Religion and beliefs Books
£9.49
£9.49
SPCK NRSVue Holy Bible with Apocrypha pk10 British Text in Durable Hardback Binding
a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.
£120.00
Yale University Press Understanding Religious Conversion
Book SynopsisDiscusses the dynamics of religious conversion, presenting it as a process of change with personal, cultural, social and religious implications. The text draws on insights from psychology, anthropology, theology, missiology and interviews with converts from disparate backgrounds.
£27.50
Yale University Press The Corinthian Body
Book SynopsisA discussion of Paul's first letter to the Corinthians. It contends that Paul's various disagreements with the Corinthians were the result of a fundamental conflict over the ideological construction of the human body (and hence the church as the body of Christ).
£27.50
Yale University Press Methodism
Book SynopsisCharts the development of the movement of the rise of Methodism from its unpromising origins in England in the 1730s to its major international importance by the 1880s. This book explores Methodism's phenomenal growth in the British Isles, America, and around the globe, and the complex reasons for its wide-ranging appeal.Trade Review"Always readable and with a crisp turn of phrase... an admirable introduction to this extraordinary subject." Ferdinand Mount, Times Literary Supplement "This impressive book is one of the best - and certainly one of the most lively - books on Methodism to emerge in years." John Walsh, Oxford University "a sparkling, landmark study whose timely international approach lifts Methodist history to a new and exiciting level." Richard Carwardine, Rhodes Professor of American History, Oxford University "This is an extraordinary book. It is jammed full of scintillating interpretations; it is beautifully written; and it conveys tremendous insight in a short compass. It will be recognized immediately as the classic work on the rise of Methodism." Mark Noll, Wheaton College "Clear, concise, original and formidably learned." Eugen Weber, The Key Reporter "Brilliantly provocative... A masterful account." Grant Wacker, Christian Century"
£17.99
Yale University Press Letters to James
Book SynopsisOffers a history of the interpretation of the "Letter of James", highlighting the vast appreciation for it over the centuries. This book identifies the first-century authors as none other than James, the brother of Jesus Christ.
£33.25
Yale University Press Jesus and the Dead Sea Scrolls
a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.
£34.29
Yale University Press Radical Judaism Rethinking God and Tradition
Book SynopsisHow do we articulate a religious vision that embraces evolution and human authorship of Scripture? Drawing on the Jewish mystical traditions of Kabbalah and Hasidism, this title argues that a neomystical perspective can help us to reframe these realities, so they may yet be viewed as dwelling places of the sacred.Trade ReviewFinalist for the ForeWorld Reviews 2010 Book of the Year Award in Religion"Green emerges as a decidedly non-traditionalist theologian through this illuminating and evocative discussion about such topics as classic metaphors for God, evolutionary theory, and Kabbalistic theories of creation. Radical Judaism is highly accessible, and the issues addressed are very much those of our contemporaries."—Neil Gillman, The Jewish Theological Seminary of America"A credible spirituality for our tumultuous times. Green draws richly from the Jewish mystical tradition, but also writes from the heart of his own experience. This lucidly written and wise book will reach far beyond the Jewish community."—Harvey Cox, author of The Future of Faith
£25.00
Yale University Press The Spirit of the Buddha
Book SynopsisPresents the basic tenets and teachings of the Buddha through a selection of essential texts from the Pali canon, the earliest Buddhist scriptures. This title touches upon key themes, including dharma, compassion, meditation, and peace, among others, creating a panoramic view of one of the world's most widely practised faiths.Trade Review"As well as making those teachings broadly accessible, Batchelor brings them up to date. . . . The Spirit of the Buddha offers entry into the Buddha Way for readers of all faiths, and a wide vista for Buddhist readers of all stripes."—Patrick McMahon, Inquiring Mind -- Patrick McMahon * Inquiring Mind *
£11.99
Yale University Press Moral Teachings of Islam
Book SynopsisWhile al-Bukhari's original text runs to many hundred of pages, forming several volumes, Abdul Ali Hamid selected those teachings that have relevance and appeal to today's readership, not only to Muslims, but to all who seek to know more of the essence of Islamic life and teachings.
