Christianity Books

Book SynopsisIslam came into being around AD 600 as a monotheistic, Abrahamic religion revealed through the Prophet Muhammad. Awareness of Islam in the West has grown dramatically in the twenty-first century, but there remains much misunderstanding of the interrelationship between Islam and Christianity, both their commonalities and differences.Andrei Younis elucidates esoteric reasons behind the emergence of Islam from the perspective of Steiner’s spiritual science. He draws on more than thirty years of studying Steiner’s work, as well as on first-hand knowledge gained from living in various Islamic countries and cultures. His purpose is to reconcile the origins, beliefs, and meanings of Islam and Christianity. Comprehending this anthroposophic perspective on the emergence of Islam is key to understanding why Islam manifests as it does today.Whereas this book will be enlightening and even surprising to most open-minded Western readers, it is not meant to be a foundation for beliefs (or non-belief), but as a springboard for thought and new avenues of understanding and compassion in a dangerous time.Table of ContentsPreface The Need to Understand Islam through Anthroposophic Wisdom Noteworthy contrasts between Christianity and Islam Reasons concealed behind the emergence of Islam as a new Yahweh Moon religion Influences on the descendants of Ishmael during the Kali Yuga period The critical situation 333 years after the coming of Christ The advent of Christ in relation to the crisis of 333: Lucifer’s involvement in blunting the Sorathic intervention Sorath’s intervention in AD 666 and the role of Ishmael’s descendants The Aftermath of the Invasion of the Gondishapur Academy Yahweh’s transformation into Allah: The beginning of the denial of spirit Further considerations on the absence of the concept of spirit in Islam: Confusion of three significant Hebraic terms What are the fundamental messages of the Koran? How did Muhammad’s verses influence pagan Arabs? Is the principle of freedom indicated anywhere in the Koran? Sharia law, the rule of retaliation, and the new principle of forgiveness in the Koran Are there any signs of the Christ impulse in the Koran? In what ways has Arabism been influential on Islam? Absence of the concept of spiritual freedom as a result of Arabism Absence of a concept of reincarnation Absence of the concept of karma and confined to the fatalistic concept of qadar Confusing Islam today with incidents and verses related only to Muhammad’s time What is Arabism? How are we to define it? What does Islam mean for Muslims, and how do they regard other religions? Muhammad as the last Prophet sent by Allah: Lucifer’s involvement in Islam Lucifer’s role in Arabism’s increase in power: The influence of luciferic morality on Islam Other reasons why the Koran has been misunderstood and misinterpreted Influence of apocryphal gospels on koranic verses and Islam: The influence of folk souls Is Islam related to Christ in any way? Consequences of the reappearance of Abraham’s monotheistic faith Why is the Antichrist (Dajjal) mentioned in Islam? How do Muslims interpret the Second Coming of Christ? How is Jesus of Nazareth conceived in Islam? Reasons behind the denial of the Holy Trinity and God’s Son What did Abraham’s monotheistic faith mean to Muhammad and to Muslims? The Prophet Muhammad’s two sons Further consequences of adhering to the old principle, “I and Father Abraham are one” Denial of the Crucifixion and its consequences Conclusion: Can Christianity and Islam find the key to reconciliation?Bibliography

Read more less

Book SynopsisConsiders the subject of the Inspiration of the Bible under the main headings of Divine Authority, Apostolic Doctrine, Its Uniformity, The Human Element and Divine Design. The latter topic introduces each book of the Bible in turn, demonstrating the evidence of its inspiration, and relating it to the inspired themes of the whole.Table of ContentsPreface to 2007 Edition; Introduction to the 1966 edition; Preface; Introduction; 1. Divine Authority; 2. Apostolic Doctrine; 3. Its Uniformity; 4. The Human Element; 5. Divine Design; 6. Conclusion

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe consequences of becoming a Christian in the early Christian movemen is set apart from that move from any other religious affiliation. You could become a Mithraist or Isiac or whatever, and it made no difference to your previous religious activities and loyalties. You continued to take part in the worship of your inherited deities of household, city, nation. But if you became a Christian you were expected to desist from worship of all other deities. And the ubiquitous place of the gods in all spheres of social and political activity made that difficult, and made for potentially serious consequences if you did desist. Indeed, it made it difficult to know how you could function socially and politically (to use our terminology).This book explores the growth of adherents to early Christianity; that all across this early period people became adherents of Christianity in the face of the costs and consequences of doing so.

