In these passionate and wide-ranging essays Obery Hendricks offers a challenging engagement with spirituality, economics, politics, contemporary Christianity, and the abuses committed in its name. Among his themes: the gap between the spirituality of the church and the spirituality of Jesus; the ways in which contemporary versions of gospel music "sensationalize" today's churches into social and political irrelevance; how the economic principles and policies espoused by the religious right betray the most basic principles of the same biblical tradition they claim to hold dear; the domestication of Martin Luther King's message to foster a political complacency that dishonors King's sacrifices. He ends with a stinging rebuke of the religious right's idolatrous "patriotism" in a radical manifesto for those who would practice "the politics of Jesus" in the public sphere.

The New Beacon Bible Commentary is an engaging, indispensable reference tool to aid individuals in every walk of life in the study and meditation of God's Word. Written from the Wesleyan theological perspective, it offers insight and perceptive scholarship to help you unlock the deeper truths of Scripture and garner an awareness of the history, culture, and context attributed to each book of study. Readable, relevant, and academically thorough, it offers scholars, pastors, and laity a new standard for understanding and interpreting the Bible in the 21st century.Each volume features: Completely New Scholarship from notable experts in the Wesleyan traditionConvenient Introductory Material for each book of the Bible including information on authorship, date, history, audience, sociological/cultural issues, purpose, literary features, theological themes, hermeneutical issues, and moreClear Verse-by-Verse Explanations, which offer a contemporary, Wesleyan-based understanding derived from the passage's original languageComprehensive Annotation divided into three sections, which cover background elements behind the text; verse-by-verse details and meanings found in the text; and significance, relevance, intertextuality, and application from the textHelpful Sidebars, which provide deeper insight into theological issues, word meanings, archeological connections, historical relevance, cultural customs, and moreExpanded Bibliography for further study of historical elements, additional interpretations, and theological themesThe Book of Daniel speaks a fresh message to each new generation. For over two millennia it has done so. The book invites its readers to live within a larger story than their own. It gives them a glimpse of the broad sweep of human history and the cosmic proportions of God's intentions.

This book examines the foundation of the London Jews Society (LJS) in 1809, and the construction of Palestine Place in 1813 at Bethnal Green in East London. The early supporters of the LJS from 1815 were Anglican Evangelicals, including William Wilberforce and Charles Simeon. A mission centre was established at Palestine Place on a five-acre site, which incorporated an Episcopal Jews' Chapel; separate schools for boys and girls; staff houses; a missionary training college and a House of Industry, which provided work for converted Jews, especially by printing leaflets and books.

The New Beacon Bible Commentary is an engaging, indispensable reference tool to aid individuals in every walk of life in the study and meditation of God's Word. Written from the Wesleyan theological perspective, it offers insight and perceptive scholarship to help you unlock the deeper truths of Scripture and garner an awareness of the history, culture, and context attributed to each book of study. Readable, relevant, and academically thorough, it offers scholars, pastors, and laity a new standard for understanding and interpreting the Bible in the 21st century.Each volume features: Completely New Scholarship from notable experts in the Wesleyan traditionConvenient Introductory Material for each book of the Bible including information on authorship, date, history, audience, sociological/cultural issues, purpose, literary features, theological themes, hermeneutical issues, and moreClear Verse-by-Verse Explanations, which offer a contemporary, Wesleyan-based understanding derived from the passage's original languageComprehensive Annotation divided into three sections, which cover background elements behind the text; verse-by-verse details and meanings found in the text; and significance, relevance, intertextuality, and application from the textHelpful Sidebars, which provide deeper insight into theological issues, word meanings, archeological connections, historical relevance, cultural customs, and moreExpanded Bibliography for further study of historical elements, additional interpretations, and theological themesOf Romans, Martin Luther wrote: This letter is the principal part of the New Testament and the purest Gospel, which surely deserves the honor that a Christian man should not merely know it by heart word for word, but that he should be occupied with it daily as the daily bread of his soul. For it can never be read too often or too well.

Christian Philosemitism is a new genre of research into the development of the positive response by Evangelicals towards the Jews from the Puritan era. Lewis Way has been chosen as the leading example of Evangelical Anglican philosemitism between 1810 and 1840. The London Jews Society (LJS) was founded in 1809, Way was actively involved from 1811 and his substantial financial gift rescued the Society from ruin in 1815. Christian Philosemitism developed from the Puritan period and was strengthened by the Readmission of the Jews in 1656. A new impetus was given at the end of the eighteenth century, when in the challenging context of the social, religious and political upheaval in England following the French Revolution the LJS was founded.