£20.43
Yale University Press That Which Is Tattvartha Sutra
£32.48
Yale University Press Deuteronomy and the Pentateuch
Book SynopsisTrade Review“Deuteronomy is arguably the most important book in the Pentateuch, if not in the entire Hebrew Bible. With his trademark clarity and rigor, Stackert compellingly explains what Deuteronomy is, what it does, and how it works, both on its own and in its broader literary context. Deuteronomy and the Pentateuch is unquestionably the best book out there on this central biblical text, and should be standard reading for scholars and students alike.”—Joel Baden, Yale Divinity School“Jeffrey Stackert is known for his thoughtful and theoretically informed contributions to Pentateuchal scholarship. In this new work, he tackles the range of complex issues surrounding the compositional history of Deuteronomy with characteristic acumen and clarity.”—Molly Zahn, author of Genres of Rewriting in Second Temple Judaism“Stackert’s new volume on the book of Deuteronomy is a priceless contribution to the field. His analysis is incisive and accessible in equal measure. This book should be required reading for anyone interested in Deuteronomy, from its inception to its early reception.”—Shimon Gesundheit, Hebrew University of Jerusalem“A compelling and original exploration of Deuteronomy, its composition, its use of earlier sources, its use in later sources, its ancient Near Eastern influences, and its date.”—Marc Zvi Brettler, Duke University“In this exciting addition to the Anchor Yale Bible Reference Library, Stackert offers something genuinely new: he brilliantly weaves together biblical scholarship, cuneiform literature, and contemporary literary theory. This clearly written and engaging volume examines how the concept of scripture shaped ancient readers’ understanding of Deuteronomy.”—Bernard M. Levinson, University of Minnesota
£42.75
Yale University Press Amos
Book SynopsisA new translation and commentary on the book of Amos, forgoing speculation about his life to provide an innovative analysis of the book itself
£52.25
Yale University Press Jewish Christianity
Book SynopsisTrade Review“Through an incisive and critical analysis of the history of the concept of ‘Jewish Christianity,’ Matt Jackson-McCabe shows persuasively how abandoning the concept enables different voices and social formations to be heard and mapped in their own terms.”—Judith Lieu, University of Cambridge“Future investigations under the rubric of ‘Jewish Christianity’ will be unable to avoid reckoning with the argument of this volume, namely that the category ‘Jewish Christianity’ inevitably encodes a Christian metaphysics of Christianity itself.”—John W. Marshall, University of Toronto“Jackson-McCabe’s Jewish Christianity is a brilliant book, navigating the complex issues surrounding this vexed term with incredible clarity and insight, while providing a cutting-edge vision of how attention to the historiography of modern scholarship can enrich our understanding of religion and identity in both antiquity and modernity.”—Annette Yoshiko Reed, New York University“The term ‘Jewish Christianity’ has always been problematic. This book is a provocative and stimulating plea for an abandoning of the term, in spite of its long history of study, and is sure to engender discussion and reassessment.”—James Carleton Paget, University of Cambridge“In this excellent study, internationally renowned scholar Matt Jackson-McCabe has given us an essential tool for a deeper understanding of Christian origins. An indispensable resource and a must read for anyone interested in Jewish–Christian relations.”—Anders Runesson, University of Oslo
£45.12
Yale University Press A Common Faith
Book SynopsisIn A Common Faith, eminent American philosopher John Dewey calls for the emancipation of the true religious quality from the heritage of dogmatism and supernaturalism that he believes characterizes historical religions. This book contextualizes the text for students by providing an overview of Dewey and his philosophy, and reactions to the text.Trade Review"Thomas M. Alexander’s deft introduction elegantly unfolds John Dewey’s A Common Faith for a new generation of readers seeking novel answers for the ancient questions of ultimate concern."—Jim Garrison, Virginia Tech "Professor Thomas Alexander's introduction to A Common Faith is an important reorientation of this book. Alexander makes a clear and convincing case for its centrality in Dewey's thought."—William T. Myers, Birmingham-Southern College"Alexander’s careful and imaginative introduction shows how Dewey both understood and respected human religious experience. Dewey’s insistence that core notions (e.g. religion, God) be recast reflects the still-urgent need of diverse and democratic citizenries to preserve religious freedom, aesthetic experience, and social justice."—David L. Hildebrand, University of Colorado, Denver
£16.99
Yale University Press Advice for Callow Jurists and Gullible Mendicants
Book SynopsisThis mirror for princes sheds light on the relationship between spiritual and political authority in early modern EgyptTrade Review"A welcome and important contribution to the field. Because the work is explicitly devoted to guiding the relations between Sufi master and political ruler, a subject for which there are very few exemplars, and because of al-Sha‘rani’s location in time and place, this book constitutes an indispensable resource for understanding how late medieval Sufis themselves theorized this relationship. Sabra has done an excellent job of faithfully rendering the Arabic into clear, lively English prose.” --Nathan Hofer, University of Missouri -- Nathan Hofer"This book illuminates central problems, debates, and strategies regarding the relationship of religion to the state. The themes of religious authority in relation to political power and the proper practice of spiritual and ethical counsel will be of interest to students of cultural history. The Arabic text has recently been edited, and we are fortunate to now have this excellent English translation.” --Richard McGregor, Vanderbilt University -- Richard McGregor
£47.50
Yale University Press How Old Is the Hebrew Bible
Book SynopsisTrade Review“An impressive work in its scope and erudition, this will be a major contribution to the study of biblical literature and the history of the Hebrew language.”—William M. Schniedewind, author of A Social History of Hebrew“Dating biblical texts, which has become contentious recently, is finally defended cogently and coherently, with a careful and even-handed tone. This book is a major methodological contribution, which should be required reading for any biblical philologist.”—Na’ama Pat-El, University of Texas at Austin“In this full-scale and comprehensive treatment, two experts of the Hebrew Bible demonstrate conclusively the validity of applying historical linguistics to the relative dating of Biblical Hebrew texts. This book has long been a desideratum.”—Steven E. Fassberg, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem“An engaging, nuanced, and candid inquiry into Biblical Hebrew ‘chronolects’ and an array of other issues surrounding biblical textual criticism and history. This is an important book.”—W. Randall Garr, University of California, Santa Barbara
£30.88
Yale University Press How the Gospels Became History Jesus and
Book SynopsisTrade Review“Litwa offers a philosophically sophisticated yet immanently accessible explanation of the relationship between history and myth in the early Christian gospels.”—Clare K. Rothschild, author of Paul in Athens “In this book Litwa introduces the category of “mythic historiography” and shows that it is a compelling description of what the Gospels are. He rightly argues that these narratives make truth claims about individual events. At the same time, many of the events cannot be accepted in our culture generally as historical fact. The qualifier “mythic” grasps this cultural situation while indicating the deep existential importance of the Gospels that engages many readers.”—Adela Yarbro Collins, Yale Divinity School “In this remarkably clear and learned work, David Litwa shows himself once more to be one of the best scholars working today in the intertextual terrain that lies between Greco-Roman literature and the New Testament.”—William Hutton, College of William and Mary
£52.25
Yale University Press Becoming Diaspora Jews Behind the Story of
Book SynopsisTrade Review“In this major contribution, Karel van der Toorn offers a brilliant analysis of the military colony of Elephantine and its integration into a ‘Jewish nation.’ This book offers a new translation and interpretation of Papyrus Amherst 63, which provides new insights into the life of this Diaspora community. It is a must-read for students and scholars of the Hebrew Bible and early Judaism.”—Thomas Römer, Collège de France and University of Lausanne “In this erudite work, the Jewish community at Elephantine becomes a case study for a wide palette of issues, ranging from the emergence of Judaism to the negotiation of cultural boundaries.”—Ronald Hendel, co-author of How Old Is the Hebrew Bible?
