Christian sacraments Books

Book SynopsisEnriched by the history, customs and scripture that surround the Holy Rosary, many today are rediscovering this prayer which lies at the heart of Catholic spirituality. Through this school of prayer' (St John Paul II) disciples grow in love for Christ through Mary, mother of the Lord. Designed for those familiar with the prayer as well as for newcomers, this text clearly explains how to pray the Rosary. Prayers and Scripture passages associated with the Rosary are also included.

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Book SynopsisA completely updated edition of this confirmation preparation guide, Faith Confirmed covers all the essentials of the Christian faith and is ideal for use with individuals or groups.

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Book SynopsisIn the late 1920s, the Church of England was stunned when its first new prayer book since 1662 - a book that had received overwhelming support from bishops, clergy and laity alike - was rejected by the House of Commons. It was almost another sixty years before a new prayer book was attempted and although many of its rites went on to appear in the 1984 Alternative Services Book (and continue today in Common Worship), to many Anglican minds, the 1928 Prayer Book is unsurpassed and it continues in demand, especially among Anglo-Catholics. This facsimile edition will make available to students of liturgy and worship one of the finest written treasures of the Church of England. Although unauthorized for use, this is a resource that many clergy will be glad to have. This is not to be confused with the 1928 US Book of Common Prayer - the authorized prayer book of the Episcopal Church in America for over 50 years.

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Book SynopsisMark Clavier is the Residentiary Canon of Brecon Cathedral, UK, and chair of the Standing Doctrinal Commission for the Church in Wales, UK.Trade ReviewThis book sharpens our ears and tunes our imaginations to hear and see the “magic” of landscape, people, and God, and to rejoice in it all. * The Church Times *Mark Clavier knows what it is to be lost, to yearn for a transcendent God who remains out of reach. Yet as this wise book relates, he also knows what it is to be found, to encounter God in the common marvels of creation. Read this book and then go for a walk with eyes newly opened to the mysteries that are at hand. -- Jeffrey Bilbro, Grove City College, USA'An outward and visible sign of an inward and spiritual grace’: Cranmer’s definition of a sacrament expresses perfectly Mark Clavier’s achievement in this deeply personal yet universally applicable reflection which celebrates the wonderful Welsh mountainscape as a sacrament of God’s timeless presence in creation and in the human heart. -- John Inge, Bishop of Worcester, UKIn this personal and wise book, Mark Clavier invites readers on a mountain pilgrimage with poets, philosophers, and spiritual writers as guides. The result is a profound meditation on time, place, and the communities of life that join us to each other and to our world. Come along! -- Norman Wirzba, Duke Divinity School, USARead this book and walk with the author on a journey that unites heaven and earth. On his hikes in the Welsh mountains, Clavier encounters not some generic "higher power" but an earthy God, incarnate in both the wonderful and the commonplace. In the process he traces a life that is simultaneously poetic, divine, and deeply humane. -- William T. Cavanaugh, DePaul University, USAMark Clavier is our delightful companion as we walk into a landscape that speaks of God found in timelessness and time, silence and words, wonder and the commonplace. He weaves memoir with theological reflection, folklore, geology and history, taking discursive routes to explore his paradoxical themes with flair and imagination. -- Graham Usher, Bishop of Norwich, UKMark Clavier loses himself in the rocky beauty of mid-Wales, and finds himself opened up to multiple layers of wisdom and joy. Strands of place, theology and the natural world are all plaited together through the pages of this profound and deeply satisfying book. -- Philip Marsden, travel writer and novelist, UKPerhaps one of the worst things Christianity has done in some of its varieties is to encourage people to think they don't really belong in and with creation. Mark Clavier has written a brilliant and moving meditation on how he has learned from journeys in the Welsh landscape to see more clearly that redemption is a gift that allows us to inhabit more deeply where we truly are, at home in the grace and mercy of the creator. -- Rowan Williams, University of Cambridge, UKA love letter to God, written in the mountains of Wales, Mark Clavier offers a rare feast of reflections that stir the paradoxes of the imagination towards the God whose creation heals and transforms. An immersion in nature to delight the longing soul. -- Frances Ward, St Michael's Rectory, UKWhat gives A Pilgrimage of Paradoxes an aura of depth and complexity lies in how Clavier weaves together personal experiences in the wilderness, learned contemplation of Christian theology and biblical passages, and a rich penetration into the interiority of the soul’s relationship to the world and the Divine. ... Mark Clavier’s book A Pilgrimage of Paradoxes lives up to its title. * Front Porch Republic *Table of ContentsGlossary and Guide to Welsh Names Preface Chapter 1: Cadair Idris: Encountering God on a Welsh Mountain Part 1 The Paradox of Eternity and Time Chapter 2: Cwm Cau: Timelessness Chapter 3: Dysynni Valley: Thick-Time Chapter 4: Incarnation Part 2 The Paradox of Silence and Words Chapter 5: Craig Lwyd: Silence Chapter 6: Gwyn ap Nudd: Words Chapter 7: Baptism Part 3 The Paradox of Wonder and the Commonplace Chapter 8: Penygadair: The Wonderful Chapter 9: Rhiw Gwredydd: The Commonplace Chapter 10: Eucharist Chapter 11: Inhabiting Hiraeth and Tangnefedd Bibliography Index