Read more less

Book SynopsisDealing sensitively with touchstone issues, R.C. Sproul sends a challenge to deepen your understanding of the Holy Spirit through the Scriptures and His work. Come to know this mysterious member of the Trinity and see His work in your life.Trade Review"R.C. Sproul is the master teacher of this generation. When so many others were offering excuses for doctrinal atrophy, R.C. Sproul recovered the art of teaching and has become a model of theological fidelity, teaching intensity, and Christian statesmanship. At so many points in my life, I have been blessed and influenced by the teaching of R.C. Sproul. I am so pleased to see The Mystery of the Holy Spirit available for Christians everywhere. This outstanding resource, newly available, will bless many lives as Christians learn of the person and work of the Holy Spirit. Buy this book, read it, and you will know why so many have learned to trust and depend upon the teaching of R.C. Sproul." -- R. Albert Mohler (President, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Louisville, Kentucky)"A very solid biblical and practical guide to the Holy Spirit." -- Evangelicals Now... an outstanding book. Engagingly written, I found it a delight to read. It may be used with much profit and happily passed on to others. -- Reformation- South Africa

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisIntroduction to the classic problem of how an omnipotent God of love can allow disasters and catastrophic acts of nature.Trade Review“Professor White offers a solidly Christian perspective on some of the most important events in our world: “natural disasters.” Since “nature” is no more than the way God’s own creation works, these disasters raise questions about God and his providence. Professor White responds to these questions in a theologically informed way and reminds Christians that we have the ability and the responsibility to mitigate the effects of such disasters.” -- Douglas J Moo, Wessner Chair of Biblical Studies, Wheaton College; Chair, Committee on Bible TranslationProfessor White produces a fresh and thought provoking slant by introducing hard science into answering the question “Why do bad things happen to good people?” Well worth reading. -- Professor Sam Berry“This is one of the most helpful books I have read on the question that troubles all sensitive Christian minds - why is there evil and suffering in the world and why does God allow disasters? What will you get in this book? Good science and good theology. Robert White has a thorough understanding of both and roots all his thinking and writing in careful interpretation of key biblical teaching. What will you not get? Simplistic answers and solutions that either insult your intelligence or dismiss the pain of your suffering - or the suffering of those caught up in terrifying disasters or personal tragedy. This is not 'the answer we've all been waiting for'. But it goes a long way in helping us to respond wisely to realities we cannot ultimately explain, by giving us resources that are rich in biblical truth, scientific fact, and pastoral wisdom.” -- Revd Dr Chris Wright`A masterly survey of the natural phenomena that provide so generously for our well-being and development as humans on Planet Earth … (celebrates) God’s great capacity to turn the worst of seeming tragedies into the greatest of triumphs.’ -- Sir John Houghton“I am so grateful that Bob White has taken the time to write this book. His scientific expertise as a geophysicist gives his analysis of disasters depth and reliability. But more than that, he integrates his science with sociological and political insights, and then opens them up to careful biblical and theological exploration. The result is an amazing and significant volume, beautifully crafted, easy to read, and a wonderful resource for anyone who has ever thought about these issues.” -- Elaine Storkey, philosopher, sociologist and theologian