£47.50
Yale University Press Judaism for the World
Book SynopsisTrade Review“[Green] is surely right in looking to neo-mysticism as an alternative for those who no longer can accept the doctrines of old. Theology is not an ivory-tower pursuit for academicians. It is essential for rabbis who want to offer a spiritual roadmap.”—Simon Rocker, The Jewish ChronicleWinner of the National Jewish Book Award, Contemporary Jewish Life and Practice category, sponsored by The Jewish Book Council “With a precise, poetic simplicity and a quality of judicious wonder, Arthur Green addresses the reader directly and unceremoniously. This book encompasses a lifetime of impressive scholarship and deep human experience, sustained by a radical awareness of the eternal and the transcendent.”—Avivah Zornberg, author of Moses: A Human Life“Arthur Green draws on a lifetime of scholarship, teaching, and activism to offer unparalleled insights and rare depths of soul. Written by a spiritual master, this book constitutes a religious classic that will inform and inspire all who open its pages.”—David Ellenson, Hebrew Union College"Judaism for the World is a singular work of theological reflection, speaking with personal directness to contemporary Jews seeking an honest, spiritual Judaism in a Neo-Hasidic mode. Arthur Green has distilled a lifetime of study and practice into a powerful, autobiographical voice. Every word is wrought with integrity."—Michael Fishbane, University of Chicago“This beautifully written book demonstrates Green’s unique ability to share the depths of scholarly knowledge in ways that are both personal and poetic, both deep and accessible."—Melila Hellner-Eshed, Hebrew University“Green challenges traditional notions of God, Israel, and Torah, offering a radically new understanding and stimulating the reader to join him in a journey of discovery.”—Daniel Matt, Graduate Theological Union
£26.12
WW Norton & Co The Second Arab Awakening
Book SynopsisAn eye-opening survey of the recent Arab revolutions and their political consequences, comparing them to those of a previous generation.Trade Review"Adeed Dawisha has provided both a fluent overview and a useful historical background to the Arab Spring. It will be a book that all concerned with the Middle East need to read." -- Robert D. Kaplan, author of The Revenge of Geography"Adeed Dawisha has written a masterful account of the Arab awakening and its historical roots. His assessment of the prospects for democracy and the challenge from Islamists is both insightful and deeply sobering." -- Seth G. Jones, author of Hunting in the Shadows: The Pursuit of al Qa’ida since 9/11"The call for change that has swept across the Arab world since January 2011 is one of the most significant and historical transformations of our time. Adeed Dawisha provides a wonderful account of why and how this tumult happened and what to expect of it in the years to come. Insightful and well-written this book is one of the most thoughtful analyses of the Arab Spring." -- Vali Nasr, author of The Dispensable Nation and The Shia Revival
£19.94
WW Norton & Co Political Games
Book SynopsisForty-nine insights from the mathematical study of politics.
£30.57
WW Norton & Co Killers of the Dream Reissue
Book Synopsis
£12.34
WW Norton & Co Plan B 40 Mobilizing to Save Civilization
Book Synopsis[Brown's] ability to make a complicated subject accessible to the general reader is remarkable.Katherine Salant, Washington PostTrade Review"A great blueprint for combating climate change." -- Bryan Walsh - Time"Lester Brown is one of the pioneers and heroes of global environmentalism. If the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize had been extended to a third recipient, the logical candidate would have been Lester Brown." -- E. O. Wilson"Lester Brown tells us how to build a more just world and save the planet... in a practical, straightforward way. We should all heed his advice." -- Former President Bill Clinton"In this impressively researched manifesto for change, Brown bluntly sets out the challenges and offers an achievable road map for solving the climate change crisis." -- The Guardian"A great book which should wake up humankind!" -- Klaus Schwab, World Economic Forum"Brown gives concise, but very informative, summaries of what he regards as the key issues facing civilization as a consequence of the stress we put on our environment.... a valuable contribution to the ongoing debate." -- The Ecologist
£12.34
WW Norton & Co Necessary Secrets
Book Synopsis"Essential reading for anyone seriously interested in national security and freedom of the press." —Leonard Downie Jr., Washington PostTrade Review"Accurately titled, well documented, and persuasive." -- Hayden B. Peake - CIA, The Intelligence Officer's Bookshelf"A subtle and instructive brief…Scrupulously honest." -- Alan M. Dershowitz - New York Times Book Review"Essential reading for anyone seriously interested in national security and freedom of the press in these testing times." -- Leonard Downie Jr. - Washington Post"Illuminating, extremely intelligent, learned, engaging, and important. This is a truly great book…centrally relevant to manifold national-security debates today." -- Jack Goldsmith, author of The Terror Presidency"An intellectually muscular argument that chisels away at some cherished myths…A timely, sure-to-be-controversial take on a problem that has no easy resolution." -- Kirkus Reviews, starred review"[A] provocative consideration of the conflict between the need for government secrecy and the role of a free press....succeeds in scrutinizing an issue of vital importance and putting it into a much broader context." -- Publishers Weekly
£19.94
W. W. Norton & Company Too Good To Be True The Colossal Book of Urban Legends Revised
Book SynopsisThe colossal classic becomes even more colossal with a new chapter of recent urban legends.Trade Review"If you enjoy these too-good-to-be-true tales, Brunvand's new book will give you hours of pleasure." "Resonant stories that express our hidden anxieties [and] make us laugh." "Urban legends persist, argues Brunvand, because people can't resist a good story. Read this book and you'll agree."
