Religious institutions and organizations Books

Book SynopsisLess is more. And more is better. This is the new equation for church development, a new equation with eternal results.Rejecting the bigger is better model of the complex, corporate megachurch, church innovator Dave Browning embraced deliberate simplicity. The result was Christ the King Community Church, International (CTK), an expanding multisite community church that Outreach magazine named among America's Fastest Growing Churches and America's Most Innovative Churches. Members of the CTK network in a number of cities, countries, and continents are empowered for maximum impact by Browning's less is more approach. In Deliberate Simplicity, Browning discusses the six elements of this streamlined model:Minimality: Keep it simpleIntentionality: Keep it missionalReality: Keep it realMultility: Keep it cellularVelocity: Keep it movingScalability: Keep it expandingAs part of the Leadership Network Innovation Series, Deliberate Simplicity is a guide for church leaders seeking new strategies

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Book SynopsisNEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • In his first book published as Pope, and in conjunction with the Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy, Pope Francis here invites all humanity to an intimate and personal dialogue on the subject closest to his heart—mercy—which has long been the cornerstone of his faith and is now the central teaching of his papacy. In this conversation with Vatican reporter Andrea Tornielli, Francis explains—through memories from his youth and moving anecdotes from his experiences as a pastor—why “mercy is the first attribute of God.” God “does not want anyone to be lost. His mercy is infinitely greater than our sins,” he writes. As well, the Church cannot close the door on anyone, Francis asserts—on the contrary, its duty is to go out into the world to find its way into the consciousness of people so that they can assume responsibility for, and move away from, the bad things they have don

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Book SynopsisExamines the charismatic Christian reformation underway in Botswana's time of AIDS and the moral crisis that divides the church between the elders and the young, apostolic faith healers. This book focuses on Eloyi, an Apostolic faith-healing church in Botswana's capital.Trade Review"Extremely relevant, state of the-art portrait of contemporary African Christianity... A fascinating read for any anthropologist, regardless of expertise." -- Ruy Llera Blanes, University of Lisbon, London School of Economics Social Anthropology

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Book SynopsisIncludes a history for each hymn, reproducible for local use.

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Book SynopsisIn 2017, the remains of 796 babies were found in a septic tank on the site of the Tuam Mother and Baby Home, a home run by nuns which took in orphans and unmarried mothers until it closed in 1961. Bridget Dolan gave birth to two boys there. Her daughter Anna puts on the record the life of Bridget and all the forgotten women and children of the home

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Book SynopsisThis unique yet practical how-to manual offers a wide-range of help to women, from those just starting out to those who have a thriving ministry but could use a fresh idea or two.Trade Review“When it comes to building an effective women’s ministry, Sharon Jaynes has hit the nail on the head. This manual is an all–inclusive guide that provides the nuts and bolts for starting, maintaining, and growing an effective ministry. Whether beginning a new ministry from the ground up or breathing new life into an existing one, Sharon gives biblically sound, practical ideas for leading women into a vital and vibrant relationship with Jesus Christ.”—Tim Clinton, President American Association of Christian Counselors and Julie Clinton, President Extraordinary Women“Building an Effective Women’s Ministry is a brand new book from Harvest House Publishers. Sharon Jaynes, vice president of Proverbs 31 Ministries, is the author. This book has planning helps for beginning and maintaining your women’s ministries plus ideas for programs and special events. You know which section I turned to first, don’t you? That’s right. The idea section. Sharon has some good ideas. Great cover and helpful contents!!!”—Brenda Poinsett, MOWMU Women’s Ministry Consultant“A well–orchestrated women’s ministry is like a beautiful dance, bringing grace and creativity to the Body of Christ. In Building An Effective Women’s Ministry, gifted author Sharon Jaynes not only teaches the basic dance steps, but all the intricate footwork that prepares women to have Scripturally ‘beautiful feet’ in order to share Christ’s Gospel of peace. And with her trademark practical, powerful, and persuasive writing, Sharon Jaynes continues to lead the way in helping women to draw strength from Christ and, in turn, strengthen others in Him. I highly recommend this thoroughly comprehensive guide to women’s ministries. Your women, your church, and your community need the potent principles outlined in this wonderful book. It will masterfully lead them in Christ’s dance of joy!”—Lynn D. Morrissey, author of Love Letters to God: Deeper Intimacy through Written Prayer and AWSA/CLASS Speaker“Although Building and Effective Women’s Ministry is 363 pages long, I devoured it, cover–to–cover, in one sitting. The writing style was as comfortable as the content was practical. As I read, my highlighter pen flew along, tracing the many ‘a–ha’ moments inspired along the way. The acronyms, ministry models, suggested timelines and sections on ministry personalities were especially insightful. The quotes, stories and analogies made this weighty subject both intriguing and fun. A terrific resource!” —Marnie Swedberg, Author, Speaker, & Webhostess

