In the last decades of the 17th century, the feast of Christmas in Lutheran Germany underwent a major transformation when theologians and local governments waged an early modern "war on Christmas," discouraging riotous pageants and carnivalesque rituals in favor of more personal and internalized expressions of piety. Christmas rituals, such as the "Heilig Christ" plays and the rocking of the child (Kindelwiegen) were abolished, and Christian devotion focused increasingly on the metaphor of a birth of Christ in the human heart. John Sebastian Bach's Christmas Oratorio, composed in 1734, both reflects this new piety and conveys the composer's experience living through this tumult during his own childhood and early career. Markus Rathey's book is the first thorough study of this popular masterpiece in English. While giving a comprehensive overview of the Christmas Oratorio as a whole, the book focuses on two themes in particular: the cultural and theological understanding of Christmas in Bach's time and the compositional process that led Bach from the earliest concepts to the completed piece. The cultural and religious context of the oratorio provides the backdrop for Rathey's detailed analysis of the composition, in which he explores Bach's compositional practices, for example, his reuse and parodies of movements that had originally been composed for secular cantatas. The book analyzes Bach's original score and sheds new light on the way Bach wrote the piece, how he shaped musical themes, and how he revised his initial ideas into the final composition.

Constructive interreligious dialogue is only a recent phenomenon. Until the nineteenth century, most dialogue among believers was carried on as a debate aimed either to disprove the claims of the other, or to convert the other to one's own tradition. At the end of the nineteenth century, Protestant Christian missionaries of different denominations had created such a cacophony amongst themselves in the mission fields that they decided that it would be best if they could begin to overcome their own differences instead of confusing and even scandalizing the people whom they were trying to convert. By the middle of the twentieth century, the horrors of the Holocaust compelled Christians, especially mainline Protestants and Catholics, to enter into a serious dialogue with Jews, one of the consequences of which was the removal of claims by Christians to have replaced Judaism, and revising text books that communicated that message to Christian believers.
Now, at the beginning of the twenty-first century, many branches of Christianity, not least the Catholic Church, are engaged in a world-wide constructive dialogue with Muslims, made all the more necessary by the terrorist attacks of September 11. In these new conversations, Muslim religious leaders took an important initiative when they sent their document, ''A Common Word Between Us, '' to all Christians in the West. It is an extraordinary document, for it makes a theological argument (various Christians in the West, including officials at the Vatican, have claimed that a ''theological conversation'' with Muslims is not possible) based on texts drawn from the Hebrew Bible, the New Testament and the Qur'an, that Jewish, Christian, and Muslim believers share the God-given obligation to love God and each other in peace and justice.
The Institute for Advanced Catholic Studies brought together an international group of sixteen Jewish, Catholic, and Muslim scholars to carry on an important theological exploration of the theme of ''learned ignorance.''

Conflicts between protestants and Catholics intensified as the Cromwellian invasion of 1649 inflamed the blood-soaked antagonism between the English and Irish. In the ensuing decade, half of Ireland's landmass was confiscated while thousands of natives were shipped overseas - all in a bid to provide safety for English protestants and bring revenge upon the Irish for their rebellion in 1641. Centuries later, these old wounds linger in Irish political and cultural discussion. In his new book, Crawford Gribben reconsiders the traditional reading of the failed Cromwellian invasion as he reflects on the invaders' fractured mental world.
As a tiny minority facing constant military threat, Cromwellian protestants in Ireland clashed over theological issues such as conversion, baptism, church government, miraculous signs, and the role of women. Protestant groups regularly invoked the language of the "Antichrist," but used the term more often against each other than against the Catholics who surrounded them. Intra-protestant feuds splintered the Cromwellian party. Competing quests for religious dominance created instability at the heart of the administration, causing its eventual defeat. Gribben reconstructs these theological debates within their social and political contexts and provides a fascinating account of the religious infighting, instability, and division that tore the movement apart.
Providing a close and informed analysis of the relatively few texts that survive from the period, Gribben addresses the question that has dominated discussion of this period: whether the protestants' small numbers, sectarian divisions and seemingly beleaguered situation produced an idiosyncratictheology and a failed political campaign.