Read more less

Book SynopsisAdvances in the Study of Biblical Hebrew and Aramaic by Benjamin J. Noonan is an introduction to issues of interest in the current world of Biblical Hebrew and Aramaic scholarship. A growing knowledge of the Semitic languages and the field of linguistics continues to enhance understanding of biblical Hebrew and Aramaic. Comprehension of these items directly affects the way we read the Hebrew Bible and is therefore invaluable for those interested in the Old Testament. This book fills a gap in the field of Biblical Hebrew and Aramaic linguistics and provides an accessible, comprehensive, up-to-date, and linguistically-informed investigation of the language.Topics addressed include: Linguistic theories Lexical semantics and lexicography Verbal stems Tense, mood, and aspect in the verbal system Register, dialect, and code-switching Dating of Biblical Hebrew and Aramaic texts Discourse analysis TeachiTrade Review'Advances in the Study of Biblical Hebrew and Aramaic is a helpful and succinct guide to the complex landscape of recent study of Biblical Hebrew and Aramaic grammar. Noonan provides a brief orientation to the linguistic theories that have animated many of these recent studies but also hinder easy access to them. Noonan's surveys of key advances and debates in the fields provides the 'lay of the land' and key resources for further study. This book is a useful initiation to the recent study of Biblical Hebrew and Aramaic grammar for students and biblical scholars alike.' * JOHN A. COOK, Professor of Old Testament and Director of Hebrew Language Instruction, Asbury Theological Seminary *'Advances in the Study of Biblical Hebrew and Aramaic is just that, another advance! The author is to be commended for his collation and analysis of modern scholarship in a single, accessible volume. From philology to pedagogy, readers will encounter the origins, major contributors, and analyses of some of the more significant topics in Biblical Hebrew and Aramaic research. We are guided through the controversies and debates, shown how far we have come, and pointed in the right direction for further study. Readers may not agree at every point, but that is half the fun. Anyone interested in the academic study of Biblical Hebrew and Aramaic will certainly appreciate and even enjoy this work.' * MILES V. VAN PELT, Alan Hayes Belcher, Jr. Professor of Old Testament and Biblical Languages and Director of the Summer Institute for Biblical Languages, Reformed Theological Seminary *'Anyone interested in delving into the riches of the Old Testament in the original languages will welcome this impressive volume. The author succeeds admirably in his attempt to introduce the sometimes dizzying world of Hebrew and Aramaic scholarship to the intermediate student. In light of advances being made in current investigations of these ancient languages, this volume will find a wide readership among students and teachers alike for many years to come.' * BILL T. ARNOLD, Paul S. Amos Professor of Old Testament Interpretation, Asbury Theological Seminary *'Ben Noonan has provided a remarkable service in providing a survey of not only the theoretical discussions in Biblical Hebrew and Aramaic but most especially elucidating the relationships between theories, scholars, and publications. For a field that has become so fragmented and specialised in which no scholar can master all the literature, this book provides an outstanding resource. The student will acquire an awareness of the field and find a well curated yet manageable bibliography. The scholar will find an overarching network of relationships that bring both coherence and cohesion where they have been much needed.' * ELIZABETH ROBAR, Tyndale House, Cambridge, UK *'The last century and a half witnessed numerous seismic shifts in the study of language. Most students find understanding these changes challenging, others fail to understand the importance of different linguistic theories, and even biblical scholars have a difficult time keeping up with the everchanging nuances of the various discussions. Noonan provides an indispensable resource to help navigate the current state of linguistics for biblical studies. Advances in the Study of Biblical Hebrew and Aramaic balances accessible, informed descriptions of the major linguistic movements with helpful evaluations of recent language-specific developments in Hebrew and Aramaic. Students at every level will find this work both enlightening and valuable.' * H. H. HARDY II, Associate Professor of Old Testament and Semitic Languages, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, Wake Forest, North Carolina *'Trying to keep up with the volume and pace of new developments in the linguistic study of Biblical Hebrew and Aramaic can be overwhelming. Thanks to Benjamin Noonan, we now have an up-to-date volume that orients students to these advances. Noonan concisely describes the methods and terminology being used and insight- fully assesses the bewildering array of conclusions being proposed. In addition to his helpful summaries and evaluations, Noonan provides ample, up-to-date bibliographies for those who want to pursue specific subjects. The book is an ideal supplemental text for advanced master's level courses.' * ROBERT B. CHISHOLM, JR., Chair and Senior Professor of Old Testament Studies, Dallas Theological Seminary *'This book will help intermediate students, pastors, and even scholars to keep abreast of current linguistic research. Noonan makes the material easy to grasp and provides helpful summaries. I heartily recommend this work.' * PETER J. GENTRY, Donald L. Williams Professor of Old Testament, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary *Table of ContentsIntroduction Chapter 1: A Short History of Biblical Hebrew Studies The first chapter will summarize the history of Biblical Hebrew scholarship, beginning with the ancient period but focusing primarily on the nineteenth century to the present day. Attention will be given to important key figures (e.g., Wilhelm Gesenius) and publications (e.g., Brill’s Encyclopedia of Hebrew Language and Linguistics) from the modern period. Chapter 2: Linguistic Theories The second chapter will overview the field of linguistics, presenting its different branches (e.g., historical linguistics, theoretical linguistics, applied linguistics), as well as the different linguistic schools of thought (e.g., functional vs. generative, synchronic vs. diachronic). The relevance of these categories for understanding the different approaches to Biblical Hebrew will be noted throughout. Chapter 3: Lexical Semantics and Lexicography This chapter will introduce the basic theory of lexical semantics (lexicology) and its relevance for Biblical Hebrew scholarship. Attention will be given to important issues such as lexical choice and the difference between diachronic and synchronic approaches to lexicology. The contributions of major scholars (e.g., James Barr) and published lexica (e.g., Ludwig Köhler and Walter Baumgartner’s The Hebrew and Aramaic Lexicon of the Old Testament and David Clines’ Dictionary of Classical Hebrew) will be presented and assessed. Chapter 4: The Verbal Stems in Biblical Hebrew This chapter will survey scholarship on the verbal stems (binyanim) of Biblical Hebrew, particularly as they relate to modern advances in our understanding of voice and lexical aspect. Special discussion will be devoted to scholarship on the Niphal, Piel, Hiphil, and Hithpael (e.g., the works of Ernst Jenni and N.J.C. Kouwenberg) because these stems exhibit complexities and have received unique attention in the secondary literature. Chapter 5: Tense, Mood, and Aspect in the Biblical Hebrew Verbal System The fifth chapter will begin with an analysis of tense, mood, and aspect within the context of modern linguistics. Discussion will then present and analyze the work of significant scholars in this area (e.g., John A. Cook, Jan Joosten, Elizabeth Robar, and Alexander Andrason), providing practical examples of how one’s understanding of tense, mood, and aspect affects our understanding of Biblical Hebrew. Chapter 6: Register, Dialect, and Code-Switching The sixth chapter will investigate the application of sociolinguistics to Biblical Hebrew, a relatively recent development in scholarship. Attention will be given to the role that register, dialect, and code-switching play in the Hebrew Bible. Key contributions of scholars to this topic (e.g., the work of Gary Rendsburg) will be assessed along the way. Chapter 7: Dating of Biblical Hebrew Texts The seventh chapter will overview the present debate over diachrony in Biblical Hebrew. The traditional approach, which views the Hebrew Bible’s linguistic heterogeneity in chronological terms (e.g., the work of Avi Hurvitz), will be presented alongside of the more recent approach that understands this heterogeneity in terms of scribal stylistics (e.g., the work of Ian Young, Robert Rezetko, and Martin Ehrensvärd). Both views will be assessed, and their relevance for understanding Biblical Hebrew will be discussed. Chapter 8: Discourse Analysis This chapter will survey scholarship on discourse analysis as it relates to the Hebrew Bible. Within the context of broader approaches to discourse analysis (e.g., the work of the Summer Institute of Linguistics), attention will be given to the Hebrew Bible’s different types of discourse and the unique challenges of conducting discourse analysis on the Hebrew Bible. The contributions of key scholars in the field (e.g., Robert E. Longacre and Roy L. Heller) and related publications (e.g., Zondervan’s Exegetical Commentary on the Old Testament series) will be presented and