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Book SynopsisIn Worship, Its Theology and Practice, Jean-Jacques von Allmen establishes the broader framework of a doctrine of worship, to then see how it can be applied in practice. The book''s two parts, ''Problems of Principle'' and ''Problems of Celebration'', allow for a holistic approach to worship in all its forms. Covering a wide range of liturgical study, von Allmen places regular Sunday worship in its historical and theological context, affirming its nature as the ''recapitulation of the history of salvation'' and a sacred sign of Christ''s presence, while fully acknowledging its practical role in building the Church. In this new edition, von Allmen''s work is brought up to date with a Foreword by Ronald Andrew Rienstra. There is also a new index, enabling scholars to locate key concepts and themes with ease. At its core, Worship, Its Theology and Practice remains acutely relevant, with its vision of an experience of worship comprised of deeper participation and simple obedience to Jesus Trade Review"Con­temporary theologians and pastors would benefit by dwelling upon von Allmen's convictions about the recovery of the Lord's Supper in weekly Christian worship -­ convictions informed by his reading of Calvin, Ostervald, and other Reformers, as well as by his ecumenical engagement with theologians of other denominational identities." - Ronald Andrew Rienstra, from the ForewordTable of ContentsForeword Introduction A Note on Terminology First Part: Problems of Principle Chapter 1. Christian worship considered as the recapitulation of the history of salvation 1. The Christological basis of church worship 2. The presence of Christ in Christian worship and the epiklesis 3. The cult as recapitulation of the history of salvation Chapter 2. The cult as the epiphany of the Church 1. The Church as a liturgical assembly 2. The implications of the cult considered as the epiphany of the Church 3. The cult as the heart of the local Christian community Chapter 3. The cult, the end and future of the world 1. Two preliminary remarks 2. The cult considered as a threat to the world 3. The cult as a promise for the world 4. Cult and evangelization Chapter 4. The approach to forms 1. Necessity and limitations of liturgical forms 2. The domains of liturgical expression 3. Discipline and liberty in liturgical expression 4. The reward of liturgical expression Chapter 5. The necessity of the cult 1. Justification of the necessity of Christian worship 2. The usefulness of the cult 3. Obedience to the call to worship, and in its celebration Second Part: Problems of Celebration Chapter 6. The components of the cult 1. List of the elements of the cult 2. How to articulate the elements of worship in relation to one another Chapter 7. The participants in the cult 1. God 2. The faithful 3. The angels, partners in worship 4. The world and its sighs Chapter 8. The time of the cult 1. Sunday 2. The liturgical year 3. The sanctification of time Chapter 9. The place of worship 1. The signs of Christ's presence 2. The place of worship as a witness to the presence of Christ 3. The sanctification of space Chapter 10. The order of worship 1. Teachings which result from the history of worship 2. The order of worship Conclusion Bibliography Index

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Book SynopsisThis beautifully-bound, white christening (or baptismal) Bible is an ideal presentation for the remembrance of significant events in ones faith life. The Bible uses the Authorized King James Version in a small, handy format.

