Religious and spiritual figures Books

Book SynopsisWhy would a leader ever want to be mean?It''s all about the vision.Almost every organization has a vision, but few stick to it over time. Even after short-term success, visions tend to blur, drift, and fade. Why does this happen?Accomplishing the vision requires intentionality.It requires consistency.It requires commitment.It requires courage.In Be Mean About the Vision, author Shawn Lovejoy challenges leaders to stay true to the vision—regaining and sustaining its trajectory over time. Lovejoy offers a proven strategy for relentlessly protecting our organization’s guiding vision: Develop a vision people are willing to die for Keep the vision alive in us Align everyone around the vision Keep the vision from being compromised or even hijacked One thing is certain—if our church or organization is going to accomplish i

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Book SynopsisAcclaimed church leader, blogger, founder and chief strategic officer of The Unstuck Group, Tony Morgan unpacks the lifecycle of a typical church, identifies characteristics of each phase, and provides practical next steps a church can take to move towards sustained health.Trade Review'Every once in awhile you find a book that makes you ask 'Where has this been all my (ministry) life?' This is one of those books.' - Carey Nieuwhof, Founding and Teaching Pastor, Connexus Church'Whether you are a part of a church plant or a 100-year-old established church, there is a wealth of wisdom in this book for you. If you care about your church, take your team through this book.” - Craig Groeschel, Pastor of Life.Church and author of Divine Direction---7 Decisions That Will Change Your Life“Your church is perfectly designed to get the results you are currently getting. If you’re satisfied with the results, write a book. If not, read this one… with your entire leadership team.' - Andy Stanley, Senior Pastor, North Point Ministries

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Book SynopsisThis updated edition adds six additional essays, three which are from women offering a female voice on the subject of the role of women in the Church. The thirty essays in this volume represent Lutheran churches throughout the world. The essays are divided into four sections: Biblical studies, historical studies, doctrinal studies, and practical studies.

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Book SynopsisGeorg Vicedom gives a whole new slant and dimension to Christianity. Everything in the Scriptures takes on a missionary character, a dynamic of movement. Church, Bible, Baptism, Holy Communion, education, parish life - all are viewed as part of God''s burning desire to make all people His own.The book leaves no room for the wooden or static idea of truth for its own sake or doctrine for domination over others. It is the fire of Pentecost in printed words to impress the reader with a sense of urgency. 

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Book SynopsisBest-selling author and trusted Bible teacher Henry Blackaby, along with his son Richard, President of Canadian Baptist Seminary, demonstrates through the life of Joshua how God prepares those He chooses for spiritual leadership.

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Book SynopsisThe Joint Declaration on the Doctrine of JustificationTrade ReviewAnyone interested in this critical ecumenical development will consider this volume a vital addition to the library.Religious Studies ReviewThe volume is quite general and accessible, and provides a valuable overview to ecumenism that often branches into areas well beyond that of the doctrine of justification. As such, it is a valuable companion piece to ecumenical research, and an informative analysis of the original documents.Catholic Books ReviewOf special interest is the essay on the Eastern Orthodox perspective on justification, which views 'being saved' as an ongoing growth in the spirit rather than a once-for-all personal experience.Christian History Institute"I hope that throughout this year members of all traditions within the Christian family will study the results of the decades of dialogue between the churches of the Western tradition and a good place to begin is with this book."John E. Hugus, APC, Journal of the Academy of Parish Liturgy