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Book SynopsisStanding on an Isthmus explores the role of religion, particularly Islam, in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict as a factor both motivating the conflict and as a potential resource for its resolution. It examines how religious beliefs, commitments, and traditions shape and influence concrete social action such as promoting either violent or peaceful behavior and focuses on the legitimation process of religious narratives. More specifically it looks at different Islamic interpretations of war and peace within the Islamic tradition and investigates why an extremist interpretation is becoming more accepted among Palestinians as a response to the conflict. Standing on an Isthmus has become particularly important in the post-September 11 era, when the relationship between violence and religion in general, and Islam in particular, became a central concern for scholars and politicians. Other horrific acts, such as the 2002 Bali bombings, and 2004 Beslan School Siege have also significantly contributed to the image of Islam as a violent religion. Standing on an Isthmus examines the internal dialogue that rages among Islamic scholars for the correct interpretation of Islam, sheds light on why Islamic extremism has come to be accepted as a strategic tool among some Islamic groups, and investigates the role of social institutions and civil society networks, utilized by different groups, in the process of legitimizing their interpretation. Consequently, it addresses a series of new topics for conflict resolution studies, including religious and pragmatic motivations of behavior; struggle between moral values, multi-faith dialogue, and pluralism as conflict resolution strategies; and the socio-political impact of leadership, legitimation, and the role of interpretation of sacred texts during conflicts, among others. Moreover it seeks to answer the questions: how can we utilize religion, in this case Islam, as a resource for peacemaking, and what is the best strategy to empower those groups and indiTable of ContentsChapter 1 Introduction Chapter 2 Theoretical Reflections: Legitimacy, Conflict Resolution and Hermeneutics Chapter 3 The Text: Legitimacy in the Palestinian Context Chapter 4 The Text: Islam, War and Peace Chapter 5 The Context: History of Effect Chapter 6 The Context: Legitimating the Narrative of Peace and War in Palestine Chapter 7 The Non-Text: In Between Narratives Chapter 8 Conclusion: Musalaha

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Book SynopsisThis book provides an accessible exploration of religious education and theology in the historic black church. The book then looks at two mega churches to determine their ecclesiastical structure and whether they are continuing the legacy and what the implications of their breach is for the US religious landscape.Trade ReviewMary Hinton is perhaps the first to articulate a theology of religious education operative in two specific black mega church ministries that are antithetical to prophetic dimensions associated with the historical black church. The richness of this book is in Hinton's analysis, which is informed by extensive ethnographic research. She places herself squarely within the black church tradition, but writes with an awareness of dialectical tensions that inform her critique of T. D. Jake's Potter House and Creflo Dollar's World Changers International. Thanks to Hinton's interpretation of this cultural phenomenon, I understand more fully how a commercialization of the church can contribute to a devaluation of religious education. -- Angela Sims, Saint Paul School of TheologyHinton skillfully analyzes the mega church phenomenon and its divergent relationship with the rich theological and educational wisdom of the historic black church tradition. Arguably one of the most significant studies in African American religious education today, her groundbreaking work is bound to inspire new avenues of investigation for contemporary religious education theory and practice. -- Yolanda Y. Smith, research scholar and lecturer in Christian education, Yale Divinity School, and author of Reclaiming the Spirituals: New Possibilities for African American Christian EducationThis volume by Hinton (Misericordia Univ.) on two black megachurches is a very important contribution to the literature and theology of black religious education. In this ethnographic study of T. D. Jake's Potter's House and Creflo Dollar's World Changers Church International, Hinton focuses on the goals stated in the literature of the churches and on some structural components of the corporate bureaucracy and entrepreneurial style of these two CEOs and their organizations (hence the title The Commercial Church). Hinton's original contribution is less in the study of these megachurches and more in the theories and theology that undergird her focus on religious education. Her ethnographic approach does not include interviews with Jakes and Dollar, or with any church members, e.g., those in the small group meetings that provide the intimate space for megachurches. Her analysis of religious education largely focuses on the prosperity gospel sermons these two leaders preached. She finds that they lack the prophetic tradition of historic black churches. The value of this study is in the clear, concise summaries of the literature in the areas of biblical literature, religious education, theology, and megachurches. Summing Up: Recommended. Upper-level undergraduates through researchers/faculty. * CHOICE *Table of ContentsChapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Chapter 4 Chapter 5 Chapter 6 Chapter 7

