|
Books > Religion & Spirituality > General
You've heard the old saying, 'You can't fit a square peg in a round
hole.' You can try to force the peg by shaving some of the sides
off. But once you do that, you change the nature of the peg.In
order to help the Wesleyan Church remain true to its theology and
identity, it's important to understand how our tradition will never
be able to fit into a Fundamentalist framework. In Square Peg,
well-respected educators, pastors, and ministry leaders demonstrate
the distinct differences between Wesleyan theology and
Fundamentalism through historical, biblical, scientific, and
theological exposition.Read Thomas Jay Oord's review Wesleyan
Theology and Fundamentalism
Kenneth Cragg was one of the West's most gifted interpreters of
Islam and one of the most well-known figures of the Middle Eastern
Church. During his 45 years in the Middle East, Cragg was an
assistant Bishop of Jerusalem and scholar, he focussed on the
Christian understanding of other faiths, particularly Islam. A
major figure in Christian-Muslim conversations he was a prolific
writer whose books became a forum of intellectual debate about
Islam and Christian-Muslim relations. This set re-issues two of his
lesser-known but no less important books, which illustrate his deep
knowledge of the Qur'an and his lifelong interest in Islamic and
Christian theology.
Christianity Today 2019 Book Award Winner This introductory guide,
written by a leading expert in medieval theology and church
history, offers a thorough overview of medieval biblical
interpretation. After an opening chapter sketching the necessary
background in patristic exegesis (especially the hermeneutical
teaching of Augustine), the book progresses through the Middle Ages
from the eighth to the fifteenth centuries, examining all the major
movements, developments, and historical figures of the period. Rich
in primary text engagement and comprehensive in scope, it is the
only current, compact introduction to the whole range of medieval
exegesis.
An engaging, richly illustrated account of parish churches and
churchgoers in England, from the Anglo-Saxons to the mid-sixteenth
century Parish churches were at the heart of English religious and
social life in the Middle Ages and the sixteenth century. In this
comprehensive study, Nicholas Orme shows how they came into
existence, who staffed them, and how their buildings were used. He
explains who went to church, who did not attend, how people behaved
there, and how they-not merely the clergy-affected how worship was
staged. The book provides an accessible account of what happened in
the daily and weekly services, and how churches marked the seasons
of Christmas, Lent, Easter, and summer. It describes how they
celebrated the great events of life: birth, coming of age, and
marriage, and gave comfort in sickness and death. A final chapter
covers the English Reformation in the sixteenth century and shows
how, alongside its changes, much that went on in parish churches
remained as before.
So we may boldly say: "The Lord is my helper; I
will not fear."--Hebrews 13:6 The words do not fear are found over
100 times in Scripture, reminding you that in every situation, you
can have courage and confidence as you rest in the presence of the
God who loves, leads and protects you. Packed with insight
and encouragement that lasts all day, each of these 90 uplifting
devotions includes · powerful prayers · biblical promises ·
reflection questions · declarations of truth · practical
action steps Today you can face every fear with faith and
unwavering conviction that the One who created you will never leave
you or forsake you.
Twenty-five years ago, when Pat Robertson and other radio and
televangelists first spoke of the United States becoming a
Christian nation that would build a global Christian empire, it was
hard to take such hyperbolic rhetoric seriously. Today, such
language no longer sounds like hyperbole but poses, instead, a very
real threat to our freedom and our way of life. In "American
Fascists, " Chris Hedges, veteran journalist and author of the
National Book Award finalist "War Is a Force That Gives Us Meaning,
" challenges the Christian Right's religious legitimacy and argues
that at its core it is a mass movement fueled by unbridled
nationalism and a hatred for the open society.
Hedges, who grew up in rural parishes in upstate New York where
his father was a Presbyterian pastor, attacks the movement as
someone steeped in the Bible and Christian tradition. He points to
the hundreds of senators and members of Congress who have earned
between 80 and 100 percent approval ratings from the three most
influential Christian Right advocacy groups as one of many signs
that the movement is burrowing deep inside the American government
to subvert it. The movement's call to dismantle the wall between
church and state and the intolerance it preaches against all who do
not conform to its warped vision of a Christian America are pumped
into tens of millions of American homes through Christian
television and radio stations, as well as reinforced through the
curriculum in Christian schools. The movement's yearning for
apocalyptic violence and its assault on dispassionate, intellectual
inquiry are laying the foundation for a new, frightening
America.
"American Fascists, " which includes interviews and coverage of
events such as pro-life rallies and weeklong classes on conversion
techniques, examines the movement's origins, its driving
motivations and its dark ideological underpinnings. Hedges argues
that the movement currently resembles the young fascist movements
in Italy and Germany in the 1920s and '30s, movements that often
masked the full extent of their drive for totalitarianism and were
willing to make concessions until they achieved unrivaled power.
