How parents approach the task of passing on religious faith and practice to their children How do American parents pass their religion on to their children? At a time of overall decline of traditional religion and an increased interest in personal "spirituality," Religious Parenting investigates the ways that parents transmit religious beliefs, values, and practices to their kids. We know that parents are the most important influence on their children's religious lives, yet parents have been virtually ignored in previous work on religious socialization. Renowned religion scholar Christian Smith and his collaborators Bridget Ritz and Michael Rotolo explore American parents' strategies, experiences, beliefs, and anxieties regarding religious transmission through hundreds of in-depth interviews that span religious traditions, social classes, and family types all around the country. Throughout we hear the voices of evangelical, Catholic, Mormon, mainline and black Protestant, Jewish, Muslim, Hindu, and Buddhist parents and discover that, despite massive diversity, American parents share a nearly identical approach to socializing their children religiously. For almost all, religion is important for the foundation it provides for becoming one's best self on life's difficult journey. Religion is primarily a resource for navigating the challenges of this life, not preparing for an afterlife. Parents view it as their job, not religious professionals', to ground their children in life-enhancing religious values that provide resilience, morality, and a sense of purpose. Challenging longstanding sociological and anthropological assumptions about culture, the authors demonstrate that parents of highly dissimilar backgrounds share the same "cultural models" when passing on religion to their children. Taking an extensive look into questions of religious practice and childrearing, Religious Parenting uncovers parents' real-life challenges while breaking innovative theoretical ground.

How parents approach the task of passing on religious faith and practice to their children How do American parents pass their religion on to their children? At a time of overall decline of traditional religion and an increased interest in personal "spirituality," Religious Parenting investigates the ways that parents transmit religious beliefs, values, and practices to their kids. We know that parents are the most important influence on their children's religious lives, yet parents have been virtually ignored in previous work on religious socialization. Renowned religion scholar Christian Smith and his collaborators Bridget Ritz and Michael Rotolo explore American parents' strategies, experiences, beliefs, and anxieties regarding religious transmission through hundreds of in-depth interviews that span religious traditions, social classes, and family types all around the country. Throughout we hear the voices of evangelical, Catholic, Mormon, mainline and black Protestant, Jewish, Muslim, Hindu, and Buddhist parents and discover that, despite massive diversity, American parents share a nearly identical approach to socializing their children religiously. For almost all, religion is important for the foundation it provides for becoming one's best self on life's difficult journey. Religion is primarily a resource for navigating the challenges of this life, not preparing for an afterlife. Parents view it as their job, not religious professionals', to ground their children in life-enhancing religious values that provide resilience, morality, and a sense of purpose. Challenging longstanding sociological and anthropological assumptions about culture, the authors demonstrate that parents of highly dissimilar backgrounds share the same "cultural models" when passing on religion to their children. Taking an extensive look into questions of religious practice and childrearing, Religious Parenting uncovers parents' real-life challenges while breaking innovative theoretical ground.

There are many books explaining and defending the doctrines known as Calvinism but there is none like that of this volume from C. H. Spurgeon, the Prince of Preachers. Spurgeon was not only a theologian but a Pastor, and it is with the heart of a pastor that he defends the doctrines of grace. This quintessential classic work by Spurgeon is fortified with select sermons on the individual doctrines as well as a bonus sermon on the issue of whether extolling the grace of God as taught in Scriptures leads to sin. A must have for every Christian's library.

Who better to teach "How to be Soul-Winner" than C. H. Spurgeon. Known the world over as the "Prince of Preachers," Spurgeon is the master of the evangelical sermon and perhaps the most prolific communicator of the gospel the world has ever seen. In this classic manual on evangelism, he lays out the most biblical, and therefore effective, methodologies for leading sinners to the Savior. Before buying into any of the so-called "new & innovative" systems of evangelism- learn the basics of sound Bible teaching on how to share the good news from the pen of a master evangelist.

In the Smalcald Articles, (at the behest of his patron, Elector John Frederick of Saxony), Luther summarized what he regarded to be the most important teaching in Christianity, these Articles were prepared with the intention of being presented at the Schmalkaldic League's meeting in 1537 primarily to address concerns pertaining to the office and power of the Roman Catholic Pope. The League had been organized in 1531 as a union of various Lutheran territories and cities, to provide a united military and political front against Roman Catholic politicians and armies, led by Emperor Charles V. After some argument, the league ultimately determined not to adopt the articles Luther had written, instead adopting a treatise by Philipp Melanchthon. Although they were not adopted at the meeting of the Schmalkaldic League, they nonetheless gained wide acceptance and use and were eventually incorporated into the Book of Concord in 1580 as one of the Lutheran Confessions of the faith.

The Mother at Home was particularly written for the mother who is employed full-time at home in the work of raising a family, but the principles are applicable to every mother and every father as well. This classic book has served to raise godly children for generations. Mothers everywhere have found it to be of vital help to them in their awesome task. Full of wisdom and practical teaching to be cherished by all-read it often, as it isn't possible to glean everything in one or two readings. You'll gain timeless biblical guidance and successful parenting practices, -it's full of practical advice for running a successful home, raising children that love and worship God, and avoiding the most universal parenting pitfalls. Written before the "politically correct" days, when parents were not afraid to discipline their children in the admonition of the Lord. The Mother at Home will prove to be an enormously helpful and encouraging manual for Moms emphasizing the need to be diligent in parenting as slackness in this God-given responsibility will heap up trouble in years to come. Give this fantastic book to any mother of young children as a valuable aid in reflection and course adjustment while there still remains time to impact the lives of their children for good. It's far more effective than the modern books which erroneously encourage a child-led parenting methodology. Raise your children God's way

The mountain region of Germany known as the Black Forest is a difficult place to live especially in the bitter cold of winter. Most folks lead a hard and humble life. For Max Steiner it was no different. Despite the protests of his carnally-minded mother he he had set his eye upon sweet little Doris. He loved her and couldn't imagine living without her. Doris and Max were quickly blessed with their first child, a son they named Herman, who grows to be an awkward, unpopular young boy who would often think of himself as a "good-for-nothing" but God has great plans for Herman. There would be significant obstacles and set backs but God would fashion him into a powerful man of God and through this unstoppable plan God would also see to softening the hard hearts of many. From jealous neighbors, to Max's domineering and ambitious mother, to Max himself, God would touch and even redeem some from very worldly lives. Though unable to give to Herman the treasure that Max's rich mother could offer, Doris's faithful mother Magdalena offers the consistent and faithful prayers that God will use to transform Herman into his champion for the everlasting Gospel. She may well be the overlooked heroine of this beautiful story of faith and grace.

In this enlightening treatise, Andrew Murray explores the difference between two covenants, namely the Old Covenant and the New Covenant. Murray's discussion of covenants is instructive, describing the nature of a covenant, the difference between the two covenants, and the transition between them. His ultimate goal, however, is to show "what exactly the blessings are that God has covenanted to bestow upon us." In this volume Murray's spiritual insight and ability for profound teaching shines through. His instruction to the believer can have a renewing and transformative effect. Two Covenants is a must read for anyone desiring a better understanding of the biblical covenants or one's own personal sanctification.