Religious institutions and organizations Books

Book SynopsisIn this frank and damning exposé of the Teresa cult, Hitchens details the nature and limits of one woman's mission to help the world's poor. He probes the source of the heroic status bestowed upon an Albanian nun whose only declared wish was to serve God. He asks whether Mother Teresa's good works answered any higher purpose than the need of the world's privileged to see someone, somewhere, doing something for the Third World. He unmasks pseudo-miracles, questions Mother Teresa's fitness to adjudicate on matters of sex and reproduction, and reports on a version of saintly ubiquity which affords genial relations with dictators, corrupt tycoons and convicted frauds. Is Mother Teresa merely an essential salve to the conscience of the rich West, or an expert PR machine for the Catholic Church? In its caustic iconoclasm and unsparing wit, The Missionary Position showcases the devastating effect of Hitchens' writing at its polemical best.Trade ReviewA dirty job but someone had to do it. By the end of this elegantly written, brilliantly argued piece of polemic, it is not looking good for Mother Teresa. * Sunday Times *Hitchens argues his case with consummate style. * New York Times *Quite possibly the most brilliant journalist of his generation * Daily Mail *

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Book SynopsisFrom a master chronicler of legal and financial misconduct, a magnificent investigation nine years in the making, this book traces the political intrigue and inner workings of the Catholic Church. Decidedly not about faith, belief in God, or religious doctrine, this book is about the church''s accumulation of wealth and its byzantine entanglements with financial markets across the world. Told through 200 years of prelates, bishops, cardinals, and the Popes who oversee it all, Gerald Posner uncovers an eyebrow-raising account of money and power in perhaps the most influential organization in the history of the world. God''s Bankershas it all: a rare exposé and an astounding saga marked by poisoned business titans, murdered prosecutors, mysterious deaths of private investigators, and questionable suicides; a carnival of characters from Popes and cardinals, financiers and mobsters, kings and prime ministers; and a set of moral and political circumstances that clarify not only

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Book SynopsisTrade Review“Peter Marshall has written a fine history of a momentous time as seen from the bottom up, drawing on a wide range of primary sources and his evident scholarship. . . . A riveting account of the losers as well, the English zealots and cynics who wanted a better world, or an unchanging one.”—The Economist“A balanced and judicious account of the English Reformation.”—Arnold Hunt, Times Literary Supplement“An eminently readable narrative that avoids flattening out irregularities in the story. . . . Marshall’s analysis, his control of documentary material and his imaginative maneuvers between the corridors of power and the streets and alehouses is impressive.”—Malcolm Gaskill, Financial Times“A profound book with a light touch—and all the more impressive in that the author is covering almost a century of intellectual, social, and religious history. . . . It will be a long time before the book is surpassed.”—Michael Coren, Globe and Mail“With pleasing dispatch Peter Marshall’s compelling new history of England’s Reformation sweeps all the historians down into the footnotes and just tells the story as he sees it. . . . This is the human story within the grand narrative, written with fluidity and warmth, its scholarship providing a firm foundation without being intrusive, its analysis thoughtful, not polemical.”—Lucy Wooding, Literary Review“The joy of Peter Marshall’s book is that it makes this most hackneyed of historical epics feel fresh and unexpected. More so than any historian of the period working today, Marshall is equally sensitive and perceptive in dealing with both Protestants and Catholics. . . . It is a much-told tale, but I don’t think it has ever been told with more humanity, balance, atmosphere, wit and learning. I wish I’d written it. Buy it, and make time to read it.”—Alec Ryrie, The Tablet“Marshall has a knowledge of the personalities and the detail and texture of events which few living scholars can match. He makes masterly use of the enormous range of quotable texts to bring to life the dilemmas that his characters faced.”—G. R. Evans, Church Times“Marshall’s account of this seemingly well-worn topic never seems stale or perfunctory. There is a sense of real people being affected by real issues, the distant hubbub of which can still just about be heard in the pages of this insightful and immersive book.”—Mark Jones, Albion“A tour de force that transforms our understanding of, what Marshall himself terms, ‘one of the best-known and most widely discussed epochs in English history’: the Reformation of the sixteenth century.”—Henry Jeffries, Irish Historical Studies“This is a superb narrative history of the English Reformation. . . . If you want a book that tells the story in a powerful, effective way, held together with an excellent thesis and illustrative anecdotes, this will serve you well. I foresee that this will become a standard text for those who teach the English Reformation.”—Norman Jones, Renaissance Quarterly“Outstanding work. . . . Aagrand, sweeping view of the Reformation’s impact in England, perhaps the first large scale revisiting of a people’s history approach to the religious upheaval of the Tudor period since Eamon Duffy’s The Stripping of the Altars.”—Chris Skidmore, Books of the Year 2017, BBC History“An outstanding study of one of the most eventful periods in English history. . . . This is historical scholarship at its accessible best.”—Rev. Dr. Martin Wellings, Methodist Recorder“Heretics and Believers provides readers with a wonderful opportunity to expand their historical horizons. Peter Marshall does an excellent job in tracing the antecedents of the English Reformation, profiling key figures and institutions and tracing the chronological development of attempts at reform (and opposition to it).”—Philip Scheepers, Vox Reformata“This is an utterly reliable history of the English Reformation, but it is also its imaginative biography, treating the story as a single narrative, watching its birth, its growth, its growing complexity. . . . Marshall is a historian’s historian, probing the close-up warp and weft of the period with admirable curiosity and archival expertise, but he also enjoys an enviably light touch for the general reader.”—Diarmaid MacCulloch, Ecclesiastical History“The book contains a massive amount of detail, and it is well written” —Fiction’s Fan Book ReviewsWINNER OF THE WOLFSON HISTORY PRIZE 2018 “A beautifully judged account of the English Reformation. Marshall weaves a single narrative through a contentious century without loss of detail or depth of understanding. Full of wise and humane analysis, this is ambitious in scope and brilliant in execution.”—Wolfson Prize Judges“A remarkable book that will, without doubt, become the definitive narrative of the English Reformation for years to come. Marshall writes with deep understanding and great panache, moving us masterfully beyond tired debates about whether the Reformation was ‘good’ or ‘bad’ and bringing his subject vividly to life.”—Christopher Marsh, author of Popular Religion in Sixteenth-Century England“A commanding re-interpretation of a deeply significant process of change: analytically subtle, thematically all-encompassing, and full of real people.”—Steven Gunn, author of Henry VII’s New Men and the Making of Tudor England“In a field crowded with exceptionally able histories, Heretics and Believers stands out as a treasure.”—Mark Noll, author of Protestantism: A Very Short Introduction“A magisterial, panoramic and compelling new account of a phenomenon that was never just a top-down, institutionalised and ordered act of state. Peter Marshall reveals how the English Reformation was nurtured within the religious beliefs, culture and polity that it profoundly transformed, and thereby recovers its momentousness.”—Mark Greengrass, author of Christendom Destroyed: Europe, 1517–1648

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Book SynopsisA deeper understanding of the grand history of mission leads to a faithful expression of God's mission today. From the beginning, God's mission has been carried out by people sent around the world. From Abraham to Jesus, the thread that weaves its way throughout Scripture is a God who sends his people across the world, proclaiming his kingdom. As the world has evolved, Christian mission continues to be a foundational tradition in the church. In this one-volume textbook, Edward Smither weaves together a comprehensive history of Christian mission, from the apostles to the modern church. In each era, he focuses on the people sent by God to the ends of the earth, while also describing the cultural context they encountered. Smither highlights the continuity and development across thousands of years of global mission.

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Book SynopsisIn spite of good intentions, too many Christian workers today burn out and quit. How can you avoid failing as a Christian leader?

