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.

This engaging study examines the considerable attention Mark's Gospel gives to Jesus' confrontation with temptation, not only during his time in the wilderness but throughout the whole course of his earthly life and ministry. Building on solid biblical exegesis and practical exposition, Garrett discusses the ancient traditions related to the theme of testing/temptation and then explores Jesus' own experiences with temptation in Mark. In the course of her work, Garrett reads key passages of Mark in light of first-century Jewish and Christian cultural conventions about the testing or tempting of the righteous. This background material affords a fresh perspective on Mark's views concerning such fundamental issues as the person and work of Jesus, the church, the twelve disciples, and the nature of Christian discipleship.

A New Testament scholar compares ancient and modern stories about angels, and examines their relationship to Christology In this provocative, intelligent, and highly original addition to the Anchor Yale Bible Reference Library, Susan R. Garrett argues that angel talk has never been merely about angels. Rather, from ancient times until the present, talk about angels has served as a vehicle for reflection on other fundamental life questions, including the nature of God's presence and intervention in the world, the existence and meaning of evil, and the fate of humans after death. In No Ordinary Angel, Garrett examines how biblical and other ancient authors addressed such questions through their portrayals of angels. She compares the ancient angel talk to popular depictions of angels today and considers how the ancient and modern portraits of angels relate to Christian claims about Jesus. No Ordinary Angel offers important insights into the development of angelology, the origins of Christology, and popular Western spirituality ranging from fundamentalist to New Age. In doing so, it provokes stimulating theological reflection on key existential questions.