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Book SynopsisPriestly Spirituality in a Changing ChurchTrade ReviewI know of no other comparable contemporary book that should be on the bedside table of every American priest and bishop for regular and repeated consultation and inspiration. It deserves the highest recommendation.Rev. Paul Maier, DMinA good read about where we have come from and where we are. We need to use it to think about where we are going.ChurchThis is a wonderfully balanced tool that priests should read, pray over, and discuss with their confreres and their ordinaries. Those responsible for the book have done a great service to the church. Let us hope it is used.Pastoral Music. . . a helpful guide for priests in today's modern society.Catholic StudiesThis reflection situates priestly spirituality within a comprehensive theology of the priesthood, healthy human development, a priest's various relationships, and the challenges of contemporary culture. While holding up the ideal of conformity to Christ in his paschal mystery, this spirituality pays attention to the practices which contribute to a robust and sustainable spiritual life. This is a spirituality which is real, practical, and possible within the tensions of contemporary life.Susan K. Wood, S.C.L., Professor of Theology and Associate Dean, Saint John's University, School of Theology*Seminary, Collegeville, Minnesota[The book] lays out the truth of the spiritual lives of priests today, with all the joys, stresses, and frustrations priests feel. The book is a practical guide on how to maintain faith-filled ideals in the midst of the boulder-strewn terrain of everyday ministry. The job of a priest is tough, and all priests need support. The book shows where it is found. This volume was constructed as a study document for priest study groups, and it will serve wonderfully.Dr. Dean Hoge, Professor of Sociology, Catholic University of America. . . puts the recent abuse scandal in perspective for U. S. Priests as a sharing in the mystery of Christ's dying and rising. In these pages we find superbly set out some of the challenges facing priests in the 21st century: great cultural diversity, dwindling numbers, and the task of collaborating as leaders and prophets with their lay sisters and brothers. The authors stress that a 21st century priest gets by, not with a little but with a lot of help from his friends: brother priests, a spiritual director, and close, supportive relationships with the women and men to whom - and alongside whom - he ministers.George Niederauer, Bishop of Salt Lake CityA thoughtful reading of these essays is like taking part in a retreat - a nourishing and energizing retreat. The book deals reflectingly and practically with the realities that all of us have come to grips with. It offers clarity and hope to all of us in ordained priestly ministry. Priests should read it to renew their awareness of what their priestly life involves. Lay persons should read it to learn (or relearn) what their priests are all about.Most Reverend Daniel E. Pilarczyk, Archbishop of Cincinnati

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Book SynopsisSecond EditionTrade Review... an essential for deacons--temporary or permanent.ChurchSuccinct and solid, Fr. Kwatera’s short volume lays out the deacon’s liturgical duties in each of the pertinent sacraments, as well as postoral care of the sick, Communion outside Mass, Benediction, the liturgy of the hours, the way of the Cross, and the Holy Week Liturgies.ChurchRecommended for all theological collections.Catholic Library WorldThe Liturgical Ministry of Deacons can also be effectively used in parish educational programs and vocational recruitment seminars.Catholic Library World. . . packed with useful information for both transitional and permanent deacons. It is the perfect refresher or explanation and allows someone considering taking formation classes to understand what they are doing and why.CRUX of the NewsThis brief and very helpful book would be perfect for diaconal formation and/or as a gift for the newly ordained deacon…very highly recommended.Alan HommerdingTable of ContentsContents Preface vii Introduction 1 Flying Duo in the Liturgy 11 Some Preliminaries 18 The Deacon’s Role in . . . The Celebration of the Eucharist 27 Initiation of Adults 50 Baptism of Children 53 Reception of Baptized Christians into Full Communion with the Catholic Church 58 Confirmation 60 Reconciliation 61 Marriage 62 Ordinations 65 Pastoral Care and Visitation of the Sick 68 Funerals 69 Holy Communion outside Mass 71 Exposition and Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament 78 Liturgy of the Hours 80 Way of the Cross 83 Holy Week Liturgies 85 Petitions for Deacons from Ancient Liturgies 90 Prayer before Ministering at the Eucharist 91 Prayer after Ministering at the Eucharist 92 Suggestions for Further Reading 93