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Book SynopsisThis volume seeks to address the needs of teachers and advanced students who are preparing classes on the Middle Ages or who find themselves confounded in their studies by reference to the various liturgies that were fundamental to the lives of medieval peoples. In a series of essays, scholars of the liturgy examine "The Shape of the Liturgical Year," "Particular Liturgies," "The Physical Setting of the Liturgy," "The Liturgy and Books," and "Liturgy and the Arts." A concluding essay, which originated in notes left behind by the late C. Clifford Flanigan, seeks to open the field, to examine "liturgy" within the larger and more inclusive category of "ritual." "The essays are intended to be introductory but to provide the basic facts and the essential bibliography for further study. They approach particular problems assuming a knowledge of medieval Europe but little expertise in liturgical studies per se.Table of ContentsFigures, Tables, Maps, and AppendicesPhotograph AcknowledgmentsContributorsIntroduction to the Liturgy of the Medieval ChurchPart One: The Shape of the Liturgical YearA Monastic Conception of the Liturgical YearThe Divine Office and Private Devotion in the Latin WestThe Liturgy and the Literature of Saints' LivesPart Two: Particular LiturgiesLiturgy and Liturgical Daily Life in the Medieval Greek World - The Byzantine EmpireThe Liturgical Profile of the Parish Church in Medieval SwedenJews and Judaism in the Medieval Latin LiturgySacramental Liturgies in the Middle AgesThe Office for Saint CeciliaPart Three: The Physical Setting of the LiturgyArchitecture as Liturgical SettingChurch Porches and the Liturgy in Twelfth-Century RomeLiturgical Vessels and ImplementsPart Four: The Liturgy and BooksManuscripts of the LiturgyThe Book of HoursPart Five: Liturgy and the ArtsIconography in the Liturgical Life of the Medieval Greek ChurchThe Liturgy and Vernacular LiteratureLiturgical Drama and Community DiscourseThe Music of the LiturgyGregorius Presul Composuit Hunc Libellum Musicae ArtisPart Six: Expanding the Definitions of Medieval LiturgyLiturgy as Social Performance: Expanding the DefinitionsGlossaryIndex of Medieval ManuscriptsIndex of Biblical CitationsIndex of Modern ScholarsIndex of Feast DaysGeneral Index

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Book SynopsisCollects the correspondence of a leader of the Northern Rebellion of 1569 who became a prominent figure in the English Catholic exile community.Lady Anne Percy (1536-1591), Countess of Northumberland, rode with rebel forces, leading small parties of men independently, and intercepting post between Queen Elizabeth and the Regent of Scotland. After the failure of the rebellion, she became a prominent figure among the English Catholic exiles in the Low Countries throughout the 1570s. She was at the centre of a transnational network of that shared intelligence and news in support of Mary, Queen of Scots. She also became a spokesperson for the English gentlemen fugitives seeking pensions from the Spanish court, as well as backing the publication of Catholic polemical tracts. She was able to secure personal and political support from papal, Spanish, and French authorities.This edition collects Lady Anne Percy's correspondence for the first time. In a substantial introduction, Jade Scott provides an account of Lady Anne's life and her experience as an exile, first in Scotland and later on the Continent, and discusses the linguistic, rhetorical, and material features of her correspondence, highlighting the strategies that she employed to maintain her networks and ensure a position of influence throughout her life in exile.

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Book SynopsisA bestselling Catholic author pens this deeply personal introduction to the biblical theology and spirituality of Opus Dei, a highly secretive and powerful international organization. Hahn, a member of Opus Dei, describes the organization's founding, its mission, and its profound influence on his life.

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Book SynopsisIn 1994, the most Christianized country in Africa became the site of its worst genocide. The tragedy was in Rwanda, but what happened was a mirror reflecting the deep brokenness of the church in the West. Yet by looking at what happened and why, we can find hope for the global body of Christ.

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Book SynopsisAs the global marketplace grows and becomes more complex, increasing stress is placed upon employees. Businesses are acknowledging this change in work habits by adapting the work place to offer support through multifaith chaplaincy. Multifaith chaplaincy is based on developing relationships of trust between diverse faith communities and the public workplace. Through the experience of starting the first multifaith chaplaincy in Canary Wharf, the author offers insights into current conditions and challenges of chaplaincy in the business community.Writing as an Anglican priest, Fiona Stewart-Darling shows the importance of chaplaincy teams drawing on different faith traditions. This book is an important contribution to the emerging debate around the role of chaplaincy in faith and business communities. This research will be of particular interest to those working in or setting up chaplaincies in different contexts such as hospitals, prisons, town centre chaplaincies working with businesses and business leaders, particularly those involved in diversity and inclusion in the workplace.Trade ReviewA uniquely rich source of guidance for those on the journey to recognise and integrate faith more fully as a key ingredient in our working lives and in our capacity to contribute to society. -- Sir David Walker, former Chairman of the Multi-faith ChaplaincyContains a depth of understanding that combines sharp analysis of the complex coming together of faiths and workplaces in a global economy, facing the key issues (including the awkward ones), and offering wise ways through them. -- David F. Ford, Regius Professor of Divinity Emeritus, University of CambridgeTable of ContentsIntroduction. 1. Welcome to my World. 2. 'After Industrial Mission' - Why We Still Need Workplace Chaplaincy? 3. Multifaith Chaplaincy. 4. The Role of Wisdom alongside Ethics, Values and Culture. 5. Understanding Mission in the Context of Chaplaincy. 6. Why Faith Communities Need Chaplains and Why Chaplains Need Faith Communities. Conclusion: Open Questions. Appendix: The Golden Rule in Core Religious Texts. References. Further Reading.

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Book SynopsisAre churches looking for the wrong kind of leaders? The last decade has witnessed a rising number of churches wrecked by spiritual abuse--harsh, heavy-handed, domineering behavior from those in a position of spiritual authority. And high-profile cases are only a small portion of this widespread problem. Behind the scenes are many more cases of spiritual abuse that we will never hear about. Victims suffer in silence, not knowing where to turn.Of course, most pastors and leaders are godly, wonderful people who don''t abuse their sheep. They shepherd their flocks gently and patiently. But we can''t ignore the growing number who do not. We have tolerated and even celebrated the kind of leaders Jesus warned us against.We need gentle shepherds now more than ever, and in Bully Pulpit, seminary president and biblical scholar Michael J. Kruger offers a unique perspective for both church leaders and church members on the problem of spiritual abuse, how Trade Review'I have been waiting for a book like this that I can assign for my seminary courses on abuse. Michael has brought much needed clarity and wisdom to the devastating reality of spiritual abuse. Michael's perspective as a Bible scholar and seminary president is invaluable. He brings church leaders face-to-face with the destruction abusers cause. He does this to help us take spiritual abuse seriously, to foster the motivation to enact real change, and to fill us with compassion for those who suffer from abusive 'leaders.'' * Justin S. Holcomb, Episcopal priest, seminary professor, and coauthor of God Made All of Me *'Learned and wise, urgent and timely, biblical and hopeful--this book deals with a sensitive topic with enormous skill and care. I can think of no better book on the subject and hope it will be read widely.' * Sam Allberry, pastor and author of Why Bother with Church? *'Michael has written a courageous book for such a time as this. I pray he is a prophet who is accepted and welcomed in his own country, particularly within a Reformed and Presbyterian community not immune to this pervasive plague within the church.?' * Rev. Chuck DeGroat, PhD, professor of pastoral care and Christian spirituality at Western Theological Seminary *'Spiritual abuse is one of the greatest stains on the bride of Christ today. Too few with pulpits and platforms are willing to recognize the basic truths that Michael Kruger addresses clearly, convincingly, and biblically. I thought Bully Pulpit would be a book every pastor and Christian leader ought to read. But I changed my mind: every Christian from pulpit to pew needs to read this wise and timely work--for the sake of the church and her people.' * Karen Swallow Prior, research professor of English and Christianity & Culture at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary and author of On Reading Well *'The apostle Paul tells us the overseer of God's people is not to be a bully, but gentle (1 Tim. 3:3, CSB), and yet we too often overlook significant character issues or actions that should be disqualifying for ministry because of how God seems to be using an individual or growing a church. Bully Pulpit provides wise and measured reflections on the reality of shepherds who reject Christ's vision of leadership and leave spiritual destruction in the wake of their sin. I hope this important book prompts serious discussion among God's people.' * Trevin Wax, vice president of research and resource development at the North American Mission Board and visiting professor at Cedarville University, author of The Thrill of Orthodoxy *'The topic of spiritual abuse needs careful attention and sober reflection, so I'm thankful for this thoughtful, wise, and biblical book. Dr. Kruger provides helpful clarity on a controversial subject while courageously cautioning ministry leaders about the kind of leadership that doesn't reflect the heart of Christ. Anyone who serves the spiritual needs of people should read this timely book.' * Mark Vroegop, lead pastor of College Park Church and author of Dark Clouds, Deep Mercy *'This book is not a reaction but a response. Reactions to spiritual abuse are understandably passionate, but often without constructive insight. Dr. Kruger responds with both passion and constructive insight into both how leadership dynamics often deny the character of our Lord Jesus and how building new dynamics will put that very character on vibrant display.' * Jeremy Pierre, Lawrence & Charlotte Hoover Professor of Biblical Counseling Chair, Department of Biblical Counseling and Family Ministry at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and author of When Home Hurts *'While exposing spiritual abuse has become commonplace in American Christianity, few offer constructive solutions or practical wisdom. In this book Michael Kruger diagnoses the problem of spiritual abuse, describes what it is (and is not), and equips leaders to prevent abuse as well as respond appropriately when it happens. I hope every pastor reads this book and that it leads to faithfully representing our Lord, who used his power to serve.' * Jeremy Treat, pastor for preaching and vision at Reality LA and author of Seek First *'Who would ever have thought we would reach a point in the life of the church where the adjective bully would modify the noun pulpit? Yet, sadly, we have arrived. This book is both urgent and timely, as the presence of domineering and abusive church leaders continues to make headlines. This book is not only for pastors and elders but should be read by all Christians who care about the life and health of the body of Christ. I highly recommend it.' * Sam Storms, lead pastor for preaching and vision at Bridgeway Church and author of Understanding Spiritual Gifts *'With prophetic courage and pastoral compassion, Mike Kruger has written an important book on a difficult subject. No one likes to think or talk about spiritual abuse, especially in the church, but if we neglect and ignore this very real problem and don't find the right ways to confront it, woe to us. So if you're a church leader who wants to shepherd the precious flock of God in the paradigm, pattern, and posture of the Chief Shepherd, Jesus Christ, pick up this must-read book, then listen and learn.' * Julius J. Kim, PhD, president of the Gospel Coalition *