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Book SynopsisThis work is a collection of essays that describe and analyze religion and regime relations in various nations in the contemporary world. The contributors examine patterns of interaction between religious actors and national governments that include separation, support, and opposition. In general, the contributors find that most countries have a majority or plurality religious tradition, which will seek a privileged position in public life. The nature of the relationship between such traditions and national policy is largely determined by the nature of opposition. A pattern of quasi-establishment is most common in settings in which opposition to a dominant religious tradition is explicitly religious. However, in some instances, the dominant tradition is associated with a discredited prior regime, in which a pattern of legal separation is most common. Conversely, in some nations, a dominant religion is, for historical reasons, strong associated with national identity. Such regimes are oTrade ReviewThis important volume is a much needed contribution to the collective knowledge on comparative politics and religion. Religion and Regimes adds to the literature on religion and politics. . . .Empirically sound chapters successfully discuss case selection rationale and explain state–religion relations in the cases studied. . . .This book stands out with its compelling theoretical arguments. Contributors are no strangers to the literature on comparative politics and religion. Chapters offer valuable historical and contemporary contexts of the cases examined. . . .This book will be of great interest to all scholars and students of religion and politics. It is an accessible and informative study that will appeal to an interdisciplinary audience. * Sociology of Religion: A Quarterly Review *Religion and Regimes provides a historically rich analysis of religion and politics in a number of diverse countries located all over the world . . . The authors provide compelling comparisons that show how similar contexts can provide divergent long-term results. . . .By presenting a wide array of cases, the volume encourages the reader to compare and contrast—seeing the patterns that can and do emerge across diverse political and religious communities. * Journal of Church and State *This book is highly informative for scholars and students interested in comparative politics and religion. In its explication of how religion affects politics, or the question of the role of religion in politics, it can be seen as an excellent source. In fact, one of the distinguishing features of the book is that, in all its chapters, the authors provide a brief historical background of the countries under analysis, which is extremely helpful in understanding the case studies..... For those who are eager to know market models of religion theory, this book is highly recommended. ‘Religion and Regimes’ is overall a useful resource for students and scholars. * Insight Turkey *For anyone interested in Church-state dynamics in the contemporary world this dazzling new volume, ably edited by Mehran Tamadonfar and Ted G. Jelen, will be most welcome. Religion and Regimes surveys a wide array of cases in Eurasia and the Western Hemisphere, setting present-day patterns of religious-political interaction in a historical context and showing how some assumptions about religion made at the dawn of the twentieth century, in one or another country, were abandoned over time. This is scholarship at a high level. -- Sabrina P. Ramet, Norwegian University of Science and TechnologyThis new volume marks a major contribution to the literature on comparative politics and religion. Tamadonfar and Jelen succeed in their effort to tease out the core analytical importance of the regime for our understanding of how religious and state actors interact in different national contexts. Covering fifteen countries on four continents, the contributions to this volume have much to offer all students of religion and politics in our globalizing world. -- Laura R. Olson, Clemson UniversityTable of ContentsIntroduction: Comparative Religious Politics Mehran Tamadonfar and Ted G. Jelen Chapter 1: A Tangled Web: Religion and the Regime in the United States Rachel Blum and Clyde Wilcox Chapter 2: Religion and Regimes in Brazil and Chile Christine A. Gustafson Chapter 3: From Atheism to Establishment? The Evolution of Church-State Relations in Russia Christopher Marsh Chapter 4: Israel as a Jewish and Democratic State Elizabeth A. Oldmixon and Rebekah Samaniego Chapter 5: International Context and State-Religion Regimes in France and Turkey Ramazan Kilinç Chapter 6: Religion and State In India: Ambiguity, Chauvinism, and Tolerance Scott Hibbard Chapter 7: The Roman Catholic Church and Political Regime in Portugal and Spain: Support, Opposition and Separation Paul Christopher Manuel Chapter 8: Democratization, Human Rights, and Religion-State Relations in Taiwan and Hong Kong J. Christopher Soper and Joel S. Fetzer Chapter 9: The Orphaned Irish: Church and State in Neo-Liberal Ireland Michele Dillon Chapter 10: Religion and Regime Change in Iran and Poland Mehran Tamadonfar and Ted G. Jelen Conclusion Ted G. Jelen and Mehran Tamadonfar