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Book SynopsisThe definitive guide to the practice of rites of initiation in the church, revised and updated to reflect the changes of the 2022 Book of Occasional Services. In a new and updated edition, James Turrell offers a guide to the celebration of the rites of baptism, confirmation, and communion. He provides readers with notes and background thinking on planning the ideal time to undergo these important rituals. Through careful guidance, Turrell leads clergy members and other church leaders through the steps of major Christian ceremonies. Reflecting a more inclusive society, he writes on recent changes to the catechumenate and the restructuring of rites for preparing for confirmation or reception. This new edition is revised to included updated information from the 2022 Book of Occasional Services.

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Book SynopsisTrade Review[Creation as Sacrament] should be read by everyone – undergraduate student, graduate student, scholar, layperson, and scientist – who hopes to effect the 'revolutionary reformation' that leads to reconciliation, transfiguration, and resurrection. * Modern Theology *This collection of essays is an engaging and accessible introduction to Eastern Orthodox ecotheological spirituality by a leading theologian. * Interpretation: A Journal of Bible and Theology *Stimulating... Excellent... a powerful and persuasive exploration. * Theology *Chryssavgis offers a welcome and teachable text in ecospirituality and sacramental imagination. * Reading Religion *In this timely book, John Chryssavgis offers a sacramental account of the natural world as a creation that finds it true identity in Christ as the body of Christ. It is rare to find a book that is attentive to the sciences, theologically rich, and able to speak practically to some of the major challenges that we are currently facing in this world. Creation as Sacrament succeeds on all these fronts and should have pride of place on the bookshelf of anyone interested in the doctrine of creation. There is no question in my mind that this is one of the best books available on theology and ecology. * Andrew Torrance, University of St. Andrews, UK; co-editor of Knowing Creation: Perspectives from Theology, Philosophy and Science *It is difficult in a few lines to do justice to this beautifully written and inspirational book. The author weaves together a rich tapestry of ideas on the theme of creation as sacrament drawn from Orthodox traditions and practices in a way that can inspire real hope in the transfiguration of the shattered image of the world around us. The reader is taken into a profound recognition of different aspects of the mystery of divine revelation that is both revealed and concealed at the same time. The frank acknowledgement of human sin sits alongside a call to asceticism and gratitude. This is not just about promoting a change in attitude to ecological responsibility in the light of scientific knowledge, but a vision of the church that is both ancient but fresh in its relevance for our world today. This is theological writing at its best: profound, informed, inspiring and relevant, not just for those in the Orthodox Church, but for many others as well. * Celia Deane-Drummond, University of Notre Dame, USA; author of A Primer in Ecotheology: Theology for a Fragile Earth *Long before the current ecological crisis, the theology of Eastern Christianity had developed a sophisticated and harmonious picture of the interweaving of spiritual and material reality in a universe animated at every point by the radiant, creative agency of God. For human beings to flourish as God intends, they need to learn how to see and attend to this mystery; the contemplation of the divine can grow in us only as we learn to recognise this uncreated act as reflected in all we encounter. John Chryssavgis has played a major role in articulating the resources of Orthodox theology in tackling our environmental catastrophe, and this excellent book could not be more timely as we seek for a spirituality that will genuinely transform our sinful and mindless ravaging of God’s world. * Dr. Rowan Williams, former Archbishop of Canterbury and currently Master of Magdalene College, Cambridge, UK; author of Christ, The Heart of Creation *John Chyrssavgis’s capacious, reflective book is a wonderful, rigorous, and accessible meditation on ecological theology as intrinsic to Orthodox Christian thought and practice over the centuries. His theological finesse is unique and unparalleled in mediating Orthodox thought between the currents of contemporary environmentalism and theological shoals of the past. Readers of all levels will benefit from his reflections on how transfiguration, sacrament, and spirituality in Orthodox theology resist any blithe, firm distinctions between humans and nature. Eminently readable and assignable, this text is also guaranteed to become a staple in courses on Christian ecotheology. * Christiana Zenner, Fordham University, USA; author of Just Water: Theology, Ethics, and the Global Water Crisis *Table of ContentsAcknowledgments Foreword Introduction: Restoring the Shattered Image of the World Section I: Theory and Theology 1. The Lens of Grace: Reintegrating the Sacred and the Profane 2. Transcendence and Immanence: Ancient Concepts for a Modern Crisis 3. The Desert is Alive: The Sayings of the Desert Fathers and Mothers 4. Divine Sophia: The Wisdom of the Word and Beauty of the World 5. Ecology and Mystery: Creation as Sacrament Section II: Principles and Practices 6. On Earth as in Heaven: Cardinal Symbols and Values 7. Living Cosmology: Creation in Faith and Science 8. Responding to Denial and Disdain: The Devil’s Advocate, Part 1 9. Asking the Right Questions: The Devil’s Advocate, Part 2 10. The Green Patriarch: A Contemporary Worldview and Witness Conclusion: The Way Forward Original Sources Further Reading Index