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Book SynopsisThis groundbreaking work by one of today's leading theologians offers a major Protestant ecclesiology for the church catholic. This volume, the first of three, considers the priesthood of the church in light of the priesthood of Christ.Table of ContentsContentsHow to Read This BookPreface: A Brief Prospective Theological Prolegomena to EcclesiologyWhy the Church?"I Will Be Their God, and They Will Be My People": Issues of Method, Approach, and Dogmatic TopographyWhich Church?The Church of the Spirit, Not the Spirit of the ChurchChart of Prospective Chapter TopicsAbbreviated Chapter Theses for Volume 11. The Spirit: The Lord of and the Giver of Life to the ChurchThe Church as Creature of the Spirit: An Act of Divine GraceA Reformation Church: An Event of God's ActA Truly Pentecostal Church Whose Life Comes from the Living Holy SpiritPneumatologically Actualistic EcclesiologyThe Mediation of the Spirit: God's Vertical Act in the Horizontal Axis of the Medium of Creaturely Space-Time"To Your Advantage That I Go Away": The Spirit's Continuing Work of Salvation in the Horizontal Axis of Creaturely ExistenceThe Love of the Other in Her Givenness as a Salvific Event of the Spirit's ActThe Essential Given Variety with the Church in Its Life of Love2. The High Priesthood of Christ: The Essential Hierarchy of the Church (1)The Rule of the Only Priest: The Lordship of Christ over the ChurchThe Priesthood of Christ in HebrewsThe Gospel Form of Christ's PriesthoodThe Modality of Christ's Priesthood3. Participative Ontology and the Church's Internal Priesthood: The Essential Hierarchy of the Church (2)The Uniqueness of Christ, Who Is Head of His BodyParticipation in Christ by the SpiritThe Church as an Active Participation in Christ's Spirit-Filled HumanityThe Church as Participating in Christ's Priesthood in Its Internal Sociality: Priesthood Internal to the ChurchExtra Ecclesiam Nulla Salus Est?4. The Priestly Ontology and the Church's Life for the World: The Essential Hierarchy of the Church (3)The Corporate Priesthood of the Church in the WorldChallenging Traditional Accounts of Essential HierarchyA Clergy That Demarcates Church from (and Not for) the World: The Damned for the Sake of the SavedA Priestly Church for the WorldA Boundary Fundamentally for the Sake of the WorldOrders Exist for the Sake of ChurchIntensity of the Church's Priesthood Is Its Fringe5. Baptism: Entry into the Priesthood of the ChurchA Note on the Genus "Sacrament"A Note on the Language of "Means of Grace"Sacrament, Sign, and SemiosisBaptism as a SignBaptism as Entry into Corporate PriesthoodSubsistent Identity in Christ: The Internal Priestly Dynamics of the Community of the BaptizedThe Positive Challenge of the New Identity in the Quotidian Givenness of the WorldInfant or Adult Baptism?The Worldliness of Water: One Baptism6. Holy CommunionA Semiotic CommemorationA "High" Memorialist Interpretation of ZwingliThe Question of AgencyNo Further SacrificeThe Temporal Semiotics of ParticipationParticipation in the Body: Bound to One Another in Space-TimeBound to One Another in Holy Communion for the WorldCelebrating Holy Communion Together in the Givenness of a Church Service7. The Communion of SaintsThe Provisionality of the Passing Church in TimeThe Everlasting and Universal Communion of SaintsSubsisting in the Communion of Saints: A Protestant Account of the Tradition of the Church8. Intercessory PrayerPrayer in Christ the Unique High PriestThe Internal Priestly Act of Prayer within and for the ChurchIntercessory Prayer as an Expression of Salvation in the Horizontal Sphere of SpatiotemporalityIntercessionary Prayer as a Priestly Act for the World9. Thanksgiving and Praise: Participating Graciously in Grace"Less Quid Pro Quo Than Overflow"Creator-Creature Distinction and Relation: A Creation of Sheer GraceCaught Up in God's Movement: Living Thankfully in the Divine Willing for the OtherJustification by Grace Alone: No Works, Only Gratitude for Divine MercyThe Forms of Gratitude for Grace in the Church10. Congregation: Priestly PolityThe Congregation as FoundationalThe Givenness of the Community in Space and TimeThe Congregation, the Great Congregation, and the All in AllPriestly Congregating11. SanctificationSanctification as an Act of the Grace of GodSanctification in Christ by the SpiritThe Non-interior Form of SanctificationCommunal and Corporate Sanctification for the World12. LoveLove as a Participation in God's Love, Both Economically and in God's Internal LifeLove as the Concrete Form of the Sanctified LifeThe Individual Exists for the Sake of LoveChurch Exists for the Sake of the World13. Priestly CatholicityWhy Do Priesthood and Catholicity Belong Together?A Catholicity of the Spirit and the Son's Unique and Universal DynamicsActive, Loving, and Dynamic CatholicityPrinciples of the Forms of Priestly Catholicity14. Coda: The Church as OneOneness and CatholicityOne Irreducible NarrativeOneness of GodIndexes

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Book SynopsisGeza Vermes, translator and editor of The Complete Dead Sea Scrolls and worldwide expert on the life and times of Jesus, tells the enthralling story of early Christianity and the origins of a religion. The creation of the Christian Church is one of the most important stories in the development of the world''s history, yet one of the least understood. With a forensic, brilliant re-examination of all the key surviving texts of early Christianity, Geza Vermes illuminates the origins of a faith and traces the evolution of the figure of Jesus from the man he was - a prophet in the tradition of other Jewish holy men of the Old Testament - to what he came to represent: a mysterious, otherworldly being at the heart of the official state religion of the Roman Empire. Christian Beginnings pulls apart myths and misunderstandings to focus on the true figure of Jesus, and the birth of one of the world''s major religions.Reviews:Trade ReviewThe subject is not exactly the Christian Church, which makes an appearance effectively only half way through the text; it is Jesus - what he was, what he said he was, and what Christians said about him after his crucifixion. For anyone puzzling over such questions, this is an exciting and challenging port of call, sweeping aside much of the fuzzy thinking and special pleading that bedevils the study of sacred scripture ... [a] courteously expressed and witty little book -- Diarmaid MacCulloch * The Times *This book represents the summation of [Vermes's] thinking about the early history of Christianity. It is a challenging and engaging book that sets out to retrace the route by which a Jewish preacher in 1st-century Israel came to be declared as consubstantial and co-equal with the omnipotent, omniscient only God -- Stuart Kelly * Scotsman *A major contribution to our understanding of the historical Jesus * Financial Times *A magnum opus of early Christian history and one of the year's most significant titles * Bookseller *A very accessible and entertaining read -- Gareth Williams * Scotland on Sunday BOOKS OF THE YEAR *

