This book provides a sustained, critical and theological engagement with arguably the most crucial aspect of contemporary society - its diversity. The author finds in the social theory of Isaiah Berlin a number of fruitful ways to reframe the debate over these questions, and to contribute to a more positive conversation regarding our fundamental differences. The book focuses particularly on Berlin's critique of monism and idealistic utopianism, arguing that pluralism does not represent a failure in the nature of human society, but a superabundance of possibilities in a created world grounded in the character of God. Bringing Berlin's thought into conversation with other social theorists, philosophers and Christian theologians, the book provides leaders and members of faith communities with a viable model to move beyond tolerance as mere forbearance to a grace which consists of respect and radical acceptance of others.

This book provides a sustained, critical and theological engagement with arguably the most crucial aspect of contemporary society - its diversity.
The author finds in the social theory of Isaiah Berlin a number of fruitful ways to reframe the debate over these questions, and to contribute to a more positive conversation regarding our fundamental differences.
The book focuses particularly on Berlin's critique of monism and idealistic utopianism, arguing that pluralism does not represent a failure in the nature of human society, but a superabundance of possibilities in a created world grounded in the character of God. Bringing Berlin's thought into conversation with other social theorists, philosophers and Christian theologians, the book provides leaders and members of faith communities with a viable model to move beyond tolerance as mere forbearance to a grace which consists of respect and radical acceptance of others.

The world of the psalmist is ever alert to the Lord's reign. Even the unspeakable, the sorrow of oppression, the terror at the unknown, the anguish of the unjustly wronged - all these voices of lament are transformed into voices of praise. In "In the House of the Lord," Michal Jinkins poses the question What would it mean for us to inhabit the world of the psalmist?" and in so doing draws us into a world that has long awaited our arrival.

Focusing primarily on the psalms of lament, Jinkins shows what it would mean for us to learn to inhabit the world of the psalms: to enter a world where we recognize the reign of the Lord, to practice the habitation of God as a living discipline, and to discern the sacred quality of all life. He examines why the psalms are neglected in the hymns and liturgies of many churches and offers an introduction to the scope of the psalms. By providing a pastoral and liturgical reflection on the psalms, Jinkins shows in practical terms how individuals and communities can "inhabit" the psalms to make them a genuine framework for their faith life.

The psalms invite us to enter into that world which shaped the theology and self-understanding of the people of Israel for centuries. "In the House of the Lord" offers a previously unimagined source for congregational leadership, pastoral care and counseling, spiritual renewal, and worship.

Chapters are "Inhabiting the World of the Psalms," "The Church as a Community of Lament," "Locating Ourselves in the Psalms of Lament," and "The Psalms of Lament in the Life of the Church." Includes the perspectives of Thomas Merton, Augustine of Hippo, Walter Brueggemann, Annie Dillard, and Abraham Herschel. The texts of the psalms are included.

"Michal Jinkins, DMin, PhD, is Assistant Professor of Pastoral Theology and Director of Supervised Practice of Ministry at Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary, Austin, Texas.""

Participant Guide: guides daily study and preparation for discussion in the weekly group meeting. The expectation for daily study will be no more than thirty minutes. Psalms 10 sessions, 60-90 minutes Make a deeper connection to the world of the Psalms so that these well known scriptures can help you give voice to all aspects of our human experience---joy, faith, uncertainty and sorrow. During two weekly video segments, experience a varied presentation of individual psalm texts, including dramatic reading, music, dance, and images. Listen to insights into specific psalms presented by one of two biblical scholars through an informal, roundtable conversation format.

Ideal experience for adults who are interested in the practice of prayer and worship and would like to connect prayer practice with Scripture. The study is accessible for adults with little prior Bible experience.

Sessions: Word of God, Words of Prayer The Prayer Book of God s People Praying the Psalms The Language of the Heart A Geography of the Imagination A Theology of the Imagination Lament and Praise Grace and Repentance Love and Wrath Hallelujah and Amen

Michael Jinkins is an ordained Minister of Word and Sacrament in the Presbyterian Church (USA). He serves as Dean of Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary, where he is also Professor of Pastoral Theology. Michael is the author of eleven books, including "In the House of the Lord: Inhabiting the Psalms of Lament" (Liturgical Press, 1998), "Invitation to Theology" (InterVarsity Press, 2001), and "Letters to New Pastors" (Eerdmans, 2006)."

Are you intimidated by theology? Confused? Bored? Michael Jinkins knows it doesn't have to be that way. "Theology is our critical and prayerful reflection on the totality of life," he writes. "We all do theology on a regular basis, whether or not we are conscious of the fact." In Invitation to Theology Jinkins offers a knowledgeable, helpful and caring guide to walk you through the basics of the Christian faith. Following the pattern of the ancient summary of the Christian faith, the Apostles' Creed, Jinkins highlights the key doctrines of God, Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit, humanity, church, salvation and resurrection. He cuts a clear path through theological terms, traditions and debates. And in the spirit of C. S. Lewis, he invites you to consider some of the most profound reflections--from the distant past to the present day--on Christian belief. Throughout this fascinating journey, the main road is always kept in view: "The meaning and shape of our life together as a community of persons is grounded in the inner life of God, the Trinity, and has been revealed to us in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ." If you are eager to think about your faith, to examine what and why you believe and to reflect on how such faith can be lived out in our world, Invitation to Theology is the book for you.