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Book SynopsisThis book provides an accessible exploration of religious education and theology in the historic black church. The book then looks at two mega churches to determine their ecclesiastical structure and whether they are continuing the legacy and what the implications of their breach is for the US religious landscape.Trade ReviewMary Hinton is perhaps the first to articulate a theology of religious education operative in two specific black mega church ministries that are antithetical to prophetic dimensions associated with the historical black church. The richness of this book is in Hinton's analysis, which is informed by extensive ethnographic research. She places herself squarely within the black church tradition, but writes with an awareness of dialectical tensions that inform her critique of T. D. Jake's Potter House and Creflo Dollar's World Changers International. Thanks to Hinton's interpretation of this cultural phenomenon, I understand more fully how a commercialization of the church can contribute to a devaluation of religious education. -- Angela Sims, Saint Paul School of TheologyHinton skillfully analyzes the mega church phenomenon and its divergent relationship with the rich theological and educational wisdom of the historic black church tradition. Arguably one of the most significant studies in African American religious education today, her groundbreaking work is bound to inspire new avenues of investigation for contemporary religious education theory and practice. -- Yolanda Y. Smith, research scholar and lecturer in Christian education, Yale Divinity School, and author of Reclaiming the Spirituals: New Possibilities for African American Christian EducationThis volume by Hinton (Misericordia Univ.) on two black megachurches is a very important contribution to the literature and theology of black religious education. In this ethnographic study of T. D. Jake's Potter's House and Creflo Dollar's World Changers Church International, Hinton focuses on the goals stated in the literature of the churches and on some structural components of the corporate bureaucracy and entrepreneurial style of these two CEOs and their organizations (hence the title The Commercial Church). Hinton's original contribution is less in the study of these megachurches and more in the theories and theology that undergird her focus on religious education. Her ethnographic approach does not include interviews with Jakes and Dollar, or with any church members, e.g., those in the small group meetings that provide the intimate space for megachurches. Her analysis of religious education largely focuses on the prosperity gospel sermons these two leaders preached. She finds that they lack the prophetic tradition of historic black churches. The value of this study is in the clear, concise summaries of the literature in the areas of biblical literature, religious education, theology, and megachurches. Summing Up: Recommended. Upper-level undergraduates through researchers/faculty. * CHOICE *Table of ContentsChapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Chapter 4 Chapter 5 Chapter 6 Chapter 7