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Book SynopsisPastor, preacher, and New York Times bestselling author of The Prodigal Prophet Timothy Keller shares his wisdom on communicating the Christian faith from the pulpit as well as from the coffee shop.Most Christians—including pastors—struggle to talk about their faith in a way that applies the power of the Christian gospel to change people’s lives. Timothy Keller is known for his insightful, down-to-earth sermons and talks that help people understand themselves, encounter Jesus, and apply the Bible to their lives. In this accessible guide for pastors and laypeople alike, Keller helps readers learn to present the Christian message of grace in a more engaging, passionate, and compassionate way.

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Book SynopsisTrade ReviewIn Worldly Politics and Divine Institutions, Nahshon Perez explores multiple modes of entanglement of religion and the state in modern democracies, each with its own set of implications. The precision Perez brings to his analysis is impressive. Underlying his comparison of entanglement and separation models are fundamental concerns about the status of religious minorities. This book has much to offer not only to those who are interested in contemporary political theory on religion and the state, but also those interested in the treatment of religious minorities in other times and contexts. * Deeana Copeland Klepper, author of Pastoral Care and Community in Late Medieval Germany: Albert of Diessens Mirror of Priests *Nahshon Perez has written a book that greatly advances our ability to evaluate entanglements between religion and government. Moving beyond simplistic conceptions of separation between religion and state, it offers an empirically-informed framework for teasing out the different forms that interactions between religion and government can take. It breaks down the interests that are potentially threatened by church-state entanglements, including civic equality, nondiscrimination, and freedom of association, pushing us to consider the possibility that different regimes threaten these interests to various degrees and that some forms of interaction between religion and government are consistent with or supportive of these interests. This important book provides us with new tools to evaluate the merits of separationist claims. * Nomi Stolzenberg, Nathan and Lilly Shapell Chair in Law, USC Gould School of Law *In his Worldly Politics and Divine Institutions Nahshon Perez breaks new ground in the study of the entanglements of religion and the state in democracies. Perez does so by employing an approach that is innovative both normatively and methodologically. Unlike many for whom the separationist departure point for analysis - that separationist models of religion and state are normatively superior in democratic settings - is set in stone, Perez's novel casuistic bottom-up approach and analytic sharpness succeeds to originate nuanced lessons from real-life cases of entanglement. Worldly Politics and Divine Institutions will undoubtedly become an important reference point for students of religion and state. * Aviad Rubin, University of Haifa. Author of Bounded Integration: The Religion-State Relationship and Democratic Performance in Turkey and Israel *Using a selection of fascinating and telling case studies, Worldly Politics and Divine Institutions builds from the ground up to develop a practical method that can guide both political theorists and policymakers through the labyrinth of entanglement. Written with sharp clarity that nevertheless pays careful attention to the complexity of nuanced details, it is an essential intervention in the scholarship on religion and state in liberal democracy. * Lihi Ben Shitrit, University of Georgia. Author of Women and the Holy City: The Struggle over Jerusalem's Sacred Space *Is there anything new to say about the entanglement of religion and the state? On the evidence of Nahshon Perez's book , the answer is an emphatic "yes". What distinguishes this work is its remarkable methodological self-awareness. Perez defends a novel approach to doing political ethics, which combines casuistry and what he calls a "contextual" methodology, and which jointly yield rich and quite novel theoretical dividends. This book will be a "must-read" for both political theorists and for empirical researchers working on the relationship between the state and religion. * Daniel Weinstock, Katharine A. Pearson Chair in Civil Society and Public Policy, McGill University *Table of ContentsIntroduction Chapter 1: Method, Concepts, and Bottom-Up Research Chapter 2: Immunity, Government Funded Religious Associations, and Non-discrimination Rules: Examining the JFS and the Martinez Cases Chapter 3: Hegemonic Religions, Public Spaces, and Established churches Chapter 4: Entanglement of Faith and Government: Institutional Lessons from a Casuistic Research Conclusion

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Book SynopsisThe history of the Episcopal Church is intimately bound up with the history of empire. The two grew in tandem in the modern era, and as they grew they developed particular ideologies and practices around race. As slavery was carried over into the new political formations of the United States, so too were racially based exclusions carried over in the Episcopal Church. Mission, Race, and Empire presents a new history of the Episcopal Church from its origins in the early British Empire up to the present, told through the lenses of empire and race. The book demonstrates the dramatic shifts within the Episcopal Church, from initial colonial violence to reflective self-critique. Jennifer Snow centers the stories of groups and individuals that have often been sidelined, including Native Americans, Black Americans, Asian Americans, women, and LGBTQ people, as well as the institutional leaders who sought to create, or fought against, a church that desired to be a house of prayer for all people.Trade ReviewHighly recommended. Upper-division undergraduates through faculty and professionals. * Choice *Table of ContentsIntroduction Section I Overview Chapter 1: Original Empire Chapter 2: Converting the Colony Chapter 3: A Conventional Religion Section II Overview Chapter 4: The Great Innovation Chapter 5: Slavery and Anti-Slavery Chapter 6: From Sea to Shining Sea Chapter 7: Exile and Education Chapter 8: Emancipation and Exodus Chapter 9: Westward the Course of Empire Section III Overview Chapter 10: Mission to the World Chapter 11: Turning Inward Chapter 12: Missio Dei Chapter 13: The Church for Others Chapter 14: Sexuality and Schism Conclusion Index

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Book SynopsisRenowned historian Richard Lyman Bushman presents a vibrant history of the objects that gave birth to a new religion.According to Joseph Smith, in September of 1823 an angel appeared to him and directed him to a hill near his home. Buried there Smith found a box containing a stack of thin metal sheets, gold in color, about six inches wide, eight inches long, piled six or so inches high, bound together by large rings, and covered with what appeared to be ancient engravings. Exactly four years later, the angel allowed Smith to take the plates and instructed him to translate them into English. When the text was published, a new religion was born. The plates have had a long and active life, and the question of their reality has hovered over them from the beginning. Months before the Book of Mormon was published, newspapers began reporting on the discovery of a Golden Bible. Within a few years over a hundred articles had appeared. Critics denounced Smith as a charlatan for claiming to have Trade ReviewIn the tradition of his magisterial biography of Mormonism's founder, Richard Bushman's history of Joseph Smith's Gold Plates begins with two earnest questions: how do we make sense of our subject in the context of its time and place in history? And how does that nineteenth-century culture so marvelously elucidated ultimately fail to fully explain the enigma-in this case those baffling gold plates? We see here a virtuoso historian at work who is not afraid to share his wonder as much as his learning. That combination of historical command and intellectual humility makes Bushman a joy to read. * Terryl Givens, Professor of Religion and Literature Emeritus, University of Richmond *Joseph Smith's Gold Plates is a riveting cultural history of American religion's most enigmatic objects. Richard Bushman has long been known as the leading voice in Mormon studies for his skillful research, incisive analysis, and stylish prose. This book is true to form. For anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the history of Mormonism and American culture, it is indispensable. * Sonia Hazard, Assistant Professor of Religion, Florida State University *This engaging and sometimes playful book explores an almost two-century-long obsession with proving or disproving the reality of a mysterious set of metallic plates that Joseph Smith claimed to have found in glacial hill in upstate New York. Bushman excels in capturing the inner compulsions and assumptions of the witnesses, writers, artists, and historians who have responded to the plates, showing that over time 'the golden plates' have indeed become enchanted. * Laurel Thatcher Ulrich, Author of A House Full of Females: Plural Marriage and Women's Rights in Early Mormonism, 1830-1870 *No other writer has so clearly and concisely gathered together the many treatments of Smith's gold plates, and Bushman's work is an important contribution in this sense, among others. * Nicholas S. Literski, JD, PhD, for the Association for Mormon Letters, Twenty-First Century Mormon Literature *Table of ContentsPreface Acknowledgments 1. The Gold Plates Imaginary 2. Translator: Joseph Smith, 1823- 1829 3. Making Scripture: The Book of Mormon, 1830 4. Presence: Family and Friends, 1827- 1830 5. Rationalism: Apologists, Critics, and Imitators, 1832- 1860 6. Fascination: Fiction, Lore, and Psychology, 1860- 1910 7. Art: 1833- 2023 8. Instruction: 1893- 2023 119 9. Scientific Approaches: 1900- 2023 10. Global Perspectives Appendix A. The Composition of the Plates Appendix B. The Translation Debates Source Abbreviations Notes Index