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis60 four-page chapters which express the heart and challenge of what is probably Paul's most famous letterTrade Review"Phil Moore has served us magnificently." - Terry Virgo "Most commentaries are dull. These are alive. Most commentaries are for scholars. These are for you!" - Michael Green "Think of these books as the Bible's message distilled for everyone." - Adrian WarnockTable of ContentsCONTENTSAbout the Straight to the Heart Series 11Introduction: There’s a New King in Town 13 ROMANS 1–8: THE NEW KING SAVESIt’s Personal (1:1–7) 21You’ve Got Mail (1:8–15) 25Abraham, Martin and John (1:16–17) 29Salvation Needed (1:18–3:20) 34What About People Who Have Never Heardthe Gospel? (1:18–32) 38Gay Pride (1:26–27) 42Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde (2:1–16) 46Surely a Loving God Wouldn’t Judge Me? (2:4) 50Coffee Stains (2:17–3:8) 54Parachute Drill (3:9–20) 58Salvation Given (3:21–5:21) 62First Picture: The Accused (3:24) 66Second Picture: Cry Freedom (3:24) 70Third Picture: Trading Places (3:25) 74What About Other Religions? (3:27–31) 78Abraham’s Credit Card (4:1–25) 82David’s Accountant (4:6–8) 86What About the Promised Land? (4:13–17) 90Now I’m a Christian, What Next? (5:1–5) 94Fourth Picture: The Bodyguard (5:6–11) 98Fifth Picture: Tomb Raider (5:12–21) 102How Many People Will Be Saved? (5:18–19) 106Salvation Experienced (6:1–8:39) 110East Side Story (6:1–7) 114The Diplomat (6:8–14) 118Write Your Resignation Letter (6:15–23) 122The Happy Widow (7:1–6) 126Our Man on the Inside (7:7–25) 131What It Means to Experience the Gospel (8:1–17) 135Your Gospel is Too Small (8:14–25) 139Two Intercessors (8:26–27, 34) 144Total Assurance (8:28–39) 148 ROMANS 9–11: THE NEW KING HAS A PLANThe Proof of the Pudding (9:1–11:36) 155Anathema (9:1–13) 159God Gets to Choose (9:14–29) 163The End of the Law (9:30–10:13) 168How Can I Be Saved? (10:9) 172God Still Loves Israel (10:14–11:32) 176Kindness and Severity (11:22) 180The Ultimate A-Lister (11:33–36) 184 ROMANS 12:1–15:13: THE NEW KING IS LORDTherefore (12:1–15:13) 191Live It Towards the Church (12:3–10) 195Live It Towards God (12:11–12) 199Live It Towards Unbelievers (12:13) 203Live It When You Are Wronged (12:14–21) 207Live It Towards Caesar (13:1–7) 211Live It Towards Sin (13:8–14) 215Live It When You Disagree (14:1–15:13) 219Debt Repayment (15:1) 223Christian Means Like Christ (15:1–13) 227 ROMANS 15:14–16:27: THE NEW KING IS adVANCINGThe Western Front (15:14–16:27) 233Missionaries Need the Gospel Too (15:14–18) 237Gentiles in the Temple (15:16) 241Jesus Heals (15:18–19) 245Ambition (15:20) 249Everyone Has a Role to Play (15:23–16:24) 253First-fruits (16:5) 257He Who is Able (16:25–27) 262Conclusion: There’s a New King in Town 267