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Book SynopsisThis accessible and stirring book not only introduces readers to the work of the Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD), the domestic antipoverty and social justice program sponsored by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, but also inspires us to service. With John P. Hogan as our guide, we are invited to walk with those who serve and those who are served in confronting the daily reality of poverty as well as the root causes and structures that cause it. Written with the skill of a journalist and the passion of a social justice reformer, Credible Signs of Christ Alive highlights six exemplary CCHD-funded projects that represent successful joint efforts between the working poorincluding whites, African-Americans, Latin Americans, and a variety of immigrant groups including, Africans, Asians, Hispanics, and Russiansand the non-poor. Complete with case studies, reflection questions, suggested actions, contacts, and optional further reading, this book tells the story bTrade ReviewThis volume... will be a rich resource for parish and school groups to mine, and it will be of great value for teachers to help students understand the Church's option for the poor. * The Living Light *From the poultry plants and gentrifying urban neighborhoods of the East Coast to the gang-infested streets of East L.A., the CCHD is making a difference in the lives of thousands. It sponsors grassroots projects to support community action that empowers the poor. Hogan is a wonderful tour guide, weaving together the message of justice from scripture and Catholic social teaching with inspiring profiles of six case studies in social change. This compelling book offers concrete hope for a world so desperately in need of solidarity and commitment to the common good. -- Thomas Massaro, SJ, Professor of Moral Theology, Fordham University; author of Living JusticeIn a personal, reflective, easy-to-read style, John Hogan challenges us all to deepen our understanding of the Catholic social tradition and strengthen our will to get involved. Coupled with the case models are helpful discussion questions, suggested parish action, and both contacts and ideas for optional further study. As a result, Hogan does indeed present us with Credible Signs of Christ Alive. His book will be a welcomed addition to parishes, adult education groups, Catholic high schools as well as Catholic college and university student centers. I highly recommend it. -- Kathleen Maas Weigert, Director, Center for Social Justice Research, Teaching and Service, Georgetown UniversityReading Credible Signs of Christ Alive by John Hogan reminds me of listening to a pianist stretching out fingers to strike vibrant cords. It draws richly on the Papal Documents for the principles of Catholic Social Teaching; it mediates these principles through analyses of the social structures in which people live; and it resonates with the daily, hourly anguish of workers in the chicken factories of Maryland, the hog farms of Iowa and the tense inner city neighborhoods of Camden and Los Angeles. Principles of solidarity, subsidiarity and the preferential option come alive when spoken through the lives of America's "working poor." Hearing the voices of Americans who live at the margin one is awakened to the jarring sound of misery, yet one also marvels at how people supported by the CCHD respond by finding ways to hammer out hope. This work brings to life CST for classrooms and points the way for action by parishes and other groups. -- George F. McLean, O.M.I.,, Professor Emeritus, Center for the Study of Culture and Values, The Catholic University of AmericaIt [is] consoling to turn away from the mountains of literature on the current crisis in the church to read about places where people demonstrate that the Good News is alive, even in places where most of the news is bad. * Commonweal Magazine *The Catholic Campaign for Human Development is one of the great post-conciliar stories of the Church in the United States. Author John Hogan introduces us to the men and women—the working poor—who are the heart and soul of the CCHD efforts. The result is a narrative of hope, hope in the power of community and the soundness of Catholic social teaching. It's a story you won't easily forget. -- Dolores R. Leckey, senior fellow, The Woodstock Theological Center, Georgetown UniversityA practical and colorful resource for presenting the principles of Catholic social teaching. * Momentum *Hogan has compiled a readable, engaging, and motivational work that is both artful and scholarly. His rich hands-on experience is as evident as is his knowledge of what parishes and communities need in navigating and sustaining the gospel call for social justice. * Catholic Press Association *Well executed . . . easy to read. I highly recommend it to anyone who wants a better understanding of what faith-based initiatives can accomplish. Whether one hopes to emulate the programs, wants to know more about CCHD, or just wants to read a book that is uplifting, Credible Signs of Christ Alive is well worth the time. * H-Net: Humanities and Social Science Reviews Online *The stories of empowerment in Credible Signs of Christ Alive are as challenging as they are inspiring. In an attempt to document the work of the groups in each case study, Hogan goes straight to the source—the people themselves. * St. Anthony Messenger *This valuable work puts us in touch with real people across the United States, for whom poverty is a fact of daily existence. In exploring the struggles and successes of these individuals, the book serves as an important introduction to the work of the Catholic Campaign for Human Development. * Theological Studies *Table of ContentsChapter 1 Grace Over Chicken: The Delmarva Poultry Justice Alliance Chapter 2 The Living Wage: Tenants' and Workers' Support Committee Chapter 3 Taking a City off the Cross: Camden Churches Organized for People Chapter 4 Stop the Factory Farms: Southeast Iowa Citizens for Community Improvement Chapter 5 Ladders to Success: The Anti-Displacement Project Chapter 6 A Parish Builds Neighborhood Peace: Comunidad en Movimiento

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Book SynopsisTrade ReviewWith unflagging clarity in the face of the immense spiral of human sociality and violence, Rosemary Radford Ruether again tells a gripping story. Accessible for students, handy for scholars, inspiring for activists, Christianity and Social Systems is a trustworthy and surprising resource for honest Christians or for secular critics. The Ruetheran Reformation roars on! -- Catherine Keller, Drew UniversityRosemary Radford Ruether's Christianity and Social Systems is a breathtaking, comprehensive, and accessible historical reconstruction of social systems from gender relations, slavery, nationalism and anti-semitism, colonialism, neo-colonialism, and corporate globalism through to current ecological threats. Using examples from around the globe, Ruether helps change agents understand how the current context has been shaped, and how churches can participate in constructing a new and just reality. A fascinating socio-historical treatment. -- Carol Robb, San Francisco Theological Seminary and Graduate Theological UnionFor decades Rosemary Radford Ruether has been describing the social history of human beings, especially in the West, with both objectivity and moral passion. She tells it as it is, letting the chips fall where they may. In the process, she has offended everyone, since in history no group turns out to be pure and innocent, but she has also offered hope. Since this hope is based on a realistic assessment of our past and present, it is the only kind that is truly real and useful. In this book the insights and wisdom derived from a lifetime of study and reflection are brought together. If any one book can be called Ruether's magnum opus, this is it. -- John B. Cobb, Jr., CLAREMONT SCHOOL OF THEOLOGYTable of ContentsChapter 1 Introduction Chapter 2 Chapter 1: Social Systems: Orders of Creation or Demonic Powers? Chapter 3 Chapter 2: Models of Church and State: Historical and Theological Chapter 4 Chapter 3: Patriarchy as a Social System Chapter 5 Chapter 4: Modernizing Patriarchy: Women, Children and Slaves Chapter 6 Chapter 5: Anti-Semitism, European Nationalism and Zionism Chapter 7 Chapter 6: Racism in the U.S.: White, Black, Red, Brown and Yellow Chapter 8 Chapter 7: Social Ideologies: Sexism, Slavery and Racism Chapter 9 Chapter 8: Political-Economic Ideologies: Liberalism, Socialism, Fascism Chapter 10 Chapter 9: Economic Class in the United States Chapter 11 Chapter 10: European Colonialism: 1492-1965 Chapter 12 Chapter 11: The Global Economy: Neo-colonialism and Neo-Liberalism Chapter 13 Chapter 12: The U.S. and Global Militarism Chapter 14 Chapter 13: Nicaragua in the Caribbean and Central American Context Chapter 15 Chapter 14: The Two Koreas: Divergent Systems, Hope for Re-unification? Chapter 16 Chapter 15: South Africa: Apartheid and Beyond Chapter 17 Chapter 16: Ecology: The Context for All Social Systems Chapter 18 Chapter 17: Social Systems and the Church's Mission Chapter 19 Appendix: The Earth Charter Chapter 20 Bibliography