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Book SynopsisIn his classic Second Book of Dialogues, Pope Gregory the Great lionizes Saint Benedict as hero and casts him predominantly in the role of miracle worker. In this volume, Terrence Kardong offers a fresh take on Gregory the Great's classic. He alternates between translated sections of the Dialogues and his own commentary.Trade ReviewThis translation and commentary will be a valuable resource for educators seeking to introduce undergraduates to the development of monasticism and hagiography.Religious Studies ReviewThe book is written with great affection for the character St. Benedict both historically and as he appears in the Life. Moreover, Kardong provides insight into how Benedict is seen through Gregory’s admiring eyes. For these reasons and because of the helpful line-by-line explication, the work may be helpful to both scholars and beginning students in the Benedictine studies, history, literature, and theology. Because the commentary so fully fills in the background and contextual picture surrounding the text, Kardong’s book would also be of benefit to a general audience interested in deepening knowledge of St. Benedict and the traditions surrounding his life.Catholic StudiesThis is a useful tool to instruct anyone interested in Benedictine life. BenedictinesIf you are looking for a translation of The Life of Saint Benedict (Book 2 of the Dialogues) by Saint Gregory the Great with commentary, this book is an excellent one to take in hand. Especially for those in monastic formation, oblate formation, or monastic studies courses, it is a user-friendly volume that is compact and attractive.Cistercian Studies QuarterlyIn Terrence Kardong’s many contributions to the explication of and commentary on St. Benedict's Rule, we have always found the sharp and well worded wisdom that opens the Rule and the human heart to the truth of each other. That same sharp wisdom and clear perception of humanity is now brought to Gregory the Great’s life of St. Benedict. ‘Our contention throughout this commentary,’ Kardong says, ‘is that these stories are “true” even if they never happened.’ Kardong's commentary goes deeper than what the stories say to reveal Gregory's intent to bring the reader to love Benedict and Gregory's skill in shaping each narrative and the overall narrative to give the reader a sense of continuity. And there is large truth here—the truth of Christ, of Benedict, of human persons and humanity.Sister Shawn Carruth, OSBEntering into the spirit of the Dialogues, Fr. Terrence offers us a lucid translation and a sensible commentary that explores the meaning of this spiritual classic. His vast knowledge allows him to link the text both to the Scriptures and to the spiritual tradition. His typical enthusiasm underlines the importance of St. Benedict’s spiritual development. Finally Fr. Terrence’s clarity makes this work accessible to anyone interested in the spiritual life.Harry Hagan, OSB, Saint Meinrad Archabbey and School of Theology, Saint Meinrad, IndianaTerrence Kardong, OSB, has gifted us with a fresh new translation of and commentary on Gregory’s Life of Benedict as depicted in the Dialogues. The commentary is interspersed throughout the book, following sections he has just translated. The net effect of this methodology is to create a much more rounded, continuous biography, rather than simply proceeding from Gregory’s rather sketchy and sometimes dubious rendition. The author balances Gregory’s Benedict with what we know from current scholarship. Father Terrence, master of the anecdote, displays once again his uncanny ability to express the profound with elegant simplicity. He has been able in this book to interweave the credible from Gregory with the believable of Benedict, as he reveals himself in his own Rule. The result, as always from Terrence’s pen, is both readable and reliable, as well as entertaining and enjoyable.Fr. John Crean, OblSB, PhD, Coeditor of MAGISTRA: A Journal of Women’s SFr. Terrence Kardong brings to his study of Pope Gregory's Life of Benedict the same critical eye and balanced judgment that he brings to the Rule of Benedict. His commentary and footnotes situate Gregory’s work in the context of early medieval hagiography while alerting the reader to the issues of contemporary research. Kardong presents a calm perspective on the debate about Gregory's authorship of Dialogues II. His commentary fills a gap in American Benedictine scholarship.Abbot Jerome Kodell, OSB, Subiaco Abbey, Subiaco, Arkansas

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Book SynopsisFrom Its Origins to the Present

