For centuries, Jews have been known as the "people of the book." It is commonly thought that Judaism in the first several centuries CE found meaning exclusively in textual sources. But there is another approach to meaning to be found in ancient Judaism, one that sees it in the natural world and derives it from visual clues rather than textual ones. According to this conception, God embedded hidden signs in the world that could be read by human beings and interpreted according to complex systems. In exploring the diverse functions of signs outside of the realm of the written word, Swartz introduces unfamiliar sources and motifs from the formative age of Judaism, including magical and divination texts and new interpretations of legends and midrashim from classical rabbinic literature. He shows us how ancient Jews perceived these signs and read them, elaborating on their use of divination, symbolic interpretation of physical features and dress, and interpretations of historical events. As we learn how these ancient people read the world, we begin to see how ancient people found meaning in unexpected ways.

Occupy Religion introduces readers to the growing role of religion in the Occupy Movement and asks provocative questions about how people of faith can work for social justice. From the temperance movement to the Civil Rights movement, churches have played key roles in important social movements, and Occupy Religion shows this role is no less critical today.

This Reader charts John Webster's theology from its earliest development, guiding the reader through selective essays that represent his corpus. It is an excellent introduction to the breadth of his writings, which teaches students how to engage with his particular mode of theological argument. T&T Clark Reader in John Webster starts with a biographical, chronological and topical survey of Webster's theological development. It notes his shifting conversation partners and his abiding theological principles. The editor places the essays in context with short introductions, as well as editorial footnotes clarifying key terms, historical or exegetical arguments or polemical emphases. This is an essential introduction to Webster's work and his impact on classical and contemporary theology.

A number of potentially devastating crises are converging upon planet earth early in the twenty-first century. All of these crises have significant prophetic implications and could have catastrophic consequences for human civilization. This is the warning presented by Jerry Duke in The Generation of Crisis. This is undoubtedly one of the most detailed accounts available concerning the converging political, environmental, and spiritual events which will distinguish the "last days." The catastrophic consequences which these crises could have on human civilization are chillingly presented and thoroughly substantiated with extensive documentation. What will be the effect of these crises on humanity? How are these events connected to bible prophecy? Could these crises mark the end of the age and point to the second coming of Christ? These questions are convincingly answered with frightening clarity. The evidence is so overwhelming that it is impossible to ignore. The Generation of Crisis is definitely a wakeup call for our generation. Jerry Duke has over forty years of combined experience in theological studies and specialized research. His theological experience includes not only his studies at Texas Bible College in Houston, Texas, but also over ten years of experience as an itinerant evangelist and subsequently as the senior pastor of churches in Pueblo, Colorado, and Danville, Kentucky. His experience in specialized research has been acquired during a twenty year law enforcement career. Duke specializes in criminal investigations and has supervised numerous investigative units including General Investigations, Special Investigations, and Internal Affairs. He currently holds the rank of lieutenant and serves as a bureau commander with the Bullhead City Police Department in Bullhead City, Arizona. He is married and lives in Fort Mohave, Arizona, with his wife Lisa. He has two daughters, Krystal and Epris, along with three stepsons, Aaron, Justin, and Ryan.