Something Old, Something New: Contemporary Entanglements of Religion and Secularity offers a fresh perspective on debates surrounding a significant if underappreciated relationship between religious and secular interests. In entanglement, secularity competes with religion, but neither side achieves simple dominance by displacing the other. As secular ideas and practices entangle with their religious counterparts, they interact and alter each other in a contentious but oddly intimate relationship. In each chapter, Wayne Glausser focuses on a topic of contemporary relevance in which something old-e. g., the sacrament of extreme unction, Greek rhetorical tropes, scholastic theology-entangles with something new: psilocybin therapy for the dying, new atheism, cognitive science. As traditional religious knowledge and values come into conflict with their secular counterparts, the old ideas undergo stress and adaptation, but the influence works in both directions. Those with primary allegiance to secular interests find themselves entangled with aspects of religious thinking. Whether they do it intentionally or without knowing, entangled secularists engage with and sometimes borrow from older paradigms they believe they have surpassed. Glausser's approach offers a new perspective in the conversation between believers and secularists. Something Old, Something New is a book that theists, atheists, agnostics, and everyone still searching for the right label will find respectful but provocative.

For Kahlil Gibran, re-telling the story of Jesus had been the ambition of a life time. He had known it from childhood, when as a poor boy in the Middle-East, he'd been taught by a priest reading the bible with him. Now, in his maturity - and a successful writer in the USA - he wanted tell the story as no one had told it before. With 'Jesus, the Son of Man', (1928) he did just that; set alongside Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, here is 'The Gospel according to Gibran.' Gibran's approach is to allow the reader to see Jesus through the eyes of a large and disparate group of people. Some of these characters will be familiar: amongst others, we hear from Peter; Mary his mother; Luke; Pontius Pilate, Thomas and Mary Magdalene. But many other characters are new, created by Gibran, including a Jerusalem cobbler, an old Greek shepherd - and the mother of Judas. 'My son was a good man and upright,' she tells us. 'He was tender and kind to me, and he loved his kin and his countrymen.' What connects these people is the fact that they all have an opinion about Jesus; though no two opinions are the same. 'The Galilean was a conjuror, and a deceiver,' says a young priest. But then a woman caught in adultery experienced him in a different way. 'When Jesus didn't judge me, I became a woman without a tainted memory, and I was free and my head was no longer bowed.' Not all the women like him, however. A widow in Cana, whose son is a follower, remains furious: 'That man is evil! For what good man would separate a son from his mother?' While a lawyer has mixed feelings: 'I admired him more as a man than as a leader. He preached something beyond my liking; perhaps beyond my reason.' A philosopher is in awe, however: 'His senses were continually made new; and the world to him was always a new world.' With each fresh voice, a different aspect of Jesus' character is explored; and a different reaction named. Gibran concludes by reminding us that all the characters and attitudes presented in the story live on in the world today, with nothing different now from then. The Logician is clear in his distrust: 'Behold a man disorderly, against all order; a mendicant opposed to all possessions; a drunkard who would only make merry with rogues and castaways.' But for Gibran himself, whose Lebanese roots placed him close to the original steps of the Galilean, Jesus is worth rather more; and is present still: 'But Master, Sky-heart, knight of our fairer dream, You do still tread this way. No bows nor spears shall stray your steps; You walk through all our arrows. You smile down upon us, And though you are the youngest of us all, You father us all. Poet, Singer, Great Heart! May our God bless your name.'

The moment things stop growing, they start dying. Not only is that true of every living thing, it is also true of the Christian life. So whether we have been a Christian for a short time or for many years, we need to keep growing; and if we don’t, we have already started dying. It is to help with this essential need for ongoing growth that The Spiritual Growth Bible® has been created.
The informative articles, book introductions, character profiles, topical ties and cross-references will guide believers in this process of spiritual growth through increasing their knowledge and understanding of God’s Word. Based on the New Living Translation text, respected for its clarity and faithful rendering of the message of the original texts of Scripture in contemporary language, this Study Bible will be a practical and invaluable resource for both new and seasoned believers, Bible students, church leaders, pastors, personal or group Bible study and family devotional times.