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Book SynopsisA brand new two-year collection of daily readings and prayers, with Celtic themes and inspiration.Building on the foundations set down in the first volume, this new collection blends the voices of the early Celtic and desert saints with more contemporary sources in ways that continue to speak to us in our own generation and culture.Prayer is the ''heartbeat' of the Northumbria Community, and this book contains the Daily Office (morning, midday and evening prayer, and compline), which can be said, or sung to the music provided.As well as the Daily Office, there are four original Communion services, along with liturgies and prayers that have emerged out of real-life experiences of seeking God in many differing contexts throughout the world. Topics include reaching adulthood/mid-life/old-age; renewal of a marriage; the summer solstice; living with pain; blessing a garden; Christmas preparation; after an argument; scattering ashes; studying; peace; the father wound'; loyalty and sleep, among many, many others.There is also a meditation for each day of the month.Trade Review‘What a wonderful resource for those yearning to swim upstream and resist that powerful temptation to be running in busy circles!’- Lina Andronovienė, Lecturer, Scottish Baptist College ‘I think it was the American theologian Stanley Hauerwas who once said, in typically strong language, that what the church needs is a ‘damn good prayer book’. Well, Celtic Daily Prayer is exactly that.’- Ian Stackhouse, Guildford Baptist Church ‘[O]ur world needs this wonderful, spiritual treasure trove of a book.’- Dr Ash Barker, Director, The Newbigin Centre, Springdale College, Selly Oak Birmingham

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Book SynopsisWith warmth and depth, leading Pentecostal theologian Jonathan Black shows how Jesus' call to partake in the Lord's Supper is a call to partake in His promise of presence, healing, forgiveness, glory, victory, and intimacy. Christ's table is still a powerful, life-changing place of transformation and encounter with Him--one you can experience every day.

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Book SynopsisThe SPCK Service Register is an hardback landscape register to record parish service details, ideal for anglican churches.