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Book SynopsisMonasticism is a social and religious phenomenon which originated in antiquity and which still remains relevant in the twenty-first century. But what, exactly, is it, and how is it distinguished from other kinds of religious and non-religious practice?In this Very Short Introduction Stephen J. Davis discusses the history of monasticism, from our earliest evidence for it, and the different types which have developed from antiquity to the present day. He considers where monasteries are located, from East Asia to North America, and everywhere in between, and how their settings impact the everyday life and worldview of the monks and nuns who dwell there. Exploring how monastic communities are organized, he also looks at how aspects of life like food, sleep, sex, work, and prayer are regimented. Finally, Davis discusses what the stories about saints communicate about monastic identity and ethics, and considers what place there is for monasticism in the modern world. ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.Trade Review...excellent... * Patricia Rumsey, Modern Believing *... the book of Stephen J. Davis deserves to be read, understood and used not only by the curious people who want to find more about the approached topic, but also by the specialists in their future scientific enterprises. * Iuliu-Marius Morariu, Studia Monastica *This pocket-size text is concise without sacrificing necessary illustrations, expert but free from pedantry, and skilfully arranged by significant themes. * Patrick Horn, Reading Religion *Table of ContentsINTRODUCTION; REFERENCES; FURTHER READING; INDEX

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Book SynopsisSophronius' Synodical Letter was was read out at the Sixth Ecumenical Council in 680-1, and provided the only sustained rebuttal of the monoenergist doctrine. This is the first publication of the letter in annotated translation alongside the original Greek. Includes a comprehensive introduction and further documents on the monoenergist doctrine.Trade Review[an] excellent book * L.R. Wickham. The Journal of Theological Studies *Table of ContentsI: SOPHRONIUS AND HIS SYNODICAL LETTER ; TEXTS AND TRANSLATIONS ; II: THE SYNODICAL LETTER ; III: A MONOENERGIST DOSSIER ; BIBLIOGRAPHY ; INDEXES

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Book SynopsisThe 1960s were a time of explosive religious change. In the Christian churches it was a time of innovation, from the ''new theology'' and ''new morality'' of Bishop Robinson to the evangelicalism of the Charismatic Movement, and of charismatic leaders, such as Pope John XXIII and Martin Luther King. But it was also a time of rapid social and cultural change when Christianity faced challenges from Eastern religions, from Marxism and feminism, and above all from new ''affluent'' lifestyles. Hugh McLeod tells in detail, using oral history, how these movements and conflicts were experienced in England, but because the Sixties were an international phenomenon he also looks at other countries, especially the USA and France. McLeod explains what happened to religion in the 1960s, why it happened, and how the events of that decade shaped the rest of the 20th century.Trade Reviewa penetrating analysis of religious change in the long 1960s... The book stands out above other similar publications in clarity of argumentation and depth of understanding... Reading this book is an enriching experience, making the reader wiser. * Andrzej Bronk, Anthropos *It is rare to come across a monograph which covers major social and ideological changes in a decade of transition in a comprehensive, readable and authoritative way. This is one of those gems... The Religious Crisis of the 1960s deserves to become a modern classic. * Gerd-Rainer Horn, The English Historical Review *This excellent book provides further evidence of a recent historiographical shift in the treatment of the 1960s... furnishing a more complex and nuanced portrait of change in the sixties and providing a reliable platform for further work on the part of sociologists and historians as they attempt to assess the recent history of the churchesin the West. * Duncan Dormer, THEOLOGY *Table of ContentsIntroduction ; 1. The Decline of Christendom ; 2. Late Christendom ; 3. The Early Sixties ; 4. Aggiornamento ; 5. Affluence ; 6. New Worlds ; 7. 1968 ; 8. Sex, Gender, and the Family ; 9. The Crisis of the Church ; 10. From 'Christian Country' to 'Civilized Society' ; 11. The End of Christendom? ; Conclusion

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Book SynopsisAn innovative analysis of the role of the Church in the political disputes of Queen Anne's reignTrade ReviewRender Unto Caesar is a remarkable study of the religious politics of the reign of Queen Anne, rooted in a profound knowledge of manuscript sources. Barry Levis has revealed how central the Church was to the period of 'the rage of Party'. It is further evidence that the Church was a source of passionate controversy in the early eighteenth century. William Gibson, Professor of Ecclesiastical History, Oxford Brookes University. Using an impressive range of archival and printed sources, Levis details the high politics of ecclesiastical policy politics in the early eighteenth century. Render Unto Caesar offers a reliable guide to the complex debates about the relationship between church and state in post-revolutionary England. Brian Cowan, Associate Professor and Canada Research Chair in Early Modern British History, McGill University'. R.B. Levis grounds this first deep-dive regnal analytical narrative of Queen Anne's struggle to rule with moderation in a thorough exploitation of the extant sources, making especially effective use of the surviving fragments of the diary and correspondence of Anne's figurative confessor, the embattled Anglican moderate John Sharp, Archbishop of York. The result is a definitive study of Church-State politics for Anne's reign for our times and, one anticipates, for many years to come. R.O. Bucholz, Professor of History, Loyola University ChicagoTable of ContentsList of Illustrations Introduction 1. Prologue, 1698-1702 2. The Tory Ascendancy, 1702-4 3. The Shifting Balance of Power, 1705-6 4. Strife in the North: A Case Study of Local Ecclesiastical Politics 5. The Whig Supremacy, 1706-9 6. The Sacheverell Trial, 1709-10 7. The Return of the Tories, 1710-14 8. Epilogue Bibliography Index

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Book SynopsisIn an extended interview with Vatican expert Andrea Tornielli, Julián Carrón examines our current place in time to revive the essential core of Christian faith. Where Is God? discovers and rediscovers the contents of Christianity, asking how they can be witnessed again in a society that is not yet post-Christian, but potentially headed there.

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Book SynopsisIn an analysis that deftly unites feminist criticism, psychoanalysis, and Catholic theology, Kelley Raab explores the symbolic implications of women at the altar, providing rich insight into issues of gender, symbolism, and power.Table of Contents1. Introduction 2. Gender Reversal 3. Maternal Envy 4. Sacrifice 5. Christ as a Woman 6. Gender, Sex, and God 7. When Women Become Priests Appendix