The moment things stop growing, they start dying. Not only is that true of every living thing, it is also true of the Christian life. So whether we have been a Christian for a short time or for many years, we need to keep growing; and if we don’t, we have already started dying. It is to help with this essential need for ongoing growth that The Spiritual Growth Bible™ has been created.
The informative articles, book introductions, character profiles, topical ties and cross-references will guide believers in this process of spiritual growth through increasing their knowledge and understanding of God’s Word. Based on the New Living Translation text, respected for its clarity and faithful rendering of the message of the original texts of Scripture in contemporary language, this Study Bible will be a practical and invaluable resource for both new and seasoned believers, Bible students, church leaders, pastors, personal or group Bible study and family devotional times.

Through accessible storytelling and innovative video integration, Hey-O Stories of the Bible Old Testament is a storybook Bible unlike any other! This captivating storybook Bible for children aged 5-8 reimagines 30 classic tales from the Old Testament with vibrant and colorful comic-style illustrations.

A QR code unlocks Bible story videos online that bring the stories to life in a whole new way. This fully integrated collection of printed stories and animated videos is designed to be engaging and interactive, making learning fun and exciting for kids as they engage with each story in the book and their corresponding animated videos.

Each story focuses on important values and character traits such as kindness, forgiveness and courage. Through these stories, children can learn important life lessons that will stay with them for years to come.

Hey-O Stories van die Bybel Ou Testament

’n Pragtige Bybel-storieboek vir 5- tot 8-jariges wat 30 klassieke verhale uit die Ou Testament op ’n onvergeetlike manier oorvertel – met interaktiewe aanlyn video’s wat kinders se aandag beslis sal vasvang!

’n QR-kode ontsluit aanlyn video’s wat by die storie pas. Die boek en video’s is ontwerp om boeiend en interaktief te wees, en sal leer prettig en opwindend maak vir kinders terwyl hulle elke storie in die boek en die ooreenstemmende geanimeerde video’s geniet.

Elke storie fokus op belangrike waardes en karaktereienskappe soos goedhartigheid, vergifnis en moed. Deur hierdie stories sal kinders belangrike lewenslesse leer wat hulle vir jare sal bybly.

Ook beskikbaar in Engels onder die titel Hey-O Stories of the Bible Old Testament.

Dive into the amazing world of Hey-O Stories of the Bible New Testament! This captivating storybook Bible for children aged 5-8 reimagines 37 classic tales from the New Testament with vibrant and colorful comic-style illustrations.

A QR code unlocks Bible story videos online that bring the stories to life in a whole new way. This fully integrated collection of printed stories and animated videos is designed to be engaging and interactive, making learning fun and exciting for kids as they engage with each story in the book and their corresponding animated videos.

Also available in Afrikaans under the title Hey-O Stories van die Bybel Nuwe Testament.
Each story focuses on important values and character traits such as kindness, forgiveness and courage. Through these stories, children can learn important life lessons that will stay with them for years to come.

Hey-O Stories van die Bybel Nuwe Testament

’n Pragtige Bybel-storieboek vir 5- tot 8-jariges wat 37 klassieke verhale uit die Nuwe Testament op ’n onvergeetlike manier oorvertel – met interaktiewe aanlyn video’s wat kinders se aandag beslis sal vasvang!

’n QR-kode ontsluit aanlyn video’s wat by die storie pas. Die boek en video’s is ontwerp om boeiend en interaktief te wees, en sal leer prettig en opwindend maak vir kinders terwyl hulle elke storie in die boek en die ooreenstemmende geanimeerde video’s geniet.

Elke storie fokus op belangrike waardes en karaktereienskappe soos goedhartigheid, vergifnis en moed. Deur hierdie stories sal kinders belangrike lewenslesse leer wat hulle vir jare sal bybly.

The KJV Compact Bible offers the classic King James Version in a handy compact size, perfect for people on the go. It includes a thematic Scripture verse finder, one-year Bible reading plan and the words of Christ in red.