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Book SynopsisThis series on the seven Sacraments provides readers with a deeper appreciation of God's gifts and call in the Sacraments through a renewed encounter with God's Word. In this volume, a leading Catholic scholar offers a biblical theology of the priesthood rooted in the Old and New Testaments. Half a millennium after the Protestant Reformation and in the midst of an ongoing clerical crisis in the Catholic Church, this book presents a comprehensive biblical vision and defense of the sacramental priesthood and an informed theological response to the problem of priestly sin. It gives expression to the ministerial priesthood's biblically grounded, sacramental share in the sacrificial ministry of Jesus Christ. Series editors are Timothy C. Gray and John Sehorn. Gray is president of the Augustine Institute, which has one million subscribers to its online content channel, Formed.org. Gray and Sehorn teach at the Augustine Institute Graduate School of Theology, which prepares students for Christian mission through on-campus and distance-education programs.Table of ContentsContentsList of SidebarsSeries PrefacePart 1: Introduction1. Priesthood and the Project of Catholic ExegesisHermeneutical Interlude: A Catholic AlternativePart 2: "The Sons of Aaron in Their Splendor"2. "The Glory of the Lord Appeared" (Lev. 9:23): Priesthood as TheophanyExcursus 1: Purity and HolinessExcursus 2: Levi, Levites, and the Priesthood3. "Like People, like Priest" (Hosea 4:9): Priestly Sin and the Prophetic CritiqueExcursus 3: Corruption of Priests and TempleExcursus 4: The Priesthood of Eli and Sons at Shiloh4. "I Will Clothe You with Festal Apparel" (Zech. 3:4): The Promise of a New PriesthoodExcursus 5: David's Royal PriesthoodExcursus 6: Transfiguration of the Temple and the Future of TheophanyPart 3: "The Order of Melchizedek"5. "Feed My Sheep" (John 21:17): The Inauguration of New Covenant OrdoExcursus 7: Israel's Last ProphetExcursus 8: The Language of Pastoral Order6. "A Spiritual Temple, a Holy Priesthood" (1 Pet. 2:5): Priestly Sacrifice and the New LawExcursus 9: The Laying On of HandsExcursus 10: "Mediator of a New Covenant" (Heb. 12:24): Priests in the Letter to the Hebrews7. Conclusion: Jesus as Charismatic Founder of a Hierarchical ChurchSuggested ResourcesIndexes

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Book SynopsisThe second edition of a classic designed for baptismal preparation and relevant to all Christians.A program for adult Episcopalians that can easily be adapted to other denominations, one-on-one spiritual mentoring, children, young adult, or intergenerational groups, and even to individuals for private meditation. The eight group sessions in this book focus repeatedly on water, first as a natural element necessary to life, then as a symbolic element necessary to spirituality. Gradually, through prayer, song, scripture, silence, poetry, visual arts, storytelling, group discussion, and personal reflection, water—as a baptismal element—gains ascendancy. No longer merely occasional refreshment, Living Water inundates, becoming life’s very medium. Trade Review“To all of you who are formation leaders of a new generation—there is wisdom here that stands the test of time.”—Sharon Ely Pearson, author of Signed, Sealed, Delivered: Theologies of Confirmation for the 21st Century“Living Water is a living book; it lives as a reflection of Klara Tammany’s long and ongoing journey in faith and service, in the lives of the many who have been touched by her work, and in the pages between these covers. The book is not an educational program but a formational process. If you read Living Water, as I hope you will, it will live in you as it lives in me.”—Parker J. Palmer, author of On the Brink of Everything: Grace, Gravity, and Getting OldThis is one of the best resources for Christian formation that I've used in my ten years in the field. I am an Episcopal priest and have used it for Baptism preparation, Confirmation classes, and retreats. I highly recommend it . . ."—Pamela Dolan, author of Contemplative Gardening and rector of the Episcopal Church of St. Martin in Davis, California