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Book SynopsisFrom the earliest interactions of Christians with the Roman Empire to today''s debates about the separation of church and state, the Christian churches have been in complex relationships with various economic and political systems for centuries. Renowned theologian Rosemary Radford Ruether analyzes the ways the Christian church has historically interacted with powerful systems such as patriarchy, racism, slavery, and environmentalism, while looking critically at how the church shapes these systems today. With a focus on the United States, Christianity and Social Systems provides an introductory analysis of the interactions between the churches and major systems that have shaped western Christian and post-Christian society. Ruether discusses ideologies, such as liberalism and socialism, and includes three country case studies-Nicaragua, South Africa, and North and South Korea-to further illustrate the profound influences Christianity and social systems have with each other. This book iTrade ReviewWith unflagging clarity in the face of the immense spiral of human sociality and violence, Rosemary Radford Ruether again tells a gripping story. Accessible for students, handy for scholars, inspiring for activists, Christianity and Social Systems is a trustworthy and surprising resource for honest Christians or for secular critics. The Ruetheran Reformation roars on! -- Catherine Keller, Drew UniversityRosemary Radford Ruether's Christianity and Social Systems is a breathtaking, comprehensive, and accessible historical reconstruction of social systems from gender relations, slavery, nationalism and anti-semitism, colonialism, neo-colonialism, and corporate globalism through to current ecological threats. Using examples from around the globe, Ruether helps change agents understand how the current context has been shaped, and how churches can participate in constructing a new and just reality. A fascinating socio-historical treatment. -- Carol Robb, San Francisco Theological Seminary and Graduate Theological UnionFor decades Rosemary Radford Ruether has been describing the social history of human beings, especially in the West, with both objectivity and moral passion. She tells it as it is, letting the chips fall where they may. In the process, she has offended everyone, since in history no group turns out to be pure and innocent, but she has also offered hope. Since this hope is based on a realistic assessment of our past and present, it is the only kind that is truly real and useful. In this book the insights and wisdom derived from a lifetime of study and reflection are brought together. If any one book can be called Ruether's magnum opus, this is it. -- John B. Cobb, Jr., CLAREMONT SCHOOL OF THEOLOGYTable of ContentsChapter 1 Introduction Chapter 2 Chapter 1: Social Systems: Orders of Creation or Demonic Powers? Chapter 3 Chapter 2: Models of Church and State: Historical and Theological Chapter 4 Chapter 3: Patriarchy as a Social System Chapter 5 Chapter 4: Modernizing Patriarchy: Women, Children and Slaves Chapter 6 Chapter 5: Anti-Semitism, European Nationalism and Zionism Chapter 7 Chapter 6: Racism in the U.S.: White, Black, Red, Brown and Yellow Chapter 8 Chapter 7: Social Ideologies: Sexism, Slavery and Racism Chapter 9 Chapter 8: Political-Economic Ideologies: Liberalism, Socialism, Fascism Chapter 10 Chapter 9: Economic Class in the United States Chapter 11 Chapter 10: European Colonialism: 1492-1965 Chapter 12 Chapter 11: The Global Economy: Neo-colonialism and Neo-Liberalism Chapter 13 Chapter 12: The U.S. and Global Militarism Chapter 14 Chapter 13: Nicaragua in the Caribbean and Central American Context Chapter 15 Chapter 14: The Two Koreas: Divergent Systems, Hope for Re-unification? Chapter 16 Chapter 15: South Africa: Apartheid and Beyond Chapter 17 Chapter 16: Ecology: The Context for All Social Systems Chapter 18 Chapter 17: Social Systems and the Church's Mission Chapter 19 Appendix: The Earth Charter Chapter 20 Bibliography

