leger Hills, Demaine Solomons and Vuyani Vellem.

This volume is the second in a series of publications on the interface between ecumenical theology and social transformation in the (South) African context. It explores the underlying tensions in the ecumenical movement from within the South African context by analysing various notions of what ecumenicity entails. It includes a leading essay by Ernst Conradie and 13 responses to the theme by experts in the field.

Juxtaposing "ecumenism" and "jihad," two words that many would consider strange and at odds with one another, Peter Kreeft argues that we need to change our current categories and alignments. We need to realize that we are at war and that the sides have changed radically. Documenting the spiritual and moral decay that has taken hold of modern society, Kreeft issues a wake-up call to all God-fearing Christians, Jews, and Muslims to unite together in a "religious war" against the common enemy of godless secular humanism, materialism, and immorality. Aware of the deep theological differences of these monotheistic faiths, Kreeft calls for a moratorium on our polemics against one another so that we can form an alliance to fight together to save Western civilization.

For as long as Christian churches and communities have been divided, there are those who have looked for ways to heal the fractures. Callan Slipper offers five ways for Christians to approach one another on the path toward unity. (1) Recognize the need; (2) start from being united; (3) proceed one person at a time, with love; (4) don't make yourself the measure of truth. Truth is a person. It is Jesus; (5) embrace the cross, and let Jesus' love transform division. His observations come from years of experience with ecumenists, and his optimism that unity is inevitable is evidence that faith and hope undergird the challenges that abide our daily choice to build Christian unity by the way we love one another.

The histories of the Church of England and the Methodist Church have been linked together for 250 years. In the 1970s, a proposal for unity failed narrowly. Now relationships between Methodists and Anglicans are stronger than ever, locally, regionally and nationally. Both are committed to the search for unity. What holds them apart? This official report of the Formal Conversations that began in 1999 sets out the common ground that has been rediscovered. It shows the strength of theological agreement, but also points out significant differences that require further work. Conscious of both the opportunities and the unresolved issues, the two churches asked the Conversations to draw up an agreement that would enable them to take a significant step towards future unity. The talks gave priority to mission and evangelism and paid special attention to diversity. This report proposes a national covenant, made up of mutual acknowledgement and mutual commitment. It should consolidate at the national level the many local and regional covenants that already exist and so prepare the ground for the next vital stage on the road to unity.

"Glimpses of Grace" relates the joys and challenges of a prison chaplain through a series of one-page vignettes. The open-ended stories are written with a pastor's heart that seeks to minister to the needs and hopes of offenders who have committed serious crimes. The book takes the reader from opportunities of pastoral care to issues of relationships, authority, and restorative justice. The author explores the challenges of ecumenism and inter-faith dialogue while remaining true to his Christian faith. He looks at ministry from the perspective of volunteers and writes about how staff can be an ally in corrections. He regards offenders as subjects who define the nature of the pastoral relationship.Donald's high view of ecclesiology and solid theological background give this book a unique perspective. Don regards the chapel community as a natural extension of the visible body of Jesus Christ of which the larger church is a part. Don considers how offenders' experiences and other faiths can make one a more devout believer. The profound experiences of the "other" make one look more deeply into the resources of one's own faith.

Michael Nazir-Ali grew up in a Muslim family and is now a Christian church leader, and this book is a clear demonstration of the shared spiritual heritage between Christians and Muslims and the points at which the two faiths diverge. The effects of the terrorist attacks in America in September 2001 polarized opinion about Islam in the West. Never was the need for understanding felt so keenly, and on the other hand suspicion and fear multiplied. The Bishop of Rochester grew up in a Muslim family and here presents in easy-to-follow question and answer format all that you wanted to know but didn't like to ask about Muslims and their beliefs. This is a useful resource for all who live, work or minister in mixed communities.

Revered for his long service, charismatic presence, and unwavering commitment to the ecumenical movement, Archbishop Anastasios here returns to his missionary roots and offers a new paradigm for Christian mission today. Fully engaged in the realities of contemporary religious pluralism as well as secularism, Anastasios nonetheless sees an opportunity for a more honest sharing of the faith that is directly relevant to the spiritual quest, moral dilemmas, and social needs of our planet. Co-published with Holy Cross Orthodox Press, Massachusetts.