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Book SynopsisDiscusses how orthodox religions advance their religious and social agendasTrade ReviewWhile previous research has found that social movements are more likely to succeed when they espouse flexible ideologies, single-issue agendas, and willingness to compromise, Davis and Robinson find that the religiously orthodox movements they study have been successful without having any of these characteristics. By challenging conventional wisdom about these groups as well as their prospects for success, this book . . . wins a place among the best books in recent social movement scholarship. * Journal for the Scientific Study of Religion *[A] succinct and persuasive continuation of Nancy Davis and Robert Robinson's well known work about religious movements and concern for the poor. The reader will find a carefully developed and clearly explained theory applied to four case studies of religious movements in the Abrahamic traditions. The book will be of interest and use to scholars of religion, civic life, activism, and the welfare state. . . . . Here, we find the strongest statement that cultural matters as much, if not more, than institutions, while not ignoring the complexity of these questions. This book is a welcome addition to the literature not only for its careful development and serious testing of theory, but also for the wealth of historical detail found in the case study chapters. * Contemporary Sociology *[A]dvances our understanding of the ideological complexity of these movements, the role of multifaceted organizational structure for bringing new activists into a movement, and the ways in which movements might overcome liabilities of ideological rigidity, multi-issue agendas, and distaste for compromise. . . It stands out as a model of comparative historical research in the breadth of its research on such disparate cases, as well as the tight integration of its data and analysis. -- Ziad Munson * Social Forces *[A] well-written and very engaging book that will help scholars and other[s] . . . understand a different side of these movements than is usually covered . . . It is easily accessible for a nonacademic audience, while being scholarly rigorous and offering important new theoretical insights into conservative religious movements. . . . should be read by social movement, religion, and political scholars alike. I would recommend it for use in a variety of classroom settings, including undergraduate and graduate courses in sociology of religion, the non-profit sector, and social movements. * Sociology of Religion *[C]ontributes to both political sociology and the sociology of religion in multiple ways. It challenges some of the main tenets of the social movement scholarship. It is a must-read for any scholar in any of these three subfields. Sociology as whole would benefit from further discussion of religion's potential to build alternative sources of power, domination, and struggle; and of the ambiguities, slipperiness, and multilayered nature of orthodoxy's caring, sharing, 'communitarian' face. -- Cohan Tugal * Social Forces *[T]he book's structure is simple, elegant, and cogent . . . It is essential reading for all scholars with interests in the interplay between religion, politics, and social welfare. * Journal of Contemporary Religion *Clearly, Davis and Robinson have written a thought-provoking book, one that is well researched and which should inspire debates among scholars of religion, social movements, politics, and social change. Given that the book is highly assessible and relevant to current events, the book deserves wide readership outside the academy as well. * Mobilization *I can think of no other recent book on orthodox movements that is as broad in its scope, rich and detailed in its narrative, well-grounded in its theory, and insightful in its analysis as Claiming Society for God. Sociologists should read this book as an antidote to the stereotyped, one-dimensional view of religiously orthodox movements so often found in today's popular media. * Review of Religious Research *[Claiming Society for God] contains a . . . sophisticated argument with relevance to those interested in religion, politics, social movements, and civil society.2015 * Politics and Religion *Table of ContentsPrefaceAcknowledgments Introduction1. Contesting the State by Bypassing It 2. The Muslim Brotherhood: Building a State within a State in Egypt3. The Sephardi Torah Guardians: Penetrating the Israeli State to Circumvent It4. Comunione e Liberazione: Laying the Building Blocks of a Parallel Christian Society in Italy 5. The Salvation Army USA: Doing Good to Hasten the Second ComingConclusionNotesBibliography Index

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Book SynopsisA clear and compelling discussion of how the church can better reach, support and champion black congregation membersTrade ReviewBen Lindsay’s book is a must-read for the UK church. He is lucid, punchy and deeply honest about the issue of racism in the UK today, and in the UK church. It is my prayer that we heed this call and respond together to the mandate to challenge discrimination in all its forms. -- Justin Welby, Archbishop of CanterburyThis is one of the most important books to be written in recent years and is essential reading for every Christian and especially every church leader in the UK. Ben puts on speakerphone the voices of people of colour which are often whispered or silent and invites us to listen. -- Selina Stone, Lecturer in Political Theology, St Mellitus CollegeThoughtful and well considered, Ben Lindsay tackles the space where race, religion, and culture intersect, in a book that is both insightful and relatable at once. -- Chimene Suleyman, The Good Immigrant USA co-editor, The Good Immigrant contributorToo often Christians have assumed that being colour blind is the best way to approach race and ethnicity in the church. Ben Lindsay’s compelling book opens our eyes to this naivety and challenges us to be willing to have a more serious conversation. At this critical moment in our national life where race, immigration and the UK’s relationship with the world is being negotiated, this important and timely book needs to be read, discussed and acted upon. -- Dr Krish Kandiah: Founding Director: Home for Good, author of God is StrangerBen Lindsay's book is a fascinating eye-opener around history and representation in the church. Ben shines a light on the struggle with being a black Christian and being black in a majority white church with sensitivity, fact and practical strategies to bring churches into the modern day conversation. A must read. -- Jasmine Dotiwala, Head of Youth Engagement, Media TrustBen Lindsay challenges Christians racialised as white to consider the legacies of white privilege in the contemporary church. Serious engagement with the contents of the book demand radical action in the composition of leadership, persistent Christian anti-racist practice, and exorcism from the demon of 'colour blindness.’ -- Robert Beckford, Professor of Theology, Canterbury Christ Church University.I am a black British born man and not only does Ben articulate the subject which is so personal to me, he is also fearless and faces it head on in this book by stating the obvious issues around race, colour and matters that are big in the wider church. -- Noel Robinson, Musician and Worship LeaderThis book should be read by all in senior leadership and those involved in theological education. Until this issue is addressed head on in the church and young black people are able to see visible images of themselves in senior leadership within the church, then the church’s mission will be seriously damaged and impeded. I will be telling lots of people about this book as it is more than an excellent read – it is geared for action. -- The Revd Prebendary Rose Hudson-Wilkin, Chaplain to the Speaker of the House of CommonsDelivered with a perfect balance of truth and grace, this book will open the eyes of many. As a young black man navigating in a predominantly white world, this book is a timely weapon of wisdom and a game-changer. -- Guvna B, rap artist and author of Unpopular CultureBen Lindsay says we need to talk about race, and he's right. Through an impressive synthesis of Scripture, history, literature, pop culture, sociology and personal narrative, Ben invites us to have a much-needed conversation, and gives us a host of resources to help us. Provocative, frank and often challenging, this is also a pastoral and very human book, with insights to consider on virtually every page. -- Andrew Wilson, Teaching Pastor, King's Church LondonBen is a rarity. In his book he tackles some of the difficult issues that relate to race, such as white privilege and colour blindness. Through the careful use of life stories Ben highlights the perennial challenges faced by people of colour in predominately white churches and suggests possible ways in which such ongoing negative experiences can be addressed by the church. This is an excellent book. If churches can read this book with the openness it calls for, it can, over time, become a game changer for so many churches engaged in the complex world of building a ‘church for all nations.’ -- Wale Hudson Roberts, Baptist Union of Great Britain's first Racial Justice Co-ordinatorThis book reminds us and also challenges us to keep the conversation open about individual experiences, fears and deep concerns regarding race. I believe the church has come a long way but it has much further to go. This book will help in that process. -- Les Isaac, Co-founder of Street Pastors

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Book SynopsisA celebration of all the work of the New Wine family, in conjunction with their 30th anniversary

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Book SynopsisThis first biography of Philo of Alexandria, one of antiquity's most prolific yet enigmatic authors, traces his intellectual development from Bible interpreter to diplomat in RomeTrade Review“It does not happen often that a book is published which has the potential to fundamentally change the paradigm of scholarship on its subject matter, but Niehoff’s intellectual biography...is certainly one of them.”—Eelco Glas, NTT Journal for Theology and the Study of Religion“A lucid and, indeed, original encompassing reconstruction of Philo’s thinking...Provides a great service to further scholarship”—Angela Standhartinger, Journal for the Study of JudaismWon the Polonsky Prize for Originality and Creativity sponsored by Hebrew UniversityFinalist for the 2019 Jordan Schnitzer Book Award, in the category of Jewish Philosophy “Maren Niehoff’s lucid and original account of Philo’s philosophical biography will speak to students of Judaism, Stoicism, Platonism, and Christianity more widely as a compelling case-study of intellectual exchange in a world united by empire.”—George R. Boys-Stones, Durham University "Niehoff offers a coherent interpretation of the development of Philo of Alexandria's thought that will be valuable for those interested not only in Diaspora Judaism but also in early Christianity and Greek and Roman philosophy."—Thomas Tobin, Loyola University Chicago “This is a bold and pioneering attempt to arrange the numerous works of Philo in a chronological sequence and on that basis to write an intellectual biography. All future attempts will be based on this book. In her outstanding accomplishment, Maren Niehoff also restores Philo to his Roman context, which is usually ignored.”—Shaye J. D. Cohen, Harvard University