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Book SynopsisA guide to communicating the power and significance of baptism.Although the sacrament of baptism is central to Christian experience, it is usually only discussed in many churches when a baptism happens to be occurring. In Preaching Baptism, priest and noted preacher James Bradley Shumard identifies ways to reinforce baptismal values in the weekly liturgy, from the pulpit in sermons, as well as from other teaching moments in the liturgy. Including chapters on preaching about baptism across the church year, connecting the lectionary to baptism, baptismal vows, and more, this volume offers guidance to clergy in keeping baptismal vocation at the core in every Sunday's sermon.Trade Review"As promised, Shumard focuses on preaching, reviewing the Revised Common Lectionary through the lens of baptism. This valuable resource overflows with opportunities for preaching baptismal themes." – Dr. Fredrica Harris Thompsett, author of We Are Theologians and Living with History"Preaching Baptism is an engaging invitation to live as followers of Christ infused with the sacred waters of baptism. Accessible to clergy and laity alike, Preaching Baptism is perfect for a retreat setting, adult forums, and personal enrichment. Full of practical and creative suggestions on incorporating the importance of baptism into weekly worship, Rev. Shumard illustrates the life-giving relevance of our baptismal vows. His is a timely book with transformative power." – The Rt. Rev. Paul-Gordon Chandler, Bishop of the Episcopal Church in Wyoming and Founder of CARAVAN Arts"Shumard challenges us to live and preach baptism beyond those Sundays we perform the sacrament. Prepare to dust off the font and adjust the church bulletin for a more embodied experience of living into our baptismal vows each week. This practical guide is helpful for anyone who desires a fresh, reimagined approach to worship." – The Rev. Canon Dr. Dennis G. Campbell, retired Canon to the Ordinary of the Episcopal Diocese of Arkansas"An extremely well-written and informative book that will hold your attention from the first page. I learned of the deeper meanings of baptism and experienced revelations throughout each chapter. This is an important and fascinating read. As a layperson, I would recommend this book to anyone seeking clarification about the meaning and ritual of baptism, whether you are a casual reader or a member of the clergy." – Jeanne Miller, Congregant"As a parishioner at St. Mark’s during Father Shumard’s time here, I have had a baptismal epiphany. Repeated recitation has let me come to understand that the still valid two millennia old Nicene Creed lets us express what we believe, while the Baptismal Vows have such deep meaning that they are a prescription for Christian living. The Vows are what we commit to actively do with our lives." – Steve Kurtz, CongregantTable of ContentsIntroduction: Why This Book and Why Baptism?Baptism Is a Lifelong JourneyBaptismal Preaching: Themes from the Catechumenate, Confirmation, and the Reaffirmation of the Baptismal Vows Baptismal VowsA Quick Guide for Ordinary Sundays with Baptismal Themes as Found in Readings from the Revised Common LectionarySeasonal Preaching and Preaching for Special OccasionsThe Service of Holy BaptismArchitecture and AccoutrementsPreaching and Teaching MomentsThe History of BaptismConclusionAppendix A: The Question of Open CommmunionAppendix B: Sample Baptismal SermonsBibliographyAcknowledgements

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Book SynopsisIn introducing eight new eucharistic prayers, "Common Worship" has focused fresh attention on the most central act of Christian worship. This text offers a wealth of information on both the words and actions of the Eucharist. Part one focuses on the content of the Eucharist, from the opening greeting to the final blessing and dismissal. Each stage of the service is explored from a biblical and historical perpective and readers discover how the Eucharist has evolved from the days of the Early Church. Part two focuses on the actions of the Eucharist: the posture and movement of the celebrant and participants, ceremonial, symbolism, the role of memory, essentials and variables in the rite. Part Three explores the eight different Eucharistic prayers of "Common Worship", their distinctive styles, provenance, theological features and pastoral uses.

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Book SynopsisThis publication is a useful confirmation register for use in churches around the UK.

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Book SynopsisA ‘one-stop shop’ for churches considering the admission of children to Holy Communion.

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Book SynopsisCountering the traditional view that colonial coercion was the driving force behind the religious conversion of the native population in 16th century Mexico, the author shows how Spanish missionaries in fact drew on existing native ceremonies in order to make Christianity more accessible to the Nahua population they were trying to convert.Trade ReviewPardo's study provides a persuasive criticism of the widespread assumption that the process of Christianization in Mexico can be conceived as the imposition of a complete and fool-proof system that did not accept doubts or compromises. The Origins of Mexican Catholicism will become an invaluable tool for future researchers and enrich future debates on the subject. - Fernando Cervantes, Bristol University, UK ""... concise and fascinating.... Pardo's excellent study is a testimony to the rich fruits to be reaped by scholars who are willing to engage in interdisciplinary studies."" - Renaissance Quarterly ""Pardo has created a readable, detailed, and insightful analysis.... [The] book offers much food for thought and many convincing arguments about one of the most significant and enduring components of the Spanish invasion of Mexico."" - Catholic Historical Review

