The essays in this volume examine some of the fundamental doctrinal convictions of Martin Luther and the Reformation legacy, as well as the maturation and development of these convictions in the theology of Karl Barth. The broad evangelical vision that spans its various confessional tributaries is presented in the essays of this volume. Together these studies serve as a cumulative argument for the ongoing coherence, meaning, and consequence of that vision, one that at its heart is constructive and ecumenical rather than narrowly polemical. Kimlyn J. Bender examines a variety of topics such as the relation of Christ and the Church as understood in the theology of Luther and Barth, the centrality of Christ to an understanding of all the solas of the Reformation, the place and significance of the Reformers in Barth's own thought, and Barth's theology in conversation with distant descendants of the Reformation often neglected, including Baptists in America, Pietists in Europe, and Barth's own complicated relationship with Kierkegaard. Bender concludes his discussion by presenting constructive proposals for a Church and university "on the way" and thus ever-reforming.

Contents Include: The Nature and Scope of Moral Theology The Christian Character Penitence Faith Zeal The Education of the Soul Conscience, Law and Casuistry The Healing of the Soul Sin The Treatment of Sin

Lebanon is a significant region of encounter between Muslims and Christians in the Middle East. This book examines how Christian-Muslim dialogue is envisioned by four present-day Lebanese thinkers: Great Ayatollah Muhammad Husayn Fadlallah and Doctor Mahmoud Ayoub from the Shiite tradition, and Metropolitan Georges Khodr and Doctor, Father Mouchir Basile Aoun from the Eastern Christian Antiochian tradition. The study seeks to bring the four thinkers into dialogue on a number of topics, including doctrinal themes, ethical principles and the issue of political power-sharing in Lebanon. All four thinkers make several suggestions for facilitating mutual understanding and transcending old debates. The concept of God and the principle of neighbourly love seem to have particular potential as fruitful bases for further dialogue.

Strongs in the Lord is the religious parody that has, too long, been missing from the literary scene. A powerful television evangelist and his television ministry, both ran by a scheming, cheating wife, enjoy untold wealth and power after the tragic events of 911. Using fear, guilt and shame, as every religion does, this family pulls in millions of dollars. Until one day, Reverend Harold Strong has doubts about himself and his ministry, while religious terrorists of both the Muslim and Baptist persuassion, join together to destroy the American democracy and recreate the world in their own image... "this is a story ripped from todays headlines" ..".more controversial than current popular religious themed books, and more accurate..."

Die bundel bevat artikels oor geloof en kerk in veranderende kontekste. Bydraes is deur teoloë van die Universiteit van Suid-Afrika en die Protestantse Teologiese Universiteit in Nederland gelewer en is die resultaat van samewerking tussen die twee universiteite op die gebied van praktiese en sistematiese teologie.

Die fokus is op die verantwoordelikheid van die kerk teenoor armes, die aard en wese van die kerk, die Christelik Godsbegrip en die wyse waarop oor God in die prediking gedink en gepraat word. Van die boeiende bydraes is ’n vergelyking tussen armoede in Suid-Afrika en Nederland, verhale oor die wyse waarop regstellende aksie en werkloosheid Suid-Afrikaners se geloofsbelewenis raak en besinning oor die proses van kerkvereniging in die NG Kerk-familie.

Daar is ook hoofstukke oor prediking en liturgie as uitdrukking van nadenke oor God en maniere waarop tot God gepraat word. Die wye verskeidenheid invalshoeke en onderwerpe maak van hierdie boek ’n interessante leeservaring vir sowel gewone lidmate as predikante en akademici.

God has assumed a significant role in the sex lives of believers. It is God who decrees which types of sexual expression are permitted, and which forbidden. Through the Church, a patriarchal sexual landscape has been enacted to control sexual bodies which exerts its influence even in our secular culture.

The Good News of the Body is a wide-ranging anthology on feminist sexual theology. Noting that Jesus, while being declared divine, took human form, the volume questions what happens when the flesh, rather than the Word, is placed at the center of theological reflection. What happens when women's bodies form the incarnational starting point for sexual politics and theology? Contributors, including Rosemary Ruether, Mary Hunt, and Melissa Raphael, examine such topics as the possibility of a Roman Catholic approach to sexuality bringing together the three aspects of Christian love of eros, philia, and agape; Jewish sexual and mystical teaching; the de-sexing of the disabled; erotic celibacy; human sexuality and the concept of the goddess; and the sometimes surprisingly similar conclusions about contraception reached by feminists and popes.

Judaism, Christianity, and Islam have similar traditions and are deeply connected. The prevailing belief and practice of each is monotheistic, and all believe that God revealed Himself to Prophet Abraham, the cornerstone of the three faiths.

In Children of Abraham, author Tallal Alie Turfe, a champion for religious tolerance, explores the Scriptures, common histories, traditions, and similarities among Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. He is a strong advocate of interfaith dialogue that offers the chance for better understanding, collaboration, and partnership toward a safer and peaceful world. Children of Abraham offers solutions toward fostering a deeper sense of unity by bringing the followers of the three faiths together to bridge the gap and build connections across religious and cultural differences.

"The author has compiled a wonderful collection of data driven facts as well as thoughtful religious views to help 21st Century followers of Abrahamic religions understand and respect each other...."

Rabbi Emeritus Allen S. Maller, Temple Akiba

"A must read by those who are in a position of influence such as Rabbis, Pastors, Imams, and other religious leaders. Children of Abraham provides a period of dialogue without imposition or conversion...."

Father Dr. George H. Shalhoub, St. Mary Orthodox Church

"Professor Tallal Turfe has eloquently written and thoroughly portrayed the commonalities between the Abrahamic religions. Children of Abraham will inspire followers of these faiths toward the common cause of peace, tolerance, ethics, and mutual respect...."

Imam Abdul Latif Berry, Islamic Institute of Knowledge

It is the first study which comprehensively, systematically and critically examines the role and usefulness of the concept of Maqasid al-Shari'a (higher Objectives of Islamic Law) in contemporary Muslim reformist thought in relation to number of specific issues pertaining to Islamic legal philosophy, law, ethics and the socio-political sphere.

In 1966, an infamous "Time" magazine cover asked Is God Dead? and brought the ideas of theologians William Hamilton and Thomas J. J. Altizer to the wider public. In the years that followed, both men suffered professionally and there was no notable increase to the small number of thinkers considered death of God theologians. Meanwhile, Christian fundamentalism staged a striking comeback in the United States. Yet, death of God, or radical, theology has had an ongoing influence on contemporary theology and philosophy. Contributors to this book explore the origins, influence, and legacy of radical theology and go on to take it in new directions. In a time when fundamentalism is the greatest religious temptation, this volume makes the case for the necessity of resurrecting the death of God."