£28.50
WW Norton & Co Jewish Comedy A Serious History
Book SynopsisA celebrated scholar’s rich account of Jewish humour: its nature, its development and its vital role throughout Jewish history.Trade Review"Dauber recognises the multiplicity of Jewish humour and wisely resists any single characterisation of it... [He] deftly surveys the whole recorded history of Jewish humour." -- The Economist"In a work of substantial, scholarly research that nevertheless has room for some excellent jokes, Dauber provides much insight into how Jewish people have regarded themselves and each other down the centuries, and how Jewish comedians, having come to define American comedy, are still at the cutting edge." -- The Herald"This rich survey takes in everything from the Book of Esther, through medieval satirical rabbinic poetry to the present-day satire of The Daily Show and supreme sitcom of embarrassment, Curb Your Enthusiasm." -- i newspaper
£12.34
WW Norton & Co You Dont Own Me The Court Battles That Exposed
Book SynopsisThe question of whether our ideas are our own or our employer’s set off the greatest toy war of our time.Trade Review"At its core, You Don’t Own Me is an exploration of a relatively dry topic: the intellectual property regime. Yet in the hands of Lobel… this case study in who should benefit from an employee’s creativity becomes something of a page-turner." -- Financial Times"You Don’t Own Me is an extended case study that’s fascinating and consequential thanks to Lobel’s storytelling skill. Through her descriptions of flamboyant personalities and outrageous corporate scheming, she elevates the story of a protracted legal case into a page-turner that holds up a lipstick-pink mirror to both American consumer culture and corporate misbehaviour." -- Times Higher Education"In a crisp, conversational style, Lobel plots the twists and turns of the unfolding court cases. […] Lobel tells a vivid tale of corporate war." -- Times Literary Supplement
£13.29
W. W. Norton & Company The Social Side of Politics The Society Pages
Book Synopsis
£15.86
WW Norton & Co Color Lines and Racial Angles The Society Pages
Book SynopsisAssembling the most provocative, productive new thinking on race in one volume.
£14.00
W. W. Norton & Company Preserving the Global Environment
Book Synopsis
£999.99
John Wiley & Sons Inc Signs and Wonders
Book SynopsisCombining personal stories and sound scholarship, Paul Alexander, a young scholar with a Pentecostal background, examines the phenomenal worldwide success of Pentecostalism. While most other works on the subject are either for academics or believers, this book speaks to a broader audience. Interweaving stories of his own and his family''s experiences with an account of Pentecostalism''s history and tenets, Alexander provides a unique and accessible perspective on the movement.Table of ContentsForeword vii Acknowledgments xiii CHAPTER 1 Just Ask: A World of Miracles Awaits 1 CHAPTER 2 Worship and Music 19 CHAPTER 3 Tongue-Talking 41 CHAPTER 4 Prosperity (or Money, Money, Money, Money) 61 CHAPTER 5 Storytelling 79 CHAPTER 6 Power and Spiritual Warfare 95 CHAPTER 7 Prophecy, Visions, and Dreams 115 CHAPTER 8 Hope, Joy, and Emotion 131 Notes 151 The Author 167 Index 169
£17.84
John Wiley & Sons Inc Why the Christian Right Is Wrong
Book SynopsisI join the ranks of those who are angry, because I have watched as the faith I love has been taken over by fundamentalists who claim to speak for Jesus but whose actions are anything but Christian. Robin Meyers, from his Speech Heard Round the World Millions of Americans are outraged at the Bush administration''s domestic and foreign policies and even angrier that the nation''s religious conservatives have touted these policies as representative of moral values. Why the Christian Right Is Wrong is a rousing manifesto that will ignite the collective conscience of all whose faith and values have been misrepresented by the Christian Right. Praise for Why the Christian Right Is Wrong: In the pulpit, Robin Meyers is the new generation''s Harry Emerson Fosdick, George Buttrick, and Martin Luther King. In these pages, you will find a stirring message for our times, from a man who believes that God''s love is universal, that the great Jewish prophetTable of ContentsPreface vii Introduction: The 9/11 Effect xi Part One: The Speech Heard Round the World 1 Part Two: The Sin of Hypocrisy: Line by Line 11 1. Christians Don’t Start Wars, They Try to Stop Them 13 2. Missing in Action: The Sermon on the Mount 29 3. Rich Chicken Hawks for Jesus 45 4. Terminal False Dichotomies 63 5. The National Debt, Family Values, and Why They Hate Us 73 6. Homosexuals and the Politics of Death 87 7. “Pro-Life” Should Include Mother Nature 105 8. We Have Met the Enemy 117 9. Cleansing the Temple of U.S. Health Care 131 10. Christian Fascism and the War on Reason 141 Part Three: A Call to Nonvolent Resistance: How to Save the Country and the Church 157 Notes 189 The Author 203