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Book SynopsisWho was Jesus? A prophet? There have been many of those. A miracle-worker? A radical revolutionary? A wise teacher? There have been many of these, too. In his latest book, renowned Scripture scholar Gerhard Lohfink asks, What is unique about Jesus of Nazareth, and what did he really want?Trade ReviewThis reviewer has read many books on the historical Jesus, but this one is the best. Why? Lohfink states, "The Jesus tradition is grounded in the interpretive community that is "church."Father Mark G. Boyer, The Priest"Crisp and very readable prose. . . .Lohfink has fresh things to say about Jesus' teaching through parables, about his sayings about judgment and, especially, about understanding Jesus' miracles. . . . Having read and studied, Jesus of Nazareth (and squirreled it away as a rich resource for future preaching and having been truly moved spiritually by it), I can agree with Daniel Harrington, S.J. [author of Jesus: A Historical Portrait]: "Lohfink's Jesus of Nazareth is the best Jesus book I know."John A. Coleman, America: The National Catholic ReviewThe reader closes this book struck by the Spirit in whom this Jesus keeps working on the -- some would say -- now shrinking, endangered community he left behind. . . .There still may be hope.Raymond A Schroth, SJ, National Catholic ReporterSome have said that this book will become a classic. Indeed, it should be so considered. But much will depend on whether or not scholars will dismiss it as lacking uniqueness and innovation, and whether or not non-professionals will invest the energy in reading a scholarly treatment of Jesus. May both groups stretch themselves and give it the attention it so richly deserves!Michael J. Bowling, The Englewood Review of BooksGrounded in the most careful study of the historical Jesus and enlivened by a deep faith in the Risen Christ, this book will be of inestimable use to everyone from scholars to seekers and will most likely become a classic. It is that rarest of books on Jesus in which the author combines solid exegetical work with a profound sense of the spiritual. On top of that, it's beautifully written (and here, translated). Lohfink's book is in every way a joy.James Martin, SJ, Author of The Jesuit Guide to (Almost) EverythingLohfink’s Jesus of Nazareth is the best Jesus book I know. It is solidly based on sound biblical scholarship, full of fresh theological insights, respectful of the Gospels and their portraits of Jesus, and beautifully expressed. It is especially effective in highlighting the centrality of God’s reign and Israel as God’s people in Jesus’ life and work.Daniel J. Harrington, SJ, Professor of New Testament, Boston College School of Theology and MinistryThe thread connecting what Jesus wanted, who he was, is the reign of God. Lohfink is concerned with this new thing that came into the world with [Jesus]. The consistency between this reign of God and the revelation of who Jesus is, is the chief message and controlling method of this book. The importance of another book on Christ and on Jesus in the New Testament in particular cannot be ignored or underestimated. . . . Lohfink gives the lie to any separation of what Jesus wanted from who he was. Ultimately, Christology consists in clarifying his relationship to God and humanity.Kevin O'Gorman, The FurrowLohfink's portrait of Jesus is very much worth reading. Because he looks to the Gospels with a sympathetic yet critical eye, he gives a faithful interpretation of Jesus. And because he is faithful, Lohfink offers a portrait that is challenging-especially for the church today.Thomas D. Stegman, SJ, America MagazineTable of ContentsContentsPreface xiAcknowledgments xiiiList of Abbreviations xv Chapter 1 The So-Called Historical Jesus 1 Chapter 2 The Proclamation of the Reign of God 24 Chapter 3 The Reign of God and the People of God 39 Chapter 4 The Gathering of Israel 59 Chapter 5 The Call to Discipleship 72 Chapter 6 The Many Faces of Being Called 86 Chapter 7 Jesus’ Parables 100 Chapter 8 Jesus and the World of Signs 121 Chapter 9 Jesus’ Miracles 128 Chapter 10 Warning about Judgment 153 Chapter 11 Jesus and the Old Testament 166 Chapter 12 Jesus and the Torah 190 Chapter 13 The Life of Jesus: Living Unconditionally 216 Chapter 14 The Fascination of the Reign of God 230 Chapter 15 Decision in Jerusalem 245 Chapter 16 Dying for Israel 257 Chapter 17 His Last Day 269 Chapter 18 The Easter Events 288 Chapter 19 Jesus’ Sovereign Claim 308 Chapter 20 The Church’s Response 329 Chapter 21 The Reign of God: Utopia? 348Notes 358Index of Biblical Citations 382

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Book SynopsisA history of how the practices of dialogue have actually worked or failed to work at every level of the church over the past forty years. Beginning at the most basic level, that of the parish, this book moves up the ecclesiastical ladder from parish councils, to diocesan synods, to the (Roman) synod of bishops.Trade Review"He examines the process of consultation behind the U.S. bishops' pastoral letters of the 1980's, raising important theological questions about how much authority such collective works have." - Commonweal, July 14, 2006"A unique element of the book is that Hinze uses doctoral dissertations as a source of his data. The dissertation is often overlooked yet it represents some of the most intensive research on particular questions available to scholars. In general, the amount of detailed documentation Hinze provides for his claims is impressive." - Monastic Interreligious Dialogue, July 2006"Rarely do the title and subtitle of a book tell as accurately as these the contents that lie between the covers...The book is both a historical narrative and a theological analysis of the practices of dialogue in the Roman Catholic Church in the post-Vatican II era at ten sites: the parish pastoral council, the diocesan synod, 'The Call to Action,' the pastoral letters of the U.S. Bishops' Conference, 'The Catholic Common Ground Initiative,' general chapters religious congregations of women, the synod of bishops, ecumenical dialogues, and interreligious dialogues." -Peter C. Phan, Horizons, Vol. 34, No. 2, Fall 2007 -- Peter C. Phan"Hinze undertakes a detailed review of dialogue intended to promote reflection over the past forty years concerning changes brought on by Vatican II. He examines its effects at various levels within the church. He also incorporates dialogu from persons of other churches and otehr faiths as well as the 'border society'... Practices of Dialogue would be good for anyone interested in the changes that occurred in the Catholic Church as a result of the Second Vatican Council or for readers wondering about changes to come." -Congregational Libraries Today * Church and Synagogue Libraries *"It may seem to many observers that catholicism and dialogue are unlikely partners, but Bradford hinze's latest book comprehensively undermines any such assumptions. Nine of the ten chapters of this exhaustively researched work examine various kinds of dialogue... In each chapter Hinze lays out with admirable fairness the origins of the dialogue, its successes and failures." -Journal of Religion * Journal of Religion *"Practices of Dialogue is a helpful analysis, and critique of the early decades of reception, interpretation, and theology of dialogue in the post-Vatican II church. The Catholic Church is early on in the process of becoming a church characterized by communion in dialogue. This volume should be helpful to both the theoretical formulation of a theology of dialogue and the pastoral assessment of the skills, challenges, and imperative of building a dialogic community in discerning its mission and articulating its faith for the modern world. This study of the early decades of the reception, implementation, and theological elaboration of the dialogue component of this theology will serve well as both record of and challenge to the Church on its eschatological pilgrimage." - Brother Jeffrey Gros, Theological Studies, December 2006 * Theological Studies *"For teachers and scholars, this book provides good, readable introductions to each of the selected topics, including helpful historical background and bibliographic references. For those invested in one or another of the dialogues featured therein, it offers something far more valuable: an opportunity to connect our specific endeavours to a more comprehensive vision and to reflect on our practices more critically, in light of wisdom gained in other contexts. If, as Hinze asserts, dialogue "provides the most important means to promote genuine communion" within the Church (259), then his study represents a very useful resource for fostering such dialogue and promoting such communion." - Reid B. Locklin, Toronto Journal of Theology, July 2008 -- Reid B. Locklin * Toronto Journal of Theology *