The KJV Compact Bible offers the classic King James Version in a handy compact size, perfect for people on the go. It includes a thematic Scripture verse finder, one-year Bible reading plan and the words of Christ in red.

The KJV Compact Bible offers the classic King James Version in a handy compact size, perfect for people on the go. It includes a thematic Scripture verse finder, one-year Bible reading plan and the words of Christ in red.

The KJV Compact Bible offers the classic King James Version in a handy compact size, perfect for people on the go. It includes a thematic Scripture verse finder, one-year Bible reading plan and the words of Christ in red.

The KJV Compact Bible offers the classic King James Version in a handy compact size, perfect for people on the go. It includes a thematic Scripture verse finder, one-year Bible reading plan and the words of Christ in red.

As today’s children face a culture of comparison, temptation and bullying, they need to know God is with them and for them. The Action Bible Anytime Devotions invites children ages 8-12 to connect with God by exploring Bible truths and applying it to their real-world struggles.

Detailed illustrations will engage children in vivid scenes from Bible stories, while each of the 90 devotions tackles a relevant topic such as anger, honesty and identity. Every action verse, practical question, life application and prayer will help build their faith in God and strengthen their character. When children are confronted with confusing issues or challenging choices, they can count on God’s promises to hold true for them no matter what.

Families who love The Action Bible will perfectly relate to The Action Bible Anytime Devotions as they dig deeper into God’s Word and experience the confidence that can only come from knowing and following Him.

90 Maniere om Kinders te Help om by God Uit te Kom, Enige Tyd Enige Plek

Kinders kry vandag baie swaar met dinge soos boelies en ’n kultuur van vergelyking. Dit is so nodig dat hulle weet God is aan hulle kant en is altyd by hulle. Die Aksie-Bybel Dagstukke vir kinders help kinders tussen 8 en 12 jaar om Bybelse waarhede hul eie te maak en toe te pas op hulle elkedagse leefwêreld.

Die 90 dagstukke hanteer relevante onderwerpe soos woede, eerlikheid en identiteit. Elke stukkie se relevante situasie en bypassende Bybelvertelling word afgerond met praktiese vrae, toepassings en riglyne vir gebed wat hulle sal help om hulle geloof in God te bou en hulle karakter sal versterk. Wanneer kinders voor probleme en uitdagings te staan kom, kan hulle vertrou dat God sy beloftes sal hou, maak nie saak wat nie.

Die Aksie-Bybel Dagstukke vir kinders is ideaal vir kinders om op hul eie te lees of vir die gesin om saam deur te werk.

Laerskolers beleef elke dag soveel uitdagings: boelies, groepsdruk, om vriende te maak, om goed te doen op skool, om in te pas én om hulle ouers trots te maak. Die goeie nuus is hulle is nie alleen hierin nie – God is elke tree van die pad by hulle!
Mini-oordenkings: Om God te ken vir kinders sal meisies en seuns tussen 8 en 12 jaar lei om God se liefde, trou en beskerming in moeilike tye te ontdek en te leer hoe gehoorsaamheid aan Hom kan lei tot moed en selfvertroue.
Die 180 kort oordenkings en praktiese uitdagings sal hulle harte versterk terwyl hulle die uitdagings in hulle lewe aanpak. Dit is die ideale grootte vir ’n rugsak of tas, sodat kinders enige tyd en enige plek kan stil word by God.

In ’n wêreld vol boelies en vergelyking op sosiale media, is dit vandag baie belangrik dat kinders besef hoe kosbaar hulle vir God is – net soos hulle is.

Die 180 kort dagstukke in Mini-oordenkings vir kinders is geskryf asof God self met die kind praat. Elke dagstuk bevat ’n kernvers, ’n bemoedigende boodskap van God en ’n gebed. Dit is die ideale grootte vir ’n rugsak of tas, sodat kinders enige tyd en enige plek kan stil word by God.

Die persoonlike boodskappe van God in Mini-oordenkings vir kinders sal laerskolers elke dag verseker dat God hulle liefhet en dat Hy omgee hoe hulle voel.

Being a young adult comes with a lot of questions, trials and tribulations. Fortunately, the Lord is always there to offer guidance and support.