£11.39
John Wiley & Sons Inc The Tangible Kingdom
Book SynopsisWritten for those who are trying to nurture authentic faith communities and for those who have struggled to retain their faith, The Tangible Kingdom offers theological answers and real-life stories that demonstrate how the best ancient church practices can re-emerge in today's culture, through any church of any size.Table of ContentsAbout Leadership Network xi Foreword by Reggie McNeal xiii Acknowledgments xv An Invitation . . . xvii 1. Fiona 1 2. Elvis Has Left the Building 9 3. Tremors 15 4. U-Haul 23 5. Moving Violations 29 6. Posture 37 7. The 1,700-Year Wedgie 49 8. Paradigm 59 9. Jipped 83 10. Another Angle 93 11. Lift Up the Hood 101 12. Tip It Over 107 13. The Hello Experiment 123 14. Leaving 127 15. Listening 131 16. Living Among 135 17. Loving Without Strings 141 18. Inviting In 147 19. Togetherness 157 20. Oneness 163 21. Otherness 171 A Day in the Life . . . 177 Notes 181 The Authors 185 The Missional Church Apprenticeship Practicum 187 Church Resource Ministries 189 Index 191
£17.09
John Wiley & Sons Inc Promise to Mary
Book SynopsisHere is the story of Faith in Action, the acclaimed nationwide grant program of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation that brings together Americans of all faiths to provide volunteer care and support to those in their communities who are confined to their homes because of a chronic health condition or disability. But this book is far more than simply an account of the Faith in Action program. Through a series of revealing in-depth interviews conducted in three very different parts of the country, Promise to Mary provides a unique and often profoundly moving glimpse into the lives of some of our most isolated and forgotten neighborsas well as the remarkable volunteers, from all faiths and from all walks of life, who have come to their aid.Table of ContentsForeword. Della Reese. Acknowledgments. The Author. PART ONE: A PROMISE. A Dream Come True. Mary. Faith in Action. PART TWO: NEW ENGLAND. Travels with Pearlcorder. Boston, Massachusetts. Doug and the Donoghues. Presque Isle, Maine. Elaine. Harold. Calais, Maine. Linda and Lou. Arlene. Bar Harbor, Maine. Holy Redeemer. Michael. Jerry. PART THREE: DEEP SOUTH. Southbound. West Helena, Arkansas. Eddie Mae. Gracie. Evelyn. Morton, Mississippi. Sister Camilla. Alice. Sister Nona. Miss Helen. Petal, Mississippi. Sylvia. Miss Ozzie. Kim. New Roads, Louisiana. Gail. Billy and Zina. Miss Ethel. The Pointe Coupee Banner. Shreveport, Louisiana. Mike. Richard. Miss Margaret. Pine Bluff, Arkansas. Annette. Betty. The Family That Prays Together. Rodney. PART FOUR: ALASKA. North to Alaska. Anchorage, Alaska. George. Where There's Tok. Haines, Alaska. Beth. You Can't Miss It. Mary Price. Vince. The Alaska Marine Highway. Sitka, Alaska. Mary Chambers. Auriella. Jamie. Doris. Freda. Sometimes You Have to Cry. Doris Revisited. Going Home. Paul. George Revisited. Home.
£23.70
John Wiley & Sons Inc The Culturally Savvy Christian
Book SynopsisIn The Culturally Savvy Christianhis incisive critique of contemporary culture and religionDick Staub concludes that though it is influential, American popular culture is generally superficial (diversionary, mindless, and celebrity-driven) spiritually delusional (moralistic, therapeutic, and deistic) and soulless (sustained not by art, craft, and ideas, but by the mad pursuit of profitpropped up by marketing and technology). Similarly American Christianity has devolved into its own mindless, diversionary, and celebrity-driven superficiality. Because humans are created in God''s image with spiritual, intellectual, creative, moral, and relational capacities, we long for more, yet the true seeker faces the lose-lose alternatives of a soul-numbing culture and a vacuous Christianity-lite. The renaissance we need in both faith and culture will originate in a deep spiritual renewal that restores God''s image in us and creates a new breed of culturally savvy, thoughtful creatives whTrade Review"Dick Staub has written an engaging and provocative book needed in our times…His insightful critique of popular Christianity and his numerous quotes make it a good source for sermon material or a book discussion group. He provides us with ‘slow food’ for thought." – The Rev. Canon Jonathon Jensen, The Living Church magazine (May 2009)Table of ContentsAcknowledgments. Introduction. Savvy. 1 The Popular Culture We Are In. 2 The Christianity We Are In. 3 The Story We Are In. Serious. 4 God's Deep Presence. 5 God's Transforming Presence. 6 God's Loving Presence. Skilled. 7 Countering Culture like Aliens. 8 Communicating in Culture like Ambassadors. 9 Creating Culture like Artists. Epilogue. Notes. The Author. Index.