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Book SynopsisLeveraging the metaphor Ori Brafman popularized in his NYT best-selling book, The Starfish and the Spider, Wegner, Ford, and Hirsch show why the distributed structures of starfish organizations are uniquely fit to the church. Seeding starfish networks inside today's churches will prepare the church of tomorrow to be agile and effective.Trade Review'A question much on my mind is this: Will there be church in the twenty-first century that matters? This quite remarkable book argues for what is necessary for the recovery, the re-creation, and the reality of Christian faith to make Jesus visible and evident today. Feast on this, and live into God's starfish communion and mission. This would be church that matters!' * Mark Labberton, president of Fuller Theological Seminary *'As a church planter in the West, I often have 'yes, but how?' questions about disciple-making movements and microchurch multiplication. In this book, Rob and Lance have crammed eye-opening insights into every page, along with practical tools for every leader to reimagine the future of the church. If you're passionate about catalyzing every member of your church to effectively help others find their way back to God, get reading.' * Emma Jeffery, regional director of NewThing Western Europe, Soulcity Church, United Kingdom *'If you want to learn the ways of decentralized disciple-making, then this is the book for you. In this manifesto on multiplication, Rob and Lance have laid the groundwork for how to see movement happen. Rob and Lance have proven track records as practitioners. If you want to grow, be challenged, and practice unleashing the potential of raising up leaders, then pick up a copy of The Starfish and the Spirit.' * Myron Pierce, author, lead pastor of Mission Church, founder and president of Every Inner City *'It's been nearly fifteen years since the release of The Starfish and the Spider, a groundbreaking book on the genius of decentralized systems and the limitations of hierarchical command-and-control structures. Now Lance Ford and Rob Wegner take that prism for understanding the patterns and potential of self-organizing systems and apply it to apostolic movements to brilliant effect. I kept asking myself, Why hasn't anyone done this before? But I'm glad no one has. I can't imagine anyone doing it better than these guys.' * Michael Frost, Morling College, Sydney *'Like a cool rain after a decade of drought, The Starfish and the Spirit delivers relief, respite, and a total rethink on what it means to follow Jesus in this remarkable mission field we call life! Bravo to Rob and Lance for following and inviting us to join them.' * Hugh Halter, author of The Tangible Kingdom, FLESH, and Happy Hour *'The Starfish and the Spirit is a handbook for movement making. My friends Rob Wegner and Lance Ford brilliantly offer us a simple and scalable framework that allows the Spirit to move and in so doing turns disciples of Jesus into an unstoppable missional force. If you have a growing sense that God meant more for his church, read this book and discover what's missing!' * Dave Ferguson, lead visionary of NewThing, author of B.L.E.S.S.: 5 Everyday Ways to Love Your Neighbor and Change the World *'There is no doubt that the world is changing, and we are in need of voices who not only see the future with hope and imagination but have the courage to live it out in their lives and leadership. Authenticity is key. Fortunately, we've been given just that in the gift of this book. The Starfish and the Spirit is not only a map toward authentic Christian leadership but also a guide for how to live out Jesus-practices, in community, in the brave new world we find ourselves in. With passion, insight, and great verve, Rob Wegner and Lance Ford unpack the operation system of how we currently 'do church' and reconstruct a way forward that will not only inspire you but also call you to action. Get a copy, buy your friends and leadership team a copy, and go on the journey together!' * Doug Paul, author of Ready or Not: Kingdom Innovation for a Brave New World *'This book is a compendium for cutting-edge ideas. Rob and Lance have distilled and curated some of the most important thinking and timely tactics for the church in the twenty-first century. I could recommend twenty good books . . . or you could just read this one.' * Brian Sanders, founder of the Underground Network, author of Microchurches: A Smaller Way *'This book is a game changer. Get this down, and church multiplication becomes easy. I've led starfish churches throughout my adult life. I loved and use Ori Brafman's book, but this one explicitly addresses church leaders and the tensions that keep us from the simplicity of church multiplication. My advice: read The Starfish and the Spirit in concert with your key leaders to unlock a Great Commission future for your team.' * Ralph Moore, Hope Chapel *'Yes! I love how these guys think and how they make me rethink. So incredibly refreshing. And timely too. We better dream and plan and grow in our vision now, because changes are coming, ready or not.' * Brant Hansen, radio host, author of Unoffendable, Blessed Are the Misfits, and The Truth about Us *

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Book SynopsisExperience the fullness of life that Jesus promises by learning how to engage with the present--even in the increasing busyness of work and family life.Do you ever wonder how long can you keep: grinding out eighty-hour work weeks? putting your marriage on the backburner? treating your employees like cogs in a machine? pushing your life aside before you realize your time is all up? At the heart of this collaborative project is the belief that the pain we experience is the result of absence--living disconnected from our authentic selves and lacking deep, meaningful relationships with others and with God.Daniel Montgomery, the founding pastor of Sojourn Community Church; Kenny Silva, a PhD candidate at Trinity International University; and Eboni Webb, who holds a doctorate of Clinical Psychology, pooled their efforts and expertise to focus on the problem of modern absence and the pain it causes us an

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Book SynopsisYou already know that there''s no script for effective leadership... That''s why Improv Leadership reveals five skills that will help you unleash your own leadership potential on every unexpected challenge and status quo.Anyone can read books and apply lessons, but only the best can develop what they know to bring out the best in any person or circumstance. These natural leaders understand the key principles of connecting, coaching, and communicating and use these ideas to build strong teams.In Improv Leadership, Stan Endicott and David Miller share five leadership competencies that all great, improvisational leaders have: Story Mining--how to uncover a person''s story and let it shape the way you lead them Precision Praising--how to craft praise to inspire, motivate, and even course-correct your team Metaphor Cementing--how to createTrade Review'Improv Leadership isn't a book about you--it's about your team! The practical and powerful leadership principles David and Stan share in these pages will teach you how to bring out the best in your team and empower them to do their best work.' * Elle Campbell, cofounder of Stuff You Can Use *'IMPROVleadership will take you beyond the basics and help you develop the artful nuances of leadership. Stan Endicott and David Miller take a creative but accessible approach to improve how you connect with, coach, and help people grow. This book will serve you as either a 'read on the run' or a deep soak--either way, the insights are great!' * Dan Reiland, executive pastor at 12Stone Church, author of Confident Leader! *'In a world where leadership could mean a thousand different things, Stan and David have written a leadership book that finally delivers us to the ethos of the word and then gives us clear and practical ways to let the word develop inside us.' * Carlos Whittaker, author of Moment Maker and Kill the Spider *'Stan has finally captured the magic of his madness in this practical book that outlines the simple but powerful ways to influence people. Whether you're a pastor, nonprofit leader, or corporate C-suite executive, Stan and David's IMPROVleadership approach will change the way you lead your teams.' * Brad Lomenick, founder of BLINC, author of H3 Leadership and The Catalyst Leader *'With a front-row seat to the leadership and coaching expertise of both Stan Endicott and David Miller, I could not be more delighted with this practical and inspirational tool kit capturing their wisdom. If we hope to develop leaders who flourish, we must be intentional. IMPROVleadership is not just some hypothetical formula. These are proven skills that I regularly employ in my own coaching.' * Nancy Beach, leadership coach, author, and speaker *Table of ContentsCure for the Common Leader How to Overcome the Cost of Leadership as Usual 1. All Part of the Job 2. Why the Best Leaders Learn to Improvise The Five Practices 3. Story Mining: The Beginning of Coaching is Knowing Your Players 4. Precision Praising: Going beyond “Good Job” to Bring Out People’s Best 5. Metaphor Cementing: Building a Bridge to Get Your Point Across 6. Lobbing Forward: Helping People See All They Can Be 7. Going North: What Makes a Detour the Fastest Way Home 8. The New Normal: Acquiring the Habits That Help People Love Their Work