Since its publication in 1994, The Story of God has played an important role in implementing and advancing the study of narrative theology. One of the first books to formulate and examine Wesleyan theology using the Bible's overarching story, it continues to serve as a popular text in colleges and universities and as a reliable resource for ministers and theologians. Unlike other books, which use a topical or systematic approach to understanding theology, The Story of God uses the flesh-and-blood stories of the Bible to help readers see the complete picture of God s love for the world and in doing so, gain a better understanding and appreciation for the Christian faith. Updated and revised to include current language and ideologies, this new edition provides readers with an even more engaging and accessible introduction to Christian theology. Drawing from Scripture, everyday experience, and contemporary reflection, Michael Lodahl weaves together the stories and themes of the Bible to present a compelling picture of the grand story of God and the amazing love He has for His people.

Moet Agab getrou bly aan die ou lsraelitiese waardes, of kan hy sy vrou volg die afvallige tydsgees in? Teenoor lsebel staan die profetiese figuur van Elia - wat die droogte oor Israel voorspel, die profete van Baal in 'n tweestryd op Karmelberg verneder, en uiteindelik die finale doemwoord oor Agab en sy huis uitspreek. Daar is ook die verhaal van Nabot,wat nie bereid om te erken dat God die God van alle mense is nie. En van die liefde van Johanan vir Ada, die dogter van hul dienskneg.

The New Beacon Bible Commentary is an engaging, indispensable reference tool to aid individuals in every walk of life in the study and meditation of God's Word. Written from the Wesleyan theological perspective, it offers insight and perceptive scholarship to help you unlock the deeper truths of Scripture and garner an awareness of the history, culture, and context attributed to each book of study. Readable, relevant, and academically thorough, it offers scholars, pastors, and laity a new standard for understanding and interpreting the Bible in the 21st century.Each volume features: Completely New Scholarship from notable experts in the Wesleyan traditionConvenient Introductory Material for each book of the Bible including information on authorship, date, history, audience, sociological/cultural issues, purpose, literary features, theological themes, hermeneutical issues, and moreClear Verse-by-Verse Explanations, which offer a contemporary, Wesleyan-based understanding derived from the passage's original languageComprehensive Annotation divided into three sections, which cover background elements behind the text; verse-by-verse details and meanings found in the text; and significance, relevance, intertextuality, and application from the textHelpful Sidebars, which provide deeper insight into theological issues, word meanings, archeological connections, historical relevance, cultural customs, and moreExpanded Bibliography for further study of historical elements, additional interpretations, and theological themesEcclesiastes is one of the most interesting books in the Bible because it largely ignores the history and law of ancient Israel, but it also challenges the accepted themes and theology of the wisdom tradition. The book of Lamentations is a collection of five psalms that lament the fall of Jerusalum.

At a time when wars are fought over scriptural interpretation, when the influence of religion on American politics has never been greater, when many Americans still believe in the Bible's literal truth, it has never been more important to get to know the Bible. "Good Book" is what happens when a regular guy--an average Job--actually "reads" the book on which his religion, his culture, and his world are based. Along the way, he grapples with the most profound theological questions: How many commandments do we actually need? Does God prefer obedience or good deeds? And the most unexpected ones: Why are so many women in the Bible prostitutes? Why does God love bald men so much? Is Samson really that stupid?

C.S. Lewis's dazzling allegory about heaven and hell - and the chasm fixed between them - is one of his most brilliantly imaginative tales, as he takes issue with the ideas in William Blake's 'The Marriage of Heaven and Hell'. In a dream, the narrator boards a bus on a drizzly afternoon and embarks on an incredible voyage through Heaven and Hell. He meets a host of supernatural beings far removed from his expectations, from the disgruntled, ghostly inhabitants of Hell to the angels and souls who dwell on the plains of Heaven. This powerful, exquisitely written fantasy is one of C.S. Lewis's most enduring works of fiction and a profound meditation on good and evil.

In his many previous books John Haught established a reputation as the leading Catholic theological voice in the study of science and religion. In this work he offers his most systematic theological reflections on the relation between Christian revelation and the unfolding story of the universe. In the face of recent discoveries some maintain their faith by clinging to a pre-scientific worldview; others conclude that perhaps "the universe has outgrown the biblical God who is said to be its creator." For Haught, however, exploration of the "three infinities" - the immense, the infinitesimal, and the complex - serves as invitation to an unprecedented appreciation for the grandeur of God, creation, Christ, and redemption.