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Book SynopsisWalther''s Hymnal: Church Hymnbook is the first of its kind: an English translation of the first official hymnal of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod. This was the hymnal that C.F.W. Walther edited and used. The hymnal provided Christians throughout the LCMS a common experience during the synod''s early years in America, in the same way that Lutheran Service Book provides a common experience today.  Now presented for the first time in English, this is an invaluable resource for history enthusiasts, church musicians, and anyone who wants insight into how our forefathers sang and prayed. This is a chance to share in that song and prayer of the saints gone before us. Matthew Carver, MFA, is a translator of German and classical literature. He resides in Nashville, TN, with his wife Amanda and their

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Book SynopsisEcce Educatrix Tua discusses the Apostolic Letter Novo millennio ineunte (NMI), wherein John Paul II outlined the path the Church should adopt in the third millennium. The necessity to rediscover the full practical significance of Chapter 5 of the Dogmatic Constitution on the Church Lumen Gentium, dedicated to the universal call to holiness (NMI 30) is at stake. John Paul II stressed that a concrete pedagogy of holiness is required, including a spiritual path, without which external structureswill serve very little purpose (NMI 43). The Polish Pontiff invited ecclesial movements to present their original pedagogy of holiness (cf. NMI 31). Peters highlights the Blessed Virgin Mary as educator in a pedagogy of holiness from the teachings of John Paul II and Father Joseph Kentenich, founder of the Schoenstatt Movement.Trade ReviewClear and lively…Excellent presentation offered in the research behind this work. -- Father Bertrand Buby, S.M. STD, professor of scripture at IMRI, professor emeritus of religious studies, University of DaytonPeters brings distinctively into focus the contributions of Pope John Paul II and Father J. Kentenich toward a pedagogy of holiness and Mary's central role therein. -- Professor M. Isabell Naumann ISSM, STD, Catholic Institute of Sydney, AustraliaAbsolutely superb…perfectly geared to every Catholic family. [Peters] has done a masterful job in capturing the foundational principles of the Pontiff's approach to holiness as well as the theologically sound, eminently practical aspects of Schoenstatt's spirituality. -- Father Robert Hughes, S.M., Ph.D., University of DaytonComprehensive and intelligible. The "acting person" is the wholly integrated person-including emotional, volitional, transcendental, and relational dimensions. -- Reverend Thomas A. Thompson S.M., Ph.D., director of Marian Library and professor at IMRIA[n]…exhaustive treatment of the topic, elaborated with a wide knowledge of the subject and related matter and with a sure use of the needed methodology. [It should] arouse attention and interest for the urgency of a serious and Christian pedagogy. -- Father Luigi Gambero S. M. Ph.D., STD, professor at the Marianum (Rome) and the International Marian Research Institute (IMRI), University of DaytonTable of ContentsChapter 1 Preface Chapter 2 Foreword Chapter 3 Abbreviations Chapter 4 General Chapter 5 Magisterial Documents Chapter 6 Works by Karol Wojtyla Chapter 7 Magisterial Documents by John Paul II Chapter 8 Works by John Paul II Chapter 9 Works by Father Joseph Kentenich Chapter 10 Studies about Father Kentenich and Schoenstatt Chapter 11 Chapter I: Purpose and Scope Part 12 Part I: The Quest for Holiness as a Vital Characteristic of the Pontificate of John Paul II Chapter 13 Chapter II: The Human Person Called to Fulfillment and Holiness: Quest and Meaning Chapter 14 Chapter III: Wojtyla's Philosophical Anthropology (The Acting Person) Chapter 15 Chapter IV: John Paul II's Theological Anthropology Chapter 16 Chapter V: John Paul II's Concept of Holiness Chapter 17 Chapter VI: The Blessed Virgin Mary in the Life and Work of John Paul II Chapter 18 Chapter VII: John Paul II's Contribution to a Pedagogy of Holiness Part 19 Part II: Father Joseph Kentenich's Quest for the New Person Chapter 20 Chapter VIII: Father Joseph Kentenich: Pioneer of a Pedagogy of Sanctity Chapter 21 Chapter IX: Aspects of Father Kentenich's Theological Anthropology in View of His Pedagogy of Holiness Chapter 22 Chapter X: Father Kentenich's Understanding of Holiness Chapter 23 Chapter XI: Father Kentenich's Mariology Chapter 24 Chapter XII: Father Kentenich's Concept of Mary as Educator Chapter 25 Chapter XIII: Mary as Educator of Holiness in the Schoenstatt Tradition Chapter 26 Chapter XIV: Towards a Pedagogy of Holiness for the Third Millennium Chapter 27 Notes Chapter 28 Bibliography Chapter 29 Index Chapter 30 About the Author

