Education, Religion and Society celebrates the career of Professor John Hull, a leading figure in the transformation of religious education in English and Welsh schools, and co-founder of the International Seminar on Religious Education and Values. He has also made major contributions to the theology of disability and the theological critique of the 'money culture'. Leading international scholars join together to offer a critical appreciation of his contribution to religious education and practical theology, and explore the continuing debate about the role of religious education in promoting international understanding, intercultural education and human rights. The contributors also deal with indoctrination, racism and relationship in Christian religious issues, and examine aspects of the theology of social exclusion and disability. This unique book includes a complete list of John Hull's writings up to the beginning of 2005 providing both an excellent introduction to contemporary issues of religious education in the West, and the most complete critical account yet of his work.

"Education, Religion and Society "celebrates the career of Professor John Hull of the University of Birmingham, UK, the internationally renowned religious educationist who has also achieved worldwide fame for his brilliant writings on his experience, mid-career, of total blindness. In his outstanding career he has been a leading figure in the transformation of religious education in English and Welsh state schools from Christian instruction to multi-faith religious education and was the co-founder of the International Seminar on Religious Education and values. John Hull has also made major contributions to the theology of disability and the theological critique of the "money culture."
This volume brings together leading international scholars to honour John Hull's contribution, with a focus on furthering scholarship in the areas where he has been active as a thinker. The book offers a critical appreciation of his contribution to religious education and practical theology, and goes on to explore the continuing debate about the role of religious education in promoting international understanding, intercultural education and human rights education. A possible basis for integrating Islamic education into Western education is suggested and the contribution of the philosophy of religion to pluralistic religious education is outlined. The contributors also deal with issues relating to indoctrination, racism and relationship in Christian religious aspects, and examines aspects of the the theology of social exclusion and disability.

The lessons outlined on the subsequent pages are rooted in Biblical principle, but they have a profoundly personal feel. The simple test for the reader is to find yourself in this book. Where are you? On what page? In what passage? Keep in mind that you are reading this book for a reason-not just to avoid succumbing to Leader-I-Tis (as Dr. Bates terms it) but to begin to thrive as an effective leader. This book is about the personal accumulation of experience, but it is also a story of transcendence. It is about moving beyond your present circumstances to more fully realize your leadership potential. I encourage you to find yourself in the pages, the stories, and the lessons that follow. Allow yourself the chance to rise above your circumstances and live, whenever possible, above the fray. In essence, this book is a mirror reflection for us all in regard to our leadership potential-and the challenges we face in seeking to fulfill that potential. The examples that are offered in this book remind us first to see ourselves in the reality of our circumstances. Yet we are also reminded that we hold the power-through faith-to change those circumstances via a more purposeful pursuit of our potential. We must, as Dr. Bates instructs, be faithful and do the work that God has called and equipped us to do. We must be purposeful in our actions, but we must also be mindful of the guidance that is available to us, both through our own experience and through Christian teaching, that enables us to meet our potential as leaders of faith. As you explore the seven Biblical principles for living above the fray, I encourage you to be purposeful in your self-reflection. Open your mind to seeing yourself in the midst of the fray (as many of us often are) and then find the path to living above the fray (as all of us can do). It is through such faithful self-reflection and focused action that each of us can achieve our full potential as leaders. Dr. Lee Pearson

Christmas. Sights. Smells. Sounds. The four weeks of Advent take place during the Christmas season when the world pauses. The spirit of Christmas fills the hearts of shoppers who frequent shopping malls, hearing seasonal music or a volunteer Salvation Army band (or bell) stationed on the sidewalk. For many people Christmas is nothing more than a materialistic exercise of futility. Collecting and giving away more consumable gifts never seems to be enough. The hectic pace of the holiday season often depletes more than it fills. The craziness of the season is normalized and many believers settle for a lackluster and "Christ-less" Christmas. A commitment to reflect upon the first Advent is the initial step towards regaining the true meaning of Christmas: worship of Jesus Christ. The Christian disciple is to focus one's heart upon worship. Many Christians observe Advent as a season of prayer, fasting, and penitence. Advent is an opportunity to slow down and refocus one's heart upon the Lord. You are invited to back away from the edge of Christmas craziness and begin a four-week journey of reading, reflection, prayer, journaling, singing, and serving that will help you have the merriest Christmas of all.

You are invited to spend some time reading and reflecting upon "Psalms of Discipleship: A One Year Journey With The Shepherd," a simple, easy to use, devotional experience. By spending five minutes or fifty-five minutes on the weekly devotion and Bible study, you will be afforded the opportunity to enhance your spiritual growth. This unique devotional consists of fifty-two practical lessons designed for small group or individual study.

This Is A Unique Tool For Creating An Effective Spiritual Life Plan For The Quality Disciple Included Is An Assessment Of Eight Core Essentials Of A Disciple Of Jesus Included in the workbook are selected biblical facts about the core values of Grace, Worship, Bible Study, Prayer, Community, Service, Evangelism, and Discipleship. This assessment is divided into two sections: An overview of what you believe and a Biblical inquiry for why you believe.

The world changed in the late 1960's as the Baby Boomers came of age. Many of them thought they would lead the charge to a better way of living with new standards and new ideas. In a love story told by two couples about each other the couples try to come to grips with their mortality, the generation's unfulfilled dreams and the promises that still exist. Most of all, they learn that nothing happens that is worthwhile except for the eagles.

With a blizzard making all roads impassable, all Sharon Winston wants is for her brother to be safe. Sharing a prayer with a simple truck driver and a group of his friends at a truck stop, she gets an answer that is much more than she asks for. It involves her brother, the woman who finds him, dozens of local residents, the truck driver and Sharon herself. However, God's answer to that simple prayer reveals mysteries of the past mingled with miracles of the present and future in an hundred year old love song written just for her. All she has to do is listen to it play in her heart forever. Sharon's Song is just that; it's a love song with many contrasting verses and themes. The obvious is mysterious; mystery is obvious; beauty masks pain; pain exposes beauty; old creates new; new revisits old; and both live forever in a song that becomes human again even though its humanity was murdered a long time ago.

Just when Lindsey Miller has overcome the shattered dreams of her past, the man who shattered those dreams shows up again. Just when Lindsey's sister has erased the sordid life she used to lead, a young man with high ideals asks her to become part of his life. Forgetting and moving on requires all of them to learn how to forgive family, friends, each other, and themselves before they can be happy. Forgiveness must be offered and accepted, but once it is, it consumes everything in its path and lets new life begin again. Under the Burr Oak Tree is a story of forgiveness, the grace that allows it, and the love that can grow out of it. Full of the hope and strength of a young woman who dares to dream of a better life, and laced with the humor she uses as both a sword and a shield to rescue her sister, her mother, and ultimately herself, the story argues that good guys still exist, and they don't always finish last.