£11.39
John Wiley & Sons Inc Pocket Guide to Sainthood
Book SynopsisBoyett''s witty, weird, and sometimes even wise Pocket Guides are proof that the best things do come in small packages. ?DANIEL RADOSH, AUTHOR, RAPTURE READY! We name our cities, hospitals, and churches after them. We flock to shrines bearing their remains. We ask for their help when we lose our keys. Who are these saints, what made them so holy, and what in the world are those birds doing on St. Francis''s shoulder? Jason Boyett''s Pocket Guide to Sainthood takes an intriguing and unflinching look at the fascinating?and fascinatingly weird?lives of the saints. Whether you are a Catholic desperately needing a patron, or a Protestant trying to identify your cabbie''s bobblehead, this may be as close as you ever come to true holiness. Make the most of it by learning How St. Denis delivered his best sermon while holding his own decapitated head Why both hair shirts and nakedness are mainstays of saintly fashion Which saints are the patronsTable of ContentsIntroduction ix Chapter 1 There Should Have Been a St. Webster (A Glossary of Terms) 3 Chapter 2 Saints You Should Know (A–F) 43 Chapter 3 Saints You Should Know (G–Z) 75 Chapter 4 There’s a Saint for That (Patron Saints and Their Causes) 111 Chapter 5 The Canonization Process (in 18 Simple Steps) 165 Chapter 6 Sts. Flotsam and Jetsam (An Assortment of Lists) 183 Selected Bibliography 217 The Author 219
£9.49
John Wiley & Sons Inc Church Turned Inside Out
Book SynopsisA design-thinking book for planting or redesigning churches and incubating a new generation of leaders. Written by Linda Bergquist and Allan Karr, two experienced church planters and mentors, the book is full of wisdom, practical advice, and creative counsel. Instead of a business-model-as-usual approach, the authors challenge readers to begin with the raw materials of beliefs, values, individuals, teams, and culture, and to then move outwards to draw from a rich palette of real and potential church paradigms. This book is meant to provoke church leaders to think outside of the box and to imagine how their churches might better reflect the image and the mission of God in the world. Contains a wealth of illustrative examples, charts, and other visual aides Offers a creative practical perspective and a multi-disciplinary approach to establishing a new church or leading an existing one Shows how to honor a church''s purpose while embracing its uniqTable of ContentsFigures and Tables ix About Leadership Network xi Foreword by Alan Hirsch xiii Preface xvii 1 The Once and Future Church 1 2 Acknowledging Self 17 3 Cultivating Community 33 4 Patterns That Honor God 51 5 Designing Around Beliefs 67 6 Releasing Communitas 79 7 Designing in Culture 95 8 Embracing Culture 113 9 A Palette of Models 125 10 Discovering Congruency 145 11 Organizing by Design 159 12 A New Way of Organizing 177 Notes 191 Acknowledgments 201 About the Authors 205 Index 207
£17.09
John Wiley & Sons Inc In Due Season
Book SynopsisPaul Wilkes has been a writer/journalist, a TV producer, a monastic, a hedonist, a friend of the famous, a family man, and ultimately a true prodigal son. With In Due Season, Wilkes, one of America''s most respected writers on religious belief and spirituality, details his search for God--from his working class upbringing in Cleveland to giving up everything he owned and living with the poor to his hedonistic life among the rich and famous. Wilkes''s inspiring life story is one of abysmal failure and ultimate triumph, of a faith in God, battered and tried in the crucible of his experience.Trade ReviewSTARRED REVIEW In an exquisite memoir that often reads like a novel, writer Wilkes (In Mysterious Ways: The Death and Life of a Parish Priest) recounts and reflects upon his life as a Catholic. Although his journey includes a decade as a Protestant and ongoing discomfort with certain aspects of Catholicism, Wilkes deftly mines its imagery and its figures, particularly the Trappist monk Thomas Merton, a major and recurring influence. As Wilkes meanders through a life that begins in a working-class Cleveland neighborhood, he candidly relates his passages of sin and saintliness, including a conversion-in-reverse when he gains fame as a writer and an interlude following the end of his first marriage in which he lives among the poor, caring for society's castoffs. Readers will experience his confusion, the "decaying smell of [his] dying soul" and his triumphs as they wonder if the "it" he seeks will find him and whether he will marry again or become a monk. This is fine, engrossing reading for all who appreciate the struggle inherent in the spiritual quest. (Publishers Weekly, January 2009) "Paul Wilkes has written the first 21st-century Christian classic. His In Due Season: A Catholic Life will rank alongside, not run second to, Thomas Merton's The Seven Storey Mountain. It is its companion volume. ? The bridge between ideals that Wilkes builds with this book carries the American Catholic story from the ghetto, through war, through Vatican II, through the hedonistic 1970s, through a changing church, through the ravages of affluence and easy money, to the questioning of today. ? In Due Season ranks alongside Merton's best because Wilkes absorbed Merton, then moved forward with him, and ultimately beyond him." --National Catholic Reporter, reviewed by Arthur Jones, published March 6, 2009. "Paul Wilkes has written an honest and revealing memoir in which nothing is held back....In Due Season excels on many levels. Wilkes is a felicitous writer who can be read for the simple pleasure of connecting with a prose artist." --The Boston Globe (June 2009)Table of ContentsAuthor's Note. Introduction. Formation. 1. The Seventh Child. 2. A Vision. 3. High School: The Man in the Ten-Way Suit. 4. Coming Home, Leaving Home. 5. College: Red Arrow Park. 6. At Sea. 7. One Hot Day . . . and Night. Making It. 8. A Young Reporter. 9. The Big Time, More or Less. 10. Home, Again. 11. On the Streets. Unmaking It. 12. CHIPS Days. 13. Present. 14. The Pilgrimage. 15. Not Present. 16. The Sofa. 17. 80 Winthrop. 18. The Scent of a Woman. As Good as It Gets? 19. On the Playing Fields of the Hamptons. 20. The Perfect Girl for You. 21. Tracy. Getting Bearings. 22. The Hermit. 23. Almost. 24. A Place to Park. 25. Father Greer. Life, Lived. 26. The Writing Life. 27. A Monk, at Last. 28. Why? Why Not? Returning. 29. Kolinovce. 30. Worthy or Not. 31. Return to St. Peter's. 32. A Light in the Window. Acknowledgments.
