We cannot escape ethical questions. What Christians need is guidance to think well. In 50 Ethical Questions, J. Alan Branch addresses pointed questions regarding ethics, sexuality, marriage and divorce, bioethics, and Christian living. Readers will find biblical and reasonable guidance on their questions, including: What are the differences between individual and systemic racism? I've been invited to a same--sex wedding. Should I attend? Should Christians use vaccines from cell lines derived from aborted babies? I'm a Christian in an abusive marriage. What should I do? Is it morally permissible for a Christian to conceal--carry a firearm? With Branch's help, you can navigate ethical challenges with care and conviction.

Lady Gaga's song "Born This Way" has become an anthem for homosexual rights, asserting in a simplistic fashion that same-sex attraction is a trait much like hair or skin color. In Born This Way?, the author surveys the most common scientific arguments in favor of homosexuality and respond to pro-homosexual arguments. A review of the research will show that, while there are some genetic or biological factors that correlate with a higher incidence of same-sex attraction and homosexual behavior, as of yet there is no proof of genetic or biological causation for homosexuality.

Originally published in 1998, the third edition of Maritime Economics provides a valuable introduction to the organisation and workings of the global shipping industry. The author outlines the economic theory as well as many of the operational practicalities involved. Extensively revised for the new edition, the book has many clear illustrations and tables. Topics covered include: * an overview of international trade * Maritime Law * economic organisation and principles * financing ships and shipping companies * market research and forecasting.

What is a knowledgeable, faithfully biblical response to transgenderism? In Affirming God's Image, J. Alan Branch takes a fair, respectful, and factual tone in addressing this complex issue through a biblical lens. You'll learn: Scientific research around the transgender experience An Overview of the history of transgenderism Important terminology surrounding gender issues Why people pursue gender reassignment surgery, and what happens after How to navigate conversations around this topic The book ends with two practical chapters for families and churches, giving you guiding principles for how to address this issue in a loving, Christ--honoring way. The first step to responding well to any situation is understanding it. Affirming God's Image equips you with the biblical, scientific, and practical knowledge you need for a wise response.

Since the publication of my books Elements of Shipping and more recently Economics of Shipping Practice and Management, both selling in over 130 countries, I have received numerous requests both from home and abroad for a companion volume on seaports. This book has been written to provide a practical, overall under standing of the elements of port operation and management of a competitive, profitable port authority. It reflects the author's many years of experience in port and ship management, international trade and education. It deals in simple language with the role and function of seaports in a trading pattern, port investment criteria, port tariffs, free ports and free trade zones, port traffic control, budgetary control and marketing, port management structure and dock labour, computerization, cargo-handling equipment, the eco nomics of port design, the role of port cargo-handling organiza tions, the economics of international trade, finance of international trade, and many other aspects of this extensive subject. The import ance of complete professionalism in all areas of port practice as a means of providing the viable, high quality service required to sustain and expand international trade cannot be overemphasized. This book will help towards establishing that professionalism. The material assembled here is intended not only for students preparing for seaport examinations, but also for persons employed in port authorities. In short, it is an aide-memoire to those engaged in the industry throughout the world and may be regarded as 'the porr executive's handbook'."

It is appropriate that at a time of enormous change and opportunity in the international trade scene and procurement environment that Alan Branch has chosen to write International Purchasing and Management, a unique and authoritative guide to the essential and strategic buying of products overseas. Written in his usual lucid and pragmatic style, the book looks at all of the stages involved in the international purchasing process to secure a delivered competitive price quotation from the suppliers premises to the buyers warehouse. It particularly reflects the international environment/infrastructure in which the goods are purchased. Branch takes the reader through the initial rationale of a company business to buy overseas, the selection and negotiation processes, the importing/exporting methodology, and finally the logistics of distribution and payment. Particular emphasis is also placed upon risk areas, the competitive environment and future trends. International Purchasing and Management includes a series of case studies; additional features on cargo insurance, Inco Terms 2000 and import customs practice planning, and an appendix of trade terms and abbreviations. This book will prove essential for CIPS, BTEC and degree courses on International Trade and Marketing, Retail Buying, Logistics and Purchasing, as well as for courses by trade associations and Chambers of Commerce, and as an 'aide memoire' to importers and overseas buyers.