In this book, theologian and author Michael Jinkins probes the present state and future of the Reformed faith. Addressing increasing division over scriptural authority, ordination and marriage of gay and lesbian people, and other social issues, Jinkins looks at some of the hallmarks of the Reformed faith and discusses how these can be viewed anew. Topics covered include scriptural interpretation, the place of Christ, living in community, the life of the mind, unity versus schism, and spirituality and mystery. He concludes by showing how the Reformed faith is not a castle to be defended but a living treasure of great gifts.

Leader Guide: provides process guidance for weekly group sessions. The Leader Guide understands the role of leader as facilitator of small-group sessions. Procedures for guiding sessions include: directions for using related video segments, and questions for discussion.

Psalms 10 sessions, 60-90 minutes Make a deeper connection to the world of the Psalms so that these well known scriptures can help you give voice to all aspects of our human experience---joy, faith, uncertainty and sorrow. Make a deeper connection to the world of the Psalms so that these well known scriptures can help you give voice to aspects of our human experience---joy, faith, uncertainty and sorrow.

During two weekly video segments, experience a varied presentation of individual psalm texts, including dramatic reading, music, dance, and images. Listen to insights into specific psalms presented by one of two biblical scholars through an informal, roundtable conversation format.

Ideal experience for adults who are interested in the practice of prayer and worship and would like to connect prayer practice with Scripture. The study is accessible for adults with little prior Bible experience.

Presented as the letters of a mature pastor to several fictional recipients, "Letters to New Pastors" delves into the professional, emotional, and spiritual needs of those new to the ministry. In a manner reminiscent of C. S. Lewis's "Letters to Malcolm" and Reinhold Niebuhr's "Leaves from the Notebook of a Tamed Cynic," Michael Jinkins connects readers with valuable pastoral wisdom gleaned from his years of ministry and from the riches of the Christian past. In these letters Jinkins explores such themes as developing one's own spiritual life, finding balance amid conflicting demands, and rediscovering the meaning of Christ's call for the church's future. Written in a comfortable, personal style, Jinkins's "Letters to New Pastors" is ideal not only for new pastors but also for anyone seeking to better understand the challenges facing those in ministry today.

In this manual for living the Christian -- and therefore a truly human -- life, Michael Jinkins explores so-called Big Questions that challenge people of all ages: What is it to be human? Why am I here? What can I believe in? How should I invest my life? / Readers will find here arresting insights illuminating our contemporary human experience. Through these letters written to his own adult children, Jinkins converses with a startling range of thinkers and writers -- from Calvin to Rumi -- and offers searching, loving testimony to his own faith. In doing so, he is critical not only of -religion- and the church but also of mere vapid -spirituality.- Frank, pungent, and at times humorous, Called to Be Human offers vital food for thought -- and for authentic Christian living. / -Have you ever seen faith get passed from one generation to the next? I have. Here. In this book -- this edgy, honest, makes-you-cry-because-it's-so-true book -- Michael Jinkins passes his Christian faith along to his children, Jeremy and Jessica. Thank God, he's allowed us to look over their shoulders and read along. Called to Be Human confirms the stature of Michael Jinkins as the C. S. Lewis of our time.--- Scott Black Johnston / Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Church, New York / -In Called to Be Human Michael Jinkins wrangles with profound questions that so many young adults face -- the terrifying beauty of death, the staggering complexities of evil, and the bewildering pursuit of vocation. Yet what makes this book so wise and powerful is not just its subject matter but, even more, that these words are wrapped in the unmistakable affection of a father who loves deeply.--- Carol Howard Merritt / Western Presbyterian Church, Washington, D.C.

Behold, I send you as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore, be as shrewd as snakes, and as innocent as doves. --Matthew 10:16

. . . remarkable example of practical humanities scholarship. . . .Those who lead all sorts of nonprofit organizations can benefit from this bracing encounter with political realism.
--James Wind, president, Alban Institute and author of Places to Worship

Leaders of nonprofit enterprises are often motivated by a completing vision of how the world should be. Too often, however, this prevents them from understanding and skillfully operating in the realm of pragmatic realism. For nonprofit leaders who want to succeed in their efforts to change the world without selling their souls, Jinkins and Jinkins offer a guide to pragmatic and principled politics.

This book includes case studies of the political successes and failures of talented, good-hearted leaders in a variety of roles including seminary presidents, pastors, and leaders of social service agencies. The authors show us that realistic leaders know that in the rough and tumble of the real world, we must strive to create a place where our values can be translated into policy and common life--learning how to do this is the task that confronts us.