£16.14
John Wiley & Sons Inc Relational Intelligence
Book SynopsisAn insightful and practical guide for developing relational leadership skills and engaging new paradigms of influence Relational Intelligence reveals how leaders can become smarter in the way they conduct their relationships, and as a result, catalyze their impact.Table of ContentsAbout Leadership Network ix Foreword by Erwin Raphael McManus xi Heroes to Acknowledge xv Part One The Origins of Relational Intelligence 1. The Human Economy 7 2. The Michael Scott Syndrome 25 Part Two The Hidden Power of a Relational Genius 3. The Story Collector 55 4. The Energy Carrier 79 5. The Compelling Relator 103 6. The Conversational Futurist 127 7. The Likeable Hero 149 8. The Disproportionate Investor 169 9. The Last Word 187 Notes 189 Bibliography 191 The Author 195 Index 197
£17.09
John Wiley & Sons Inc Grace and Divorce Gods Healing Gift to Those
Book SynopsisGrace and Divorce, written by noted author and psychotherapist, Dr. Les Carter, provides sound theological thinking on divorce and wise and compassionate suggestions for reframing and deepening our understanding of this difficult and controversial topic. Using stories from his practice as a therapist, Dr.Table of ContentsAcknowledgments. Introduction. 1. But You Must Have Biblical Grounds! 2. Adam’s Nature, God’s Grace. 3. Enter the Law. 4. Christ’s Impossible Standard and His Enduring Grace. 5. The Perfect Principle. 6. Mercy’s Priority. 7. Grace Is Radical. 8. The Perils of Imperative Thinking. 9. What Divorcees Need. 10. What About Grace Abusers? 11. Why Are People Judgmental? 12. Glue for Broken Marriages. 13. Grace for All. The Author.
£16.99
John Wiley & Sons Inc The Externally Focused Quest
Book SynopsisA practical approach for leaders to guide their congregations tobecome more externally focused The Externally Focused Quest: Becoming the Best Church forthe Community is designed for church leaders who want totransform their churches to become less internally focused and moreoriented to the world around them.Table of ContentsAbout Leadership Network. Acknowledgments Foreword (Alan Hirsch). Introduction. Chapter 1: What Kind of Day Is Today? Chapter 2: Focus: They Choose the Window Seat, Not the Aisle Seat. Chapter 3: Purpose: They Practice Weight Training, Not Bodybuilding. Chapter 4: Story: They Live in the Kingdom Story, Not a Church Story. Chapter 5: Missions: The Few Send the Many, Not the Many Send the Few. Chapter 6: Partnering: They Build Wells, Not Walls. Chapter 7: Systems: They Create Paradigms, Not Programs. Chapter 8: Evangelism: They Deploy Kingdom Laborers, Not Social Workers. Chapter 9: Creativity: They Innovate, Not Replicate. Chapter 10: Outcomes: It's About the Game, Not the Pregame Talk. Notes. The Authors.
£17.84
John Wiley & Sons Inc Church 3.0
Book SynopsisAn expert practitioner answers to questions about the burgeoning organic church movement Neil Cole's best-selling book Organic Church described the fastest growing segment of contemporary Christianity-the so-called organic church.Table of ContentsAbout Leadership Network ix Foreword xi Preface xiii Acknowledgments xvii Introduction What About This Book? Shifting from Church 2.0 to 3.0 1 Part One Global Changes Demand a Better Church 13 1 What About the World We Live In? From a Village Church to a Global Village 15 2 What About Our Changing Culture? From Ministry in a Modern World to Postmodern 23 Part Two Structural Issues 43 3 What About the Church's Mission? From Coming to Going 45 4 What About Church Growth? From Incremental to Exponential 66 5 What About Church Models? Part One: From Congregations to Networks 92 6 What About Church Models? Part Two: From Centralized to Decentralized 116 7 What About Larger Gatherings? From One-Size-Fits-All to Tailored Groups for Effective Function 137 Part Three Pragmatic Concerns 163 8 What About Evangelism? From Drawing Converts to Catalyzing Movements 165 9 What About Baptism and Communion? From Sacerdotal Rituals to Apostolic Genius 189 10 What About Kids? From a Scholastic Model to a Spiritual Family 209 11 What About Heresy? From Better-Trained Pastors to Better-Trained People 222 12 What About Finances? From Ten Percent to the Whole Enchilada 241 Conclusion What About My Church? From Being Educated to Being Empowered 253 Notes 257 The Author 265 Index 267
£17.85
John Wiley & Sons Inc Viral Churches
Book SynopsisA groundbreaking guide for multiplying the impact of church plants Based on a study that was commissioned by the Leadership Network, this book reveals the best practices in church planting and uncovers the common threads among them. A much-needed resource, this book will inform, guide, and even catalyze today''s many church planting leaders. The authors clearly show leaders how to plant churches that create a multiplication movement and offer inspiration for them to do so. The book addresses their questions about what to do next in their church planting strategies, in light of research on what''s actually working best. Author Ed Stetzer heads up LifeWay Research Provides reliable, credible information about what church planting strategies work best A volume in the Leadership Network Series Offers a definitive guide for church planting and the burgeoning movement it is part of.Table of ContentsAbout Leadership Network ix Foreword xiRick Warren 1 Introduction 1 2 Church Planting: The New Evangelism 11 3 Growth by Multiplication: Big Contrast to Addition 31 4 New Players: Aggressive Local Churches and Church Planting Networks 49 5 Kingdom Cooperation: Church Planters Learning Together 67 6 Predictors of Success: Recruitment, Assessment, and Deployment 83 7 Thriving: New Church Survival Rates 101 8 House Churches: Separating Reality from Fiction 115 9 Multisite Strategy: A Fast-Growing Trend That Affects Planting 129 10 Rapid Growth: Still Not Reproduction 139 11 Funding: Partnerships Matter 149 12 The New Scorecard: Measuring a Church Multiplication Movement 161 13 Obstacles to Missional Replication: What Holds Us Back 185 14 Conclusion: Solving the Toughest Challenges 195 Acknowledgments 209 Appendix: List of Churches and Networks Cited 211 Notes 215 Annotated Bibliography for Church Multiplication 225 The Authors 233 Index 237 Scripture Index 244