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Book SynopsisSince they were first published in 1935, Abbot Chapman's Spiritual Letters have been of profound help to thousands of readers. This book includes a range of Abbot Chapman's letters both to lay people and religious individuals. It is both a guide to prayer and a guide to living.Trade ReviewSpiritual Letters was probably the single most influential book for me in my twenties, and still is. -- Archbishop Rowan Williams * The Tablet *Freshness, lucidity, humour and deep sprituality...Will find its right place besides Fenelon, St. Francis de Sales and de Cassade. * Theology *Open it anywhere and find inspiration and that calm which only comes from God. * Zealandia *Shows deep knowledge of the human soul and wide experience of the soul's problems. * Standard *Table of ContentsPreface to the First Edition A Memoir of Abbot Chapman PART I: LETTERS TO LAY FOLK 1-16 To One Living in the World 17-22 To a Literary Man 23-25 To Algar Thorold, ESQ., Editor of The Dublin Review 26-27 To an Unmarried Lady 28-33 To a Lady Living in the World 34-36 To a Married Lady 37-38 To a Lady Living in the World 39 To a Married Lady PART II: LETTERS TO RELIGIOUS 40-41 To a Benedictine Monk 42-50 To a Canoness Regular of the Lateran 51-53 To Two Others of the Same Order 54-72 To a Benedictine Nun 73-74 To a Canoness Regular of the Lateran 75-76 To an Ursuline Nun 77-79 To a Servite Nun 80 To a Carmelite Nun 81 To a Secular Priest PART III: LETTERS TO A JESUIT 82-95 To a Jesuit Scholastic Appendix I: Contemplative prayer, a few simple rules A note upon "contemplative prayer" Appendix II: What "is" mysticism? Supplement: 96-99 To a secular priest 100 To a young religious

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Book SynopsisThe Life of Antony constitutes, in the words of patristics scholar Johannes Quasten, 'the most important document of early monasticism.' Here is one volume are translations of the text in the Greek written by Athanasius and in the Coptic. Two short contemporary coptic texts further manifest the powerful influence of 'the father of monks.'Trade ReviewThis translation makes a number of significant early writings about Antony available, and that at a reasonable price. It is very welcome.SobornostDo not miss reading this treasure, giving it as a gift to others, teaching it in Sunday School, or help get it introduced in college Curriculum.Saad Michael Saad Watani

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Book SynopsisUna relación contemporánea del ejemplo y las experiencias de Nehemías, para la formación de líderes.

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Book Synopsis

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Book SynopsisIn the pages of this book, Alan Hirsch takes us on a really deep dive into the fivefold (APEST) typology of ministry as articulated in Ephesians 4:1-16, but he takes us to a depth and scope that few (if any) have ventured before. By laying out the most comprehensive model of APEST to date--one that incorporates deep theology as well as innovative practice--Hirsch once again demonstrates his almost uncanny capacity to change not only the conversation itself, but also the scorecard on how we understand calling, church, leadership, and organization.

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