Read more less

Book Synopsis60 four-page chapters exploring the passion, wisdom and struggle of the people of GodTrade Review“Phil Moore has served us magnificently.” -- Terry Virgo“Most commentaries are dull. These are alive. Most commentaries are for scholars. These are for you!” -- Michael Green“Fresh, solid, simple. Really good stuff.” -- R.T. Kendall“These notes are amazingly good … Phil’s insights are striking, original and fresh, going straight to the heart of the text and the reader!” -- Greg Haslam“Outstanding: biblical and passionate, clear and well-illustrated, simple and profound. God’s Word comes to life as you read them.” -- Andrew Wilson“Think of these books as the Bible’s message distilled for everyone.” -- Adrian WarnockTable of ContentsCONTENTSAbout the Straight to the Heart Series 9Introduction: Music to God’s Ears 11 BOOK I – PSALMS 1–41: SING ABOUT WHO GOD ISThe King of Kings (1:1–2:12) 16The Rejected One (3:1–5:12) 20The Forgiver (6:1–7:17) 25The Creator (8:1–9) 29The God Who Can Be Known (9:1–10:18) 33The Culture-Changer (11:1–15:5) 37The Messiah (16:1–11) 41The Promise-Keeper (17:1–19:14) 45The Victor (20:1–21:13) 50The Blood-Drenched Shepherd (22:1–23:6) 54The Indweller (24:1–28:9) 58The God Who Speaks (29:1–30:12) 63What to Sing on Sundays (31:1–33:22) 67Testimony (34:1–22) 72The Avenger (35:1–28) 76The Judge (36:1–37:40) 80The Healer (38:1–41:13) 84 BOOK II – PSALMS 42–72: SING WHEN TIMES ARE HARDWhen God Feels Distant (42:1–43:5) 90When God Seems to Fail (44:1–26) 94A Few Days (45:1–17) 99Reasons to Be Cheerful (46:1–49:20) 104What God Needs from You (50:1–51:19) 108Four Betrayals (52:1–55:23) 113Heat + Pressure = Jewels (56:1–60:12) 118Stripped (61:1–64:10) 123Summer Precedes Winter (65:1–68:35) 127Seven Dark Days (69:1–71:24) 131When the King Arrives (72:1–20) 135BOOK III – PSALMS 73–89: SING OUT HOW YOU REALLY FEELWhy Does God Allow Suffering? (73:1–28) 140Crisis Prayers (74:1–23) 145Get Ready (75:1–77:20) 149God-Centred Prayers (78:1–80:19) 153Lessons from a Barbecue (81:1–83:18) 158Fathers and Sons (84:1–12) 163Heman and His Friends (85:1–88:18) 167One-Hit Wonder (89:1–52) 171BOOK IV – PSALMS 90–106: SING ABOUT GOD’S PLANThe Living Faith of the Dead (90:1–91:16) 176Timeless (92:1–94:23) 180David Was Never King (95:1–99:9) 184The Right Entrance (100:1–101:8) 188God’s Plan Has Not Failed (102:1–28) 192Green and Blue Planet (103:1–104:35) 196Family History (105:1–106:48) 200BOOK V – PSALMS 107–150: SING YOUR RESPONSE TO GODUse Your Mouth (107:1–43) 206Blessings and Curses (108:1–109:31) 210Melchizedek (110:1–7) 214Why Melchizedek Matters (111:1–112:10) 218The Egyptian Hallel (113:1–118:29) 222The Longest Psalm (119:1–176) 226Up (120:1–124:8) 231Mindful of Conditions (125:1–129:8) 235Deeper and Higher (130:1–134:3) 239The Great Hallel (135:1–136:26) 243Babylon (137:1–138:8) 247The Song of Freedom (139:1–24) 251David’s Final Struggle (140:1–143:12) 255David’s Final Message (144:1–145:21) 259Body Language (146:1–150:6) 264Conclusion: Music to God’s Ears 268