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John Wiley & Sons Inc When Religion Becomes Lethal
Book SynopsisA compelling look at today''s complex relationship between religion and politics In his second book, bestselling author Charles Kimball addresses the urgent global problem of the interplay between fundamentalist Abrahamic religions and politics and moves beyond warning signs (the subject of his first book) to the dangerous and lethal outcomes that their interaction can produce. Drawing on his extensive personal and professional knowledge of, experience with and access to all three traditions, Kimball''s explanation of the multiple ways religion and politics interconnect within Judaism, Christianity, and Islam will illuminate the problems and give readers a hopeful vision for how to chart a safer course into a precarious future. Kimball is the author of When Religion Becomes Evil, one of the most acclaimed post 9/11 books on terrorism and religion Reveals why religion so often leads to deadly results The author has scholarly knowledge andTable of ContentsAcknowledgments vii 1 Christmas with the Ayatollah: The Volatile Mix of Religion and Politics 1 2 God Gave Us This Land: The Roots of Religion and Politics in Judaism 15 3 Israel: Deadly Conflict in Zion 33 4 “Render unto Caesar”: Religion and Politics in Christianity 58 5 America: One Nation Under God? 75 6 There is No God But God: Religion and Politics in Islam 96 7 Muslim vs. Muslim: The Struggle for the Soul of Islam 120 8 Iran and Iraq: Axis of Evil or Harbinger of Hope? 137 9 A Road to Disaster: The Fallacy of Fundamentalism 157 10 Hope for the Perilous Journey Ahead 178 Notes 193 Selected Bibliography 229 The Author 233 Name Index 235 Subject index 241
£18.69
John Wiley & Sons Inc Your Church in Rhythm
Book SynopsisA gentle new way for church leader's to survive stress and burnout Bruce Miller debunks the idea of balancebasically trying to have it all, all the time. Most churches and their pastors try to do everything at once and feel guilty if any one aspect (worship, ministries, outreach, etc.) is neglected. He replaces the exhausting concept of balance with the idea of rhythm: churches, like people, need to give attention to different programs and ministries at different times, basically by attending to their seasons and cycles. Offers an innovative new model for church leaders Miller has been influential in the formation and promotion of Church-Based Training as in international movement Offers a proven method for avoiding burnout for church leaders and members by doing the right things at the right time The author offers much-need help to overwhelmed leaders and shows them how to apply Miller's seasonal/cyclical approach to church life.Table of ContentsAbout the Jossey-Bass Leadership Network Series ix Foreword by Will Mancini xi Preface xiii Acknowledgments xv Introduction Time: The Forgotten Dimension xvii Part One Identifying What Time It Is in Your Church 1 1 Why Do Church in Rhythm? 3 2 Kairos and Chronos Rhythms 17 3 Discerning Your Organizational Stage 27 4 Recognizing Your Ministry Seasons 45 Part Two Kairos Rhythm Strategies 57 5 Release Expectations 59 6 Seize Opportunities 73 7 Anticipate What’s Next 91 Part Three Chronos Rhythm Strategies 107 8 Pace Your Church 109 9 Build Mission-Enhancing Rituals 123 10 Oscillate Intensity and Renewal 139 Conclusion Rhythm Solution Process for Your Church 155 Discussion Questions 165 Rhythm Overview 169 Notes 171 References 177 The Author 181
£19.54
John Wiley & Sons Inc Missional Communities
Book SynopsisThe third book in the trilogy that explores the popular missional movement From Reggie McNeal, the bestselling author of The Present Future and Missional Renaissance, comes the third book in the series that helps to define and illuminate the popular missional movement. This newest book in the trilogy examines a natural outgrowth of the move toward a missional orientation: the deconstruction of congregations into very small Christian communities. For all those thousands of churches and leaders who have followed Reggie McNeal''s bold lead, this book details the rise of a new life form in churches. Discusses how to move a church from an internal to an external ministry focus Reggie McNeal is a recognized leader in the missional movement Outlines an alternative to the program church model that is focused on the projects and passions of the congregants This book draws on McNeal''s twenty years of leadership roles in localTable of ContentsAbout the Jossey-Bass Leadership Network Series xi Foreword by Hugh Halter xiii Acknowledgments xvii Introduction xix 1 ‘‘Let There Be . . . Missional Communities’’ 1 2 The Missional Church Conversation 15 3 Missional Communities—European Style 39 4 Soma Communities: Missional Communities as Organizing Architecture 65 5 Campus Renewal UT: Missional Communities as Campus Evangelism Strategy 85 6 Future Travelers: Missional Communities as Megachurch Strategy 103 7 Mission Houston: Missional Communities for Spiritual Formation and Community Transformation 125 8 Looking Ahead 145 About the Author 155 Index 157
£17.09