Christians want to share their faith with their friends but many are scared that they won't know what to say. By preparing ourselves to give an answer, every Christian can be more confident, wise, bold and effective in talking about Jesus. QUESTIONS PEOPLE ASK What is salvation? What is the point of life? How can we have a relationship with God? How should we respond to the Good News? Didn't he used to be dead? What makes you believe that God exists? Just how did God create the world? Can we trust the New Testament? Is Jesus the only way to God? How can we believe in God in a world so full of suffering? What happens when we die? TALKING ABOUT JESUS Be prepared to give an answer Why we don't and why we should talk about Jesus Preaching the gospel necessarily includes using words Praying about talking about Jesus Sharing my story Ambassadors for Christ Peter Thomas is Minister of North Springfield Baptist Church in Essex.

Water from the Well is a journey four thousand years back to the time of Sarah, Rebekah, Rachel, and Leah. The graceful prose of renowned author Anne Roiphe brilliantly captures these biblical women and makes their fascinating stories come alive. As each story unfolds, we find that the matriarchs had to overcome the same devastating obstacles women face today--infertility, lust, abandonment, and uncertainty--yet they managed to cope with betrayal, death, sacrifice, and jealousy while dealing with the emerging reality of a new faith. This remarkable volume demonstrates how their lives helped to lay the foundation of womanhood in the Western world. Combining the deep insight of Bruce Feiler with the narrative skill of Antonia Fraser, Anne Roiphe delivers a fascinating work that deftly brings these four biblical matriarchs into our own age.

This book was inspired by a challenge from one of Douglas's students: "How could you, a black woman, possibly be a Christian?" Reflection on the historical sins of Christians, particularly the role of white Christians in countenancing the lynching of African Americans, led her to broader questions: What is it about Christianity that could lend itself to racism and its violent abuses? What is it about Christianity that has allowed it to be both a bane and a blessing for black people? Douglas examines the various "distortions" in early Christianity--particularly the influence of platonic dualism, with its denigration of the body, and the alliance with imperial power. She shows how this later helped support white racism, just as it later fed homophobia and other distortions in the black church. Nevertheless, she ends by sharing an inspiring account of her own Christian faith, and why she is still a Christian.

Saint Augustine -- the celebrated theologian who served as Bishop of Hippo from 396 C.E. until his death in 430 C.E. -- is widely regarded as one of the most influential thinkers in the Western world. His autobiography, "Confessions," remains among the most important religious writings in the Christian tradition. In this eye-opening and eminently readable biography, renowned historical scholar James J. O'Donnell picks up where Augustine himself left off to offer a fascinating, in-depth portrait of an unparalleled politician, writer, and churchman in a time of uncertainty and religious turmoil.

Augustine is a triumphant chronicle of an extraordinary life that is certain to surprise and enlighten even those who believed they knew the complex and remarkable man of God.

Did St. Mary Magdalene, one of Christianity's most enigmatic figures, really visit Provence, as a local tradition claims? Joseph Berenger's famous paper, which is here published in English for the first time, learnedly evaluates the pertinent literary and archaeological evidence which was available to the author in 1925. This volume also includes an English translation of the 1893 study by Louis Duchesne, a fierce critic of the tradition, which partly inspired Berenger's article. Despite their age, these two papers still form a useful starting-point for anyone interested in attempting an objective assessment of this intriguing tradition.

After being injured in a paparazzi induced car accident, playboy Phoenix Chamberlain returns to the resort previously owned and operated by his grandfather to recuperate. There he meets resort manager, Sierra Ramstad, who is used to being the boss and not keen on taking orders from others, especially Phoenix. Not only did the accident change Phoenix physically, it also broke his spirit. His disgruntle attitude is a reflection of the unbearable pain he endures daily. But with the help of Sierra and his therapist, he decides he can overcome the doctor's grim prognosis and learn to enjoy life again. But to Sierra's surprise, Phoenix had his attorney draw up a severance package for her, with the thought that he would manage the day-to-day operations of the resort. Sierra realizes that the severance package was in place before her and Phoenix developed a personal relationship. She finds a way to forgive Phoenix and the two of them are finally in agreement about something.