Read more less

Book SynopsisA handbook of Christian doctrine, designed to deepen understanding and encourage application to daily living.

Read more less

Book SynopsisRethinking apologetics in a changing world, where there are new needs and new opportunities, and where out approach has to be person-centred. A resource for evangelism and mission.Trade ReviewThe orderliness, lucidity and comprehensiveness of the two main * Brian Duckwort *

Read more less

Book SynopsisNULL

Read more less

Book SynopsisJoanna McGrath and Alister McGrath subject self-esteem to a Christian evaluation which introduces the important biblical themes of sin, grace, the cross, wholeness and the Fatherhood of God. This practical and pastoral book is rich with insights from both psychology and theology.Table of ContentsOutlines and evaluates contemporary approaches to self-esteem and human behaviour. * Presents psychological and biblical viewpoints. * Shows relationship of negative self-esteem to personality disorders and mental illness.

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisMaking a case for the use of affect theory in religious studies, Donovan O. Schaefer challenges the notion that religion is inextricably linked to language and cognition, contending instead that religion is primarily driven by affect and that non-human animals have the capacity to practice religion.Trade Review"Religious Affects represents a challenge to decenter our anthropocentric presuppositions more broadly, and, by appealing to human animality, provides a provocative angle for imagining affect over and above the all-toohuman parameters that usually characterize religious studies.... [M]any scholars will find Schaefer’s animal religion and his strategies for affective readings of religious phenomena both theoretically exciting and critically useful." -- Abigail Kluchin * Journal of the American Academy of Religion *"Schaefer’s book is fascinating, mind-expanding, and entirely worth a read." -- Barbara J. King * Atlantic *"Religious Affects is an original and challenging argument for the discipline, especially to social-constructionist approaches, as it aims to radically reconfigure how we think about religion as a phenomenon grounded in feelings and emotions (affects) that humans share with the animal world." -- Matt Sheedy * Religious Studies Review *"For all its breadth in Religious Affects Schaefer develops a well-crafted argument and clarion call:the study of religion must include,at its very core, the study of affect.... Schaefer's project is timely in an urgent sense." -- Jonathan Russell * Journal for Cultural and Religious Theory *"Religious Affects offers a new way to use affect theory to understand religion that better accounts for its connections with politics, globalization, and power." -- Staci Poston Conner * Affectsphere *"Schaefer . . . is blazing a trail in religious studies." -- Jonathan Benthall * TLS *"Religious Affects is an important book, rendering helpful therapy for some of the myopic methodological tendencies that can afflict the field of religious studies." -- Jason N. Blum * Syndicate *"[Schaefer's] approach to reading affect theory through the lens of animality will enrich critical engagement with the concept of religion as a theoretical tool and as a word of power in the world." -- Pamela Klassen * Syndicate *"Religious Affects comfortably belongs on the bookshelves of those who work with affect theory or in critical animal studies. For religious scholars, or anyone interested in affect theory or critical animal studies, it serves as a concise and valuable introduction to these theories, providing explanations, histories, applications, and paving ways for future scholarship." -- Alexander Cox-Twardowski * Journal of Religion and Popular Culture *Table of ContentsAcknowledgments ix Introduction. Species, Religious Studies, and the Affective Turn 1 1. Religion, Language, and Affect 19 2. Intransigence: Power, Embodiment, and the Two Types of Affect Theory 36 3. Teaching Religion, Emotion, and Global Cinema 60 4. Compulsion: Affect, Desire, and Materiality 92 5. Savages: Ideology, Primatology, and Islamophobia 120 6. Accident: Animalism, Evolution, and Affective Economies 147 7. A Theory of the Waterfall Dance: On Accident, Language, and Animal Religion 178 Conclusion. Under the Rose 206 Notes 219 Bibliography 261 Index 281