The Christian Right, like these early fascist movements, does not
openly call for dictatorship, nor does it use
physical violence to suppress opposition. In short, the movement
is not yet revolutionary. But the ideological architecture of a
Christian fascism is being cemented in place. The movement has
roused its followers to a fever pitch of despair and fury. All it
will take, Hedges writes, is one more national crisis on the order
of September 11 for the Christian Right to make a concerted drive
to destroy American democracy. The movement awaits a crisis. At
that moment they will reveal themselves for what they truly are --
the American heirs to fascism. Hedges issues a potent, impassioned
warning. We face an imminent threat. His book reminds us of the
dangers liberal, democratic societies face when they tolerate the
intolerant.
Enjoy the unmatched beauty of the King James Version combined with
the readability of Thomas Nelson’s exclusive KJV Comfort
Print® typeface, all in a Bible that includes over 73,000
cross references and the Apocrypha. In this edition, the literary
beauty of the King James Version is paired with the readability of
Thomas Nelson's Comfort Print for an unrivaled reading experience.
Helpful resources are included, such as red-letter words of Christ,
cross references in a center column, reading plans, and more. The
KJV Comfort Print Typeface was designed to be the most readable at
any size. On a special commission, 2K/Denmark sought to reflect
Thomas Nelson's rich 200-year tradition with the KJV, while also
embodying the best advancements in modern Bible typography. The
result is an exclusive Bible typeface that is uncompromisingly
beautiful, bold, readable at any size, and perfectly suited to the
King James Version. Features include:
Presentation page to personalize this special gift by
recording a memory or a note 15 Books of the Apocrypha placed
between the Old and New Testaments for spiritual insight and
historical context for certain books of the Bible Old Testament and
New Testament books include over 73,000 center column
cross-references and translator notes allow you to find related
passages quickly and easily Book introductions for Old Testament,
Apocrypha, and New Testament provide a concise overview of the
background and historical context of the book about to be read
"About the Apocrypha" article describes what the apocrypha is and
its importance “About the Bible” article "How to Study the
Bible" article for tips on how to find deeper truths in Scripture
"Getting to Know God" article is a guide to a personal relationship
with God "Between the Testaments" article for historical context
leading up to the New Testament The History of the Red-Letter
Bible" article "30 Days Getting to Know God" reading plan for key
passages for a better understanding of key characteristic of God
"30 Days Getting to Know Jesus" reading plan for a highlight of key
moments in Jesus’ earthly ministry Full-color maps show a
visual representation of Israel and other biblical locations for
better context Two satin ribbon markers for you to easily
navigate and keep track of where you were reading Durable
Smyth-sewn binding lies flat in your hand or on your desk
Clear and readable 9.5-point KJV Comfort Print In 1611 the King
James Bible was published and authorized by the monarch of England
and Scotland. Today, more than 400 years since its initial
publication, the KJV is considered one of the most influential and
beautiful works of the English language and continues to be the
favorite translation for millions of Christians worldwide.
This second supplement to The Hymnal 1982 is an eclectic collection
of two hundred hymns, songs, and spiritual songs including a large
selection of service music and devotional pieces. It is a valuable
resource for worship, parish functions, and home use. The sturdy
paperback pew edition contains all necessary accompaniments. There
are additional hymns for Advent, Holy Week, Baptism, Ordinations,
and Funerals as well as for healing, mission, unity, and peace.
There are a dozen bilingual hymns and another dozen from Lift Every
Voice and Sing II. The service music section contains twenty-nine
new canticle settings including six Glorias, two Te Deums, A Song
of Wisdom and A Song of Pilgrimage from Supplemental Liturgical
Materials. There are two sets of Gospel Acclamations based on hymn
tunes for the seasons of Easter and Epiphany. In addition there are
twenty-nine selections of other liturgical and devotional music
that includes table graces, rounds, acclamations, and selections of
Music from Taize.
Throughout China's rapidly growing cities, a new wave of
unregistered house churches is growing. They are developing rich
theological perspectives that are both uniquely Chinese and rooted
in the historical doctrines of the faith. To understand how they
have endured despite government pressure and cultural
marginalization, we must understand both their history and their
theology. In this volume, key writings from the house church have
been compiled, translated, and made accessible to English speakers.
Featured here is a manifesto by well-known pastor Wang Yi and his
church, Early Rain Covenant Church in Chengdu, to clarify their
theological stance on the house church and its relationship to the
Chinese government. There are also works by prominent voices such
as Jin Tianming, Jin Mingri, and Sun Yi. The editors have provided
introductions, notes, and a glossary to give context to each
selection. These writings are an important body of theology
historically and spiritually. Though defined by a specific set of
circumstances, they have universal applications in a world where
the relationship between church and state is more complicated than
ever. This unique resource will be valuable to practical and
political theologians as well as readers interested in
international relations, political philosophy, history, and
intercultural studies.