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Book SynopsisA respected biblical scholar offers a liturgical reading of the Gospel of Mark, arguing that the Gospel is a narrative interpretation of early Christian ritual.Table of ContentsContentsPrologueIntroduction: In the Beginning: Creation versus Chaos and the Liturgical Reading of Mark1. The Early Gentile Mission and Explanation (1:1-4:34)2. Baptismal Death and Resurrection: The First Mission to the Gentiles (4:35-5:20)3. Conclusion of the Jewish Mission and the Inclusion of Gentiles: The First Ritual Meal Narrative and Explanation (5:21-7:23)4. The Gentile Mission and the Second Ritual Meal Narrative: The One Loaf (7:24-8:26)5. The Necessity of the Death of Christ (8:27-10:52)6. The House of Prayer for All the Gentiles (11:1-12:44)7. The Apocalyptic Discourse and the Death of Jesus (13:1-37)8. The Passion of Jesus: Meal and Garden (14:1-52)9. The Passion of Jesus: Betrayal and Trials (14:53-15:20) 10. The Passion of Jesus: The Cross and Tomb (15:21-16:8)EpilogueIndexes

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Book SynopsisSooner or later, every pastor will be called on to conduct special services. Baptisms, weddings, funerals, infant presentations, and evangelistic services, each in their own way, challenge pastors to find the right words to mark the occasion.Preaching for Special Services will help pastors prepare sermons for these special services. Each chapter explores a different occasion and offers the perspective, encouragement, and practical advice that pastors need as they plan their messages.Through this useful book, pastors will discover how Christ-centered special occasion preaching can make a difference in the lives of their listeners.

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Book SynopsisDo you feel that you''re not enough? Do you struggle to see your inherent worth just as you are? In this beautiful full-color devotional, the creators of popular online community Her True Worth offer encouragement through Scripture, story, and art to anchor your identity in Christ and to find rest in His presence. No matter how much we strive or work, it can still seem like it''s never enough. But that''s okay! Our enough ultimately has nothing to do with our actions. Our identity is found in God—and Brittany Maher and Cassandra Speer don''t toss that phrase around lightly. As these 90 devotions reveal, realizing your inestimable value in God alone is a life-altering, soul-anchoring truth that will change everything about your life—how you feel about yourself, how you spend your time, and how you treat others.As you walk through the pages of this beautiful devotional, Brittany and Cassandra will kindly guide you back to what God intended foTrade Review'Inspired and inspiring, 'There's Beauty in Your Brokenness: 90 Devotions to Surrender Striving, Live Unburdened, and Find Your Worth in Christ' is unreservedly recommended reading for all female members of the Christian community regardless of age or denominational affiliation.' * Midwest Book Review *

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Book SynopsisPoet, novelist, dramatist, polemicist, and filmmaker Pier Paolo Pasolini continues to be one of the most influential intellectuals of post-war Italy. In Pasolini: The Sacred Flesh, Stefania Benini examines his corporeal vision of the sacred, focusing on his immanent interpretation of the Christian doctrine of the Incarnation and the “sacred flesh” of Christ in both Passion and Death as the subproletarian flesh of the outcast at the margins of capitalism.By investigating the many crucifixions within Pasolini’s poems, novels, films, cinematic scripts and treatments, as well as his subversive hagiographies of criminal or crazed saints, Benini illuminates the radical politics embedded within Pasolini’s adoption of Christian themes. Drawing on the work of theorists such as Ernesto De Martino, Mircea Eliade, Jean-Luc Nancy, Alain Badiou, Giorgio Agamben, and Slavoj Žižek, she shows how Pasolini’s meditation on the disappearance of the sacred iTrade Review'This is a thorough study of the true intellectual Pasolini.' Choice Magazine vol 53:09:2016 'Benini's book is a tour de force to be lauded and a must read for any Pasolini scholar.' -- Daniela Bini Annali D'Italianistica vol 35:2016 'Benini succeeds in carving out an innovative space for interpretation, so that her work is an interesting addition to the huge bulk of Pasolini criticism. Furthermore, her work can benefit those who are interested in "meeting" the "organic intellectual" Pasolini, an agent of Italian cultural history for over fifty years.' -- Carla Locatelli Forum Italicum vol 5:01:2017 'Benini's book is a tour de force to be lauded and a must read for any Pasolini scholar.' -- Daniela Bini Annali D'Italianistica vol 35:2016Table of ContentsIntroduction 1. The Sense of the Sacred 2. The Passion and the Incarnation: Ricotta and The Gospel According to Matthew 3. The Words of the Flesh: Blasphemy 4. The Mad Saint and the Anchorite: Theorem 5. The Franciscan Model 6. The Pauline Model Conclusion