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis study attempts to survey the historiography, history and central interpretative problems surrounding the issue of investiture and the clashes between church and monarchy during the Middle Ages.Trade Review"The best introduction in English to the historiography, history, and central interpretive problems of the investiture controversy." * The Catholic Historical Review *"Blumenthal . . . not only clarifies the course of the investiture controversy as such but also sets it satisfyingly in its wider and longer context." * American Historical Review *

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisIt sounded implausible. God promised an old, childless man that his descendants would be as numerous as the stars. Yet Abraham chose to believe God, embarking on a transforming, lifelong journey of faith and obedience. As Jack Kuhatschek leads us through these nine studies on Abraham’s life, we will learn to be people who listen to, obey and trust God and the promises that he has made to us as well. With more than 130 titles, the LifeBuilder Bible Studies series delivers sound biblical content and raises thought-provoking questions. It provides a unique Bible study experience for individuals and groups.

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis interdisciplinary commentary ranges from early midrashic interpretation to contemporary rewritings introducing interpretations of the only biblical book not to mention God.Trade Review"The author digs up literary echoes and poetic versions of the biblical book of Esther.... This important scholarly resource originated as a PhD thesis in the University of Manchester. It is to be hoped the PhD students can be interested in doing similar research, producing studies as valuable as the present one." (International Review of Biblical Studies, 2007-2008) "This book can be highly recommended. It provides a fascinating glimpse of how the Bible has shaped … The ideals of society throughout history." (Expository Times, November 2008) "Carruthers looks at the reception of the text in detail, but also has an introduction to different ways of viewing the biblical book." (Church Times, October 2008)Table of ContentsList of Plates xi Series Editors’ Preface xiii Acknowledgements xv Introduction 1 Why Reception? 2 An Irredeemable Book? 7 Jewish Tradition 10 Christian Tradition 12 Summary of Works 13 Godless Scripture 21 Allegory 28 Providence, Chosenness, Nationhood 32 Political Application 46 Esther as Literature 49 Esther 1:1–9 52 1:1 The King and Empire 53 1:3 The King’s Feast 57 1:4 Display of Wealth 58 1:8 No Compulsion to Drink 59 1:9 Women’s Feast 60 Vashti 61 Esther 1:10–22 68 1:12 Disobedience 68 1:13–22 The Empire Strikes Back 83 1:19 Vashti’s Punishment 88 1:22 The Decree 89 Esther 2:1–7 93 2:1 The King Remembers Vashti 93 2:2–4 To the Harem 95 2:5–6 Mordecai 98 2:7 Hadassah- Esther 103 Esther 2:8–23 109 2:8–14 Esther in the Harem 109 2:15 Esther’s Beauty 121 2:16–18 Esther Becomes Queen 125 Esther 3 133 3:1 Haman 134 3:2 ‘But Mordecai did not bow down’ 139 3:7 Casting Lots 143 3:8 (Mis)Representing Jews: A People Set Apart 145 3:8 Evil Counsellors 151 3:12–15 Genocidal Edicts 155 3:15 ‘The King and Haman sat down to drink’ 157 Esther 4:1–14 160 4:1–3 ‘Great mourning among the Jews’ 160 4:4–14 Esther and Mordecai Confer 163 4:14 ‘From another quarter’ 174 Esther 4:15–17 176 4:15 ‘Fast ye for me’ 176 4:16 ‘If I perish, I perish’ 180 Esther as Exemplar of Resolve 184 4:17 ‘Mordecai [. . .] did everything as Esther had ordered him’ 191 Esther 5 192 Esther before Ahasuerus 192 5:4–8 Esther’s First Banquet 215 5:9–14 Haman’s Wrath 218 Esther 6 221 The King’s Sleeplessness 222 6:11 The Triumph of Mordecai 227 Esther 7 and 8 233 7:1–6 Esther’s Second Banquet 233 7:7–8 Haman’s Fate 238 8:1–6 ‘How can I endure to see the destruction of my kindred?’ 244 8:7–14 The Irreversible Decree 244 8:15–17 ‘The Jews had light, and gladness, and joy, and honour’ 249 Esther 9 and 10 254 9:2 Scenes of Slaughter 256 9:7–10 Ten Sons of Haman 265 9:26 Purim 267 9:29 & 32 ‘Then Esther the Queen . . . wrote with all authority’ 275 10 The Greatness of Mordecai 277 Bibliography 280 Primary Sources Pre- 1500 280 1500–1800 281 Post- 1800 284 Esther Secondary Sources 289 Other Secondary Sources 293 Index 296