How aesthetic religious experiences can create solidarity in
marginalized communities Latine Catholics have used Our Lady of
Guadalupe as a symbol in democratic campaigns ranging from the
Chicano movement and United Farm Workers' movements to contemporary
calls for just immigration reform. In diverse ways, these groups
have used Guadalupe's symbol and narrative to critique society's
basic structures-including law, policy, and institutions-while
seeking to inspire broader participation and representation among
marginalized peoples in US democracy. Yet, from the outside,
Guadalupe's symbol is illegible within a liberal political
framework that seeks to protect society's basic structures from
religious encroachment by relegating religious speech, practices,
and symbols to the background. The Aesthetics of Solidarity argues
for the capacity of Our Lady of Guadalupe-and similar religious
symbols-to make democratic claims. Author Nichole M. Flores exposes
the limitations of political liberalism's aesthetic responses to
religious difference, turning instead to Latine theological
aesthetics and Catholic social thought to build a framework for
interpreting religious symbols in our contemporary pluralistic and
participatory democratic life. By offering a lived theology of
Chicanx Catholics in Denver, Colorado, and their use of Guadalupe
in the pursuit of justice in response to their neighborhood's
gentrification, this book provides an important framework for a
community of interpretation where members stand in solidarity to
respond to justice claims made from diverse religious and cultural
communities.
God is good and powerful and wants the best for your life. He has
big plans for you. You believe these things are true. But what is
your own responsibility as a man when it comes to becoming all God
created you to be? How can you walk in victory and faith and make
an impact on others for God? Kingdom Men Rising challenges
men to foster personal discipleship and apply discipleship skills
and a leadership mindset to all areas of life. Dr. Tony Evans
brings his insights, stories, and wise counsel from God's Word to
clear all obstacles in your path, leading you to the abundant life
you've been called to live. And along the way, you'll find your
heart stirred to reach for more, no longer settling for a faith
that just goes through the motions. The life of King David is used
as the book's foundation, and topics include overcoming temptation,
restoration from sin, how to disciple others, and finally how to
leave a legacy of faith and godly influence. Replace
helplessness, boredom, and regret with vibrancy, power, and joy.
Let Kingdom Men Rising help you take the next step in your faith to
become the powerful man of God you were made to be.
'Triumph and Despair' tells the dramatic story of
post-revolutionary Iran's first four decades, from its
establishment in 1979 until today. The revolutionary coalition that
overthrew the monarchy was at once democratic, populist and
Islamic. The Islamists, and the Khomeinists in particular, were
able to capitalise effectively on prevailing conditions on the
ground; to frame the new republic's constitution, capture nascent
institutions, and consolidate their power by eliminating opponents
through a reign of terror. Once the war with Iraq was over and
after the death of the new order's charismatic founder, Ayatollah
Khomeini, the Islamic Republic was consolidated: first by tweaking
its institutional arrangements, and then by fostering economic
development and post-war reconstruction. A reformist interlude then
followed, reversed unceremoniously by a return of populism and a
broader authoritarian retrenchment. Today Iran remains at odds with
itself, its economy too deeply political to yield meaningful
developmental results, its foreign relations too conflicted to
allow it a productive place in the community of nations. As Iran's
nationalities and its women and youth carve out spaces for
themselves in the broader narrative, competing
identities--religious, national and otherwise--abound. After forty
years, the Islamic Republic remains a country in search of itself.
Where did the ideas of heaven and hell come from? As strange as it
may seem to us now, there was a time when no one thought they would
go to heaven or hell after they died. In fact, there is no mention
of them in the Old Testament, and Jesus did not believe the souls
of the departed were bound for either realm. In this gripping
history of the afterlife, Bart Ehrman reveals how the concepts of
heaven and hell developed and took hold, and why they endure to
this day. He examines the social, cultural and historical roots of
competing views held by Greeks, Jews and Christians, and traces how
beliefs changed over time. Ultimately, he shows that many of our
ideas about heaven and hell emerged long after Jesus's time,
through the struggle to explain the injustices of the world.
The search for effective ways to enable different religious systems
to co-exist peacefully in mutual complementarity has emerged as a
necessary condition for economic development, social progress,
human prosperity and even survival. The combination of diversity
and interdependence in the religious world calls for comparative
studies of religion. This book details the inherent problems of
such studies.;The underlying idea presented is that there are
similarities, as well as differences between Confucianism as
humanistic tradition and Christianity as a theocentric religion,
and that these similarities and differences are mutually involved
and delicately related with each other: while agape can be
translated in English as "love", it is in fact more than love, in
that it defines the relationship between Christians and their God,
and between Christians and their neighbours; while jen in Chinese
is not the translation of "love", it is in fact essentially love,
both ethical and religious, in that it defines the relationship
between Confucians and their transcendantal pursuit, between
Confucians and their ideal, and between Confucians and their fellow
human beings.
|
|