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Book SynopsisWhat if we modeled our churches after what Jesus intended His church to look like? What if our hope for our ministries rested not on human wisdom but on God''s power? Over the past few years, we''ve all seen how quickly circumstances can change, and many of us have experienced firsthand how church growth trends and popular models fail us. Churches across the country are struggling, and many pastors are deeply discouraged. We work hard and with great sincerity, but our efforts don''t seem to be helping our churches flourish.Jim Cymbala—New York Times best-selling author and long-time pastor of The Brooklyn Tabernacle—has been watching the pressing need for back-to-the-basics spiritual leadership among Christians, and he''s seen so many churches come to defeat because so many leaders forget this one truth: Your church is not your church. It''s Christ''s church. In order for his church to flourish, we have to minister

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Book SynopsisA vision of church partnerships that will elevate churches to greater gospel fruitfulness and enable them to thrive.Networked churches are the primary church planting force in evangelicalism today—but what makes them so effective, why do they remain so under-appreciated, and what are the common pitfalls that can ensnare them?In Stronger Together, veteran church planter and pastor Dave Harvey draws from his experiences and study of networks to walk Christian institutions, church leaders, and planters through tested strategies for starting and sustaining healthy and biblical church partnerships.By focusing on key virtues and shedding light on the pitfalls that oppose them, Harvey unpacks seven dichotomies that offer a practical roadmap to healthy patterns: Conviction vs. consumerism Gifted leadership vs. isolationism Collaboration vs. radical individualism Renewal dynamics vs. institutionalism Trade Review'A timely and essential resource, Stronger Together gives you the heart and the strategy for starting and sustaining church networks. If you're a church leader--especially one who longs for a regional or city movement--this book is your go-to guide for humbly leading and stewarding church networks.' * Daniel Yang, director, Church Multiplication Institute *'As the leader of Acts 29, I am entirely convinced of the value of churches in partnership together, which is why I'm thrilled by the message of Stronger Together. This excellent resource is a model for choosing and thriving in church partnerships, and I commend this book to you.' * Brian Howard, executive director, Acts 29 *'Collaboration is a necessity for the fulfillment and completion of the Great Commission. Dave Harvey does a brilliant job reminding us that the mission is larger than any one church, network, or denomination. If we long to see true kingdom movement happen, relational networks outside of our tribe will be needed to ignite the fire. Stronger Together will help light the match.' * Will Plitt, executive director, Christ Together *'Dave Harvey draws on several decades of pastoral ministry, network leadership, and the teaching of the New Testament to coach us into a more collegial and fruitful way of leading--linking arms with other churches and watching the gospel surge forward more effectively than any single church could ever experience.' * Dane Ortlund, senior pastor, Naperville Presbyterian Church, and author of Gentle and Lowly *'Dave Harvey has gifted us with a humility-nurturing, Christ-accentuating, strengthening work for church and network leaders and pastors. His personal journey brings a gospel-soaked wisdom and a compelling vision for the issue of why churches are 'stronger together' in following Christ in his Great Commission.' * Sean Cordell, executive director, Treasuring Christ Together church planting network *'Dave Harvey provides a clear and compelling argument for the necessity of church planting networks to satisfy the Great Commission call. But he does so without diminishing the role of the local church. The wisdom displayed here will save many pastors and network leaders from falling into serious mistakes, including the growing tragedy of self-idolatry.' * Zach Nelson, executive director, The Pillar Network *'Dave Harvey writes with honest vulnerability and gospel centrality. Stronger Together will lead you toward an interdependent team approach in ministry. We all want that, but our self-serving habits are hard to break. I couldn't put the book down because of my passion for this kind of partnership in the gospel.' * Scott Thomas, executive pastor of church multiplication, Immanuel Nashville, and author of The Gospel-Shaped Leader *'God is honored by collaboration, and that's why I'm excited to recommend Stronger Together. Dave Harvey makes a strong biblical case for gospel partnership and collaboration, and he identifies the benefits of church partnerships and how networks can help the church produce more fruit. If you are passionate about Jesus and long to see greater impact on gospel outreach, read this book.' * Patrick O’Connell, global director, NewThing *'Grounded in Scripture and filled with examples and exercises, Stronger Together is essential reading for network leaders who want to lead more effectively, pastors who want to develop or deepen partnerships, and church members who want to understand how networks can strengthen church leaders and multiply church impact.' * Dave Owens, executive director, Harbor Network *'If we're blessed to see revival in our churches, I bet it will look a lot like the beautiful vision of partnership laid out by Dave Harvey. I encourage your church's leaders to work through this book together and trust God to develop a vision for growing stronger together.' * Collin Hansen, vice president of content and editor-in-chief of The Gospel Coalition *'In this masterwork, Dave Harvey makes a clear and compelling case for the necessity and power of gospel-centered partnerships among churches for the advancement of God's kingdom. If you pray, 'Your kingdom come,' this book will help you better understand how God wants to use you to be part of his answer to that prayer.' * Bob Lepine, teaching pastor, author of Love Like You Mean It, longtime cohost of FamilyLife Today *'No one I know is better qualified to write a book about gospel partnership than Dave Harvey. Dave has experienced firsthand the incredible missional benefits of cooperation and the difficult challenges associated with Christian cooperation. Stronger Together offers a thoughtful, biblical, and balanced case for partnerships that every pastor should read.' * Clint Clifton, founder, Praetorian Project, and author of Church Planting Thresholds *'Partnerships plant churches! I loved reading Stronger Together and being reminded that our mission as a church is more effective when we work together. If your heart beats for churches that are stronger together, you'll want to read this book.' * Chad Clarkson, executive director, Houston Church Planting Network *'Rarely will you find a book whose questions leave you reflecting for days on end, where the applications are so practical you can apply them immediately and the principles so clear that you find your biblical conviction renewed and passion reinvigorated. Stronger Together is one of those rare books.' * Dhati Lewis, founder and president, MyBLVD, and lead pastor, Blueprint Church *'Read carefully, examine yourself willingly, confess openly, and learn humbly because here is mature, gospel-rich, battle-formed ministry wisdom. In a season when the culture's individualism has tragically infected and weakened the church, this call to partnership in gospel ministry is an essential commitment that every pastor or leader needs to make.' * Paul David Tripp, pastor and author of Lead *'Striking a perfect balance between the practical and the ideal, Dave Harvey offers us a vision for collaboration that is rooted in Scripture and that reaches for the blue sky of the kingdom. This is the conversation and these are the tools we most need for the future of the church.' * Brian Sanders, founder, Underground Network, and author of Underground Church *'Stronger Together is an exceptional work on the partnership of churches in multiplication. I appreciated the virtue-vice structure of the book, which made it easy to digest and apply. Everyone interested in or actively involved in church planting should read this book as a resource for ensuring that our collaborations are healthy and helpful.' * Clayton Greene, director, Summit Collaborative *'Stronger Together makes a compelling biblical case for the necessity of collaborative gospel partnerships in the fulfillment of the Great Commission. This book is clearly the fruit of many years in the cauldron of learning and losses that produce practical wisdom. I'm grateful for Dave Harvey's humble and helpful counsel that prompts us to create strong, healthy networks for gospel saturation.' * Jeff Vanderstelt, founding leader of Saturate and the Soma Family of Churches and author of Gospel Fluency *'Stronger Together provides the rare opportunity to enter conversation with a seasoned leader who cares deeply about your calling and loves the gospel. Dave Harvey's words are wise, clear, and humble; they are biblically grounded and culturally astute. You will find empowering grace here.' * Zack Eswine, pastor, Riverside Church, and author of Imperfect Pastor *'This work from Dave Harvey provides a way for you to discover your position on the network matrix and to examine each quadrant's strengths and weaknesses. A book that celebrates virtue and warns against vices, Stronger Together will strengthen partnerships for kingdom advance across the country and around the world.' * Trevin Wax, author, The Thrill of Orthodoxy *'While many people long for unity in the church, Dave Harvey offers us a smartly written textbook on biblical collaboration. He speaks from years of experience as a network leader to offer us a field-tested guide for how to make networks work. If you believe that Jesus' prayer in John 17 was not just inspirational but also mission-critical, read Stronger Together and begin to live it out.' * Dave Ferguson, lead pastor, Community Christian Church, and author of B.L.E.S.S. *

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