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Book SynopsisIn Multicultural Theology and New Evangelization, Kim addresses the challenges of new evangelization in the multicultural communities of the Church. This book will inspire the Church hierarchy, seminary formators, priests, and the laity to rethink current approaches to Christian life and evangelization.Table of ContentsAbbreviations Foreword Acknowledgement Introduction Chapter I—Culture and Multiculturalism 1. Culture and Enculturation 2. Multicultural Society 3. Inculturation in Multicultural Society Chapter II—Jesus Christ and Multiculturalism 1. Christ and Culture 2. Jesus Fulfills the Culture 3. Jesus Creates a New Culture Chapter III—Trinitarian Community and Human Community 1. Trinity as ‘Communio’ 2. Trinity Loves Human Community 3. Trinity Shares with Human Culture 4. God’s Self-Revelation through Language and Culture Chapter IV—Community of the Church 1. Foundation of the Communion of the Church 2. Universal Unity in Diversity 3. Unity and Diversity within the Local Church 4. All for the Ecclesial Communio (koinonia) Chapter V—Bishops and Their Multicultural Flock 1. Bishops with Their Priests 2. Bishops and Their Faithful Chapter VI—Priests in Communion 1. Priests in Communion with Jesus Christ 2. Priests with Their Bishops and Presbyterate 3. Priests and Multicultural Parish Community 4. International Priests and Parish Community Chapter VII—Priestly Formation in the Third Millennium 1. Rethinking Priestly Formation 2. Fundamentals in Priestly Formation 3. Forming Future Priests in North America Chapter VIII—New Evangelization and Multiculturalism 1. Biblical and Theological Foundation of Evangelization 2. New Evangelization and Inculturation 3. Praxis of New Evangelization Chapter IX—Kingdom of God 1. The Church and the World 2. Kingdom of God 3. The Church and the World in the Kingdom of God Conclusion Bibliography

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Book SynopsisThis book explores the life and writings of Pope Francis, who has given the Church leadership in areas like climate change and interreligious cooperation. The book examines how the pope endorses Christians who live their faith in small Christian communities and reveals how such communities can strengthen parish life throughout the world.Trade ReviewThe authors, Gerald Gruden and John Raymaker vividly portray God as a missionary God. The book shows how Pope Francis inspires us by his witness. When Pope Francis visited Latin America, he apologized as the leader of the Catholic Faith for the “grave colonial sins” committed against Indigenous Peoples by the church, particularly during the colonial rule. This book underscores how Pope Francis’ presence and reflections during his visits to Latin America, lead to the long-awaited healing as well as affirmation of the values, culture and nature-based spirituality of the people. The juxtaposition of Pope Francis’ pioneering work of Teilhard on the theology of evolution and Pope Francis’ unique moral voice pushing for just political and economic actions for the necessity of saving our planet earth is an impassioned invitation to each one of us. We are being made aware of how to become the church of the earth and regain our responsibilities toward a global community that is about equity and equality because of the power of love. -- Joy Esmenda, Maryknoll Sister, Missioned in Bolivia, MMTable of ContentsForeword Introduction PART1: Rebuilding the Earth and the Church on the Model of Prophetic Visionaries Chapter 1: Building New Foundational-Missionary Bridges in a Divided World Chapter 2: How Pope Francis Has Given New Foci to the Church's Mission Chapter 3: Pierre Teilhard de Chardin (1881–1955) and Pope Francis: Catholic Visionaries PART 2: The Transformative Roles of Religion Across the Planet Chapter 4: Transitional Glocal Issues Chapter 5: Pope Francis's Glocal Engagements with the Middle East and Africa Chapter 6: The Church in Latin America Chapter 7: Compassionate Ways to Heal and Create in Asia PART 3: Pioneering Effective Christian Ministries in a Divided, Conflicted World Chapter 8: New Forms of Community and Ministries in the Age of Pope Francis Chapter 9: A Global by Divided Christianity Needs Glocal Initiative to Cope with the Future Selected Bibliography Index

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