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis accessible and enlightening history provides insights into the fascinating genre of apocalyptic literature, showing how the apocalypse encompasses far more than popular views of the last judgment and violent end of the world might suggest. An accessible and enlightening history of the apocalypses--ancient Jewish and Christian works -- providing fresh insights into the fascinating genre of literature Shows how the apocalypses were concerned not only with popular views of the last judgment and violent end of the world, but with reward and punishment after death, the heavenly temple, and the revelation of astronomical phenomena and other secrets of nature Traces the tradition of apocalyptic writing through the Middle Ages, through to the modern era, when social movements still prophesise the world's imminent demise Trade Review"This is certainly a valuable addition. We look forward to those which are yet to come." (Theological Book Review, 2010) Table of ContentsAcknowledgments Chronology 1. Revelation in the Age of the Torah 2. The Book of the Watchers and Ascent to Heaven 3. The Book of Daniel and the Kingdom of the Holy Ones 4. The Heavenly Messiah 5. The Heavenly Temple, the Fate of Souls after Death, and Cosmology 6. Tours of Paradise and Hell and the Hekhalot Texts 7. Eschatology in the Byzantine Empire 8. Apocalyptic Movements in the Modern Era Further Reading Index

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis accessibly written textbook has been a popular introduction to the Pentateuch for over twenty-five years. It identifies the major themes of the first five books of the Bible and offers an overview of their contents. Unlike some academic studies, it focuses on how the books from Genesis to Deuteronomy form a continuous story that provides an important foundation for understanding the whole Bible. This new edition has been substantially updated throughout to reflect the author's refined judgments and to address the future of pentateuchal studies.Table of ContentsContentsPart 1: The Main Themes of the Pentateuch1. An Overview of the Pentateuch2. God's Temple-City3. The Royal Lineage in Genesis4. The Blessing of the Nations5. Paradise Lost6. By Faith Abraham . . .7. Who Is the Lord?8. The Passover9. The Covenant at Sinai10. The Tabernacle11. Be Holy12. The Sacrificial System13. The Clean and the Unclean Foods14. Toward the Promised Land15. Murmurings16. Love and Loyalty17. Why Israel?18. The Pentateuch and the Biblical MetanarrativePart 2: Pentateuchal Criticism19. Introduction to Pentateuchal Criticism20. The Rise of the Documentary Hypothesis21. Going behind the Documents22. The Documentary Hypothesis under Threat23. Exodus 19:1-31:18--a Test Case24. The Future of Pentateuchal StudiesIndexes

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisRevised and updated, with a new chapter on the refugee crisis.Welcome to the front lines. Everywhere we turn, battle lines are being drawntraditional marriage vs. gay marriage, pro-life vs. pro-choice, personal freedom vs. governmental protection. Seemingly overnight, culture has shifted to the point where right and wrong are no longer measured by universal truth but by popular opinion. And as difficult conversations about homosexuality, abortion, and religious liberty continue to inject themselves into our workplaces, our churches, our schools, and our homes, Christians everywhere are asking the same question: How are we supposed to respond to all this? In Counter Culture, New York Times bestselling author David Platt shows Christians how to actively take a stand on such issues as poverty, sex trafficking, marriage, abortion, racism, and religious libertyand challenges us to become passionate, unwavering voices for Christ. Drawing on compelling personal accounts fro

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisA devoted family man, strong Christian, generous philanthropist, and passionate sports fan, Josh Turner is one busy guy. And despite his recording schedule, award shows, and tour dates, his biggest priorities in life are to instill good values into his sons, be a devoted husband, and be a strong testimony for God.

Read more less

Book SynopsisFeaturing reflection questions and various other helps, this 12-week study leads readers through the book of Exodus, emphasizing God's faithfulness and mercy in the midst of human rebellion. Part of the Knowing the Bible series.

Read more less