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Book SynopsisThe Bible and the sacraments go together as the cornerstone of Christian identity. Wherever Christianity is practised in traditional ways, converts are baptised and bread is broken together. Countless books have been written about the theological significance these events, but their strictly human meaning and value as ways of helping people to make sense of themselves and enjoy their lives together has sometimes been overlooked. The sacraments are first and foremost signs of belonging, to God and with one another. They are sacramental not only because of the circumstances surrounding their origin, but also because of their function in incorporating the personal belonging to which they point. Roger Grainger explores the human side of sacrament -- the emotional hunger which it addresses, and what this means from a theological point of view; and what it still means for us today, despite all the changes which have taken place over the ages in the world in which we live. By looking at the way human beings relate to one another we can begin to see the amazing relevance of these traditional ceremonies -- their God given ability to heal our personal woundedness and bring to the forefront the reality of belonging together in community. The significance of sacramental worship for human growth and development is examined in some depth, using the insights to be gained from the anthropological study of religion, while its contribution to psychological health and the establishment of individual identity through personal relationship is identified as the basis of our sense of belonging. This book proceeds from its author's conviction that a better understanding of the dynamics of our belonging would contribute to the Church's mission within a fragmented society.Trade Review"ANYONE who is familiar with Roger Graingers previous books,such as The Language of the Rite or The Drama of the Rite, will not be disappointed by most of this new one, Bridging the Gap." - The Revd Christopher Woods, Church Times, 7th September 2012Table of ContentsPrologue; Distance & Relationship; Relationship & Belonging; Past & Present; The Movement to Higher Ground; Symbolizing Commitment; Rite & Sacrament; Launching Out; Travelling Onwards; Reaching Outwards; Epilogue.

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a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.

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Book SynopsisSacramental Participation in the Trinitarian MysteryTrade ReviewThis book offers a fresh entrance into the reality of sacramental engagement. The Liturgical Press is to be thanked for publishing this book and other such works by young scholars which encourages their professional development and invites a wide audience to glean insight about current research by the new voices in liturgical studies today.Kevin W. Irwin, WorshipWith new insight and informed theological rigor, Belcher advances the now decades-long effort to appreciate and promote the human symbolic activity of sacraments as experiences of sharing in the very life of God. True to the wisdom and knowledge she has gleaned from the field of ritual studies, she delves into the particulars of one rite, infant baptism, to demonstrate how its personal, bodily, cultural, communal, and spiritual dynamics make the sacrament such a prevalent and formative practice for the real-life church in its members.Bruce T. Morrill, S.J. Vanderbilt Divinity SchoolA powerful debut of a singularly promising theological voice. Cutting against the separation of ritual studies and sacramental theology, Kimberly Belcher shows how they can be brought together in a compelling synthesis. Even more impressive than the scholarship is the argumentative power of the text. Efficacious Engagement opens up a new line of inquiry beyond Chauvet and illustrates that the field of sacramental theology is vital and generative.Cyril J. O’Regan, Huisking Professor of Theology, University of Notre DameOelrich’s thorough analysis of Congar’s insightful writings on ecclesial authority is timely indeed.Michael A. Fahey, SJ, Boston CollegeAnthony Oelrich patiently and clearly explains Congar’s theology which has inspired theological and pastoral renewal in the contemporary church, not least through its influence on the documents of Vatican II. Both the center and the periphery—the church’s hierarchy and its creative prophets—have much to learn here.Paul Philibert, OP, Translator of Congar’s True and False Reform in the Church and author of The Priesthood of the Faithful: Key to a Living Church

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Book Synopsis

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a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.

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a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.

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a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.

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a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.

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